ã€ŠLonely Attack on the Different World (WN)ã€‹


 CH 1.1

    The Loner Who Conquers Another World Chapter 1 Part 1?

    ?

    Will the High School Boy who transports to Another World, Dream of a Deliveryman??

    ?

    First Day ¨C Classroom.?

    ?

    Reading a book.?

    ?

    It¡¯s my usual routine during lunch break. Don¡¯t call me a loner! Although, I won¡¯t deny it.?

    ?

    I¡¯m surprised, the normies around me ~ have so many topics to talk about, it¡¯s impressive at this point. It¡¯s a second-year-class but all I can hear from their conversations is ridiculous. Despite all of that there was still a guy who was fiddling with his phone, who seemingly has not made any connections. To top it off, he sat in the middle of the classroom so he was subject to sounds from all around him, also there seemed to be more people in the classroom than usual. Why are you all gathering in this classroom? Was there something interesting here??

    ?

    I continued to read. It would be fine to say that I started reading when I was a child. It started with picture books and then became all sorts of books.?

    ?

    You would assume that if you read this much then your eyesight will get worse but it won¡¯t worsen to the point where you would need glasses.?

    ?

    My eyesight got worse because I¡¯m such a book addict? Mind your own business!?

    ?

    Regardless, it¡¯s sad that I can¡¯t focus on reading my book. In such a problem-filled class, why must a normal student like me be in it? Silence, be quiet, shut up you normies.?

    ?

    Huh? Something is¡­here?¡­Coming? What is this feeling? Wait¡­huh!?

    ?

    The classroom floor began to shine, a circle and words combined with some geometric figure looking thing emits light¡­¡­wait, a magic formation? It¡¯s a magic formation. Ah¡­this is that.?

    ?

    Without a doubt. On the contrary, if this was some surprise math test, I would be more surprised at my math teacher.?

    ?

    By the time that thought came into my head, my body was already moving. Towards the back door, it won¡¯t open, I kick it but it does not break. I throw the chair near me at the window, it doesn¡¯t even crack.?

    ?

    Indeed, so far it¡¯s as expected. I rush towards the locker in the back of the classroom, I open the tall locker used to store cleaning supplies. At the top, there is an inconspicuous hatch made for inspection. I use my momentum to slam my body against the hatch, nice. Then I jump towards the ceiling.?

    ?

    The radiance of the magic formation increased and finally, the entire classroom was enveloped by the white light.?

    ?

    I crawled through the attic to get as far away as possible. Don¡¯t like it? But~, who cares about transferring to another world at this point. These days, light novels, anime, and manga are all about transportation to different worlds. Just leave it there, don¡¯t make real life about it too. Ah, just teleport the whole of Japan to a different world already. Ah, if a book about this was released then it would be interesting, I¡¯ll buy it.?

    ?

    As things are like that, I continue crawling through the attic. I¡¯m already this far away so I should be fine¡­huuuuuh~.?

    ?

    Uwahh, it actually happened. What a cliche turn of events!?

    ?

    It is a completely white room.?

    ?

    For it to be this cliche, this has truly surpassed my expectations. Don¡¯t tell me this is a swords and magic world. Is this some twisted space war or Sci-Fi world? I wouldn¡¯t want it to be a spiritual world or a horror world either.?

    ?

    However, with the magic formation, it¡¯s probably not a Sci-Fi world? Then the world has connections to magic after all? No, no, that¡¯s probably not it.?

    ?

    Because of how well-known the genre of Isekai is nowadays, if someone were to say they transported to another world, it would be extremely embarrassing. The cliche development would be for him to meet God and be told that he would be transported to a world of swords and magic(lol). No matter what, he¡¯d be too embarrassed to say that right??

    ?

    Was the magic formation a trap, and it was something scientific? What kind of world would that be? A math world? I really don¡¯t want to go to such a world!!?

    ?

    Would the first enemy be factorization? I don¡¯t think I could win.?

    ?

    Wait a moment, why isn¡¯t anyone here??

    ?

    Are they out? Then don¡¯t summon me!?

    ?

    That¡¯s basic equitique when inviting someone over¡­¡­(Long text complaining)

    [1. TL Note: This is actually what the author put. I¡¯m not being lazy.]?

    ?

    I think I¡¯m the type that takes my time reading. But it seems like I¡¯m fast at reading as many ask me whether I¡¯m properly reading it with how fast I flip pages.?

    ?

    If the books are light, it¡¯s easy to go through 20 of them in a single day. As such, I am already on my 4th book. I¡¯m going to eventually run out of books to read at this rate. Well, at least I brought my bag with me so I have books to read. In a quiet environment with enough light, that¡¯s not hot nor cold. It¡¯s the perfect environment for a reading addict like me. But man, nobody is coming, huh??

    ?

    I wonder if I could buy any books somewhere here? I¡¯ll have God foot the bill.?

    ?

    Hm, there¡¯s a grandpa here? He¡¯s looking over here. Is he lost? Grandpa, just because you¡¯re lost, doesn¡¯t mean you should come to another world. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s a story about a grandpa with dementia in another world!??

    ?

    [Why are you here?]?

    ?

    Grandpa, I already ate all the food¡­?

    ?

    [No you haven¡¯t!!]?

    ?

    Wait did he just read my thoughts!??

    ?

    This is that, when you¡¯re summoned into a white room, the man that appears, an old man with dementia that claims to be God.?

    ?

    [Why-! The last part is uncalled for]?

    ?

    It¡¯s an old man with fragile feelings, soon his blood vessels¡­will pop??

    ?

    [Don¡¯t go killing me off!]?

    ?

    Ah, an old man that scolds me for joking around¡­?

    ?

    [Then stop fooling around! Listen to what I have to say seriously!]?

    ?

    No, but they say that the type of people that say they don¡¯t want to fool around actually want to fool around, right? Well, I¡¯m sure there are also those that don¡¯t want to fool around as well.?

    ?

    [Enough! I¡¯m not here to play games with you! Why are you here?]?

    ?

    Uwah~, the guy summoned me here without my permission asks me what I¡¯m doing here? Old man with dementia confirmed.?

    ?

    To top it off, he¡¯s listening to my thoughts without my permission and yelling at me.?

    ?

    [I¡¯m done retorting!]?

    ?

    Huh, is he snapping back at me??

    ?

    Is this an Isekai story of an old man with dementia that screws people over? The title would be the [Demon Lord is actually an old man with dementia], something like that~.?

    ?

    [Sigh~, can you seriously listen. The others that were summoned have already been teleported to the other world. Why are you still in this room?]?

    ?

    Well~you summoned everyone at the same time but I was the only one that you summoned to the wrong room??

    ?

    [Well, I summoned all you as a group not one by one. Meeting everyone I felt that perhaps one person was missing but to think there was one person summoned to the wrong room. You were the only one that was summoned to the wrong room.] [Because of a certain person, I was brought here against my free will~? I do however have an idea of what happened.] [You do?! What did you¡­you escaped from the isolated space!? Huh, why is there an exit in the ceiling?]?

    ?

    Pupupu. The all-knowing deity of the heavens, our supreme and almighty God overlooked the maintenance hatch in the ceiling(LOL).?

    ?

    [How could I have known that-! How could I have known that rooms in your world have such an inconspicuous door in the ceiling. It would¡¯ve been weird if I knew!]?

    ?

    More like, wasn¡¯t I safe after I was that far away? You lost sight of me so isn¡¯t that kind of cheating??

    ?

    [Like I already told you. You were only all summoned because of the compatibility of wavelengths between you all. If you were to run away alone, of course, the results would turn out as such. To top it all off, you¡¯re alone at the edge of the barrier and you don¡¯t even try to call out to me or reach me, and you¡¯re just reading books without a care in the world. Without paying either!]?

    ?

    Ah~, finally, you¡¯ve even read my memory, huh? Can we summon a forest while we¡¯re at it, for fun.?

    ?

    [Don¡¯t summon something so large without permission. Moreover, if you do that each time a new volume comes out, a bookstore in that country will have to shut down. Consider how troublesome it is for the bookstore clerks!!]?

    ?

    It didn¡¯t work, huh. Moreover, my mind was read too. Also, think about the troubles I have to go through as well! You¡¯re only thinking about the troubles of the bookstore clerks, did you receive a coupon or something? I want one too!?

    ?

    [I apologize but you were summoned to another world because of the wavelengths that you and your classmates share. This is the logic of the world. I didn¡¯t particularly choose you nor was I the one to summon you.]?

    ?

    Sh*t. I don¡¯t know what ¡®wavelengths¡¯ you are talking about, but if the kids from other classes didn¡¯t barge into our classroom, we wouldn¡¯t have been summoned!?

 CH 1.2

    The Loner Who Conquers Another World Chapter 1 Part 2?

    ?

    It wasn¡¯t bad enough interfering with my reading time so they prevented me from reading forever? I see, it all makes sense now, I was summoned to another world to defeat them?!?

    ?

    [No!! Don¡¯t arbitrarily decide that your classmates are the last boss and defeat them. That¡¯s just your personal grudge].?

    ?

    I will settle this grudge¡­?

    ?

    [Listen to what I¡¯m saying-!].?

    ?

    Ah~, hurry up then? Old people sure have a lot to say. Anyways the [(Self Proclaimed) God], is going to ask me to please go to a world of magic and swords(LOL). That¡¯s what you¡¯re planning on asking me anyways, isn¡¯t it??

    ?

    [The [LOL] is unnecessary, also I¡¯m not self-proclaimed! Anyways, the others have already finished their preparations and left. If you don¡¯t hurry up, you¡¯ll be going to another world by yourself. You won¡¯t be able to meet up with those that went ahead at this rate. If you don¡¯t hurry up and prepare, they¡¯ll leave you behind].?

    ?

    Ah~, the others, right. It¡¯s a real mess(LOL). The world is in the medieval period~, which means there won¡¯t be any books. After all, it¡¯s a mushroom kingdom, I¡¯ll have to hike through a dense forest.?

    ?

    [You can¡¯t go hiking back! Your Isekai adventures will become full of only hiking!! Do you want an Isekai full of only hiking with the bookstore clerk!!]?

    ?

    No, I just want to read books. Besides, why can¡¯t I go hiking with the bookstore clerk!??

    ?

    Let¡¯s collect all the authors in one place, then summon them as a group¡­?

    ?

    [Would you stop! Rather, I won¡¯t let you!]?

    ?

    The geezer¡¯s explanation was so long that I skipped it. He explained stuff about a kingdom, the other world¡¯s language, and demons. It¡¯s a long story so why not write it down? Although I want something to read, it doesn¡¯t seem like gramps has any literary talent.?

    ?

    [All that¡¯s left is to prepare.]?

    ?

    What do I need to prepare? How many snacks am I allowed to bring with me or is there some other ridiculous problem I need to prepare for??

    ?

    [You¡¯re going to choose a skill. First come, first served].?

    ?

    [Old man¡ª¡ª-!!].?

    ?

    [I¡¯m telling you that I¡¯m God!! Who¡¯s the old man¨C!! You finally spoke for the first time but the first thing that you do is call me gramps?]?

    ?

    If 43 people choose before me that means that all the cheat skills are gone. The good skills were probably all taken, this is the worst. Gramps confirmed.?

    ?

    Well, I might as well take a look¡­..?

    ?

    [Hurry up and choose a skill. To think there would come a day where I would become tired after becoming God].?

    ?

    Finally, he got tired of retorting and continued the conversation by himself, so selfish. Ooo~oi¡­¡­not¡­¡­ah??

    ?

    Something that resembles a black plate floats in front of me, a lot of words are visible. Wouldn¡¯t a tablet have done the job? As expected, for the elderly, the newest technology is¡­?

    ?

    [I won¡¯t retort~, I won¡¯t retort anymore~.]?

    ?

    He¡¯s whispering something under his breath, is he composing a poem??

    ?

    Putting the foolish antics of the old man aside, I start reading at once, there¡¯s a large number of words. There are a lot of words but most of them are greyed out, does that mean they¡¯re taken??

    ?

    At the very top, [Status ¨C Status Allocation, 1 point at a time dice (10P and two dice).] I currently have 50P. It¡¯s standard to put all your points into luck but I already have 10. Even if I dump all my points into it, it¡¯s only 60 which only feels so-so. I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s an upper limit nor if it will increase as I level up.?

    ?

    [Allocate points to status, one at a time.] Why is this part the only part that¡¯s grey? I don¡¯t have any dice, I need 10P but I only have 2 dice, if there are six sides then the odds would be terrible.?

    ?

    The second one is [Item-weapon-armor-item 5P~50P], single-usage-consumable. 5P for medicine and poison antidotes. Weapons and armor range anywhere between 5P~30P and a set would cost 50P.?

    ?

    I want medicine so I don¡¯t die but it¡¯s not cost-efficient to buy. Perhaps I should purchase healing magic??

    ?

    There are over 100 items but all that¡¯s left is [Assorted Items (Villager A) 50P]. [Holy Knight], [Great Sage], [Heavy Warrior], all at the great price of 50P but none are left. The only thing I can get is (Villager A) for 50P, this is way too unreasonable!! The set is composed of wooden sticks, clothes, and a diary of a villager.?

    ?

    The only good item left is these contact lenses which costs 30P. They improve your eyesight which can also help come off as more approachable. But 30P is too expensive!! Perhaps it¡¯s necessary if your eyesight is bad enough? There is a high possibility that the world won¡¯t have glasses as well. Regardless, 30P is impossible as I would only have 20P left no matter what.?

    ?

    The third category is [Martial Arts ¨C 10P]. It is a reasonable and affordable price.?

    ?

    There was also [Sword Arts], [Katana Arts], [Spear Arts], [Shield Arts], [Bow Arts], and [Whip Arts] but they¡¯re all sold out.?

    ?

    All that¡¯s left is [Cane Arts, become able to handle canes well ¨C 10P]¡­I need a martial art and 10P is a reasonable price. Cane Arts¡­hit the enemy with a stick. Will that be enough to fight in another world? I¡¯m not a kid bullying a turtle at the beach. Then again, I couldn¡¯t even beat a turtle when I was a kid. Well, I¡¯d be sorry if I did.?

    ?

    Finally, the 4th category, [Skill 10P~30P], it¡¯s expensive but¡­this is what I¡¯m talking about!! This is what a different world is, this is what I mean by cheats!! [Martial Arts experience UP], the standard [Magic], [Robbery], [Clairvoyance]. If it was cheap, these would be wonderful skills in another world¡­huh? None of them are left!?

    ?

    What¡¯s left is, hmm¡­what!?

    ?

    [Less likely to catch a disease ¨C 30P], yea this is perfectly fine. Rather, I want it! I¡¯m sure there won¡¯t be any hospitals. But it¡¯s 30P. This ability would be fine if it was a peaceful world. But it probably won¡¯t be so. If there are this many combat skills, there¡¯s no way that it would be a peaceful world, 30P is expensive. So that¡¯s why it was left.?

    ?

    [Walking, become good at walking ¨C 30P]. It might be good to have but who would buy this for 30P. [Martial Arts Experience Up], how is walking worth the same price as this? Do you summon things while walking? Nursery summons? Do heroes just walk at the Demon King? The Demon King sure will be scared~.?

    ?

    Still, that¡¯s one of the better ones.?

    ?

    [Gymnastics, become good at gymnastics ¨C 30P]. Gymnastics debut in another world? Everyone~? It¡¯s over! It¡¯s seriously over.?

    ?

    The last horrifying skill is. It is¡­?

    ?

    [Sensitive Body, turns your body into a sensitive body~ ¨C 30P]. Don¡¯t mess around with me! A high school boy who¡¯s sensitive and feels good easily. Is this BL? Is it gay?

    [1. TL Note: BL is short for boy¡¯s love. It refers to a genre of doujinshi where the plot is centered around love between guys.]?

    ?

    I don¡¯t need this, I definitely don¡¯t need this. Still, half of those that were summoned are high school girls. None of them considered it? Well, there probably won¡¯t be any that would purchase it of their own volition, if someone did then please tell me. Please.?

    ?

    Aren¡¯t you supposed to aim for one of the four great magics in times like these? Lightning, teleportation, healing¡­but there¡¯s nothing left. Wasn¡¯t choosing skills like this supposed to be an exciting event? Why am I crying? Why is God directing his eyesight away from me??

    ?

    There are four remaining. [Magic, [Temperature], adjust the temperature ¨C 30P.] Ah, how convenient, should I aim to set up a food stall in another world? Did you think I¡¯d do that? There¡¯s no job like that in another world! Don¡¯t get mad!?

    ?

    Only 3 remaining, [Magic, [Wrapping Magic], can wrap objects with magic ¨C 30P]. What use is that? Will that call a delivery man? Does it summon them??

    ?

    2 remaining, [Magic, [Weight Magic], lowers or raises the weight of objects ¨C 30P]. It lowers the weight of cargo and makes shipping cheaper! Looks like I have to summon the delivery man.?

    ?

    The last one is [Magic [Movement], auxiliary movement?¡­Decent I guess? Combined with the weight magic, you could probably get a job as a delivery man. Am I the one delivering?!!?

    ?

    The 5th category is [Special Abilities: 20P~50P]. Special abilities, special skills, sword talent, magic talent¡­required experience lowered, it can be combined with experience value increased, not that either is available. Nothing¡¯s left¡­?

    ?

    First skill, [[Correspondent], communication, become good at consultations]. Is there a supervisor waiting for me in the other world? Salaryman in another world? If I level up will I become the president of a billion-dollar company??

    ?

    The second skill, [[Jack of all trades], leveling up becomes slower]. Here it comes! A skill that is not useful at all and makes your life harder. Is it a trap? You¡¯re punished for accidentally clicking??

    ?

    Last skill, [[Muppet, leveling becomes worse]. Terrible skill comes again! Again! What¡¯s the point of summoning people from another world if you¡¯re just going to make life harder for them.

 CH 1.3

    The Loner Who Conquers in Another World Chapter 1 Part 3?

    ?

    Perhaps [Jack of All Trades] makes it harder to level up but it also makes it easier to learn skills.?

    ?

    However, [Muppet] only makes it harder to level up? Does it possess some sort of mental ability? Can I make people listen to me? There¡¯s probably no mistake in deciding that this is the worst one.?

    ?

    The last and 5th one is [Title 10P]. It¡¯s cheap but it¡¯s not very effective. The effectiveness of a title depends on its correlation with a job.?

    ?

    However, this may be more effective in the long-run compared to skills.?

    ?

    But more than anything [Sword Spirit, Guardian, Magician¡­]. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~! You can¡¯t tell me these are sold out too! Titles that shake my chuuni soul¡­even though I¡¯m a second year in high school. It¡¯s okay right, I¡¯m in a different world? Doesn¡¯t spirit sword sound pretty cool? It is pretty embarrassing to show it off. Well, good luck to the guy that took it.

    [1. TN Note: Chuuni roughly translates to middle-grade syndrome. It¡¯s a way to describe those with delusional fantasies in puberty. He emphasizes that he¡¯s in high school because it¡¯s mainly used to describe those in middle school.]?

    ?

    I went through a stage where I thought of stuff like that too in the past. Even if it¡¯s embarrassing, shameful, or delusional, isn¡¯t it fine! At least compared to these two!?

    ?

    One of them is [[Hikikomori], Your home will be protected]. Here comes the security guard killer, a NEET. Did they get kidnaped from their home and shoved into a different world? But your home is gone? Becoming a NEET in another world? There aren¡¯t any books though~. Wait¡­as long as a delivery man comes? But they won¡¯t come.

    [2. TN Note: Hikikomori is a title given to those that stay within their homes and never leave. NEET stands for not in employment, education, or training. A person who is neither a student nor works.]?

    ?

    The other one is [[NEET] All other jobs will become invalidated]. You¡¯d get defeated by demons before trying to work with this.?

    ?

    The end? The list of skills has reached its end or have I reached my end? Did this grandpa just sentence me to death??

    ?

    Just what does he want me to do in another world??

    ?

    [Hey~why do you keep avoiding eye contact? Gramps, don¡¯t you have something to say to me? Make eye contact with me and properly say it.]?

    ?

    After how much you rushed me to make preparations, you avoided looking at me as soon as the black plate with words appeared in front of me, right??

    ?

    Not sure how much time has passed but when I look in front of me, gramps is on his knees.?

    ?

    I intently preach gramps to find out just what he wants me to do.?

    ?

    I¡¯m not sure for what reason but you forcefully brought a normal high school student to another world. Whether that is God¡¯s will or the providence of the world.?

    ?

    I thought there would be a reason for going that far, I thought there would be a justified reason, I thought there was no other choice.?

    ?

    However, you can¡¯t expect a person that was suddenly kidnapped to understand. Even then, if you forcefully threw me into another world, there¡¯s probably nothing I can do.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why you¡¯re giving me special skills right??

    ?

    If there were no purpose, then there would be no reason to send us to another world.?

    ?

    Even if that was an accident, your duty as a God is to give us skills so that we can survive in another world.?

    ?

    If it wasn¡¯t an accident and there was some reason for summoning me then at least give me the power to survive. That is the purpose of abilities and skills, to possess the potential to accomplish the goals we were summoned for.?

    ?

    What exactly do you wish to accomplish??

    ?

    I show the list of skills very clearly to gramps. Is this the power necessary to survive in another world? Is this the power necessary to accomplish anything? Is this fulfilling your duty as God? Look carefully and tell me what you want me to do??

    ?

    As gramps tries to make an excuse, I glare at him. As he tries to break his leg, I glare at him with a furious intensity.?

    ?

    The gramps makes excuses with tears falling from his eyes and shaking.?

    ?

    [So far, I¡¯ve only summoned at most 30 people so there were more than enough skills to choose from.]?

    ?

    There were a lot of instances where people wouldn¡¯t monopolize everything as it would come back to bite them in the ass.?

    ?

    If a whopping 43 people come, even if the latter people will be troubled, they take it all for themselves.?

    ?

    There was never a case similar to yours.?

    ?

    Also, all of the skills here have been recognized by me as skills that have accomplished something worthy of praise.?

    ?

    Skills are things that have been recognized by God, become God, and overcame God. They are remnants of a soul.?

    ?

    Skills are souls, a way of living, and memories.?

    ?

    And because they have surpassed God, they are something that not even God can understand.?

    ?

    Gaining those skills, you feel their soul, understand the lives they¡¯ve led, you receive those feelings to activate those skills. That is the type of power it is. And all the skills that exist right now have already been activated and have achieved something.?

    ?

    To remember, feel, and understand, that is what a true skill is. If you¡¯re unable to do that then no matter how powerful a skill it is, it becomes useless, a hindrance.?

    ?

    The things here are certainly, things that I do not understand, things that I¡¯ve never seen before.?

    ?

    But just by the fact that they are here, they have a meaning, purpose, and they are necessary.?

    ?

    Which is why they are here at this time.?

    ?

    He pleads while crying, his legs shaking.?

    ?

    He¡¯s trying to explain while standing up but his legs are like a newborn deer.?

    ?

    This is bad, gramps, my eyes hurt.?

    ?

    Is it something like that? The soul of a passionate tennis player somehow entered gramps? It¡¯s that bad. It¡¯s just so bad.?

    ?

    That skill is just too dangerous, this sight is something that even surpasses God, it¡¯s crossed a line that it shouldn¡¯t cross. It¡¯s some sort of soul or a form of spirituality, anyways gramps, run away~.?

    ?

    [As God, my duty to truth, reason, and providence, I shall surpass them both].?

    ?

    Ya~ba~i~, gramps is broken!! I said you shouldn¡¯t have crossed that line.

    [3. TN Note: ¡°Yabai¡± means it¡¯s bad. It¡¯s a phrase that young people use in Japan and it¡¯s kind of similar to saying ¡®sh*t¡¯.] [Cliff lord, I am greatly grateful!! It¡¯s the best!] [4. TN Note: I just really don¡¯t know at this point. He¡¯s just saying random stuff.]?

    ?

    No-! As I expected, it¡¯s that person-, rather than the remnant of a soul, it is the currently progressive spirit or the nature of a soul.?

    ?

    Even God must not touch upon it!?

    ?

    [It gets even hotter~!!]?

    ?

    Ah~there¡¯s no mistaking it at this point. It¡¯s over.?

    ?

    [You are here, that itself is the solution!].?

    ?

    Has gramps broken? He couldn¡¯t bear that heat??

    ?

    [Then all is your soul!!]?

    ?

    Huh? What are you talking about??

    ?

    [I will give you nearly everything~!!]?

    ?

    What will you give me? By everything do you mean, a bookstore clerk? A deliveryman? Are you going to drag one to another world with me? What¡¯s that??

    ?

    [You should receive all skills!!] [Wait a minute-!! Are you stupid gramps!! I don¡¯t need it~!! It will be hell-mode confirmed with all those skills!!] [Would you suffer? From the Lord? LOL!]?

    ?

    Are you stupid~!! Wait, that¡¯s not something you¡¯re supposed to say!! This is turning into a mess!!?

    ?

    [Farewell~] [Don¡¯t farewell me!!]?

    ?

    .?

    ?

    .?

    ?

    .?

    ?

    In a forest.?

    ?

    Wait, uwahhhh~, that grandpa really just transferred me after that.?

    ?

    Inside a forest. There¡¯s nobody here.?

    ?

    I hate to see it but there¡¯s nothing I can do about this situation, [Status Check].?

    ?

    [Please roll the dice.] [4. TN Note: He¡¯s kinder to the dice than he is to God(LOL).]?

    ?

    Inside my head, a voice vibrates. Huh??

    ?

    Ah~that¡¯s cheating dice~he really gave me every skill! Clearing the about to expire shelf?

    [5. TN Note: He got the crap skills too which makes it harder to level up.] [Sigh~]?

    ?

    I roll the two dice that appear in my hand. I didn¡¯t throw a spear, I only have a wooden stick, you know??

    ?

    Both dice stopped on a face that showed [M]. What¡¯s the hell is that??

    ?

    (Which status do you wish to increase?)?

    ?

    Increase with [M]? Do you add it? My attributes are all 10, what does 10+M equal??

    ?

    Anyways, I can only assume that it will increase the stat. Even if M is a negative effect and M stands for minus, I won¡¯t know until I actually use it.?

    ?

    [¡­into luck]?

    ?

    It¡¯s probably the thing I need most currently, there¡¯s not much I can do right now with my own ability.?

    ?

    I¡¯m feeling like my luck is already in the negatives but it¡¯s probably just my imagination. Even in my original world, I felt it was like that.?

    ?

    (Which status would you like to add to?)?

    ?

    My only option at this point is to add to LuK. In the worst case that it¡¯s minus my luck might decrease below 0.?

    ?

    However, if I add to HP, to test it, it would be too dangerous. The other attributes are probably just as dangerous to test with.?

    ?

    With luck, I need as much as I get, and even if the worst happens, I can still bear with it. The future worries me but this is all I can do.?

    ?

    [Into LuK?]?

    ?

    (Added to LuK. Displaying status.)?

    ?

    Status?

    ?

    NAME¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Haruka¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Race: Human?

    ?

    AGE 16?

    ?

    Lv 01?

    ?

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡10?

    ?

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡10?

    ?

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡10?

    ?

    PoW¡¡¡¡ 10?

    ?

    SpE¡¡¡¡  10?

    ?

    DeX¡¡¡¡  10?

    ?

    MiN¡¡¡¡   10?

    ?

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡10?

    ?

    LuK¡¡¡¡¡¡Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡    0?

    ?

    Martial Arts¡¸Cane Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Magic¡¸Temperature Lv 1¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 1¡¹¡¸Weight Lv 1¡¹¡¸Packing Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Skill¡¸Health Lv 1¡¹¡¸Sensitivite Body Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Gymnastics Lv 1¡¹¡¸Walking Lv 1¡¹

    ¡¸Command Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Title ¡¸Hikikomori Lv 1¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 1¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Other¡¡¡¸Communication Lv 1¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 1¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Equipment¡¸Item Bag¡¹

 CH 1.4

    LuK is maxed out (Limit Break), wait, huh?¡­ That M stands for Max??

    ?

    Uwah~ [M] stands for Max? Write that down somewhere! It¡¯s only 3 letters. I should have put both of them in strength and speed. I messed up!?

    ?

    I thought it was a trap or something trash. I didn¡¯t even consider that [M] stood for Max.?

    ?

    Ah~ahhhhh!?

    ?

    Calm down, It¡¯s certainly a waste but it didn¡¯t become a waste and there¡¯s no denying that luck is necessary.?

    ?

    As I didn¡¯t know what [M] was that was the best option. You shouldn¡¯t make a bet when your life is involved.?

    ?

    Still, past max, there is a limit break.?

    ?

    Is this a slightly good thing? I¡¯ve never had much luck before.?

    ?

    Nah, this was definitely a good thing. I expected a 1-6 but I got a Max instead. This is probably the best outcome. On the contrary, perhaps the other sides were dangerous.?

    ?

    At the very least, I got lucky in regards to the dice. Very lucky indeed.?

    ?

    Usually, when leveling up, the only status that does not rise is luck. Putting all points into luck was the standard in light novels as well. It should be the best option for the future.?

    ?

    As I expected, I received all of the remaining skills. Full of bad skills¡­? Huh? There seems to be 2 more than I expected.?

    ?

    Did you gain something? Did you just come to roll the dice? Ah, it¡¯s this.?

    ?

    [[Loner] I live alone without companions, cannot form a party. Skill [Command] learned. Experience Distribution.]?

    ?

    No? Well, it¡¯s the same as before? Yea but don¡¯t write it in the status!?

    ?

    As soon as I come to another world, it¡¯s already confirmed that I¡¯ll be a loner without any companions. I was crying silently, for having the slight hope of an Isekai Harem.?

    ?

    Apparently, the other skill seems to be an effect of [Loner]. Since you¡¯re alone anyways, just use a demon? I cried because of kindness, sadness, and loneliness. One day, I¡¯ll heal my heart with softness.?

    ?

    Ah! Leather Bag. It¡¯s the equipment of Villager A.?

    ?

    Whether it¡¯s a wooden stick or something else, we need some sort of weapon now. I¡¯m not sure whether this place is dangerous or not.?

    ?

    The clothes were a hassle to get changed into but I was grateful for the leather boots. It would¡¯ve been a disaster if I had to walk through the forest in my indoor shoes.?

    ?

    It¡¯s better than not having a clock either. For what it¡¯s worth, I can use it as armor. It¡¯s dark so it may make it harder for monsters to spot me. At the very least, Villager A was able to live with just this.?

    ?

    There are leather gloves too¡­huh? There seems to be something else inside, a ring? Well, it¡¯s probably something that Villager A was wearing. It¡¯s probably some type of equipment, I¡¯ll put it on.?

    ?

    It¡¯s nice that I have a bag, it¡¯s light and convenient as if there is nothing inside.?

    ?

    I look around but there¡¯s nobody nearby, there are no traces of others being nearby either.?

    ?

    My classmates should¡¯ve been summoned here as well? I don¡¯t know what direction they headed in and I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s even a good idea to meet up with them.?

    ?

    No doubt having more people is an advantage. My classmates will also probably have gotten their bearings together by now.?

    ?

    Unlike me, all of them have absurd powers. It will probably be safer to group with them.?

    ?

    However, the problem is human nature rather than combat ability.?

    ?

    Besides, as long as I have Loner, I won¡¯t be able to form a party.?

    ?

    Even if they are strong that doesn¡¯t necessarily lead to actual combat ability. There are too many that can¡¯t be trusted.?

    ?

    Solo, huh~. Well, there are too many problems with grouping so I¡¯ll just explore by myself.?

    ?

    Still, there is such poor visibility within forests. The various colors that blend in within the forest make it difficult to see. It would be easy to overlook a potential threat such as a monster or demon.?

    ?

    It¡¯s disadvantageous for people with bad eyesight. Should I have bought glasses? Ahh! There should be cheap contacts that were left in stock because they couldn¡¯t sell!?

    ?

    Are they in the bag? As I dig inside the bag, there are a few small boxes inside. Is it inside here? Glass bottle? It contains a liquid that appears to be medicine.?

    ?

    Is it this one? Two small-round-glass objects are wrapped in a cloth. However, for someone that¡¯s never used a contact to equip them in the middle of a forest. It¡¯s not a good idea nor sanitary.?

    ?

    However, I can¡¯t get out of this forest with my eyes this bad so I have to put them on. It¡¯s pretty scary, to put something in your eyes, it would be a big deal if I dropped the contacts in such a place.?

    ?

    Wrapping it with a cloth, I put the contacts over my eyes while being careful not to drop it. Something feels strange.?

    ?

    [Guu¡­.]?

    ?

    I could understand the discomfort in my eyes but I suddenly got a headache. Is it supposed to be like this??

    ?

    I didn¡¯t have any friends that used contacts so I wasn¡¯t sure. I guess I didn¡¯t have any friends in the first place¡­?

    ?

    Well, I guess I just have to get used to it.?

    ?

    Looking around, I can see various things that are eerily clear. It feels as if the visual information received from my eyes instantly enters my brain.?

    ?

    I can even see the insects on a far away leaf clearly. There are cons with having good eyesight as well. As I can see clearly through the forest even through the darkness, moving through doesn¡¯t become a problem. I have [Walk] as well.?

    ?

    First of all, let¡¯s organize all of this stuff¡­(wound medicine), (poison eraser). Uwooh! I let go of the eraser in surprise.?

    ?

    As I tried to close the box I opened previously, what is this? While I was thinking that, letters appeared on the glass bottle the moment I looked at it. Wound medicine and poison eraser? Is it referring to this bottle??

    ?

    As I thought that, I looked at my status and found there was a new skill, [Appraisal Lv1]. This is appraisal, huh? Letters suddenly appeared so I was surprised.?

    ?

    Most likely, this is an effect of the contacts. I cannot identify the contact themselves as they are in my eyes. Probably, if I remove them, I won¡¯t be able to use the skill. So I can¡¯t.?

    ?

    Getting the appraisal skill off the bat is a life-saver. It¡¯s the skill I wanted the most right now.?

    ?

    Gramps told me that I would be able to understand the other world¡¯s language after transporting and now I¡¯ve obtained Appraisal. It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that things got a lot better for me.?

    ?

    It would suck to not have~.?

    ?

    Walking while appraising the passing trees, it¡¯s sort of fun. It¡¯s like a virtual botanic book. Oh. Edible mushrooms. Appraisal is indispensable after all, without it, food would become a huge problem.?

    ?

    [Potential Mushroom ¨C Edible, Potential UP], it seems to raise potential if consumed? I wonder what¡¯s hidden inside of this? Loner, Hikikomori, NEET, want to stay hidden at all times too.?

    ?

    While walking I used appraisal on everything I pass by. There were no more mushrooms that raised my potential but I found a bunch of edible ones that raised stamina and magic. I was grateful for the MP and HP recovery. It won¡¯t be possible to obtain potions in a forest, the mushrooms would become my medical food.?

    ?

    Since I have no specific destination in mind, I just gather mushrooms from wherever I see them.?

    ?

    I have already thrown a large number of mushrooms into my bag, I didn¡¯t think about anything else as it was fun collecting mushrooms while using Appraisal, but there is no way that many mushrooms should have fit inside a 35-40cm bag, it wasn¡¯t even heavy.?

    ?

    I apologize for looking down on the Villager A equipment.?

    ?

    It¡¯s an item bag. Language of this world, Appraisal and item bag. I got the three items I wanted the most.?

    ?

    The item bag came with the Villager A equipment, 50P is expensive but it¡¯s a reasonable price to get such a valuable item in another world.?

    ?

    I should¡¯ve just been satisfied with Villager A¡¯s skills and left instead of being forced to take all these strange skills. If I had done that, gramps wouldn¡¯t have had to become a hot-blooded tennis player.?

    ?

    Is he doing stuff like, [I¡¯m never giving up!] in front of other gods?

 CH 1.5

    There was medicine in the bag and other stuff too. The bag was a jackpot.?

    ?

    Now that I think carefully when I pulled out a meter-long stick and leather boots from the bag, I should¡¯ve been able to guess that the bag was a storage item. I had thought that I was thinking calmly in this situation, as well. There were too many unexpected things that happened and still many things that I don¡¯t understand. For now, I don¡¯t know where this is.?

    ?

    Holding the stick, I use Appraisal on everything in my surroundings while progressing through the forest. Why? It¡¯d be a problem if monsters came out. But it¡¯s a wooden stick? Weapons. [Cane Arts]is a martial art but all you¡¯re doing is hitting them with a stick, you know??

    ?

    The other side is brighter? I finally see a break in the forest, my eyes are better so I can see further, it feels like there¡¯s a zoom function, thank you contact-san.?

    ?

    When I finally leave the forest, I come across a river, water, freshwater, then I think of how many hours it¡¯s been since I¡¯ve had a drink of water.?

    ?

    As I dipped my hands in the water, I tried to think of anything I could store the water with. I thought of a cup-water bottle-water bag, then I came to a euphony. The water bottle came out, Ah~the water tastes so good. It¡¯s mineral water, after all, I drank in big gulps. This would sell well if sold in a vending machine. If I could summon a delivery man then I could sell water and books.?

    ?

    The summoning team just saw it so they remember, as long as I placed a deliveryman mark in the middle, wouldn¡¯t they come? There is a forest but that¡¯s all right??

    ?

    There are fish swimming normally in the river, looks like my next meal has been decided as grilled fish and mushrooms. I enter the river with a weapon.?

    ?

    Which is perhaps what you were thinking but I¡¯m just gonna eat grilled mushrooms. I can¡¯t catch fish so it¡¯s pointless. How can I catch the fish with a wooden stick? If you can¡¯t catch it then you can¡¯t hit it, if you don¡¯t hit it, you can¡¯t kill it, and therefore you can¡¯t eat it.?

    ?

    After walking for a while, I come across a cave.?

    ?

    I peek inside, there¡¯s nothing. No demon king, no bear.?

    ?

    [Excuse me~?]?

    ?

    I make a greeting like a guest but settle down like I own the place.?

    ?

    Isn¡¯t this fairly large? It was bigger than the places I¡¯ve lived in.?

    ?

    Deep inside is pitch black so I open my luggage near the entrance.?

    ?

    The bag has without a doubt, gotten larger, I mean a tent came out.?

    ?

    The problem is the rules of this world.?

    ?

    [Magic Tent: When magic is imbued, automatically sets up, suitable temperature, prevents insects and monsters, same as monster-repellent.] [Magic Lantern: When magic is imbued, it lights up. Useful for avoiding monsters and insects.] Wow~, it even exterminates demons. Moreover, it has a blinking function in a world without street lights or cars.?

    ?

    But the lantern has a blinking function, the magic culture might be pretty advanced, there may even be a magic car. Perhaps there might even be a deliveryman.?

    ?

    Now that I found useful stuff, I¡¯m grateful to the villagers and grateful to gramps for becoming a tennis player.?

    ?

    But how do you imbue magic? I¡¯ve never imbued magic before. Looks like I just have to try it.?

    ?

    [The magic that resides in my right arm, unleash!¡­nothing¡¯s happening.]?

    ?

    That wasn¡¯t me being a chuuni, it was just something that I tried.?

    ?

    If you¡¯re gonna give me an item that requires imbuing magic then give me instructions on how to imbue magic as well.?

    ?

    I try various things with the lantern.?

    ?

    [Magic! Answer to my life and reside within the lantern!]¡­It¡¯s wrong? Is it really wrong? I want to believe it¡¯s wrong¡­I do.?

    ?

    Concentrate on your magical power and then control it. That¡¯s the standard in light novels. In conclusion, I don¡¯t understand magic.?

    ?

    Then a spell? Chanting? That was just an experiment. Yes, that was just an experiment! I wasn¡¯t indulging in my delusions.?

    ?

    [Ah~, just turn on already.]?

    ?

    Ah, it turned on. [Turn on], is that all you needed??

    ?

    If that¡¯s all it needed then write that down in the instructions. Pour magic is just put it on your hand and say ¡®turn on¡¯. I even strike a pose, yea it was sort of fun.?

    ?

    In conclusion, the object just needs to touch your body and not add extra words. Such as ¡®show me the light¡¯ or ¡®light the magical power of god or ¡®I order you with my name.¡± Isn¡¯t it nice, I wanted to say it.?

    ?

    For now, I open the tent and lie down. [Open] it, opened with that one word. I thought of various incantations but¡­I mean it¡¯s fine for it to be that simple but you know.?

    ?

    It¡¯s getting pretty dark outside. I can¡¯t move today. I don¡¯t have a particular destination nor do I know where I am located currently.?

    ?

    I stare at the ring on my hands. So is this ring an item? If it¡¯s Villager A¡¯s wedding ring then I should return it. After all, he¡¯s done a lot for me. Appraise Ring.?

    ?

    [Martial Arts Soul, life, the soul suffers. Attack? Defense? Magic Attack? Magic? Life-saving skill???]?

    ?

    Huh? Is it cursed? Life, isn¡¯t the soul suffering pretty bad? Skills other than life-saving?¡­Life-saving??

    ?

    [Life-saving, Before HP reaches 0, recovers HP with MP.]?

    ?

    Oh-, is this the full appraisal? That¡¯s good and all but [Life-saving: recover HP with MP before HP hits 0.] It¡¯s a good skill that can save my life in crucial times. But it seems that your life and soul will undergo suffering? Why is that??

    ?

    I also picked up firewood in the forest. There weren¡¯t many dry trees but it would be more than enough for a bonfire. It¡¯s useful to avoid beasts and it¡¯s necessary for this damp cave.?

    ?

    I use temperature magic to try and ignite the firewood, it went well with the mushrooms. It lit up, the firewood didn¡¯t work but the leaves ignited.?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t burn easily which is why I use temperature magic to ignite it but the fire spread to the wood.?

    ?

    Did the level of the temperature magic go up? I check the level of my magic with status, [Fire Magic Lv.1], [Temperature Magic Lv.2], the level of temperature magic went up but I also got a new skill, Fire Magic. Are you able to obtain this skill by just lighting a fire? I don¡¯t know the acquisition conditions. The temperature magic also rose in level but I¡¯m not sure if the two are related.?

    ?

    For now, the only method of attack I have is attacking with a stick and fire magic. I want to practice but I¡¯m already tired.?

    ?

    I check my status before going to sleep as I haven¡¯t remembered all of it yet.?

    ?

    NAME¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Haruka¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Race Human?

    ?

    AGE 16?

    ?

    Lv 01?

    ?

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡£±£°?

    ?

    MP¡¡£±£°?

    ?

    ViT¡¡£±£°?

    ?

    PoW £±£°?

    ?

    SpE £±£°?

    ?

    DeX £±£°?

    ?

    MiN £±£°?

    ?

    InT £±£°?

    ?

    LuK Max£¨Limit Break£©?

    ?

    SP £°?

    ?

    Martil Arts¡¡¡¸Cane Arts £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Magic¡¡¡¸Temperature £Ì£ö£²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Movement£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Weight£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Packing£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Fire Magic £Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Skill ¡¸Health£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body£Ì£ö£±¡¹ ¡¸Gymnastics£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Walking£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Command£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Appraisal£Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©¡¸Clairvoyance

    £Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©¡¸Detect Presence£Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©¡¸Search£Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Title¡¸Hikikomori £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸NEET £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Loner£Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown¡¡¡¸Communication £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Muppet £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Equipment¡¸Wooden Stick¡¹¡¸Basic Clothes¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves¡¹¡¸Leather Boots¡¹

    ¡¸Cloak¡¹¡¸Contacts¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹?

    ?

    Perhaps because I observed far distances while walking, I obtained the skill [Clairvoyance Lv1], it¡¯s probably thanks to the contacts. [Communication] is useful. Appraisal and clairvoyance are useful in survival, if I¡¯m able to get out of this forest, it¡¯s probably thanks to clairvoyance.?

    ?

    Is it my imagination or is this starting to become like an Isekai Survival. Isn¡¯t there normally a princess or a beautiful female magician that summons you. Being left alone in a forest, what do I do? Is it the logic of the world for people from another world to be completely unrelated? Wait, without a mission or goal, is the goal just to survive in another world? No, it¡¯s still better to live carefreely than recklessly try to defeat the demon king. However, if I don¡¯t manage to leave this forest, I¡¯ll probably have to live my entire life here until I die.?

    ?

    [Presence Detection Lv.1] and [Searching Lv.1] is probably the result of persistently staying on the lookout for monsters or demons while walking through the forest. It could also be the result of checking the cave to see if there were any threats. Is it normal to obtain skills so rapidly and fast? Was there any meaning in obtaining skills from the white room? The skills that I obtained from gramps should not even be thought of. That skill is even more dangerous than even the demon lord!?

    ?

    Now, the first day of another world is about to end. A high school boy that transports to another world will he dream of a deliveryman?

 CH 2.1

    Day 2 Cave?

    ?

    When I wake up I¡¯m in a cave I don¡¯t know? Yea, this is not too much of a fuss.?

    ?

    Apparently it¡¯s hard to even follow the standard routine in another world, It seems that I have to start my morning by staring at the ceiling of a cave.?

    ?

    There weren¡¯t any problems in the middle of the night. The tent and lantern both have monster avoidance and hikikomori to top it off where during the time that I¡¯m holed up, I will be protected. But I wonder what happens when I¡¯m out? Probably need a door, just in case, probably need a mailbox.?

    ?

    I light the bonfire that¡¯s disappeared in the middle of the night with fire magic, it can¡¯t be lit up without holding it in my hand so a fireball is probably impossible. Holding it in my hand and throwing it seems hot. I don¡¯t want to get hot, after seeing that old man¡­?

    ?

    From the item bag, I take out a knife, frying pan, cutting board, dried meat, and mushrooms. Let¡¯s also bring out salt, a plate, and a cup. Of course, it¡¯s Villager A-san goods. Did this person actually stay in the village??

    ?

    Place a frying pan on a bonfire and heat until smoke appears. Put shredded minced meat and thick slices of mushrooms onto the pan and then fry. Add a small amount of water when a brown color appears and cover with a lid. Shake the pan carefully to prevent burning, steam until the water is gone, and salt lightly to enhance the taste. Mmm, it smells good, so far the only ingredients are dried meat from the item bag and mushrooms from the mushroom forest. And the only seasoning is Mr. A¡¯s salt, the stock will run out sooner or later. Meat and fish, and what else you can get in the forest, as far as I saw yesterday, it was a mushroom forest. There may be a bamboo shoot village somewhere. ¡­Don¡¯t start a war.?

    ?

    To fetch water, I went outside, since I was here, I used clairvoyance to examine the surrounding area. It seems that there is no bamboo rattan. The war was evaded, but obtaining the bamboo shoot seems impossible.?

    ?

    I think about what to do from now on while eating. Securing food and housing will be the top priority, and the rest is safety and measures against demons.?

    ?

    First of all, this cave is probably fine as a living space. I have a tent so it may be okay to move around, but it is safer to use a cave. A cave in which I can enclose myself within is also wonderful.?

    ?

    If food in this area runs out, I¡¯ll consider moving out, food and safety is my first priority. Hmm? Normally, the adventure begins, but I¡¯m already enclosing myself from the outside world? If so, will I soon stop working? As expected, different world skills are scary!

    In this way, I entered the forest and started collecting mushrooms, and proceeded while searching with Appraisal. I passed through downstream yesterday, so today I will try to go upstream.?

    ?

    Mushrooms are common and sometimes I find medicinal plants. I try not to approach anything that has any sign of being dangerous. I proceed through the forest while picking up firewood, wood, and vines.?

    ?

    However, normally these kinds of things have standard patterns, at first, you should live in a castle or something, but it¡¯s really a survival countryside life! Already in a forest without ever being kicked out of the castle! Moreover, there are 0 people other than me, the whole story is being told by me! Is this the summoning of a different world? What is the difference between this story and the Robinsons family transfer job?

    (1. TN Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swiss_Family_Robinson)?

    ?

    It¡¯s about time to go back to the cave, time-wise, it should be around lunchtime? I don¡¯t know the time because I have neither a clock nor a cell phone. There¡¯s no need to ask why I don¡¯t have a cell phone, don¡¯t ask! Absolutely don¡¯t ask!?

    ?

    I can get through the forest soon where the cave is just around the corner. But I can¡¯t move. I feel like something is nearby? Is it a monster? Is it an animal? ¡­ Maybe a classmate? There is no doubt that it¡¯s not a friend. Yeah, I can¡¯t make that mistake.?

    ?

    Your annoying ~ go somewhere. I watched while hiding so that it couldn¡¯t see me, listened carefully to the noise but was careful not to make noise, and hid my presence while looking for a presence ¡­ I found it! ¡°Appraisal¡±!?

    ?

    Goblin A?

    ?

    Lv 08

    HP¡¡36?

    ?

    MP¡¡ 4

    ViT¡¡27

    PoW¡¡22

    SpE¡¡13

    DeX¡¡8

    MiN¡¡ 2

    InT¡¡1

    Luk¡¡16?

    ?

    Martial Arts [Hammer Lv 2]¡¸Hard Hit Lv 1] [Ramming Attack Lv 1] Skills [High Sexual Vigor Lv 1] Equipment¡¡[Club]?

    ?

    Goblin B?

    ?

    Lv 07

    HP¡¡¡¡ 41

    MP¡¡¡¡4?

    ?

    ViT¡¡¡¡22

    PoW¡¡17

    SpE¡¡ 10

    DeX¡¡¡¡9

    MiN¡¡¡¡3

    InT¡¡¡¡ 1

    LuK¡¡¡¡11?

    ?

    Martial Arts¡¡[Hammer Lv 1] [Ramming Attack Lv 1] Skills [High Sexual Vigor Lv 3] Equipment¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡[Club]?

    ?

    It¡¯s somewhat of a short humanoid, an ugly face that doesn¡¯t resemble a human or any other animals and a stubby grayish-brown body. Goblin-san, the weakest of the weakest, the small fish of the small fish, it¡¯s ridiculous if you can¡¯t beat it. Depending on the story, even a child can beat it ¡­Is how it should be but it¡¯s somewhat strong? And there are two of them.?

    ?

    While you¡¯re weak, defeat Goblins and raise your Lv, which is the basics. At first, it¡¯s a goblin or slime, is how it should be but their status is higher than expected, their strength is stronger than mine¡­can I win? No, I will be stuck if I can not beat the goblin. I will be fighting them one day as long as I enter the forest.?

    ?

    Right now, I have the opportunity to launch a surprise attack. If I were to be suddenly attacked, I would be surprised and would be unable to do anything. The party which controls the element of surprise is overwhelmingly advantageous, you can aim to destroy each individual one by one, you can also choose an advantageous location, giving the advantage of terrain, you can even choose the timing, it is an absolute opportunity. If you can win, that is.?

    ?

    The problem is HP and ViT, and PoW, if you think only by the numbers, based on me whose stats are all 10, HP is 4 times, ViT is about 2.5 times? That means I have to attack 10 times more than the goblin. If I consider PoW¡¯s 2x, it¡¯s 20 times, so I can¡¯t win unless I land more than 20 hits per one hit.?

    ?

    On the other hand, my HP is 10, Goblin¡¯s PoW is around 20, which means I will be out with a single blow. Which means I have to land 10 hits without getting hit once. It is a number that cannot be achieved by surprise attacks alone.?

    ?

    SpE and DeX are about the same, so I can¡¯t overwhelm them with speed either. The only advantages I have are InT and LuK, InT which is 10 times more and LuK which is incomprehensibly more. I might be able to win with InT if it was intelligence, but it¡¯s meaningless if it¡¯s magic.?

    ?

    For what it¡¯s worth, there is also that wooden stick with an attack power of ¡°?¡± The opponent also has a club, but it¡¯s the same because I¡¯m done in one hit anyway. On the contrary, it can be said that it is advantageous if their speed is slowed by that heavy club.?

    ?

    Moreover, if you aim at the back of the head or the neck from behind, it may cause more damage than other places. If I get a double bonus, it¡¯s 5 hits, the value of a surprise attack is probably high.?

    ?

    As long as I don¡¯t know how reliable the numbers projected on the status are, an experiment is required, the experiment known as real-life combat.?

    ?

    If you try it, you will understand, but if you do not try you cannot understand, you can do it if it¡¯s possible, but when it¡¯s not, it¡¯s dangerous. Securing an escape route should be my first course of action.?

    ?

    SpE remains the same, but the difference in height is surprisingly large, especially the difference in leg length is even longer, the leg length is! Yeah, it¡¯s an important place, so I tried saying it twice! This part is probably going to be on the exam.?

    ?

    If I want to escape, it¡¯s the cave. If I go back to my home, I might have the hikikomori effect, and the entrance is narrow, so I can bring it in 1: 1. Even if I run inside, I hold the home ground advantage.?

    ?

    If I loop around the edge of the forest for the attack and fail, I can escape immediately. Hiding my presence to not make any noise while moving slowly, from this angle, I can only aim for Goblin A. If Goblin A can be defeated with haste before Golbin B arrives, it may be possible to turn a 2: 1 situation into 1: 1 consecutive battles.?

    ?

    Holding my breath, I approach quietly until I get in range to launch an attack. Goblin A is looking backward and Goblin B moved even further away. When am I doing it? Now! Fighting school, I¡¯m scared!?

 CH 2.2

    In a single breath, I leap towards Goblin A and launch an attack from above. I land another blow while the goblin is still bent over. I continue by landing a blow from the side. This continues until Goblin B comes within range. By the time Goblin B arrives, even if Goblin A is not dead, he will not be in a condition to fight.?

    ?

    Goblin B rushes in while swinging its club, its swings are large, but unexpectedly hard to avoid. Avoiding the swing, I launch an attack.?

    ?

    The goblin¡¯s attack is easy to read, and there is nothing exceptional about it. I continue dodging its attacks.?

    ?

    I continue observing its attack patterns.?

    ?

    When I¡¯ve finished analyzing the goblin¡¯s movements to the point where I can read it¡¯s next action, I launch a counter-attack.?

    ?

    While fighting the goblin, I dodge its initial attack, then I swing at the goblin with my wooden stick, and then I back away before repeating the process. It¡¯s a slow but steady method of attack.?

    ?

    Injured, the ferociousness of the goblin increases as it becomes irritated, and its attacks become more reckless. I screamed before starting to swing at the goblin from above. I landed a hit on its throat before dodging to avoid a counter, but the counter never came.?

    ?

    I move a bit of distance away to adjust my breath. I was able to get through this fight without any injuries. Although it wasn¡¯t a beautiful win, it was my first battle. Killing goblins in a 1-on-1. That¡¯s good enough for now.?

    ?

    Both goblins aren¡¯t moving, but I hit them once each, as a safety measure. Then I take their clubs as my loot before washing my face with river water.?

    ?

    I was more tired mentally than physically. Near the end of the battle, I could clearly envision the attacks and movement of the goblins. I¡¯m not sure about my physical state or my reflexes, but everything feels more responsive. This should be a good enough result for my first battle in another world.?

    ?

    There are many differences in this world compared to earth but getting used to it should be my greatest priority.?

    ?

    But is it my imagination that this is the first thing that I¡¯ve done that seems to be proof of the fact that I¡¯ve traveled to another world??

    ?

    I went back to the forest to rest a bit. I then assemble a simple lattice door with the timber and vines that I had collected while munching on roasted mushrooms.?

    ?

    I picked up as much wood as I could in the forest so I had an abundant amount of wood remaining which I dried with temperature magic and stored. Thanks, Item Bag!?

    ?

    As for carpentry work, weight magic was especially convenient, because the weight of the timber is made lighter, there is no need for someone else to help. You can do it alone! Even a loner can do it! Let¡¯s leave it at that!?

    ?

    I wipe off my sweat with water and wash my clothes. I¡¯m not good at exercising, neither do I like sweating through my clothes, and I don¡¯t like getting my clothes sweaty. This is a different world, but I¡¯m not a different person. I wasn¡¯t suited for the original world, but then again, is there even a need for a person like me??

    ?

    Conflict is still difficult, and it is dangerous if there is no deciding factor. I can only choose to rely on magic since my other skills are completely useless.?

    ?

    The only magic that I can use is fire magic that I learned to use in this world. Gramps is seriously useless. I don¡¯t know if magic can improve with practice, but if I can utilize it somehow in combat, then it will improve my combat ability by a great amount.?

    ?

    If it was possible, I¡¯d want to settle all combat with long-distance attacks, but if my level does not rise, it would be impossible. To raise my level, I have to fight.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll try a fire-like-spell with [Temperature] and [Fire magic], but with [Temperature] magic, the fire accumulates very slowly, fire magic can make fireballs but they are small and fly only a short distance, at most 2-3 meters. If you want the spell to travel, you need to concentrate a lot and it will be difficult to pull off in actual battle. That being said, it¡¯s fun, so I¡¯ll practice a little more.?

    ?

    It is quite difficult to make a wooden stick heavier, I try to make it heavier and shake it but it¡¯s quite difficult to hold. If it¡¯s this heavy the whole time, it will be difficult to swing, and if I try to make it heavy at the moment it hits, it will be difficult as well, perhaps I will end up just dropping it? For now, I will practice.?

    ?

    I try to wrap my wooden stick with packing magic. Is doing so a good idea if you do not understand the effect? I feel that something has changed, but I have no idea what happened. I¡¯m not sure if it makes sense to pack a wooden stick with magical power, but at the very least, it will serve as experience for my cane arts.?

    ?

    [Movement] is difficult to understand because of [Walk]. It just feels like 10 steps worth of distance became 7 to 8 steps when I approached the goblins. The goblins seem just as surprised by my rapid approach as I was. Well, I killed them anyway though.?

    ?

    It¡¯s hard to use [Movement] alone but when I use it together with [Walk], I faceplant into a wall. At this rate, I¡¯m going to gain a [Klutz] skill or title, and eventually, end up charging into goblins making stupid sounds. There is probably a demand for such a scene if it was a young girl but nobody would want to see the same with a high schoolboy.?

    ?

    A random thought led me to try wrapping my body with [packing] magic. It took a bit of effort at first but I became faster at it until I was able to wrap my entire body within an instant.?

    ?

    If I try to move with my body wrapped in magic, then perhaps my body will move smoother and faster? The placebo effect? Sort of like that??

    ?

    Is there some sort of physical benefit? Or maybe that¡¯s because my defense and magic defense have gone up, regardless, I¡¯ll need practice to even understand the effect. Wrap my body with magic, move around, and hit things with a stick¡­it¡¯s a playground! Leave that sort of scene for little girls. There should be no demand for that type of scene with a highschool boy. How do I know this? Because I wouldn¡¯t want to see it either.?

    ?

    In the end, it¡¯s a trial and error, only after trying various things can I try to theorize carefully. I won¡¯t know anything until I try it out in live combat. I¡¯ll be able to tell if there¡¯s some sort of effect.?

    ?

    Being low on stamina is affecting me a lot but the magical exhaustion is even worse. Time to go to bed.?

    ?

    Before that, [Appraisal]. Oh yea, I got that item from the goblin. I use [Appraisal] on the goblin¡¯s item.?

    ?

    [Cudgel wooden club grade 10], what grade is my wooden stick? Which is why there¡¯s no comparison, not that I could use it either way as it was too short and small.?

    ?

    I regain my bearings before checking my status.?

    ?

    Name: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶

    Lv £°£²

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP £²£³ £¨£±£³UP)?

    ?

    MP £°/£²£± £¨£±£±UP)?

    ?

    ViT £²£² £¨£±£²UP£©

    PoW £²£± £¨£±£±UP)

    SpE £²£µ £¨£±£µUP£©

    DeX £²£µ £¨£±£µUP)

    MiN £²£± £¨£±£±UP£©

    InT £²£µ £¨£±£µUP£©

    Luk Max£¨Limit Break£©?

    ?

    SP £°£µ£¨£µUP£©?

    ?

    Martial Arts ¡¸Cane Arts £Ì£ö£²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£© ¡¸Avoidance £Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©¡¸Premonition£Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©¡¸Wrapping Magic £Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Magic ¡¸Temperature£Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Movement£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Weight£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Packing £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Fire Magic £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Skills¡¸Health£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body£Ì£ö£²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£© ¡¸Gymnastics£Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Walking £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Command£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Appraisal£Ì£ö£²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Clairvoyance £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Detect Presence£Ì£ö£²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Magic Control £Ì£ö£±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Title ¡¸Hikikomori£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸NEET £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Loner£Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown ¡¸Communication £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Muppet £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Equipment¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¸Wooden stick£¿¡¹¡¸Basic clothes£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Boots£¿¡¹¡¸Cloak£¿¡¹¡¸Contacts£¿¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹?

    ?

    Yay! I leveled up! My stats have more than doubled. The rate of growth is higher than I thought, it might only be like this at the start but more than doubling is better than expected. It should be much easier to fight with twice the speed and dexterity. With twice the speed, I can overwhelm my opponents with fast maneuvers.?

    ?

    Looking at how my speed and dexterity have doubled, am I perhaps speed-orientated? Is this a message to tell me that no matter how strong the enemy is, if they can¡¯t hit me, it¡¯s pointless? With a tad more stats I would have been triple what my original stats were.?

    ?

    Intelligence also rose, is this because of my efforts in practicing magic? Or perhaps because I used my brain during the fight? After coming to another world, I finally learn the benefits of rapid learning? Not that I¡¯ve tried it.?

    ?

    Huh? Sh*t! [Sensitive Body] leveled up! I haven¡¯t done anything weird? Seriously? I haven¡¯t met anything but goblins? There wasn¡¯t any dialogue between me and the goblins either. Why did it level up? Did I become sensitive? Is this fine? Perhaps my skin has become more sensitive??

    ?

    I¡¯ll just act as if I hadn¡¯t seen it. Let¡¯s see, oh! [Cane Arts] has leveled up, all I¡¯ve done is hit things with a stick but it leveled up. Is this that? Is this the leveling system where you level up as long as you kill your target??

    ?

    Now that I think about it, with my leveling debuffs, I didn¡¯t expect to level up by killing two goblins. My status was so pitiful that I could¡¯ve been killed by anything so leveling up after killing two goblins is also not too unreasonable.?

    ?

    Since the two goblins were Lv.8 and Lv.7, it could have also been the additional experience from the level gap. I don¡¯t understand the parameters of the system. I want a deliveryman to bring me a book regarding knowledge of this world but I don¡¯t know the name of this world. I think that gramps told me but I don¡¯t remember. What a useless old man.?

    ?

    I¡¯ve been skipping out on doing gymnastics so today would be the first day I try it out but. It already leveled up? Is gymnastics the first skill that I master in another world? As the skill levels up, will I be able to learn the legendary, radio gymnastics #2? If I master this skill, will I be able to become the legendary radio man??

    ?

    Next is Appraisal, Presence detection, and Search. I¡¯ve been using this quite frequently and they¡¯ll be important skills in the future as well. I¡¯m glad that they leveled up.?

    ?

    What I don¡¯t understand is why i gained¡¸Wrapping Magic £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¢and¡¸Magic Control£ö£±¡¹. Is it perhaps because of practice? Or was it because I used Weight Magic in live combat? Well, I understand.?

    ?

    [Magic Wrapping]? Because it¡¯s worn, is it connected to Packing, or is it an extension from my body to the wooden stick? Since I could wrap my body with magic, I thought that it would strengthen my body but nope. In the first place, what is the difference between Magic Wrapping and Packing??

    ?

    Ah~I¡¯m sleepy already. I¡¯ll go to sleep now. Still, I wonder what the legendary radio exercise #3 is like.

 CH 3

    Hmmm, I¡¯m hungry¡­It¡¯s my first time waking up from hunger.?

    ?

    Do I get hungry when I run out of magic? Anyways, let¡¯s eat something first¡­not that there¡¯s anything but mushrooms. I lightly sprinkle the mushrooms with fire magic and then tear each mushroom into smaller pieces. I then drain the aquatic herbs I found and make a salad. Hmm, I want some dressing. Since the herbs have a light bitterness, I want something with a flavor to neutralize that. As I expected, not having Mayonnaise would be the biggest problem in another world¡­all I have are mushrooms. It¡¯s not possible after all if mayonnaise could be extracted from mushrooms, that would be a bigger surprise than being transported to another world.?

    ?

    Anyways, my hunger has finally subsided. Let¡¯s wash my face, my daily routine is messed up. It¡¯s a tainted lifestyle in another world except for the fact that I¡¯m a loner.?

    ?

    My level has risen, only Lv2, but I should possess double the ability now. However, if I¡¯ve become two times stronger, shouldn¡¯t there be some odd sensation? I do feel that I¡¯ve become stronger and faster but not to the extent where I feel anything abnormal. In reality, it¡¯s not actually that I¡¯ve become twice as strong rather that I¡¯ve gained twice the combat prowess. Regardless, I don¡¯t allow myself to become overconfident.?

    ?

    The first thing I can do seems to be strengthening myself. I can look for weak monsters to farm but the problem is the possibility of encountering strong monsters.?

    ?

    If I recall correctly, yesterday I gained some sort of martial art¡­It¡¯s this! [Wrapping Magic Lv1].

    Magic control, I can understand Avoidance and Premonition, the one that needs verification is probably Wrapping Magic, what do you wrap I wonder? Then it¡¯s possible that a stalker will cling to it¡­even though it¡¯s magical power? Power is a stalker? What kind of martial art is this??

    ?

    Well, first of all, Appraisal-san, please.?

    ?

    [Wrapping Magic Lv.1, strengthens your body by wrapping magic around it. Physical operation, physical strengthening, physical defense, corrected to magic defense].?

    ?

    Oh, it¡¯s a value pack, a bargain, a value set, It¡¯s a bargain for housewives in another world.?

    ?

    I had guessed that it would hold the effect of strengthening my body but to think It would actually be true. If I keep getting wonderful skills like this then there was no need to waste my time in a white room with a senile old man. Isn¡¯t it good in a different world? On the contrary, haven¡¯t I been weakened by going to that white room??

    ?

    Is this the feeling of your original ability being corrected by the status? Correction in status is more than doubled because of my level up. Furthermore, I will be strengthened by Wrapping Magic. How much stronger have I become??

    ?

    I can¡¯t master Movement. If I could master it then I might be able to pull off a hit and run but I¡¯ll bump into something and fall. Fugyuu !? Seems like what I¡¯d say. It puts me at risk of gaining Klutz as a title. I can¡¯t use it for now.?

    ?

    It¡¯s probably the most efficient method to master Wrapping Magic. Practice, practice¡­until I¡¯m able to wrap my entire body in an instant. I don¡¯t feel that exhausted either. And it should be an ability that I can use. Is it cheap and delicious? Fat people would be happy.?

    ?

    And yesterday, after the appraisal Lvl went up to 2, [Wooden stick?], [Basic clothes?], [Leather Gloves?], [Leather Boots?], [Cloak?], [Contacts?]. [?] has been exhausted. Why? Normally, when the level of Appraisal is raised, [?] becomes visible.?

    ?

    Until now, the stats such as offensive power and defense power became visible, but when the Lv of Appraisal went up, the name became ¡°?¡±. Why degenerate !? Evolution, skill !? What am I supposed to do when I become less aware when I need to become more aware??

    ?

    My head is hurting like crazy so let¡¯s go outside!?

    ?

    .?

    ?

    .?

    ?

    .?

    ?

    Grace of the forest, its name is mushrooms¡­Isn¡¯t there anything else! Since it¡¯s a forest and all, wouldn¡¯t it make sense to have a variety of ingredients??

    ?

    Is this a mushroom village? Am I going to end up fighting with mushroom villagers? Was I summoned to the mushroom forest for the village war? The horrible war of washing blood with blood and wrapping it in chocolate, also exists in this world¡­

    [1. TN Note: This is a reference to a meme born out of a ¡°feud¡± on which of the snacks produced by the same company since 1980 is tastier. Picture of snacks in question. Example video]?

    ?

    I¡¯ve already gathered mushrooms and gathered mushrooms.?

    ?

    It¡¯s about time to practice Magic Wrapping. My goal is to be able to wrap my entire body within an instant. Then I try running in different directions while trying a variety of movements.

    I¡¯m definitely moving fast but I feel like rather than moving after thinking, I¡¯m thinking and moving into moving at the same time. My reaction speed has improved and I¡¯m no longer making unnecessary movements. I¡¯m gonna need time to get used to this. If I level up again by the time I get used to it then there¡¯s no point but you lose the moment you think like that. Am I going to start thinking that If I start working then I lose one of these days??

    ?

    Lightly, I can adjust the movement of my body while swinging the wooden stick. I attempt to trace my movements from the battle yesterday. I can only say that it feels great. From a bystanders perspective, it will appear as if my movements have gotten sharper? It¡¯s hard to ask a goblin, so I¡¯ll fight them to test it out.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a secret that I tried Movement and fell down.

    Fueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee¡­?

    ?

    It seems that they come out near the river, but when I loop back, I can see many signs of their presence.?

    ?

    It would be nice if I could find a small pack of them. I find two goblins but they¡¯re not far apart like yesterday so there¡¯s a high chance that it will turn into a 2v1.?

    ?

    They¡¯re levels are 9 and 11, slightly stronger than the ones from yesterday. I won¡¯t be fast enough to launch a sneak attack with just Walking. I run from the side to not kill any momentum. There was considerable resistance. Goblin A has become unable to move. I celebrated but the goblin didn¡¯t move, can you read the atmosphere??

    ?

    While avoiding the downward swing of Goblin B, I crouch down and move sideways. I circle to the back of the goblin and deliver a hit. Then I immediately fall back a set distance away and observe the situation. I don¡¯t let my guard down and pay attention to my surroundings.?

    ?

    [Have I done it?]?

    ?

    Despite acting as if I had let my guard down, the goblins do not show any hint of movement, it appears they are dead. What a bunch of ignorant fools.?

    ?

    It feels as if things went a lot smoother than yesterday. Not sure if it¡¯s because I¡¯ve gotten used to fighting or if it¡¯s because of the level up. It¡¯s a pain to verify whether it¡¯s because of the effects of Wrapping Magic. It should be fine to leave it at the general conclusion that I¡¯ve become stronger. At least I¡¯ve now confirmed that I can fight goblins. I don¡¯t know of any other monsters but goblins nor any ingredients other than mushrooms.?

    ?

    Does the effect of Wrapping Magic extend to the wooden stick? It feels as if it extends to the stick but I¡¯m not sure what exactly has changed, it does feel as if the stick has gotten stronger though.

    I continue to look for more targets as I¡¯m not yet exhausted. My next targets are two goblins, Lv 7 and Lv 8. I eliminate them both in one hit. The goblins get weaker as I go upstream. They are weaker the closer they are to the riverside. Is the most dangerous part of the forest straight from the cave? The goblins also move around so I¡¯m not sure but there may be a gathering spot so I need to be careful. I will aim for a temporary truce with the goblins!?

    ?

    I head deep inside the forest from the cave side. There are two Lv 10 goblins and one Lv 13 goblin. As long as I kill the Lv 13 goblin in a surprise attack, the remaining two will be easy to deal with after. Lv 13 huh? As I had expected, they¡¯ve become stronger. Dealing with 3 at the same time seems a bit scary so I¡¯ll leave them here for now.?

    ?

    On the way back to the cave, I deal with a Lv 11 and Lv 10 goblin in a flash. The Lv of the goblins are lower when heading down the river. If this is the case, I have my new hunting ground. If I try to fight goblins Lv 10 and above with brute force then I¡¯ll lose so I sneak attack them from behind, haste, evade and land a blow from the back. Using these 3 tactics are necessary. Any goblins above Lv 10 can only be defeated by building up momentum and sneak attacking them from behind. I will lose the fight without relying on a sneak attack until I master Movement. Why do I have to beat goblins to death with a stick as well¡­?

    ?

    In a world of magic and swords, I¡¯m unemployed and hitting things with a stick. What are the future prospects of a person that ambushes goblins from behind with a stick? Ambushing with a stick makes me no different than a goblin.?

    ?

    I arrive home slightly dazed. I weep slightly at my pitiful self. There is no need to deliberate on my dinner, it¡¯s mushrooms. Bon appetit.?

    ?

    For the time being, I put firewood and other resources in the corner of the cave. Even if I call them resources, they¡¯re easily breakable. Regardless it¡¯s a tree that defeated a demon. If I leave it alone, it¡¯ll eventually become firewood. If it can be processed, furniture and tools can be made. After that¡­I haven¡¯t used these clubs, and I¡¯ll probably never use them, but I¡¯ll leave a few of them in the item bag. I have no spare weapons yet and there¡¯s no harm in being too careful.?

    ?

    After bathing, I lie down in my tent. My back hurts if I lie down on the cave floor. I have a sleeping bag, but I want a bed that has double cushioning. Even a loner wants a comfy bed.?

    ?

    My Lv didn¡¯t rise, I guess it¡¯s not so easy, after all, the rise of Lv is slow and bad.?

    ?

    You can¡¯t become strong overnight. I guess I just have to learn things one by one.?

    ?

    Consider, train, test and practice skills, verify results, and improve skills. We have to make trials and errors endlessly and build our own way of fighting, we have no choice but to improve ourselves little by little. Since I¡¯ve transferred to another world, it doesn¡¯t have to be a cheat, but a technique or weapon that¡¯s more cool is not too much to ask for is it? These skills are too plain. Another world¡­?

    ?

    Don¡¯t think, don¡¯t think, it¡¯s important to be steady, surely. So it seems that high school students before the examination were selected, and my class seems to be useless.

    [2. TN Note: He¡¯s talking about the center exam that all high school students take at the end of the year. It¡¯s a very important exam that can quite literally decide your future. Just like the SAT.]?

    ?

    I can use Wrapping Magic. The effect was tremendous, and although the Lv up and other factors might have had to do with it, I can definitely fight the goblin. If you can defeat it in a short time, you will not be surrounded by it¡¯s friends.?

    ?

    I ambushed Lv 13 but it was still hard to defeat. It was a tough opponent indeed. There is still most likely a higher leveled opponent. Before my level rises, my skill level might rise. I should probably use my skills frequently to level them up.?

    ?

    After that, I want a decisive factor. If I have the speed to attack and escape, I can control the battle, if I can master the Movement skill, I can do that.?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, practice Movement until I go to sleep! [It hurts!], [Ugyah!], [Guwah]¡­[Ku~], [Ate]¡­[Fuweee]. This is going to be quite hard.?

    ?

    Name Haruka Race Human?

    ?

    AGE 16?

    ?

    Lv 02?

    ?

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡23?

    ?

    MP¡¡21?

    ?

    ViT¡¡22?

    ?

    PoW¡¡21?

    ?

    SpE¡¡25?

    ?

    DeX¡¡25?

    ?

    MiN¡¡21?

    ?

    InT¡¡25?

    ?

    LuK Max(Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡05?

    ?

    Martial Arts¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¸Cane Arts £Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Avoidance£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Premonition £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Wrapping Magic £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Magic¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¸Tempature £Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Movement £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Weight £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Packing £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Fire Magic¡¡£Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Skills ¡¸Health £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body£Ì£ö£²¡¹ ¡¸Gymnastics £Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Walking £Ì£ö£²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Command £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Appraisal £Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Clarivoyance £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Detect Presence £Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Search£Ì£ö£²¡¹¡¸Magic Control £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Titles ¡¸Hikikomori £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸NEET £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Loner £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown¡¡¡¸Communication£Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades £Ì£ö£±¡¹¡¸Muppet £Ì£ö£±¡¹?

    ?

    Items¡¡¡¸Wooden Stick£¿¡¹¡¸Basic Clothes£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Boots£¿¡¹¡¸Mantle£¿¡¹¡¸Contacts£¿¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, my Walking leveled up, I may have increased my speed, and my travel distance would have increased, but with this, the difficulty of using Movement has also risen too¡­[Hehehe].

 CH 4

    Day 4 Cave?

    ?

    Wake up, eat, explore. With that being said, let¡¯s explore the upstream area of the forest. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m getting more excited, on the contrary, it¡¯s going down. I want to eat something other than mushrooms, I¡¯m not talking about something luxurious like rice or ramen, just food other than mushrooms.?

    ?

    It¡¯s an exploration, it¡¯s scary to go too far away from the get go, so I proceed from the riverside with a good view. Mushrooms are still found everywhere, and as usual anything other than mushrooms are nowhere to be found.?

    ?

    I found two Goblins with Detect Presence, their levels were 12 and 11. I used [Movement Lv 1] and [Wrapping Magic], then I ambushed Goblin A and defeated it with one blow, but ¡°Movement Lv 1¡± was too fast!! I blindly rushed into it and it was practically a car crash.?

    ?

    Goblin B seems surprised at how quickly Goblin A was defeated and so was I. I used Wrapping Magic to strengthen the wooden stick. Goblin B was defeated in two swings.?

    ?

    Perhaps the Wrapping Magic is working or maybe it¡¯s just the Placebo effect. The tradition of hanging sardine heads was also effective because of belief. There¡¯s only mushrooms around me so will I eventually turn to the mushroom cult?

    [1. TN Note: During the Edo period, it was custom to hang sardine heads to ward demons away]?

    ?

    I begin to explore deeper into the forest, I¡¯ve gathered enough food, I¡¯ve had enough mushrooms¡­?

    ?

    More goblins approach, this time there are 3 of them. Lv 14, Lv 11, and Lv 10. I used [Movement] and [Wrapping Magic] then ambush again. I defeated Goblin A with a single blow but it was a bit sloppy as I almost moved in the wrong direction. It¡¯s okay though, the distance from Goblin B widened so I need to launch a quick attack. Shit¡­Ugh, as I receive a counter. When I use [Movement], I¡¯m unable to avoid launching into them.?

    ?

    In the meantime, it¡¯s a combination of evasion, movement, and more evasion in my fight with Goblin C. If I decide my course of action first, it will be advantageous towards me in an instant, but if I move slowly, it will be disadvantageous for me at once. It¡¯s a double-edged sword, well a wooden stick actually.?

    ?

    After that, I practice with [Movement] in mind, if I find it then I practice it. I can now also surround my entire body with Wrapping Magic without much hassle.?

    ?

    It¡¯s [Movement] that is dangerous, and it¡¯s a secret that I fell two times. I won¡¯t cry.

    I took more damage than I had expected, so I returned to the cave immediately. The damage I received was from the club that I hit myself with and the damage I received crashing into the goblins. Well suicide, not a suicide attack, but true suicide. A blitzer whose special move is being a Klutz. The last goblin was the hardest to kill although I¡¯m not sure what level it was.?

    ?

    It wore a bracelet, so I took it, and it was a complete act of looting.. I wonder if I¡¯m a thief, a robber, or an unemployed person ¡­

    [2. TN Note: Perhaps all three?¡­]?

    ?

    Late lunch in the cave, don¡¯t ask me anything. Let¡¯s open my status.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka¡¡¡¡Race: Human?

    ?

    AGE 16

    Lv 03

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡ 8/35 £¨12UP£©

    MP¡¡10/32 £¨11 UP£©

    ViT¡¡37 £¨15UP£©

    PoW¡¡35 £¨14UP£©

    SpE¡¡38 £¨13UP£©

    DeX¡¡38 £¨13UP£©

    MiN¡¡36 £¨15UP£©

    InT¡¡40£¨15UP£©

    LuK¡¡Max£¨Limit Break£©

    SP¡¡13?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv £²¡¹ ¡¸Avoidance Lv £²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Premonition Lv £²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Wrapping Magic Lv £±¡¹?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Tempature Lv £²¡¹¡¸Movement Lv £±¡¹¡¸Weight Lv £±¡¹¡¸Packing Lv £±¡¹¡¸Fire Magic¡¡ Lv £±¡¹?

    ?

    Skill:¡¸Health Lv £²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Sensitive Body Lv £²¡¹ ¡¸Gymnastics

    Lv £²¡¹¡¸Walking Lv £²¡¹¡¸Command Lv £±¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv £²¡¹¡¸Clarivoyance Lv £±¡¹¡¸Detect Prescense Lv £²¡¹¡¸Search Lv £²¡¹¡¸Magic Control Lv £±¡¹?

    ?

    Title:¡¸Hikikomori Lv £±¡¹¡¸NEET Lv £±¡¹¡¸Loner Lv £±¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv £±¡¹¡¸Jack of all trades Lv £±¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv £±¡¹?

    ?

    Equipment:¡¸Wooden Stick£¿¡¹¡¸Basic Clothes£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Boots£¿¡¹¡¸Mantle£¿¡¹¡¸Contacts£¿¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹?

    ?

    Yosha, my level went up. The InT has finally risen to 40, and the other stats have risen to around 30. Judging just by status, I¡¯m a lot stronger than a goblin? However, I am not convinced since I struggled in the big one-on-one battle at the end.?

    ?

    Speaking of which, I was wearing a bracelet, I took out the bracelet and used Appraisal on it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Bracelet¡¡£Ð£ï£×£«£±£¥¡¡Monster Bracelet¡¹

    Yeah, it raises my power although only by 1%. It¡¯s still better than nothing. I decided to use the bracelet although I¡¯m not a monster.?

    ?

    It was evening and my stamina had all recovered, so I decided to take a walk upstream around the river. There aren¡¯t many goblins on this course, and there should be only small fry.?

    ?

    I feel a presence upstream but it¡¯s not a goblin. I head into the forest while hiding and moving slowly with a steady yet quick movement to not make noise. I use [Clairvoyance], I can see three human men. When I closely examined them, they were my classmates, but it¡¯s a troublesome one, a delinquent at school, and the evil of the class, although that¡¯s just how I viewed it. They¡¯re people that flock together and make noise to bully the nerds but that¡¯s about it.?

    ?

    I use Appraisal while hidden, I can only see Lv and Job. Their jobs are Great Swordsman, Dual Swordsman, Flame Engineer, Lv 11, 3, and 2, there is quite a huge difference.?

    ?

    I decide to hide nearby for now. They sat down near the river and started talking so I approached them to hear the conversation. Most of the conversation was useless information, erotic talk about girls.?

    ?

    20 out of 42 classmates are girls, and there is an otaku who seems to be particularly active, sort of an unpleasant situation, well, he¡¯s probably the most familiar with skills and other information related to transferring to another world. Other than that, it seems that the girls¡¯ selfish Bitch group and five other girls are in a conflict.?

    ?

    These three are the bully groups, they don¡¯t do any work at all, and they¡¯re still acting selfish, what about those girls? I wonder if they¡¯re going to assault the girls, I guess it¡¯s impossible, girls have the class representative, and I think she¡¯ll easily see through their plans and crush them.?

    ?

    It is the class representative who from elementary school year 1, to high school year 2, made students obedient whether they were problematic students or delinquents?

    ?

    Hmm? What the hell, while these three delinquents are talking to each other, I didn¡¯t seem to notice them¡­but is there someone nearby? It¡¯d be a hassle if they noticed me.?

    ?

    I sneak away from the place but I continue to monitor from a distance, but there is no sign of anyone other than those three, not even a trace??

    ?

    I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but I don¡¯t need to force myself to get invo Lv ed, I¡¯m going home.?

    ?

    I found out that all of my classmates were upstream but there was no real reason for me to go and meet them, it seemed like there was some sort of troublesome situation and the human relationships seemed muddy. I hope they don¡¯t let that mud flow downstream to me. That¡¯s environmental pollution, will my Hikikomori environment be polluted? ? Or is it perhaps a Loner environment or a Botchi environment? It looks like it¡¯s already polluted, by the person known as me.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s return to the cave before it gets dark, I hunt two goblins on the way. I don¡¯t know the effect of + 1% on the bracelet at all yet, I could easily get rid of the goblins because I¡¯d gotten better at hiding my presence. I can use this skill, time for practice.?

    ?

    After that, I found out there were rabbits who excelled at concealing their presence, I couldn¡¯t find it then without removing my presence. It was the first time after coming to this world to see animals. The first thing that came to mind was meat then rabbit hunting. I grab something that seems like a mushroom and I eat the first decent meal I¡¯ve had in awhile.?

    ?

    It was a feast, it was delicious. How many days has it been since I¡¯ve eaten meat? The meat was accompanied by mushrooms, but that wasn¡¯t a problem. Mushrooms are great as side dishes, but the mushrooms play a leading role too frequently. It is a solo performance!?

    ?

    What should I do with the tiny rabbit fur? Sell it? It¡¯s impossible unless I hunt a 100 or so? That¡¯s too many.?

    ?

    I practice my magic leisurely, an everyday occupation kind of feeling. I conduct trial and error to see whether the residence can be improved a little more, casting Packing on the ground and seeing what happens? Pulling and seeing what happens? Stretching it and seeing what happens? Harden it, make a hole in the ground, make a mound, or shape it? Huh, for some reason this is kind of fun. ¡­¡­I forgot the time. Oh yeah, it was midnight.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka¡¡¡¡Race: Human?

    ?

    AGE 16

    Lv 03

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡35

    MP¡¡ 32

    ViT¡¡37

    PoW¡¡35?

    ?

    SpE¡¡38

    DeX¡¡38

    MiN¡¡36

    InT¡¡40

    LuK¡¡Max£¨Limit Break£©

    SP¡¡16?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv £²¡¹ ¡¸Avoidance Lv £²¡¹¡¸Premonition Lv £²¡¹¡¸Wrapping Magic Lv £²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv £²¡¹¡¸Movement Lv £²¡¹¡¸Weight Lv £±¡¹¡¸Packing Lv £²¡¹¡¸Fire Magic¡¡ Lv £²¡¹¡¸Earth Magic¡¡ Lv £±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Skill:¡¸Health Lv £²¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv £²¡¹ ¡¸Gymnastics Lv £² ¡¹¡¸Walking Lv £²¡¹¡¸Command Lv £±¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv £³¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸Farsight Lv £±¡¹¡¸Detect Presence Lv £²¡¹¡¸Search Lv £²¡¹¡¸Magic Control Lv £±¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv £±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©¡¸Stealth Lv £±¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv £²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©¡¸NEET Lv £±¡¹¡¸Loner Lv £²¡¹£¨£Õ£ð£©?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv £±¡¹¡¸Jack of all trades Lv £±¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv £±¡¹?

    ?

    Equipment:¡¸Wooden Stick£¿¡¹¡¸Basic Clothes£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves£¿¡¹¡¸Leather Boots£¿¡¹¡¸Mantle£¿¡¹¡¸Contacts£¿¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet¡¡£Ð£ï£×£«£±£¥¡¹£¨£Î£å£÷£©?

    ?

    Hikikomori and Loner went up. Is it because I didn¡¯t even try to make contact with my classmates? Was it because I was having fun playing alone in the room? I would¡¯ve cried if NEET went up after working this much. These titles hurt me emotionally.?

    ?

    Earth Magic? Ah~messing around with the cave was seen as Earth Magic. Is it okay to gain Fire Magic from grilling mushrooms and Earth Magic from tunneling a cave? Is this how it¡¯s supposed to be in another world? Isn¡¯t it too livelihood focused??

    ?

    It seems like it was a good idea to sneak around and hide myself. Erase presence and Stealth are good skills, they¡¯ll help me in assassinating goblins. Let¡¯s be sneaky tomorrow and raise my level. What¡¯s with this lifestyle in another world, it¡¯s not nearly as gorgeous like in light novels. At the very least, the protagonist wouldn¡¯t say, ¡®I¡¯m going to be sneaky tomorrow as well.¡¯?

    ?

    Well, I¡¯m going to be sneaky either way. I mean of course I am.

 CH 5

    Day 5 ¨C Cave?

    ?

    One day, I met gob-san in the forest, in the forest full of nothing but mushrooms, I met gob-san.?

    ?

    Clubbed it to death.?

    ?

    No, really, walking through the forest in search of food.?

    ?

    Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, gob, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, gob, gob, mushroom, mushroom, gob, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, gob, mushroom, mushroom, gob, gob, gob, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, gob, gob, mushroom, gob, mushroom, gob, mushroom, mushroom, gob, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, mushroom, gob, gob, gob, gob, gob.?

    ?

    Bam! Wandering around while appraising, the only edible thing I find are mushrooms, and also some herbs, and then gob, gob, gob. Well, gobs are not edible.?

    ?

    Rare rabbits are a treat, but I have no ranged weapon and no magic. Erasing my presence and activating stealth I quietly approach and swoop down on them.?

    ?

    All hail Erase Presence and Stealth. They are super usable, a lot more so than the stuff from the white room. With all skills I¡¯ve got from the God upon transference to another world being more useless than Erase Presence or Stealth, wouldn¡¯t it have been fine even without going to the white room? What was even the point of the God showing up? The next time we meet I¡¯m going to make him sit in seiza[1. TL Note: Japanese term for the standard formal traditional way of sitting in Japan. To sit seiza-style, one must first be kneeling on the floor, folding one¡¯s legs underneath one¡¯s thighs, while resting the buttocks on the heels. ] and will question him for about an hour.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mushroom, mushroom, ah, a gob.¡¹¡¸Bam.¡¹?

    ?

    Somehow, I¡¯ve gotten used to goblins before I even noticed. What do I do if I get affection towards them? Beating to death it is.?

    ?

    They are dull, with Erase Presence and Stealth I¡¯m almost completely unnoticeable to them.?

    ?

    And with a swift attack they can¡¯t respond immediately.?

    ?

    And they always raise a club overhead.?

    ?

    In short, an ambush, and with momentum from that, bludgeon them to death. And a repetition of that.?

    ?

    Stopping to have an exchange of blows with them is dangerous. Their strength and defense are high, but they have no speed and even less intelligence.?

    ?

    Repetition of assaults, repetition of mushroom gathering, at times herbs, rarely rabbits. While making sure to avoid the wannabe delinquents.?

    ?

    There aren¡¯t many goblins near the cave, but their level is around 10-15, and when it comes to level 15, unless I attack them with my all they won¡¯t go down in one hit.?

    ?

    As for the forest, though there are many of them, they are only about lv 10, weaklings. A bonus to mushrooms, though I won¡¯t eat them.?

    ?

    At times, I hear cries of birds above my head, Roasted bird, come on.?

    ?

    Having no ranged attacks I looked up hungrily, and as it turned out, fruits on the trees were also edible.?

    ?

    Those contact lenses are a win. Not only do they improve eyesight, with them I can see in the dark, in the distance, and even very small objects. Having good eyes is important.?

    ?

    If those were sold in my original I would¡¯ve used them as well. I wonder if they can fix my glare??

    ?

    I promptly climbed up the tree and picked fruit from the tree and put it in my mouth, then, sweetness, slightly sour, but it¡¯s the first sweet thing in a long while.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not like I was particularly fond of sweet stuff, but being able to taste it in a world where I couldn¡¯t get any of that, it feels strangely delicious.?

    ?

    I pick all the fruits I can, each of them is small, so the total volume isn¡¯t that big, not enough to fill the stomach.?

    ?

    After that, mushrooms, gobs, mushrooms, mushrooms, mushrooms, mushrooms, gobs, gobs, mushrooms, mushrooms, gobs¡­¡­Just leave me alone already! Some children are crying already, it¡¯s just me though.

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Lvl doesn¡¯t raise, though I went on goblins pretty hard.?

    ?

    There is a massive quantity of clubs stored in the item bag. I wonder if I can sell them in a town or something. Though I don¡¯t want to go to the town that might need such a large volume of clubs.?

    ?

    Ah, this is bad, I can¡¯t concentrate anymore. In such a state I¡¯m bound to make a blunder eventually, and taking a hit to the head with a club would be the end of me.?

    ?

    Lately I became a bit accustomed to using Movement, but being unable to concentrate I surely will trip, fall down, and get hit with a club. I¡¯ll die.?

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go back.¡¹?

    ?

    Taking a roundabout path I go back, mushrooms, mushrooms, mushrooms, mushrooms, gobs, mushrooms, fine, I¡¯ll master mushroom cuisine! Though I don¡¯t have anything aside from salt.?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Getting back home I feel at peace, is it the effect of Hikikomori? Is it going to gradually become harder and harder for me to leave outside? I guess it would depend on the delivery service, staying completely without books I would be too bored.?

    ?

    Most light novels have a staple that it¡¯s better to completely use up magic. It also would work as a magic practice.?

    ?

    Focusing my magic power I raise the temperature of mushrooms.?

    ?

    ¡¸I have a lot of dried mushrooms now, let¡¯s try to also use earth magic next and go for a hot stone roast.¡¹?

    ?

    Making improvements to my dwelling I use up my magic and go to sleep.?

    ?

    Perhaps because I was going to sleep after running out of magic, but after coming to this world I find it easy to fall asleep.?

    ?

    In the bed, I think to myself about the reason I was called to this world.?

    ?

    I was summoned to the forest that has nothing but mushrooms and gobs.?

    ?

    Was I called from another world to protect this one from mushrooms and gobs??

    ?

    Could it be that my life in another world would end at mushrooms and gobs??

    ?

    Aah, I think I¡¯m going to see mushrooms and gobs even in my dreams, let¡¯s sleep already.?

    ?

    Name: Haruka

    Race: Human

    Age: 16

    Lv £°£³

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP £³£µ

    MP £³£²

    ViT £³£·

    PoW £³£µ

    SpE £³£¸

    DeX £³£¸

    MiN £³£¶

    InT £´£°

    LuK Max(Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP £±£¶?

    ?

    Martial Arts¡¸Cane Arts Lv 2¡¹¡¸Avoidance Lv 2¡¹¡¸Premonition Lv 2¡¹¡¸Wrapping Magic Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Magic ¡¸Temperature Lv 2¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 2¡¹¡¸Weight Lv 1¡¹¡¸Packing Lv 2¡¹¡¸Fire Magic Lv 2¡¹¡¸Earth Magic Lv1¡¹?

    ?

    Skills¡¸Health Lv 2¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 2¡¹¡¸Gymnastics Lv 2¡¹¡¸Walking Lv 2¡¹¡¸Command Lv 1¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv 3¡¹¡¸Detect Presence Lv 2¡¹¡¸Farsight Lv 1¡¹¡¸Search Lv 2¡¹¡¸Magic Control Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Stealth Lv 1¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Titles ¡¸Hikikomori Lv 2¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 1¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown ¡¸Communication Lv 1¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 1¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items ¡¸Wooden stick?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«£±£¥¡¹?

    ?

    Isn¡¯t forest a treasure-trove of foodstuff? Why are all of the treasures limited to mushrooms? Is there something wrong with vegetation? Is it that kind of a forest??

    ?

    Where do I have to go to find other food? Or rather, what kind of food can I even find in a forest??

    ?

    Trees had fruits on them, but what about the ground? Underground? There might be potatoes, but I won¡¯t find any unless I keep digging all over the place.?

    ?

    Maybe I should move my dwelling, but by now I grew attached to it.?

    ?

    But staying here means mushrooms all the time.?

    ?

    This is a difficult question, I already have enough mushrooms to live for a while without picking any more.?

    ?

    And even if I go to pick something, the only thing I¡¯ll find would be more mushrooms.?

    ?

    I¡¯m diving headlong into being a hikikomori. Soon my NEETification will begin as well. And I¡¯ve always been a loner.

 CH 6

    Day 6 ¨C Cave?

    ?

    For now, clean the house. It¡¯s a cave though.?

    ?

    For now, I¡¯ll do weapon maintenance, it¡¯s just a stick though, so I can only polish it.?

    ?

    For now, I¡¯ll also do armor maintenance, or rather laundry, it¡¯s just clothing after all.?

    ?

    Then, chew on a late breakfast.?

    ?

    Aah, I can¡¯t get motivated for this.?

    ?

    Every day it¡¯s sauteed mushrooms.?

    ?

    Every day it¡¯s goblin clubbing.?

    ?

    Even my dreams are filled with mushrooms and goblins. Is that what¡¯s called love? Like hell it is.?

    ?

    My level doesn¡¯t rise from 3. It¡¯s surely because of Jack of all Trades and Muppet, their effects make it harder to raise level. It¡¯s what is written there, so there is no doubt.?

    ?

    Having no understanding or mastery of your own skills is a waste and can even become a detriment. Is what I was told, so there should be some merit to them.?

    ?

    Jack of All Trades, being able to do pretty much everything well, but on the other hand, lacking in focus. As a result, a person ends up not achieving mastery in anything. That¡¯s the meaning of it. Well, since it¡¯s about doing everything well, so it might be good for picking up new skills, but they still would be hard to level up.?

    ?

    The problem is Muppet.

    1 a slow-witted or stupid person 2 a person considered incapable of learning. Also, used as a derogatory term for people labeled as stupid or having done or said something moronic.?

    ?

    No good, no matter how much I think about this, it¡¯s a bad status. I guess the only thing I can do is raise the level and check it with Appraisal, the level won¡¯t raise though.?

    ?

    Although having it is not a problem, I don¡¯t really need Communication ¡¸You get better at Reporting, informing, and consulting¡¹[1. TL Note: The skill is a reference to this] I¡¯m Loner after all.?

    ?

    Well, thinking about stuff I don¡¯t understand won¡¯t lead to anything, for now let¡¯s focus on useful looking Health and Gymnastics. Today as well I¡¯ll go for a hunt after doing radio gymnastics.[2. TL Note: Warm-up exercises performed to music and guidance from radio broadcasts.]?

    ?

    The riverside doesn¡¯t have any gobs after all? Don¡¯t they drink water? Map, the skill that I gained without noticing, records previously visited areas, I just have to wander around.?

    ?

    First of all, to ensure safety I will expand it from the vicinity of the cave to the up and downstream of the river.?

    ?

    Even though I live near a river, I have neither a fishing rod or a net. Looking at tasty looking fish I nibble on a mushroom.?

    ?

    Venturing too far upstream I might end up encountering the wannabe delinquents once again. I don¡¯t think there is anything good about meeting them. And plenty of possible bad things.?

    ?

    Since they are only wannabes, they can¡¯t even fight properly, just annoying. But now, they have skills, that is the most dangerous combination. Just like small characters from cheap criminal drama, that would act high and mighty with a gun and would end up shooting after things develop beyond their control.?

    ?

    Speaking of Lv 3, my status increased, compared to when I was in the previous world, there is a remarkable difference in my movements, probably in part due to the influence of Movement. Beating gobs that I encounter from time to time in the forest to death, I continue my exploration.?

    ?

    But, death by blunt trauma in a world of sword and magic¡­¡­ What is this, a detective drama? Let¡¯s be careful not to get driven to the edge of a cliff[3. TL Note: Very persistent clich¨¦ in old Japanese detective dramas ¨C climax often happening at an edge of a cliff.]. Driven to the very edge of a cliff and forced to tell all kinds of things, no, wait, if I don¡¯t confess to anything, that would amount only to circumstantial evidence, right? Yeah, cliffs are dangerous after all.?

    ?

    Hmmm, there are only mushrooms. Appraising them reveals that there is a whole variety to them, but they are still mushrooms. HP recovery, MP recovery, there are all kinds of effects, but it looks like none of them would make me bigger.[4. TL Note: Reference to a retro game about Italian plumber.] Well, I can shoot fireballs on my own anyway, so it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    But for the most poisonous-looking mushroom to have an antidote effect¡­ Is this some kind of otherworldly trap? Normally, being unable to appraise this, no one would think about eating this poisonous-looking mushroom to get rid of the poison.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a bit early, but let¡¯s go back, I just can¡¯t get any motivation today. And level doesn¡¯t raise. Or rather, I guess I should be glad it doesn¡¯t go down. Let¡¯s go back.?

    ?

    Aaah, isn¡¯t there at least something exciting, like Lightning Magic or Dark Magic or Magic Swords or beautiful girls as comrades. At the very least, I¡¯ve never heard of such an unexciting transfer to another world.?

    ?

    To begin with, first, there should¡¯ve been a beautiful Goddess! And then, Princess, who is doing the summoning! Separated not only from cute girls from the class but from everyone in the class and on top of that given no cheat skills or anything, isn¡¯t hurdle just way too high??

    ?

    And with this and that I returned home near evening.?

    ?

    My MP is full, so using it as a chance to practice I remodel my home and cook mushrooms. What a homely otherworldly life. Isn¡¯t it about time for a genre of ordinary life in another world to emerge??

    ?

    Aah, no, no, no, lately I¡¯m talking to myself way too much, I even began playing comedy duo all by myself. At this rate I¡¯ll soon even start doing nori-tsukkomi all by myself.[5. TL Note: A technique of a straight man in comedy duo, going along with a funny man¡¯s joke at first, and only then making a rebuttal.]?

    ?

    ¡¸If only there was something, I¡¯m not even asking for a cheat¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Grumbling, I look at my status.?

    ?

    Name: Haruka Race: Human?

    ?

    Age: 16

    Lv £°£³

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP £³£µ

    MP £³£²

    ViT £³£·

    PoW £³£µ

    SpE £³£¸

    DeX £³£¸

    MiN £³£¶

    InT £´£°

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP £±£¶?

    ?

    Martial Arts¡¸Cane Arts Lv 2¡¹¡¸Avoidance Lv 2¡¹¡¸Premonition Lv 2¡¹¡¸Wrapping Magic Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Magic: ¡¸Temperature Lv 2¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 2¡¹¡¸Weight Lv 1¡¹¡¸Packing Lv 2¡¹¡¸Fire Magic Lv 2¡¹¡¸Earth Magic Lv2¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 2¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 2¡¹¡¸Gymnastics Lv 2¡¹¡¸Walking Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 1¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv 3¡¹¡¸Detect Presence Lv 2¡¹¡¸Farsight Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 2¡¹¡¸Magic Control Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Stealth Lv 1¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Map Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles: ¡¸Hikikomori Lv 2¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 1¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown: ¡¸Communication Lv 1¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 1¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden stick?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«£±£¥¡¹?

    ?

    Earth Magic leveled up due to my housework.?

    ?

    As always, rather than saying that the game would end if I give up, it¡¯s more like the game of giving up has begun, or that the game has given up on me before we even began. It¡¯s over.?

    ?

    Were I to make those skills known to the public I¡¯d surely receive a lot of OOFs from everyone.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t see myself escaping from the life of daily gob clubbing.?

    ?

    Wooden clubs are the only thing that keeps piling up. Can¡¯t I exchange my deposit of clubs for fish??

    ?

    Aaah, I want to eat fish. Please??

    ?

    6th day ¨C Over.

 CH 7.1

    The soundproofing of my house is perfect, it¡¯s a cave after all.?

    ?

    But, for safety, I keep Detect Presence and Search on during sleep. And how is it??

    ?

    With Detect Presence I keep sensing a noisy presence in the forest, and it¡¯s so annoying that I cannot sleep.?

    ?

    I get outside, intending to tell them to stay away, but it¡¯s still nighttime. Is this a biker gang? Are they in the middle of a night ride to disturb the neighborhood??

    ?

    Using Clairvoyance I find those responsible for the disturbance of my sleep. Geeks and goblins, the creatures I¡¯m familiar with.?

    ?

    Aah, and here I thought why is it so noisy in the middle of the night, so it¡¯s geeks. Damn, the high school kids those days, playing with goblins and causing an uproar at night. What? Are they trying to become delinquents? They deserve a firm scolding.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fall back for now.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I will hold them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Do you have enough MP yet?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No. What about you? Still no good?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸AYEAYEAYE.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Guoo.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸GUGYA.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸GAU.¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, what a noisy bunch, for real.?

    ?

    The four geeks are my classmates and not bad guys, rather, they are the ones that were bullied. I¡¯d like to yell at them that they are annoying, but them being in this world, also means that they received skills as well. Of course, unlike mine, they are likely cheats, they are experts in this after all.?

    ?

    I remember there being a book called something like ¡¸Bullied kid goes to another world and with personality changed from cheats plots revenge¡¹. Well, it¡¯s not like I bullied them? And come to think of it, they were the ones who recommended that book to me. Yeah, since it was interesting, I guess I should help them??

    ?

    Activating Appraisal I approach, the remaining goblins are 5, with levels ranging 13-15, eh? Do they even need my help? The geeks are level 16, and on top of that, they have jobs of Guardian, Shinobi, Saint, and Mage. How cool, why am I the only one without a job??

    ?

    I see, so the guardian uses a tower shield and spear to stall goblins, the Shinobi performs hit and run attacks, and behind them are the Mage backed up by the Saint. Is what they are likely going for, but the guardian can¡¯t take on all the enemies as their numbers are too great, the movements of the shinobi that¡¯s supposed to act as a support are dull, probably due to some kind of injury. And then, there are no magic attacks or healing from the rear, apparently, they are out of MP. They are using a spear and a hammer to attack physically.?

    ?

    Even so, with stats from level 16 it should be an easy victory for them. Even I can fight those gobs with my level 3, are they exhausted? One of them is also quite busy being fat.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, I have enough for one shot!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Gather the gobs!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Roger.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ice Lance!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Ooh, they finally killed 3 enemies. Watching others fight actually makes me more nervous than fighting myself.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, just two more, surround them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    What should I do? What sort of action calls this situation? I thought this is going to be okay but isn¡¯t this bad? For real? They are out of MP again, the guardian is all tattered, and behind them, two more goblins are coming.?

    ?

    Without noticing anything, they are getting a merciless surprise attack from behind by two goblins.?

    ?

    A great panic. I¡¯d say they are panicking even more than usual??

    ?

    Good grief, you four are level 16, right? You have a mage, a saint, a guardian, and a shinobi, right? Why does a level 3 have to save your asses? If your level is above 10, shouldn¡¯t you be able to completely overwhelm goblins alone? Even if they are in a group??

    ?

    Tch, can¡¯t be helped.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wooden stick attack!!! Calm down you lot!¡¹?

    ?

    Using the momentum from the dash, bam, bam, bam, bam, done. For starters, two goblins bludgeoned to death.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸WHAT?! Eh, EEEEEH! Why? Eh, Haruka-kun?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ehm, good job?¡¹?

    ?

    Except for one person, they still seem to be panicking? Or rather, one of them is pretty composed, still under a question though.?

    ?

    Well, can¡¯t be helped, it¡¯s not like we are strangers. If they died or got seriously injured right in front of my eyes, it would feel pretty bad later.?

    ?

    Well, though they are my acquaintances, it was limited to them suddenly approaching me during my reading time, and handing me their recommended light novels or beginning to talk about reading suggestions, and all that other promotion stuff.?

    ?

    The geeks were making some geeky noises behind me, but I already dealt with two goblins with the wooden stick attack. Also known as ¡¸Beating to death by aiming for the back of the head with a full swing from behind¡¹. Only two remain.?

    ?

    Saying stuff like¡¸Guoooouh¡¹the goblins turned my way. I don¡¯t get what they are saying.?

    ?

    Since they are saying Guoooh at such a time and place, it¡¯s probably not a morning greeting. Gob language seems to be too difficult for me.?

    ?

    I suppose I can¡¯t count on the geeks¡¯ help, but I still don¡¯t want to reveal my skills too much.?

    ?

    And while I was wondering what should I do about this, one of the goblins charged at me with his club raised overhead.?

    ?

    Actually, gob-san. Are you going for that pattern again? As always, I effortlessly take it down with a swing of the wooden stick, also known as¡¸Crushing goblin¡¯s cranium while sweeping the incoming club sideways¡¹, good kids, don¡¯t try this at home.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, Geek Squad, are you alive?¡¹?

    ?

    I ask. But,?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ehm, alive and kicking?¡¹?

    ?

    Hm~, once again, with the exception of only one of them, all failed to reboot. However, one of them is pretty amazing. How come he is so calm? Don¡¯t tell me that it¡¯s a skill from another world??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, there is a lot I¡¯d like to ask, but for now, thank you for saving us. That was a great help.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Many thanks.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they finally managed to reload. It somehow feels like I didn¡¯t talk with other people in a very long time, but it¡¯s probably just my imagination. Even in the original world I often had days when I didn¡¯t talk¡­ with anyone¡­ for a whole day? Yup.?

    ?

    Now, what should I do? Though I saved them, what now? Should I put them where I found them??

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, aren¡¯t you too cautious of us?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, caution?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What? Monsters?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ehm, death game?¡¹?

    ?

    Ooh, one of them is very perceptive. Well, he is the one that lent that book to me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry, well, it¡¯s another world after all. ¡¹?

    ?

    Though I might have offended them by that, but I can¡¯t get dumb enough to have no caution. After all, there was plenty of dangerous stuff among the skills, rather, it¡¯s even strange that such harmless skills like Health or Walking were among them, well, as a bonus I also received some harmful skills, to myself only though.?

    ?

    Among the skills that, taken by someone had turned grey, was something called ¡¸Puppetry¡¹. It¡¯s undoubtedly a dangerous skill. I wonder if they would be willing to trade it for Muppet??

    ?

    After exchanging glances, the geeks began putting their swords, shields, and even their luggage onto the ground, ah, disarmament? How nice¡­ And all I have is a stick¡­¡­ Ah, no.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, no, you don¡¯t have to go that far. You are being too careless in a forest.¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that I make them pick up their stuff.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is this okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­It seems to be?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­I guess it is?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Do as thou see fit?¡¹?

    ?

    Whoa, we have a lord here. I wonder what kind of job a lord would have? While they put back their equipment I asked them a few questions.?

    ?

    ¡¸What about the others? Exploring at night all by yourself?¡¹?

    ?

    The four of them frowned and replied the following.?

    ?

    ¡¸We left them, or rather¡­¡­¡¸We parted with them, or actually¡­¡­¡¸We had a falling out, and¡­¡­¡¸We ran away¡¹and are on the run.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Eh, though they were bullied at school, don¡¯t tell me that it¡¯s the same even in another world??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I took four trashed geeks to the cavern, and since they were way too tattered, I splashed them with a pseudo-potion made by boiling mushrooms and medical herbs. A clinical trial. It reeks of mushrooms.?

    ?

    ¡¸Whoa, what is this fancy cave?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸All of this alone?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And we were stuck in a tent for a week.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you from the countryside?¡¹?

    ?

    Leave me alone, asking a loner if he did it ¡¸alone¡¹is taboo. And also, don¡¯t say the countryside, it¡¯s ¡¸remote place¡¹or ¡¸unexplored region¡¹, right? A permanent residence in a cave¡­?

    ?

    To tell the truth, the cave became quite tidy, since it was rough and uneven I worked on it and used packing magic to wrap the floor and the walls, during that time I got¡¸Earth Magic Lv 1¡¹and getting carried away even applied some structural alterations, by now it has a space of about 55 square meters. I thought I¡¯d get level 2 of Earth Magic from that, but got level 2 of¡¸Hikikomori ¡¹and¡¸Loner¡¹¡­¡­ Really??

    ?

    ¡¸Modern storehouse¡¸All this space for yourself¡¸And we, four guys, had to share a small tent¡¸Studio? Design interior?¡­¡­¡¹, unfair.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Since they were annoying, to shut them up, I brought out the berry juice of suspicious color that I had in reserve.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸So good.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸So these were sweet berries.¡¹?

    ?

    They seem to be very happy, just what were they doing the whole week they spent in the forest??

    ?

    I tried to ask.?

    ?

    Uwaaa, heavy stuff. How should I put it, are they idiots? That¡¯s what their story made me think. I don¡¯t mean them, but the lot that they left.?

    ?

    The story was long, half of it was resentment and bitterness. No kindness involved it seems.

 CH 7.2

    Aside from me, everyone was teleported to the forest almost at the same time, those that were in the classroom and those that were outside, 42 people came to this world. That¡¯s a lot, I can¡¯t even remember all of their names, even though they are my classmates.?

    ?

    Though everyone received an explanation from the God, it seems that it still turned into chaos. Well, that¡¯s only natural.?

    ?

    It seems that the bullies, the wannabe delinquents and egoistic gyaru bitches, were especially annoying.?

    ?

    The wannabe delinquents were swinging swords around and randomly casting offensive magic, causing great havoc. And when asked to stop they would reply by attacking.?

    ?

    And as for the ego bitches, they would say they don¡¯t know anything and won¡¯t do a thing. You people do something, they screeched.?

    ?

    Girls from the normal group burst into tears.?

    ?

    Athletic guys gathered and began a discussion among themselves, ignoring everyone around.?

    ?

    Ordinary boys blended with the air.?

    ?

    The conscience of our class, the class president, tried to get everyone in order, but apparently, it was complete pandemonium, all inside the forest.?

    ?

    By the way, during the time everyone forgot about the geeks, they were exchanging information on their stats, skills, and equipment, checking and testing magic. What a cheeky bunch.?

    ?

    And making this much fuss in a forest, you are bound to attract monsters.?

    ?

    Goblins rushed there from the various parts of the forest.?

    ?

    Even the reliable class president froze at that. Though she did her best, that probably was her limit.?

    ?

    The girls began crying even louder. No, since monsters came, just shut up already.?

    ?

    The bitches started bitching, ¡¸You are men, so do something.¡¹. How annoying.?

    ?

    The wannabe delinquents, despite making a fuss, blasting magic and swinging swords before, went silent as soon as they saw monsters. This is so stupid that I can¡¯t even comprehend it.?

    ?

    The ordinary boys continued blending with the air.?

    ?

    What? Only the president gets a charitable evaluation? That¡¯s only natural, she is kind enough to call out to something like me, and also beautiful. Who cares about others??

    ?

    And in the midst of such mayhem. In some strange turn of fate, it was geeks, already battle-ready for another world, who began silently repelling goblins. Then, the athletic guys finally joined the battle as well, and thus they were able to prevail.?

    ?

    Then, the president that somehow managed to regain composure, half threatened the trash, that kept making a fuss despite all this, telling them¡¸Staying here is dangerous!¡¹and moved them to the dry riverbed with a good outlook.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the geeks drifted away from the group on their own, collecting food, supplies, and firewood, advancing preparations to set up a camp.?

    ?

    With half of the group doing worse than nothing and actively getting in the way, it¡¯s actually amazing that all of them managed to come out unharmed.?

    ?

    Perhaps by the evening they got tired, or finally grew bored of making a fuss, but they split into groups and started idling.?

    ?

    The geeks built fires here and there, put up a tent that was among their items, and used the food, that they gathered, and some emergency rations and prepared dinner for everyone.?

    ?

    By the way, they actually did survival training on a daily basis in preparations for being summoned to another world, are they stupid? Or does this count as stupidly smart??

    ?

    With this and that the president did her best to organize the process, while ordinary boys and girls, learning from the geeks, set up tents and finally began doing something productive.?

    ?

    Afterward, the geeks kept acting on their own like it was the most natural thing to do. After all, they were excluded from the group before. They just can¡¯t read the mood.?

    ?

    The mage used earth magic and survival skills to create a fence, ditch, and pitfalls.?

    ?

    The shinobi went out on reconnaissance, during which he set up alarm traps and assassinated goblins he found.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the saint used healing magic to cure wounded and sick, and also constructed a watering hole and a simple toilet.?

    ?

    The guardian made patrols around the perimeter while maintaining the bonfires. The goblins that came nearby were quietly exterminated.?

    ?

    Just what is a geek??

    ?

    Luckily, the goblins around the camp were weaklings only level 1-5, so everyone, at last, regained their composure and the discussion began.?

    ?

    Distribution of duties, rotations for night watch, discussion on further actions, the matter of food supply¡­ The president voiced her own solutions, asked the geeks for their comments and advice, coaxed hesitant people, making decisions on those issues, one after another. If I ever meet her again, I¡¯ll call her class president-sama.?

    ?

    But, as one would expect, a problem occurred.?

    ?

    Naturally, the cause was the wannabe delinquents and bitches.?

    ?

    The first who started to make noise were the bitches. It seems that they began grumbling that someone else should set up their tent.?

    ?

    The president interjected, saying that she will help, so they should do it together, but the bitches didn¡¯t listen. ¡¸Men should be doing this¡¸We never wanted to come to such a place¡¸The food is crap, remake it!¡¸Just do something¡¹etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    In such a case, they of course wouldn¡¯t do anything themselves. Then the wannabe delinquents began yelling that the geeks should do everything. No matter what the president said, they would reply with threats and shouts, intimidating everyone around.?

    ?

    And with that bad atmosphere, everything finally crumbled apart.?

    ?

    Of course, being summoned to another world, the situation was abnormal.?

    ?

    The appearance of never before seen monsters.?

    ?

    Almost getting killed.?

    ?

    Killing in retaliation.?

    ?

    Death, seen for the first time.?

    ?

    No teachers, only screaming idiots from the second year of high school.?

    ?

    Being called the natural-born class president who is relied on by everyone, she still desperately tried to bring everyone together.?

    ?

    But there is no way she could do that. She herself probably understood that it is impossible.?

    ?

    The situation wasn¡¯t on the level that a 16-year-old girl can do something about even if she is a class president.?

    ?

    At this point, there is no such thing as a class.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fine¡­¡­That¡¯s enough¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that, the class president cast her eyes down and went silent, thus the discussion broke down.?

    ?

    Without coming to any conclusion.?

    ?

    Without anyone understanding anything.?

    ?

    Without knowing what they should do as well.?

    ?

    Without knowing that they shouldn¡¯t be doing too.?

    ?

    Without sharing any means, measures, or information vital to their survival.?

    ?

    The students that were coming to an agreement, turned noncooperative, because why would they work if others won¡¯t.?

    ?

    Without any rules, without even being a group anymore.?

    ?

    A bunch of 42 people with cheat skills. The class president who is capable of leading the group and the geeks with the knowledge of another world and skills, acting together they surely could survive in the world filled with monsters. That is quite a power.?

    ?

    And that turned into a crowd that didn¡¯t know its power nor how to fight, that didn¡¯t have any knowledge about monsters or the world itself and just kept pushing blame onto others.?

    ?

    They were locked out of the safest, most reliable, and certain way to survive in this world, uniting.?

    ?

    They were checkmated the moment the president gave up on organizing them.?

    ?

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t the president¡¯s fault.?

    ?

    If at least the geeks helped her, the outcome could¡¯ve been somewhat different. However, that is too much to ask.?

    ?

    They lack the very concept of communication skills. They are geeks after all.?

    ?

    Even so, without saying anything they kept protecting, fighting, and sharing. Though it bore no meaning for the idiots.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸The story is way too heavy! And also long. And so you ran away?¡¹?

    ?

    I interrupt the geeks with their endless drama story, bitching, complaints, and badmouthing.?

    ?

    And also serve a staple dish of our house ¡¸Assortment of other world¡¯s mushrooms with mysterious vegetables on the side¡¹.?

    ?

    ¡¸Until now it was about what happened on the first day, but the reason we ran away is what happened after that¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The real troubles started after that, later. It was really the worst.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not like we just ran away all of a sudden, it¡¯s later, they kept going geeks, geeks, don¡¯t you know our names?! We are classmates!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The mushrooms are delicious!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Eeeh, there is still more to that heavy story? No matter how you think, it doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s going to become more optimistic after that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Your names are Geek, right? Geek A, B, C, D, right? Like goblins, Gob A, Gob B.¡¹?

    ?

    Good grief, what are they even talking about.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s probably not the names, it¡¯s like, the name of the species?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Stop it! What are you gonna do if Geek A really shows up in the status?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, are we treated the same as monsters?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh?! So you weren¡¯t Geek A, B, and C?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸EVEN YOU?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    An unexpected betrayal by Geek D. Yeah, as expected there is no happy end to their story.?

    ?

    ¡¸Jokes aside, Haruka-kun, so you came here as well?¡¹?

    ?

    It wasn¡¯t a joke though, but let¡¯s leave it at that.?

    ?

    ¡¸I was summoned along with you but was delayed with transportation here. When I arrived there was no one around.¡¹?

    ?

    Thanks to that I got the title ¡¸Loner¡¹.?

    ?

    ¡¸I thought that you were the only one who managed to escape. After all, you were trying very hard to escape.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That was amazing.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Eeeeeeh? They were watching??

    ?

    ¡¸The room suddenly goes pitch dark, a mysterious magic circle appears on the ground and begins shining, gradually turning brighter and brighter, and when I thought that it¡¯s a whiteout, I ended up in a completely white room all alone!! And during all that you had time to watch me? Aren¡¯t you too calm?¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m really surprised.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I just thought, ah, we are probably getting summoned to another world. And then, dashing from the middle of the room to kick the door in the back, then throwing a chair at the window, after which you climbed the locker and disappeared above the ceiling. Wouldn¡¯t that surprise just about anyone?¡¹?

    ?

    Uwaaa, they totally were watching.?

    ?

    ¡¸How about being surprised about the summoning itself, like normal people?¡¹?

    ?

    It was a very ANOTHER WORLD SUMMONING-like. The God was probably working hard on it, giving it some attention, well, I didn¡¯t watch it as well though.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, no, until now I saw plenty of summonings in anime and manga, but it¡¯s the first time I saw someone escaping it through an attic.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, to think there was such an option¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Normally, one would give up after trying doors and windows.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just like a ninja.¡¹?

    ?

    No, the only shinobi here is you, job-wise.?

    ?

    While talking about this and that, I had them one by one take a bath and a nap.?

    ?

    After that, we continued with the story, exchange of information, and plans.?

    ?

    The continuation of the story was the worst.?

    ?

    It seems that the geeks ended up gathering food, doing the maintenance of the base, and fighting the monsters all by themselves.?

    ?

    The class president and some of the students were helping, but they couldn¡¯t possibly keep up with the work of those four, and the idiots just kept complaining without doing anything.?

    ?

    And finally, they even began demanding more food, and complaining about the narrowness of their tents and an abundance of free time. If you don¡¯t know what to do then work. I¡¯m working this hard and yet I¡¯m a NEET.?

    ?

    But apparently, the geeks were proactively raising their levels, combat was one of the reasons for that, but the biggest one was the skills ¡¸Puppetry¡¹and¡¸Charm¡¹, that they saw in the white room. Someone took them.?

    ?

    To cope with it they planned to raise levels to resist it. Take resistance skills. And finding them, seal.?

    ?

    Apparently, high ranked skills require Skill Points to manifest themselves, none of mine needed that, so they aren¡¯t high rank, well, not like I didn¡¯t know that already.?

    ?

    And like that, they were searching for the holders of¡¸Puppetry¡¹and¡¸Charm¡¹while raising the level of Appraisal. Well, having 50P and spending 30P on that makes it a premeditated crime.?

    ?

    It seems that one can¡¯t see with appraisal the skills that are yet to manifest themselves, or perhaps they lacked the level of appraisal, but the skills didn¡¯t show on anyone¡¯s status. There was a possibility of them being concealed, but with the difference in levels, they should¡¯ve become visible anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸I surely was the last one, but no such amazing skills remained. Only crap and hell-mode skills.¡¹?

    ?

    And on top of that, all of those hell-mode skills were pushed onto me without my consent.?

    ?

    ¡¸We were shown the skills almost right away, but it was already after those were taken.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸Those hell-mode skills were amazing! One of those is enough to checkmate you.¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, it¡¯s those guys we are talking about. They surely skipped the God¡¯s explanations and immediately went to check the skill.?

    ?

    Which means that someone asked for¡¸Puppetry¡¹or¡¸Charm¡¹immediately after arriving in the white room.?

    ?

    They are certainly aiming to either become a ruler or create a harem. Or, maybe even both.?

    ?

    And also, don¡¯t say checkmated. Don¡¯t say that even one can checkmate you! I have ALL of them! And I even got a new one after that! I¡¯m going to cry!?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m done. What the hell is that bath? Rococo style bathtub?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A mere bath without a beautiful slave girl???¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A mere bath. Hurry up and get in, or even better, go drown yourself.¡¹?

    ?

    After that, the geeks slept, taking turns, and continued with their story upon waking up, I want to sleep, their talk is too long.?

    ?

    7th Day ¨C Ove

 CH 8

    Day 8 ¨C The Cave?

    ?

    During breakfast, the long and heavy story continued. If they skipped bitching, grumbling, and badmouthing, the story could proceed a lot faster, but it looks like for the geeks that was the main point.?

    ?

    The story of being summoned to another world and the week filled with fighting monsters and survival life, was mostly about badmouthing other classmates, did you really have to go to another world to do that??

    ?

    While eating breakfast they were still bitching¡­¡­ I mean, continued telling their story. Of course, it goes without saying that we were having mushrooms.?

    ?

    ¡¸So when we told them that high Lv skills can¡¯t be used until you saved up enough SP and activated them¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Around the third day they suddenly began raising their levels.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah yeah, aiming only for weak goblins nearby.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Like in an RPG, not going far from the base and grinding weak monsters near the start location. ¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, I think I¡¯ve figured out the culprit. There is no need for deduction or any cool montage showcasing the thought process.?

    ?

    ¡¸They really don¡¯t do any good.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like shinobi investigated, erasing presence and stalking them. Apparently, stalking dudes wasn¡¯t much fun.?

    ?

    Isn¡¯t that great? If it was fun you would¡¯ve been done. In more ways than one.?

    ?

    It seems that they, the wannabe delinquents, unaware of being eavesdropped, kept talking about nothing but lewd stuff and distribution of the girls after brainwashing. Are they idiots? Are they some kind of crappy movie villains? Blabbering out your plans right when someone is eavesdropping on you.?

    ?

    I see, so forced harem is their aim, huh. Or rather, despite bullying the geeks for being geeks, aren¡¯t they pretty geeky themselves? Well, they are only wannabes after all.?

    ?

    Of course, the geeks started working on countermeasures. After they told the president about the effects and dangers of ¡¸Puppetry¡¹and¡¸Charm¡¹, as well as the plans of the idiots, she seems to have resolved herself and also began actively raising her level. By the way, it seems that the president is a real cheat.?

    ?

    While keeping the things running, they built the plan, and while making preparations raised levels.?

    ?

    And on the 5th day after coming to this world. The Puppetry finally manifested. They kept meticulously killing level 1-2 goblins until Lv 15 when they got enough points. For shinobi, that kept observing them all this time, it surely was a sight to behold, or maybe not.?

    ?

    So firm, so tenacious, such admirable wannabe delinquents.?

    ?

    Apparently, they kept laboriously fighting while leaving last hits to either owner of Charm or Puppetry. As shinobi said, it was a true treasure of boredom. Sweet.?

    ?

    On that day they again screamed stuff like ¡¸I¡¯ll make a harem when I get back!¡¹or ¡¸We are having an orgy today!¡¹or ¡¸Yeeeah!¡¹while keeping on killing Lv1 gobs, and finally, Charm manifested as well.?

    ?

    Such pure, serious, and diligent wannabe delinquents. At this point, isn¡¯t it fine to drop the delinquent part already and leave them just as wannabes? You guys aren¡¯t suited to be delinquents.?

    ?

    Then, by well, a pure coincidence, the first beauty of our school, the president, appeared inside the empty forest without a single soul around, all by herself.?

    ?

    That moment, the wannabes smiled, seemingly overjoyed from the bottom of their hearts, which felt just as pleasant as a field of blooming rafflesias.?

    ?

    Grinning, they laughed to each other, and approaching the president, looked into her eyes with disgusting smiles¡­¡­¡­¡­ The wannabes then fell down all together, and convulsing, stopped moving. Amen??

    ?

    Or rather, just who the hell is the president?! Eh? You won¡¯t tell me since it¡¯s her privacy??

    ?

    No, didn¡¯t you stalk some dudes for several days? Didn¡¯t you invade the dudes¡¯ privacy quite deep??

    ?

    And while the wannabes were out, the geeks applied seals to the two that had the problematic skills. It seems that the identity of the one that used Seal is a secret even from the president.?

    ?

    After all, when they learn who did that, they will surely come after him.?

    ?

    Then, tying up the unmoving wannabes they dragged them back to the camp, and in front of everyone revealed their harem creation plan involving Puppetry and Charm.?

    ?

    And while trembling in fear in front of the female students, who became completely enraged after hearing all of that, the wannabes pleaded with the geeks to release the seals. Of course, the idea wasn¡¯t received that well, so the place erupted into a chorus of criticism.?

    ?

    Of course, the boys, who wannabes said would be made into slaves, also rode that big wave of criticism. Wannabes trembled as the place seethed with anger.?

    ?

    Shouting insults everyone unanimously agreed to banish wannabes from the base. Luckily geeks even managed to hear the line¡¸Remember this¡¹in real life, how envious.?

    ?

    And with this, the matter was finally resolved.?

    ?

    As if.?

    ?

    On the night of that day, during their breaks from patrolling, the four geeks were taking naps and having a discussion in their tent.?

    ?

    The first one who noticed something was the shinobi. The tent was surrounded from a distance, by six people.?

    ?

    Since the mage had a detection barrier in place, it would have immediately given a response if those were monsters. Since it didn¡¯t, those were humans.?

    ?

    There is no way they could pass through traps and fences without getting caught. So someone from the patrol let them pass? What for??

    ?

    ¡¸Shitty geeks! Come out! And don¡¯t you dare bring damn weapons! Move your asses faster!¡¹?

    ?

    Shouts came from the outside and the tent was set on fire.?

    ?

    As the four jumped outside, the guardian erected a barrier. A barrage of magic came at them.?

    ?

    While the saint enhanced the barrier with Light Magic, enduring the attack, the shinobi uses flash ninjutsu, which he prepared in the meantime, blinding the enemies, and the mage rapidly shot air bullets to suppress the enemies.?

    ?

    The exact combination that they discussed in the tent.?

    ?

    Even so, being ambushed and surrounded put them at the disadvantage.?

    ?

    On top of that, while geeks were trying to fight them off with weak spells like air bullets or water whip, the other side was coming with fireballs, or destructive blasts, clearly set on killing them.?

    ?

    It wasn¡¯t going well.?

    ?

    Everyone else just looked, without trying to help them out.?

    ?

    The barrier won¡¯t last for long, do they have no other choice but to seriously fight to the death? Against other humans? The geeks couldn¡¯t make that decision.?

    ?

    Then the group with the president finally came back from patrol. And began providing them with covering fire.?

    ?

    As attackers tried to flee no one made an attempt to stop them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Next time we will friggin kill you! Next time for sure!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Yelling so, they ran away.?

    ?

    By the time the president came back, the base was burned, with many injured by the fire and stray projectiles, and the emergency food storage being on fire as well.?

    ?

    As for the boys that were on guard, they apparently were told that¡¸We only came to talk, don¡¯t get in our way¡¹, and threatened, they just let them pass.?

    ?

    Knowing that they are going to be targeted from now on, the geeks couldn¡¯t split up and take any independent action anymore.?

    ?

    Rebuilding the base, defending it, finding food, and caring for their own protection. And considering that they now couldn¡¯t even sleep without someone being on guard, they basically couldn¡¯t do a thing now.?

    ?

    Anyway, while being injured themselves they put out the fires around, healed the wounded, rummaged through the wreckage for still usable tents, and reinstalled them.?

    ?

    While getting blamed by everyone around.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s all your fault.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s because you got into a fight with them!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Take responsibility.¡¹?

    ?

    Though they are healing their wounds, they would get kicked, told that to begin with, it was their fault.?

    ?

    Putting out fires, they would have stones thrown at them, shouted at questions how they are going to fix this mess.?

    ?

    Putting up tents they would get hit, told that it is all because they got too cocky.?

    ?

    Standing on guard they would be insulted and spit on behind their backs.?

    ?

    No allies.?

    ?

    Thus, the geeks had only two options, to run away or to kill.?

    ?

    Protecting themselves 24 hours a day with just four of them is difficult, and sticking only to repelling attacks they are bound to eventually get killed.?

    ?

    If they split their duties as they did in the past, they would surely get aimed at when they are alone.?

    ?

    Staying here would only mean that they will get killed one by one.?

    ?

    Either kill or run away from here.?

    ?

    The president desperately tried to persuade others as well as explaining to them the demerits of losing the geeks.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s protect the geeks and at least try to rotate the food provision duty, so we won¡¯t have to rely on them for that.?

    ?

    They will have to fight those guys, as well as monsters. For that raising their levels is necessary.?

    ?

    She also told them what would happen if the geeks die in the current situation.?

    ?

    Things can¡¯t go on as they did in the past. To survive in the world, they have to cooperate and seek knowledge.?

    ?

    And yet, it seems to have changed nothing.?

    ?

    They are probably under the impression that everything is just like it was at school, treating the geeks like convenient gofers, taking out their anger on them.?

    ?

    Scared of fighting. Opposed to killing. And even more opposed to getting injured or killed themselves.?

    ?

    The geeks that were made light of at school would listen, if one makes their tone firm enough. The power of numbers is on our side, is what they probably thought.?

    ?

    At the very least, they could ask the geeks or attempt to negotiate with them. But, they couldn¡¯t.?

    ?

    If they did, if they pleaded, if they implored, the geeks would¡¯ve at least provided a compromise plan, but there is no way they could do that.?

    ?

    Their pride wouldn¡¯t allow them.?

    ?

    Then go ahead and survive with that pride. That¡¯s all that there is to it.?

    ?

    And so the geeks ran away, with just four of them.?

    ?

    Chased by pseudo-delinquents and the students that they helped alike.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It was lunch by the time that heavy story was over. Of course, mushrooms. During which we discussed what happened in the white room.?

    ?

    Other than that, we also exchanged various information. I also learned Concealment, since they said it wouldn¡¯t take much time, in exchange, I gave them juice.?

    ?

    When I told them that the only martial art remaining was cane arts, they told me about a famous style of Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨±, [1. TL Note: Pretty ancient (Coming from Edo period) traditional school mostly known for its practice of using the short staff. The technical purpose is defeating a swordsman by using the short staff. For that purpose or just to make the style stronger, the school also teaches several other arts, including swordsmanship. More information here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shint%C5%8D_Mus%C5%8D-ry%C5%AB] for which I thanked them with a stuffed bag filled with mushrooms.?

    ?

    And we kept talking until the next morning. When was the last time since I talked so much? More than one or two months, so Loner Lv 2 has nothing to do with this.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It seems that going to bed immediately after eating might turn you into a cow, but since they are geeks anyway, it doesn¡¯t matter. Class change from a geek to a cow, it could even be called an upgrade.?

    ?

    Feeding them mushrooms for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it wouldn¡¯t even be an exaggeration to say that I raised those cows! Great, beef secured!?

    ?

    After bathing the geeks seemed to be done with traveling preparations. The only thing left is to sleep.?

    ?

    ¡¸So we thought about heading to the city now, want to go with us?¡¹?

    ?

    Recruitment, huh. Is it perhaps a sect??

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry, I¡¯m irreligious.¡¹?

    ?

    I reply, averting my eyes. A perfect answer.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, we aren¡¯t trying to convert you!¡¹?

    ?

    They are persistent.?

    ?

    ¡¸No thank you, we don¡¯t have a TV.¡¹[2. TL Note: Japan has the same license situation as England. With their national broadcast company being NHK instead.]?

    ?

    How about this. Final answer.?

    ?

    ¡¸We are not from NHK! Or rather, if you had a TV in another world that would¡¯ve been scary in its own way!!!¡¹?

    ?

    What?! This didn¡¯t work as well?!?

    ?

    Well, since they are seriously inviting me, teasing them too much would be rude.?

    ?

    ¡¸To be serious, becoming an adventurer is impossible with my skills. Thanks for the invite, but I¡¯ll be spending my retirement here at leisure.¡¹?

    ?

    With my cursed status, I¡¯ll only get in the way.?

    ?

    On the other hand, I have no option of stopping them as well. They are obviously itching to go to town. Did they already forget that their lives are being targeted??

    ?

    I thought about becoming an adventurer in a city, it¡¯s a staple of isekai stories after all. However, in a city, one would have to pay for lodging and food. To earn that pay one would need an ability to fight with strong monsters.?

    ?

    Here, staying in the cave is free, food can be procured on the spot, and with nothing but weak goblins around, it¡¯s safe.?

    ?

    Though it comes in exchange for quality of life, but isn¡¯t it safer in the forest? I also don¡¯t know the crime situation in the town, and since I¡¯m an outsider, it¡¯s all the more important to me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Coming to another world and not becoming an adventurer?! What are you even talking about!!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You should just come with us, there is strength in numbers!! Aniki![3. TL Note: a Japanese honorable term for an older brother or a superior.]¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You will do fine as an adventurer, the town surely will have even weapons with skills.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The town has a lot of young girls!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Who the hell is Aniki? The geeks are being pretty forceful, but I¡¯m different from you, guys with cheats. What is so bad about being Hikikomori, NEET, and Loner?! Well, it is the worst, but even so!?

    ?

    And, young girls? You are only 16, why are you talking like a middle-aged man? No, wait, just how young exactly are those young girls that he is talking about? Should I report him to the police??

    ?

    ¡¸No, not happening. All of my skills are crap, and on top of that my titles would get in the way¡­¡­ With Earth magic alone¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I actually can use fire magic as well, but that is a secret.?

    ?

    ¡¸That is not true, after all, you are already fighting strong monsters of this area¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Being an otherworlder is alone enough to make you stronger, even with subpar skills, if you have level¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸There is also an option of becoming a lord of a city by creating one through Earth Magic, then developing it with modern knowledge and technology.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even this stone furniture, if they are on the middle ages level out there, you will be able to create a successful trading company¡­¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Since you have cane arts, how about trying a long club¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This might even work with a three-section staff!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You also can use Earth Magic to create walls for cover and snipe from behind them¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Health is also important since we have no hospitals here. ¡¹?

    ?

    This got me thinking, isn¡¯t the amount of knowledge geek quartet possesses incredible??

    ?

    Without them, a crowd of 42 people in the forest, surrounded by monsters on top of that, consisting of ordinary high school students, probably would¡¯ve been annihilated.?

    ?

    Even though they went through such experience at school, they still gathered food for 42 people, distributing it. And also teaching everyone about skills, aren¡¯t they pretty good guys??

    ?

    ¡¸Towns usually build along rivers, so if we go downstream, eventually¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Elven town, deep in the forest¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, beastmen, in the forest¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Observing from a high place to make a map¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Just listening to them is quite¡­¡­ Educational??

    ?

    ¡¸No, there must be slaves, preferably cute girls.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸There are probably noble ladies, attacked by the bandits, waiting for our rescue!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Is touching YES or NO? That is the problem¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Speaking of towns, inns¡¯ poster girls!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Blah Blah, Yada Yada.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸No, beast ears is the way to go! Fluffy and soft to the touch.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eroelves are surely waiting! While being attacked!! By tentacles!!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Dwarven girls are certainly very tiny!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I won¡¯t accept anything other than highly prideful women knights disgraced by defeat. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸No, this! No, that!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I had enough, let¡¯s kick them out.?

    ?

    8th Day ¨C Ove

 CH 9

    Chapter 9: Relapse is only natural?

    ?

    Day 9 ¨C The Cave?

    ?

    With this and that, birds began chirping outside. Who cares. I want to sleep!?

    ?

    ¡¸Mm, since the sun came out, I guess it¡¯s time to say goodbye. ¡¹?

    ?

    As a payment for the information, I stuffed one of the geek¡¯s rucksacks with mushrooms, which should last them for about 10 days. It¡¯s heavy enough to make them stagger, but it doesn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    Now, go back to your forest. Or a city or wherever you want to go.?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t get killed by classmaaates, goood luck, shoo shoo!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Shoo shoo?¡­¡­ Well, sorry for intruding?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you sure you won¡¯t come with us?¡¹?

    ?

    What a persistent man, were you a girl I might have come along though. It would¡¯ve been a high school girl after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸But I refuse!¡¹?

    ?

    I reply, striking a JoJo pose.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸You keep calling us geeks, but aren¡¯t you clearly one of our people!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How rude, I read some manga and light novels, but I never say crap like ¡¸MOOOE¡¹.¡¹?

    ?

    Good grief, what are they talking about.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, we don¡¯t say that.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, only rarely.¡¹

    ¡¸Only occasionally.¡¹

    ¡¸Only for 2D stuff!¡¹?

    ?

    The geeks objected all at once, they were annoying until the very end. Or rather, this better not be the end. Adios, anime freaks.?

    ?

    ¡¸Thanks for the hospitality. Then, let¡¯s meet again.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s been a great help, we will pay you back, so hurry up and come to the city as well.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, if you don¡¯t hurry up, you will turn into a total caveman.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thanks.¡¹?

    ?

    Come to the city, come to the city, you didn¡¯t reach or even find it yet. And also, I¡¯m not turning into a caveman, though I am turning into a hikikomori.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hurry up and go, bye.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We are off.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    And so, the geeks departed to a still unseen otherworldly city. Though there is no telling if it even exists.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Pheew.¡¹?

    ?

    While munching on crappy jerky, I head deeper into the forest.?

    ?

    Raise Lv and attack them physically, is the advice? that I received, so I¡¯m searching for goblins.?

    ?

    Experience-wise, kobolds and orcs seem to be better, but they are also that much stronger.?

    ?

    For now, gobs. I will think about kobolds and orcs when I meet them. There is no way to build a plan for something that you never met.?

    ?

    And finding goblins, HYAAAHAAA!?

    ?

    Finding another one, WOOHYAAAAHAA!?

    ?

    Eh, I sound like a bad guy? Crap, what will I do if I get a Mohawk title?[1. TL Note: Hairstyle popular for evil mob characters. Especially in the old Japanese shounen titles. In Fist of the North Star they attack making literally the same noises as MC here.]?

    ?

    It¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    But didn¡¯t the geeks say that the monsters around the cave are strong??? The levels are about 10-15. For skills¡¸Hammer¡¹, ¡¸Hard Hit¡¹and¡¸Ramming Attack¡¹, aren¡¯t they weaklings??

    ?

    They probably just got frightened because they struggled after running out of mana. Despite being level 16 and having cheats.?

    ?

    Well, they were bullied, and couldn¡¯t do well at any physical activities, so they probably aren¡¯t as strong as their Lv might suggest.?

    ?

    Hm? There is something here, ooh.?

    ?

    If I remember correctly, the characteristics that I¡¯ve heard were blue, tall, thin, dog-faced. Pretty distinctive features.?

    ?

    That is a kobold. First, appraisal.?

    ?

    Kobold A

    AGE £°£¸

    Lv £±£±

    HP £´£°

    MP £´

    ViT £²£¶

    PoW £²£²

    SpE £³£·

    DeX £²£´

    MiN £²

    InT £µ

    LuK £±£¸?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Claws Proficiency Lv 3¡¹¡¸Biting Lv 2¡¹ ¡¸Ramming Attack Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Leaping Lv 1¡¹¡¸Initimidation Lv 1¡¹¡¸Detect Presence Lv 1¡¹¡¸Olfaction Lv 3¡¹¡¸Cooperation Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden Stick¡¹?

    ?

    Kobold B?

    ?

    AGE £°£¸

    Lv £±£°

    HP £´£±

    MP £µ

    ViT £²£²

    PoW £²£³

    SpE £³£¸

    DeX £²£²

    MiN £²

    InT £´

    LuK £²£±?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Claws Proficiency Lv 2¡¹¡¸Biting Lv 2¡¹ ¡¸Ramming Attack Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Leaping Lv 1¡¹¡¸Initimidation Lv 1¡¹¡¸Olfaction Lv 3¡¹¡¸Cooperation Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden Stick¡¹?

    ?

    They are stronger than goblins, especially in terms of speed, they are more than three times faster.?

    ?

    Can I win? No, isn¡¯t picking a fight with two at the same time a bad idea? And when I tried to leave, our eyes met. Don¡¯t look at me.?

    ?

    Ah, it had Detect Presence, whoa, so fast.?

    ?

    Hm? It isn¡¯t charging at me right away? Damn, they are cooperating.?

    ?

    Flanking me in a pincer movement, they run around me. One attacked me from behind.?

    ?

    ¡¸OOF.¡¹?

    ?

    Nice, it took a perfect counter, I actually was tracking them with Detect Presence, aiming for this chance with ¡¸Concentration¡¹. Didn¡¯t think that I would get to hear ¡¸OOF¡¹in real life¡­¡­ Whoa!?

    ?

    ¡¸So close, GYAAaaah¡­¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s not like it took me off guard, but it¡¯s too fast, one moment and it¡¯s already on me.?

    ?

    I managed to fend off the attack with the wooden stick, but it bit at me. If I didn¡¯t guard with my left hand it would¡¯ve bitten off my head¡­¡­ Like an apple??

    ?

    ¡¸Guwaaah, it huuurts!¡¹?

    ?

    With it still biting on my hand it knocks me off my feet, this is bad.?

    ?

    It¡¯s too close for me to club it, and I don¡¯t have the power to punch it.?

    ?

    Since it¡¯s holding my left hand in its mouth I have no problem landing attacks, but they have no effect.?

    ?

    My hand hurts, but it also hurts my torso with its friggin claws.?

    ?

    Concentrating my mind, I wrap¡¸Wooden Stick?¡¹in additional mana, and using¡¸Weight¡¹and¡¸Packing¡¹strengthen the wooden stick, making it heavier, then with a single snap of my wrist, in a motion akin to hammering a nail. FUGAA!?

    ?

    THUD!?

    ?

    ¡¸Wow.¡¹?

    ?

    Kobold down¡­¡­¡­ Damn, gross, the moment I hit it the head got crushed, basically exploding.?

    ?

    I thought I was going to die.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    After somehow calming down I¡¯m still a bit pissed pulled out their magic stones, appraising them. ¡¸Magic Stone F Rank¡¹¡­¡­ They were that strong yet the stones are the same as with goblins? Soo not worth it.?

    ?

    I should be able to sell this in a town, but if they are worth the same as those from goblins, then wouldn¡¯t everyone hunt goblins only? I wonder if otherworldly guild is going okay.?

    ?

    Well, I don¡¯t even know if it exists in the first place though.?

    ?

    Hm, GEEE! I barely have HP left! The level has risen, but I still have almost no HP remaining.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶

    Lv £°£´

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP £·/£µ£° £¨£±£µUP£©?

    ?

    MP £¹/ £´£· £¨£±£µUP£©

    ViT £µ£² £¨£±£µUP£©

    PoW £´£¸ £¨£±£³UP£©

    SpE £´£³ £¨£±£µUP£©

    DeX £´£³ £¨£±£µUP£©

    MiN £µ£° £¨£±£´UP£©

    InT £µ£µ £¨£±£µUP£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP £³£´?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Avoidance Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Premonition Lv 2¡¹¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 2¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Weight Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Fire Magic Lv 2¡¹¡¸Earth Magic Lv2¡¹?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 2¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 2¡¹¡¸Gymnastics Lv 2¡¹¡¸Walking Lv 3¡¹¡¸Command Lv 1¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv 3¡¹¡¸Farsight Lv 2¡¹¡¸Detect Presence Lv 2¡¹¡¸Search Lv 2¡¹¡¸Mana Control Lv 2¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 2¡¹(Up) ¡¸Stealth Lv 1¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv 1¡¹¡¸Map Lv 1¡¹¡¸Concentration Lv 1¡¹(New) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 2¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 1¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 1¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 1¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden Stick?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«£±£¥¡¹?

    ?

    Continuous fighting is not an option, so erasing my presence I quietly go back the way I came.?

    ?

    Sneaky sneaky.?

    ?

    Sneaky Sneaky.?

    ?

    Crap, there is something.?

    ?

    I thought, but turns out it¡¯s just goblins. HYAAAHAAAAAAA.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m hoome. Phew.¡¹?

    ?

    Partly due to not getting enough sleep today, I, exhausted, drop on the bed as soon as I get back. It hurts. Since it¡¯s made out of stone.?

    ?

    I¡¯m home. Yeah, before I even noticed it completely turned into my home.?

    ?

    With 4 geeks no longer being here, the room, which was spacious even for 5 people, does feel a bit dreary, but even so, it¡¯s my home.?

    ?

    Today I have a ton of stuff to think about. First of all, the geeks¡¯ info, which includes classmates in the deep of the forest, but also information about another world. Even so, it mostly comes from light novels, anime, and games, so the geeks are unsurprisingly well-informed.?

    ?

    To think that all of that knowledge would¡¯ve been useless if they didn¡¯t end up in another world. The geeks might be actually happier this way. They were a lot livelier than at school. I had no idea that they can be so talkative. Well, though most of what they said were insults thrown at our classmates.?

    ?

    Though I read plenty of novels about getting teleported to another world, the geeks still were above me by a lot in terms of information. Though the classmates merely pushed them around as useful geeks, they, in fact, had no knowledge, didn¡¯t understand a thing about status or skills, and heavily depended on the geeks, who understood what was going on and how skills could be applied.?

    ?

    If only they honestly relied on them instead of being huge idiots and taking out on the geeks the resentment about being unable to do anything while the guys at the bottom of the class hierarchy were making results. It¡¯s unbelievable that in such a situation they would treat the geeks, who provided them with everything, from food to security, like gophers as if they still were at school. It¡¯s only natural that they would get abandoned.?

    ?

    With the most useful folk running away, they are now left without knowledge or anyone to rely on. You reap what you sow. They must be fighting among themselves by now.?

    ?

    But what I didn¡¯t expect is that they would have a Swiss knife, in case they get thrown into another world. All 4 of them.?

    ?

    And also, kobolds, though they told me about them. They are dangerous. They are fast, would try to bite, and have scary claws. Hm? Aren¡¯t they stronger without sticks??

    ?

    It¡¯s amazing that my clothes, being made out of fabric, didn¡¯t get torn. I got bitten a whole lot, but even the glove is unharmed. All of them have¡¸?¡¹attached, which really makes me go ¡¸?¡¹.?

    ?

    In the current state, I wouldn¡¯t be able to fight off kobolds in bigger numbers. I guess the strategy of hitting things with a stick is close to its limit. Cane arts, huh. No choice but to practice.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I have seen swordsmanship, and even did kendo. For spears and naginatas, I guess I saw them only on TV, and as for cane arts¡­ Even that bespectacled wizard boy from those super popular movies didn¡¯t use a staff to smack enemies.?

    ?

    Recalling sword fights in anime and manga, the swings from a sword, the thrusts from a spear, I work on creating forms and style myself, repeating them over and over.?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheeeeeeeeeeeeew.¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m too tired, without noticing, I got sucked into the process.?

    ?

    The imaginary Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± cane techniques turned a lot more eighth-grader-like. After all, it¡¯s supposedly¡¸Thrusting, a spear, sweeping, a naginata, slashing, a sword¡¹, so relapse in eighth-grader syndrome is only expected. I even made a signature pose. If someone saw me it would¡¯ve been a good reason to off myself. Good thing I¡¯m a loner.?

    ?

    The floor is all slippery from the sweat, so I guess this is it. Leaving the floor like this doesn¡¯t feel right, and though I have no stamina left, my MP recovered, so I use it for a little experiment with a cleanup.?

    ?

    I got earth magic from my attempt to do something about the unevenness of the cave¡¯s floor. Using Packing magic on the floor and stretching it resulted in the skill. Then, shouldn¡¯t I be able to package water, which I then can use to scrub the floor??

    ?

    I bring water from a water jug of my own making. Hmmm, yeah, I guess I will keep it secret that doing it by hand is actually faster. The puddle of water runs across the floor, GJ, roomba.?

    ?

    Wiping everywhere I then throw the dirty water outside. Good.?

    ?

    ¡¸Status.¡¹?

    ?

    Oh, I did it¡¸Water Magic Lv 1¡¹nice. The floor is clean now, but it¡¯s a bit damp. Let¡¯s use the wind to get rid of it, of course, my aim here is to get Wind Magic.?

    ?

    As a result, I got Wind Magic, probably. Fire, Earth and Water Magic disappeared from my status, and were replaced with ¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 1¡¹, since it¡¯s four elements, Wind must be among them.?

    ?

    Then, I also got Wood magic, after packaging a wooden stick. There probably also should be Lightning, Ice, and Healing Magic, but how the hell am I supposed to package lightning??

    ?

    For no particular reason, I tried to use mana wrapping a goblin¡¯s club.?

    ?

    ¡¸CRACK!!¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? It broke? Let¡¯s try another one, this time slowly.?

    ?

    ¡¸CREAK!¡¹?

    ?

    WHY!! Goblin¡¯s club!!!?

    ?

    Though wrapping the wooden stick? in magic wasn¡¯t a problem, but gob club is no good??

    ?

    Possible reasons could be that my magic became stronger or gob clubs are crap. Or it could be both.?

    ?

    There should be a wooden stick from when I defeated kobolds. The one that has no ¡¸?¡¹on it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Crack!¡¹?

    ?

    So this one is no good as well. When I tried to clad¡¸Wooden Stick?¡¹in mana, it felt more like it was permeating into it, rather than wrapping. Since it¡¯s my only weapon it would be a problem if it broke, but I have to try it out since it would be even worse if it broke during a fight. I slowly pour magic power into¡¸Wooden Stick?¡¹, oh, this sensation.?

    ?

    I slowly pour more magic in it, but it feels like it can take more.?

    ?

    Slowly, so it wouldn¡¯t break, bit-by-bit, bit-by-bit, bit-by-bit, bit-by-bit.?

    ?

    It feels kind of weird, don¡¯t tell me that it broke??

    ?

    I appraise it in panic and get ¡¸Wooden Staff?¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? Wooden Staff? I felt something akin to a pulse from it, could it be that it grew? Was it a living wood??

    ?

    Trying to use it, there seems to be no problem but is it really okay? But it¡¯s too late, running out of magic power the spell of drowsiness immediately overcomes me¡­¡­?

    ?

    Sleep.?

    ?

    9th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 10

    Chapter 10: And you are still insisting on calling it Cane Arts??

    ?

    Day 10 ¨C The Cave?

    ?

    My awakening is accompanied by pain. Since the bed was just soil fixed in a rectangular shape with Earth magic, it was no different from sleeping on the floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Guua, it hurts!¡¹?

    ?

    My whole body is aching. At this rate, it will eventually ruin my health.?

    ?

    Yesterday, there was Wood Magic among the skills that popped up on my status. Since it has wood in the name, it should have some kind of influence on wood.?

    ?

    There is also a possibility that it accelerates growth rate, but there is also a chance that I can manufacture something with it. It is worth a try.?

    ?

    Gathering gob clubs and lumber scraps I begin my experiment with Wood Magic.?

    ?

    Having said that, I don¡¯t know what to do. Then, using the usual Packing Magic I wrap the wood and try to slowly bend it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Bend, beeeeend¡­¡­¡­!¡¹?

    ?

    Answering to my weird chants, like those of a phony psychic, the wood began bending.?

    ?

    At this point, I¡¯m not even sure what kind of magic did it, but it bent. Just like it was with Earth Magic, this just might work.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    How could this happen? In the middle of the room stood a big medieval-like table. From the tabletop shaped like a bit stretched square protruded gob clubs, turning into tapered table legs.?

    ?

    Around it stood 8 Eames chair-like shells, an ordinary four-legged stool, egg chair-like chair in the middle, and in the corner was a fully furnished ball chair.?

    ?

    Crap, I completely lost sight of my objective. Or rather, having so many chairs as a loner¡­¡­¡­ It¡¯s not like I¡¯m lonely or anything!?

    ?

    As for the main objective, the bed, I stack up wood in a rectangular shape, like a campfire, then, arranged thinned plank in a grid pattern, and got myself a wooden-spring bed. It lacked mat and couldn¡¯t even compare to a real spring bed, but with the alternative being a stone bed, it was pretty good.?

    ?

    Near the wall, I fixed a pretty fashionable looking rack. Since I had nothing to place there, I put a wooden club.?

    ?

    ¡­¡­It doesn¡¯t look as fancy anymore??

    ?

    Somehow, judging by the appearance alone, isn¡¯t it way cooler than a 6 tatami[1. TL Note: Room size in Japan is often measured in tatami(®’). A very common 6 tatami room is about 10 sq meters, plus-minus a bit depending on the region.] room from my previous world? Even though everything is made from stone and wood. The previous room was small, and there was no money to buy furniture.?

    ?

    As I was engrossed in this for a few hours, it was long past midday, so for now, I take lunch.?

    ?

    Though it¡¯s a bit late, it¡¯s time to decide on today¡¯s course of action. Checking the map skill turns out that only exploration of the areas up the river (Forest Depths) and down (Downstream) is progressing. Left and right of the river are untouched. Not knowing what is on the right side, where the cave is located, makes me a bit uneasy, so let¡¯s go there.?

    ?

    I move through the thick woodlands, though they aren¡¯t as dense as in the deep of the forest.?

    ?

    ¡¸There is a lot of them.¡¹?

    ?

    There are presences of gobs all over the place. There is no guarantee that they won¡¯t come to the cave, and though they are weaklings, their number is huge. Were they to attack in a group, I¡¯d have no chance of winning.?

    ?

    I have no other choice but to cull the numbers by eliminating them one by one.?

    ?

    To survive I have to raise Lv, obtain skills, and increase my battle experience. I have to brave danger in order to live safely.?

    ?

    Using ¡¸Erase Presence¡¹and ¡¸Stealth¡¹to avoid getting surrounded, I approach a group of 3 goblins. Their levels aren¡¯t that high.?

    ?

    Taking a stance with the staff I move following the movements I thought up during my¡¸Cane Arts¡¹training. Calming my breath and erasing my presence, I approach the closest goblin, the one in the middle. Holding the staff with both hands I take a swing from left to right, imitating a sword slash.?

    ?

    As the gobs to my side, howling, charged at me holding their clubs overhead, I gripped the staff by the tip with my right hand and thrust it into the chest of the right gob. Pulling the staff back I change the hold to the left hand and take a huge swing. As the gob, panicking, tried to step back, I made a mass of fire, hurling it at the gob, and at the same time, thrust the spear into its neck.?

    ?

    Breathing a sigh, I survey the surroundings and notice that the right goblin is still breathing. Approaching it and dealing the finishing blow, I, cautious of my surroundings, erase my presence.?

    ?

    It went well? The result is splendid. The solo training in cane arts while going hard on my imagination was worth it¡­¡­ Don¡¯t call it cringy! For some reason, it hurts my heart.?

    ?

    However, should I say that it went too well? ¡­¡­For some reason, the first gob got slashed. As a result, blood splattered everywhere.?

    ?

    Indeed, I wrapped the staff with mana and attacked with an image of cutting with a katana, but would it really cut? What is it? Is it that ¡¸Slashing, a sword, thrusting a spear¡¹? Holy crap, Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨±, that¡¯s amazing!?

    ?

    Well, no way that is actually the case, so it¡¯s probably the effect of mana wrapping, I guess? Or maybe the effects became stronger due to the title of Mage? I¡¯m not sure. But, the second goblin has a stabbing wound. Probably the one from attacking with the image of a spear in mind.?

    ?

    And the biggest question is the following attack with a naginata image, though it was dodged, but it extended? It did? Didn¡¯t it??

    ?

    Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨±¡¯s cane technique is amazing, it can stretch the weapon? Well, I never actually learned it though. Yeah, I only heard about it from the geeks.?

    ?

    As expected, if in my previous world it could allow to extend the reach of a weapon or to slash with it, the style would¡¯ve been super famous. After all, it probably means that magic is amazing, I guess??

    ?

    Perhaps due to wrapping the staff in mana, but I easily threw a ball of fire. I wonder if at this point I could just call it a fireball? Though it didn¡¯t fly even two meters¡­¡­ The fireball that doesn¡¯t fly is just a fire ball, damn, that¡¯s the same thing.?

    ?

    It would be better to go back and thoughtfully verify everything at home, but I already came here. And if I keep practicing stuck inside the cave it could lead to terrible results.?

    ?

    And by that, I mean leveling up in ¡¸Hikikomori¡¹, ¡¸NEET¡¹and ¡¸Loner¡¹. Well, it¡¯s already too late anyway, let¡¯s use Concealment.?

    ?

    Pulling myself together, I get back to action, Search, Search, found.?

    ?

    This time there are two. Slashing the first one diagonally from the shoulder, I then cut down the next one with the following motion. (It¡¯s just a stick though.)?

    ?

    So it really can cut. In addition, I also made a sweeping slash at the second gob that was still coming at me, (It¡¯s a stick though), and then stabbed another gob that just came out.?

    ?

    Yeah, no mistake here, it can cut and stab.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Returning to my senses by the time it began to get darker, and what do I see. A scenery covered in slashed goblins, with an amazing splatter feel to it, oh my, could this be a work of a master? Sorry, I got carried away.?

    ?

    Perhaps due to stats from Lv 4, but my body is light, I can slash, stab, sweep, and it looks like midway I completely got carried away doing what I please to goblins that came at me one after another.?

    ?

    In this prolonged fight, I ended up even imagining a hammer, and applying ¡¸Weight¡¹to make it heavier, crushed goblins that attempted to block with their clubs. and when they tried to get away from me, used an image of a gun to shoot balls of fire.?

    ?

    Since there was nothing but goblins I managed to overpower them with the difference in stats, but if swift kobolds or orcs, that are said to be even more powerful, were here, I probably would¡¯ve been the one on the ground.?

    ?

    This world is not a game. Though it is a game-like world, it is reality. If I¡¯m not careful I might not have another chance. Gathering magic stones and clubs I throw them into Item Box. Today I got 32 of them, which means that the last battle was versus 25 gobs.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s calm down and go home. But even so, if there is an adventurer job, isn¡¯t treating me like a¡¸NEET¡¹after working so hard unreasonable? Well, since I have no Job that does make me unemployed.?

    ?

    And thinking this and that I get back to my sweet home. Before I even noticed, it fully turned into my home. A 30 tatami room[2. TL Note: About 49 sq meters], way more comfortable than my previous 6 tatami one, now was even equipped with kitchen, bath, and toilet. At this point, I have nothing to refute ¡¸Hikikomori¡¹.?

    ?

    Taking a late dinner I think back on my fights. Yeeah, that¡¯s too much. A gun is too much. A gun.?

    ?

    Otherwordly self-styled Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± cane arts, now with magic.¡¸Thrusting, a spear, sweeping a naginata, slashing, a long sword. And if you try to escape, a gun, defend it¡¯ll crush, the staff is a flexible weapon and can be used in many ways. And if you call now, we will add a buff to magic power!!¡¹¡­¡­That¡¯s too much¡­?

    ?

    With the gun image, the ball of fire became smaller, but in exchange, it goes for almost 10 meters. Probably due to the image used, the fire bullet was spinning and was now capable of penetrating the target. The shape also changed from a ball to a bullet. Using it with a firm image I have to decide if I should make it pierce or stop after hitting a target, if it should set targets on fire, or should I even insist on it actually being cane arts? There is a lot to think about.?

    ?

    I feel like eventually, this world¡¯s cane art organization is going to file a complaint against me. But for now, I¡¯m a loner, so it doesn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    NAME:¡¡Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶

    Lv £°£µ?

    ?

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¶£µ £¨£±£µUP£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¶£± £¨£±£´UP£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¶£µ £¨£±£³UP£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¶£³ £¨£±£µUP£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£µ£¸ £¨£±£µUP£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£µ£¸ £¨£±£µUP£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¶£´ £¨£±£´UP£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¶£¹ £¨£±£´UP£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £´£°?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 5¡¹(2Up)¡¸Avoidance Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Premonition Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 3¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Movement Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Weight Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 1¡¹(New)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 2¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 2¡¹¡¸Gymnastics Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Walking Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 1¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv 3¡¹¡¸Farsight Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Detect Presence Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 4¡¹(2Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 3¡¹(Up) ¡¸Stealth Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Concealment Lv 1¡¹¡¸Map Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Concentration Lv 2¡¹(Up) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 2¡¹(Up) ¡¸MP Recovery Lv 1¡¹(New)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸NEET Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Loner Lv 3¡¹(Up) ¡¸Mage Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 1¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 1¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«£±£¥¡¹?

    ?

    10th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 11.1

    Chapter 11: They are off in the head. Those that did the same are also off in the head. Part 1?

    ?

    Day 11 ¨C The Cave.?

    ?

    Today¡¯s breakfast once again consists of seasoned mushrooms, other world style saut¨¦ed with dried meat with herbs (preserved food). Plus bits of a broiled rabbit.?

    ?

    I¡¯m already sick of it.?

    ?

    I¡¯m hardly making progress at identifying weird skills, and my main power, Cane Arts Lv 5, feels like ¡¸Eh, these are cane arts?¡¹by this point.?

    ?

    Anyway, I want information. The geeks, that had a lot of it, left, heading for the town. And I don¡¯t want to do anything with the class, that by now probably devolved into messy unrest.?

    ?

    Were they to discover my lovely mid-century modern style house[1. TL Note: Mid-century modern is an American design movement in interior, product, graphic design, architecture, and urban development that was popular from roughly 1945 to 1969. It is typically characterized by clean, simple lines, honest use of materials, and it generally does not include decorative embellishments.], they surely would take over it, acting as if they own the place.?

    ?

    There is no doubt about that after hearing the geeks¡¯ story. And I also don¡¯t think that anything good can come from getting involved with them. All of their information on this world, skills, and monsters came from the geeks, so it¡¯s not like they know anything themselves.?

    ?

    I guess looking for a town is a sound idea, but I¡¯m not sure I can get along with the people possessing no culture or common sense. Don¡¯t underestimate how much of a loner I am, I¡¯m Lv 3! (Smug).?

    ?

    After all,¡¸Safety Comes First¡¹is the biggest factor. I have to get strong enough to be able to protect myself with certainty. My level is low compared to others transported to this world. It¡¯s likely that there is some sort of penalty on leveling up. With¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 1¡¹,¡¸Muppet Lv 1¡¹having such a huge impact on Lv 1, it gives me shivers, thinking what is going to happen when they level up.?

    ?

    However, the transported that I saw until now had Lv 11. Even the geeks had only Lv 16, with status reaching three digits only for their best stats. Around 160-170 I guess? If my Lv is going to raise as it did until now, I should have about 120-150 by Lv 10, and when I reach Lv 16 I might go over 200? The growth rate could be going down, as it does in some games, but from what I saw, it stayed the same up to Lv 5. Or actually, didn¡¯t it go up a bit??

    ?

    Putting status aside, the geeks, being Lv 16, and getting through a week of nonstop battles were struggling with 5 goblins. Yes, there was a matter of them being out of mana and having a questionable formation with only one person on the frontline, but even so. 4 people with cheat skills and Lv 16. On top of that, they almost got killed by an ambush from behind by two goblins. Could it be that actual combat experience matters more than Lv??

    ?

    If I appraised other otherworlders or natives of this world I could get a better picture through comparison. But there is no guarantee that they won¡¯t attack me, and even if I¡¯m stronger than them, I still might fall into a trap.?

    ?

    The geeks were saying that in another world enslavement magic or items, charm, skill stealing, and instant death skills pose the biggest danger. Having no resistances, even poison or hypnosis would lead to a checkmate.?

    ?

    Looks like humans are the most dangerous. Do I have no other choice but to confine myself to the cave and lead a NEET loner life??

    ?

    However, the geeks chose to go to a town anyway, even if there is that much danger. And that is because they are high school boys! Thank you very much, they are merely lusting for girls.?

    ?

    Apparently, enslaved animal-eared girls, lewd elven beauties, and dwarven legal lolis are waiting for them there¡­¡­ Didn¡¯t they just escape from high school girls? Well, do your best.?

    ?

    The depths of the forest, huh. After I saw the wannabes I made no attempts to go there. And I have even less desire to do so after hearing the geeks.?

    ?

    But the geeks left them in such a state.?

    ?

    The wannabes had Charm and Puppetry sealed, but they could have other cheat skills. Now, that the geeks left the group, it could spell a lot of trouble were they to turn to violence.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t care about them. But even so. Though I was a loner, we still were in the same class, so there are people, whom I¡¯d like to remain safe. Well, about 5 or 6 of them? Everyone else either doesn¡¯t matter or should go and eat shit.?

    ?

    Especially the wannabes and bitches. I wouldn¡¯t mind if they went and aggroed kobolds. Or rather, please do! Get bitten! It really hurts! I¡¯m speaking from experience.?

    ?

    Should I check on them after all? Even the geeks were worried about the president. She is a beauty after all.?

    ?

    Yeah, there is nothing but mushrooms around here. A lot of different types, but still, nothing but mushrooms.?

    ?

    The depths of the forest should have different ingredients, so I can check on their status as I search for food.?

    ?

    Gathering food, training, experimenting, and while I¡¯m at it, scouting? I also can expand the Map.?

    ?

    Today¡¯s destination is the depths of the forest. Since their base was on the river bank, I should be able to find it going upstream. It should be located near the place where I encountered the wannabes. As the geeks said, the wannabes never went far from the base, so it should be there. Upstream, huh. I wonder if I can catch any fish? I really want lightning magic.?

    ?

    I proceed through the forest, going along the river. Walking near the river might get me spotted after all, and it¡¯s also unlikely that I will find any food there.?

    ?

    I think I should be getting close to the place, but¡­ There is no food? Did they eat up everything??

    ?

    There are a considerable number of goblins, but it¡¯s not a problem. They are really weak.?

    ?

    I was a bit wary since they are clustering in packs of 5-6, but with Lv 3-4 they aren¡¯t only slow, but also lack strength.?

    ?

    As training, I tried to trade blows with them, but a goblin that has no advantage in strength can¡¯t be an opponent. They are so easy that I can¡¯t even use them to practice cane arts. Cane arts I said. Yes, I have my own objections to that name as well.?

    ?

    And then kobolds. As always, walking around with their dog-like faces. Reapplying Mana wrapping I approach them. Hm? Lv 2 and 3??

    ?

    Ah, so the geeks told the truth. They are a bit stronger than goblins. A bit stronger than gob weaklings of Lv 3-4.?

    ?

    They are faster, but they just dash in a straight line. Are you gobs? And they even stopped running to wave sticks at me. They might serve as good training dummies.?

    ?

    Exchanging blows with 2 kobolds I noticed. They barely have any skills. That explains why they aren¡¯t trying to make joint attacks. But they do have Biting!?

    ?

    This would explain why the geeks would struggle with the monsters near the cave. After getting used to these, they would feel like a completely different thing.?

    ?

    If these are kobolds, then what the hell were those that I fought the other day¡­¡­? As I gave them a glare without a thought, the kobolds backed off.?

    ?

    Certainly, until now I went through a lot of badmouthing and backbiting about my eyes. That I have a bad glare, that my eyes are scary, that they look dangerous. I¡¯m also aware that there is some truth to that.?

    ?

    BUT EVEN SO, YOU ARE MONSTERS, DON¡¯T BE SO SCARED! Are my eyes on the same level as those of monsters? What even are the eyes that would scare even monsters? I¡¯m a human, right? This reaction hurts my feelings, you know? The hell are you tucking your tails for??

    ?

    Snapping, I beat kobolds to death. And I¡¯m not sorry, they should be sorry.?

    ?

    Until now I peacefully lived at the cave but turns out, it was a pretty dangerous spot.?

    ?

    Now, this leaves only orcs. I guess I will manage? Stronger and tougher than goblins, proficient with clubs, the strongest monsters of this area.?

    ?

    But having skills and being stronger than gobs and kobolds from this area, isn¡¯t that the gobs that I usually fight??

    ?

    That explains why Lv 16 geeks would struggle. This place gave them no combat experience. It¡¯s on the level where I¡¯m completely dominating.

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Using Farsight I found the base of my classmates, but tents and fences are all in tatters. Does it mean that without the geeks they now have no one to do the maintenance? But staying like that is dangerous. Or rather, it¡¯s like there is no one there.?

    ?

    Did they move? No, that¡¯s unlikely.?

    ?

    According to the information I got from the geeks, they weren¡¯t in a state that would allow them to act as a group. Even if they split, it¡¯s still weird that no one would stay here.?

    ?

    Maintaining caution I approach the base, and there is not a single person after all. Where did they go? Did something happen??

    ?

    Examining the base and surrounding, I look over it, searching for traces that could give me some clues.?

    ?

    An instant of dizziness.?

    ?

    I felt like I suddenly Saw something. And then, that information went to my head, hitting me like a shockwave, and it hurt.?

    ?

    A new skill? That can wait.?

    ?

    Examining it once again, the base, the woods, the river bank¡­¡­ There are two traces in the base. The first one is focused around a certain spot further into the base, that¡¯s probably the place where the geeks were attacked. The remnants of magic power feel older here than in the other spot.?

    ?

    And the second one is a bit away from the base, on the dry river bank, leading from there to the woods. The traces of magic feel new¡­¡­ ¡¸Magic¡¹, meaning that humans fought here.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know which skill this is, but those eyes of mine are the only thing I can rely upon. Following the trace, I enter the forest.?

    ?

    Nearly one hour of running later, I finally found signs of human presence.?

    ?

    Looks like a group escaping while making rounds through the area is running this way.?

    ?

    Wait and see how it goes? Or should I help them??

    ?

    Observe it is. The group running from the pursuers is shedding blood. I still can¡¯t see them, as they are out of my sight, but I can See it.?

    ?

    If the pursued party are bad guys, then what about the pursuers??

    ?

    If pursuers are bad guys, then what about the pursued??

    ?

    In conclusion, both were baddies.?

    ?

    ¡­¡­Okay, let¡¯s go home.?

    ?

    What should I have for dinner? Mushrooms? Or mushrooms? Or may~be~ mushrooms??

    ?

    Ah, they are here, what can I say¡­¡­¡¸Hey! You! Stop there!¡¹¡¹¡­¡­Aaah~ how annoying.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. Good day, dear bitches. And bye. ¡¹?

    ?

    Then, let¡¯s pick up some berries on the way back¡­¡­¡¸I told you to stop!!¡¸Eh? The hell is that¡¸And bye¡¹!!!¡¹¡¸Who are you calling bitches!¡¹gyah gyah!!¡¹on the way back¡­¡­??

    ?

    Gyah? Never heard of a bird crying in such a way. Let¡¯s leave it alone and go home¡«??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are telling you to friggin stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Haaaah. Of all people possible, it¡¯s bitches. If it were high school girls bursting with the energy of youth I would¡¯ve considered stopping, but I don¡¯t want to stop for high school girls bursting with bitchiness.?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, why are you in such a place¡¸Are you their friend?!¡¹¡¸Hey you¡¸what does this mean?¡¹hurry up and do something!!!¡¹, why are you silent?¡¹?

    ?

    Annoying, annoying, annoying, what the hell are they! So noisy, what are they even talking about??

    ?

    ¡¸Look, what is ¡¸what does this mean?¡¹supposed to mean?¡¡Then, you were the ones who walked to¡¸such a place¡¹!¡¡And¡¸their friend¡¹, who are you talking about? And I don¡¯t even have friends!¡¡I¡¯m a loner!¡¡Don¡¯t make me say it!¡¹?

    ?

    I have no idea who was chasing them, but to hell with helping them. Jumping out of nowhere and going¡¸Hurry up and do something!!¡¹??

    ?

    Enough, let¡¯s hurry home.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸As we said!¡¡Wait!¡¹¡¹¡­¡­¡­¡­Please.¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? I¡¯m getting auditory hallucinations. My ears went crazy since bitches were too loud?!

 CH 11.2

    ¡¸Please, listen to us. Please.¡¹?

    ?

    Crap! I got an abnormal status effect! Which skill did that? I¡¯m hearing weird stuff like¡¸Please¡¹!?

    ?

    ¡¸I have no idea why you are in this world, but you are a friend of Oda and his group? We are looking for them, if you know anything, please tell us.¡¹?

    ?

    She looks like the leader of the bitches, is this an illusion? Bitch among bitches, Bitch Queen. The machine for producing selfish whims, complaints, and insults. The very culprit the size of whose pride led to the class breaking up. There is no way that there is ¡¸please¡¹in her dictionary.?

    ?

    ¡¸Who are you?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why! We are in the same class! How can you not know!!¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, she snapped. Ehm? This way of snapping reminds me of bitch leader.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you a real one?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean, a real one?! What are you even talking about?!¡¹?

    ?

    Hm, this is the bitch leader.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, sorry, my bad. I had some auditory hallucinations sounding like ¡¸Please¡¹, so I thought that you were a fake bitch leader.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who are you calling bitch leader! And¡­¡­ It wasn¡¯t hallucinations¡­¡­ Please, if you know something, tell us.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who the hell are you?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m me! The real one!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Are you really the real bitch leader?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, I am! NO, wait, I¡¯m not!!! I¡¯m the real one, but I¡¯m not bitch leader!!!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸? Which is it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, bitch leader is fine already! *pant pant pant*¡¹?

    ?

    Well, I¡¯m pretty sure she is a real one. One cannot copy her manner of using ¡¸!¡¹so easily.?

    ?

    ¡¸So, who is Oda?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How come you don¡¯t know! You talked with him from time to time!!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oda? O~da? Oda and the group? Aah, you mean the geeks! Stop with those weird nicknames and just call them geeks.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oda, is a name!!! *pant pant pant*¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? Not Geek? A shocking truth is revealed! Well, geeks is good enough for them.?

    ?

    ¡¸So, why are you searching for the geeks? Going to make them run errands? Or are you hunting?¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that I look the bitches in the eyes. No? Please don¡¯t be so startled just because our eyes met. I¡¯m hurt deep enough from the incidents with the kobolds.?

    ?

    Well, though I can¡¯t help but give them a glare. After hearing such a story from the geeks. And even chasing after them now¡­¡­ ¡¸¡­we want to apologize¡­¡­¡¹Eh??

    ?

    ¡¸No, as I said, are you going to make them your gophers after you catch them? Or you are going to hand them over to the wannabe delinquents? Or¡­¡­ ¡¸As I said, we want to apologize¡¹¡­¡­Are you for real?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We just want to apologize. It, it¡¯s not like we think that they will actually forgive or help us¡­¡­ We understand what we did. No, we understood it only a short time ago¡­¡­ So we don¡¯t think that they will forgive us, or that apologizing will fix anything, but, that¡¯s the only thing we can do, so, at least¡­¡­ We¡¯d like to properly apologize to them¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We are already dead, a long time ago¡­¡­We can¡¯t do a thing, living in such a place is just impossible. The only reason we didn¡¯t actually die is because they were helping us, we understand that, or rather, we realized that a short time ago¡­¡­So¡­¡­Just¡­¡­ Before the end, we want to properly apologize¡­¡­Please, if you know anything, tell us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Please.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    To think they would lower their heads. Aaah, did they reform? Or maybe gave up on life? So that¡¯s how they survived the last week¡­¡­ Saved by the geeks. Abandoned by everyone, resigning themselves, the last thing that came to their mind was gratitude and apology to the geeks. Redeeming their past stupidity. This is their last will.?

    ?

    ¡¸I know where they went, but I don¡¯t know where they are. And can you even catch up to them? You will have to get through the forest. Can you fight? You can¡¯t, right?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know if the geeks will be happy or angry to get an apology from them. Normally, it would be infuriating. But they are pretty soft. But then, they might be unable to abandon them and end up falling to ruin together. Though there is probably no reason to worry about that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Anyway, you can¡¯t catch up to them or even chase after them. There is no point in following them now.¡¹?

    ?

    The bitches shook, looking into the ground. They probably were going with a do-or-die spirit. Doing what they must before they die. But it¡¯s too late.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, tell us anyway. We aren¡¯t giving up, not before apologizing at least¡­¡­ Even if we can¡¯t make it there, please. Please tell us.¡¹?

    ?

    This is bordering on a religious zeal. We are going to die, so before that, we want to thank those that saved us. Bullying, exploitation and abandonment weigh heavily on your conscience. Pilgrimage for the atonement of sins¡­¡­ If we can¡¯t make it, then we will perish on the way.?

    ?

    Being robbed of their life until now by the very god who they were supposed to rely on. Losing everything in one week, and learning of their near end after being abandoned. Looks like those few days were hard enough to change their personalities.?

    ?

    ¡¸I already heard from the geeks about what happened. Or rather, about what you have done. Before the geeks, did you apologize to the president already?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes. But since everyone split into different groups, the boys attacked us, making everyone scatter¡­¡­The president said ¡¸I accept it, but the ones we truly have to apologize to are Oda-kun and his group.¡¹¡­¡­The others¡­¡­We just apologized to them, only Oda and his friends are left¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, so they went as far as they could. The wannabes, that were so high and mighty at school, disappeared, the geeks, that suddenly became strong upon coming to another world, also disappeared, and the leadership of the president also disappeared. As a result, with no one organizing them, no one to fend off monsters, the boys abandoned themselves to their desires, attacking the girls, and being repelled by the president¡¯s group, went on rampage elsewhere.?

    ?

    The bitches ran away from the boys, were abandoned by the president, and after finally ending up with nowhere to go, realized what they had done. So as the last thing before their deaths, they decided to apologize¡­¡­ And thank the geeks, the only people that helped them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, first of all, you are being chased. Probably one of the boys¡¯ groups. So you won¡¯t be able to run away, and also won¡¯t be able to reach the geeks. Second, as I already said before, pressing forward you will end up eaten by the monsters. And of course, won¡¯t make it to the geeks. The third and the last one, beat the monkeys in heat which the boys turned into, crush and sweep away monsters, and go to the geeks to apologize. Which do you prefer?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No way!¡¸That¡¯s just impossible¡­¡­¡¸It¡¯s hopeless¡­¡­¡¸It¡¯s fine already¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹We just want you to tell us where they are¡¹Please£¡¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Just a little bit, but they pissed me off, so I gave them a look.?

    ?

    For some reason, they fell on their backsides, and trembling, began sobbing with pale faces. Ah, I don¡¯t care anymore.?

    ?

    ¡¸Regret, or reform, or atonement, or repentance, or apologies, or confession or gratitude? In the first place, I don¡¯t know the hell with your resolution!¡¡And I don¡¯t care! It doesn¡¯t matter to me if you are ill-natured bitches, reformed bitches, or revised bitches!!¡¡Are you going to apologize to the geeks?!¡¡Or are you going to line up excuses?! Which is it?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡¸I¡¯m asking you which is it!!!!¡¹¡­¡­!¡¹?

    ?

    Nice, this one had bitch-level ¡¸!¡¹. Is this the power of ¡¸Jack of All Trades¡¹??

    ?

    Okay, I¡¯m going to master the way of ¡¸!¡¹!?

    ?

    ¡¸Listen here! The geeks were helping you all the time, despite your bullying and insults! They saved you! They tried to teach you! How to live here! How not to die here!! Even though you ignored that! Even though you insulted them! Until the moment they became unable to stay here!! To you! The people that insulted, bullied, and made fun of them!!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Nice, ¡¸16!¡¹. Though to claim mastery of it, I would need the level of bitch leader with ¡¸20!¡¹.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you going to die though they saved you?! They kept helping you and you are going to die?! So what the geeks did had absolutely no meaning!! They risked their lives to help you, but all of it had absolutely no point!! So you are going to die without learning anything they tried to teach! To make you survive! So you wouldn¡¯t die! Die, ignoring all of the geeks¡¯ intentions!! That¡¯s how you apologize! Without actually telling a thing and just getting all self-satisfied¡¹?

    ?

    I did it, I crossed the limit! The bitch leader¡¯s inherent skill ¡¸20!¡¹. I passed over that ultimate barrier! I did it, and burned out to a pure white ash[1. TL Note: Ashita no Joe reference.]¡­¡­ Eh, wait, what? Did I manifest some kind of weird hot blood skill? Which reminds me, didn¡¯t my personality change lately??

    ?

    ¡¸UWAAA, we don¡¯t want to die! There is no way we would want to die!! We wanted to survive! We want to live! But we didn¡¯t listen to a thing, we didn¡¯t learn anything, since we can¡¯t, it can¡¯t be helped! Even when they were about to die, since we are idiots, we just kept making fun of them, being unable to do a thing, unable to admit that we are scared, unable to ask for help¡­ We never even said thank you¡­ or sorry¡­ even once! They saved us, of course, we want to reach them alive and give thanks!! We want to apologize to their faces! We don¡¯t want to die! We don¡¯t want to die like this¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Kuh, what a ¡¸!¡¹! ¡¸21!¡¹you say!! So in the end my ¡¸!¡¹is nothing but a hastily learned skill? Jack of All Trades is still but a pale imitation, falling short of the real essence of the skill. Not something a Muppet can hope to overcome¡­¡­ Eh??

    ?

    For some reason, the bitches are crying? What is going on? What happened??

    ?

    Uwaaa, with unkempt hair and no makeup they already looked somewhat like kids, but now their faces were all ruined from crying, with tears and snot all over their faces. Yeah, a pandemonium. The hellscape of little bitches. How did it turn into this??

    ?

    When you don¡¯t understand something, retrace the steps in the order of them happening, and it should bring an understanding of the situation and the meaning of it.?

    ?

    I engaged in an extreme ¡¸!!¡¹battle with bitch leader. Over. Q.E.D. [2. TL Note: an initialism of the Latin phrase ¡°quod erat demonstrandum¡±, literally meaning ¡°what was to be shown¡±.]?

    ?

    Hm, am I missing something? I feel like something has taken over me in the middle of it, so I don¡¯t remember anything aside from ¡¸!¡¹battle.?

    ?

    Yeah, damn. I can¡¯t grasp the situation. Let¡¯s just ask them directly.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, well, that? As they say, how did that go?¡¹?

    ?

    The bitches simultaneously turned their soggy faces to me. Their eyes had a supernatural ghastliness to them. Holy crap, how scary!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We are idiots and didn¡¯t learn anything about survival. We can¡¯t die like this!¡¡We absolutely cannot die!¡¡Please, teach us!¡¡Please save us!¡¡Please teach us the way, the knowledge to survive and meet Oda-kun and the others!¡¡Please give us the power to repay for our crimes, and return the debt!¡¡Please!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes?!¡¹?

    ?

    Crap, I replied involuntarily.

 CH 11.3

    I-I¡¯ll tell you exactly what happened.?

    ?

    I-I¡¯m sure you guys won¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying.?

    ?

    And I don¡¯t know what happened either¡­?

    ?

    I thought I was going insane¡­?

    ?

    It wasn¡¯t anything simple like Charm or Puppetry.?

    ?

    I experienced something far more terrifying. [1. TL Note: EVERY LINE UP TO THIS POINT IS A JOJO REFERENCE. Aside from one missing line and the part with Charm and Puppetry, it¡¯s letter per letter quote of Polnareff lines from Stardust Crusaders episode 45.]?

    ?

    It¡¯s¡¸Command Lv 1¡¹.?

    ?

    How did it turn out like this?!?

    ?

    At the bottom part of my status.?

    ?

    ¡¸Command¡¹Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, Bitch D.?

    ?

    What is this? I did have Command Lv 1. I think it probably was a skill for taming monsters. But until now, I annihilated all of the monsters I met. Aah, I didn¡¯t test it even once.?

    ?

    Suddenly, I have 5 bitches tamed? What is this? Bitch Master, gotta catch ¡¯em all? Like hell I will!?

    ?

    I wonder, is bitch leader an evolved form??

    ?

    There was a scum that wanted to use puppetry to have his way with the girls.?

    ?

    There was a sleazebag that wanted to use charm to make girls serve him.?

    ?

    And then, there is I, who enslaved them?!?

    ?

    UWAAA! Loner hikkikomori NEET enslaving 5 high school girls.?

    ?

    It sounds like nothing but a crime! If there was such a person, I probably would¡¯ve shouted¡¸Policeman, it¡¯s him!¡¹and summoned a policeman from another world.?

    ?

    You¡­ Probably have no idea what I¡¯m talking about, but I have no idea as well! Give up, the game is up.?

    ?

    Groaning, I walk through the forest, Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, and Bitch D following after me.?

    ?

    Wrecking my head, I walk through the forest, Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, and Bitch D following after me.?

    ?

    Lamenting, I walk through the forest, Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, and Bitch D following after me.?

    ?

    Are you baby ducklings or something?!?

    ?

    Impaling with the geek¡¯s ¡¸Ice Lance¡¹a goblin that jumped out, I kept moving.?

    ?

    Sniping a kobold that jumped out with a revised version of Fireball¡¸Fire Bullet¡¹I keep moving.?

    ?

    They are staring at me really hard. That¡¯s probably them trying to learn how to fight. Even if you do, I¡¯m jobless level 5, you know??

    ?

    Since looking back is scary, I move looking only ahead of me.?

    ?

    Where am I heading? I have no idea. But I have to press on. Neither stopping nor looking back is allowed to me. The bitches¡¯ eyes are way too scary! Their eyes look like those of some kind of religious fanatics, it¡¯s scary.?

    ?

    Moving straight forward as if I actually have a goal, I press on, not caring for gobs that since a while ago keep jumping at us, mowing them down, and moving forward. The farther I go the bigger the presence I feel ahead, but I can¡¯t turn around. The reason being, the bitches are following me from behind!?

    ?

    I keep moving forward as if running away. Or rather, I am running away. Damn, for quite a while the surroundings are covered with gobs. Ahead of me are kobolds and the bitches are behind. The only available option is kobolds.?

    ?

    Without saying a word, Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, and Bitch D are following after me.?

    ?

    Indifferent, Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, and Bitch D are following after me.?

    ?

    What do I do??

    ?

    Ahead of me is kobolds¡¯ den. The presence is staggering. But to me, turning back is not allowed. Because what¡¯s behind me is even scarier!?

    ?

    Perhaps learning from observing me, but now they are extracting magic stones from the monsters that I defeated and bringing them to me. They are still pretty bad at it, so while gouging out magic stones they got all covered in blood with their eyes turning even crazier¡­¡­ I¡¯m scared. Looking like some kind of terrible brigade, the blood-smeared bitches are marching after me, just single-mindedly sticking to me. What¡¯s this? It¡¯s really scary? I¡¯m going to cry, you know??

    ?

    Due to ¡¸Experience Sharing¡¹, an effect of Command, the bitches¡¯ Lv kept rising. Culling kobolds to a degree, while allowing a few of them to pass behind me, the bitches would silently swarm them, stabbing swords and spears into them. I¡¯ve never seen kobolds make such pitiful faces. And it¡¯s my first time seeing kobolds so utterly frightened. I¡¯m probably making the same face. Because it¡¯s scary!?

    ?

    Before I noticed, the perverted high-school monkeys, that were chasing after the girls, disappeared. No idea if they were chased away by kobolds or killed, and I honestly don¡¯t care! It¡¯s because of those perverted monkeys that I¡¯m going through such a scary experience, it¡¯s because of those perverted monkeys that kobolds are going through such a scary experience!¡¡Now, kill them, kobolds! We might be fighting on different sides, but our aspirations are the same!¡¡Wait, could it be that kobolds are my allies??

    ?

    Well, there is probably no one who would think of assaulting the bitches after seeing them now. Coming to another world turns out, the scariest thing were classmates. Earlier I was also possessed by some kind of passionate persona. Looks like people from the original world are more threatening than dangerous monsters.?

    ?

    Kobolds come one after another, the number is amazing, but the area is also spacious. Without putting much power into Fire Bullets, I just keep dishing out more and more of them, showering one kobold after another with them as they keep coming.?

    ?

    If 10 of them appear, I shoot 30, if 20, I shoot 60. Ready and shoot, ready, and shoot. One after another I shoot them the moment I create them. Each bullet doesn¡¯t have much power, but it¡¯s enough to check kobolds¡¯ charges and suppress them with numbers, overwhelming them.?

    ?

    With the only thing going for low-level kobolds being their charge ability they can¡¯t take a hit. So being assaulted with a hail of Fire Bullets like in a slanted rain, they quickly lose speed and succumb to it, fall to the ground. Pushed to the brink of death, the kobolds then become prey to the bitches, losing their lives.?

    ?

    Be there 30 or 40 of them, they are still showered in an overwhelming rain of red lights, continuously hit and struck, while behind me the bitches are probably making a bloodbath.

    And the last one, while being torn to tatters, receiving a hail of Red Bullets, reached me in an attempt to bite at me, and with its jaws opened wide, baring its teeth¡­¡­ Fell to the ground.?

    ?

    Surrounded by heaps of kobold corpses all around, the bitches just keep going on and on, delivering finishing blows and ripping out magic stones.?

    ?

    After that, a group, surrounded by a huge mass of kobolds and was engaged in a battle with them, was now looking our way.?

    ?

    Though all were covered in wounds and blood, they didn¡¯t seem to have any major injuries.?

    ?

    ¡¸HP potion, you will recover if you drink it¡­¡­ It mushroom-flavored though.¡¹?

    ?

    I ask them, but no one makes a move. So the mushroom flavor is no good? Looks like it doesn¡¯t suit girls¡¯ tastes. Thought boys probably wouldn¡¯t like it either. Well, I also hate it. I can drink aojiru[2. TL Note: Japanese vegetable drink most commonly made from kale or young barley grass. Notoriously nasty.], but I spurted out the moment I tried this thing. I didn¡¯t think that healthy mushrooms and healing herbs would create such an exquisite harmony of taste, bringing about such a symphony of nastiness.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka¡­¡­Kun¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, mushroom flavor sucks, what was I even thinking? It¡¯s terrible to the taste, and applying it externally would make you stink of mushrooms? ¡¹?

    ?

    Behind me, the bloody bitches kept gouging out making stones. A few days ago they wouldn¡¯t listen to anyone, avoiding fights, and not even trying to get close to monsters. The bitches that would¡¯ve made a huge uproar a few days ago, were they to see blood, were now silently and orderly running around, finishing off monsters, and without caring for getting dirty or blood spattering around, were gouging out magic stones.?

    ?

    Truly, an amazing sight. It¡¯s only reasonable that some wouldn¡¯t be able to believe it if they saw it. They look like completely different people. Especially considering the crazy look in their eyes.?

    ?

    Looking like that, the bitches gather magic stones, run up to me, and after giving them to me without saying a single word, rush back, going back to work with intense concentration. It¡¯s just way too suspicious. Just the other day there was a huge commotion about ¡¸Charm¡¹and ¡¸Puppetry¡¹and whatnot. Moreover, the girls could easily imagine their fate were they to fall into such a state, so it¡¯s only natural that they would be terrified, seeing this scene. After all, even I¡¯m afraid! No, I¡¯m actually scared, for real.?

    ?

    If a few days ago someone said that the worst bitches had a change of heart and reformed, no one would¡¯ve believed. Even after seeing it with their own eyes. And the change is way too extreme. They didn¡¯t just change, they became the complete opposites of what they were before. No one would think they reformed after seeing this. They would think it¡¯s either brainwashing or mind control.?

    ?

    Who would drink a beverage offered by the man, who is dragging around the bitches in such an abnormal state? And mushroom flavored on top of that! Everyone would see it only as an extremely daring trap, who the hell would drink such a thing! It¡¯s too dangerous, both the drink and the man smell of trouble. On top of that, mushrooms? What the hell with that extremely suspicious ingredient? This man is just the worst! He is clearly dangerous! And he has a scary look in his eyes! ¡­¡­Please, just spare me the last part.?

    ?

    Yeah, with the current super negative trust level, the taste is terrible, but it¡¯s out even due to its smell alone. Should I have used sweet berries to improve the taste? And the color as well? How should I put it, just no? RIght? Wouldn¡¯t high school girls think so?¡¡No, in the first place¡­¡­Or rather¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeeeeeeeeey, Haruka-kun. Come baaaaaaack.¡¹?

    ?

    Whoa, that startled me! The president is looking at me up close! This is bad for my heart. My heart almost jumped out of my chest.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, for starters, can I have that potion?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸EEEEEEEH! You are going to drink it?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You are the one who told me to drink? Why are you getting surprised?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, normally, if a stranger offers you a suspicious drink, wouldn¡¯t simply agreeing to drink it be a questionable idea for a high school girl?¡¡Like, how should I put it, shouldn¡¯t¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We are classmates! What do strangers have to do with this?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Oh?¡¹?

    ?

    A retort worthy of the president of class presidents is enhanced by a close view of her beautiful face, giving it an additional impact.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, President-sama?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s not a name! And why are you attaching sama?¡¹?

    ?

    Should I first explain the bitches behind? They look extremely suspicious, but when it comes to explaining it, I also don¡¯t quite get what is going on. Rather, can someone please explain it to me? What should I say?¡¡Doesn¡¯t oops, I enslaved them, sound the worst?! Not only it doesn¡¯t resolve the misunderstanding, but it would also label me a bad guy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun. Ehm, what¡¯s wrong with Shimazaki-san and the others? Eh? Why are you together?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeem, It¡¯s not like telling this story wouldn¡¯t not take a while, but it¡¯s a long story¡­¡­ Eeem, I tamed them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What are you even doing! And that was SHORT!¡¹?

    ?

    The president screams. Sounds like a risky title. Almost made me want to order it. I was very close to summoning an express courier. It if was a one-click purchase I would¡¯ve pressed it. I wonder if it¡¯s going to be okay with me being underage.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why did you tame them! Or rather, isn¡¯t that the skill you use on monsters? How come you are taming your classmates?!¡¹?

    ?

    I myself would like to know how I tamed them, and if possible, a way to return them where I found them as well. Will they go return if I tell them to go back to the forest? The president is on the verge of breaking, should I give the proper explanation? For starters, there is something I have to confirm.?

    ?

    ¡¸Who¡¯s Shimazaki? Some kind of romanticist, like the one that wrote ¡ºBefore the dawn¡»?¡¹ [3. TL Note: Shimazaki Haruki, Japanese poet active from Meiji to the early Showa.]?

    ?

    ¡¸You tamed and you don¡¯t know?!¡¡And normally people start from ¡ºCollection of Young Herbs¡», why are you jumping all the way to ¡ºBefore the dawn¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    The president screamed, again, so it was a serial title, I wonder if it¡¯s a trilogy? Of course, I¡¯ll buy it. Will it come with a bonus merch if I buy the whole set at once? Now is the time for summoning¡­¡­

 CH 11.4

    ¡¸YOU CAME TOGETHER TO HELP, RIGHT? WHY DO YOU HAVE THEM TAMED? WHY DON¡¯T YOU KNOW THEIR NAMES? AREN¡¯T WE CLASSMATES?!¡¹?

    ?

    It was a trilogy after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I mean, all I have written in the status is Bitch Leader, Bitch A, Bitch B, Bitch C, Bitch D?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What kind of names are you giving to girls from the same class! That¡¯s the same treatment the monsters get!! What are you even thinking!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the series are going to continue. I have to consider how to regularly purchase new entries in it!?

    ?

    Uwaa, the girls behind the class president are also giving me cold looks. The looks are so cold, that I think there are ice magic users among them. I wonder if I should warm them up with ¡¸Temperature¡¹magic©` Wait, what exactly, their EYES?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Shimazaki-san and others, thank you for coming to our rescue.¡¹?

    ?

    The president bowed to Bitch Leader.?

    ?

    ¡¸We-we just tagged along¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even so, thank you. You saved us.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­yeah.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, so by Shimazaki you meant Bitch Leader! I couldn¡¯t understand it since you gave her such Touson-like[1. TL Note: Shimazaki Touson, pen name of Shimazaki Haruki mentioned earlier] name to her, it¡¯s confusing, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸Shimazaki is the surname! And no one gave it!! And what¡¯s with that bitch leader!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why are they getting angry at me? Her name in the status is Bitch Leader, so there is no room for doubt here.?

    ?

    ¡¸Look, usually, when you tame a monster, you can give it a name. The name the tamer calls them becomes the name on the status. So¡­¡­ You tamed them without knowing their names, and that¡¯s the kind of names you gave them?!¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded. But isn¡¯t she Bitch Leader? Why? It¡¯s almost like I¡¯m the one in the wrong here.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Uwaaa, 15 girls are staring at me, and behind, 5 bitches are doing the same.?

    ?

    I begin to understand the feelings of the people with scopophobia.[2. TL Note: Fear of being seen or stared at by others] This is bad for my sanity.?

    ?

    Are they waiting for me to say something? Do I have to? Ehm, something to bring closure to this??

    ?

    ¡¸Then, good job everyone. Bye.¡¹?

    ?

    Nice, I did it. Phew, that was tiring. Let¡¯s go home.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Why are you trying to leave!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They shouted in a great chorus. Eeeh, why? Can¡¯t I go home? Even though I¡¯m a hikikomori??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, first of all, thanks for the potion. Everyone seems to be fine now. And, as I already said earlier, thank you for coming to our rescue.¡¹?

    ?

    The president is thanking me. Wait, she drank it? A hero, she certainly must have the title of hero!?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s amazing that you could find us here. After running around, even we have no idea where we are.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, I was just passing nearby, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why would you pass through such a place?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Not quite passing by, but rather, I ended up here by running away, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, running away? From what?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, for some reason the bitches were following me around?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸YOU! You are the one that tamed them! Why would the tamer be running away?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, because it¡¯s scary?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the President Screams series already concluded. She is just staring at me, very silently. This, this is a flat gaze! The president-sama¡¯s flat gaze![3. TL Note: Also known as Jitome, Would usually mean one or a combination of the following ¨C listlessness, apathy, or a bored, expressionless, or scornful face.] To think I¡¯d be able to see a flat gaze in real life with my own eyes. Much less seen on a beautiful girl and up close. Extreme delight. It¡¯s the best thing that happened since I came to another world.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, Haruka-kun. Talking with you seems to be getting us nowhere, so I will go and collect information from Shimazaki-san and others. Stay put. Don¡¯t go anywhere.¡¹?

    ?

    With those words a girl-only gathering of 20 girls began. I¡¯m staying put.?

    ?

    For some reason, some girls hugged the bitches. I¡¯m staying put.?

    ?

    The president said something, everyone laughed. I¡¯m staying put.?

    ?

    Ah, this is bullying! I¡¯m currently being bullied! I see, so with the geeks running away, the target shifted to me, huh.?

    ?

    Well, this is no different from the usual life of a loner. But just staying put is pretty boring. Here, I guess I will go with a cliche circle drawing. It¡¯s a cliche, thus it has to be right.?

    ?

    I draw a circle on the ground. I put my strength into it, but the ground is hard, so it doesn¡¯t even leave a trace. I draw, using ¡¸Mana Wrapping¡¹to strengthen my finger, ah! There is a faint mark¡­¡­ This could work!?

    ?

    Pouring mana concentrating on my fingertip I draw circles, the finger buries into the ground. Making the circle larger I pour mana, focusing it on my fingertip. I wonder if earth magic is at work as well? The circles dig into the earth. From the circles drawn with my finger, the lines of mana spread into a spiral shape, causing the ground to collapse and sink. With this, I should be able to dig pits!¡¡I can expand my home!¡¡Concentrating my mana I sharpen it further, visualizing the spiral of mana I keep drawing circles, the lines of magic gradually grow stronger until finally that vortex of mana¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kuuuuuuuun! Why are you getting entrenched! I told you to stay put, didn¡¯t I? Why are you burying yourself?!¡¹?

    ?

    The president said looking down on me. Or to be more precise, looking at me from above with a flat gaze. Thank you for the treat??

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I was bored?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t bury yourself just because you are bored! And here I was wondering what was that sudden whirlwind of mana!?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I just started drawing circles out of boredom and got a bit caught up.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸For such a reason alone?! Ah, I¡¯m sorry.¡¹?

    ?

    Before I noticed, it turned into a 5-meter hole, which startled me. Yeah, getting out of it was a real pain.?

    ?

    ¡¸Em, I heard most of the story from Shimazaki-san and others. You came to help Oda-kun, Shizamaki-san, others with them, and us. Thank you very much. Normally, it should¡¯ve been up to us to help Haruka-kun, since you were all alone¡­¡­ I¡¯m really sorry. And thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, who is that Oda again?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why don¡¯t you know Oda-kun! You talked with him at school and helped him a number of times! You also met him during their escape! Why don¡¯t you know his name?!¡¹?

    ?

    Another one of the President Screaming series. Coming soon, or rather, it already came. From what time do they accept pre orders? Are there bonuses coming with it??

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, you mean Geek and the others? Ah, yeah, I met them. For some reason even Bitch Leader was going OdaOda, I almost wrecked my brains to figure out who it was. Yes, they were doing fine.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oda-kun is his real name! There is no way he is called Geek-kun! And also, you already forgot Shimazaki-san¡¯s name, didn¡¯t you!!! *pant, pant, pant*¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the president is tired, she is insisting that Geek is actually called Oda? And she is also panting a lot. She must be quite tired from everything that happened these days, can¡¯t blame her.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, President. Suddenly thrown into such a world, yet you earnestly tried to lead the classmates for more than a week anyway. It¡¯s fine already. You are tired, it must¡¯ve been hard.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m tired because of you, Haruka-kun! Conversation with you is the hardest thing I had to do after coming to this world!¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, it¡¯s my fault. How unreasonable.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸So, you were trying to go home, but what are you intending to do with Shimazaki-san and others?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice President A asked, glaring at me. Let me explain, Vice President is the name of the president¡¯s comrades A-C. I have no idea who is the actual vice president.?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean, what to do? Return them where I found them? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean return! They are not some abandoned cats! In the first place, aren¡¯t you the one controlling them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Since I have them tamed, won¡¯t they go back if I say ¡¸Go back to the forest¡¹?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What are you even taking them for!! Why are you talking as if the forest is where they belong?!¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, Vice President began screaming. Is this a spinoff to the President Screaming series? Though Vice President A, being A lacked in chest armor, she still is a beauty rivaling the president, and with her being tall she was called a Cool Beauty by others. Though she didn¡¯t have much support from the chest armor faction, she had tremendous popularity among the leg propulsion drive faction. Collecting the series, do I have to order spinoffs as well?¡¡I¡¯m looking forward to the bonus merch.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­That aside, so you have no intention of taking them with you and doing something to them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸None at all!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean, none at all! Take us with you! Didn¡¯t we ask you to train us! Why are you giving an immediate reply here! Why is this the only time you sound so absolutely sure!¡¹?

    ?

    Whooa, Bitch Leader, that remained silent the whole time, is screaming. So she finally escaped from her trance-like state. I guess she regained some presence of mind after rejoining with others. Recovered, she is after all very noisy.?

    ?

    ¡¸I mean, it¡¯s trouble¡­¡­ No, I mean, didn¡¯t you reconcile?¡¡And also, look at your status, at this point, you can fight on your own. You are even stronger than the geeks compared to when I met them last time?¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, thanks to the effect of Command, level sharing, they raised their levels above the Geeks¡¯ 16, and were now level 19. And with that demon mode in which they tormented kobolds to death no one should be able to stand against them. If it were me, I¡¯d choose to run away.

 CH 11.5

    ¡¸Your level is high and you have a lot of skill points accumulated. If you activate cheat skills you should be strong enough. And there are 5 of you. You should be able to beat both monsters and perverted boys. You might be able to hunt even the geeks?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why would we hunt them if we want to apologize and thank them!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeh, out of impulse?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The silent stares hurt.?

    ?

    And behind them, the members that the president brought were having some kind of discussion.?

    ?

    ¡¸Now, now, calm down. Haruka-kun is like that, so I think he has no intention to do anything weird to Shimazaki-san and the others. Right?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice President B seems to be speaking in my support, as expected, she is a nice person. I wouldn¡¯t mind even giving her the first place in the nice people ranking. But I won¡¯t be tricked by that B in the name! Her chest armor far surpasses that of the class president! She is an amazing person hailed as a god by the devotees of the chest armor faction. She is nodding to her own argument. And they are swaying along. Oooh, what a frightening child!![1. TL Note: Glass Kamen reference. Usually is said with this expression. https://storage.mantan-web.jp/images/2012/01/14/20120114dog00m200018000c/001_size5.jpg]?

    ?

    ¡¸Has no intention, huh. It¡¯s more like he has no something else. For Shimazaki-san, a popular amateur model appearing in fashion magazines, to be getting such a treatment¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Vice President A, what is your deal, first you are pressing if I have any weird ideas, and when it turns out what I don¡¯t, that doesn¡¯t satisfy you as well? Is there no right answer here? What are you, a professional problem seeker? I don¡¯t need you picking holes in my words!! I¡¯m all for picking holes myself though. If you know what I mean.?

    ?

    ¡¸Treatment, huh. You know, to me it sounds like Haruka-kun treats classmates no different from monsters?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like Vice President C has some problems. Even though she is so small. Vice President C has no chances of getting treated like a monster. She is obviously a small animal. And her chest armor is also sma¡­¡­ WHOA, she gave me an amazing glare! Could it be that as a small animal she has skills for a heightened sense of danger??

    ?

    ¡¸I was in the same class with him for 11 years in a row, since the first grade, wait a moment¡­¡­ I don¡¯t think he ever called me anything other than¡­¡­ Class President?!¡¹?

    ?

    I wonder what they are talking about? For some reason, the president is in orz[2. TL Note: a fatigued or despaired emoticon, which represents a stick figure kneeling or bowing with the ¡°o¡± being the head, the ¡°r¡± being the arms and part of the body, and the ¡°z¡± being part of the body and the legs.] pose? Is she tired after all? She must¡¯ve had it tough.?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I¡¯m bored, the girls-only gathering is still continuing. Girls do talk a lot after all. With 20 of them, even deciding what to have for lunch would take a week. Some might starve to death by then.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s getting dark already, so I guess I will leave it to the young folk and will excuse myse¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Since we are classmates, you are just as young as we are!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­True.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I still can¡¯t go home. Since I have nothing better to do, I¡¯ll try to snipe nearby kobolds and gobs. When I made a quick check a short while ago, the Lv went up. The detection distance increased to 20-30 meters, but I have no means to attack them. Since I might get scolded again, I secretly used wind magic to make an Air Bullet, but it disappeared midway, not providing the desired result. The Air Cutter has no reach at all, turning into a simple gust of wind when it gets past 5 meters. With Lv up the distance increased, but it¡¯s still not enough.?

    ?

    Can I use earth magic to affect a distant location? I reach with my hand to the ground, and right below a goblin¡­¡­ Earth Needle! Nice. It went well, it got skewered. But during this, I can¡¯t move as well. It would be impossible to use in combat. I have to focus on both the spell and the detection and the effectiveness in terms of mana also drops unexpectedly hard with the distance. But I¡¯m so bored??

    ?

    ¡¸President, the night is about to fall, so can I go home already?¡¹?

    ?

    I ask, raising my hand.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s exactly because we have nowhere to go that we are discussing it right now¡­¡­ Speaking of which, just where are you trying to return to?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, the president¡¯s base was in ruins. A number of tents were intact, but the perverted boys must be lurking nearby. But what can a discussion on it solve??

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? To my home?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why do you have a home in another world? Were you born in this world?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, I had nothing else to do so I made one?¡¹?

    ?

    Girls-only talk, once again.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸By the way, how many can fit in there?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who knows? I¡¯m living alone, so only the geeks came there?¡¹?

    ?

    Is this some kind of home survey? What if I answer it? Will the president try to press me into buying a mansion or something? Another world has its own dangers as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, look, a tent, for example, if you really cram it, 1 person can fit in a half mat space. With 3 people per 2 mats, there would be some room, and with 1 person per mat it would be spacious.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, I wonder?¡¹?

    ?

    I was alone all this time, so I never tried to pack my cave that hard. The area that currently has no furniture? About 40 mats I guess? [3. TL Note: 68 m2]?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, in the worst case, if we sit holding out knees, 5-6 people could fit on one mat?¡¹?

    ?

    Six people per mat? Simple math.?

    ?

    ¡¸With 6 people per mat it should be 240 people? With 5 people, about 200? If I put away the furniture it should be a bit more, about 300 I guess? It leaves only the kitchen, bath, toilet¡­¡­ And also a half-finished storeroom, soo¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸200¡­¡­ 240 people¡­¡­ In what kind of a palace are you living all by yourself! Why do you have 40 mats alone! Even having separate rooms for the kitchen, bath, and toilet? Just what were you doing in this world?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean what? Living? I just kept adding a touch here and there and it just turned out like this?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you having a life of comfort and abundance in another world? And we are in survival mode? Why with a touch here and there you end up with a palace?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the president and others are unsatisfied with the housing situation in another world. Yeah, good grief, this other world is so insensitive.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, please.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Please.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Whooa, what¡¯s going on? The president and everyone else bowed their heads all at once. N-no way, do they want me to publish a list of other world housings?¡¡But I¡¯m not that familiar with the real estate market here as well¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸With the incident with Oda-kun and others in mind we really shouldn¡¯t be asking this¡­¡­ But please, just for today, let us stay at your place?¡¹?

    ?

    HAaAAAH? High school girls are going to stay in a room of a high school boy who is living alone?!¡¡Good grief, young girls those days, how can they speak of the lewd immoral house stay with all possible kinds of perversions included¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Of course we will do anything from night watch to food procurement. We will also do the cooking, cleaning, and fire watch. We absolutely won¡¯t allow a repetition of what happened with Oda-kun and the others!¡¡¡­¡­I know it¡¯s hard to believe our words¡­¡­ But, at least for today, please.¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, that¡¯s what they meant. Losing the base and tents they now have nowhere to return or even to sleep tonight. Just that.?

    ?

    It¡¯s just that, huh, but they still couldn¡¯t bring themselves to say this.?

    ?

    There is the matter with the geeks. The geeks built the base, made the defensive fence, erected tents, arranged bonfires, and then were made to collect provisions, prepare food, clean, guard, stand on night watch, do all of the protection. Making the geeks do all of that, they just lived there. Protected by them. They managed to survive thanks to that, but they forced the geeks out.?

    ?

    Actually, the geeks just ran away. However, it¡¯s no different from being forced out.?

    ?

    So now, they couldn¡¯t ask me to provide my house to them. They had no right to say that, and they had no credibility to their words, they shouldn¡¯t ask for that. So this time, they thought that they have to solve it on their own.?

    ?

    ¡¸I think, after hearing the story of Oda-kun and his group you must be furious. Yes, that¡¯s to be expected¡­¡­So, us¡­¡­asking for such a thing now¡­¡­It¡¯s only natural that you would be angry¡­¡­You are angry, right?¡¡¡­¡­But¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸President?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s only natural. If a group of high school girls was thrown into the middle of a forest and told to live on their own there, it¡¯s obviously impossible. Even if this wasn¡¯t another world.?

    ?

    Even more so in another world, surrounded by monsters and unfamiliar food. Of course, it¡¯s impossible. It¡¯s way too impossible.?

    ?

    Yet they have to do it, they can¡¯t rely on others, they have to do something on their own, The reason being, they already pushed everything onto the geeks once. And everything fell apart. They couldn¡¯t do a thing¡­¡­ So this time, huh¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸No way?¡¹?

    ?

    For a moment, she shuddered¡­¡­ Then, looked downward¡­¡­ And tried to force a smile. A sad, forced smile, impossible to even look at.?

    ?

    ¡¸Y-yes. R-right. Yes, sorry. Sorry for asking such a strange thing¡­¡­ You made it all by yourself after all. Sorry, forget it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, no way?¡¡There is no way you can do everything on your own? There is no way you manage by yourselves in an unknown world?¡¡There is no way you can survive in the middle of a forest with just a bunch of high schoolers. Being able to manage everything on your own is way stranger here, why would you even try to do that? That¡¯s just impossible, okay? Impossible.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But, we have to!¡¡We have to become able to get through on our own!¡¡Oda-kun and the others could¡­¡­ Even you could, so we also¡­¡­Have to be able to do it on our own¡­¡­ We must!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, no way you can do that.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true!¡¡We can!¡­¡­Because, we must!!¡¡We¡­¡­This, for sure¡­¡­¡¸Not Possi-Ble!¡¹!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s obviously impossible?¡¡In which world can you find high school students that can survive in the forest on their own?¡¡Even if such exist, you won¡¯t really call them ordinary? It¡¯s fine not being able to do what you can¡¯t. It¡¯s impossible because you are trying to do even what you can¡¯t do. Am I angry about what happened with the geeks?¡¡I am. That includes being mad at the geeks, that tried to do everything, even what they can¡¯t, and it includes you, president since you can¡¯t save everyone, yet still tried. And I¡¯m also angry at the idiots that didn¡¯t do even what they can. Going right past amazement into anger. It¡¯s obvious that you can¡¯t do what you can¡¯t!¡¹?

    ?

    The president cried. No matter what kind of responsibility was pushed onto her, what kind of impossible task, even if she herself knew that it¡¯s impossible, the president never gave up, yet now, she cried. She is crying really hard¡­¡­ What do I do??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    We walk with the president and me leading the way. Apparently, it¡¯s a countermeasure for possible attacks? There is nothing around anymore though.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, Why are all of the monsters around skewered?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s, well, I was bored?¡¹

 CH 11.6

    ¡¸In which world! Would a person! Skewer every monster around! Just because they are bored?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, this is another world, The Impaling Count might¡¯ve gotten transported as well?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸He isn¡¯t here! We didn¡¯t have The Impaler Count among our classmates!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As expected of the class president, you remember the name of every classmate?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Normally, you would notice if someone with the name like Dracula-san was in a Japanese school!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, if their name was something like Dora A, you might miss it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸There is no person with such a name! Or actually, Dora A? Just how many Draculas are out there?! And what if it actually ends in emon?!?[1. TL Note: Cat Robot from the future. Doraemon]¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, the conversation is going well. I might be a loner, but I¡¯m doing my best. Though the president looks tired for some reason? Did crying wear her out??

    ?

    The bitches and Vice Presidents are in the rear guard.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, turn left around this corner.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Which corner? Why are there corners in the forest? Don¡¯t tell me that you even made intersections in the forest?! Maybe that corner also has a convenience store?¡¹?

    ?

    A fervent retort to a light joke. Is she mad? Did I make her mad??

    ?

    Well, we arrived.?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome. It must¡¯ve been a long journey¡«¡¹

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, you came with us!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ehm, I¡¯m just trying to give you a warm reception?¡¹?

    ?

    I lead everyone inside. To think I¡¯d have 20 guests, astonishing surprise for a loner. I¡¯m glad that I worked on expanding the cave.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸WHAT IS THIS PLACE!?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸My home? Welcome?¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, so the cave is no good? Or maybe it¡¯s using wooden clubs as a part of the interior? Or maybe they didn¡¯t approve of the combination of modern organic architecture with mid-century furniture?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, Haruka-kun?¡¡What is this hidden underground mansion that looks like someone asked Frank Lloyd[2. TL Note: An American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator, who believed in designing structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. One of the most influential architects of XX century.] to design them Mediterranian style resort?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, my home? Bonjo~ur?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸JUST! WHAT! THE HELL! WERE! YOU DOING IN THIS WORLD UNTIL NOW! Also, Frank Lloyd was an American, so it should be WELCOME!¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, to think I¡¯d finally see the president scream in my house, how moving, so I finally came this far.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I was pretty bored, being alone, so it just happened? Like, oops?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Silent flat gaze, 20 people serving. And high school girls on top of that!! My, I even feel sorry.?

    ?

    No, I just tried to expand a bit and struck a crystal vein. Tweaking it a bit with earth magic and packing, I got a pretty glass-like look from it, so I ended up with a skylight and glass table. I also found limestone, so if tampering with it a bit I ended up with something like white plaster walls, it can¡¯t be helped? Right??

    ?

    Since their silent stares were scary I used wood magic to make 4 huge round beds. No, they can¡¯t rotate. Now, 20 people have a place to lie down. As if running away, I head to the kitchen and use my skills polished from mushroom cooking, make a massive amount of it, setting it up on the table. Then, pour hot water into the newly installed jacuzzi.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, having a man around might be unsettling, so feel free to use this place by yourself. See ya.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Wait, where are you going? If we chase you out of your own house it would mean that we didn¡¯t progress at all. And you even provided us with everything, from food and bath to beds¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s my home after all, so isn¡¯t it only natural what I will provide these?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, no need to do what you can¡¯t. And you got attacked by the boys just a short while ago? Also, monsters can¡¯t enter here, so you don¡¯t need to post guards. You should be pretty tired, so take some rest.¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, I managed to escape, finally, alone again! No, it¡¯s just impossible, staying with 20 high school girls, okay? That incredibly heavy and awkward atmosphere is too much for me.?

    ?

    The pressure when I left, I felt all 40 eyes from 20 people stinging into me. It¡¯s absolutely impossible.?

    ?

    In the first place, I am a high-school boy. It¡¯s just impossible for me.?

    ?

    I hurriedly set up a tent and lay down there. Alone. This feeling of freedom, isolation. This happiness can be known only by a loner. Ah, by now, I¡¯m completely fine with being one. Though as a hikikomori, I ended up escaping from my own home¡­¡­?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    But this Villager A-san is such a mystery, I know that it¡¯s to be expected, since I never met them, but their belongings are way too strange. Even this tent, it can change the size, from a normal tent to an air dome for a whole crowd. I should have done that.?

    ?

    The president came to my small tent. She¡¯s way too close.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, thank you. Looks like everyone finally calmed down. Or rather, it seems their mood improved thanks to a gorgeous room, cooking, and a jacuzzi. Really, thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeh, you are welcome.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And sorry for occupying the room by ourselves. Haruka-kun, you didn¡¯t get to bathe, right? Everyone already undressed to underwear and went to sleep. Ehm, well, sorry. ¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like my resting room turned into a paradise for them. High school girls Paradise, sounds like the name of some suspicious establishment. I wonder how much the entry fee is? I almost felt like paying for it, even though it is my own room.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, I already splashed with water. And trying to blend in with 20 girls as a lone man is way more tiring.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Right, sorry about that, and thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸President, you are turning into a parrot, for a while, all of your lines are nothing but sorry and thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But what can I do if it¡¯s true. In the end, we couldn¡¯t do anything and got saved once again. I couldn¡¯t do a thing. We are doing the same thing as with Oda-kun and others.¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, as I thought, she is misunderstanding. Her standards are off.?

    ?

    ¡¸You are doing fine. You were doing fine earlier. Didn¡¯t you organize and protect 14 girls? While we were coming here, you also acted as their leader. You have been trying to organize them since the very moment you came here, right? Talking to everyone, listening to them, checking the situation, communicating on it, you managed to prevent everyone from scattering and dying. Normally, in such a situation one would be barely able to handle themselves, but you managed to look out for everyone, it can¡¯t be helped that you couldn¡¯t unify everyone. Some followed you, and you managed to protect them, isn¡¯t that enough?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Uuuuh, but I couldn¡¯t do it like Oda-kun and others¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine that way, the geeks are crazy. Would a normal person do survival training in case they get summoned to another world?¡¡Did you know? They actually carried swiss knives on them, at all times. With LED¡¯s attached. They even carried out regular meetings, so they would be ready to be summoned to any world. They are off in the head. Those that did the same are also off in the head. It¡¯s fine if you can¡¯t do the same, it actually would be a problem if you could.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that cruel towards Oda-kun and others? They were doing their best?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Using those geeks as a standard will make you weird as well. Were they working that hard at school?¡¡They began taking things seriously only after coming to a different world, they were doing their best all in preparations for this. At this point one could say that they came because they had to, normally one cannot do the same as them, and it¡¯s fine if one can¡¯t. They are insane. It isn¡¯t cruel to say this at all.¡¹?

    ?

    What they were doing is no different than making preparations for the time you win big in a lottery. That¡¯s not normal. They appear amazing just because they actually hit that jackpot, but it¡¯s not something one should use as a reference. If we are going to actually do that, then we would need special drills at every school, preparing kids for the time they get summoned to a different world.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, thank you, I calmed down a bit¡­¡­ Really, really, thank you. You are really amazing, Haruka-kun.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m just doing what I can, I didn¡¯t do anything. I was just doing as I please.¡¹?

    ?

    Acting in a group has a lot of benefits, but also comes with many problems, for that, thus restrictions are needed. On the other hand, there isn¡¯t much one person can do, but there are also no restrictions. This time, they couldn¡¯t set group restrictions, in other words, rules, and thus were unable to act as one. They didn¡¯t even have a distribution of roles. As a result, they had only demerits. And the geeks just happened to act in a way that was beneficial. They actually didn¡¯t follow any rules and were just doing as they please. No conversation on rules ever happened.?

    ?

    Unable to do anything because they are reading the mood, unable to do anything because they are too busy wagging their tails before those that are stronger. A very unconstructive way for a group to act. The geeks haven¡¯t acted as a group since the very beginning. They can¡¯t even read the situation, to begin with. That¡¯s why the geeks alone could take action. The president worried since she couldn¡¯t do the same, but for that one needs a great talent in ignoring the group. And it isn¡¯t something particularly nice to have.?

    ?

    ¡¸But you have a lot of food, a splendid home and can even defeat a horde of monsters, you can do just about anything? Wait?¡¡Aren¡¯t you even weirder than the geeks?¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that she pressed one finger to her cheeks and tilted the head. Kuh, how cunning, that gesture is just too cute. But the contents of her words are too cruel. Who the hell is weirder than the geeks??

    ?

    ¡¸I have mountains of food, but all I have are mushrooms, the house turned like this because I had too much free time on my hands, and I could deal with the monsters because they are weaker than those around this area, okay? I¡¯m completely ordinary, please don¡¯t lump me in the same group as the geeks. I¡¯m normal.¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, the dirty and covered in blood president, now was clean and warm, just from the bath. She is too close, but nothing can be done since the tent is so small.?

    ?

    ¡¸If this was normal¡­¡­ Everyone could live happily.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s just the basics of life? Having fun, living an ordinary life.¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, the president repeated her thanks many times and left. Since she is going back to the cave just outside the tent I don¡¯t think I have to escort her. Even though it¡¯s deep in the night.?

    ?

    Aaah, I wanted to make an underground room in the cave¡­ Using circles.?

    ?

    11th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 12.1

    Day 12 ¨C In front of the cave, the tent?

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning. The breakfast is ready, please wake up.¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, what is it? What is this situation? Is it a cute childhood friend living next door? Or maybe a cute little sister? No, I don¡¯t have any of these¡­¡­ Who is it??

    ?

    Opening my eyes I saw an unfamiliar high school girl. It is far more serious than an unfamiliar ceiling!?

    ?

    Certainly, the tent is small. With someone sleeping in it, there isn¡¯t much space left, but even so, why would you choose to hang over the person? Her face is so close!?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, good morning. I¡¯m already awake?? Since 30 minutes ago?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That sounds like a big lie, are you even planning on getting up?¡¹?

    ?

    No, I can¡¯t get up in this posture, physically, and as a healthy high school boy as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸What is for breakfast?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Fried fish and mushrooms. ¡¹?

    ?

    I jumped to my feet. The unknown school girl tumbled out of the tent.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fried fish! Where! FISH! HURRY, HURRY, HURRY, HURRYHURRYHURRY!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hurryhurry, shut up! Why after headbutting me all you talk about is fish?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who cares about such a thing! What about the fish?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just how much do you like fish! Or rather, such a thing, is that how you treat me?!¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It¡¯s fish. It¡¯s tasty.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, why are you crying while eating?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, but it¡¯s a fish! It¡¯s fried!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haven¡¯t you been living right in front of the river this whole time?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I did! And every day I kept staring at fish while eating my mushrooms.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    There is something off in the conversation. It seems that the president and others were eating nothing but fish all this time, how envious! Or actually, it was all they could find.?

    ?

    Since they had many people with lightning magic, they could catch fish. Occasionally, the geeks would bring a deer or a boar, but generally, they would have only fish.?

    ?

    It seems that places with mushrooms had packs of goblins, so they couldn¡¯t collect them, making it a rare ingredient.?

    ?

    Crap, if I interacted with them sooner, we could¡¯ve had a barter.?

    ?

    By the way, it seems that yesterday, the girls were crying while eating mushroom salad with herb dressing.?

    ?

    The trade is important. Though it was I who had an isolationist policy.?

    ?

    For some reason, the girls around gave me a fish each.?

    ?

    As thanks, I treated them to juice after the meal, and it turned into a huge jubilant uproar. Some girls even had teary eyes. Sweets go¡­¡­ into another stomach??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸So, did you decide what you are going to do? If you are going to make this place your base, then I will do some renovations?¡¹?

    ?

    Maybe I should aim for the old imperial hotel?[1. TL Note: This one I guess https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Hotel,_Tokyo#First_Imperial_Hotel:_1890%E2%80%931922]¡¡Yeah, after looking at the shape of the mountain where the cave is located, I think it might work out.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, no, we¡¯d feel bad to make you do that. We didn¡¯t decide yet, but for now, we are thinking about raising our Lv and then looking for a town.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, which reminds me, the bitches also were heading to a town to hunt the geeks?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I already explained to you many times! We are going to apologize and thank them!¡¡Why! Every time! You say hunt?! Also, it¡¯s Oda-kun and the others! Or rather, didn¡¯t we tell you that we are not bitches?¡¹?

    ?

    Such were the objections from the bitches.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, you aren¡¯t going to a town?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Living there seems like a hassle? Well, I don¡¯t mind going to check it out, but living there is bit©`¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I think living in survival mode in the middle of a forest surrounded by monsters is more of a hassle¡­¡­ But, yeah, looking at your current living conditions¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The geeks said that they are going to become adventurers, but that sounds difficult as well.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸From what we heard from Oda-kun and others, anyone can become one?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, but I can¡¯t get that strong, so it might be impossible for me?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I explained.?

    ?

    ¡¸Something must be wrong! There is no way Lv 5 without any decent skills can defeat a horde of kobolds and even the kobold leader. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who is the Kobold Leader? A friend of Bitch Leader?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who the hell is a friend of the kobold leader! Why would a boss of monsters be friendly to me?! And I already told you that I¡¯m not bitch leader! Or rather, it¡¯s still bitch leader in the status?¡¹?

    ?

    How noisy, troublesome, and annoying, why is she always behind me??

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, that reminds me, I didn¡¯t give this to you yet. Here, this, the bracelet from the kobold leader earlier.¡¹?

    ?

    A bracelet? It¡¯s similar to the one I have? T-these are paired bracelets?! But if I take another one while already wearing one myself, wouldn¡¯t that mean that they aren¡¯t paired anymore? All on one loner¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? It¡¯s a bracelet of kobold leader, infused with magic power it gives SpE.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Mine was PoW +1%? ¡¹?

    ?

    I ask, showing her my bracelet.?

    ?

    ¡¸So you defeated the goblin leader¡­¡­ Goblin Leader¡¯s raises PoW, Kobold Leader¡¯s SpE.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Goblin Leader? Is that another friend of Bitch Leader?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸WHY! ARE YOU TRYING! TO MAKE ALL OF THEM INTO MY FRIENDS?! And didn¡¯t I already tell you that you are wrong?! Just a moment ago! Is there some kind of leader committee out there? Am I going to get called to monster assembly? No, I mean, I¡¯m not BITCH LEADER! HOW! MANY! TIMES! Do I have to repeat this before you understand?!¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Hm, I guess even monsters wouldn¡¯t want to call someone this noisy. And I guess kobolds also would find it too scary to meet a terrifying mass murderer.?

    ?

    ¡¸You are this strong, and only level 5? Why? Even with cheats, we couldn¡¯t defeat them? How come a Lv 5 can beat them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Attacking them until they die usually does the trick?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I guess it would apply in most cases. Though you wouldn¡¯t normally call this a solution.¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone, why are you looking at me like this? I-Is this the rumored popularity phase?! No, those flat gazes must mean something else? Is something amiss? What other method to defeat a monster aside from beating it until its death could exist??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll show an example, watch closely.¡¹?

    ?

    With those words, Vice President B-san raised her right hand, then, a ball of lightning formed above it. And then, the jiggle!?

    ?

    ¡¸Wait right there! Just like that! Don¡¯t move!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? What?! Why?!¡¹?

    ?

    I use packing magic to wrap the ball of lightning created by Vice President B. Okay, can I move it??

    ?

    Slowly moving the ball of lightning, I bring it to the river, and then, throw, aiming for fish. It hit! Fishes are floating up to the surface!?

    ?

    ¡¸I got it! Both fish and lightning magic.¡¹?

    ?

    Immediately checking the status I confirmed that I got Lightning Magic from the first try.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh! What?! How? Why, my magic?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice President B is confused. And also jiggling. A lot. Don¡¯t ask me what exactly!?

    ?

    ¡¸Uhhh? Haruka-kun? What did you do? And also, where are you looking?¡¹?

    ?

    The eyes of the president, who was looking from the side, are scary. The last part was especially packed with bloodthirst.?

    ?

    ¡¸Imnotlookingatanything? I¡¯m just studying lightning magic? It¡¯s true?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Not only are you monotone, but you even turned it into a question? Anyway, what was that just now?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, I wrapped it with Packing Magic. Packing something and moving it around, gives the magic of that attribute.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Gives magic¡­¡­ Isn¡¯t that a pretty huge cheat by itself?! Even moving it around is amazing by itself?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I think it¡¯s an effect from Jack of All Trades, and I think just picking skills won¡¯t affect the level.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Picking up magic so easily is amazing enough. And also, that thing is anti-magic!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Anti-magic?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, it can meddle with the magic cast by an opponent, right? Anti-magic that allows you to throw the opponent¡¯s magic right at them. Even just averting a spell is amazing.¡¹?

    ?

    I see, I never gave it a thought since gobs and kobolds aren¡¯t using magic, but I see, if I can package an opponent¡¯s magic, it can indeed work as anti-magic.?

    ?

    ¡¸I think using it as an anti-magic measure might be impossible? It takes time to pack something.¡¹?

    ?

    But what if I do this? Wrapping myself it can become ¡¸Anti Magic Layer¡¹, at the moment, I can do it instantly. I wonder if I will learn anti-magic someday??

    ?

    But, I have something more important on my hands right now! Fish!?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Practicing lightning magic at home by myself, working on the construction of the basement by using circles. I¡¯m yet to confirm if I leveled up and have plenty of reason to confine myself indoors. As well as plenty of intentions to do so.?

    ?

    Even though I¡¯m such a hikikomori, I¡¯m outside, a neet, and yet I¡¯m helping with raising levels, a loner, and yet I¡¯m being a guard and a mushroom-gathering guide for 20 high school girls.?

    ?

    Moving in a crowd, mercilessly clubbing to death.?

    ?

    I move forwards, cutting off legs and hands that held clubs, while high school girls behind me take turns, delivering finishing blows¡­¡­ It¡¯s my first time going out with girls. On top of that, in the forest. What kind of a brutal picnic is this!?

    ?

    Gob, Gob, mushroom, mushroom, gob, gob, mushroom, mushroom, behind me, finish, finish, pick it up, pick it up, finish, finish, pick it up, pick it up, finish, finish, pick it up, pick it up, somehow, this is not like the picnic with girls that I was dreaming about!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, hey, Haruka-kun, How come you can cut goblins with a wooden stick?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, this? The geeks told me about this when I said that I have nothing aside from Cane Arts.¡¸Thrusting, a spear, sweeping a naginata, slashing, a long sword, a staff is a flexible weapon for any situation¡¹it seems? Or something like that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Something like that¡­¡­ I don¡¯t think it actually means that it should cut? Probably.¡¹

 CH 12.2

    ¡¸When you saved us you were carrying a staff and shooting magic all over the place, yet you are not a mage?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m jobless?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that so.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, you said that you don¡¯t have any decent skills, but that thing you use for instant movement, it¡¯s not¡ºTeleport¡»or ¡ºFlash Step¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I think it¡¯s ¡ºMovement¡»and¡ºWalking¡»that make it look like I¡¯m moving instantly?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? You mean the skills that make you better at walking and support magic for movement?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Probably? I guess it¡¯s something like a combination of these two?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Something like¡­¡­ But you are in fact doing it? ¡­¡­Eh? Remind me, what is a cheat?¡¹?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    As expected, strolling through the forest with such a crowd will scare away rabbits, sensitive to others¡¯ presence.?

    ?

    It seems that the girls following split into the vice presidents and bitches groups so the only one accompanying me is the class president.?

    ?

    I keep walking, just endlessly beating goblins to half death.?

    ?

    When their numbers are too large, I first thin them out with ranged attacks, then keep on with the hunt.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, if we go further we will encounter monsters of Lv 15, what will you do? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Lv 15?! Can we beat them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, in one hit if I sneak up on them from behind and strike with full force?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I see, everyone was fighting monsters, but you were hunting them, one-sidedly.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As you would expect, having no cheats I can¡¯t trade blows with Lv 15? I¡¯m weak after all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible even with cheats and high level, though. Let¡¯s turn back?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Roger, if we take a detour we can hunt some more on the way back. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸At this rate we might completely annihilate goblins in this area.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The thing is, the next day they are there as if nothing happened. Those gobs.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Since you know that it means that you already annihilated them, all by yourself¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    We continued our hunt until the dark, and returned home, my 11 years of go-home club experience didn¡¯t go to waste!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you for your hard work.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, you too?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone seems pretty tired, I guess I¡¯ll get the bath ready.?

    ?

    Filling the jacuzzi with water I raise the temperature. I can easily adjust it with temperature magic.?

    ?

    ¡¸A bath! Kyaaaaaaa!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t strip! You pervert!!¡¹?

    ?

    Crap. Living in the forest they devolved into complete savages. It seems that their femininity was replaced with barbarism.?

    ?

    Escaping the bath, I head to the unfinished storage room and continue my work on expanding the cave.?

    ?

    A room for 8 people should be about 12 mats, I guess? But I think they are going to split into groups, so it might be better if I made 5-6 rooms??

    ?

    Make a room, connect it with a corridor, make another room¡­¡­ Done, the mana was barely enough. Running out of magic power I feel fatigued, hungry, and sleepy.?

    ?

    Unsteady on my feet, I try to return to the living room, then,?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, wait for a bit! Everyone, put on your clothes!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like a trend for nudism has spread among my classmates. It¡¯s over for them. Both as humans and as girls. And it seems that the president turned into everyone¡¯s mom.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine now, the food is ready. ¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, completely a mom.?

    ?

    For dinner, there is fish again, while girls are having a mushroom party¡­¡­ Ah, it sounds kind of lewd!?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, what were you doing there?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, remodeling, adding new rooms?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I see, having no room for yourself must be inconvenient. Sorry for occupying the place.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Sorry.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s your rooms? Making private rooms was impossible, but making shared rooms for 8 people each wasn¡¯t that difficult. Staying together all the time must be stifling, right?¡¹?

    ?

    The moment I said this, the girls rushed to check the new rooms, with the mom shouting at them from behind.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, are you going to sleep outside again? Can¡¯t you just sleep here since there are rooms now?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Nope, no way, especially since some of you already began converting to nudism. In the first place, things just calmed down after the boys attacked you, wouldn¡¯t it be impossible to share the same roof with a man?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. But leaving you there alone¡­¡­ Sorry. Hmmm, but if it¡¯s Haruka-kun, wouldn¡¯t it be fine even if you stayed?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Nope, it¡¯s not fine for me.¡¹?

    ?

    Indeed, certain actions can be observed, which point to them not seeing me as a man, but just being there can turn into a source of stress. Even if they act as usual, there is no guarantee that there is no trauma. Even if the attempt failed, there is no way they aren¡¯t wary of men right after being attacked by the boys.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll be going, the meal was delicious.¡¹?

    ?

    I guess it goes without saying that I enlarge my tent.?

    ?

    Now, if it turns out that after all this my level didn¡¯t go up, I¡¯m going to be pretty sad. Appraisal.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶

    Lv £°£·

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¹£³ £¨£²£¸UP£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¹£² £¨£³£±UP£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£± £¨£²£¶UP£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¸£¹ £¨£²£¶UP£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¸£· £¨£²£¹UP£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¸£· £¨£²£¹UP£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¶ £¨£³£²UP£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹ £¨£³£°UP£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¹£·?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Avoidance Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Premonition Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 4¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Movement Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Weight Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 2¡¹(Up) ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 2¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Gymnastics Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Walking Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Command Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Appraisal Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Farsight Lv 3¡¹¡¸Detect Presence Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 3¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 3¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Map Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Concentration Lv 4¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 2¡¹¡¸MP Recovery Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 2¡¹(Up) ¡¸Parallel Thinking Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸NEET Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Loner Lv 4¡¹(Up) ¡¸Mage Lv 4¡¹(3Up)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Muppet Lv 2¡¹ (Up)?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«1% SpE +1%¡¹ (New)?

    ?

    Ooh, it¡¯s my first time going up two levels at once, The status will go into 3 digits with the next level up. Today, I felt absolutely no resistance when I fought with goblins, but I leveled up after all.?

    ?

    It¡¯s been 10 days since I began fighting in this forest, and after beating so many enemies, I only got Lv 7. The president and others were raising their levels while putting the priority on weaker girls, and even so, they are already Lv 16-21, overtaking me in a blink of an eye.?

    ?

    With a bit of combat training, I will be the one getting in the way. By that time the girls should be strong enough to head for a town. So this lively life should be over in 2-3 days.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, do you have a moment? ¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, lively. I¡¯m glad that I enlarged the tent¡­¡­?!?

    ?

    For some reason, it was still small. Even though I made it in a size big enough for 4 people, it was still small.?

    ?

    Flood of patrons? Welcome, 6 guests.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, what¡¯s going on?¡¹?

    ?

    The guests were the president, Vice President A-san, Vice President B-san, and Bitch Leader. And¡­¡­ This girl¡­¡­ is the Fish Girl that came to wake me up in the morning, and¡­¡­ Uhhh? ¡­¡­Ah, nudist girl! The one that absolutely shouldn¡¯t be allowed in the tent of a high school boy!?

    ?

    ¡¸Em, we came to talk¡­¡­ Or rather, to apologize again¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸First, please hear Chika out¡­¡­ And I also apologize for testing you¡¹?

    ?

    Continued Nudist Girl. Who the hell is Chika??

    ?

    ¡¸Uhh, eem, eem, I heard that you can¡¯t enter the room because of me, I thought about apologizing earlier¡­¡­ But was thrown out?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, by Chika you meant Fish Girl! Since you keep saying chika chika I thought that the screen is flickering.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Who is a fish girl? Chika-chan¡¯s parents were fishes?!¡¡ Why are you making up another weird name!? What does flickering have to do with anything, there is no broken TV anywhere around!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why are all of the girls in my class so good at retorts? Did they receive a skill for that??

    ?

    ¡¸No, I mean, aren¡¯t you on the duty of announcing that fish was caught? ¡¡Also, are her parents fishy?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We have no such duty! And her parents aren¡¯t fishy!!¡¡Probably?¡¡Also, thrown out? Just what are you doing to a girl?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But, it¡¯s a fish, a fish, you know. Fish! On top of that, fried one!?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    During this chaos, the president provided me with explanations. She is working really hard, being a narrator, a mom, and the class president all on her own.?

    ?

    In short, Fish Girl was attacked and chased around by the boys¡­¡­ No, wait? What was her name again? MerMerMaid, was attacked, which resulted in trauma.?

    ?

    Since there was that, other girls were trying to protect her from me. MerMerMaid thought that it was her fault, and gathering her courage, came to apologize in the morning.?

    ?

    ¡¸I see, MerMerMaid had it hard too. But don¡¯t mind it, I already received fish after all?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Why does she turn into MerMerMaid as soon as fish girl gets rejected? You just have no intention of remembering her name, do you?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like that wasn¡¯t her name. Eh, wait a moment, weren¡¯t they talking about something like her father being a fish and her mother being a fish, resulting in MerMerMaid??

    ?

    ¡¸So, why Nudist Girl is apologizing as well?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Nudist Girl? Why do you keep giving girls such weird nicknames!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I mean, she was stripping?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Fukunuki-san, just what did you do?¡¡Did you strip?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No! No! Look, it¡¯s that! I wanted to check if he is really okay? So I undressed in the bathroom¡­¡­But he didn¡¯t even glance at me¡­¡­ He, he didn¡¯t even glance¡­¡­ Not even one look¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸AAaahhh.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I mean, that line about the fish being fried¡­¡­I just stuck in my head? And also, nudists, that strip out of nowhere, and bitches, everything is just too scary.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Bitches have nothing to do with this! Bitches were completely unrelated to the topic, no?¡¡No, I mean, how many times do I have to tell you not to call us bitches!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Bi¡­¡­Mmm. Shimazaki-san came to advocate for you, Haruka-kun? So don¡¯t bully her!¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded by Vice President B, they are swaying as she is getting angry¡­¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing, please don¡¯t look at me like that??

    ?

    ¡¸Did you just say Bi?¡­¡­ Nevermind. Uuh, what do you mean, to advocate?¡¹?

    ?

    Why am I getting such a glare? Ididntdoanything??

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s well, though we got tamed¡­¡­ You didn¡¯t order us anything weird¡­¡­ You didn¡¯t ever order us to do anything? Nothing was done to us¡­¡­We were just¡­¡­Neglected?¡¡And you don¡¯t even remember our names¡­¡­?¡¡So it¡¯s actually fine¡­¡­Eh, wait?¡¡Is this actually¡­¡­Fine?¡¹?

    ?

    No, if you are going to cover for me, just do it until the very end? At the end it turned into a question¡­¡­And everyone is giving me judgemental looks¡­¡­ Thanks!?

    ?

    12th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 13.1

    Day 13 ¨C The Cave, Girls Assembly?

    ?

    ¡¸And, the last problem¡­¡­ Well, it¡¯s about Haruka-kun.¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, even coming to another world I¡¯m still being called president, and have to organize everyone.?

    ?

    ¡¸His character, personality, and even nature are all questionable. But even so, I think we can trust him.¡¹?

    ?

    Was that supposed to be a defense? The girl he calls Vice President A seems to be personally invested in this. Did the A part tick her off??

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, even though he was forced out because of me¡­¡­ He forgave me¡­¡­ For a fish?¡¹?

    ?

    Chika-chan¡¯s defense also turned weird with the last part¡­¡­ For a fish¡­¡­??

    ?

    ¡¸That is, right¡­¡­ He, completely, ignored, my, nudity¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Fukunuki-san¡­¡­ Are you trying to cover for him? It feels more like you received a different kind of trauma¡­¡­ As a girl.?

    ?

    ¡¸He really pisses me off, but he saved us¡­¡­ We can¡¯t apologize if we die, he said. That it would waste their effort, that we should properly meet them, and thank¡­¡­ He said¡­¡­ Though he also tamed us¡­¡­ And I¡¯m still stuck with Bitch Leader for a name!¡¹?

    ?

    So close, until the middle, it sounded pretty good¡­¡­ Please, just remember their names? Ah, I also feel¡­¡­ That he never called me anything other than the president?!?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Everyone failed to properly cover for him, but everyone unanimously agreed to go along with him, no objection raised.?

    ?

    Though everyone had a lot on their minds, they still have trust, confidence, and gratitude towards him, or they should¡­¡­ I think??

    ?

    Yes, the biggest problem was Haruka-kun himself.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, no, no, after killing so many kobs the other day, I¡¯m still level 7, even if it¡¯s fine at the moment, I¡¯ll soon become a burden to you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone said, that even if it turned out that way, they wouldn¡¯t mind, everyone is grateful to you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The geeks said the same, and I¡¯m happy to hear that, but I can¡¯t form a party because of¡¸Loner¡¹. And if I just stick with you, I feel like I might get¡¸Kept Man¡¹ [1. TL Note: ¥Ò¥â, A man, supported financially by a female lover] on my status, sorry. Thank you for the offer.¡¹?

    ?

    Indeed, Haruka-kun¡¯s status is low. He is incredibly strong for Lv 7, but he can¡¯t raise his level. But, even so, everyone doesn¡¯t want to leave him behind, why can¡¯t he understand that??

    ?

    When we were at loss, when we were overwhelmed by despair, when we were about to give up on everything, he saved us, both our lives¡­¡­ And hearts.?

    ?

    After coming here, everyone finally regained their smiles.?

    ?

    Everyone was really despairing, disappointed, and didn¡¯t even try to hold hope anymore.?

    ?

    And just one night returned the shine to their eyes.?

    ?

    For the first time, they thought that it would work out, that they could do something.?

    ?

    All that because we had him in front of us, he was living here like it was the most ordinary thing in the world.?

    ?

    He said¡¸It¡¯s just the basics of life? Having fun, living an ordinary life.¡¹ , sounds like he was saying something obvious, he said that it was how things go.?

    ?

    Is there really nothing that can be done about this grim difference in stats? Why did God do something so cruel to Haruka-kun?¡¸I bullied Gramps a bit and he snapped at me¡¹he said, but why would he even bully a god? Hm, I heard that he even made him sit in seiza.?

    ?

    Even so, it seems that he will come with us to a town. There, we just have to come up with a way to prevent him from going back.?

    ?

    ¡¸Though my level-up speed is low, it¡¯s not like I can¡¯t raise my level at all. Given 2-3 years, I should reach level 20-30. With such a level I should be able to live in the city, so it will work out somehow.¡¹?

    ?

    He said casually, but there is no way we can leave him alone in a cave for two or three years.?

    ?

    Suddenly being thrown into this world and ending up all alone because we relocated without noticing his absence. He had the weakest powers out of everyone, yet managed to survive here all by himself, and even came to our rescue. We absolutely cannot abandon such a person. Everyone agreed on this, so we absolutely, absolutely, cannot leave him on his own. In the worst case, he can even stay as a kept man!?

    ?

    Soon, we will reach Lv 20-30, who knows how many years it will take Haruka-kun to catch up to us.?

    ?

    From the god I already heard that in this world level difference cannot be overcome. Soon, even we will reach the point where we will be untouchable in fights against goblins and kobolds. But isn¡¯t he already untouchable versus them, despite being only Lv 7, having no skills, being the weakest one, and being of a lower level than kobolds and goblins?! He is already fighting in such a way that it makes you wonder what is going to happen when he reaches level 20 or 30!?

    ?

    He is saying that it¡¯s all very close, that he would die from taking even one hit, and he is just using various gimmicks to his advantage, but in that case, we can protect him, it¡¯s all solved if we protect him.?

    ?

    Yes, just like how we were protected earlier and how we are being protected right now.?

    ?

    And so, today again, we are going to work on raising our levels.?

    ?

    I¡¯m still afraid and disgusted.?

    ?

    Even so, I will fight, while being protected by Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    If Haruka-kun can¡¯t get stronger, then we will. That¡¯s what we together decided.?

    ?

    Day 13?

    ?

    The fish I had this morning was just as tasty as always.?

    ?

    Today as well, Fish Girl came to wake me up. So she is on the fish duty after all.?

    ?

    And today as well, the girls have been in high spirits since the morning. In very high spirits. I want to have deep-fried fish.?

    ?

    As expected, the thought of going to a town is a great motivation for them. Well, it¡¯s obvious that 16-17 years old girls wouldn¡¯t like living in a forest or a cave.?

    ?

    The geeks were also in incredibly high spirits, in a high school boys¡¯ special way, when they set off for a town. The girls also seem to be holding frequent girls-only meetings. Are they aiming for wild beast-eared boys? I wonder, are they just like the geeks? Let¡¯s summon a policeman when they begin shooting for shotas.?

    ?

    We are in the middle of the forest, pretty deep into it. If the girls act as a party, then even high-leveled goblins are no opponents for them. I provide support with Fire Bullets only in cases when they are about to get surrounded. I have nothing to do.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s switch to kobolds after noon. Kobolds are a speed type, so they should serve as good practice. They also should be better experience-wise. And I¡¯m bored.?

    ?

    While I have nothing to do, I begin preparations for lunch. Making a simple grill with earth magic, using fire magic to stonegrill fish and mushrooms! Just how much have I dreamed of this day. Fried wrapped in herbs, fish¡¯s unpleasant fishiness is eliminated by their smell and slight bitterness, creating a complex flavor, of which one won¡¯t get bored. With this I can last for a year. My love for fish is real!?

    ?

    The girls also liked it, but for some reason mostly mushrooms though. Even though the fish is so tasty??

    ?

    After finishing lunch I search for kobolds. Suddenly starting with high-leveled would be dangerous, so I guess Lv 5 to 10 should be fine??

    ?

    In a meeting, during lunch, I explained to them countermeasures for kobolds. They are fast and they bite.?

    ?

    Now, these are Lv 6, 8, and 9, just what we need. Real combat. For starters, let¡¯s see how everyone will fare. Let¡¯s kobold.?

    ?

    It was a complete disaster. Before they grasped the basics, they were already on the verge of being bitten and chewed.?

    ?

    Confused by the kobolds¡¯ speed, they then were thrown into further disorder by their cooperation and feints. Even though there are 20 of them, they are being surrounded. By three enemies. Let¡¯s panic??

    ?

    The kobolds don¡¯t even have 40 SpE. The girls are twice as fast, yet can¡¯t keep up with them. Only the bitches are coping somewhat calmly, preventing them from complete collapse.?

    ?

    Hmm, it should have been fine though??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaa, stop looking and, do, something¡­¡­ They are going to bite us!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Not there, here, here, ah, where?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, nope, no way, no, no, no, not dogs, dogs are impossible!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh my¡­¡­ Ooh my?¡¹?

    ?

    What with that weird confidence of the last person? Is she panicking? Is she jiggling? No, please stop glaring at me and look at kobolds. Does she actually have that much composure??

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t really look like they won¡¯t be able to manage even if I don¡¯t do a thing. But if I don¡¯t do anything, they are going to be angry at me later, so I will get rid of one.

 CH 13.2

    The kobold with cooperation is Lv 9 Kobold A, if I take it out, it should be easy from there. Perhaps even too easy. But let¡¯s just do something, since they keep glaring at me.?

    ?

    I now had a skill Parallel Thinking. I guess I got it when I shot a barrage of fire bullets. Can¡¯t be used right now. They surely will be angry if I just shoot a hail of bullets.?

    ?

    What I also want to test is Magic of Four Elements, which went up two levels, and Movement. I had enough Lightning Magic practice with fish, so it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    I didn¡¯t use Movement at full power either today or yesterday. If I did it probably would¡¯ve been the return of clumsy attribute. I don¡¯t want to go ¡ºFugyauuh¡»in front of the girls. Though I don¡¯t want to do that alone as well.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll try to chase after Kobold A, how do you like the taste of being chased yourself??? Okay, I caught up. Catching up with it I poke it with a stick into the back. The kobold didn¡¯t try to counterattack, and instead further raised its speed¡­¡­ I also raised it, we still can keep going¡­¡­ It raised the speed again, becoming even faster. I did the same, and so we ran around the girls in circles. Can I turn a kobold into butter like this?[2. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Little_Black_Sambo] Ah, I¡¯d like to grill something with butter.?

    ?

    Kobold B and C couldn¡¯t keep up with the speed, and broke the cooperation, finally getting caught by the bitches¡­¡­ I should look, the bitches have those eyes again¡­¡­ Let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t see that.?

    ?

    Suddenly, Kobold A stopped and thrust at me with its claws. Foolish, too foolish¡­¡­ There is no way that I would stop.?

    ?

    Going just like that, or rather, accelerating even further, I dodged Kobold A¡¯s claws and crashed into it. Tumbling onto the ground together. During the collision I struck it on the head with the staff?. Looks like it was a bad spot to be hit since it seems that it led to kobold A passing away. Kobolds B and C suffered a lot more, and then followed after it.?

    ?

    Everyone dropped to the ground in exhaustion.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸No, didn¡¯t I tell you that they are fast and they bite?¡¹?

    ?

    Going back to square one, we hold a strategy meeting. For some reason, everyone is angry at me.?

    ?

    ¡¸We can¡¯t suddenly take on something like that!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How is telling us that they are fast supposed to help?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They bite, the hell is that? What kind of advice is that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why were you running around with kobolds?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you think about all the information being ¨C they bite and they are fast?¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? A barrage of criticism? But kobolds are fast and they bite, what else is there to them??

    ?

    ¡¸No, all that I heard from the geeks was that they are blue, tall, thin, and dog-faced. That¡¯s it. Isn¡¯t ¡ºThey are fast and they bite¡»much better info?¡¹?

    ?

    A huge uproar, I¡¯m not even sure if this is a wild uproar or unrestrained arguing, truly, a pandemonium.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if you want to raise levels, going upstream we might run into the boys, can you do it?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone went silent. Even geeks ran away, unable to deal with them.?

    ?

    Of course, they can¡¯t resolve themselves.?

    ?

    Which means, I can¡¯t allow them to go upstream.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not like all of the boys went insane, but there is no telling who is normal and who will attack them, and we also can¡¯t afford to test them.?

    ?

    Reaching the town without meeting them would be the best. They can¡¯t pass through the depths of the forest. Even if they tried, it would require them to follow the river in front of the cave.?

    ?

    Block that place, and it¡¯s almost guaranteed that neither the girls nor the geeks will ever meet them. Works fine as a temporary solution.?

    ?

    I¡¯m not sure if I can kill someone, but I might just get pissed off enough to accidentally club them. And I won¡¯t regret it, I will let the boys regret it themselves.?

    ?

    As a result ¡¸For starters, only up to 2 kobolds, low level, if there are 3 of them or they are strong, immediate rescue. No playing tag with them.¡¹is what we agreed on.?

    ?

    Continuing the kobold hunt after that, they got pretty familiar with it by evening, with one party being able to take down 2 kobolds with confidence. Their levels also seem to have risen quite a bit.?

    ?

    Our way back was also used for practice. I didn¡¯t warn them about kobolds and goblins, so the girls scouted for enemies, remained alert, and fought all on their own.?

    ?

    They¡¯ve gotten strong, my watch is over, they can fight well enough.?

    ?

    Returning to the cave I create beds and simple furniture for the new rooms. Though they won¡¯t be needed anymore soon enough, since I welcomed them into my home, I will treat them with hospitality until the end.?

    ?

    On the riverbank, I got taught Ice Magic, well, though all I did was use packing magic again.?

    ?

    Eating dinner, I made a bath, this concludes the day.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s enlarge the tent again. both single-person and 4-person sizes proved to be too small, surely, going for 8 person size will be too naive. Let¡¯s go with a 12 person size. At this point, it is a dome.?

    ?

    Taking a dip, I return to the tent. Well, with Detect Presence, I already knew that someone was inside, but??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaa! It¡¯s so huge!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Why does the size keep changing every time we come?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If only we had such spacious tents¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome back, Haruka-kun. When I told everyone that your tent is so big they also decided to come.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Come in, come in, we have mushroom tea.¡¹?

    ?

    Mushroom tea?¡­¡­ Just why do the girls like mushrooms so much? Do mushrooms contain some kind of addictive substance? Is this the beginning of a shady party? Okay, let¡¯s observe it from afar. I don¡¯t have the guts to go inside.?

    ?

    I was grabbed the moment I tried to escape. No, I¡¯m fine with just watching, okay?¡¡There is too much exposed skin inside.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm¡­¡­ What is it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸After action review meeting?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But why in my tent??

    ?

    For some reason, I¡¯m sitting right in the middle of a huge tent.?

    ?

    In front is the president, going ¡¸Even if you say SpE 40¡¹. As always, she is way too close.?

    ?

    Beside her, wearing shorts and sitting cross-legged Vice President A is looking at me with a mild glare.?

    ?

    Beside her, sat Vice President B, jiggling while nodding. Mustn¡¯t look there.?

    ?

    On the right side rolling around were Vice President C and Nudist Girl. In skirts.?

    ?

    What? I¡¯m guilty no matter where I look! A trap! It¡¯s a trap!?

    ?

    On the left is Fish Girl and, who are the other two? Aah, now I remember, volleyball club¡¯s noisy meathead girl A and B.?

    ?

    The bitches settled behind me. Just why are they always behind me??

    ?

    Damn, I¡¯m surrounded.?

    ?

    In addition, mobile units are prowling around me.?

    ?

    Just why do I have to go through such a thing, despite being a loner??

    ?

    ¡¸So, I think someone has to stall them.¡¹?

    ?

    President? Do you really need such a number for a review meeting? Those rolling on the floor 100% aren¡¯t listening??

    ?

    ¡¸And so, and then¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Just what is a loner??

    ?

    Day 13 ¨C Night, The Cave, Girls Assembly?

    ?

    Project to detain Haruka-kun. Right now we are analyzing the information gathered during the reconnaissance in force that we just carried out.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, he totally didn¡¯t know where to look, so it¡¯s not like he has no interest in girls. No BL here. Tch.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸His eyes often went to chest or thighs, so there was no doubt to begin with.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But¡­¡­¡­ He, completely, ignored¡­¡­ Me?¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not like he could afford to stare at you. As one might expect¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Coming here, coming to this world, all the time we spent here, all of the days¡­¡­ We couldn¡¯t even smile¡­¡­?

    ?

    And finally. Everyone became able to laugh.?

    ?

    Even today, though it was complete chaos, in the end, everyone was smiling.?

    ?

    Everyone can relax because Haruka-kun is with us.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not just because he is strong.?

    ?

    It¡¯s fine even if he is weak.?

    ?

    As long as he is with us.?

    ?

    With that alone, everyone will be able to smile.?

    ?

    And so, everyone is desperately drafting up a plan to detain him¡­¡­ Or so I thought??

    ?

    ¡¸Damn, no BL?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I think he is worried about that attack thing? Though wasn¡¯t he pretty much always like that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Is he from the boob faction? Or thighs faction? N-no, don¡¯t tell me, a hybrid?! ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Rather than saying that he isn¡¯t getting involved with girls, it¡¯s more like he isn¡¯t getting involved with anyone? Eh? Would he even care if we leave him here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Scheming on keeping Haruka-kun with us continued until late at night. Yeah, no BL involved it seems.?

    ?

    13th Day ¨C Over?

 CH 14

    Day 14 ¨C Inside the Cave?

    ?

    Breakfast time. It¡¯s fish, it¡¯s a fish festival, a huge haul.?

    ?

    I¡¯m missing meat a little bit, but catching a rabbit with such a crowd isn¡¯t possible. There also seem to be boars and deer, but I am yet to see one.?

    ?

    Adding to the list of things I¡¯m yet to see, orcs. They seem to be a big powered up version of goblins, and in addition, smarter.?

    ?

    Well. Even if you say smarter than goblins, who isn¡¯t? Even fish are smarter than goblins. I¡¯m sure of it.?

    ?

    But we have to try them. Both me and the girls.?

    ?

    An unknown enemy is scary.?

    ?

    Fighting an unfamiliar opponent is dangerous in itself.?

    ?

    If it is an experience that we can gain, then we should do it in a safe environment.?

    ?

    Even the girls, there is no guarantee that they will always stay together.?

    ?

    If they become adventurers, they surely will start working separately. Right now we have the best conditions, this experience surely wouldn¡¯t be meaningless.?

    ?

    We move along the river, heading upstream. The boys might still be there. But the orcs are strong, and they also seem to have abandoned their previous camp. So the boys shouldn¡¯t be wandering anywhere near.?

    ?

    We should be getting close. Focusing, I use Farsight, Detect Presence, and Search, being on alert for the enemies. It¡¯s a secret that I also used Appraisal to search for food.?

    ?

    I¡¯m being cautious not only for monsters but for humans as well.?

    ?

    The wannabes wouldn¡¯t come to a dangerous area. The boys that attacked the girls, hardly worked on raising their levels, so they also wouldn¡¯t show up here. They¡¯ll just get beaten by the president, so what¡¯s the point??

    ?

    The problem is the athletic musclebrains. They stink of sweat and are annoying to deal with. It¡¯s a danger.?

    ?

    In the first place, the athletic musclebrains are way too quiet.?

    ?

    Both in the geeks¡¯ and the president¡¯s stories they sound uncharacteristically calm. Usually, they immediately act without thinking. Rather than musclebrains, it¡¯s more of spinal brains, acting on a reflex level.?

    ?

    On top of that, they formed a group of nothing but fellow musclebrains? They followed the geeks and fought behind them? That¡¯s obviously strange.?

    ?

    They are idiots, so they would just jump in. Monsters, cliffs, it doesn¡¯t matter, they will jump. And only then, they will think. Just a bit.?

    ?

    That¡¯s what was bothering me all this time. At the very least, there is no way they wouldn¡¯t come to the geeks¡¯ help in that situation.?

    ?

    It¡¯s another world so it wouldn¡¯t be that mysterious if they changed.?

    ?

    Their lives are at stake. Usually, that would make you more careful.?

    ?

    That¡¯s to be expected since you can¡¯t trust anything or anyone around.?

    ?

    But they had none of that. There is no way such a thing can happen to them. Because they are idiots.?

    ?

    I¡¯m not sure who is smarter, orcs, or them. I never saw an orc before after all.?

    ?

    But since orcs are supposed to be smarter than gobs, they also should be smarter than the idiots.?

    ?

    The idiocy of athletic meatheads is going even beyond that of gobs. For their personality to change? For them to become careful? Doubt others? No way. Not happening. ¡­¡­They can¡¯t think about something so complex.?

    ?

    There could be some reason. By some very unlikely chance, they could have something on their minds.?

    ?

    But, it is also a fact that they didn¡¯t help either the girls or the geeks. We should be wary of them.?

    ?

    I found an orc. Looks like it¡¯s the truth that they usually act alone. There are no monsters or idiots in the vicinity.?

    ?

    ¡¸As an experiment, I will go first. Please hide and watch?¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that, I put the girls on standby, and go towards the orc. Watching a fight, they will see the movements and attack patterns of orcs. Using that information as a reference should make combat easier and would also allow us to plan and strategize.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, thank you. Please, be careful. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Make sure to watch? I don¡¯t want you to complain later?¡¹?

    ?

    Telling them that in a whisper, I approach the orc, using Erase Presence and Stealth.?

    ?

    As I heard, orcs are resistant to physical attacks and even with magic, they can barely be defeated with concentrated attacks.?

    ?

    Appraisal.?

    ?

    Orc A

    AGE £±£´

    Lv £±£±?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¶£¶

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¸

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£µ£¹

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¶£³

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£±

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¶

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£°

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¸

    Lu£ë¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£¹?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¡¡¡¡¸Blunt Weapons Lv 4¡¹¡¸Hard Hit Lv 4¡¹ ¡¸Ramming Attack Lv 4¡¹¡¸Extraordinary Strength Lv 4¡¹¡¸Iron Skin Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Skills: ¡¸Insatiable Libido Lv 3¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden Club¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s strong. Even though its Vit and PoW is more than double that of goblins, it also has SpE and DeX.?

    ?

    InT is 8, huh. Smarter than goblins, a lot smarter. Probably even smarter than the idiots.?

    ?

    Well, we won¡¯t get anywhere unless I try to attack. At the very least, its stats are a lot lower than mine. Though I¡¯m losing in terms of level¡­¡­?

    ?

    While still erasing my presence I jump at the orc at the highest speed I can and hit it with full force. Then hit again. And again. And while I¡¯m at it, again¡­¡­¡­ HYAHAAAAaaAAA©`!?

    ?

    Eh? It¡¯s dead??

    ?

    I wonder, did I hit it too hard? Didn¡¯t they say¡­¡­that physical attacks don¡¯t work¡­¡­ Really¡­¡­ I¡¯m not to blame here? Yup.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Absolutely!¡¡Entirely!¡¡Completely! Useless! There wasn¡¯t anything that could be used as a reference!!¡¡Suddenly knocking out the orc from behind and then beating it into a pulp¡­¡­What!?¡¡What was that? What are we supposed to take from that?¡¡No one can imitate that!!!¡¡The orc died without doing a thing!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Though I did nothing wrong, I make it as if I¡¯m actually sorry. Next time, let¡¯s try magic. Then, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem. It is an opponent that is supposed to be defeated with magic anyways.?

    ?

    Next orc is Lv 12, the stats are about the same as the previous one.?

    ?

    I sneak up behind it. The girls are watching from a distance. It¡¯s that flat gaze again¡­¡­ Let¡¯s not think about that.?

    ?

    Previously, in order to deal with a large number of opponents, I suppressed the power of Fire Bullets, pushing with quantity. Then, shouldn¡¯t it also be possible to make a single strong attack with it? Well, it¡¯s an experiment, an experiment.?

    ?

    Stealthily, so I don¡¯t get detected, I create a single Fire Bullet. And load it with mana. Sharp, hard¡­¡­ Go!!?

    ?

    The moment I shot it, I immediately created another bullet. And another one, and another one, and another one, and another, andanotheroneanotheroneanotheranotheranothertherthertherrrrrrrrrr.?

    ?

    Oh, it¡¯s dead??

    ?

    Well? Didn¡¯t they say that it¡¯s hard to kill even with magic? That it¡¯s really tough¡­¡­¡­ Dead, huh??

    ?

    ¡¸Is it dead?¡¹?

    ?

    Let¡¯s hope I¡¯ll jinx it.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸It is!¡¡It¡¯s very dead! It stopped moving after the first shot, the second one blew its head off!!! What¡¯s with¡¸Is it dead?¡¹if you smashed it to smithereens!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, no further demonstrations required? Even though I did nothing wrong??

    ?

    I silently look for an orc. Please, show up faster? Behind me¡­¡­ A scornful look from 40 eyes¡­¡­?

    ?

    20 high school girls in the forest¡­¡­ Seeking a meeting with an orc¡­¡­ No, I didn¡¯t say anything.?

    ?

    Ah, found one. The much-desired orc.?

    ?

    ¡¸Now, everyone, go get him. Or something like that?¡¹?

    ?

    Such good weather, there are even schoolgirls flying through the sky. Not with skills or in aerial combat¡­¡­ They are getting thrown around. Yeah, just like in a manga.?

    ?

    Shield-bearers are blown away one after another, spears and swords aren¡¯t doing anything to it, and bows are absolutely useless. Using their only hope, magic, they are dealing some damage to it, but it has too much HP for them to kill it. The healing squad is running all over the place.?

    ?

    Since they are going to be angry if I don¡¯t do anything, I use a Fire Bullet to blow off the club.?

    ?

    Ah, crap. It¡¯s now trying to grab the girls with its bare hands.?

    ?

    It might be a problem¡­¡­ I mean¡­¡­ It has Insatiable Libido Lv 3.?

    ?

    Charging in I slash off both of its arms. Well, I have to say that¡¸Staff¡¹is cutting quite well??

    ?

    Even so, the orc is not going down.?

    ?

    What¡¯s left is just beat it to a pulp. I can leave that to the girls¡­¡­ It¡¯s not going down though. Is it yet? Is it now??

    ?

    Yeah, let¡¯s make dinner. Yeah, that¡¯s what I should do.?

    ?

    The weather is good, and we are inside a forest. Yeah, such a day calls for BBQ! Though we only have fish and mushrooms, but it¡¯s BBQ.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why is there such a nice smell when we are desperately trying to kill the orc? Why are you having a barbecue? Why do you have a table and chairs ready? And when did you have time to gather flowers to decorate everything?!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they finally killed it. It took a while. Even though it was Lv 10??

    ?

    ¡¸Err, I thought that everyone must be hungry by now? Look, the flowers are so pretty?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh yeah, they are¡­¡­ So?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They are angry. Such injustice! I made dinner and was waiting for them¡­¡­ Even though they are eating it with a great appetite!??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It was decided that we will use gobs and kobolds to level up on the way back, and tomorrow, have revenge on the orcs.?

    ?

    ¡¸We need a powerful attack.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If only I could cut off its arms.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We need magic missiles! They are strong!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Anyway, is there a clean way to kill it?¡¹?

    ?

    A review meeting was going on for the entire return trip. Good grief, even though I showed them an example two times¡­¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing, I didn¡¯t say anything.?

    ?

    ¡¸Maneuvering with such a crowd is impossible.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How about running around while shooting magic? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, there is nothing we can do if we can¡¯t cut it¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No hand-to-hand combat! ¡­¡­¡­It has Insatiable Libido!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they can¡¯t decide on a strategy. It¡¯s at such times when one should return to the basics. Yes, beating to death! ¡­¡­Ah, no, it¡¯s nothing.?

    ?

    And so we kept assaulting gobs and kobolds until the evening, raising levels.?

    ?

    Extermination carried out through 4 teams of 5 people.?

    ?

    It can¡¯t be called a battle, it¡¯s just a one-sided massacre¡­¡­ Ah, no, I didn¡¯t say anything.?

    ?

    My mouth turned into X shape, just like that of a certain rabbit.[1. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miffy] I want to eat a rabbit, where are all deer and boars??

    ?

    Day 14 ¨C Night, The Cave, Girls Assembly?

    ?

    If Haruka-kun can¡¯t get stronger, then we should. We should just become stronger, and protect him ourselves.?

    ?

    Was supposed to be the theme of this gathering, but¡­¡­ Eh??

    ?

    ¡¸What the hell is that? Why?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Berserking Assassin? What was his job? What is a jobless?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And that is without cheats¡­¡­ What is even a cheat? Are they really needed?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I mean, levels are absolute in this world¡­¡­ Then, what, the, hell, is, that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m a sword saint and have Peak of Swordsmanship, but I can¡¯t cut that ¡­¡­How come he can slash it with a stick?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I also have Max Lv in Magic of Four Elements, but I can¡¯t do that. Blowing off a head? How?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But we need some kind of a technique to kill them¡­¡­ Eh, beat to a pulp?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Protecting him together?¡­¡­ We won¡¯t be able to even take him on?¡¡That thing? What is the point of protecting that?¡¹?

    ?

    Eeh? Isn¡¯t it fine to leave him alone??

    ?

    No, we shouldn¡¯t abandon him, but what on earth¡­¡­was that??

    ?

    Day 14 ¨C Night, in front of the cave, the tent?

    ?

    The size of the tent? Enough to fit 20 people! Or rather, there are only 20 people! This time it should be okay! This time for sure! And after all these preparations nobody came. Ah, well, I¡¯m a loner after all.?

    ?

    At long last, I can relax¡­¡­ Ah, status.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶

    Lv £°£¸

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£°£¶ £¨£±£³UP£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £±£°£· £¨£±£µUP£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£°£µ £¨£±£´UP£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£°£´ £¨£±£µUP£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£°£³ £¨£±£¶UP£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£°£² £¨£±£µUP£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£´ £¨£±£¸UP£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¶ £¨£±£·UP£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£µ?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 6¡¹¡¸Avoidance Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Premonition Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 5¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 4¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 6¡¹¡¸Weight Lv 4¡¹¡¸Packing Lv 5¡¹¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 3¡¹(Up) ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 2¡¹(Up) ¡¸Ice Magic Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 3¡¹¡¸Gymnastics Lv 4¡¹¡¸Walking Lv 6¡¹¡¸Command Lv 3¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv 4¡¹¡¸Farsight Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Detect Presence Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 5¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Stealth Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Concealment Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Map Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Concentration Lv 5¡¹(Up) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸MP Recovery Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 3¡¹(Up) ¡¸Parallel Thinking Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Serial Thinking Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 4¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 3¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 4¡¹¡¸Mage Lv 5¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 3¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 3¡¹ (Up)?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«1% SpE +1%¡¹ (New)?

    ?

    Yeah, without realizing, I¡¯ve gotten pretty good at being sneaky. Just what am I trying to become? A stalker? Of orcs??

    ?

    What is Serial Thinking?¡­¡­ Ahhh, it must be from shooting the same spell repeatedly. Though I used the same Fire Bullet with kobolds, I also changed targets and angles constantly, so it was parallel thinking. Well, I also have Mana Control, let¡¯s hope that it can give me an upper hand in case of something.?

    ?

    Tch, Muppet leveled up. It¡¯s all because the girls are bullying me. Are they calling me useless behind my back??

    ?

    14th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 15

    Day 15 ¨C In front of the cave, the tent.?

    ?

    Now, today it¡¯s orcs again. Looks like this time they are going to take revenge on them.?

    ?

    Yesterday, the girls held a meeting after coming back and were going pretty hard at it, even having some practice battles.?

    ?

    They will be able to set off for a town when this is over, so naturally, they must be pretty motivated.?

    ?

    The fastest enemies in the forest, kobolds, are no longer opponents for them, and gobs can be handled even if there is a pack of them. This leaves only orcs©`©` The strongest monsters of this forest.?

    ?

    Reaching a town they should be able to get better weapons, and maybe even learn new fighting techniques. And unlike me, their levels keep rapidly growing.?

    ?

    If they were able to beat orcs, there will be nothing that they can learn in this forest.?

    ?

    ¡¸So I guess today is the day.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, though I¡¯m now supposed to escort them until a town. I also want to see it, and there is also no telling what can be encountered on the way there.?

    ?

    Monsters are one thing, but I don¡¯t know if the president and the others can fight bandits, human opponents.?

    ?

    There also could be unknown monsters.?

    ?

    I wonder if the geeks are in a town? The bitches lived only to meet them.?

    ?

    But¡­¡­ It¡¯s the geeks we are talking about. Wouldn¡¯t they get kicked out of the town for one reason or another??

    ?

    Since no one is coming to call me for breakfast, let¡¯s do some light practice.?

    ?

    Holding the staff, I swing it while walking, I walk while swinging it.?

    ?

    I shouldn¡¯t stop.?

    ?

    My power is low.?

    ?

    And I can¡¯t take a hit.?

    ?

    So, faster.?

    ?

    More attacks.?

    ?

    More technique.?

    ?

    Extend the staff.?

    ?

    Holding it in the middle with both hands, I thrust with both ends, then sweep.?

    ?

    Shifting my grip to the very end, I swing the staff.?

    ?

    Changing the grip again, poke.?

    ?

    Never stop walking.?

    ?

    I swing the staff, using momentum from the steps.?

    ?

    Poke when I step to the side.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll get killed if I stop.?

    ?

    Stop, and I won¡¯t have the power to deal enough damage.?

    ?

    Stop, and I¡¯ll get surrounded and killed.?

    ?

    Faster.?

    ?

    Quicker.?

    ?

    Don¡¯t stop.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Woooooah, ***clap, clap, clap***.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I was being watched? I guess I was a bit too focused¡­¡­ Phew, I¡¯m glad that I didn¡¯t take any poses¡­¡­ I didn¡¯t, right??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, did you learn some kind of martial arts? ¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, they saw martial arts in it. Is it because it looks similar to Shaolin monks and Sayuki when I extend the staff?[1. TL Note: Think of Wu Kong, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_the_West]?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I didn¡¯t learn anything. Self-taught style?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Really? It looked pretty good.¡¹?

    ?

    At times I thought of cool moves and practiced them in front of a mirror, but that is a secret. Naturally, signature poses are also a secret. For real!?

    ?

    ¡¸Breakfast? What is for breakfast?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Obviously, fish.¡¹?

    ?

    Today is a good day as well. The fish is delicious.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    We move through the forest, hunting gobs and kobolds. Once again, I got a great haul of mushrooms.?

    ?

    ¡¸I think these mushrooms are a feed for monsters, but since someone is annihilating them, a lot of mushrooms are left lying around.¡¹?

    ?

    I see. So that¡¯s why there are so many monsters, and because there are HP and MP recovering mushrooms around the cave, monsters in that area are also stronger. Sounds reasonable.?

    ?

    ¡¸Since there are many mushrooms, there are also lots of monsters, and since there are lots of monsters, there are only a few animals? This calls for a massacre. I want to eat meat.¡¹?

    ?

    Speaking about this and that we continued the hunt, proceeding deeper into the forest.?

    ?

    Everyone is already over 30. It seems that the vicinity of the cave is good for leveling up. Though I¡¯m living here, and still somehow can¡¯t raise my level.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The orc that we finally found was level 16, a bit too strong perhaps??

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, can I have the first one?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeeah, Be¡­¡­ Careful?¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, she had a questioning tone.?

    ?

    I casually walk up to the orc. No surprise attacks or violent beating.?

    ?

    Using the right end of the extended staff I knock the club coming at me from above to the right and rotate the staff and attack with the left end.?

    ?

    Then, turning around, I use the centrifugal force to sweep at the orc¡¯s feet.?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t fall, but it¡¯s still staggered. After gathering its attention on the lower half, I thrust at the eyes, when it defended with the club, I slash at the legs©`©` With the flurry of blows I aimed at top, down, right, and left and forced it on defensive.?

    ?

    Stopping the orc, I move around and poke it into the hand that held the club.?

    ?

    Continuously moving I keep repeating that, just sticking to an offense.?

    ?

    Aiming at the eyes, the legs, and the weapon. I just keep attacking, forcing the orc to defend.?

    ?

    The president and others were worried about their lack of means to deliver a decisive blow, but in that case, they should weaken the enemy by attacking its weak points.?

    ?

    I just have to shut down the orc¡¯s options with each strike.?

    ?

    When the opponent doesn¡¯t attack, I just focus on crushing it.?

    ?

    Throwing fire in the orc¡¯s face, and as it faltered, I used the opportunity to strike.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The orc lost its eyes, the club, could hardly use its arms, and was dragging its legs on the ground.?

    ?

    ¡¸I will leave the last hit to you. How about using this chance to test some big attacks?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you, Haruka-kun. Today it was actually educational. ¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that, they dashed to surround the orc. Yeah, it is a very confidential secret that I just switched with them because I got bored.?

    ?

    But today, huh. You know, what happened yesterday wasn¡¯t my fault??

    ?

    No, I mean, it was all because of the information the geeks gave me¡­¡­ And the president as well¡­¡­ And while I was grumbling©`?

    ?

    ¡¸Back off¡«¡¢Heeya!~¡¹¡¸Chance!¡¹¡¸Aaah!¡¹?

    ?

    The mages squad used a big attack. Charging magic as much as they can, and then releasing it all at once. Overkill.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good job.¡¹?

    ?

    I offer juice to everyone, as expected of girls, they react quickly to it. Their response is very different when it comes to sweets¡­¡­ Eh, did one of them just use shukuchi[3. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukuchi] for this??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The second orc is level 10, just fine. A reasonable value.?

    ?

    The girls are fighting on their own, surrounding it, but there doesn¡¯t seem to be any problem.?

    ?

    They have proper coordination among themselves, and unlike yesterday, they properly understand their roles. A good joint offense, with everyone working together without showing off.?

    ?

    Magic and arrows are targeting its eyes, and when the orc tries to protect them, it gets repeatedly stabbed into the legs.?

    ?

    And were it to try and swing the club to protect the legs, it would lose the eyes. Meanwhile, its arms are getting torn to shreds.?

    ?

    They won©`©` There are no cheers yet, but they won.?

    ?

    Then, let¡¯s have lunch! Okay, yesterday, I made BBQ and got scolded. So today, I¡¯ll set for salty broth with fish and mushrooms.?

    ?

    Yesterday, I also got scolded after putting up flowers for decorations. But I won¡¯t make the same mistake as schoolboys. Unlike the geeks, I¡¯m a man that can read the mood.?

    ?

    Yes, what¡¯s needed here is not gaudiness. For Japanese, it has to be wabi-sabi![3. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi]?

    ?

    Gathering dried wood I smoke it out, then, washing it cleanly, I dry it with Temperature Magic.?

    ?

    Making bowls and plates by scraping off a trunk, and using thin branches to make chopsticks, after straightening them with packing magic.?

    ?

    Make a table and chairs out of a log.?

    ?

    Looks like it¡¯s done©`©` The dead wood, giving off a feel of driftwood, while appearing frugal, it also carries a spirit of hospitality in its arrangement.?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome back, the meal is ready.¡¹?

    ?

    I prepare water so they can wash their hands.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are back¡­¡­ Why is it that every time we fight there is a nice smell!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Are they angry again? So school girls cannot understand the spirit of wabi-sabi after all, heeey, call the chef!! Oh, wait, that is me?!?

    ?

    Why are they getting angry at me every day??

    ?

    Is that the effect of Muppet after all??

    ?

    Despite them being angry, they are still asking for additional servings. At this rate, I will soon get ¡¸Bullied¡¹among my titles.?

    ?

    Defeating orcs of Lv 8 and then Lv 11, the last orc of today is Lv 13, a big one. Insatiable Libido is also Lv 5.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey¡­¡­ His eyes look kinda pervy?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This¡­¡­ He is aiming for girls with big breasts?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaa©`©`¡­¡­ Eh, it isn¡¯t coming my way! What is the meaning of this!!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Fufufufu¡­¡­ He ignored me, I¡¯ll definitely kill him¡­¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh~, why~, why is it coming only my waay~¡­¡­ Eeeh~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Heeeh, is that, so? Must be rough!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kuh, traitor!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Fufufufufu, I¡¯m really going to kill him¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­ Am I getting¡­¡­ Totally ignored¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    Damn it, the party is falling out.?

    ?

    The orc finally crumbled down. It seems that the girls¡¯ friendship also crumbled.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t think it even has to be mentioned, that the main culprit of that destruction is Vice President B.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It¡¯s pretty dark already, let¡¯s hurry home¡­¡­ It¡¯s also kind of scary??

    ?

    ¡¸Goddamn it, a certain person from earlier and this orc as well, if you like huge tits so much, just teleport to the boobs planet!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ignored¡­¡­ Completely? Even by an orc¡­¡­ Flat out¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hm?~ Why am I getting ignored?~ Hmm?~¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh, really, that must be rough!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like women¡¯s friendship is fragile. But given the choice between a forest in the middle of nowhere and boobs planet, I also would like to be teleported to the latter. Like, actually! Please!?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    After dinner, while taking baths in turns, we hold a conference. 20 Girls Assembly + Loner.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, the next morning we are going downstream, and if by afternoon we are still in the forest, return here¡­¡­ Correct?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, there is no telling if we will be able to immediately find a town, so if during that half of the day we manage to find a town or a road, we head there, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In that case we should go out fully equipped. Gather your baggage, I will put it into the item bag.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Okay.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, tossing all 20 girls into the magical tent of Villager A-san, and me spending the night in a sleeping bag, should do for camping.?

    ?

    We also made plenty of dried fish. And enough mushrooms. Even if 21 people get stranded, these mushrooms can last a long while. At this point, the mushrooms are beginning to push the max capacity of the item bag.?

    ?

    Leaving this place for several days, I feel like by the time I come back it will be all covered in shrooms¡­¡­ And gobs.?

    ?

    Day 15 ¨C Nighttime, in front of the cave, the tent.?

    ?

    Getting outside during the night, I head to the forest.?

    ?

    They¡¯ll probably call the cops on me if I stroll into the cave during the night.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heya, long time no see?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka, if you noticed me, then just stop already. It¡¯s pitch dark. You know how scary it¡¯s going to be on the way back?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸So, why were you following without showing yourself? Are you an idiot? Ah, yeah, you are. Yup.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yup my ass. Why are you so confident that I¡¯m an idiot!¡¹?

    ?

    Aaah, how noisy, annoying, even the voice itself reeks of sweat.?

    ?

    ¡¸You¡­¡­Following the schoolgirls from the forest, and then appearing in the middle of the night, there is a limit to how suspicious one can get? Were they to hold a dumbass competition, you would surely get into the finals, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I was following the girls! I was following you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­What? Are you gay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m not! And don¡¯t say gay, at least say BL¡­¡­ I¡¯m not though!!¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, loud, annoying, tiring even to look at.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, so why won¡¯t you show yourself in front of the girls?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Because I can¡¯t trust them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You are saying that after abandoning geeks? After ignoring the attack on the girls? Just who is the one that cannot be trusted here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are right. ¡­¡­But even so, we just couldn¡¯t bring ourselves to trust them. We can¡¯t believe them.¡¹?

    ?

    They seem to have a lot of thoughts going on. Despite being idiots. It¡¯s probably something dumb anyway. Worse than not thinking at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸And what is the idiotic reason that made a dumbass, such as yourself, doubt them? Or rather, you are an idiot?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Dumbass, you say¡­¡­ You heard about the incident with Puppetry and Charm that the trash got?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I did. I also met the geeks during their escape.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸After that, we completely lost trust for anyone.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t get it, why are you doubting the geeks and the girls instead of the trash?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You know why.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, let me think for a bit. I know that it is pointless, but I¡¯m trying. If you could think and understand it, then even goblins can. You know, just go and ask goblins for advice. Wouldn¡¯t you get along nicely? As fellow idiots?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Harsh, just as usual, which pisses me off even more!¡¹?

    ?

    Surprisingly, the brain of one of the athletic boys had a shred of intelligence to it.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Plunder, correct?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­ Why are people smart enough to make a huge ruckus about Charm and Puppetry not saying a thing about Plunder, which even we can tell is dangerous as heck? Even worse, they even told everyone that they should hide their skills, teaching Concealment to everyone! That is obviously weird!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What an idiot, understanding all that, doubting every shadow¡­¡­ And what would you do if I had it? What¡¯s the point of hiding until now?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If you have it then it¡¯s fine. Others also wouldn¡¯t object, or rather, you are the one who had it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t, but I have Command. Actually, isn¡¯t this one more dangerous for you guys?¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, taming is more fitting for those guys than Puppetry. They are clearly of the same monster family as goblins, geeks, and bitches.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­ For some reason, I actually feel that this one is more dangerous?! Why?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like his instincts are signaling about the danger. Looks like he is of the same kind and the same level as goblins after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, anyway, be it Plunder, or Puppetry, or Charm, or¡­¡­ Or even Command, if you have it, then it¡¯s fine. We will meet up with them and apologize. But¡­¡­ We can¡¯t trust others.¡¹?

    ?

    As it looked like the talk was going to take a while, I took him to the tent, and gave him food.?

    ?

    He is eating a lot. Well, it¡¯s only mushrooms, so it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    ¡¸I have no idea why you have so much trust in me, but since I¡¯m trusted, I¡¯ll say this. It¡¯s fine.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Okay, got it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, that is enough for you? You aren¡¯t going to ask for a reason or explanations?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Nope, I probably won¡¯t get it anyway? Since you are saying that it is fine, then it is going to be okay? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s going to be okay, he seems to have no idea what exactly, but it seems to him like it is going to be okay. Looks like his head is not okay.?

    ?

    Is it because I gave him food? It kind of feels like taming might actually work¡­¡­ I¡¯m not going to do it though. I mean, they are noisy, unpleasant to see, and their very existence is annoying.?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you for the meal. Phew, then, I¡¯ll go back and tell everyone that it¡¯s fine. Please apologize to Oda, the president, and the others for us. We will come to apologize later.¡¹?

    ?

    He left. Is this fine? Really??

    ?

    I stuffed his bag to the brim with mushrooms, so it should be enough for a bribe. The persuasion should go fine, a combo feeding. I¡¯m not going to tame them though!?

    ?

    15th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 16

    Day 16 ¨C In front of the cave.?

    ?

    We take an early breakfast, check the baggage, lock the doors.?

    ?

    Using Earth Magic I create a boulder for that.?

    ?

    Will a mountain king come out if we hold a party outside?[1. TL Note: I¡¯m at a loss as to what this reference is. It could be a popular trope of ¡°King in the Mountain¡± or to Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, who by some bizarre turn of events was officially dubbed so in Japanese.] If a pretty goddess shows up let¡¯s lock her up, let¡¯s be shut-ins together![2. TL Note: Amaterasu, Japanese goddess of the Sun, decided to seclude herself in a cave. Only partying moderately hard in front of her cave was able to lure her outside.]?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, well? Onwards downstream? Onwards to a town? Onwards to hunt geeks?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why! Do! You! Insist! On hunting Oda-kun and the others! So much?! Just why!¡¹?

    ?

    And with this and that we march through the forest.?

    ?

    For some reason, there are no monsters near the river. Are they going to die if splashed with water? Or do they have rabies? Crap, I got bitten by kobolds earlier.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, do you have a moment?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Mm, while we are at it, how about going ahead with the two of us?¡¹?

    ?

    Once again, we are going to be responsible for interception and scouting. Today I¡¯m not impaling anyone, so no one should get upset.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Listen.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Is it about the athletic meatheads?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Y-yes. Meatheads¡­¡­ You met them, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, forgot to tell you. They asked to apologize to you and others for them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Err¡­¡­ Well¡­¡­ Sorry.¡¹?

    ?

    The president lowered her head with great momentum. A bit closer and she would¡¯ve knocked me down with a headbutt.?

    ?

    ¡¸I wanted to tell you¡­¡­ But couldn¡¯t¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah? It¡¯s okay, I knew anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    She looks surprised? Eh? Wouldn¡¯t you notice that, normally? Why??

    ?

    ¡¸S-s-since when? Ho-ho-how did you learn about that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, wouldn¡¯t you normally notice? Ah, but the meatheads and goblins are idiots, so it seems they didn¡¯t realize though? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, I didn¡¯t ask goblins, but they probably don¡¯t realize as well. Or perhaps goblins are smarter than the idiots, and just don¡¯t know because no one told them anything? Well, I never talked to them though.?

    ?

    Or rather, was it supposed to be a secret??

    ?

    ¡¸You should¡¯ve told me that it is a secret in advance! If you are going to be so troubled it will trouble me as well. I didn¡¯t know that it was a secret? No, I didn¡¯t tell anyone though?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, why do you know about that? The geeks wouldn¡¯t have told anyone and they also said that I shouldn¡¯t tell anyone as well!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Plunder¡¹is an ability that allows one to steal skills from others. It¡¯s probably the most powerful, villainous, and menacing ability. Having it makes it the greatest cheat, but to others, it¡¯s the greatest threat. Stay near such a person, and the lifeline of this world, your skills, might disappear without your knowledge. Try to touch such a person, and you might get robbed. And the thief would become even stronger, even more dangerous.?

    ?

    But that¡¯s still cute. Aside from stealing and copying, Plunder actually has another approach, which is taking skills after killing. This might be the most common way to trigger it. And the most dangerous.?

    ?

    So getting your skills targeted would mean death. It¡¯s not about precautions anymore. The skill is dangerous enough that it leads to deathmatches, since one might consider killing the other person before they get killed to be the only way out.?

    ?

    No one would approach a person that is known to have Plunder. And wouldn¡¯t allow them to approach as well, quite contrary, no one would be able to relax unless they kill the person with such a dangerous skill. Thus, it¡¯s taboo. You can¡¯t tell anyone about it and others learning about it might mean death, A forbidden skill ¡¸Plunder¡¹.?

    ?

    ¡¸And¡­¡­ If you knew¡­¡­ Then why? Why did you help me? Aren¡¯t you scared? I wouldn¡¯t even be able to complain if you told me not to get near you? Even if I were abandoned, or hated? After all¡­¡­ I have the ability to steal the skills of other people¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, why would I be scared of that? Were the geeks scared? They weren¡¯t, right? Then why would you think that I would be?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But, there is no telling when your skills will get stolen¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, I have no problem with that, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? But Plunder¡­¡­ I have it¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, do you want something? Do you need any of my skills?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah! AAaaAa©`©`¡­¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡¹?

    ?

    Who would even want¡¸Loner¡¹, or¡¸NEET¡¹, or¡¸Hikikomori¡¹, or¡¸Muppet¡¹, or¡¸Jack of All Trades¡¹, or¡¸Report?Inform?Consult¡¹[3. TL Note: Changed from Communication. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho-Ren-So]? I¡¯d be happy to give them away?¡¡Is there skill¡¸Distribution¡¹somewhere??

    ?

    Yeah, I¡¯m not scared of ¡¸Plunder¡¹at all. Quite the contrary, the stealer would be the one concerned. Good grief, what a troublesome skill, Plunder. Yeeah.?

    ?

    ¡¸Errr, I¡¯m sorry, somehow¡­¡­ But¡­¡­ But you know¡­¡­ The others, the other people¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As, I, said. The geeks weren¡¯t afraid, right? Do you get it?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t get what the problem is, and I also don¡¯t get what she is worrying about, but she seems to be worried about something? Is there some kind of problem with the interpretation of other world¡¯s languages? We are talking in Japanese though??

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm, do I get¡­¡­ What?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It means that everyone felt at ease since you had that skill.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone was paranoid about who had Charm and Puppetry, but ultimately were able to relax only after sealing them. But no one tried to seal Plunder, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If those meatheads, that stand on the peak of stupidity, managed to notice that, there is no way the others did not. Since everyone is thinking that the matter is as good as solved, then doesn¡¯t that mean there is no problem? Since the geeks and I didn¡¯t say anything, everyone thought¡¸Ah, it¡¯s the president.¡¹. What is the problem here?¡¹?

    ?

    First of all, I knew that the geeks didn¡¯t have it. They were on the brink of death after getting surrounded by goblins, which means they had no Detect Presence. Detect Presence can be stolen from from kobolds, so if they had ¡¸Plunder¡¹, there is no way they wouldn¡¯t do it. Which means that they don¡¯t have Plunder.?

    ?

    There is no way that the geeks, being so knowledgeable about the skills, wouldn¡¯t be wary about Plunder. They would search for it before anything else, and would warn others. But they didn¡¯t say or do anything.?

    ?

    Then this is what it means. They were cool with it, seeing it as safe. If they, who went through a lot of unjust treatment both at school and in this world, put their trust there, then it¡¯s certainly okay.?

    ?

    This reassuring seal of quality isn¡¯t something cheap like certified by JIS or ISO, no, it¡¯s OTA seal. There is no harsher inspection standard than that. [4. TL Note: JSI ¨C Japanese Industrial Standards, are the standards used for industrial activities in Japan, coordinated by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee. ISO ¨C International Organization for Standardization. OTA, short for Otaku ¨C geek.]?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you crying a lot lately?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s all your fault, Haruka-kun, definitely.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That is a false accusation! I didn¡¯t do it!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Mmmm, you did though. Thank you¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? Are we talking about the same thing? Is she thanking me for making her cry? Or rather, what did I do? At the very least, it¡¯s surely not something lewd. If I could do such a thing I would have had Hero among my titles already. I¡¯m not bragging, but I don¡¯t have such guts. Not to even mention, there are 20 enemies¡­¡­ I will lose before the battle even starts! Could it be that there is Sun Tzu[5. TL Note: For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill (c) Sun Tzu, 6th century BC.] among my classmates??

    ?

    ¡ºThe good fighters first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then wait for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.¡»was it? Eh? So I already lost after all??

    ?

    ¡¸But how you managed to persuade them without telling anything?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hm? Ah, you mean the idiots? I just said that it¡¯s fine, they replied ¡¸Okay¡¹, and went back. They are idiots after all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What exactly is fine here?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, even if I explained it to them? They are idiots anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And why did they just accept this?! They are treated like fools! And you are being very mean to them! Not like you don¡¯t know it anyway!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the president was freaking out too hard to realize.?

    ?

    ¡¸You call say that it¡¯s mean, but earlier you said ¡¸The geeks wouldn¡¯t tell anyone¡¹saying geeks yourself.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Really? ¡­¡­Sorry, Oda-kun, looks like I got brainwashed without realizing?¡¹?

    ?

    Brainwashed? Please don¡¯t put the blame on me. Death game would¡¯ve started if I had such a skill. Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸My Plunder¡­¡­ Triggers on killing the target¡­¡­ So I absolutely shouldn¡¯t tell anyone¡­¡­ Is what¡­O, da, kun, said!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I see, So you took it¡­¡­ That thing, from goblins and orcs?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, actually, the president, has ¡¸High Sexual Vigor¡¹and ¡¸Insatiable Libido¡¹.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­KYAAAAAAaAAaAaaAAAAAAAaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaAAA! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!©`©`©`¡¹?

    ?

    The president¡¯s deafening wail resounds through the woods of another world. Did she break??

    ?

    The girls dashed to us from behind and were very mad. Really mad. Even though I didn¡¯t do anything? Even though I didn¡¯t get the title of Hero? It¡¯s true??

    ?

    Time for lunch, it¡¯s BBQ from fish and mushrooms once again! Putting fish and mushrooms on skewers I fry them.?

    ?

    The president is giving me a flat gaze.?

    ?

    As the skewers are getting grilled, I turn them to the other side.?

    ?

    The president is staring at me with a flat gaze.?

    ?

    Since they got grilled from both sides, I put them on plates and sprinkle them with salt.?

    ?

    The president is staring at me with a flat gaze.?

    ?

    I quietly put a plate in front of the president.?

    ?

    The president is staring at me with a flat gaze.?

    ?

    What¡¯s this? She looks over expectantly, hoping to become friends[6. TL Note: Dragon Quest reference, you¡¯d get such a message when a monster is willing to join you.]¡­¡­ That doesn¡¯t seem to be the case here.?

    ?

    ¡¸President, come back. Time for a meal and a meeting?¡¹?

    ?

    The president is staring at me with a flat gaze.?

    ?

    Looks like I have to say something nice here.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm, President. Are you okay? You didn¡¯t get ¡¸Slut¡¹in your titles yet?¡­¡­ GOUGH! ¡­¡­(thud)¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the president knows how to use Shukuchi¡­¡­ As expected of a cheater. (pass out)?

    ?

    Now, what should we do? Putting the matter with the president aside, it doesn¡¯t seem like we can get out of the forest yet. In two or three hours we should run out of time.?

    ?

    Using Farsight, I still see nothing but the forest. Were we to get to grasslands we might be able to spot a town or a road though? What a bind.?

    ?

    Uncertain, I glance at the president, who is staring at me with a flat gaze.?

    ?

    Even though we were able to reach an understanding after having that passionate talk about¡¸Plunder¡¹, when it comes to ¡¸High Sexual Vigor¡¹and ¡¸Insatiable Libido¡¹, she uses violence to shut down any discussion.?

    ?

    So reaching an understanding through talking is but a silly pipedream after all. That attack after Shukuchi! Can¡¯t she defeat an orc by herself? Well, she defeated me after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Vice A, should we go a bit further?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who is Vice A? And I¡¯m not A!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, Vice B, what should we do?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? I¡¯m Vice B? But I¡¯m not B?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, indeed, that is far from B¡­¡­ The president is looking at me with the eyes of a killer¡­¡­ I-I¡¯m not looking¡­¡­ I¡¯m not looking at anything??

    ?

    We kept going for another hour but still couldn¡¯t see the end of the forest. I guess we are going to camp in the woods.?

    ?

    In the end, it seems that getting out of the woods would take at least a whole day. There isn¡¯t much difference in repeating this tomorrow or camping here.?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, let¡¯s vote. Democracy! The rule of the people! Since we can¡¯t have a discussion, that¡¯s the only option left.?

    ?

    The reason why we can¡¯t have a discussion is because the president is staring at me with that flat gaze. Before we have democracy, can I have some human rights? Even the basic stuff will do.?

    ?

    The result was that the majority were for returning to the cave. Let¡¯s return home.?

    ?

    There is an option of going back the way we came and going through the forest, leveling up, but it¡¯s going to get dark by the time we get back. There is no point to this if it will affect tomorrow¡¯s schedule, so let¡¯s hurry home.?

    ?

    After all, camping is being prepared for it and camping just because it turned out that way is very different mentally. That person staring at me must be of the same opinion.?

    ?

    I pry open the entrance that I sealed with the boulder. Okay, looks like there is no one there.?

    ?

    What should we have for dinner? Since I have a chance to make it at home, let¡¯s go with herb-wrapped fried fish.?

    ?

    And make a bath as well, we might not be able to take a bath from tomorrow on.?

    ?

    Looking at Map, I see that though we followed the river, we made a huge turn to the right. It might be better to take a shortcut, but entering the forest we might waste time on fighting monsters.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a problem that we can¡¯t discuss it, not being able to hold an assembly is a problem, being too scared to hold one is a problem, the problem is that the president is a problem.?

    ?

    It¡¯s always uncomfortable here, but today it¡¯s extremely awkward.?

    ?

    I escape, scramming back to the tent, then take a walk into the forest. There are no idiots today, but gobs didn¡¯t go anywhere. I¡¯m tired, both physically and mentally. So since I¡¯m scared, let¡¯s do some goblin rush.£¨Thud!£©?

    ?

    Since my stress and a huge number of goblins died in a gob rush, I guess I¡¯ll go back to the tent??

    ?

    ¡¸This presence? It¡¯s not idiots¡­¡­ It¡¯s Stare?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Uuh, my name changed from president to Stare¡­¡­ Sorry about today¡­¡­ I was just too embarrassed¡­¡­ So?¡¹?

    ?

    The president, revised to Stare-san, lowered her head. It¡¯s unfair, how can I not forgive her after this. I mean, look at that chest!?

    ?

    ¡¸Err, well, do your best?¡¹?

    ?

    I tried to cheer her up.?

    ?

    ¡¸That sounded like you couldn¡¯t care less, are you angry?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s just a joke though? Are you done discussing plans for tomorrow?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, for now, we want to keep going for 3 days.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I also do have to find the geeks.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The ge¡­¡­ Oda-kun and the others?¡¹?

    ?

    As expected of the president. She managed to hold back at the very last moment.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I have to shove the bitches onto them.¡¹?

    ?

    They recovered quite a bit, but a certain strain still can be felt. It probably won¡¯t go away until they meet the geeks. For the bitches the matter is not settled yet.?

    ?

    During battles they are recklessly getting in the front, trying to shield others, always risking their lives. Even though everyone has forgiven, and acknowledged them as comrades already.?

    ?

    Even so, they couldn¡¯t forgive themselves. They became stronger, but this is still dangerous.?

    ?

    I have to get them to meet the geeks. No matter what the result may be, if they won¡¯t accept anything else, then I¡¯ll do just that. No matter if they will be forgiven or not, nothing will happen unless we get there.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, you are right. Ah, and don¡¯t shove them onto geeks! We also want to apologize together with Shimazaki-san and others. And I wanted to thank them.¡¹?

    ?

    Who is Shimazaki? A new character? After coming this far? Who could it be? A person from a town? Ah, I¡¯m getting stared at again. She is Stare-san after all.?

    ?

    16th Day ¨C Over.

 CH 17

    Day 17 ¨C In front of the cave.?

    ?

    We already ate breakfast, so it¡¯s time for departure.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well then, we will be taking a shortcut through the forest, so make sure to arm yourself?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeeeeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone is in such high spirits since the morning, did they eat some bad mushroom? That¡¯s why I said so many times to have fish¡­¡­?

    ?

    The forest is filled mostly with gobs, and kobolds, no orcs. At this rate, we should be able to travel at a good speed.?

    ?

    Perhaps everyone became faster with the rise in Lv, but even fighting we are going pretty quick. Did everyone get more stamina??

    ?

    Which reminds me, in the cave they were showing off their stomachs before each other. Like, look how thinner I got, look how toned I got. I wish they would be more aware of high school boys nearby.?

    ?

    Before noon we already crossed the point where we turned back yesterday. We should be able to cover a considerable distance like this.?

    ?

    For lunch, we munched on portable provisions, namely dried mushrooms, while walking. Though it¡¯s dull, we still have a long road ahead of us. I wonder if the geeks reached the place. If they decided to settle somewhere along the way, we might accidentally slay them.?

    ?

    I keep checking surroundings for food with Appraisal, but there is nothing but herbs. And almost all of them are poison remedy, is this a flag? Let¡¯s collect, just in case.?

    ?

    There is an antidote, but no poison, isn¡¯t this strange? If this is not a flag, then it¡¯s just a weed.?

    ?

    Surveying the surroundings with Farsight, the forest stretches as far as I can see, all of the presences around belong to kobolds, and the only thing we can pick up here are antidote herbs¡­¡­ The tension from the morning is about to expire too. Time for a rest.?

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s rest. Juice, juice, very cheap!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, buddy, one juice, I¡¯ll pay with my body.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, thank you, just have it for free.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Looks like¡­¡­ I¡¯m not¡­¡­ Worth even one cup of juice¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    Nudist Girl began drawing circles on the ground. I¡¯d like to do the same, in the end, I didn¡¯t have time to create a cellar¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, please don¡¯t corner Fukunuki-san any further, she is on a verge of losing it.¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? Why is it always my fault? Even though I¡¯m just giving away juice? Is this a form of psychological warfare? Mental abuse??

    ?

    ¡¸We came quite far, but we definitely will have to camp for the night. Riverside? It¡¯s a bit far, but there is a sandbank?¡¹?

    ?

    I can barely pick it up with Farsight, so it should be pretty far. However, if the monsters are really avoiding the water, then it should be a safe location.?

    ?

    Should I scout ahead? I do have something I¡¯d like to test after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸You should be able to handle what awaits in the woods, so I¡¯ll scout ahead? Or something like that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If only you didn¡¯t phrase it like a question¡­¡­ Can I come with you?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, please stay here, president. I¡¯ll just take a look, so I will be fine alone.¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that I separate from the leading party. While running, I buff myself by enveloping the body with Mana Wrapping, after which, I dash. For now, everything is just as usual. Then, I make my body lighter by using weight magic¡­¡­ Woow¡­¡­ This is pretty effective.?

    ?

    Even lighter¡­¡­ Lighter¡­¡­ Lighter¡­¡­?

    ?

    I run downstream, following the river. I tried to dash through the forest, but it¡¯s impossible. At this speed, trees keep coming at me at a scary speed. And there are a ton of them. Not possible.?

    ?

    The riverside has little obstacles, and though the footing is bad, I can leap ahead, due to reduced body weight.?

    ?

    Can I actually fly with this? I¡¯m light and fast. If I take an approach run, shouldn¡¯t it work? Probably need a straight path for that?¡­¡­ Oh, the path ahead is a straight line!?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m sure I will be able to fly, I¡­¡­ CAN¡­¡­ Fuuuu¡­¡­ Laaaaay¡­¡­ WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAA!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Rather than flying, it¡¯s more like a super speed super long-range Air Walk? To think I¡¯d experience being a bullet¡­¡­ You never know what awaits you in life. It might be even more unusual than getting summoned to another world.?

    ?

    The river and the forest keep shrinking under me¡­¡­ Exit, found¡­¡­ The forest ends¡­¡­ ¡¡I tried to take a look at the other side of the forest, and turns out, using Farsight was a mistake¡­¡­?

    ?

    Flying high up into the air at a high speed, with an incredible air resistance¡­¡­ Losing balance¡­¡­ Means crashing.?

    ?

    ¡¸GYAAAAAAaaaaAaAAaAAAAaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡¹(CRASH!! THUD! DUMB!)?

    ?

    I fell. Hp is below half. Looks like the sky is more dangerous than monsters. And not paying attention is even more dangerous. And what was the last sound? Is the ground making fun of me??

    ?

    Shooting into the sky like a projectile and then plunging into the forest with a tailspin, it hurt pretty bad but was also fun. I¡¯m glad that I wrapped myself in mana.?

    ?

    I got a good grasp of terrain by looking from above. Our path is curving to the right. It would be better if we take a shortcut by going straight through. Let¡¯s report it back.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back, if we keep going, we should be able to leave the forest by night.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? You scouted so far ahead?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I got launched and checked from above? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, your¡¸Report?Inform?Consult¡¹skill is totally not working! Why do you go to scout ahead and get launched?! Do you have Reconnaissance Satellite skill or something?! Why are you so trashed from scouting?!¡¹?

    ?

    Well, I¡¯m a loner, so I had no one to Report, no one to Inform, and no one to Consult, so the level didn¡¯t rise.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, you see, I was wondering if I can fly, but rather than flying, it turned more into being shot up into the sky¡­¡­ And I fell? Or more like, crashed?¡¹?

    ?

    Even so, an untearable cloak? and clothes? They are so durable that I¡¯m beginning to question what is a cloth? They were fine even after a kobold bit into them. No matter how much dirt or blood gets on them, wash them with water, and they are just as new. Just what Villager A-san was doing in the village??

    ?

    Changing our course quite hard to the right, we move through the very depths of the forest. It¡¯s a shortcut, but we have to be careful, after all, there still might be unknown monsters.?

    ?

    With each party taking turns to walk in the vanguard we slay monsters. When the next party catches up with the advancing party, they change places, as a result, speed doesn¡¯t drop that much.?

    ?

    As expected, the president¡¯s planning, leadership, and analyzing abilities appear to be quite high. Could it be that her sexual abilities are just as high? With High Sexual Vigor and Insatiable Libido they should¡­ No, I didn¡¯t think of anything weird¡­ The weather is so nice today¡­ I¡¯mnotlying??

    ?

    It¡¯s dark already, before long it will be midnight, there are fewer and fewer trees around, soon enough we should be able to get out of the forest, but once we do that, there won¡¯t be anything to provide us with cover anymore¡­¡­ I guess we should make a camp somewhere around here. The river is also nearby.?

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s stop for the night. Okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaaay! Agreed.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they are pretty tired. Let¡¯s put up the tent. Okay, done.?

    ?

    For some reason, I¡¯m getting intense stares. It seems they have some kind of a problem with a tent, or rather, an air dome, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. Though I also have a problem with them glaring at me each time I do anything??

    ?

    ¡¸No, I just have to say ¡ºOpen¡»for it to be set up. Look, 20 people can easily fit inside.¡¹?

    ?

    Creating a simple bath near the river I put up a partition screen around it. After heating the water I immediately run away. The reason being, even if Nudist Girl strips in front of me, it¡¯s likely I am the one who will be scolded. Did I get ¡¸Hated person¡¹among my titles??

    ?

    Antidote herbs are all that I managed to gather today, and they can¡¯t be used as a food ingredient. An all you can eat buffet of mushroom salad. The only flavor available is salt, please bear with it.?

    ?

    The girls are taking baths in turns, eating dinner, and rolling around in the tent.?

    ?

    It bothers the president if I work too much, so I sit down and pretend like I¡¯m resting. Meanwhile, I put my hand on the ground and sneakily created a fence and a ditch around the camp. Speaking of which, the geeks were doing something similar, didn¡¯t they??

    ?

    What¡¯s left? Ah, yeah, pitfalls. Let¡¯s dig some. I wonder if I can make magic traps??

    ?

    We don¡¯t need to post a night watch. The tent has a monster repelling feature, and I also can use Search and Detect Presence while I sleep. Until now I managed to spot the geeks, gobs, and the idiots with it.?

    ?

    But for the girls, it will be good practice and is also something that will become necessary later.?

    ?

    I thought that we were going to have 5 groups, 4 made up of girls and the 5th consisting of me. But for some reason, we have 4 groups, with me joining the girls.?

    ?

    The tents smell of trouble and the weather is good, so I will sleep in a sleeping bag. The effects of hikikomori should also protect me.?

    ?

    Which reminds me. Light rain occurred 2 or 3 times at night, but no actual rain-like rain? Is it a dry season??

    ?

    I have a night watch, so let¡¯s sleep already¡­¡­ I wonder how others can tell time??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, please wake up, it¡¯s your turn.¡¹?

    ?

    I was already awake due to Detect Presence, but to keep the tension, I decided it would be better to keep it secret.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I¡¯m getting up¡­¡­ In afterlife?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just how long do you want to sleep? Is this life not enough for you?!¡¹?

    ?

    As I got out of the shelter while speaking nonsense, the meathead girls, the big four of women sports clubs, were waiting outside. I wonder who is the weakest one among them.[1. TL Note: Reference to that clich¨¦, ¡°You defeated XX, but he was the weakest one among us!¡±] Probably Nudist Girl.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning. Well, let¡¯s do our best on night watch!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Faah, we just need to stay awake? No patrols?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you dare fall asleep, or I will sleep together with you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m sleepy¡­¡­ Sleepy?¡­¡­ Sleep?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, if you sleep together, it means that he already fell asleep. And also, DON¡¯t SLEEP!¡¹?

    ?

    The athletic girls happen to be celebrities. Though it¡¯s only to a degree of occasionally appearing in small articles in newspapers, they had a lot of popularity.?

    ?

    Since they are popular, they might even have names. I have no idea though??

    ?

    Actually thinking about it, they probably had their own troubles in the original world as well.?

    ?

    Nudist Girl is a candidate for the Olympic swimming team.?

    ?

    I¡¯m pretty sure the rhythmic sports gymnastics girl, who for some reason is full of desire to sleep, also was the same. Both seem to be participating in international competitions.?

    ?

    The remaining two are also pretty popular, being on TV and taking silver medals in an National inter-high school competition during their first year of high school.?

    ?

    ¡¸Errr? I remember¡­¡­ Ah! Twin Lightpole of some high school?! ¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, yes, there even was a banner at school. Mmm, I recall seeing it, thank goodness, if I try to put my gray matter to work, then this much is¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸Who are Twin Lightpoles?! Do you want to say that we have fat legs?! And ¡ºSome high school¡»?! You forgot the name of your own school?!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? But wasn¡¯t there such a banner sometime earlier?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s Twin Tower! Isn¡¯t that obvious, that there won¡¯t be Twin Light Poles?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If I find a banner saying Twin Light Poles I¡¯d definitely burn it!¡¹?

    ?

    Seems like I was wrong? Looks like my gray matter doesn¡¯t care at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh my, being on night watch while surrounded by celebrities, I¡¯m so nervous?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Some celebrities! You don¡¯t even remember our names!!! Even though we are classmates!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m just¡­¡­ Nudist¡­¡­ Nudist girl¡­¡­ nudist¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like Nudist Girl was pretty hurt. Is it a trauma from the attack by the boys??

    ?

    ¡¸No, look, I saw Nudist Girl on TV¡­¡­ Eeeh¡­¡­ That¡­¡­ Mamma Mia¡­¡­Pudding¡­¡­ Of Girls swimming??¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Mamma Mia¡­¡­ Pudding? Must be tasty¡­¡­ Pudding.¡¹?

    ?

    Hm, the wounds seem to be getting deeper? Is it a trauma from daily battles with monsters??

    ?

    ¡¸Just how do you have to mishear Mermaid Princess for it to become Mamma Mia Pudding?!¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, so I heard it wrong, misheard so to say.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ugh, I¡¯m sure you got mine wrong as well.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay, at school, they had posters of Rhythmic Gymnastic Girl¡­¡­ Febreze¡­ of Corridors Top? right? I saw it one morning.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just who would post Febreze posters in school corridors?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It said Fairy Dance on the Gym Floor!! Who the hell was spraying Febreze in the corridor?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    What a troublesome bunch, we are on the night watch, so we have to be quiet. And when I warned them about that, they got mad at me for some reason. So this is the so-called misplaced anger.?

    ?

    While keeping a bonfire I check the surroundings. Neither Detect Presence nor Search show anyone approaching. The Big Four of Athletic Meathead Girls seem to be dissatisfied.?

    ?

    Ah, yeah, the Meathead Girls must have the same level of intelligence as the Meathead Boys. None.?

    ?

    ¡¸Would you like juice?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaaaay!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, they are of the same species as the idiots or goblins. Easy-peasy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fruit juice. But didn¡¯t you say that there aren¡¯t many fruits around? Is it okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I put the fruits into the water, and for some reason, the flavor kept getting stronger? Even when I tried to water it down, it gradually turned just as strong as before. A mysterious drink.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ooh, another world¡¯s unlimited drink bar!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I will share some with you when we part. Each group will get one bag?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, are you really going back?¡¹?

    ?

    There are some things that you can¡¯t accept even if you understand that they are correct.?

    ?

    I long since noticed that there was something that the girls couldn¡¯t agree with.?

    ?

    But at the same time, they knew what it meant themselves.?

    ?

    ¡¸If you were to participate in the international competition as a team, would you include someone in the team who sucks just because you were training together? Wouldn¡¯t that be a disaster for everyone involved?¡¹?

    ?

    No matter how they feel about it, as top athletes they should understand well enough what it means.?

    ?

    They are probably the only ones from our original world, who truly understand what level difference means.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Finally, our watch was over, and the Uniform Squad of the president came to replace us. I wonder who is the real vice president??

    ?

    Let¡¯s sleep.?

    ?

    Day 17 ¨C Late at night, camp in the woods, inside the tent, girls assembly.?

    ?

    After ending their watch the athletic girls give their report.?

    ?

    They said that they didn¡¯t have much opportunity to talk with Haruka-kun and that they also wanted to thank him, so we arranged the shift so they will be together, but,?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry, we screwed up, it were us who got persuaded.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If he puts it like that¡­¡­ There is nothing we can say back.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In the end, he dragged us into his own pace.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We couldn¡¯t say anything¡­¡­ Even though we had a lot on our minds¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like it was impossible after all.?

    ?

    Every time Haruka-kun is about to be seriously thanked, he makes a mess out of the conversation. Like a centrifugal machine, he mixes things so hard that they become a completely unrecognizable mess, making one lose not only the thread of conversation but the very idea of what they were talking about. And before one notices, instead of thanking him, they are getting angry at him?!?

    ?

    ¡¸So, is there no other choice but find Oda-kun and others and ask for their advice?¡¹?

    ?

    Persuading him seems to be very difficult, after all, he won¡¯t even let us thank him.?

    ?

    Even though everyone is waiting for their turn to thank him¡­¡­ He is extremely shy.?

    ?

    Day 17 ¨C Over.

 CH 18.1

    Day 18 ¨C Morning, the camp, in front of the tent.?

    ?

    Sadly, I didn¡¯t have ¡¸Flight¡¹among my skills. And also no ¡¸Launch¡¹, or ¡¸Tailspin¡¹, or ¡¸Crashing¡¹.?

    ?

    Everyone was waking up and washing their faces at the river.?

    ?

    For breakfast we have fish. When we get away from the river mushrooms will become our only choice.?

    ?

    If we can have fish now, we should.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Finally! We are out of the woods!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Grasslands. It¡¯s all covered in hills so it¡¯s not plains. The view is better than in the forest, but one still can¡¯t see that far. Farsight is also not too useful, since the hills are getting in the way.?

    ?

    Do I have no other choice but to take another flight¡­¡­? It was fun after all. Well, after the launch I immediately fell down, so it doesn¡¯t really count as flying.?

    ?

    Yes, a fall being the only thing following the take-off is a problem.?

    ?

    Yesterday, even if I didn¡¯t go into a tailspin and crash after losing the balance, I would¡¯ve fallen anyway. Yeah, I didn¡¯t think about landing at all. But I flew pretty well? Didn¡¯t I??

    ?

    Even 1000 years later, humans won¡¯t be able to soar through the skies like that. Well, that is leaving out different worlds.?

    ?

    What do I do about landing??

    ?

    Will a parachute work? No, a parachute needs a considerable height, or there won¡¯t be any deceleration effect. I won¡¯t be jumping that far. I also have no idea how to make one or materials for it.?

    ?

    If only I had something that could work as a replacement for levitation magic, but for now, anything that can be useful for landing. Hmmm, I ponder, looking at my status.?

    ?

    Walking, Movement, and Weight are for taking off. Packing and Mana Wrapping are for crashing. Hmmm, flying is also a form of movement, so Movement might give supplementary effects even during the flight, so it might be needed even in the air??

    ?

    Ah, if a parachute is no good, then maybe I can use Wind Magic to create an air cushion that would weaken the impact from the fall? Maybe I can even change the direction??

    ?

    Or rather, if I use it mid-air, won¡¯t I be able to actually fly? Yeah, yeah, this might be it¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey, Haruka-kun, are you listening?¡¹?

    ?

    What if I dash with Air Walk? Into the sky? Could it mean??

    ?

    ¡¸Listen to me!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Whoa¡­¡­ that startled me! What is it?! Listen to me?! I thought it was Galactic Diva[1. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macross universe] but turns out, it¡¯s the president. Please, don¡¯t ask me to transform during the flight. It sounds super painful.?

    ?

    ¡¸There is something strange over there? Seems to be? So I kept asking you to check it out with Farsight. Aall this time.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, someone is being attacked by monsters. An old dude and another old dude, and¡­¡­? Someone in armor¡­¡­ An archer and a mage? Errr? And someone else, 6 people in total.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Will they be fine if we don¡¯t help them? Are they winning?¡¹?

    ?

    The president is worried about some old dudes so far away that one cannot even see them from here.?

    ?

    But I¡¯m wary of them.?

    ?

    Being humans and getting attacked by monsters does not guarantee that they are good guys.?

    ?

    Imagine saving bandits just to get attacked by them??

    ?

    Actually, for the president and others, this scenario might be more dangerous than monsters.?

    ?

    Knowing full well how dangerous it is, they unanimously exiled the wannabes.?

    ?

    In other words, no one tried to kill them.?

    ?

    And after getting attacked in return, the geeks ran away.?

    ?

    The other party was trying to kill or enslave them, yet they couldn¡¯t take their lives.?

    ?

    They are way too lenient towards people acting with malice.?

    ?

    The only people allowed to do that, are those who have an absolute advantage in power, which wouldn¡¯t allow enemies to hurt them no matter how they tried.?

    ?

    The main reason why I tagged along with them to the town, is because humans are more dangerous than monsters.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, let¡¯s help them. With a group of fastest people.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸With this distance, we won¡¯t get there in time by running, and what are you going to do if they are bandits?¡¹?

    ?

    From what I was able to see, a dude with a sword, a dude with a spear, full-plate armor, long-haired archer covering behind an overturned carriage, a hooded mage, and some other person. Their attire isn¡¯t bad, but it says nothing about their characters. I wouldn¡¯t trust a noble just because they dressed well. There is no reason to help them.?

    ?

    And the monsters are either wolves or dogs, not just dog-faced monsters. A pack of about 30 in size. And judging by their movements, they have Cooperation. Once the formation is broken, they are screwed. Even if we rush there with the fastest members, we still might have the tables turned on us, due to the sheer difference in numbers.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun. If they turn out to be bad people and will try to hurt our friends, I will kill them. But, since we don¡¯t know if they are bad people or not, I¡¯d like to save them. But if it¡¯s impossible for us, then I ask you, please, save them.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, I knew she¡¯d say that. If you are going to suspect everyone just because you don¡¯t know them well, then it¡¯s better not to go to a town in the first place. Since there would be no point in meeting other people.?

    ?

    As naive as they are, they still seem to have a certain resolve. Well, if they are ready to act as not to regret later, and to reflect on their actions, it should be fine. That¡¯s why I came along anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go then? Be on your guard. At all times.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, I will definitely protect everyone here.¡¹?

    ?

    I won¡¯t make it in time by running. But dashing using yesterday¡¯s quartet of Movement, Walking, Mana Wrapping, and Weight, I might make it in time. Or might not??

    ?

    I can only try.?

    ?

    It just occurred to me, no idea if I will be able to actually pull it off. But I will make it in time, after all, it will take only one moment.?

    ?

    I reinforce my body with Mana Wrapping on the run. Then, make myself lighter with Weight, and while still having Movement magic on, envelop myself with Wind Magic, and dash into the sky. Yesterday, I misunderstood it as being launched into the air, but in fact, I just dashed there. Otherwise, Air Walk wouldn¡¯t be possible.?

    ?

    It really took only a moment. Using Movement and surrounding myself with Wind I accelerate, kicking off the air. The speed rose to the extreme, and in the blink of an eye, the scene that I was watching through Farsight was right in front of me. Or rather, I can¡¯t stop? Coming from a super low trajectory, I crash into the ground, getting about 10 dogs caught up into it. Colliding, tumbling around, getting blown away. Which reminds me, I didn¡¯t think of a way to stop.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, are you okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸No¡­¡­ Are YOU okay?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, they seem to be okay. The wolves don¡¯t look okay though. About half of them aren¡¯t moving. A multi-wolf collision accident.?

    ?

    Since it took me only a few seconds to arrive at the spot that couldn¡¯t even be seen with the naked eye, then my speed should be easily in 4 digits.?

    ?

    Covering even 10km in 10 seconds means traveling at 3600 kilometers per hour? Eh? Faster than sound?!?

    ?

    Wait, if I went over Mach, did it come with a sonic boom??

    ?

    The distance was easily over 10km, but I¡¯m absolutely certain that it didn¡¯t take even 10 seconds.?

    ?

    Yeah, as expected¡­ A collision at such a speed is fatal¡­ For wolves. The wolves that were instantly blown to pieces and scattered around hit the other wolves with those splinters, tearing them apart as well. Meanwhile, the wolves that were just blown away, are barely breathing. Is this a shockwave? A thick cloud of dust is rising.?

    ?

    Finishing off the remaining wolves with Wind Cutter, I approach the old men.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you injured? Need a potion? Well, it¡¯s mushroom flavored though?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they had no injuries. I seem to be the most hurt one here. Yup, the very culprit of the crash accident. The mushroom potion is disgusting!?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Let me thank you again, you saved us, thank you. As things were going, we were sure to get wiped out. I¡¯m the leader of this party, Ofta. Thank you for saving my comrades.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you, man. I thought we were done for. You are going to Omui town, right? I¡¯ll return the favor there. I¡¯m Gatok, I¡¯ll also treat you to a drink.¡¹?

    ?

    The old men are thanking me, lowering their heads.?

    ?

    The full armor and the trio from the rear guard seem to be treating their wounds behind the carriage, so the two old dudes went to check on them. So there is a town. The town of Omui??

    ?

    O¡­ Fu?¡­¡­ The old man came from that town it seems. But I lack the communication skills to pull out additional information from them. I¡¯ll leave it to the president and other girls¡¯ girl power.?

    ?

    The girls are running over here, but it will take a while. Even though they are so far¡­¡­ Even though I¡¯m not using Farsight, I can still see them swaying? Yup, and all of them glared at me from such a distance.?

    ?

    ¡¸That pack of Green Wolves was attacking merchants, so the guild put up a request. The info was saying there are about 6-8 wolves¡­¡­ To think there was more than 30 of them, we were about to die for sure.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸37 wolves. There was also one called Big Green Wolf, that one that turned into splinters first.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you serious? Even one Big Green Wolf is bad news. Those idiots at the guild, putting up such a request.¡¹?

    ?

    The old dude with a spear is mad, very mad. Well, they almost got annihilated after believing intel from the guild. Can¡¯t blame him.?

    ?

    The carriage seems to be done for and the horse is dead. The wheels are ruined. I helped to push it upright, but it will have to be abandoned.?

    ?

    ¡¸We planned to attack, using the carriage for cover, but with the Big Green Wolf, it, of course, wouldn¡¯t work, damn it!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸AAah, this is a huge loss. What am I going to do about the bar tab?¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, they decided to share the luggage among the six of them.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t expose Item Bag before strangers, so I quietly watch.?

    ?

    Since I had nothing better to do, I put some health mushrooms on skewers, and after toasting and salting them, I handed them over. Even if they had no actual injuries, they are probably still damaged and fatigued. So, special for you, mushroom doping! I might be able to start a dubious business with this.?

    ?

    ¡¸So tasty, it¡¯s my first time having such a mushroom. I feel more energetic?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Delicious, this is a Health Mushroom! Something so valuable¡­¡­ Thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh?! I¡¯m really recovered? Are these so-called HP mushrooms?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Health Mushroom?! It¡¯s true! The pain is gone! Thank you, lad. And this is on top of saving our lives, I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone is very pleased with mushrooms. And it also seems to be something precious. Despite them growing in such large numbers.?

    ?

    Aside from the two old men, everyone else were young girls.?

    ?

    The full armored person turned out to be a model-like western beauty.?

    ?

    The archer, who was shooting from behind, is a beautiful elf.?

    ?

    Okay, the old dudes seem to be enemies. There should be no problem with killing them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey! Haruka-kun! What is going on? Did you just try to go into a battle mode? Why are you looking at Ofta-san and Gatek-san with a flat gaze!!¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded? As expected of the original owner of flat gaze. It took her only one glance to realize that I¡¯m going into attack mode. The president¡¯s Scornful Eye is not just for show!?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, you finally caught up? Good job?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I was here for quite a while already? And I was also keeping my guard up, just in case?¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, she was vigilant of the old dudes. Standing behind my back. She was even emitting bloodthirst when Full-Plate Armor-san held my hand, thanking me. She was probably trying to protect me. It felt like that bloodthirst was directed at me, but that¡¯s probably my imagination.?

    ?

    And the town seems to be standing on the river. So it actually was there after all. The Geek Theory was correct. Okay, for now, let¡¯s refrain from hunting them down.?

    ?

    Omui Town¡­¡­ The name is so difficult to remember. I¡¯m sure I will forget it before we even reach it.?

    ?

    The names of the old men also were hard to remember, but since I didn¡¯t remember them, it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    The western beauty in full armor is Akemi-san. Looks like she is fine with Kemi, or Ami, or whatever. Akemi-san, you say, she could work at a snack bar with such a name. Let¡¯s visit it, I wonder if high school students are allowed to enter??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaaa, she is so pretty! A real elf-san! A moving work of art!¡¹is the elf, Kirikiru-san, who for some reason is very popular with the schoolgirls.?

    ?

    The full-armor girl is also¡¸Kya, so cool! Please shake my hand!¡¹very popular with the girls.?

    ?

    The remaining two are the mage Yebgeek-san and Holy Mage Geventier.?

    ?

    Both are cute, but it¡¯s impossible. Absolutely impossible. Remembering the names aside, I can¡¯t even pronounce them. Even their party members are calling them Eve and Tee, all of them probably can¡¯t pronounce these names as well.?

    ?

    They are chatting with the Uniform Vice Presidents Group while walking. And I¡¯m stuck with 2 old dudes? There are 24 girls, and I get two old men??

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, after all, the names of this world all sound so alien, so they are hard to remember.¡¹?

    ?

    Why is it? I feel 40 eyes glaring at my back? I might die from those stares alone if I turn around.

 CH 18.2

    Day 18 ¨C Afternoon, Omui Town?

    ?

    I never left Japan, let alone visited Europe, so I can¡¯t tell if it looks European or not.?

    ?

    I also wasn¡¯t born in the Middle Ages, so I¡¯m not sure if it looks medieval or not.?

    ?

    It is also my first time coming to another world, so I¡¯m not sure if it is typical for another world or not.?

    ?

    How should I put it, stone made? Or more like, rockpiled? Is what the buildings look like.?

    ?

    The buildings appear not like they were built to look like that, but more like they turned out like this after being built.?

    ?

    Every building happens to be made of stone, even though it doesn¡¯t look like they have any plans or regulations for that.?

    ?

    And it also doesn¡¯t seem like they built with organic architecture in mind. It¡¯s just that all of the materials used are stone and wood. That¡¯s all.?

    ?

    Almost everyone in the town looks western, with well defined features, like those of sculptures from the West. A lot of good-looking guys. If you like defined features so much, then how about I carve them even deeper?! Is the kind of feeling that I get.?

    ?

    There are also a lot of pretty women. The children are cute, and the adults are beautiful. A very nice place.?

    ?

    As the old men brought us here, it turned out that to enter the town we have to pay, but it seems that they also accept magic stones, so I paid for 21 people. 4 stones were enough. I also got some change in coins.?

    ?

    In Item Bag I have tons of magic stones, which I don¡¯t even know where to use. There are so many that I wouldn¡¯t even notice having 4 less. Still can¡¯t be compared to the sheer volume of mushrooms though.?

    ?

    The president¡¯s plan is to go to the guild, exchange stuff for money, register, and find an inn. And in the meantime, collect information on the geeks.?

    ?

    Finding the geeks would most likely finish the process of gathering information on this world.?

    ?

    And, that being the case, we head to the adventurers guild. The old men, who are guiding us, are full of intentions to storm into the guild with a yell. Meanwhile, the girls from the different world were swallowed and absorbed by the group of girls.?

    ?

    A yellow signboard, is that it? Woow, a real adventurers guild! Eh, wait, the building is completely ordinary. Made out of stone, like every other one.?

    ?

    The old men couldn¡¯t endure it any longer and rushed inside the building. At that age, they sure lack control.?

    ?

    As we enter inside, all eyes immediately gather at¡­ Me??

    ?

    Is this popularity? Wait, it¡¯s mostly dudes. I politely refuse.?

    ?

    Somehow, there are a lot of unpleasant stares. I also heard some click their tongues? The mood is bad, their manners are bad, and their faces are also bad. Such an annoying bunch.?

    ?

    A group of the roughest, most thuggish, and dumbest-looking guys stood up. Or rather, I¡¯m quite certain they don¡¯t just look dumb but are actually dumb. Glaring at me, they walk toward us.?

    ?

    Whooa, so clich¨¦, how annoying.?

    ?

    Aah, it¡¯s that? They are angry that one man is walking around with a bunch of girls??

    ?

    Yeah, if I saw such a man I would be far from angry, I¡¯d be outraged!?

    ?

    In light novels. newcomers will get in a quarrel after bringing cute girls to a guild. Standard, routine, and clich¨¦.?

    ?

    They¡¯d get picked on even if there are only one or two girls.?

    ?

    And absolutely so if there are three or four!?

    ?

    If they brought five or six, I think it¡¯s fine to just attack them on sight.?

    ?

    With seven or eight girls, even guild staff would attack.?

    ?

    Ten or more girls? Are you screwing with us? They should be publicly remonstrated on the streets! Unforgivable!?

    ?

    And there are 24, the state itself would take action. That is the enemy of humanity! And he must be destroyed! No objections?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey you! The brat with nasty eyes!!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Huh? What did you just say? The creature with the face, character, brains, upbringing, luck with women, future prospects, personality, nature, guts, and spirit being so much worse than that of a goblin that even comparing you seems like an insult to goblins. With that miserably dreadfully awful face, you are calling my eyes nasty?!¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m super-duper mad, why is the obvious winner of the grand prize for the most atrocious mug bitching about my eyes??

    ?

    ¡¸I dare you to say that one more¡­¡­ Eh?¡¹?

    ?

    The bastards with dreadfully awful faces and miserable character, brains, upbringing, luck with women, future prospects, personality, nature, guts, and spirit slumped down to the floor, and while crying and trembling, prostrated themselves. What is this? Picking a fight with someone and then doing this??

    ?

    ¡¸Haaruukaa-kuun! You shouldn¡¯t do that, even the people behind them are crying. The receptionist ladies are trembling! Don¡¯t glare at people!¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? Well, I did glare at them, but? Wouldn¡¯t you normally do that, a bit? What is this situation? Why are the guys that clicked their tongues hiding under the tables? Is this an emergency drill? Is my stare considered a calamity??

    ?

    I had it, what is this, I even have Contacts properly equipped. It was written that they will make eyes better. What is this treatment? They were glaring at me with such awful faces, and now I¡¯m the one to blame after I glared back at them just a bit? Just what is this?!?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    For some reason, the president decided to isolate me from the public. Isekai-bullying.?

    ?

    I¡¯m all alone in the corner of the guild.?

    ?

    The adventurers won¡¯t even glance my way.?

    ?

    All of them are sitting at round tables, so at least one of them has to face my way, but for some reason, no one would meet eyes with me.?

    ?

    They are forcibly looking the other way so hard, that I¡¯m beginning to worry if they are going to break their necks.?

    ?

    No, you glared at me first? Why am I being treated as the bad guy??

    ?

    What a cruel town. Maybe the geeks were bullied out of here as well.?

    ?

    A beautiful receptionist lady won¡¯t look my way.?

    ?

    Scary looking adventurers won¡¯t look my way.?

    ?

    A strong-looking knight-like man in armor won¡¯t look my way.?

    ?

    A pretty swordswoman won¡¯t look my way.?

    ?

    A suspicious mage in a hood won¡¯t look my way.?

    ?

    I¡¯m bored.?

    ?

    Ah, the old man came back.?

    ?

    The spear old man looked around and asked in wonder.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back, but what¡¯s with this weird mood? You lot, don¡¯t tell me you tried to pick on our benefactor?¡¹?

    ?

    The spear old man glared at the surrounding people, but no one looked our way.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is this? What happened?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, they tried to pick a fight with me when I came in? Insulting? And now I¡¯m being bullied?¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, everyone in the guild shook their heads at once. No, this is bullying.?

    ?

    The sword old man also came back.?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry, can I have some of your time? Looks like they want to ask something in regards to the Green Wolves¡­¡­ Why is everyone staring into the distance?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Bullying rookies? Or maybe bullying outsiders?¡¹?

    ?

    Once again, everyone in the guild shook their heads together. Eeeh, this is a bullying. Definitely.?

    ?

    ¡¸Something to ask? Me? If it¡¯s about the Green Wolves, then they suddenly exploded and scattered around, so I didn¡¯t see them that well?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸It was you who exploded them! You are the very culprit! And it¡¯s not only about the Green Wolves. ¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t get it, but I have nothing better to do anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    For the talk, I will have to go to the second floor. Even though I passed right through the bar, no one made eye contact with me¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸I brought him. I¡¯m coming in.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, enter.¡¹?

    ?

    Upon entering, I saw an old man. I had enough, what¡¯s with this percentage of old men??

    ?

    I got picked on after bringing 24 girls, but everyone around me are old men.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m Guild Master of Omui¡¯s Guild of Adventurers, Hakies. Sorry for summing you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s fine¡­¡­ I came since I heard you have something to ask?¡¹?

    ?

    The guild master lowered his head. What? Is he the owner of the green wolves? Was he letting them run free? Why is he apologizing??

    ?

    ¡¸Let me thank you for saving Ofta¡¯s party. Thank you. This request was a complete mistake on the guild¡¯s side. It could even get a B class party annihilated. Even if another party was passing by, they still wouldn¡¯t have been able to rescue them. You really saved us.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, as we said¡­¡­ Rather than just rescue us, he¡­¡­ Annihilated a Big Green Wolf. This young man.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸?! A Big Green Wolf appeared? We have to relay the message and blockade the area¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, already dead¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Huh?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you are safe, aren¡¯t you? Who are you saying got annihilated?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Not who. That Big Green Wolf and the pack of Green Wolves, all annihilated.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, looks like they can¡¯t communicate well. Good grief, the people from another world these days. Can¡¯t even report, inform, consult properly? How deplorable.?

    ?

    ¡¸The old men¡¯s info should be correct. They were attacked by a Big Green Wolf and 36 Green Wolves. And all of them are dead.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I heard that everyone was rescued?¡¹?

    ?

    Damn it, it doesn¡¯t get through at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸A big green wolf and 36 green wolves, a total of 37, have passed away.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Passed away¡­¡­ Why?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why? How should I put it, I rushed to save the old men, and bumped into them? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Huh? Bumped? Into Ofta and others?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, the old men didn¡¯t go poof! They are here!¡¹?

    ?

    Why is it? We can¡¯t understand each other at all, the language of the other world seems to be pretty difficult.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you playing around?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, Elf-san. Finally, the density of old men decreased.?

    ?

    ¡¸Kirikiru, I¡¯m glad that you are safe. I¡¯m really sorry about this incident.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That aside. The Big Green Wolf and 36 Green Wolves were subjugated. By this Haruka-kun over there. So the Green Wolf Request is finished. Over.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Eeeh, Haruka-kun?¡­¡­Subjugated them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, as I said, I kind of bumped into them, and they went poof?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, I had enough of those guys.¡¹?

    ?

    Elf-san seems to be troubled. Troubling Elf-san, such mean old men.

 CH 18.3

    Abuse in a different world.?

    ?

    I sit alone in the corner of the adventurers guild.?

    ?

    Even though I went there only because they called me, and answered because they asked.?

    ?

    Day 18 ¨C Evening, Omui Adventurers Guild, the Guild Master¡¯s Office?

    ?

    Calling back Haruka-kun at the end, we ask for confirmation.?

    ?

    ¡¸In other words, we can treat it as Haruka-kun defeating them?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s unbelievable, but everyone¡¯s stories match, and Ofta wouldn¡¯t joke or lie about something so important.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if you say that he defeated them¡­¡­ How? All by himself.¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s impossible. The only ones who could defeat them solo are S rank or above, total monsters over Lv 100.?

    ?

    And Haruka-kun is Lv 9. He doesn¡¯t even have a minimum level required to become an adventurer. He can¡¯t even become an apprentice. Narrowly beating weak monsters is the most that he can do.?

    ?

    ¡¸Rather than defeating, it¡¯s more like an accident? They were obliterated upon the collision? How should I put it, a common multi-wolf collision accident?¡¹?

    ?

    No good, I don¡¯t get what he is saying at all. But the fact that no one is trying to refute him means that it¡¯s true. What is a multi-wolf collision accident? It¡¯s a common thing??

    ?

    What I managed to understand is that the pack lead by a Big Green Wolf was subjugated. Ofta¡¯s party is safe. Haruka-kun rescued them. And that¡¯s probably all I need. That¡¯s enough.?

    ?

    As for the multi-wolf collision accident, I¡¯ll send an inquiry to the headquarters. We don¡¯t have information on such a thing here.?

    ?

    Day 18 ¨C Evening, Omui Adventurers Guild, Purchase Counter?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯d like to sell some F grade? magic stones?¡¹?

    ?

    Why put it as a question? Ah, it¡¯s that person, I have to be as polite as possible.?

    ?

    ¡¸F grade magic stones, correct? The price will vary depending on purity and size, so we first will appraise them, and determine the price. Will that be fine with you?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Where should I put them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? On this counter, please?¡¹?

    ?

    Where else did he think to put it? Even though it¡¯s the purchase counter¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸? Won¡¯t they fall off?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerr? Please put them in the center of the counter, so they won¡¯t fall off?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸? The center¡­¡­? Ah, so there is some kind of spell! Got it.¡¹?

    ?

    Some kind of spell? On the counter??

    ?

    Then, he turned his bag upside down over the¡­¡­counter¡­¡­¡¸Ah?¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    On that day, it took 20 people, working all night, to gather and appraise all of the magic stones that poured onto the counter and the floor. I had enough of that person.?

    ?

    Day 18 ¨C Evening, Omui Guild.?

    ?

    The president and others registered as adventurers without a problem, and we also managed to sell magic stones.?

    ?

    20 people over level 30 with cheat abilities coming to register caused a huge uproar among the ladies behind the registration window.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m just sitting here, surrounded by old men.?

    ?

    At level 10, the adventurers go through an apprenticeship, training as a part of a party.?

    ?

    At level 20, they¡¯d be formally recognized as adventurers, allowed to form a party.?

    ?

    And at Lv 30, they will be able to act independently, becoming full-fledged adventurers.?

    ?

    In other words, I cannot register with my current Lv 9. And even if I turn level 10, since I cannot join a party, I still won¡¯t be able to register.?

    ?

    I will be able to register at level 20, but since I can¡¯t form a party with anyone, I won¡¯t be able to take any requests. Only sell magic stones.?

    ?

    In other words, I can¡¯t become an adventurer until I reach level 30.?

    ?

    And since I¡¯m not an adventurer, I can¡¯t sell magic stones.?

    ?

    There was no point in coming to the guild. Getting picked on, bullied, and surrounded by the old men, nothing but troubles.?

    ?

    However, today, they made an exception and purchased magic stones. Likely the reward for saving the old men.?

    ?

    I went to the purchase counter and followed instructions of the receptionist lady¡­¡­ And got scolded? Just why? I even asked for confirmation. And they got angry anyway.?

    ?

    Crying, they asked to come back for the payment tomorrow. Eh? Is it my fault? Am I to blame here??

    ?

    Day 18 ¨C Late Evening, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Getting a recommendation for an inn at the adventurers guild we now head there.?

    ?

    White Lover Inn [1. TL Note: Visually, Weirdo (‰äÈË) and Lover (ÁµÈË) look somewhat similar, but sound nothing alike.]? Is this a love hotel? Or a souvenir shop?[2. TL Note: ¡°White Lover¡± is a European-style cookie manufactured and sold by Japanese confectionery maker from Hokkaido.]?

    ?

    The idea of a dude bringing 20 girls to an inn pissed me off but turns out, it¡¯s a love hotel? Just what was the guild thinking when they made this recommendation?

    Could it be that they saw the skills of the president and thought that this is her harem?¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing. I was thinking about the sweets from Hokkaido? Probably??

    ?

    I wonder which skill the sharpness of Stare-san¡¯s gaze comes from??

    ?

    And while I was wracking my brains over this, the need to do that disappeared.?

    ?

    ¡¸White Weirdo Inn¡¹?

    ?

    Time to call the police! It¡¯s a weirdo! And a white one! And on top of that, it¡¯s an inn! I want to report this!?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome, the adventurers guild already contacted us.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Goodbye. I¡¯m off to burn down the guild.¡¹?

    ?

    A poster girl. A cute poster girl. The problem is the poster itself. A big problem.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mister, please wait. It¡¯s okay. The strange is only the name. You shouldn¡¯t set fire to the adventurers guild!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not okay. White Weirdo is surely not okay. If you know that it is strange, why won¡¯t you change it?¡¹?

    ?

    Half crying, the poster girl tried to stop me. Indeed, going all the way back just to burn the guild sounds like a pain. I should just shoot at it from here.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, why are you holding your staff like a rifle? Why are you pointing it at the adventurers guild? Why do your eyes look like those of the main character from Golgo?[3. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golgo_13] Don¡¯t make a girl cry!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? I¡¯m not going to shoot? I¡¯m not, but¡­ It¡¯s just that? Diving into the urge a bit?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I heard about giving in to an urge, but diving into it? So you are doing it totally on purpose? You are brimming with the desire to shoot! This is a premeditated crime!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, President, will you be able to say ¡ºYesterday, I stopped at White Weirdo¡¯s place until the morning¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Shoot.¡¹?

    ?

    The job was accepted, free of charge.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, doon¡¯t! The ladies from the guild often recommend our inn, so we are getting a lot of customers, and, and, and also¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, the poster girl is desperately trying to stop me with tears in her eyes.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, got it, I won¡¯t shoot.¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that, I patted her on the head, after which her face turned red.?

    ?

    ¡¸Father, we have guests.¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that she went back into the inn.?

    ?

    Yes, it¡¯s fine. Tomorrow, I¡¯m going to the guild anyway. So there is no need to shoot right now.?

    ?

    For some reason, the girls are looking at me with Golgo eyes? Eh??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The food was indeed tasty. The first proper meal in a while. Real cooking.?

    ?

    The rooms were tidy, and though it required an additional fee, they also had a bath.?

    ?

    Yeah, just do something about the name.?

    ?

    White Weirdo seems to be the name of the hero from the town where the owners of this inn previously lived. Who was it that gave a hero such a weird nickname??

    ?

    When a giant swarm of monsters appeared, threatening to swallow the town, he took a stand against the monsters all alone, allowing the people of the town to escape. The hero perished along with the town and the horde of monsters. No one knows his name. But people called him White Weirdo.?

    ?

    So in admiration and gratitude to that hero, they gave the inn such a name.?

    ?

    I bet the hero doesn¡¯t like it at all. Just forget that name already. White Weirdo¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸As I grew up, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, all told me stories about White Weirdo. It is only recently that I noticed that the name is weird¡­¡­ Even so. I have respect, gratitude, and admiration towards him.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeeah, changing the name will be impossible. She has been brainwashed since her childhood.?

    ?

    ¡¸They say, that until the very end, White Weirdo kept fighting the monsters, saying that this is his town, so he won¡¯t run away, that he will protect his home until the end, and that everyone else should escape, and make new homes of their own, homes filled with happiness. So we decided to make this new home a happy one, that¡¯s why the name is¡¸White Weirdo¡¹¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, it could¡¯ve been a great story, if not for the last part.?

    ?

    It could be a legend, if not for the name.?

    ?

    I gave up on making them change the name. Even if I tell them that if you give up, the Inn is already over[4. TL Note: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EG7d8tfWkAMQOnW.jpg:large https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slam_Dunk_(manga)] they still wouldn¡¯t change the name anyway.?

    ?

    I chill in my separate room.?

    ?

    I¡¯m level 9 now, let¡¯s check status while I can.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶

    Lv £°£¹

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£²£° £¨£±£´UP£©

    MP¡¡ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£²£² £¨£±£µUP£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¸ £¨£±£³UP£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£· £¨£±£³UP£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¸ £¨£±£µUP£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¶ £¨£±£´UP£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£³£° £¨£±£¶UP£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£³£´ £¨£±£¸UP£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£·£·?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 6¡¹¡¸Avoidance Lv 5¡¹¡¸Premonition Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 6¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 4¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 6¡¹¡¸Weight Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 5¡¹¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 4¡¹(Up) ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 3¡¹(Up) ¡¸Ice Magic Lv 2¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 3¡¹¡¸Sensitive Body Lv 3¡¹¡¸Gymnastics Lv 4¡¹¡¸Walking Lv 6¡¹¡¸Command Lv 3¡¹¡¸Appraisal Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Farsight Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Detect Presence Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 6¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Stealth Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Concealment Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Map Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Concentration Lv 6¡¹(Up) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸MP Recovery Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 5¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Parallel Thinking Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Serial Thinking Lv 3¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Rush Lv 1¡¹(New)¡¸Air Walk Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 4¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 3¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 4¡¹¡¸Mage Lv 5¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 3¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 3¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«1% SpE +1%¡¹?

    ?

    As expected, I didn¡¯t get Flight, but I now have¡¸Rush Lv 1¡¹. Is this a skill for moving faster? Or for a charge-like something? Which is it? I did both of those after all.?

    ?

    Then,¡¸Air Walk Lv 1¡¹, walking in the air, the god of NBA.[5. TL Note: Likely reference to Michael Jordan and his air walks.] If it allows me to fight in the air, then I will be able to have fried birds.?

    ?

    Stat-wise I¡¯m beginning to lean towards spellcasting jobs. InT and Min are over 130.?

    ?

    Do mages of this world charge at the monsters??

    ?

    Since I¡¯m doing that, yet my stats lean towards spellcasting, then isn¡¯t this what it means??

    ?

    Mages charging at the enemies from the rear. This different world is such a scary place.

 CH 19

    Day 18 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn, Girls¡¯ Room?

    ?

    At the inn, we rented 5 rooms for 4 people and 1 single room.?

    ?

    The single room is for Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Part of the reason why the girls are staying in groups of four is for the economy. But the actual reason is safety.?

    ?

    We could go with double rooms, but in case something happens, it would be better to stay as 4 people.?

    ?

    We are aiming to get Detect Presence and Search on everyone, but at the moment, only half have either of those skills. And only 4 people have both.?

    ?

    No, this is good enough.?

    ?

    It¡¯s been only a week since we began training. People that already had the skills could barely handle them before, but now, we can sustain continuous alertness by taking turns.?

    ?

    The weird one is that person that keeps getting new skills one after another.?

    ?

    On top of that, he was more happy about catching a fish¡­¡­?

    ?

    It¡¯s people that say¡¸I thought I might fly¡¹or¡¸I didn¡¯t get flight¡¹who is strange. Everyone is doing their best.?

    ?

    And today, though only for half a day we split into groups, gathering information. Making full use of the girls¡¯ chattability we gathered quite a lot of information.?

    ?

    Isolating the person who plunged the guild into the realm of terror, sealing everyone¡¯s mouths.?

    ?

    Getting summoned to give a proper explanation because of someone¡¯s destructive communication ability.?

    ?

    The guild agreed to purchase magic stones as an exception this time, but he sent the people at the purchase counter into a panic, so I had to make him sit in seiza.?

    ?

    All kinds of trouble occurred, but the very reason for them all doesn¡¯t seem to feel any remorse at all¡­¡­ Since we agreed on what we are going to ask beforehand, allowing everyone to act on their own, I think we gathered most of the information that we wanted to know.?

    ?

    Both good and bad.?

    ?

    The good information is that this town is relatively safe.?

    ?

    That is because Oda-kun and the others seem to periodically appear here.?

    ?

    Oda-kun and the others instinctively avoid dangerous or rough places.?

    ?

    Them appearing here from time to time probably means that they either roam between here and other towns or that they have a base somewhere around this area.?

    ?

    Now, Shimazaki-san and others finally will be able to meet them. Shimazaki-san and her group have really changed, so much that everyone was pretty freaked out.?

    ?

    But after talking with them I understood.?

    ?

    That the current Shimazaki-san is the real Shimazaki-san.?

    ?

    I think they had a lot of unpleasant or difficult things happen, and as a result, turned so aggressive, abrasive, and stubborn.?

    ?

    Putting up such a front, they were protecting their weak self.?

    ?

    But in this world, this bluff couldn¡¯t help them. Even so, they couldn¡¯t show weakness.?

    ?

    No allies.?

    ?

    Inside the forest,?

    ?

    Surrounded by monsters,?

    ?

    With boys going crazy.?

    ?

    And we¡­¡­ Abandoned them.?

    ?

    Death. At some point, they felt it hanging over them¡­¡­?

    ?

    Thought that they recalled, who was helping them.?

    ?

    Oda-kun and the others, who they treated so unfairly.?

    ?

    Before they noticed, they were the ones doing cruel things to others.?

    ?

    And that Oda-kun and the others were now on the receiving end of that.?

    ?

    Until they escaped after they almost got killed, with no one there to help them.?

    ?

    So they wanted to apologize before they died.?

    ?

    They wanted to thank them before they died.?

    ?

    We¡­¡­ didn¡¯t believe Shimazaki-san.?

    ?

    Even so, they apologized to us.?

    ?

    And they disappeared¡­¡­ Inside the forest¡­¡­ Inside the forest where Oda-kun and the others went.?

    ?

    By all rights, they really should¡¯ve disappeared in that forest¡­¡­?

    ?

    5 girls of Lv 1 that never even fought¡­¡­ That should have been their end.?

    ?

    This shouldn¡¯t have brought salvation to anyone.?

    ?

    Because everyone closed their hearts.?

    ?

    And we too¡­¡­should have perished in that forest.?

    ?

    But that future was annihilated.?

    ?

    Our death in the form of monsters was massacred.?

    ?

    Shimazaki-san¡¯s group.?

    ?

    Us.?

    ?

    Rescue? Salvation? No, what we found was obliteration.?

    ?

    Our despair.?

    ?

    Our doom.?

    ?

    Our death.?

    ?

    All were obliterated.?

    ?

    In front of our very eyes.?

    ?

    ¡¸What are you doing here?¡¹he asked.?

    ?

    Just trample over death??

    ?

    Just beat your despair to a pulp.?

    ?

    The last moment is eternity if you drag it out long enough¡­¡­?

    ?

    There is no way anyone can do that.?

    ?

    That¡¯s what everybody would think.?

    ?

    That¡¯s what we thought.?

    ?

    But in front of us.?

    ?

    As if it was nothing special.?

    ?

    As if it was only natural.?

    ?

    He did that very thing.?

    ?

    He pulled it off.?

    ?

    He shoved it into our faces.?

    ?

    That ¡ºImpossible¡»is nothing but an excuse.?

    ?

    Our despair was exterminated by Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Before long, we could smile once again.?

    ?

    We became able to discuss what awaits tomorrow.?

    ?

    We became able to think about fun things.?

    ?

    After all, the tragedy will be beaten to death anyway.?

    ?

    The dead-end will be exploded.?

    ?

    ¡¸You can do it if you try?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone was frozen.?

    ?

    Myself included.?

    ?

    But that¡¯s what he does.?

    ?

    That¡¯s Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Shimazaki-san and others will finally be able to meet Oda-kun¡¯s group.?

    ?

    But Haruka-kun will disappear.?

    ?

    If we can stall that last moment forever, then it will last for eternity.?

    ?

    We will obliterate the future where we part with Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    After all, that¡¯s what he was doing until now. I won¡¯t let him complain about this.?

    ?

    And as for the bad information¡­¡­?

    ?

    Day 18 ¨C Ove

 CH 20

    Day 19 ¨C White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    ¡¸An unfamiliar ceiling.¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, I finally got to say this. I thought this day would never come.?

    ?

    I thought I would have to live without ever being able to play out this trope.?

    ?

    It¡¯s an actually unfamiliar ceiling.?

    ?

    No doubt here.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not that crap about the unfamiliar cave, unfamiliar forest, or an unfamiliar schoolgirl.?

    ?

    Be the name of the inn white lover or white weirdo, the inn¡¯s ceiling still counts as an unfamiliar ceiling.?

    ?

    It¡¯s finally an unfamiliar ceiling! I saw it before I went to sleep, but if I say I don¡¯t know it, then I don¡¯t!?

    ?

    Isn¡¯t it weird that it took me almost 20 days to say this line after coming to another world??

    ?

    Normally, you¡¯d start in a castle? Then, there will be a princess? Or rather, didn¡¯t things go weird from the very beginning? Why an old fart? Why not a goddess? That¡¯s where things went wrong. And he was senile on top of that.?

    ?

    Well, anyway, we finally reached a town in another world.?

    ?

    We did it.?

    ?

    (Fin)?

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning, mind not ending the story the first thing in the morning? And also, it¡¯s not like you had any intentions to find a town, to begin with? You just tagged along, didn¡¯t you? You didn¡¯t accomplish anything here, why are you trying to bring closure?¡¹?

    ?

    Could it be that instead of a morning call, this inn provides a morning retort service? A flat-eyes retort. Thank you for the treat.?

    ?

    So it¡¯s ¡ºMy adventure is only starting! ¡»with a forever unfinished first arc? And it¡¯s still not ending??

    ?

    It appeared like survival in another world, but it turned out like living in the countryside? No publisher would allow a story about endless mushroom picking to continue for more than one issue! Even this world is about to axe the story.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning, President. You are a president today as well.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you saying it like it¡¯s a compliment? Why do you look so smug, as if you said something nice? It¡¯s not like we are swapping presidents, so I¡¯m obviously a president every day? Or rather, there is no school anymore, so it makes me wonder for how long am I going to be treated like a class president.¡¹?

    ?

    Sadly, it seems she is not aware that calling the president the president is the greatest praise possible at our school.?

    ?

    Presidents of other classes? No idea about them. Never even saw them. And since I never saw them, I can¡¯t even tell if they really exist. Even the real Vice President of our class is yet to be discovered. If they do exist, I still don¡¯t care.?

    ?

    ¡¸So what brings you so early in the morning? Are you hungry? Can¡¯t wait for breakfast? Want a mushroom?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why do you think of me as a miserable child? Am I really that hungry all the time? No, I came to talk.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I¡¯m mistaken. It seems she has no Gluttony, but instead¡­¡­ No, nothing.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yesterday, everyone gathered information at the guild. And¡­¡­ I thought I¡¯d tell you¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    She looks very reluctant to talk. Hesitant, almost pained to talk, even though it¡¯s actually about me¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Is it about the level wall?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? How do you know? Who told you? So¡­¡­ you know¡­¡­ everything¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    So it was about that after all. After learning about this she couldn¡¯t bring herself to tell me. After all, she had to tell me the bad news.?

    ?

    No matter how she puts it, there is nothing that can be done about this.?

    ?

    Level Wall is a rule of this world.?

    ?

    The easiest to understand example is equipment. Especially weapons.?

    ?

    For example, suppose there is a sword.?

    ?

    This world has levels.?

    ?

    Even swords have them.?

    ?

    Even a normal iron sword of the lowest grade would have Lv 20, so to use it, the person will need to be at least Lv 20.?

    ?

    Of course, one will be able to hold or swing it without meeting the requirements.?

    ?

    The problem is skills. Even if one has the Swordsmanship skill, it won¡¯t activate without level 20.?

    ?

    And as they say, Weapon Skills is one of the most important things in this world.?

    ?

    For the sword ¡¸Slash¡¹and¡¸Thrust¡¹are the basic skills.?

    ?

    These are basic moves that allow only for slashing and stabbing, but with Weapons Skills the power is completely different.?

    ?

    On the other hand, even if one were to hold a sword for the first time in their life, having sufficient level¡¸Slash¡¹will work as a Weapon Skill.?

    ?

    And to defend against weapon skills of level 20, one needs level 20 or above.?

    ?

    This is the Level Wall.?

    ?

    This is the reason why the level is said to be absolute in this world.?

    ?

    Merely having a lower level puts you at a disadvantage of being unable to defend against your opponent¡¯s Weapon Skills or get through their defense in case of defensive Weapon Skills.?

    ?

    In other words, no matter how strong I get or how high my stats will get, I will lose, since I can¡¯t raise my level.?

    ?

    Monsters have weapons skills as well. And in this world, humans calmly kill other humans. Being unable to get Weapon Skills I will sooner or later be killed.?

    ?

    Game Over.?

    ?

    Declaration of Death.?

    ?

    So, early in the morning, she came all alone to tell me that I¡¯m already checkmated¡­¡­ That¡¯s why she is the president.?

    ?

    No one wants to say that, and most probably can¡¯t.?

    ?

    But, not conveying this is dangerous. Ignorance about this will spell doom.?

    ?

    Even if the bearer of the bad news might become hated¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, I heard it from the old men. Eehm, the old men trio?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, so the guild master of the adventurers guild Hakies-san is among these three? You don¡¯t have intentions of remembering even the name of the guild master?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you. President. You have pandas under your eyes.¡¹?

    ?

    She probably spent the whole night, thinking about how to tell me about this. She was worried about what could happen to me. So she now has pandas.?

    ?

    ¡¸Noo, I don¡¯t have pandas! What kind of eyes would have pandas under them! Why do you have to turn panda eyes into pandas?¡¹?

    ?

    Not pandas, it seems.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    And then, came breakfast! It¡¯s bread! Bread! Rough and crumbling bread! It¡¯s super hard, but it¡¯s bread!?

    ?

    ¡¸So there is bread. Let¡¯s buy flour and go back! Gather ingredients! All of the ingredients of this world into my grasp! Muhahaha!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why does eating bread lead to world domination? Don¡¯t cause trouble to another world.¡¹?

    ?

    Fish Girl scolded me. Is it because I didn¡¯t give enough praise to the fish? Which reminds me, didn¡¯t they say that both of her parents are fish? She probably has a lot of emotional attachment to fish.?

    ?

    ¡¸Homesick? Don¡¯t worry, both of your parents are probably doing fine, happily swimming in the ocean.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make fish out of my parents!¡¹?

    ?

    Scolded, once again. But didn¡¯t they say that they are fish? Did I hear it wrong??

    ?

    ¡¸What are you going to do today? Going to the guild in the morning? Morning guild? Want to have a guild in the morning?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, even if we want to shop, first, we have to visit the guild. I still have no money.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you trying to make the trip to the guild sound like breakfast at a fast food place?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone was eating and drinking at their own tables?¡ºRight now, for only 100 Ere!¡» is what was written there? ¡¹?

    ?

    If one cup is 100 ere, then one ere is about one yen? They probably have 100 ere shops. I wonder if they have bookstores??

    ?

    First, money. Though the number of the magic stones was huge, they are still only F grade. They shouldn¡¯t amount to a large sum.?

    ?

    But, I won¡¯t need a lot of money.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t equip any weapons or armor with my level 9. The stick is pretty much all I can use. And I already have it.?

    ?

    So I don¡¯t need money, since I can¡¯t even use leather armor.?

    ?

    Well, since I can¡¯t become an adventurer, I also don¡¯t need any of those preparations.?

    ?

    It¡¯s all about ingredients and cookware. And especially seasonings! Though I have salt, for some reason it¡¯s not depleting at alL! Villager A-san, just how much salt did you buy??

    ?

    It seems they have no bookstores. They don¡¯t? I want to read something though?¡­ Is it time to order express delivery? Finally?

 CH 21

    Day 19 ¨C Just before noon, Omui Guild?

    ?

    No one is trying to pick on me. No one meets eyes with me. No one is looking my way. And the path opens by itself.?

    ?

    Well, it¡¯s nice, quite convenient.?

    ?

    For starters, I go to the reception counter. There¡ª?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry. This is all the money we have. We will absolutely pay you the rest later, so please, let us off with this for today¡­¡­ Please.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Please.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No, I¡¯m not a robber, okay? I¡¯m not an adventurer as well though. And I¡¯m jobless and homeless, or can I put a cave as my home address? Crap, I¡¯m a suspicious person!?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, sorry, about the purchase of the magic stones. There are too many of them, so we are still not done processing them. And as for the share that we already appraised, we don¡¯t have enough funds at the guild. Sorry, will you accept payment in installments?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Please.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Whoa, what is going on? Well, for starters, it seems like I wasn¡¯t mistaken for a robber. But they still could be thinking that I¡¯m a suspicious person. That¡¯s what I¡¯d do.?

    ?

    ¡¸Normally, we would return the magic stones that we cannot purchase¡­¡­¡­ But you are not an adventurer, so normally, we can¡¯t even purchase magic stones from you. But, we also can¡¯t allow this volume go past us, it would be really regrettable¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    According to the Guild Master, the guild takes 10 percent commission from purchased magic stones. It seems to be the rule set by the main branch.?

    ?

    That money is supposed to be used for the sake of the guild and adventurers, so adventurers are prohibited from selling magic stones elsewhere under the threat of expulsion.?

    ?

    But I¡¯m not an adventurer. I have no relation to the guild.?

    ?

    It seems that they felt a bit of guilt, taking the 10 percent while talking about gratitude and a special case, despite me not being an adventurer.?

    ?

    Since I¡¯m not one, I can just sell the stones to a store, and they would have no grounds to complain. Since merchants would try to strike a hard bargain anyway, I decided to take their kind offer, but the volume was too much for them. But at the same time, if they were sold for cheap elsewhere it would drop the market price, so it¡¯s the problem related to the guild itself.?

    ?

    ¡¸Naturally, we understand that we are in no position to order or ask for favors¡­¡­ But please.¡¹?

    ?

    They seem to be quite concerned, but I don¡¯t actually mind. They are so reserved that the conversation goes nowhere.?

    ?

    But, a single word from the lady with panda eyes at the reception desk solved everything. Almost a whisper.?

    ?

    ¡¸If we can process this, we will get a bonus¡­¡­ I will be able to buy a new dress¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind? It looks like you made them work overnight, so make sure you give them a bonus? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t care, and they have no bookstores. Even if I have money, there are no bookstores.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if I couldn¡¯t become an adventurer, the president and others registered, and there are probably acquaintances? Of ours at the guild, so you are going to support 24 people, that I know. So don¡¯t worry about it. Really.¡¹?

    ?

    The ladies at the reception cheered while the atmosphere of relief swept over the place. Ah, they got scolded. Yeah, I get that feeling, I¡¯m also always getting scolded¡­¡­?

    ?

    For now, I received 8,000,000 ere, are they idiots? Of course, they will run out of cash. Try to bargain a bit.?

    ?

    ¡¸8 million? Most of the magic stones should¡¯ve been F grade though? It¡¯s the lowest grade, right?¡¹?

    ?

    The receptionist lady, who was getting scolded, stepped forward and began explaining with a self-satisfied look. She escaped the sermon¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, about that, legendary S class and Calamity A class cannot be defeated. The only option is to run away. B can be defeated if a whole country gets to it¡­¡­ Probably? C might be taken down with a full force of a guild. D is going to be a close battle for a full party of first-rate adventurers. E can be somehow taken down by a top-class adventurer. Everything other than that is F class. Just F. Only F. If there was D grade, the King would¡¯ve come to award you with a medal.¡¹?

    ?

    Boy, it¡¯s totally useless. There is no point to such a ranking system.?

    ?

    Makes sense that there is nothing but F grade stones. There is no way to understand their value like this.?

    ?

    ¡¸F is split into subranks from 1 to 10, and with slight variations for other grades, there is a total of 30 subranks.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why did you stop at F? Why wouldn¡¯t you go all the way to Z? It¡¯s super hard to understand!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That is a historical mystery. The most valued stone this time was F10+, it¡¯s my first time seeing it. Most others are F8 ¨C 5. To tell the truth, F10+ alone is worth more than 10000000, enough to make the guild go bankrupt.¡¹?

    ?

    Which reminds me, this receptionist lady is the one that was crying at the purchase counter. She was giving me glare at the end. Is she an appraiser? She is quite knowledgeable.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you sure about this? It¡¯s a very sweet deal, but there are no advantages in it for you, Haruka-kun. To be honest, we can¡¯t even bring ourselves to ask for this¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, I was planning to sell magic stones to the guild through the president and others anyway. I¡¯m also was planning to stealthily collect information through them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Could you please not say this in front of the guild manager and every guild employee¡­¡­ You aren¡¯t being stealthy at all? That¡¯s what we would¡¯ve preferred¡­¡­ You know, without getting noticed by everyone¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    As a result, we agreed that the guild will pay in long term installments. If it¡¯s long term, then I can threaten them with selling the stones elsewhere or demanding the whole sum when they try to obstruct the president and others. So they probably are going to be more cooperative towards them, and with the guild, where all the information gathers, being on our side, it also increases our safety.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go shopping? If you know any good stores around do tell me.¡¹?

    ?

    We secured funds. And a lot more than I expected.?

    ?

    I also asked about the location of the stores, so let¡¯s go??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun¡­¡­ Do you have a moment?¡¹?

    ?

    The president appeared the very moment I became a rich man??

    ?

    ¡¸Coercion? Extortion? Shakedown? Or maybe¡­panda?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Forget about pandas already! And it¡¯s not coercion, extortion, or a shakedown. Quite the opposite!¡¹?

    ?

    It seems that she is panicking since the sum turned out to be a lot larger than she expected. She is like a mother that worries too much.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, the share that I left you? Why won¡¯t you keep it? You might need it if something happens?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s the bag full of magic stones? It could be worth an insane sum? I¡¯m afraid of keeping it.¡¹?

    ?

    I gave the president a bag with magic stones in case something happens to them or if they are pressed for money.?

    ?

    Having no leeway in funds will put them in danger if they are injured or have their weapons damaged. I gave it to them as an investment and emergency funds but looks like they are troubled by how large of an amount it is.?

    ?

    ¡¸If you have excess or won¡¯t need them, then you can just give them back? Probably? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That probably means that you couldn¡¯t care less, right? Money is important, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, I¡¯m not paying rent for the cave, the mushrooms are infinite and free, and the clothes come with an eternal warranty? They are that sturdy. And there are also no bookstores¡­¡­ So basically, my lifestyle is ¡ºWhat is money, can you eat that?¡».?

    ?

    And since I¡¯m a loner, I won¡¯t have to spend money on socializing. Ah, just leave me alone!?

    ?

    ¡¸So, keep them. In case something happens. And if not, well, then you are lucky?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you, I¡¯ll use them carefully for everyone¡¯s sake.¡¹?

    ?

    I was finally able to persuade the president. Time to go out??

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, lad, I said that I will return the favor, so let me introduce you to a good place.¡¹?

    ?

    Ooh, it¡¯s the spear old man. Looks like he wants to introduce me to a nice shop.?

    ?

    Is it a place where one can do fun things with beautiful ladies of a different world? In the cave, I had nothing but pretty unfun goblins.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s only noon though?¡¹?

    ?

    We still need, well, an excuse?¡­¡­ After all, Search shows 20 enemies behind me??

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not that kind of place. It¡¯s a weapon store. It¡¯s a bit of a peculiar one, hard to find, but it¡¯s a great store.¡¹?

    ?

    What a useless old man. Let¡¯s refund him to the green wolves. Yup, that¡¯s what I should do. They kind of turned to shreds, though. I wonder if they will be able to take him back??

    ?

    Hmm, I can¡¯t equip anything as a Lv 9, but I do have money. If it¡¯s actually a good store, I can just tell the president and others about it. And it¡¯s also supposed to be his thanks.?

    ?

    Well, let¡¯s check it out? I can consider refunding the old man after that. And I¡¯m a bit curious what a weapon store in another world will look like?¡­¡­ Though a fun store with ladies interested me a lot more. Honestly.

 CH 22

    Day 19 ¨C Noon, Weapon Store??

    ?

    Rather than calling it a weapons shop, it¡¯s more like a stall? Is this so-called peddling? A shabby place, no??

    ?

    ¡¸There is a bit of special circumstance to this shop, so the array of goods is nothing like what you would find in a normal store. This place should suit your needs.¡¹?

    ?

    I see, since normal stores sell normal weapons, I normally can¡¯t equip them. In this case, a suspicious shop is what I need. Eh, wait!?

    ?

    I have Appraisal, but I¡¯m not that knowledgeable about weapons? Well, let¡¯s take a look¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Parasitic Vine ¨C Strengthen Wooden Sticks, Staffs ? ? ? ?¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, suddenly,¡º?¡»-san So should I just go with ?Equipment? Are those ¡º?¡»part of the same series??

    ?

    ¡ºSpiked Shoulder Pad ¨C Ferocity Up, Pow +3, ViT +5¡»?

    ?

    This one is no good, absolutely. Were I to equip this and I won¡¯t be able to go back¡­¡­ It¡¯d be HYAAHAAAAAh all the way. [1. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fist_of_the_North_Star reference. Spiked shoulder pads are an essential element of bad guys¡¯ attire. With ¡°hyahaa¡± being a battle cry for the most of mob characters there.]?

    ?

    ¡¸Necklace Of Seven ¨C (30%) 7 Slots¡¹

    What¡¯s this? A necklace-type item bag? Eh? Nothing goes in? Defective product??

    ?

    What¡¯s this¡¸7 Slots¡¹? Actually, getting level 5 in Appraisal I got the same thing on the equipment of Villager A-san, but it doesn¡¯t seem to be an Item Storage. What¡¯s the meaning of this??

    ?

    Cloak?, and Leather Gloves?, and Leather Boots?, and Clothes?, and Staff?, the five have¡¸7 Slots¡¹, same set??

    ?

    ¡¸Shopkeeper-san, what¡¯s this Necklace of Seven? What¡¯s with this 7 slots?¡¹?

    ?

    I asked a super suspicious hooded shopkeeper-san. Even if I won¡¯t buy anything, I still can get information, and asking costs nothing.?

    ?

    ¡¸It allows you to combine items. It can combine the effects of seven items if you put seven different necklaces in there. But their power will be reduced to 30%.¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, this is a useful item.

    It could be really useful when I start gathering resists, poison, sleep, and so on. With this, I will be able to have resistances from 7 items on one, though only at 30% of the power.?

    ?

    I want it, but 30%¡­¡­ 100% poison resistance would turn into 30%¡­¡­ Dubious, but still better than nothing. However, I don¡¯t have other necklaces.?

    ?

    Having extra money which you have no idea where to put, makes buying new stuff extra tempting.?

    ?

    No, that even more interesting is Parasitic Vine from ¡º?¡»series. Staff? is my only weapon at the moment, so if I can make it stronger with this, then I¡¯d like it. I don¡¯t know how much stronger it will get, but the base strength is also ??, so I don¡¯t even know that.?

    ?

    Even so, I¡¯d like to buy it if it can give an enhancement. I can¡¯t use other weapons after all¡­¡­ For now, that¡¯s the first pick.?

    ?

    ¡¸Cloak of Magic Reflection Reflects Magic¡¹?

    ?

    This is nice. I didn¡¯t take any magic attacks so far, but since I can¡¯t rely on level difference to resist attacks, this is good stuff.?

    ?

    And since it¡¯s a mantle, I can probably combine it with Cloak? and will have 6 slots left.?

    ?

    The reflection probably isn¡¯t perfect, but if I combine it with Lv and skills it should become a good anti-magic measure. This is a must buy. It¡¯s probably expensive, but let¡¯s buy it.?

    ?

    Considering that, a staff or a cloak, and I¡¯d also like gloves and boots. Let¡¯s search for them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, are you still going to browse? Don¡¯t tell me you want to look through all of the wares? It will take the whole day.¡¹?

    ?

    It seems the old man got bored. It¡¯s your gratitude to me, so bear with it.?

    ?

    Of course, I will browse every item. Or rather, if I don¡¯t then how am I even supposed to decide on what I¡¯m going to buy??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Yeah, there are many items that I¡¯d like to buy. And I also have money¡­ Could it be that this is my first bulk purchase in another world?! Am I really going to do it??

    ?

    ¡ºSlash-Proof Clothes ¨C Clothes that can¡¯t be cut¡»are nice, but my current outfit cannot be cut as well, also it can¡¯t be torn or burnt and can be easily washed.?

    ?

    In that case this¡­¡­ No, ¡ºGloves of Power + 7 ¨C PoW + 7¡», 7 doesn¡¯t sound that great. There should be something better¡­¡­?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡ºAnti-Snake Boots ¨C +30% dmg to snake type monsters¡»? I might have problems with snakes?¡­¡­ But it¡¯s +30% damage boots, it might turn out that it applies only to kicks, so they might be useless ¡­¡­ In that case, ¡ºFire Staff +10%¡», should be more effective, but with only 10% I might soon stumble upon 20% or 30% so it might be a waste of money??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡ºUncuttable Hat¡», isn¡¯t taking hits to the head a big no-no? If a slash goes a bit off, my face will be cut, what then? Eh,¡ºMagic Katana ¨C Sharpness can be increased with mana, Level 30 required¡»uwaa, it¡¯s katana! Want. But level 30, I won¡¯t be able to use it¡­¡­ But it¡¯s not like I can¡¯t hold it¡­¡­ I can at least swing it¡­¡­ But even so¡­¡­?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    What? What is this?¡¸Spatial Staff ¨C Greatly Effective for people capable of using space magic¡¹, does it mean, do something about the magic on your own? You! Having such a promising name and then telling me to learn it on my own? This is a scam! A scam I say! Old-folk might have fallen for this! Even I was about to fall for this! I really wanted¡­¡­?

    ?

    I wonder if I will be able to use it someday? Crap, this is totally a bum¡¯s line of thinking¡­¡­ I must look for necessary and useful stuff. I shouldn¡¯t hold useless dreams in another world.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    What a guy, calling this his gratitude and ditching me to eat dinner somewhere. I¡¯m also hungry, but I¡¯m doing my best! He was the one who introduced me to this store. Even the shopkeeper is doing his best, holding back tears. Good grief, old men in other worlds these days, no perseverance whatsoever¡­¡­?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    For rings, there is the Ring of Depleted Soul, but since it¡¯s too scary, I didn¡¯t pay much attention to it¡­¡­ But it looks like it has 7 slots¡­¡­ Okay, rings! Show me rings! Eh? What kind? All, all of them! Show me everything! Right now! Hurry up and show! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry![2. TL Rant: I can¡¯t shake off this feeling that this is Hellsing reference. This is the second time it happens. This image is the first thing that Google shows me when I search for the last part https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CltoPVyVYAAiHK7.jpg]?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Please, I will give you a discount, price reduction, special offer, anything you want, just decide on something. I¡¯m hungry and sleepy. I can¡¯t take it anymore.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, Lad¡­ Have pity on the shopkeeper and buy something already? And have pity on me as well? It¡¯s night already? I can¡¯t even see the wares?¡¹?

    ?

    What kind of merchant are you to start wailing here? Isn¡¯t this where you are supposed to show some guts and try to sell more stuff? Get more passionate about this! You can do it! Though, he will probably run away if I tell him this.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine? I have night vision and Appraisal? I can bring out a lantern if you want?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡­¡­We want home.¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Are you kids??

    ?

    In the end, I was taken into custody by the president late at night.?

    ?

    I only looked through every item and finally picked possible purchases. I finally entered the examination and comparison stage and was in the middle of narrowing it down. This is where it really begins, and yet¡­¡­ Oh, well, let¡¯s just buy what I already picked.?

    ?

    Okay, this is the bare minimum, but at least I will avoid unnecessary spending this way.?

    ?

    ¡¸How much for this?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh! All of these? Eh? It¡¯s a cheap store and you saved Gatek-san¡¯s life, so I¡¯m willing to give you a better price, but all of these are pretty expensive? It¡¯s going to cost about 10,000,000 ere?¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸8,000,000. I will haggle until the morning, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Hey.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, on the president¡¯s judgment I gave up on ¡¸Shining Mantle ¨C Shines cooly¡¹and¡¸Jar of Happiness ¨C A jar, that was bought, after being told by the merchant that putting it at home will bring happiness¡¹and¡¸Pheromone Ring ¨C Will improve the impression of the opposite sex? Probably?¡¹bringing the total sum to 8,000,000. I had to give up on¡¸Pheromone Ring ¡¹. It¡¯s¡¸Will improve the impression of the opposite sex? Probably?¡¹¡­ No, nevermind¡­¡­?

    ?

    By the way, it looks like the most expensive item was ¡ºPheromone Ring¡»at 2,600,000¡­¡­ My affection points¡­¡­ Were taken away?

 CH 23

    Day 19 ¨C Late at night, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Even though I¡¯m hungry, even though I¡¯m yet to have dinner, even though I only said that I have no money to pay for lodgings and food¡­¡­ They are angry at me. Today, again.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why? Why right after I told you that money is important¡­¡­ You are coming back without a single penny?! Are you legally incompetent? What are you? Baudelaire?[1. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Baudelaire Received a sizable inheritance but squandered much of it within a few years. His family obtained a decree to place his property in trust, which he resented bitterly, at one point arguing that allowing him to fail financially would have been the one sure way of teaching him to keep his finances in order.] Are you planning to release a book of poems that will be banned for the corruption of public morals?¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I just made a few purchases? And I¡¯m getting scolded? By all of the girls. Is it because I didn¡¯t bring any souvenirs? And I¡¯m getting treated as incapable?¡­¡­ Le Spleen de Omui.[2. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Spleen_de_Paris]?

    ?

    Looks like living as I please will not be allowed.?

    ?

    Old charlatans and widows, lunatics, filthy crowds, and beggars, in the never-changing city swarming with the masses, I¡¯m getting scolded, yet again.

    [3. TL Note: The original text is very close to what was printed on the cover page of the Japanese issue of Le Spleen de Paris of year 1966.]?

    ?

    I had them put it on the tab.?

    ?

    Quietly going back to the room I open the package.?

    ?

    This is the main part of shopping.?

    ?

    Taking each item I separate them by type. Gloves go here¡­¡­ Err, I can put the cloak on the floor and rings on the table.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Eerr? This is? Ah! Cloak of evasion, if I remember correctly¡­¡­ It has Evasion Up(Small)¡­¡­? ¡¹?

    ?

    There are too many things for me to process¡­¡­ Or rather, I¡¯m sleepy¡­¡­ But there is still so much stuff¡­¡­ I have nowhere to sleep¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Crap, it¡¯s almost morning¡­¡­ And I want to sleep¡­¡­ Did my brain go into sleep mode on its own?¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, enough, I don¡¯t get what is what anymore. Since seven items can go there, let¡¯s just make them one¡­.. Ah, it just¡­ All turned into one¡­ Sucked in¡­ Or rather¡­ Finally cleared it up¡­ Let¡¯s sleep¡­ What do I do about money?¡­¡­ My affection rating¡­¡­ Went down¡­¡­ Went down? Affection points.?

    ?

    Day 19 ¨C Over.

 CH 24

    Day 20 ¨C Morning, Weapon shop?

    ?

    I have no money and an unpaid tab. The guild owes me a lot, but I have no money on hand.?

    ?

    Is this cash shortage? What is going on with the financial system of the Different World? I¡¯m a capable NEET, a hardworking shut-in, a loner doing his best in an unfamiliar city. I want money.?

    ?

    Suppose I try to sell something, the guild is paying for the magic stones in installments, and I took everything they had yesterday. So they probably don¡¯t have any money at the moment.?

    ?

    What¡¯s left¡­¡­ The contents of Item Bag? Ah, there is a lot.?

    ?

    A normal weapon store.?

    ?

    The place where they sell common swords, spears, shields. I can¡¯t equip any of that though. And also don¡¯t have any money for them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Old man, will you buy goblin clubs?¡¹?

    ?

    I ask a bald old man. I don¡¯t need them anyway but have a ton. Even if they cost next to nothing, I still want some cash.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I¡¯ll buy, but I won¡¯t give much for them. From 500 ere for one.¡¹?

    ?

    This is a rip-off. Clubs on sale at the stop are 1000-2000 ere, yet he buys them for 500? More than half is a profit. Well, even with the maintenance of the store and the baldie¡¯s salary taken into account, 50% is¡­¡­ No, stores in the original world probably wouldn¡¯t have given even 100 ere for them? This might be a pretty good store.?

    ?

    ¡¸How many are you willing to buy?¡¹?

    ?

    If I sell 10 of them, it¡¯s 5000 ere already, which can cover living expenses.?

    ?

    ¡¸How many? We are a weapon store. We obviously will buy as many as you are willing to sell. We are running a legit business here, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    As expected of a real store, no limit on purchases. The old man is probably a good baldie.?

    ?

    *Thud Clang Clang Clang Thud Clang Thud Thud Clang Thud Clang Thud Thud Thud Thud Clang Thud Thud Clang Thud Clang ¡­¡­¡­*?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry, I was full of myself. Please let me off at 50.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the baldie was nothing special. No, if he buys even 50 of them it¡¯s already a great help. it¡¯s money, it¡¯s cash, I won¡¯t have to go through scolding as I borrow money from the president.?

    ?

    ¡¸I won¡¯t be buying any for a while. No one will buy that volume. Even 50 clubs are an overkill. You won¡¯t be able to get rid of them without hitting other shops.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, if every person in this town equips one, they might sell easily?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Imagine what a scary town it would be if everyone were to walk around with clubs! No traveler would dare to approach! Quarrels between couples will destroy the town!?¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, I wouldn¡¯t like such a town as well.?

    ?

    As a result, I was able to sell 51 clubs and 1 stick. The additional sales are goblin leader¡¯s club and kobold leader¡¯s stick.?

    ?

    He actually almost begged me for them. Apparently, they are super valuable? I can¡¯t tell the difference though? He was saying something about putting the goblin leader¡¯s club on display¡­¡­?

    ?

    He also said that clubs of other high-leveled gobs are valuable, so he spent a long time choosing them. Good grief, he takes so long to shop despite being a man.?

    ?

    ¡¸This is all the money that I have. I won¡¯t be able to buy anything from you for a while, but please come again! This shop now probably has the best selection of clubs in the entire country! So, please.¡¹?

    ?

    This old man is awfully fond of clubs¡­¡­ He is a blacksmith by the way.?

    ?

    The next time I come here the place might already turn into a specialist shop with clubs only. That¡¯s some zeal.?

    ?

    It might turn into a famous store, where all club users of this world are going to gather.?

    ?

    I¡¯m sure assault-type club-using magical girls will come to shop here as well. They probably won¡¯t have enough money and will wail ¡ºFuuue, I don¡¯t have enough moooney¡», I¡¯m sure of it.?

    ?

    Hire one such girl, and we will find the geeks the next second. They will just pop out of thin air. Oh no, it will put the girl in danger!?

    ?

    Day 20: Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    I pay the tab and today¡¯s lodging fee.?

    ?

    ¡¸Here, gratefully accept this, you poster pleb.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Uuuuugh, thank you for the patronage¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Fufufu, it¡¯s like I am a minister. A rich man. What I expected to turn into 25,000 ere, became 1,632,300 ere. A great profit.?

    ?

    One night with meals included is 4,500 ere, if I stay for several days it¡¯s 4200 ere. An average meal is 500 to 1500 ere. The bath is 1,000 ere.?

    ?

    I can stay here for days. Basically living in the inn. Though I don¡¯t want to be called a regular of White Weirdo.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun? What is that bag stuffed with money? Weren¡¯t you penniless last night? Why are you so arrogant with your payment after they allowed you to eat and stay on the tab? Why are the contents of your wallet are so unpredictable?!¡¹?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Why? Even though I went from 8,000,000 ere to 0 yesterday, the next morning I¡¯m on 1,600,000 ere? So I¡¯m in profit? An effective entrepreneur?¡¹?

    ?

    Everything was confiscated¡­¡­ An atrocious inhumane tyrant, a mother¡­¡­ I got only 50,000 ere of allowance¡­¡­?

    ?

    I won¡¯t be able to buy Pheromone Ring¡­¡­ I couldn¡¯t buy it even if my money wasn¡¯t confiscated though. Apparently, you can¡¯t buy affection points with the opposite sex.?

    ?

    What do I need? Weapons and medicine are fine. But I absolutely need seasonings! And some everyday items, I guess? So, a general store? I asked for directions at the guild. And I only have 50,000 ere.?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh my? It¡¯s Haruka-kun. You had your money confiscated as well? So mean, right? Even though it¡¯s such a chance for shopping?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice Presidents came back. B-san is swaying today as well. Did she go through confiscation because she was swaying too much? No, she still has enough left. More than enough. Outrageous.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun. Thank you for worrying about our finances, but please think about your spendings. Your finances worry us the most.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I also had money confiscated. I don¡¯t need dresses, they said¡­¡­ And all the clothes I bought were for kids¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    A-san seems to be just as A as usual, it seems that they found nothing to confiscate from her. C-san is just as A as well. This is so confusing, so there are Vice President A, AA, and E, no, could it be, F¡­¡­ *Cough Cough.*?

    ?

    Search spotted two enemies? No, three of them! Am I being targeted by a freelance sniper? This world is so scary.?

    ?

    Day 20 ¨C Morning, General Store.?

    ?

    A nameless store. Or rather, the signboard is so scraped that I can¡¯t read the name. It seems that this place has the widest variety of goods.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯d like seasonings and foodstuffs that don¡¯t spoil fast. Also, daily necessities, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    Hm, such a pity, if only this auntie was 10 years younger and 5, no, 10 kilos lighter, I would¡¯ve visited this store daily.?

    ?

    ¡¸A traveler? For seasonings, we have salt, pepper, and for now, just four kinds of herbs. And if you are fine with the high price, we also received sugar not so long ago.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, sauce is a modern product, soy sauce comes from the east. But it would be nice to at least have herbs.?

    ?

    ¡¸Do you have any preserved food aside from dried meat?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If you want something that can be stored for a long time, then we have wheat flour, barley flour, dried sweet potatoes, and dried persimmons. For the pricey stuff, dried mushrooms. What¡¯s left, maybe potato and dried bread. We also have various vegetables.¡¹?

    ?

    So they have potatoes. I didn¡¯t hope for that since I saw none in the forest. And mushrooms seem to be expensive. Not like I¡¯d ever need any!?

    ?

    Let¡¯s check daily necessities, though Villager A-san¡¯s stuff is enough for now. A hat??

    ?

    ¡ºBlack Hat ¨C Defense + 30, Erase Presence, Stealth Up¡»?

    ?

    Eh? Isn¡¯t this an equipment? So they have everything here since it¡¯s a general store? It¡¯s pretty nice. They didn¡¯t have such stuff at the weapon store.?

    ?

    ¡¸What about this?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, there was a thief some time ago. We stripped him of all possessions. That¡¯s the only thing that is yet to be sold. You can have it for 1000 ere.¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, I¡¯m buying it. It looks like a knitted hat, but it has def stat. And looks like this auntie¡­¡­ No, I meant lady, is quite strong.?

    ?

    And then, daily necessities, a soap¡­¡­ Found it. A bit expensive. But it¡¯s necessary.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s also grab towels.?

    ?

    I brought a toothbrush with me, but there isn¡¯t much toothpaste remaining.?

    ?

    Looks like there is nothing that can serve as a substitute. Toothbrushes here also look like twigs, I should take good care of mine.?

    ?

    Looking like this, I thought they were somewhere in the middle ages level, but they seem to be pretty developed??

    ?

    They even have spoons for sale. Wooden-made though. As I recall in real middle ages they ate using knives and hands.?

    ?

    They also do have glass, but it¡¯s expensive despite being brown, clouded, and distorted. I¡¯ll buy some potion bottles though.?

    ?

    And they also have paper, though it¡¯s expensive as well. Rough and thick, but it is a paper. Papyrus should be thinner than that.?

    ?

    There is iron so bad that I¡¯m not even sure that it¡¯s iron and then some kind of fantasy materials. The difference is striking.?

    ?

    I didn¡¯t think that a general store could tell so much about the development of the civilization. They are still far from XX century.?

    ?

    ¡¸President, help me, I don¡¯t have any allowance left?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸By noon you already spent everything I gave you in the morning? In Japan, it would be equivalent to 100,000 yen[1. TL Note: 1000 USD] where did it all go?¡¹?

    ?

    She is giving me a flat gaze. Oh, the hailed flat gaze, such a blessing.?

    ?

    I thought 1 ere = 1 yen, but it seems to be 2 yen? I don¡¯t get it.?

    ?

    For now, I present her what I found at the general store.?

    ?

    ¡¸A gift, dried fruits. Why don¡¯t you have it with everyone?¡¹?

    ?

    Nice, her stare is now fixed at dried fruits.?

    ?

    As I thought, yesterday she got mad at me because I didn¡¯t bring any gifts. Attention is important after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸But, don¡¯t waste money like this anymore, okay? This is the last time.¡¹?

    ?

    Though she still seems to be mad, the previous edge is gone. Her heart is now all fruits.?

    ?

    ¡¸Really, this is the last time!¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that she gave me 5 silver coins. 50,000 ere.?

    ?

    Then, she quickly retreated to her room, it looks like there is going to be another girls-only meeting.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s have lunch. The girls probably had it already and entered snack time. Let¡¯s buy some more, in case they get angry again.

 CH 25

    Day 20 ¨C Afternoon, Omui Guild.?

    ?

    How should I put it, isn¡¯t this another world? An adventurers guild in another world? A life-threatening job? Why are all of the requests so plain and boring? Isn¡¯t it a super stable and steady job? Where are all the dreams, and hopes, and money? Isn¡¯t this just a job search billboard? Ah, it¡¯s the mortal enemy of NEETs!!?

    ?

    Construction work, I don¡¯t mind it, but the pay is low and it¡¯s under the sun.?

    ?

    Transportation work, the same as above.?

    ?

    Escort mission, it takes many days and¡­ It¡¯s cheap??

    ?

    Extermination of harmful animals, gobs, wolves. Pay per head is low, so I guess it¡¯s about numbers??

    ?

    Wouldn¡¯t it normally be like¡ºEeeh?! There are dragons in this world!!¡»or ¡ºTHERE IS SUCH A MONSTER!¡», requests that can instantly make you rich. There is no romance to this. They even have working hours written. What is this, an office job??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-san, is there something you are looking for among requests?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, it¡¯s the most proper receptionist lady even among the other receptionist ladies. Not the one to get scolded, but the one to give scoldings. A president of receptionist ladies??

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I don¡¯t have money, so I thought I¡¯d quietly kill some monsters and sneakily get the reward for them through the girls? ¡¹?

    ?

    Wha-what! This lady is also a flat gaze user! So she indeed was president of receptionist ladies!?

    ?

    The president¡¯s scornful gaze in the morning.?

    ?

    And the receptionist lady¡¯s scornful gaze in the afternoon.?

    ?

    What about the night? Where should I head at night? Maybe some suspicious store that opens only after dark? Will I be able to find a wonderful flat gaze there that a high school boy will be able to appreciate? I really want to go.?

    ?

    ¡¸Please, don¡¯t just say that, and actually try to be stealthy about this. You are openly checking the billeting board without care for who might see you.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No? I mean, no one is looking my way in this guild, so there is no chance that anyone would see me?¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, looking around, there is not a single person looking at me. No one met my gaze. The conclusion ¨C there is no problem.?

    ?

    ¡¸And, didn¡¯t you receive 8 million ere yesterday¡­¡­ You don¡¯t have that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, that? Well, after that the spear old man told me that he knew a good place, so I went with him and stayed at that suspicious store until late at night, and all 8 million disappeared? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, the spear old man that had just entered the guild was apprehended by the receptionists and dragged to the second floor? Just what did he do? Such a troublesome old man.?

    ?

    To leave the town I¡¯d need identification papers, without them, I¡¯d have to pay an entry fee once again. But, since I couldn¡¯t become an adventurer, I don¡¯t have a guild card, and since I¡¯m not living here, I don¡¯t have a citizen card. Since I¡¯m not engaged in commerce, I obviously can¡¯t enter the merchants guild. And what¡¯s a NEET supposed to do??

    ?

    Since I have no ID, I need money, but to go hunting to earn that money, I have to pay money, which I don¡¯t have, so I can¡¯t go out to hunt to earn the money which I have to pay to go to hunt. NEET spiral.?

    ?

    Since I can¡¯t leave the town, I can¡¯t hunt, and I don¡¯t have money, and the allowance is too small. What a bind, as I thought, the city life is tough.?

    ?

    Okay. Let¡¯s sneak out and then sneak back in.?

    ?

    The town is surrounded by a 2 meters tall wall. I can easily get over it with Air Walk.?

    ?

    The problem is that I will be scolded if I get caught. First by the gatekeepers and then by the president. I don¡¯t have any dried fruits left.?

    ?

    The Cloak? that I¡¯m wearing at the moment has in it¡ºInvisibility Cloak ¨C Makes one harder to detect¡», that I bought the other day. Or rather, they are already combined.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t quite get how this effect is supposed to work. It¡¯s not like it makes the user invisible, just harder to notice.?

    ?

    I won¡¯t be seen if I¡¯m sneaky, I won¡¯t be caught if I¡¯m tricky. I¡¯ll just go out and get back immediately, it¡¯s fine. 3 seconds rule, long version.?

    ?

    Activating Erase Presence and Stealth, putting on the hood and ¡ºBlack Hat ¨C Defense + 30, Erase Presence, Stealth Up¡», and then¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Hakura-kun? Are you a suspicious person? Should we report you? Why are you sneaking out of town instead of sneaking in?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Uwwa! Ah, it¡¯s just Febreze Girl, mind not jumpscaring me like that?¡¹?

    ?

    I was wondering who it could be, but turns out it¡¯s just the rhythmic gymnastics girl, and volleyball girl A and B. Eh? What about the Nudist Girl? Even though she is the part of the Big Four of muscle brains? Is it because she was the weakest? Did she get taken out in the early episodes? But I saw her last evening, asking for an additional serving??

    ?

    ¡¸Forget about Febreze! And if you say a thing about light poles, I will turn you into cinders.¡¹?

    ?

    Volleyball Girl A and B are glaring at me super hard. Looks like they are disgruntled at being called Twin Light poles on TV.?

    ?

    Good grief, don¡¯t give weird nicknames to schoolgirls, they are at a sensitive age, what a pity¡­¡­ Eh? I¡¯m the one getting glared at??

    ?

    ¡¸Where is Nudist Girl? Did she finally got arrested for indecent exposure?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, we are looking for her as well¡­ And she wouldn¡¯t strip in the middle of the town, so I don¡¯t think she got caught?¡¹?

    ?

    Learning Detect Presence the girls became able to locate people to some extent¡­¡­ But as one would expect, they still can¡¯t tell who is who from the presence alone.?

    ?

    What do we have nearby¡­¡­ Is that it??

    ?

    ¡¸Not yet nude, but there is someone very eager to strip.¡¹?

    ?

    Running around the clothes store with clothes in hands. A bargain? Outlet? So she has enough sense to not start changing clothes in front of the store? I wish she had the same amount of common sense around me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Nudist girl, aren¡¯t you going to strip anyway, why bother buying clothes? Even though you are a nudist?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Stop saying such things! I¡¯m not a nudist! I¡¯M WEARING CLOTHES¡­¡­ I¡¯M WEARING THEM!¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, yeah, I recall her having some kind of a trauma over this? What was it? Getting caught with public indecency??

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, these are cute clothes, they will surely suit you, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    Her eyes looked dead, so I tried to change the topic. Well, for clothes of this world they are sure cute. She seems to be having a hard time choosing, having two outfits in her hands, but both of them look good.?

    ?

    ¡¸Re-re-re-really? You think so? They¡¯ll look good on me?¡¹?

    ?

    I see, she found nice clothes and took a bit of detour, but was panicking since the dressing room was occupied. That¡¯s a close one, we found her just in time. She probably was on the verge of stripping.?

    ?

    ¡¸I think both suit you, you don¡¯t know which one to pick?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Buying both will be over my budget, but I can¡¯t pick one, and both are of just the right size, and I just don¡¯t know what to do anymore, so I thought I¡¯ll try them on, but there is no open dressing room.¡¹?

    ?

    Not checking the size, but trying to find out which one will suit her better, as expected of a girl.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why don¡¯t you buy both of them? I¡¯ll lend you money. But you will have to return them tenfold plus interest.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t this worse than illegal? The type of loan you absolutely shouldn¡¯t take? N-no way? In case I won¡¯t be able to pay, are you to tell me to pay with my body?! So that is your goal!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Nevermind, forget it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s true¡­¡­That¡¯s to be expected¡­¡­I not worth enough even to cover¡­¡­interest¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, she looks like she is about to die. For now, I give her one silver coin, making her buy the clothes. The other three also charged into the bargain sale, so I lent them money as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s put you to work to pay off the debt.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We knew it! You were after our bodies! Are you going to sell us to some suspicious shop?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s going to be okay. And Nudist Girl is suspicious enough even without being sold to suspicious shops.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been thinking for a while, but your ¡ºOkay¡»usually isn¡¯t okay at all. And I¡¯m not a nudist, I bought clothes.¡¹?

    ?

    She makes it sound like she was buying clothes naked. She is really going to get arrested one of those days.?

    ?

    After that, I make the four of them leave the town. Of course, since they have guild cards, there is no problem with that. I sneak out behind their backs. Since I¡¯m sneaking, there is also no problem.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Why didn¡¯t they notice you?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, that¡¯s because I snuck out so they wouldn¡¯t notice me?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸You just openly walked out? Absolutely casually?! ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    And after going some distance from the town we look for pocket money. If possible I¡¯d like a pack of pocket money. A big one. Pocket money massacre.?

    ?

    Found them. ¡¸Goblin Lv 2¡¹tch.?

    ?

    No good. This one is 500 ere at best. And it¡¯s alone on top of that. *Whack!*?

    ?

    More valuable pocket money. It has to be a large group of them. *Whack! Thud!*?

    ?

    I also wanted to test the new weapon, but I have no target for that. *Bam! Thud! Crack!*?

    ?

    The Big Four of muscle brains must be troubled as well since they won¡¯t be able to pay back their debts at this rate. ¡¡*Thudadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada!*?

    ?

    Along the road, there are levels 1 to 3? Nothing but goblins and green wolves. *Thud! Guh! Gigya! Gaah!*?

    ?

    If we split this among the five of us it won¡¯t amount even to pocket change. *GYA! GUGI! GI! GYA! GIi! GUUh!*?

    ?

    Last night, *GYA! GUGI! GI! GYA! GIi! GUUh!*?

    ?

    I tried to combine the new staff with the Staff?, *GUba! GIi! Guuh! GYA! GIi! Guuuguguu!*?

    ?

    And as I pulled things out the Item Bag, *Begya! Gii! Uuuuh! Guue!! Gouah! Gii! Gigya!*?

    ?

    I accidentally combined ¡ºMagic Katana¡», which I bought because it looks cool, despite being unable to use, with¡¡*GYA! GUGI! GI! GYA! GIi! GUUh!*?

    ?

    ¡ºStaff?¡»that I had in my hand. Even though it¡¯s a katana? *GYA! GUGI! GI! GYA! Guuuguguu!*?

    ?

    It requires level 30, will I be able to use it? *Begya! Gii! Uuuuh! GI! GYA! GIi! GUUh!*?

    ?

    Hm, looks like I can. The more mana I pour in the better it cuts. ¡¡*Begya! Gii! Uuuuh! Guue!! Gouah! Gii! Gigya!*?

    ?

    Even though it¡¯s a wooden staff? It cuts nicely. *GYA! GUGI! GI! GYA! GIi! GUUh!*?

    ?

    Did the required level from katana disappear because the staff has no level requirements? ¡¡*GYARAAARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH*?

    ?

    Aaah, how noisy, people are trying to think here, can¡¯t you be massacred more quietly??

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, I¡¯d like to give it a proper test¡­¡­ But a target¡­¡­ If there was something more like¡­¡­¡­ Tougher? More like¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Stop annihilating monsters on your own while mumbling under your breath! We can¡¯t keep up with the collection of magic stones!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They got mad. Is it because I lack affection points with the opposite sex? Looks like I have to purchase it¡­ ¡ºPheromone Ring¡», but it¡¯s 2,600,000 ere¡­¡­ Well, time to haggle then?!?

    ?

    In the end, we didn¡¯t earn even 20,000 per person¡­¡­ Will I be able to haggle it down enough??

    ?

    And since it¡¯s nothing but small fries, the level doesn¡¯t go up as well.?

    ?

    Well, the girls repaid their debts on day one, so they were able to avoid going to a suspicious store, no, not like I had any intentions to sell them to begin with. But one of them is going to strip even without being sold off¡­¡­ How suspicious.

 CH 26

    Day 20, Night, White Weirdo Inn, Girls Assembly?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun is trying to leave on his own after all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, he seems to be preparing to go back.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Gosh, even though he is living in the town without any problem?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, there are actually plenty of problems¡­¡­ But the townsfolk seem to have given up¡­¡­ Like the guild for example¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s only a guess, but I think Haruka-kun is waiting for Oda-kun and others. For Shimazaki-san¡­¡­ and our sake¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why? Didn¡¯t he tame us?! Why is he trying to leave?! Why is he abandoning us?! We didn¡¯t do anything¡­¡­ Anything¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see¡­ Isn¡¯t there something? Like, that would make it so Haruka-kun won¡¯t leave? Isn¡¯t there something?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Something like¡­¡­ Not a weak point¡­¡­ But you get what I mean?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Using your bodies is a no-no¡­¡­ Don¡¯t even think¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, there is something that will prevent him from going away, but it¡¯s not here.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Eh?! What is it?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A library.¡¹?

    ?

    As expected of a librarian¡­¡­ Eh, wait, it wouldn¡¯t work. Establishing a library just to stop him¡­¡­ No, if it¡¯s a building alone, then he might be able to make it himself. And a pretty extravagant one.?

    ?

    If he hears that he will be able to read a lot of books, he might do it overnight¡­¡­ He surely will. If he hears about a library, Sagrada Fam¨ªlia[1. TL Note: One of the most otherworldly buildings in our world. Looks more like a very elaborate video game prop than an actual building. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia] will certainly be built in this world, and much faster than in our original one.?

    ?

    In that case, if the town had a library, he absolutely, without a doubt, will remain here. He won¡¯t go anywhere, and even if people try to force him out, he will remain, forcibly occupying the city.?

    ?

    Yes, after all, the Haruka-kun that I know, has been constantly reading books for all 11 years that I know him.?

    ?

    Always, all the time.?

    ?

    That¡¯s probably what he wants the most.?

    ?

    We received a lot.?

    ?

    We received all kinds of things from Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    After all, we are still alive only thanks to that.?

    ?

    Yet, we didn¡¯t give him anything in return.?

    ?

    There is nothing we can do.?

    ?

    And today as well, we probably will just end up talking about what we should do or what would be the best thing to do¡­¡­?

    ?

    And once again we will continue until someone starts crying, unable to continue anymore¡­¡­ And we will just keep thinking¡­¡­ And thinking¡­¡­ And thinking.?

    ?

    Because I told them. Because I ended up telling them the reason.?

    ?

    ¡¸The reason why Haruka-kun is trying to go back to the cave is probably because he wants to prevent the boys from coming here.¡¹?

    ?

    Because it will put us and Oda-kun¡¯s group at risk.?

    ?

    I think he intends to stop them there.?

    ?

    So we won¡¯t get killed¡­¡­?

    ?

    So we won¡¯t have to kill¡­¡­?

    ?

    He wants to do all of that on his own.?

    ?

    But,?

    ?

    No matter how strong he is, there is the level wall.?

    ?

    Even if he is stronger than anyone else, he still might get killed.?

    ?

    No matter how strong he is, he might still get killed.?

    ?

    Even so, he wants to do this on his own.?

    ?

    Even if he is stronger than everyone else, no matter how much stronger, even though he is weaker than everyone else¡­¡­ Frailer than everyone else¡­¡­ In the most dangerous position¡­¡­?

    ?

    For now, I confiscated his money. This should delay his preparations for a while.?

    ?

    Meanwhile¡­¡­ Until the day comes¡­¡­

 CH 27

    Day 21 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Today is my first in a while, breakfast as a loner.?

    ?

    N-no, I¡¯m not being ostracized! It¡¯s just that there is nobody around! They simply left without me! I feel like¡­¡­ I can¡¯t entirely deny the possibility of being bullied??

    ?

    The girls are adventurers, so they left for work in the morning.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m a NEET, so I¡¯m eating alone.?

    ?

    See? No problem, this is the so-called division of labor. No, please, read the mood and just leave it at that.?

    ?

    The girls formed parties and are working as adventurers.?

    ?

    I¡¯m a loner, so I¡¯m eating alone.?

    ?

    Look, everyone is doing what is best suited for their specialties, right! Please say that I¡¯m right!?

    ?

    The girls are adventurers, so they work on completing quests.?

    ?

    I¡¯m a hikikomori, so I¡¯m eating by myself.?

    ?

    Yup. This is proof that there is no problem at all. Which made me realize the problem with my Titles. I¡¯m merely eating my breakfast, but because of my titles, it makes me appear very unfavorably in the eyes of society. The neighboring denizens of the other world are probably whispering about me.?

    ?

    It¡¯s finally here.?

    ?

    Eggs for breakfast! Fried eggs sunny-side-up!?

    ?

    It¡¯s quite expensive. They seem to be quite valuable.?

    ?

    Shall I catch a chicken??

    ?

    Then construct a chicken farm in the cave and I will also get chicken meat.?

    ?

    The president and others left for work early in the morning.?

    ?

    It seems that they are being coached by the four beauties from the old men¡¯s party.?

    ?

    Forming 4 full parties of 5 people plus instructors, they went for a full-scale expedition.?

    ?

    The girls are stronger, but they lack experience, so they have a lot of inefficiencies, pushing through with brute force and cheats.?

    ?

    Today they will probably learn how to fight normally, without relying on cheats or stats.?

    ?

    They probably will learn the techniques and knowledge necessary for them to make it as adventurers. I also would¡¯ve liked to get personally coached by the four beauties¡­¡­?

    ?

    At last, the president and the others will begin operating as adventurers. Private armed contractors, profiting from bloodshed.?

    ?

    Their goals seem to be 250,000 ere per month by working 5 days a week. So it¡¯s about 500,000 yen?[1. TL Note: ~5,000 USD]?

    ?

    It sounds like a lot, but the inn, meals, and bath will cost about 150,000 ere per month.?

    ?

    The remaining 100,000 ere is for buying weapons, equipment maintenance, armament upgrades, savings in case of injury, medicine, provisions, consumables, and they also would probably want new clothes as well.?

    ?

    This is pretty tough. Earning about 500,000 per month one can have a pretty lavish lifestyle, but around this town, there is nothing but small fries. They aren¡¯t profitable.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they are working so hard.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they are looking for ways to solve money problems.?

    ?

    Looks like they really want to get me the¡ºKept Man¡»title¡­¡­ Am I actually being bullied??

    ?

    They probably understand it themselves.?

    ?

    If they want to make money, they should head to the forest. Chop chop. You can have as many gobs as you want. A gob festival. Hooray.?

    ?

    In practice, going through the forest to the cave will take 2 days, while fighting.?

    ?

    Or actually, it did.?

    ?

    From the town to the cave, hunt there and then sell what you got back at the town. Then go back to the cave¡­¡­?

    ?

    With this rotation, they can spend the night camping, and there are no fees involved with lodging in the cave.?

    ?

    Currently there are 4 teams. If they rotate, going out with 2 teams each time, they should be able to earn 500,000 ere per month with only half the spending.?

    ?

    For that, someone will have to stay at the cave.?

    ?

    Living in the forest isn¡¯t something the girls should do.?

    ?

    Mori Girl[2. TL Note: ¡®Mori¡¯ as in forest, a fashion style for young women invoking a soft, forest-like feeling.] is one thing, but this is more of a forest person, a savage, and also a hikikomori, and NEET¡­¡­ Just leave me alone!?

    ?

    And I already became accustomed to that carefree life of solitude, I got used to it, I got addicted to it¡­¡­?

    ?

    Someone will be coming 2 times a week, I will be able to ask them to buy things in the town, and from time to time, someone can substitute for me while I travel to the town myself.?

    ?

    In the first place, I can¡¯t even join the guild, so there is no point in me staying in town.?

    ?

    This is the most efficient and effective approach. It will raise both the mushroom collection rate and what¡¯s even more important, the chances of survival.?

    ?

    And yet¡­¡­?

    ?

    The reason why they are trying to check me is probably the level wall.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why¡­?

    ?

    Someday, I might die in the woods, all alone.?

    ?

    That¡¯s probably the reason.?

    ?

    I think it¡¯s not that different from living in the town, since I might also get killed by a person.?

    ?

    When no one is around, without anyone knowing, without anyone to help me, I will die all alone.?

    ?

    That is what they are afraid of.?

    ?

    That is what worries them.?

    ?

    That is what makes them anxious.?

    ?

    That is¡­¡­¡­¡­probably the reason why they confiscated the money.?

    ?

    Aaah, I want to go on a shopping spree.

 CH 28

    Day 21 ¨C Just before noon, Omui Guild?

    ?

    It just occurred to me, but what kind of NEET diligently comes to the guild every day despite not even being an adventurer?¡­¡­?

    ?

    Well, I¡¯m also a hikikomori that can¡¯t get back home and a loner, who is being scolded by 20 high school girls daily¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t there something? Like a job that can instantly solve all financial problems? Something super big?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just how much does the job have to pay to solve the financial woes of someone who spent 8,000,000 in one day? We don¡¯t have such a job!¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, I didn¡¯t get my share of flat gaze this morning since the president and the others left so early, but coming here to get my fill wasn¡¯t a mistake. As expected of the president of receptionists. Currently, she is the best master of flat gaze among the native population of this world. Well, not like I know of any other.?

    ?

    No, there is really nothing. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m being picked on or trying to pick on them? There is nothing? A worrying lack of good requests that make me suspect a recession or monster deficit.?

    ?

    Nothing at all. Absolutely.?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, aren¡¯t all those requests the same as yesterday? Nothing changed? Why did I even come here? The person in charge of the bulletin board isn¡¯t doing their job? I¡¯ll turn into Jean Valjean![1. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Valjean] I¡¯ll steal bread! I wonder if I will receive a silver candlestick?[2. TL Note: When Jean stole the bishop¡¯s silver, the bishop admonished Jean for not taking the candlestick as well, hoping what that silver can help Jean part with the life of crime.]¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m not sure why you think that you will receive a silver candlestick if there is no job, but when will you actually start keeping a low profile?¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, I got my fill of flat gaze for today. After all, the flat gaze is the last glimmer of twilight, the flat gaze is the last darkness and the last dawn.?

    ?

    As a bonus, I even got scolded.?

    ?

    The girls won¡¯t be back until the evening. Since they are hunting while receiving training from Akemi-san and others, this might drag on until the night. I have to find ways to make money as well.?

    ?

    I know that mushrooms can be sold for quite a sum. They are expensive and not widely available on the market. Even though they were just a useless stock item before. That¡¯s a great promotion, huh, mushroom-san??

    ?

    That¡¯s why I can¡¯t sell them.?

    ?

    If push comes to shove, they can become medicine, food, and money. I should share them with the girls as well, For adventurers living in a town they might be even more useful than gold. Just having them is reassuring.?

    ?

    In fact, I sold HP mushrooms and MP mushrooms to the general store for 50,000 ere each. It seems that mushrooms have ranks as well, with the lowest one worth 50,000 ere. Since she didn¡¯t have enough funds to buy them, I traded them for a simple version of Item Bag.?

    ?

    The simple item bag, despite its high price, can¡¯t hold many items, and on top of that, big items also cannot be put inside. But it¡¯s convenient to have anyway. Especially for an adventurer.?

    ?

    One bag costs 100,000 ere, so for the time being, it¡¯s out of reach for the girls. It seems to be a rare item, by chance the store had an opportunity to buy 8 of them. A bulk purchase! The payment is all in mushrooms though.?

    ?

    Stuff them with mushrooms, and then add some infinite fruit juice, and I can be at ease after giving those to the girls. The president also has the magic stones that I gave her earlier.?

    ?

    In this case, I should be going back to the cave, but there are no signs of the geeks. Good grief, just where are those geeks geeking? They said that they will be waiting in the town, yet they are nowhere to be found. Those damn geeks¡­?

    ?

    Do we have no other choice but to go on geek hunt??

    ?

    Waiting for them is a pain after all.?

    ?

    Wouldn¡¯t it be faster to just track them down??

    ?

    They are probably geeking somewhere anyway.?

    ?

    Okay, I left a message at the inn. Only two roads are leading out of this town. I don¡¯t know which way they went, but they must be geeking along one of them.?

    ?

    Then, let¡¯s hunt. Why? Because the geeks are there!?

    ?

    For starters, let¡¯s check the road that follows downstream.?

    ?

    First, let¡¯s stick behind a merchant and sneak through the gates.?

    ?

    Then, take off into the sky, and if I see something geeky on the way, hunt it. That should do it. Yeah, sounds nice. No doubt.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Here I¡¯m running, or rather sprinting, or maybe leaping? Anyway, advancing forward.?

    ?

    I tried to fly at first, but going too fast I couldn¡¯t see a thing. Since I can¡¯t see anything I also can¡¯t hunt. And crash landing each time hurts, Even if my clothes are intact, it¡¯s still painful.?

    ?

    As such, I run. If I can travel at such a speed, then getting back to the cave won¡¯t take even one day. If I fly I can make a round trip in a day. Though there will be casualties, I should be able to do it. Or rather, I¡¯m going to be that casualty.?

    ?

    The crash this time also involved 30 gobs. Good grief, those gobs have such bad timing. Don¡¯t gather in groups at places where people are falling. Gobs really can¡¯t read the mood. They are so bad at taking hints that I¡¯m sure, were they in our world, they would¡¯ve been bullied along with the geeks. Jeez, the geeks are geeking, gobs are gobbing, which means, there are probably kobolds kobbing somewhere as well.?

    ?

    I saw a village midway, but since it had no signs of the geeks, I ignored it.?

    ?

    There also was a carriage, but since there are no signs of the geeks, I ignore it.?

    ?

    There also were bandits, but since there are no signs of the geeks, I ignore them.?

    ?

    The carriage got attacked by the bandits, but since there are no signs of the geeks, I ignore it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Kill that kid with the nasty eyes as well! Leave no witnesses!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Huh? Fire Bullet©`©`©`©`!! Burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, buuurn!¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, I feel better now. I¡¯ve always been thinking that when you feel stress, the best way to get rid of it is to exert stress at the source of your stress. The stress about someone calling my eyes nasty just exploded. I feel great.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Not exploded? I didn¡¯t burn you enough? Maybe I didn¡¯t put enough fire? Undercooked?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This brat, is a mage? Crap, even though I have items for magic defense¡­¡­ What the hell is this! Why!!¡¹?

    ?

    Huh? Other bandits are also standing up. So they are undercooked? They appear well-done though? Did I go too easy on them??

    ?

    Tattered and wobbling bandits move to surround me¡­ What I was searching for were the geeks though¡­ Haah, I¡¯m once again surrounded by old men, just what did I do to deserve this? Why do old men keep gathering around me? Is there some kind of old men assembly nearby? And why are they asking me why and what? Why am I supposed to know that??

    ?

    ¡¸Are you an idiot? Go and cry about it to the person that sold you this crap. Ask the person that made it. Why are you asking me? No way I¡¯d know that? Do I look like a salesman for magic protection gear? Do you think I¡¯m going to start explaining it to you? Do you think this is sales with the presentation? Are you expecting some kind of ¡ºBuy one item right now and get another one for free¡»deal? Keep dreaming, or rather, I¡¯m not even selling anything, who are you calling a dealer?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Shut up, stupid brat.¡¹?

    ?

    After asking why and what themselves, they are now telling me to shut up? Huh? Don¡¯t they know that having a conversation is a lot like playing catch ball? You have to pass the ball. Not to brag, but the other day the president called me a conversational wild pitcher. ¡­¡­I¡¯m really not bragging¡­¡­ Those words were a dead ball right into my heart.?

    ?

    ¡¸He is a caster, surround him! The only thing he has is a staff, go for close combat!¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, they are going to surround me. Apparently, they are going to fight me in close combat. Why are they telling me this??

    ?

    ¡¸URRAaah.¡¹(Thud.)?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸ORAAAYAah.¡¹(Thud.)?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­??¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A magic-type job?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What? I¡¯m jobless.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Huuuuuh?¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm?¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    Don¡¯t ask me if you are going to ¡ºHuh?¡»on me. I just told you! Why do I have to take emotional damage in the middle of the fight? It hurts, you know! My heart!?

    ?

    Massive damage.?

    ?

    A critical hit.?

    ?

    ¡¸This kid is level 9¡­¡­? Use weapons skills!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Level 9! Are you looking down on us?! You little shit!¡¹?

    ?

    Tch, and I used ¡ºConcealment¡»to hide it. So one of them has ¡ºInsight¡»? Weapons skills, huh. Apparently, getting hit by them would mean my death.?

    ?

    ¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Double¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Cross¡¹¡¸Bash¡¹¡¸Swing¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Reap¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Crush¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Fast¡¹¡¸Attack¡¹¡¸Thrust¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Cross¡¹¡¸Bash¡¹¡¸Swing¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Reap¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Crush¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Fast¡¹¡¸Attack¡¹¡¸Thrust¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Rolling¡¹¡¸Bash¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Cross Attack¡¹¡¸Bash¡¹¡¸Swing¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Square¡¹¡¸Rolling¡¹¡¸Bash¡¹¡¸Square¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Cross Attack¡¹¡¸Slash¡¹¡¸Rolling¡¹¡­(And so on in a loop)?

    ?

    Aah, how annoying.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Huff, huff, huff, huff¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, if you are going to shout that much during a fight, you¡¯d obviously run out of breath. Are they idiots??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Huff, huff, huff, huff, huff, huff.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Do they lack exercise? For a bandit, their body is their greatest asset. Well, the head doesn¡¯t count¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡ºCloak of Evasion ¨C SpE +20% Evasion UP (Lesser)¡». The effect is lesser, but it seems to be more effective than I expected? These guys have skills, but they are slow. Slower than goblins. They have less SpE than even Lv 5 goblin. And their brains are no different from goblin¡¯s. Though their faces are more like those of orcs??

    ?

    Ah, dropped to the ground? Their faces are blue, is this cyanosis? Or they are just ugly? Or maybe they are actually orcs??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Allow me to express my gratitude. For defeating¡­¡­ Making the bandits collapse? For saving us? Eh? But you ignored us earlier? ¡­¡­ Thank you very much? You have my deepest gratitude.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, rather than saying that I defeated them, it¡¯s more like they collapsed on their own? They are still down? Do they have problems with breathing? I doubt that this is asthma.?

    ?

    The soldiers are making some kind of a ruckus. Is there a problem with the mushroom flavor after all? Or is it about the smell??

    ?

    ¡¸Their weapons most likely were smeared with poison¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Crap, if I got at least scratched by them, I could¡¯ve used that massive load of antidote herbs that I¡¯m carrying¡­¡­ Damn, if there is no use for it then it is no different from a common grass. It would mean that I simply weeded out the forest.?

    ?

    But level wall is a problem after all The attacks weren¡¯t even that good, but they were fast, sharp, and heavy.?

    ?

    The people using the skills were slow, but their hands, or more like their weapons, suddenly turned fast, accurate, and powerful.?

    ?

    So those are weapon skills, huh. Intense physical movements while shouting¡­ Is this some kind of weight-loss exercise? One more set? Taicho?[3. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy%27s_Bootcamp] I should tell the president and others about this when I get back. After all, it took them only one evening to eat that large quantity of dried fruits¡­¡­ And they cost quite a penny. Even though they were so mad about my excessive spending. Saying that I lack planning. ¡­¡­And how are they any better?¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­Errr? H-hey? Hello? Are you listening?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, it seems the Young Lady was saying something.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you hurt anywhere? Right now I have suspicious mushroom flavored liquid? If you get one right now, you can have another one for free?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like she doesn¡¯t need it. As expected.?

    ?

    The soldiers tie up the bandits. It seems that they were poisoned, but managed to recover. Thank goodness. Really. The large volume of antidote herbs finally became useful. So it didn¡¯t turn into a pointless weeding. I was so smug, saying ¡ºAntidote herbs? Is this a flag?¡», after all. So it wasn¡¯t just grass. It wasn¡¯t just a useless weed. The soldiers now stink of mushrooms, but it¡¯s great that they recovered.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Pleease, listen to me, being ignored feels very depressing. Heey.¡¹?

    ?

    Oh my, looks like the Young Lady was saying something.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m the daughter of Omui Town¡¯s Lord. My name is Meriel Shimu Omui. Are you listening? Really? I introduced myself 5 times already? I¡¯m going to cry, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I heard you. Totally. I¡¯m Haruka. Merimeri-san?¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m listening properly, but she seems to be underestimating my memory. It seems that she came from the town called Omui. The daughter of the local lord. A Young Lady, a scion of a noble. Coming to this world, it took me 3 weeks to meet a young noble lady. Meeting a princess must be impossible. It will probably take 50 years. All princesses will turn into grannies by then.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m really going to cry? A whole river? I don¡¯t care if you drown in it? Why won¡¯t you listen to me? Who is Merimeri?¡¹?

    ?

    Oh my, looks like the Young Lady was saying something.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-sama. We are going back to Omui. If it¡¯s fine with you, could you accompany us there? I would like to formally thank you, and um¡­ the guards are also asking that you would come with us.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, I don¡¯t mind, but is it close? I can¡¯t go if it¡¯s too far away, I have to be back in town by the night.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-sama, from which town did you come?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, the one upstream on this river, hmm, the name¡­ Did it have a name?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry, probably, the petty lord of that nameless unknown town is my father. I¡¯m sorry for acting like a daughter of a noble family despite coming from an unknown lineage. I will change my name to Merimeri. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    The soldiers scolded me.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The gatekeepers scolded me as well.?

    ?

    Which reminds me, I snuck out of the town. And I just openly tried to go back in a carriage.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, yeah, which reminds me, it¡¯s super well known Omui, everyone keeps saying Omui, Omui, well known and popular. Even goblins keep saying Omui, Omui. ¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m in full damage control mode. While we were riding in the carriage I kept trying to make excuses, but I guess it isn¡¯t good that during that I forgot the name of the town for about two times??

    ?

    ¡¸What¡¯s the point of it being well known among goblins? Doesn¡¯t that mean that they will attack the town? And also, at times you say Omoi. It¡¯s Omui. It might be unknown, but it¡¯s Omui. (Sob)¡¹?

    ?

    The president saw that I made the daughter of the local lord cry, and also scolded me.?

    ?

    After finding out that the gatekeepers scolded me for sneaking out of the town, the president scolded me again.?

    ?

    Then, she also scolded me for writing¡ºI¡¯m out for geek hunt.¡»in the note that I left at the inn.?

    ?

    I tried to follow up by saying that I couldn¡¯t get any geeks, she got mad at me again.?

    ?

    Then, after hearing from the guards that I fought high-level bandits and was attacked with weapon skills, the president scolded me once again. While crying. She kept scolding me with tears in her eyes¡­¡­¡­¡­

 CH 29

    Day 21 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    In the end, we escorted¡­ Merimeri?¡­¡­ The Young Lady to the mansion of the lord. Supposedly a messenger should come from them later.?

    ?

    The president was mad at me all this time, but eventually, she stopped crying.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you see, it¡¯s that? That? It¡¯s the first prize if you can¡¯t hit me? So it¡¯s okay? Kind of?¡¹ [1. TL Note: Haruka is clearly trying to quote Char Aznable ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how powerful you are if you can¡¯t hit me.¡± But I guess his memory is failing him.]?

    ?

    ¡¸What is the first prize if you don¡¯t hit? Is everything other than the first prize taken? Do they give tissues for the first prize? Disposable? Why are you doing something so dangerous?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I really understood the weakness of weapon skills. It¡¯s okay.¡¹?

    ?

    I then explain at length the weak points of weapon skills to the president. Its fatal flaw and side effects that come from it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Being a combination of shouts and intense exercise, weapon skills make you run out of breath pretty fast? But in return, they are good for weight loss? That¡¯s what Billy-taicho was saying? One more set?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you summoning Billy-taicho?! What will happen to his boot camp in our world? Why one more set? We are exercising every day, so we are fine!!!¡¹?

    ?

    They seem to be fine?¡­¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing, Taicho!?

    ?

    The level won¡¯t rise after all. Looking at how it went for the president and the others, raising the level from 9 to 10 or 19 to 20 or 29 to 30 is a lot more difficult. If it is this difficult for people with cheats, then it must be even harder for normal people. And for people that have difficulties raising their levels, it might be near impossible? And my level doesn¡¯t seem too enthusiastic about growing, or rather, my skills are dragging me down.?

    ?

    Status?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE £±£¶?

    ?

    Lv £°£¹

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£²£°

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£²£²

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¸

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£·

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¸

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±£¶

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£³£°

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£³£´

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£·£·?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Avoidance Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Premonition Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 6¡¹?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 4¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 6¡¹¡¸Weight Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 5¡¹¡¸Wood Magic Lv 4¡¹ ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 3¡¹¡¸Ice Magic Lv 3¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Sensitive Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Gymnastics Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Walking Lv 6¡¹¡¸Command Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Appraisal Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Farsight Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Detect Presence Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 6¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 5¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Concealment Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Map Lv 5¡¹¡¸Concentration Lv 6¡¹ ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸MP Recovery Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 6¡¹(Up) ¡¸Parallel Thinking Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Serial Thinking Lv 4¡¹(Up) ¡¸Quick Thinking Lv 1¡¹£¨New£©¡¸Rush Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Air Walk Lv 2¡¹(Up)¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 1¡¹£¨New£©?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 4¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Loner Lv 4¡¹¡¸Mage Lv 5¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 3¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Muppet Lv 4¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«2% SpE +1%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹(New)?

    ?

    I have a perfect attendance record at the adventurers guild, yet ¡ºNEET¡»went up¡­¡­ It¡¯s now¡ºNEET Lv 4¡»¡­¡­ Does it mean that it¡¯s pointless for me to show up at the guild since I don¡¯t have a job? Or rather, does it keep rising because I don¡¯t have a job? What am I supposed to do about it then?!?

    ?

    And there are also new skills ¡¸Quick Thinking Lv 1¡¹and ¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 1¡¹. That¡¯s a lot of speed.?

    ?

    I¡¯m getting quicker, but getting too quick is a problem for a schoolboy. ¡¸Sensitive¡¹also went up without my knowledge. However, actual confirmation is impossible. That¡¯s because I didn¡¯t try it as a high school boy, so I have no prior data. And I also have no plans set for such tests. That is because I have no partner to run such experiments. I feel that the hope of getting to try it as a high school boy is slim¡­ Maybe I should seek out one of those kinds of stores in this world??

    ?

    Day 21 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn, Girls Assembly?

    ?

    We are having a study and review session on today¡¯s expedition. Discussing with everyone, exchanging ideas, considering them, and collectively making the decision.?

    ?

    But, after all, even so, however, in the end, it still turns to talk about Haruka-kun¡­¡­?

    ?

    Especially today¡­¡­?

    ?

    Haruka-kun finally did it.?

    ?

    He got into a fight with high-leveled bandits and had weapon skills used on him.?

    ?

    Or so it seems. This ¡ºit seems¡» comes from the fact that he came back completely unharmed.?

    ?

    But if one of them hit him, it would¡¯ve been a disaster.?

    ?

    He could¡¯ve died¡­¡­ He could¡¯ve been dead by now.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not the first prize if they can¡¯t hit? What does that even mean??

    ?

    Anyway, he came back.?

    ?

    He came back in one piece.?

    ?

    He came back alive.?

    ?

    He came and said that it¡¯s okay.?

    ?

    But¡ª?

    ?

    How long will this okay last??

    ?

    How long can he avoid death??

    ?

    How long will he stay alive??

    ?

    How long will he keep coming back to us??

    ?

    Tomorrow, he might not return??

    ?

    Even today, he tried to avoid trouble but got picked on. Even the victim said so. But that¡¯s certainly a lie.?

    ?

    If Haruka-kun runs at full speed, no one should be able to pick on him. At what kind of super speed does someone have to chase just to pick on him? What kind of high-speed bandits are those??

    ?

    Even if he pretended to ignore them, even if he pretended like it was a bother, even if he pretended to be mad about this, he still saved them.?

    ?

    Like always.?

    ?

    Just like it happened with Oda-kun and the others.?

    ?

    Just like it happened with Shimazaki-san and her group.?

    ?

    And just like it happened with us.?

    ?

    Pretending like it¡¯s only a coincidence, he came to our rescue.?

    ?

    ¡¸What should we do? Have someone tail him?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What should we do? Tie him up?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What should we do? Lock him up?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What should we do? Glue him?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone is worried, and is trying to come up with ideas¡­¡­ Even the person that proposed gluing him¡­¡­ Probably¡­¡­?

    ?

    But¡­ We also understand that we can¡¯t do this forever. Watching over him, following around, guarding, escorting, protecting, defending, restraining, gluing¡­¡­ No, the last one we aren¡¯t going to do¡­¡­ We can¡¯t do that, we shouldn¡¯t, there is no way it is okay to do, but we can¡¯t help but feel uneasy.?

    ?

    Even if we ask him, Haruka-kun probably wouldn¡¯t change.?

    ?

    And in turn, we also don¡¯t want him to change.?

    ?

    Day 21 ¨C End

 CH 30

    Day 22 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Oh woe is me, how could this be. I didn¡¯t even think of this, I didn¡¯t even consider this, I completely underestimated this world. This is a mere different world, what can it amount to, is probably how I felt about this, looking down on it. That must be why it didn¡¯t even occur to me. How stupid it is. How incredibly stupid I was. To think such a surprise, such a shock, such an astonishment was awaiting me. To think I¡¯ll experience such amazement, shudder, and fear during breakfast¡­ Or rather, I just did. It¡¯s soy sauce. There was soy sauce in this world. What a surprise. Of course, I¡¯m going to buy it.?

    ?

    I asked questions, interrogated, applied pressure, demanded explanations, did a cross-examination, and got the information, a confession. Now I won¡¯t have to chase her to the edge of a cliff to get the truth. The poster girl is in tears.?

    ?

    It¡¯s the general store from the other day. I¡¯ve been tricked! I¡¯ve been had! I¡¯ve been backstabbed! She didn¡¯t say a thing about soy sauce!?

    ?

    ¡¸Now! I know what you are hiding! Bring it out! Right now! Bright it here! It¡¯s no use hiding it! I already know everything! Take it out and I will forgive you! Not!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What? What? What is going on? What happened? Eh? The boy from earlier? Isn¡¯t this too much of a personality change? What happened? ¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like she is still trying to play dumb¡ª?

    ?

    ¡¸Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! Soy sauce! It¡¯s obviously soy sauce! Where is the soy sauce? Soy sauce! Hurry soy sauce! Hurry up and bring soy sauce! Immediately soy sauce! Soy sauce, right this moment! A soy sauce, please! C¡¯mon, soy sauce! Anyway, soy sauce! ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Soy¡­ Sauce?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You can¡¯t hide it! I know that White Weirdo bought it here yesterday! She confessed to everything in tears!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, you mean Soi? That black, salty¡­¡­ Wait, why was the poster girl crying?!¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded.?

    ?

    Eeh, but everyone was hiding it from me? They hid the reality of this world, they hid the truth of this world, soy sauce.?

    ?

    ¡¸But didn¡¯t you hide it the last time I asked for flavorings? You concealed it! You refused to sell it to me!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We just got it yesterday! I didn¡¯t hide it. And it¡¯s unusual stuff that we rarely get! And it¡¯s not like it is such a hot item! What are you making this fuss for?! ¡¹?

    ?

    Not a hot item? Soy sauce? It¡¯s soy sauce, you know? Haaah, well, that¡¯s the level of the other world after all. To not realize the greatness of a soy sauce, the different world, how deplorable. The likes of the dwellers of this world have no idea of the greatness of a soy sauce. What a rural world, such an undeveloped world, that¡¯s all that this world amounts to. Good grief, for soy sauce to be unpopular is absolutely unforgivable¡­¡­ But, this also means that it¡¯s not yet sold out, it means that they should have it left, it means they still have it in stock.?

    ?

    ¡¸All of it. Give me all of it. Sell it to me. Right now. Hurry up and sell it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, hey, hey, calm down, you are not like yourself. Weren¡¯t you a completely normal and polite young man just the other day?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s soy sauce. Soy. Sauce.¡¹?

    ?

    Just what is she talking about??

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I don¡¯t mind selling it. I¡¯d be rather happy if you buy it. But if we are speaking about all of it, it means whole barrels? The big ones? I have two of them filled almost to the brim. Do you need so much?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m buying all of it! I will pay in mushrooms!¡¹?

    ?

    I still have plenty of mushrooms. Even after stuffing the item bags for the girls with them, I still have a whole mountain left.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mushrooms where! Mushrooms! Hurry mushrooms! Bring them out! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms yet?! Where are the mushrooms?! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms!!! ¡¹?

    ?

    Her personality completely changed, are those withdrawal symptoms from mushrooms? Mushrooms addiction? Did I have some kind of dangerous mushroom in the mix? To think she¡¯d lose her cool over some commodity so much, how unsightly.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Apparently, the old¡­¡­ The lady from the general store spent the whole night processing mushrooms she purchased from me the other day and after putting them on sale, made half a year¡¯s worth of profit in a single day. So she was blinded by money. It seems that since then she is asked about restocking on a daily basis. A merchant has to be modest, sound in investment, frugal in the way of life, not jumping on a quick gain, and diligent in their ways. For her to forget all of that, how wretched.?

    ?

    ¡¸Try it?¡¹?

    ?

    After trading mushrooms for soy sauce, I use¡ºTemperature Magic¡»to dry one mushroom, and then, fry it with fire magic, while repeatedly coating it with soy sauce. Mmm, this smell of burning soy sauce! Then, I gave one mushroom to the lady from the general store¡­¡­ And she is consuming it with great delight. This world is a bit dull with flavors.?

    ?

    ¡¸Please sell me soy sauce!¡¹?

    ?

    Oh, another devotee of soy sauce was born in this town. Or rather, the first person of this world realized the greatness of soy sauce.?

    ?

    Filling one small bottle I sold it to her at twice the price. She cried.?

    ?

    After that, I told her about the rice, and that I will buy it with mushrooms if she manages to find it. Judging by her look she took the idea very seriously.

 CH 31

    Day 22 ¨C Morning, Omui Guild.?

    ?

    Today I once again drop by the guild, and today again, no one would meet eyes with me. Isn¡¯t this amazing? Not sure if it¡¯s related, but according to rumors, as of late many adventurers have neck pains.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why is it the same quests every day? I¡¯m coming here daily.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you coming here daily?¡¹*Sigh*?

    ?

    Flat gaze with a sigh. As expected of the president of the receptionists. A lot of variation.?

    ?

    Today, I wanted to search for the geeks again, but it seems that yesterday¡¯s incident impacted the girls more than one would expect, so I¡¯m currently under self-restraint, why? I didn¡¯t get any injury or anything? Even though the bandits just ran out of breath and collapsed to the ground on their own? I¡¯m always getting scolded even though I didn¡¯t do anything bad and just was dragged into this. Such a mystery.?

    ?

    On the other hand, even if I want to earn money, there are no good jobs. None. Never. I¡¯m yet to see even one.?

    ?

    50,000 ere for daily allowance is the utmost cruelty.?

    ?

    At this rate, my affection points with the opposite sex¡­¡­ I want affection points. As a high school boy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t there something that can bring in money? It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s not a quest.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸At this point, it has nothing to do with the adventurers guild, does it? To begin with, you aren¡¯t even an adventurer? And from what I¡¯ve heard, you took all the money not only from the guild but also from the blacksmith and the general store, where did it go? Why do they keep disappearing every day? Will it ruin your day if you don¡¯t leave someone without a single penny?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like this world has a deficit of hard currency. And since they don¡¯t have enough coin, money isn¡¯t circulating properly in the economy, leading to a shortage of funds at stores. Which they are trying to blame on me. Was a deflationary spiral summoned to this world as well? I don¡¯t think I had it among my classmates??

    ?

    There is no job outside the town, but staying in town means no money, but leave the town and they will be worried about me, but staying in town I¡¯d want more money, which brings me to square one, no jobs in town.?

    ?

    Peeking into this store, peeking into that store, window-shopping a bit, losing all my money¡­¡­ Should I hunt some gobs after all??

    ?

    For some reason, there are a lot of soldiers patrolling the town. Seeing me, they give chase, what is going on??

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you running away? Didn¡¯t I say yesterday that I will send a messenger for you? Why were you not at the inn? Why did you run away after being discovered by the guards I sent to find you?¡¹?

    ?

    Running away from the guards, I was called out by a young and cute maid, and just when I was all happy, thinking that she is trying to hit on me, I was brought to the mansion of the lord and am currently being scolded by the young lady??

    ?

    ¡¸No, chased by strangers, wouldn¡¯t you normally run away? Did you mean soldiers when you said a messenger? And you also said at a later date, but you never mentioned how much later is that date?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Then why did you get caught by a young and cute maid? You completely forgot, didn¡¯t you? When you saw me ¡ºWHO?¡»was written all over your face? You have absolutely no recollection of what happened? ¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m being scolded??

    ?

    ¡¸Weell, it¡¯s been a while? Did you do well? You grew quite big in the time we didn¡¯t meet¡­¡­ So I didn¡¯t recognize you at first?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We met yesterday, didn¡¯t we? Not even half a day passed since then. Why am growing to the point of no recognition in such a short period of time? Did I get fat in one day? Or rather, isn¡¯t that the type of vague talk you would give when you have no idea who you are talking with? You have fully forgotten me! Right? I¡¯m too obscure and unknown to be remembered? You forgot both my name and the name of the town, didn¡¯t you?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright, there is no way I would forget a noble lady such as yourself, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, in all four seasons there wasn¡¯t a single moment when I forgot about you, Merimeri-san?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why is that the only thing that you remember?! And after speaking with such pomp, you end it with a question?! Forget four seasons, you didn¡¯t remember me for even one moment! And in the first place, we met yesterday! For the first time!¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, she is angry.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Welcomed into the lord¡¯s mansion, they prepared a meal for me. Is this hospitality??

    ?

    ¡¸Today I invited you for dinner, and to once again thank you and give a modest reward, but¡­¡­ Why am I shouting in anger?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? Such a mystery isn¡¯t it?¡¹?

    ?

    Unlike her traveling outfit from the other day, today the young lady is wearing a simple, but beautiful, well-designed dress¡­¡­ And she is stomping her feet. Is this the latest trend among the nobles? Like, would someone approach her during a ball¡¸My lady, would you like to join me in foot stomping?¡¹, is this how it goes? Nobles sure have it hard.?

    ?

    ¡¸NNngh!¡­ Here, it¡¯s a trifling sum, but please accept this as a reward. Also, yesterday we heard that you don¡¯t have identification papers, so we made them, if it suits you, please use them. They also serve as an entry pass to the town, so you won¡¯t have to pay to enter the town in the future. The pass has the name of the town written on it, so please remember it. It¡¯s Omui. The name of this town and my family name are both Omui. I have a name. I have written it here. Please remember it. Meriel Shimu Omui. Please forget Merimeri-san.¡¹?

    ?

    The meal was delicious. The chat¡­ Well, she was saying something. It¡¯s fine, I guess.?

    ?

    ¡¸By all rights, it should have been my father, the lord of the town, who should be thanking you, but unfortunately, he, along with my mother, had to leave the town in the morning. He asked to apologize for this rudeness. He also said that he will make the sign on the entrance to the town bigger. Big enough to be able to read ¡ºOmui¡»on it even from afar. And will also hang a few banners¡¸Welcome to the town of Omui.¡¹inside the town. And he already ordered 100 signposts to be placed on the way to Omui. Some officials even proposed creating a theme song for the town and playing it at a high volume 24 hours a day.¡¹?

    ?

    Good grief, looks like bureaucrats love wasting money no matter where you go. They are most likely in cohorts with the banner maker and theme composer and are just trying to profit from this. It is exactly because the officials lack integrity and common sense that the economy is going into recession. And they don¡¯t even notice it. They probably don¡¯t even realize how absurd their ideas are. They are simply unqualified for positions involved with handling public funds. They most likely misunderstand money collected from businesses and the public as generated profit. Absolutely preposterous. Damn it, if I didn¡¯t get transported to another world, I would¡¯ve been trying to get a position at a public library. Why can only they leech off public funds? I also want to use public funds to buy books that I want! Read what I please as much as I please! Declare the books of the library as my own property! If you have money to make banners they spend them on a library! That¡¯s why bureaucrats are¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Heeey, why do you never listen to what I¡¯m saying? Are you ignoring me? Are you pretending to be deaf? Which means that you can hear me? Are you listening? And why won¡¯t you remember my name?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, looks like the young lady was saying something.?

    ?

    ¡¸The treatment is the same as the last time, even though I dressed up for today¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    The butler got mad at me.?

    ?

    The maids were nice though¡­¡­

 CH 32

    Day 22 ¨C Afternoon, on the road.?

    ?

    It¡¯s an entry permit, it¡¯s an ID, it says Haruka, and for the guarantor, Merimeri-san¡¯s full name is written.?

    ?

    Now I can come and go freely. Free of toll. Unable to resist I went in and out of town for about 5 times, until the gatekeepers got mad at me.?

    ?

    As such, going back to the town feels a bit awkward, so it¡¯s time for the customary geek hunt. Today I will check another path, the one that drifts away from the river. It also would mean being separated from fish. I¡¯m planning to return by nighttime though.?

    ?

    Looks like there is a town this way? Meri?¡­¡­ Merimeri-san also was saying that her father went this way, to visit another town. Since her father went there, there is no reason why the geeks can¡¯t be there as well.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s check it.?

    ?

    I dash.?

    ?

    Hmm, did I get faster? Since there is also the effect from ¡ºBoots of Acceleration ¨C Acceleration 30% Up¡»that I combined with Leather Boots? it¡¯s even harder to understand.?

    ?

    I felt like I covered a lot of distance, but I just left the town.?

    ?

    Bureaucrats, sorry for speaking so harshly of you. Road signs are necessary. The distance to the destination should also be written on them. I don¡¯t understand how fast I¡¯m going. But I won¡¯t allow the banners. All those slogans about road safety are also unnecessary. Moment of negligence ¨C life-lasting injury. Even with warnings there are still going to be crashes. Why? Because goblins are there. Forget injuries, they went straight into the afterlife. If you have time to write such slogans then teach goblins about road safety. Crashing into them time after time hurts!?

    ?

    With this and that, I kept running.?

    ?

    Splattering gobs, I¡¯m running.?

    ?

    Kobolds are getting turned into roadkills as well.?

    ?

    I already forgot what I came here for? Splatter the geeks??

    ?

    Again, just like yesterday, there is a carriage under attack by bandits. Is this the latest fad? Should I go along with it? Should I attack a carriage as well??

    ?

    As I approached, I saw ¡ºOmui¡»written on a carriage in huge letters. Company name? Express delivery? If they are in the delivery business, then I must order books from them.?

    ?

    I dash there.?

    ?

    The attackers are armed soldiers, the defenders are also armed soldiers, looks like delivery service in another world is filled with dangers. I bet they have a lot of late deliveries.?

    ?

    For starters, I blew away the soldiers uninvolved with delivery. Well, I just didn¡¯t make any effort to stop and crashed into them. After collision most things, be it goblins, kobolds, or even soldiers, are blown away. This world has terrible road safety.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm¡­¡­ Are you¡­¡­ Haruka-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? I don¡¯t remember having any acquaintances among couriers of the other world, and on top of that, it¡¯s another old man. Doesn¡¯t this world have too many old men? Wouldn¡¯t it usually be cute girls on all sides? Isn¡¯t that how isekai stuff usually goes? Why am I swarmed with old men? Why do I have to be surrounded by armed old men? Why are both foes and allies old men? Is the other world trying to kill me with the stink of old men??

    ?

    ¡¸Err, well, yeah? But who are you? Or rather, you aren¡¯t a courier?¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? But then who will deliver my books? Who is going to go all the way to Amazon to bring my books? Fake delivery service??

    ?

    ¡¸I think the name is clearly written on the carriage in big letters. I heard of the black-haired young man who crashes into enemies at high speed¡­¡­ Didn¡¯t my daughter invite you today? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Daughter? Ah, so you are the father of Merimeri-san, the lord of the nameless town, Phaatherr-san?¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, annoying old men charged at me, so I cooled their feet and the ground with ¡ºTemperature Magic¡»and then froze it with ¡ºIce Magic¡».?

    ?

    When they became unable to move I set their hands and hair ablaze. Go bald, such is your punishment for trying to kill me with your stink.?

    ?

    Or rather, though it¡¯s a part of my dark history, but, as a recovered chuunibyou I strongly feel that I have to at least try to recreate an ice and fire hell (Inferno).?

    ?

    And well, after trying it out in reality I got a bunch of miserable bald old men with frozen feet and heavy burns on their hands and heads¡­¡­ Shouldn¡¯t it be like, way cooler? What is this? It¡¯s simply unpleasant to look at. Rather than calling it a hell of ice and fire it¡¯s more of hell of burned bald old men? I don¡¯t want such attacks. It¡¯s wrong, Inferno must be more¡­¡­ Cool, more like (crying).?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Heey, are you listening?¡¡I already heard that you don¡¯t listen to others, but at least pick between fighting and listening, why are you speaking to yourself in such a situation? I pity the burned soldiers, at least pay attention when you defeat them, and also, why nameless? The name is written on the carriage in big letters. And though I¡¯m indeed the father, my name is not Phaatherr. I didn¡¯t introduce myself yet, or rather, this is what I want to do, so please listen to me, and also, if my daughter heard you call her Merimeri she would cry, so stop it.¡¹?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    All of the bald men were apprehended. Since they were too pitiful I splashed them with mushroom potion, but even though their wounds got healed, their hair didn¡¯t come back. Inferno (Hair Roots Massacre) is way too scary. I¡¯m sealing (pretend like it never happened) this attack since it¡¯s too dangerous.?

    ?

    But why every time I search for the geeks I find large quantities of gobs and old men instead? Could it be that Detect Presence can¡¯t tell goblins, geeks, and old men apart? In that case, it might be unable to tell apart the idiots we left in the forest as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸You are Haruka-kun? Thank you for saving our family. I¡¯m Mariel¡¯s mother, Murimur. Rather than going to the neighboring town for some petty treaty, I want to give you my thanks. Though it is hard to call this a happy coincidence, I¡¯m grateful to you for saving our daughter. And then, you saved even us? How can we even repay you. Thank you very much.¡¹?

    ?

    Ooh, the old men ratio went down. An old lady in an elegant dress and not-so-young maid stepped out from the carriage¡­¡­ Indeed, the old men ratio went down, but my mood is still down as well. The average age is too high. The average age of the characters I encountered so far is over 30. Just why??

    ?

    ¡¸No, the treaty with the neighboring town is very important, it¡¯s not petty at all. And also, Haruka-kun, I¡¯ll introduce myself, I¡¯m the lord of Omui, Mellotosam Shimu Omui. Allow me to express my gratitude to a benefactor of my family. Thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    After that a complicated story with names of nobles, other towns, the name of this country, the name of the king popping up followed, but I ignored it. I¡¯ll repeat, I ignored it. It¡¯s not like I couldn¡¯t remember the names or didn¡¯t understand what they were saying. I simply ignored it.?

    ?

    As it turns out, even the bandits from yesterday were elite troops of the adversary nobles, who were given the best equipment possible, who were supposed to masquerade as bandits to kidnap Merimeri, in order to use her as leverage against them. However, the elites and the equipment weren¡¯t coming back, so they decided to press with numbers, and gathering people attacked Meri Father and Murimur-san.?

    ?

    As a result, there is no information on the geeks or delivery service¡­¡­ This stuff has nothing to do with me, of course, I will ignore it.?

    ?

    Once again I return to the town on a carriage.?

    ?

    Even inside the carriage they kept endlessly repeating their thanks. And also the name of the town.?

    ?

    The gatekeepers didn¡¯t scold me today.?

    ?

    But the president did.?

    ?

    Which reminds me, didn¡¯t I say that I won¡¯t leave the town today?¡­¡­ Eh? I only went to buy soy sauce? How did it turn out like this?

 CH 33

    Day 22 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    I¡¯m being scolded super harsh? By all 20 of the girls? They keep going for almost an hour already? Why did I go outside and get myself involved in a war between nobles? That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to know myself. But at such moments one shouldn¡¯t be emotional. And also shouldn¡¯t be strictly logical. At such times one must review things from the very beginning. What happened? How did it come to this? Compress everything to simple bullet points and state in a chronological manner. Such an explanation is bound to be the most acceptable and the easiest to understand.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, as I said, I didn¡¯t go outside, I just went to buy soy sauce, but was chased by soldiers, was tricked by a maid and got the entry permit, okay? So I went in and out, but gatekeepers got angry at me, so I couldn¡¯t go back, and after trying to order books from express delivery was attacked? When the attackers became bald it turned out that the courier was in fact the lord? Kind of? I just went to buy soy sauce? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong?¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? Looks like no one is convinced? Persuasion fails? Even though I explained everything so plainly??

    ?

    ¡¸I mean it¡¯s soy sauce? You have to buy it? You must buy it? How am I wrong? Why do I have to be scolded? If it¡¯s about the war between nobles then scold them, not me, I¡¯m completely unrelated. I ended up outside only because the gatekeeper-san was angry at me, I could go back? Be angry at the gatekeeper-san, not me? I¡¯m the victim here! In the first place, who would expect them to fight in the middle of the road? I thought that they are a delivery service? I only wanted to place an order? I was tricked? But I bought soy sauce? It¡¯s tasty? So isn¡¯t it all fine?¡¹?

    ?

    What is going on? Why can¡¯t we reach an understanding? Why can¡¯t people understand one another no matter how numerous the words are? Even though I did nothing wrong¡­¡­?

    ?

    In the end, I was made to sit in seiza.?

    ?

    Well, looks like the girls already got used to this, so unlike yesterday, none of them were crying. I guess, as one would expect, my daily conduct earned their confidence in me. It¡¯s truly as people say, action is the quickest way to gain trust. But not affection points it seems¡­¡­?

    ?

    Being put into seiza I sneakily grill fish. When I poured soy sauce the sermon was over. All resolved. As expected, there was no fault on me. A false charge. I¡¯m innocent. Soy Sauce prevailed.?

    ?

    Everyone is eating with tears. That must be nostalgia. Smell and taste are rooted in the deepest parts of our memory, so this taste, this scent, is Japan. Fish Girl is eating happily, but is it okay with her? Family-wise? What if it¡¯s her relatives from the other world? It might turn into a huge problem between relatives from different worlds, but since she is happy, it¡¯s fine, I guess. If fishes come complaining we can just fry them anyway. Curing could work as well.?

    ?

    My innocence was proven and we ate fish. Bath time.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, I can¡¯t find the geeks, did they roll under a drawer or something?¡¹?

    ?

    I grumble in the bath. Grumble as I please. After all, I have it all to myself. So sitting in the middle of a bathtub I grumble about the geeks.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s about to become a real problem¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Getting out of the bath I return to my room.?

    ?

    It¡¯s our fifth night here already, which means¡­¡­ We spent five days in this town.?

    ?

    Naturally, the cave is neglected.?

    ?

    I thought about asking the musclebrains to look after it, but it isn¡¯t something that can be left to others.?

    ?

    And yet, the musclebrains aren¡¯t in the town. Five days have passed, and there is still no sign of them.?

    ?

    The geeks can be left on their own, they are probably raising their levels and skills with the highest possible efficiency. After all, that¡¯s their field of expertise. They basically have a strategy guide for this world.?

    ?

    Then why are the 5 musclebrain athletic boys not in the town yet? Since they are not in town, it means that they are still in the forest. Why? Why did they have to remain in the forest??

    ?

    Regardless of whether we are going to wait for the geeks or leave the town, I have to check on the cave.?

    ?

    And even if we don¡¯t search for them, the geeks will definitely come to¡ºWhite Weirdo¡»when they return to this town. No doubt about it. This is for sure, I checked all of the inns in this town, this is the only place they can return to. That¡¯s because, in this town, this is the only place that has a cute young poster girl.

 CH 34

    Day 22- Night, the forest?

    ?

    For some reason, as soon as I stepped into the forest I encountered an orc, long time no see?¡¸Thud!¡¹?

    ?

    Usually, they can be only found in the hinterlands upstream, what are they doing here? Could it be, because I said that the town is popular even among the monsters, orcs decided to come out to see it? Well, the fake bandits the other day had orc faces anyway, so there might be no problem with them coming to the town. Well, I immediately beat them to death, so they won¡¯t be going anywhere. What a pity.?

    ?

    No, it might be for the best that they couldn¡¯t reach the town. Life in town is harsh. You can¡¯t do anything without money, but there are also no paying jobs. Even when I tried to somehow save money, it got confiscated. The city is cruel and merciless. I went through some bitter experiences. And was scolded every day.?

    ?

    As always, the forest is filled with goblins and kobolds, but from time to time I also see orcs, what is this? Are they out for a walk? Is that town really this popular??

    ?

    But, even though my level didn¡¯t raise, orcs seem to be weaker??

    ?

    Isn¡¯t the equipment I bought from that suspicious peddler more effective than expected? I lost 8,000,000 ere, but wasn¡¯t it worth it? ¡ºPheromone Ring¡»probably would¡¯ve been useful as well.?

    ?

    At this point, I probably will have no problem fighting head-on. While I shouldn¡¯t drop my guard, there is still no reason to slow down by moving stealthily.?

    ?

    In the first place, even monsters have a Level Wall. But I had no problems fighting monsters over level 10.?

    ?

    Well, to be more accurate I mostly bludgeoned them to death from behind, so I didn¡¯t fight with them properly. It might be that I simply didn¡¯t take attacks from weapon skills.?

    ?

    Since they aren¡¯t saying anything aside from ¡¸Gyoo!¡¹or ¡¸GYAAR¡¹I have no idea if that¡¯s supposed to be a weapon skill or not.?

    ?

    But thinking back on it, even with goblins, I did lose in a contest of strength if goblins were over level 10. That¡¯s why I opted for sneak attacks. Even though my PoW stat is higher they pushed me back.?

    ?

    Could it be that those were weapon skills? So the Level Wall isn¡¯t that absolute??

    ?

    Even for the weapon skills of the fake bandits, I dodged most of them, but blocking them with the Staff? wasn¡¯t a problem as well.?

    ?

    But that¡¯s probably the effect of¡¸Parasitic Vine ¨C Strengthen Wooden Sticks, Staffs ? ? ? ?¡¹that I bought from that peddler. When I put it near Staff? it twined around it, turning into¡¸Parasitic Vine ¨C Strengthen Wooden Sticks, Staffs. Spell Absorption ? ? ? ¡¹. I guess that the spell absorption part absorbed weapon skills. They were making such a big fuss, that getting hit by a weapon skill means certain death, so there is no way they can be this puny.?

    ?

    I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s ability of¡¸Parasitic Vine¡¹or¡¸Staff?¡¹but unless I take a direct hit and manage to block the attack with Staff? it might be possible to defend from those attacks.?

    ?

    Those annoying, unrepentant, idiotic, trash wannabes, and ordinary boys of unknown disposition, are probably over level 10 at the very least, most likely level 20 plus, in the worst case, they might even be over level 30. If their stats grow at the same rate as the girls, then they should be quite a bit stronger than ordinary denizens of this world. And they also have cheats. Forget Level Wall, chances are, I¡¯m behind in both skills and stats as well.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    That is if they survived in the forest. If they died then there is no problem.?

    ?

    They shouldn¡¯t be allowed outside the forest.?

    ?

    Letting them outside will endanger not only the geeks and the girls but also the inhabitants of this world.?

    ?

    And if they stir some kind of trouble in this world, it would also mean problems for us. That town had no one with black hair or dark eyes. If they do something, we might be seen as their comrades or accomplices, and I can say with certainty, they never do anything good.?

    ?

    If possible, I wanted the geeks and the muscle brain idiots to support the girls, but I can¡¯t find either of them.?

    ?

    Reaching that town without passing in front of that cave will take at least 10 days.?

    ?

    Then, if I can make them go around the cave, I can at least earn time, meanwhile, the girls can raise their levels. They also have the backing of the adventurers guild. I also established a connection with the lord of the town, on top of which, he owes me. They wouldn¡¯t just stand aside and do nothing. If the geeks return during that period it would be a sufficient reinforcement. The geeks are probably the strongest in this world. They were geeking hard before, but they are probably okay by now. They must¡¯ve gotten a lot stronger. And aside from the president, there also were other strong girls. I just have to buy time, what comes after that comes after that.?

    ?

    But their strength lies in cowardice, nastiness, and cruelty. No matter how much stronger the president and others become, no matter if the geeks are actually the strongest in this world, they still will be a danger.?

    ?

    Only I can fight them on cowardice, nastiness, and cruelty. After all, I don¡¯t even know their names. They are just nameless nobodies who happened to be in the same class.?

    ?

    I¡¯m behind in levels, skills, stats, and equipment. But I bought what I could in town, though I don¡¯t know how effective it can be against cheat level weapons. I did what I could, I also became stronger. Since I can¡¯t do anything about skills and stats, I should deal with them by using something else. My Luck is certainly higher. Overwhelmingly so. But I don¡¯t feel any actual effect from it??

    ?

    In the end, my only path to victory lies in improving my technique and judgment, in which case it would be better to stay in the forest.?

    ?

    If I can kill them it solves the problem. If I can win, it¡¯s fine, even if it¡¯s a draw, it still works for me. After all, time is on my side.?

    ?

    And if by some crazy, very unlikely, and unimaginable chance I lose and die, then the geeks and the president will be freed from their hesitation. Then they will be able to win, then they will be able to kill them. I don¡¯t want that to happen, but their survival is more important, probably.?

    ?

    Which means that the only path to victory is for me to fight. Just as I planned in the beginning, just as I planned.?

    ?

    Well, the best case would be if they remain in the forest or just scram somewhere. Then everyone will live in peace. But I can¡¯t hope for that. If I simply wait in town hoping for that, it will put the idiots in danger.?

    ?

    But the fools, the idiots, or the trash aren¡¯t coming out of the forest.?

    ?

    Which means that the idiots are stalling them. They probably thought something dumb like¡ºWe didn¡¯t believe in the geeks and the president and abandoned them. So since we are idiots anyway we will stay here and repay that debt.¡»and are stalling them, staying in the forest. For some kind of foolish reason like that. That¡¯s why they are idiots.?

    ?

    After all, only I can compete in cowardice, nastiness, and cruelty.?

    ?

    Which means, the idiots are obviously not up to the task.?

    ?

    Anyway, I have to become stronger. Killing as many monsters as I can I might even reach level 10 if I¡¯m lucky.?

    ?

    The Staff? turned into some kind of incomprehensible weapon at this point, but I¡¯m using it as a staff.?

    ?

    If I swing the attack will connect, the distance doesn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    Then, if I¡¯m faster than the enemies, then their number wouldn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    Attacks of 100 enemies can be countered with 1000 strikes.?

    ?

    A charge of 100 enemies can be stopped with 1000 spells.?

    ?

    I already had my share of combat versus humans when I fought the soldiers.?

    ?

    Just move quicker, attack quicker, evade quicker, just quicker, faster, swifter than any opponent. Just quicker.?

    ?

    It was already midnight by the time I reached the cave.?

    ?

    I annihilated all of the monsters I found so far, so there should be a lot of mushrooms.?

    ?

    After killing so many my level still didn¡¯t rise. Aren¡¯t requirements way too harsh??

    ?

    I tested and confirmed pretty much everything I wanted, so with this, I¡¯m done.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s been a while, you don¡¯t look good. On top of being dumb, you are now all tattered, which leaves you without a single good feature¡­¡­ Are you alive?¡¹?

    ?

    I splash my best potion on the idiots lying in front of the cave.?

    ?

    The lady from the general store claimed that it can even regrow severed limbs. Extra premium grade potion that can not only heal injuries but regenerate body parts. So they really should grow back. Severed arms, blinded eyes, broken legs, pierced bodies, everything. I already tested it, so I can say for sure, since they didn¡¯t lose their hair they will make full recoveries.?

    ?

    They are really too stupid.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Oooh, Haruka, how are you doing?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They are actual idiots!?

    ?

    ¡¸Is it your place to ask others how they are doing? Are you stupid? Didn¡¯t I tell you not to do anything stupid and go to the town? Why are you so stupid? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, we abandoned them once, so we couldn¡¯t just retreat without throwing our lives¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I mean, you will return here anyway, so isn¡¯t it better to just wait here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, thank you for the mushrooms, without them we would¡¯ve been goners.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, we thought it will work out somehow, and well, it kinda did?¡¹?

    ?

    Abysmal idiocy.?

    ?

    ¡¸And if it didn¡¯t work out, you would be dead? Who in their right mind will fight until even such a potent potion can¡¯t fully recover you? If I¡¯m not here, then why won¡¯t you just go to the town? And throwing away your life means that you will die! You damn idiots!¡¹?

    ?

    Boundless idiocy.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Eeeh?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t eeeeh me, why did you fight until you broke your arms? Why do you persist until you broke your legs? Why did you remain to get your eyes poked out? Why do you have spears tied to your severed arms? Why did you keep fighting despite being riddled with holes? Just how idiotic are you?¡¹?

    ?

    Absolute idiots.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, I understood that your idiocy is limitless, shut up, and go to sleep.¡¹?

    ?

    They are infinitely stupid. I should¡¯ve realized what was going on when no one left the forest after so many days. I knew that this is how they are. It seems that I¡¯m even dumber than these idiots.

 CH 35

    Day 22 ¨C Late at night, the cave.?

    ?

    The muscleheads finally woke up. Their condition seems to have improved quite a lot, but because they were on the verge of dying, they are far from full recovery. And since even the close encounter didn¡¯t heal their stupidity, they are going to stay idiots forever. Be it past, present, or future, they will always remain idiots.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­And so, we still haven¡¯t found the geeks, so hurry to the town and rejoin the president and the others. And when you meet them, say ¡ºSorry for being idiot¡».¡¹?

    ?

    It will probably take 3 days for them to completely recover. After all, rather than healing, they just grew back some of their body parts a short while ago.

    As for what the idiots told me, ignoring nonsensical context, since they are idiots, and rearranging keywords, I was able to somehow grasp what happened and that the reason for their survival is extreme, absurd luck and a coincidence. In Japan, these five were hailed as genius athletes. Exercising, competing with enemies, finding their weak spots, attacking them, protecting themselves, instantly ascertaining the situation and making a judgment, gifted with prodigious insight and talent, the five specializing in nothing but grasping victory, and able to understand tactics, teamwork, battle formations in mere seconds, miraculously survived. Even in such a terrible situation, they managed to survive but were unable to find a way to win. Even a way to make it into a draw. Even crushing defeat was the most they could get. Then it¡¯s just impossible for them. That¡¯s pushing it too much, that¡¯s why they are idiots.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, our wounds already healed¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Leaving alone¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We will remain¡­¡­ You are going to kill them, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Taking them on by yourself is too reckless¡­¡­ They are¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If we can¡¯t remain, then at least come with us¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    They objected all at once, but their words are moronic, their thinking is idiotic, and of course, everything they do is dumb. They are complete idiots.?

    ?

    They are supposedly geniuses, possessing lightning fast judgment with the ability to instantly understand the situation. But they simply aren¡¯t using their heads. The moment they feel something they are already moving. In other words, usually, they are idiots. And they are even dumber when they open their mouths. There is a fine line between a genius and an idiot, and they lack it, making them complete idiots.?

    ?

    This is so annoying. I have no patience to explain things to idiots.?

    ?

    ¡¸You are idiots so even if I give you an explanation you wouldn¡¯t get it, right? That¡¯s why you must go to the town, and I must stay here. This is the best possible solution. Do you understand?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Yes¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    This is just annoying. It¡¯s the same as explaining every step you took to derive the solution despite long since having the answer.?

    ?

    Just as annoying as explaining why 1 + 1 = 2.?

    ?

    There is no other solution other than 1 = 1. If that isn¡¯t true then the whole math or even arithmetic will stop working. That¡¯s the very basic requirement for it to make sense.?

    ?

    Explaining that is even more annoying.?

    ?

    It was supposedly a normal boy, who underwent a sudden change and attacked the girls but was easily beaten back by the president. Yet they have no idea who that was.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they split.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they were made to split.?

    ?

    They were forced to split.?

    ?

    That is the answer.?

    ?

    That normal boy??

    ?

    He never went through any sudden change.?

    ?

    He wasn¡¯t even pretending to be normal.?

    ?

    He was just acting as usual.?

    ?

    Taking actions that can only be seen as normal.?

    ?

    At any time, at any place, in any situation, normal even after ending up in a different world??

    ?

    Not standing out at all even after coming to a different world.?

    ?

    Unnoticeable even after monsters attacked.?

    ?

    Unnoticeable during internal discord as well.?

    ?

    Such a person is anything but normal.?

    ?

    Or rather, extremely abnormal.?

    ?

    Normal since the beginning? Is there someone more perfectly abnormal than that??

    ?

    It is because there was someone that was abnormal that the president couldn¡¯t unite everyone.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they were split.?

    ?

    There is no way that these idiots wouldn¡¯t be able to act because of their doubts. There is no way no one would try to help the geeks in that situation. There is no way the president would just give up on organizing everyone. There is no way the bitches would be so obstinate that they would be ostracized. In the first place, the very fact that there was no one around when I came is strange. It¡¯s impossible that no one would realize how absurd things are despite them getting this weird.?

    ?

    Everything was weird since the beginning.?

    ?

    Someone split them.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I will remain.?

    ?

    That¡¯s what it means.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸Yaay, alone, at last.¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s been a while since I could shut myself in at home.?

    ?

    The idiots departed for the town with a ton of mushrooms that I gave them. They should completely recover by the time they reach it.?

    ?

    I missed this. It hasn¡¯t even been a month since I came to this world, yet it feels like I returned home. This is what home means.?

    ?

    Being in the cave alone like this, makes the uproar of the last few days feel like a lie. The girls, making a huge ruckus in this cave is like a distant dream.?

    ?

    So silent.?

    ?

    Day 22 ¨C Over.

 CH 36

    Day 23 ¨C Morning, the cave.?

    ?

    Yup, fish is the best for breakfast. However, I¡¯m not the same as I was before. Humans grow and evolve day after day, and so did I. My cave life is not the same it was before, that is because I brought soy sauce with me. Mmn, fried fish with soy sauce. This is the stuff. I¡¯m glad that I went to that town. I really am.?

    ?

    Next is some modest mushrooms gathering and gob sweeping. While I was away their number grew like crazy, while mushrooms became harder to find. Yup, this calls for a major cleanup. They are like mold growing in a bathroom. Though in fact, it¡¯s not them that are fungi but the mushrooms, but I shouldn¡¯t be bothered by such details.?

    ?

    I won¡¯t use magic, only my own body. Running, bashing, flanking, sweeping, leaping, thrusting, kicking, striking.?

    ?

    I head deeper and deeper into the forest. Levels of goblins also keep rising. Only my level won¡¯t rise at all. Well, I didn¡¯t kill the soldiers so I probably didn¡¯t get any XP from them, but I killed enough small fries around the town to call it a wholesale massacre, yet my level is still 9.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wow, I never came this far. I think goblins will easily die if I put some poison in their den. I wonder if the general store has any?¡¹?

    ?

    The gobs just now were level 19. They are stronger than some weak orcs, even though they are just gobs.?

    ?

    Because of weapon skills, I thought that Level Wall occurs every 10 levels, but turns out, it¡¯s every 5.?

    ?

    After level 15 enemies get noticeably stronger. I can¡¯t take them head-on without magic, so I have to dodge, stagger, parry, distract, and shoot.?

    ?

    Adjust my breathing, remain calm, continue moving, continue running.?

    ?

    I already gathered a mountain of magic stones today. All of them are probably E rank. If I take them to the guild, they will go bankrupt. It will be a huge uproar if they have to take a loan.?

    ?

    Oh my? We have something of a different league here. It¡¯s pretty big. Appraisal.?

    ?

    Goblin King A?

    ?

    AGE £±£¹

    Lv £²£³?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£±£±£°

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£³£±

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£µ£µ

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£µ£¶

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£´£¹

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£²

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±?

    ?

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£´

    Lu£ë¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£²£µ?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Hammer Lv 7¡¹¡¸Hard Hit Lv 6¡¹ ¡¸Ramming Attack Lv 4¡¹¡¸Iron Wall Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸High Sexual Vigor Lv 8¡¹¡¸Harden Lv 4¡¹¡¸Intimidating Lv 3¡¹¡¸Fear Lv 1¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden Club¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, it¡¯s a King. A class higher than a Leader. Will Bitch Leader also eventually evolve into Bitch Queen? She¡¯d probably become even noisier.?

    ?

    The king swung its club. Ooh, it¡¯s my first time seeing a goblin that doesn¡¯t raise a club overhead. Can the idiots evolve to become this intelligent as well? They might be actually getting even dumber with each level up. Eventually receiving the ¡ºMuclebrains¡»skill.?

    ?

    I can evade it with my speed, but exchanging blows with it would kill me. It¡¯s something completely different.?

    ?

    I slowly raise my Staff? and calmly close the distance, and wrapping it in mana for a mere moment, swing it down. I don¡¯t need speed, just a good, clean slash.?

    ?

    This is the best I can do. Though the attack landed, but it¡¯s pretty close. And it easily killed the goblin.?

    ?

    If this doesn¡¯t work then nothing will.?

    ?

    If I can pull this off, then it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    Yes, it¡¯s a practice.?

    ?

    I head deeper into the forest.?

    ?

    Oh, it¡¯s a Potential Mushroom, I have not seen them in a long time! I still remember how delicious it was when I tried it for the first time. I immediately begin grilling it while walking deeper and deeper into the forest.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, a forbidden combination of a Potential Mushroom and soy sauce, the taste is absolutely supreme.¡¹?

    ?

    However, as I head deeper into the forest, I encounter more and more Goblin Kings. Is it really fine to treat kings like this? Is it fine for them to pop up all over the place like that??

    ?

    My MP isn¡¯t going down at all and my HP is full, the fights are close but I¡¯m winning somehow. In a moment, in one hit, but it¡¯s quite close.?

    ?

    I just thought but©`?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I think I went pretty deep, but are there even deeper areas? For a while I¡¯m getting kings over level 25? Why are kings not boss monsters? Just what is a king? Isn¡¯t it strange to have a bunch of kings around and then some even higher king? Just what are you taking the kings for? Is it some kind of King Game?[1. TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konpa#King_game] Played by goblins? I¡¯m not playing that! Never! Isn¡¯t this a punishment game? Or actually, if everyone is a goblin king, then when asked¡¸Who is the king?¡¹Everyone will reply! Everyone is a king?!?

    ?

    If goblin kings are this strong, then a kobold king will kill me. Absolutely impossible. I can¡¯t imagine any other outcome than getting my head chomped. That¡¯s because kobolds are always going for the head. It¡¯s really scary. A sudden attempt to bite off my head is really scary. It¡¯s terrifying.?

    ?

    But they are too strong to serve as practice targets. I can¡¯t trade blows with them and have to take them down one by one. Taking the initiative and closing the range, and cutting them down moments before they will act. If something goes wrong even a tiny bit, I¡¯m dead. How should I put it, it¡¯s like niche marketing, but a niche tactic. Enter a tiny gap and make a killing, kind of? A super short distance version of my sneak attacks, in fact, what I¡±m doing didn¡¯t change that much.?

    ?

    I probably came as far as I can, should I go for kobolds after noon? But I don¡¯t want to meet the kobold king. I mean they will certainly try to chomp on my head. And as I walked with those thoughts, I found 3 goblin kings, and they are Lv29.?

    ?

    Yeah, I¡¯m done if they surround me. I can kill one of them at the start, but after that, it¡¯s over. They will pincer me. I can kill one but will die after that. It can¡¯t serve as training, right??

    ?

    While thinking so I still take one step forward and take a swing, slash. Then closing for half a step closer I pierce another one through the neck.?

    ?

    Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, that was really close, I will certainly die if I try it one more time, not possible, no no no no, absolutely no, it was really close, too close¡­¡­ Half a step¡­¡­ My whole body is covered in goosebumps. My clothes are drenched in a cold sweat. It¡¯s too absurd, it¡¯s like a combination of bullet hell with a fighting game. One misstep and I¡¯m done. Both the timing and the distance are way beyond too close. There is no room for a mistake, not even an inch.?

    ?

    Since I annihilated every monster I found on my way here, the way home shouldn¡¯t take as long, but if I want to return before noon, I probably should turn around right now? If this is the deepest part of the forest, then this was the boss of this forest? Then where is my treasure chest?! No drop at all?! Well, if they were carrying treasure chests they would¡¯ve been too easy to kill.

 CH 37

    Day 23 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    In the morning I went to wake Haruka-kun, but he wasn¡¯t there. His luggage also disappeared, the only thing left was a note. He left without saying anything.?

    ?

    ¡¸He is gone¡­¡­ I think he left last night¡­¡­ Why¡­¡­ Why didn¡¯t he say anything¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    The note had only¡¸I¡¯ll check on idiots, wait here.¡¹, in other words, he went back to the forest¡­¡­ And¡¸Wait here¡¹, does it mean that he will come back? He should¡¯ve written¡¸I¡¯ll be back¡¹if so, what if he doesn¡¯t¡­¡­? Does this mean that he isn¡¯t coming back? I can¡¯t understand anything with such a short message, say it properly. But I probably wouldn¡¯t understand even if he tells me. I don¡¯t want to.?

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go to the forest¡­¡­ To the cave!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But¡­¡­ But Haruka-kun wrote that we should wait here¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We have to go. Or it will mean that we abandoned him again.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And what if we go? Can we fight? With other people? With classmates?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We can¡­¡­ Even if¡­¡­ I have to fight the boys, even if it¡¯s scary, I will¡­¡­ We have to save Haruka-kun¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if we can¡¯t fight, let¡¯s go¡­¡­ Leaving Haruka-kun all on his own¡­¡­ We can¡¯t¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No! Absolutely no! He wrote wait here. He saved us and we are going to die just like that? That won¡¯t do!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But¡­¡­ Shimazaki-chan and the others want to go! We can¡¯t abandon them and wait here¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We, we are fine! We were tamed!! We are tamed!! So we are fine!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We shouldn¡¯t. Shimazaki-chan, everyone, you know why he wrote to wait here? Because only those ready to kill other people are allowed to go there.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But! But! Haruka-kun¡­¡­ Alone¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if he wanted to avoid additional victims, what¡¯s the point if he is going to become a victim.¡¹?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We are back, Poster Girl! And We brought souvenirs¡­¡­ Eh? President?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Oda-kun and others came back¡­¡­?

    ?

    A pandemonium of an uproar, all hell broke loose. It¡¯s absolutely impossible to make out what anyone is saying, the topics are also all over the place, no order to question, chaos, and confusion. This, this is what Haruka-kun was talking about, the talent of Oda-kun and others of being unable to read the mood¡­¡­?

    ?

    For starters, Shimazaki-san¡¯s group apologized in tears, said their thanks, lowered their heads, and tried to leave for the forest, at which point we hurried to restrain them. And then, rushed to stop the athletic girls, who got fully equipped for battle before we even noticed. Why? When did this happen?

    Then we dragged back Vice President B, who was about to leave through the gates, and also held back Oda-kun and the others, who tried to just walk away, pretending not to notice what was going on. Making everyone sit down to at least decide on the plan and strategy, I take control, though my thoughts still were in great disarray.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeh?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t¡¸Eeeh me?¡¹! Where were you trying to go by yourself?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh, but, didn¡¯t you say¡¸Only those ready to kill other people are allowed to go¡¹?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­She did.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why was she voted number one on the ¡¸Good person¡¹ranking? Is it her chest? Did they vote for the breasts? Which part about them is so good?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Shimazaki-san, you and the others should also calm down, we are all comrades here.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please! We have to go! We survived, met Oda-kun and the others, and apologized!! So¡­¡­ So, this time, him¡­¡­ This time we have to find him¡­ Please! Let us go! We can kill!! We can do it!!¡¹?

    ?

    Shimazaki-san¡¯s group is of a higher level than everyone else. They are really strong. That¡¯s because the tamed get a share of the experience points from their tamer. This means that Haruka-kun is continuing to fight, alone¡­¡­ Certainly, Shimazaki-san and the others can take on even stronger opponents, and if it¡¯s for Haruka-kun, if it¡¯s to protect Haruka-kun¡¯s life, they will kill even classmates without the slightest hesitation. They can. Previously, Haruka-kun was saying that ¡¸Their eyes looked like those of fanatics, it was really scary.¡¹, but it¡¯s not just like, they are fanatics for Haruka-kun. They are insanely grateful to him, grateful enough to fall for the taming on their own¡­¡­ In the world that heard no prayers and had no hope nor salvation for them, Haruka-kun gave them all of that.?

    ?

    And to an extent, all of the other girls and even Oda-kun and his friends were the same. Everyone is willing to fight and kill for Haruka-kun. It might be just willingness, and it might prove no good when it¡¯s really needed, but even so, they are rushing to Haruka-kun, ready and willing to risk their lives and take the lives of others.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even so, why do you think he wrote ¨C wait here?¡¹?

    ?

    Restraining Oda-kun and the others, who were about to sneak out into the forest, not caring much for the conversation or the mood, we continue our discussion.?

    ?

    ¡¸We will get in the way?¡¹¡¸A burden?¡¹¡¸He doesn¡¯t want us to kill people?¡¹¡¸He doesn¡¯t want us to get killed?¡¹¡¸We aren¡¯t trusted?¡¹¡¸Too weak?¡¹¡¸He doesn¡¯t care?¡¹¡¸A baggage?¡¹¡¸What Haruka-kun is worried about is that we might be used as hostages against him.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸No, we are fine. We are over level 70 already, and have equipment.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like Oda-kun and the others didn¡¯t read the mood and already went over level 70. They probably didn¡¯t read the mood and just kept grinding for experience. The guild master said that the strongest people of this world, who are even called monsters by some, are over level 100, with our bonus stats, we probably would be more than evenly matched at level 70, and since we also have cheats, Oda-kun and others are probably the strongest in this world.?

    ?

    Even so, it seems that to defeat a big green wolf with a pack solo, one has to be at least among the people, called monsters. That big wolf was just one of the many that Haruka-kun crushed with the sonic boom, creating a mysterious phrase in this world ¡ºMultiple wolf collision accident.¡». Since Haruka-kun left alone, leaving us here¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸To stay here and protect ourselves.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Probably. There is no telling how many enemies are out there.¡¹?

    ?

    Oda-kun replied, and librarian-chan added. Yes, that¡¯s probably how it is. After all, those two probably talked with Haruka-kun the most in our world. That¡¯s why he pushed the insane amount of magic stones onto the guild, that they obviously wouldn¡¯t be able to buy, making them owe us a favor, then, saving the daughter of the local lord, and then the next day the lord himself, even though Haruka-kun wasn¡¯t supposed to leave the town, creating connections with everyone in the town. Right now, we will immediately receive information if they spot any other black-haired, dark-eyed people. With adventurers, soldiers, and the common people on the lookout, this town is the safest place for us.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸So? Why are you stopping everyone, yet are in the full battle gear yourself, President?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded. ?Why me? Eh, wait?

 CH 38

    Day 23 ¨C Morning, depths of the forest.?

    ?

    Calling this hard training would be an understatement at this point. I¡¯m sorry for being so full of myself. But thanks to that I have full MP, so it can be said that it was a masterful saving. And becoming able to use Kyojitsu is quite a good result. The acceleration and speed that I could use only over a long distance before, I now can use at short distance as well, and on top of it, instead of slamming into something, I can change that charge into a slashing attack. To change instantaneous acceleration into attack power it becomes important how I¡¯m going to retain that explosive acceleration, and how I¡¯m going to translate it into an attacking movement of taking a step and slashing, how will I control my body to minimize the loss in momentum, putting all of that together and refining it. And as a result of that polishing, I got level 10 and ¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 1¡¹. All of what I¡¯ve done wasn¡¯t meaningless. I¡¯ve got results. It¡¯s just that the ending wasn¡¯t great.[1. TL note: Kyojitsu ÐéŒg lit. Truth or Falsehood. As the wise man said, All warfare is based on deception. This can be called a practical application of that principle in martial arts. The idea of playing with falsehood and truth, with intent and its absence, to deceive the opponent, or better, to confuse him so that he is always making the wrong decisions, which for example can be used for creating exploitable gaps in the defense.]?

    ?

    However, if I come up with a technique, create it, and use it, will it turn into a martial art or a skill? In fact, I just got ¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 1¡¹, even the name is exactly how I imagined it. But nothing of this sort happened before? Is this just a coincidence? Or are there some kind of limitations?

    No, considering what I¡¯ve been doing until now, I¡¯m even happy that none of that turned into a skill or a title. Like, Martial Art ¡ºHuman Missile¡»or¡ºHuman Cannon¡»or skill ¡ºAvatar of Traffic Accident¡». That¡¯s too much, I¡¯m glad that none of that happened. I should take care not to carelessly create techniques of my own in the future, they might really turn into skills. Inferno (Hell of Burning Baldness) is sealed. I¡¯d hate getting a spell ¡ºHell of Burning Baldness¡»or something of that sort. It¡¯s sealed, absolutely. But high speed crash incident, can be quite cool if I find a cool name for it? I¡¯m going to crash into things anyway, so if I stick a cool name to it preemptively¡­ Multi Wolf collision incident is a no¡­ Something else¡­ It¡¯s not the time to be thinking about this though.?

    ?

    I finally, finally got level 10. The number of monsters I killed in the meantime has probably reached 4 digits. If everyone had to kill 1000 monsters to reach level 10, then monsters would¡¯ve probably gone extinct? And certainly, the quality of monsters must have some connection to this as well, I probably managed to level up because I killed goblin kings. Or not. It¡¯s probably both. But the road to level 10 was long. I finally level up, but I don¡¯t have time to check my status. I managed to take only a short peek at it, because I don¡¯t have time, or rather, this is not a place for that. Since It came out. I was so happy about leveling up but turns out, there was something else in the depths of the forest. Not a king, but Goblin Emperor. That explains why there were so many kings. It¡¯s not like they were playing games, they just had an emperor. I¡¯m all overjoyed about my level 10, and it¡¯s level 50. It¡¯s not just spoiling a moment, it¡¯s completely and absolutely destroying it. And here I thought that I finally got through one level wall, and it has four more of them on me. Hyperinflation, the worth of level 10 plummeting. And I was so happy¡­¡­ Read the mood.?

    ?

    And thus, I¡¯m doing nothing but dodging for some time now.?

    ?

    Attacks appear so powerful that it feels like they will send me flying by just brushing me.?

    ?

    And this, I¡¯m doing nothing but dodging.?

    ?

    I tried hitting and slashing it, but I don¡¯t feel like it had any effect.?

    ?

    Even though it waves the club around, the attacks are too fast to leave me any real opening. The club is flying in front of my face. I can¡¯t find an opportunity to escape or put a distance between us.?

    ?

    Hence, I¡¯m doing nothing but dodging.?

    ?

    Hence, I¡¯m doing nothing but evading.?

    ?

    No, I¡¯m actually trying to attack while I¡¯m dodging, but my attacks seem to have no effect.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m also trying to freeze and burn it, but it doesn¡¯t stop it. As for the head¡­¡­ It is already bald.?

    ?

    Goblin Emperor

    AGE £³£²

    Lv £µ£°?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£²£µ£¶

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¹£·

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£·

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£µ£³

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£´

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£¸

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¹?

    ?

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£±

    Lu£ë¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£´£±?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Hammer MaX¡¹¡¸Hard Hit MaX¡¹ ¡¸Ramming Attack MaX¡¹¡¸Iron Wall Lv 8¡¹¡¸Pulverize Lv 7¡¹¡¸Flurry Lv 7¡¹?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸High Sexual Vigor MaX¡¹¡¸Harden Lv 9¡¹¡¸Intimidating MaX¡¹¡¸Fear Lv 7¡¹¡¸Healing Lv 5¡¹¡¸Magic Resistance Lv 5¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Wooden Club¡¹?

    ?

    Even though it is just a gob, it has almost the same speed as me? Isn¡¯t that unfair? Isn¡¯t that against the rules? And it even can heal¡­¡­ No wonder my attacks seemed ineffective. I thought that I could at least gradually wear it down, but it is recovering the damage I deal!?

    ?

    The situation is deteriorating. I certainly will run out of mana first. Though Mana Wrapping is cost-efficient, I still use more mana than I recover. I¡¯m also trying magic attacks from time to time, so MP keeps slowly decreasing.?

    ?

    If I could at least freeze its feet with ice magic or stun it with lightning magic, then I could¡¯ve done something about this situation, but it doesn¡¯t seem like any of this works. At all.?

    ?

    I would¡¯ve been dead already if I didn¡¯t buy¡ºCloak of Evasion ¨C SpE + 20%, Evasion Up (Lesser)¡»from the suspicious merchant. Giving up on Pheromone Ring and affection points wasn¡¯t a mistake. It wasn¡¯t¡­?

    ?

    Whoooa, it brushed my hair, it brushed my hair! The smell of something burnt! What are you going to do if I go bald?! For a while, I keep dodging and evading while observing it, closely observing.?

    ?

    There are gaps in its defenses, I just can¡¯t exploit them. I won¡¯t be able to get a shot in without exchanging blows.?

    ?

    It¡¯s about time for dinner. While dodging, I pull out dry mushrooms, and while dodging, I munch on them. I don¡¯t even have a chance to pour soy sauce.?

    ?

    Waiting until the attack is over.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t even deflect the club.?

    ?

    Much less block it head on.?

    ?

    So instead of blocking the attack, I hit the club that just went past me.?

    ?

    Dodging, I strike it.?

    ?

    Over, and over, and over, and over, and over, until it works.?

    ?

    It almost worked, but I can¡¯t break the gob¡¯s posture after all.?

    ?

    Not simply attack, but take half a step in and hit, breaking the posture, creating a momentarily opening.?

    ?

    Kyojitsu.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t finish this in one hit. I can¡¯t critically damage it in one hit. Eventually, it will heal.?

    ?

    Goblin Emperor

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡182/256

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡56/92?

    ?

    I also used up half of my MP. To defeat it I need a series of attacks, so I make my movements even more efficient, quicker, and repeatedly use Kyojitsu.?

    ?

    Speed over Power, step into the range while evading, slash, another step while evading, slash. I keep continuously slashing¡­¡­?

    ?

    It¡¯s all about luck now. I¡¯m pretty sure the only thing saving me right now is my luck. Even if chances of my death were 1 in 1000, I should¡¯ve been dead by now. I¡¯m sorry LuK-san, you are doing your best. You are not even good luck anymore, you are Epic Luck. LuK Max (Limit Break) was doing its part. But in that case, why am I getting constantly scolded by everyone even though I did nothing wrong? The mystery deepens.?

    ?

    The goblin emperor finally stopped moving. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if I died 100 times today.?

    ?

    How much time has passed? I completely lost a sense of time. Did it take long? Did it not? I almost forgot that I already ate dinner.?

    ?

    But not yet, there is still more. Kobolds are the next. Even if I have 1,000 near-death encounters, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if I get killed 10,000 times over, but I still have to go. My arms are still with me, my legs are not broken, my eyes are intact, and I don¡¯t have a hole in my guts. So it¡¯s not over yet, not yet¡­

 CH 39

    Day 23 ¨C Midday, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Though we didn¡¯t reach a conclusion, as a compromise, we set on investigating the forest, but only near its edge, and we also can grind for EXP while checking the situation.?

    ?

    It¡¯s just an excuse, everyone simply wants to get closer to wherever Haruka-kun is. Split into 5 parties we push through the forest in a wedge formation, keeping close to each other.?

    ?

    ¡¸There is not a single monster around, we won¡¯t be able to raise our levels like this.¡¹?

    ?

    Really, not a single one. Even though we are inside the forest, no one is fighting, all of the monsters are destroyed, massacred, and annihilated. And there is only one possible suspect.?

    ?

    ¡¸Shall we go deeper?¡¹?

    ?

    A pointless question, really, everyone just pushes deeper into the forest as if possessed, no matter how much I would try to stop or halt them.?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think it is very persuasive if the person trying to stop us is rushing ahead of everyone?¡¹?

    ?

    They refused. Flat out. Even so, if Haruka-kun didn¡¯t want us to come, then there has to be a good reason for it.?

    ?

    Even so, everyone keeps getting closer, step by step, knowing, that eventually, we will reach him, worried, that he might disappear otherwise¡­¡­?

    ?

    Even if we wanted to treat this as an attempt to raise our levels, there are no monsters around.?

    ?

    We just keep going further and further into the forest.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    A few hours passed already. It¡¯s probably more than 3 hours. We are way past the time we initially agreed on.?

    ?

    But no one, not a single person, suggested that we should go back, I probably will have to be the one to say this. Even though I¡¯m probably the one who doesn¡¯t want to say this the most. Even though Haruka-kun acknowledged me, acknowledged my ability, I still have to be the one to say this. And yet, we keep walking towards the cave, step by step¡­¡­

    Brought to such a world, we forgot how to laugh or even look to the future, having no idea of what should we do, and with that thought alone plaguing our minds, we were able to find a place where we could have peace of mind, where we could laugh, all thanks to Haruka-kun, who provided such a place, such a chance for us. That¡¯s why¡­?

    ?

    No matter how far we go, there is not a single monster in sight.?

    ?

    No one said a word on our way back. Everyone¡¯s footsteps were slow, so by the time we reached the inn, it was already night, even though we didn¡¯t encounter any monsters. We can¡¯t be like this, we have to raise our levels, but we just went back unable to do anything.?

    ?

    When I said ¡ºLet¡¯s go back¡­¡»everyone looked at me with depressed, sad, miserable, and pitiful expressions. They looked at me with pained faces, looked down, and nodded, agreeing to go back, letting out lamenting sighs¡­¡­ I, probably, had the same expression as them.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Oda-kun and the others also rented a room in the same inn, and to prevent anyone from sneaking out, I changed room allocation, creating a situation where everyone can monitor everyone else. Otherwise, everyone will go out, myself included.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t remember the last time it was so quiet during mealtime. The poster girl also was nervous. I¡¯m sorry, even though we just reunited with Oda-kun and the others. Even though it was supposed to be our initial goal. Everyone finished their food while exchanging only a few words, and simply idled around, having no idea what to do. Simply by Haruka-kun not being with us, everyone, even the girls that always made too much noise, getting scolded all the time, and Oda-kun and the others, said to have the talent for not reading the mood, were silent, brooding, and anxious, wrecking our brains for answers in vain¡­?

    ?

    I didn¡¯t know that night could be this long.?

    ?

    Because usually, as we make a huge ruckus, as we laugh and talk, the day would end without even noticing.?

    ?

    In the blink of an eye.?

    ?

    At such times we would think there is not enough time, that we need more hours in a day.?

    ?

    Back then, no one knew that nights are this long.

 CH 40

    Day 23 ¨C Night, the Cave.?

    ?

    ¡¸Phaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.¡¹?

    ?

    Crap. Did the high density of old men cause me to begin turning into one as well? Is it contagious? Maybe I should exterminate them? Yes, I should. It¡¯s decided.?

    ?

    Even though I made a Jacuzzi, even though I made it possible to create jet streams of bubbles with wind magic, I was able to enter it only now. From its creation to enjoying it myself more than 10 days have passed. But I have no regrets. None at all. And also no guilt, remorse, or repentance. That¡¯s because, during that period of time, 20 high school girls were using it! What I actually regret, lament, and feel very bitter about, is letting those idiots use it yesterday. If at the very least I entered it before them¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸No visitors today, huh?¡¹?

    ?

    After enjoying the Jacuzzi, I drink berry juice.?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheeew.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, I should annihilate old men, this infection should not be allowed to spread. It¡¯s a biohazard. Without even noticing I was placing a hand on my hip, just like an old man. Crap, is it progressing?! I¡¯m only 16! Am I really going to turn into an old man?¡­¡­ I should search for a herb to stop this. Should it be something that prevents aging??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyojitsu¡¹can be used against kobolds¡¯ speed as well. The technique is merely swinging the club in the shortest distance. The range is half a step away, one step at most. Simply put all of my strength, speed, weight, magic power and skills in one attack, combining them. The fastest and the shortest explosive attack. But unless I learn how to link such attacks together, it will remain just a one-shot attack.?

    ?

    Weaving a step and a slash into one motion.?

    ?

    Memorize that form.?

    ?

    I have to be able to slash as naturally as I walk.?

    ?

    Remember it with my body, enforce it with my mind, wrap myself in mana, and execute that motion.?

    ?

    Well now, I¡¯ve been close to death plenty of times today and managed to get through the worst of it through the sheer luck. Thank you Epic Luck-san, normally, I¡¯d be already dead.?

    ?

    Though I feel like midway I was possessed by hotbloodedness or just simple idiocy¡­¡­?

    ?

    Thinking back on it, did I get infected with stupidity by those idiots?! The hell was that my arms are still with me, my legs are not broken, my eyes are intact, and I don¡¯t have a hole in my gut?! That¡¯s just a crazy talk! Even a mere scratch could¡¯ve killed me!¡­ What if I got Idiot on my status¡­¡­ And I don¡¯t want Old Man as well¡­?

    ?

    Status?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16?

    ?

    Lv 11

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£¶£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£´£´Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £±£·£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£´£¸Up£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£µ£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£³£¶Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£µ£¸ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¨£´£±Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¶£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£´£¸Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¶£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£´£¹Up£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£·£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£´£´Up£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¸£±¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£´£·Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£±?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 9¡¹(2Up)¡¸Avoidance Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Premonition Lv 9¡¹(3Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 2¡¹(New 2Up)¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 4¡¹¡¸Movement Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Weight Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 6¡¹ (2Up)¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Ice Magic Lv 4¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Sensitive Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Gymnastics Lv 8¡¹(3Up)¡¸Walking Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Appraisal Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Farsight Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸God Eye Lv 1¡¹(New)¡¸Detect Presence Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 6¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Concealment Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Map Lv 5¡¹¡¸Concentration Lv 8¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 6¡¹¡¸MP Recovery Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Parallel Thinking Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Serial Thinking Lv 6¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Quick Thinking Lv 7¡¹(6Up)¡¸Rush Lv 5¡¹(3Up)¡¸Air Walk Lv 5¡¹(3Up)¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 5¡¹(4Up)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸NEET Lv 5¡¹(2Up)¡¸Loner Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Mage Lv 8¡¹(3Up)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Communication Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Muppet Lv 5¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«31% SpE +19%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    I finally leveled up, but it¡¯s only 2 levels? What was that? Quality over quantity, huh? Can someone write a guide or something? I don¡¯t get this at all. And what I don¡¯t get the most are my skills.?

    ?

    As I thought, my stat growth became bigger. I had suspicions about the cause, and after going to the town they turned to conviction, which I was able to confirm today. The cause is Potential Mushroom. That¡¯s the culprit. That¡¯s the reason for the extremely high status. Probably not only I but gob kings and the gob emperor ate them as well. Though I¡¯m the only one who ate them with soy sauce, so I was able to enjoy a more luxurious taste than the emperor. It was delicious.?

    ?

    HP and MP mushrooms are super high-grade items, and potential mushrooms do not exist. There is none. At least in human society. No one knows about them, no one saw them, and even if a rare one grows somewhere, it gets eaten by a goblin, which then will become a king or an emperor, creating his own horde, making the area inaccessible for humans. That¡¯s why neither the lady from the general store nor guild employees knew anything about it. Without a very special, great luck, one wouldn¡¯t even know about them, much less eat them. And I¡¯m the only one who knows how well they go with soy sauce. And I¡¯m the only one who tried that. Fufufu, isn¡¯t that nice.?

    ?

    The gobs dropped monster bracelets, +1% from leaders, +3% kings, and +6% the emperor. The same goes for kobolds. And the bracelets seem to combine? Like, if they are put together, they become one? Something of that sort? But it doesn¡¯t seem to increase the weight.?

    ?

    Experience-wise it would be better to kill a lot of weak monsters. Numbers make a difference. The depths of the forest have stronger monsters, but in turn, there aren¡¯t as many of them. Well, if there were many, I would¡¯ve been dead. But the bracelets are nice. Even if one gave only +1%, 100 of them would already mean +100%. In a way, it¡¯s even better than a level up.?

    ?

    ¡¸Kyojitsu Lv2¡¹(New 2Up), which I just obtained already gained 2 levels, which is nice, but on the other hand, after going that far, it got only 2 levels. Is there something more to it? Can it develop even further??

    ?

    I probably got¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 1¡¹from the repeated movement at high speed. After all¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 5¡¹went up by 4 levels, so I probably pushed it quite hard.?

    ?

    And¡¸Gymnastics Lv 8¡¹went up 3 levels. It seems that I misunderstood it, doing radio gymnastics every morning like a fool when it seems that it actually meant coordination or agility¡­¡­ Then just say so. Unnatural movements from Kyojitsu probably caused it to level up, improving my coordination. So it¡¯s not like I got better at gymnastics.?

    ?

    Well, it makes sense, forcibly moving my body through skills removes useless movements and strength, but it still doesn¡¯t change that it is a forced movement.?

    ?

    But what I don¡¯t get is ¡ºGod Eye Lv 1¡». Is it an eye of a god? Or can I see gods? If I can see gods then I¡¯ll put that old geezer through a sermon as soon as I spot him!?

    ?

    My abilities are limited. Some things are not possible for me.?

    ?

    There is a limit to what I can try, and to what I can do.?

    ?

    Well, now¡­¡­?

    ?

    Day 23 ¨C Over.

 CH 41

    Day 24 ¨C Morning, The Cave?

    ?

    In the end, the guest didn¡¯t come. Well, even if he won¡¯t ever come, it¡¯s fine with me. I didn¡¯t call him anyway.?

    ?

    I¡¯m just standing in the way.?

    ?

    A scarecrow of sorts.?

    ?

    Just staying here is enough.?

    ?

    And do what I must.?

    ?

    I might not like it, but he should be the same.?

    ?

    He is the nastiest person, but I¡¯m the master at being nasty, that I can say with confidence. The president and others also can vouch for that.?

    ?

    The opponent is just nasty by nature, while I am by choice. I¡¯m doing it on purpose, an expert at making things the worst. The president and others can guarantee this as well. It¡¯s a good question who is the real baddie here.?

    ?

    Time is on my side. Dragging this out will be a problem for the opponent, not me.?

    ?

    Even so, he is yet to come, which means that he is looking from somewhere, that he is gathering information somewhere, that his calculations are not done yet. In that case, I will get stronger in the meantime, it might be meaningless, but it might prove meaningful. It¡¯s better than doing nothing at all. Even if in the worst case it is pointless, even if it is probably pointless, even if it is almost certainly pointless, there is at least no demerit to it. We are terribly mismatched anyway.?

    ?

    I depart after eating fish for breakfast. Grilled fish with bread seems like a dubious combination, but I have no rice. I wonder how foreigners are eating it??

    ?

    Everyone certainly will be overjoyed if the lady from the general store manages to find rice.?

    ?

    Today is another day when I¡¯m going to hunt for mushrooms. And also goblins and kobolds.?

    ?

    Well, level 20 is impossible, but level 15¡­ Is also impossible. There is no way he would just watch and allow me to do that. Which also means that he would observe until level 14 at most. By that time he should show up.?

    ?

    Even so, I just got to level 11. I don¡¯t have that much time.?

    ?

    Even though I¡¯m slow to raise my levels he is probably willing to wait. Meanwhile, the president and others will raise their levels even further, while the geeks¡¯ level will go through the roof. What if they geek it? I also sent the meatheads to the president, so it should be fine. Go ahead and be scolded in my stead every day. Come on, you will be checkmated if you just keep waiting.?

    ?

    The geeks probably got a safety buffer in levels. Since they don¡¯t know how strong the opponent is, putting as much level difference as possible is the only thing they could do. They probably won¡¯t read the mood and will just keep leveling up until they become the strongest.?

    ?

    As long as nothing gets in their way. Yes, as long as no one gets in their way. I just have to get in the way of those that will get in their way. Just like I¡¯m doing at the moment. And while we are getting in each other¡¯s way, everyone else is steadily overtaking us.?

    ?

    A sacrificial pawn of sorts, taking it means wasting your move, yet you can¡¯t afford not to take it. Annoying isn¡¯t it? Even after he went after all those efforts to split us.?

    ?

    With me encamping here, he will be attacked if he tries to pass and won¡¯t make it in time if he doesn¡¯t. A real pain. Even though I¡¯m so nicely isolated.?

    ?

    How unlucky for you that I decided to settle in this cave, huh? You don¡¯t have enough LuK.?

    ?

    And I was lucky to manage to reach this cave and settle in it. LuK-san is the strongest.?

    ?

    And be it fortunate or unfortunate, we will have to meet here. The odds are the worst, but the luck itself is the best.?

    ?

    It likely will go on on a predetermined route until the very end.?

    ?

    Just as expected. Just as expected this is the worst for both of us.?

    ?

    For me, it¡¯s hopeless in terms of survival, for him in terms of the future.?

    ?

    Even though he divided everyone through mental manipulation.?

    ?

    But the president and others already began regrouping.?

    ?

    And how are you supposed to break up a loner??

    ?

    That¡¯s why he is observing. Killing me doesn¡¯t require that much of a level.?

    ?

    But, other classmates are going to widen the level gap. He might be panicking, but he lacks the means to resolve the situation.?

    ?

    He must be at his wit¡¯s end. Must be so irritating, so annoying. This is so much fun. Absolutely amazing.?

    ?

    Today I¡¯m simply walking all over the place. Simply walk, if I meet something I hunt it, but other than that I¡¯m just walking.?

    ?

    The running begins after noon, so for now, I¡¯ll just walk. Walking, as to check, walking, as to test.?

    ?

    As expected, there are lots of weak monsters upstream. Just optimal for exp grinding. In this case, he might be already over level 30 or near 40. Well, it¡¯s too late to worry about that at this point. I just walk, hunt, and then continue to walk.?

    ?

    I eat as I walk. It¡¯s been a while since I last had a jerky, but it¡¯s not tasty at all.?

    ?

    Now then, I guess it¡¯s enough walking? Let¡¯s try running.?

    ?

    Sprinting through the woods as I please I hunt what I meet. Yup, back to that again. Since I can¡¯t fight and win head-on, I hunt.?

    ?

    Since I lack strength I use speed. If the target is too far I can charge it, if there is a distance, I can ambush it, if there is no distance at all, I can now use Kyojitsu. Well, that¡¯s basically what I was doing since the very beginning.?

    ?

    It soon will be a month since I¡¯m keeping goblins company, but there are no signs of a budding friendship. Isn¡¯t the first enemy supposed to take a frenemy-like position? Coming to rescue despite ongoing rivalry? Isn¡¯t that how it usually goes? Well, considering that I was killing every single goblin I met, I would need an exorcist if any of them came back.?

    ?

    Yeah, usually, story-wise, one would tame goblins and kobolds, and fight in the forest using them. But nothing of that sort is happening here because I¡¯m annihilating every single monster. Doesn¡¯t that put me on the same level as kobolds that jump to bite off the head as soon as they see me? And on top of that, not only did I not become a beast master, I almost turned into Bitch Master. Just how did it turn like this??

    ?

    Anyway, I just have to hunt. It should prevent him from raising his level, and I might even level up myself if I¡¯m lucky.?

    ?

    He wants intel, I want EXP, he doesn¡¯t care if I gain a few levels and I don¡¯t care about being seen.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Relaxing, leaning forward, as if I¡¯m about to fall to my knees, I take just half a step forward, without putting any unnecessary strength. Taking half a step I swing. Combining the gravity, acceleration, magic power, and breathing all into one attack. If I don¡¯t put everything into one attack it will bite off my head. I¡¯d like to avoid that at any cost!?

    ?

    Yeah, I can take down Kobold King as well, it¡¯s super-fast, but it always goes for the head, and I absolutely won¡¯t let it bite my head! Absolutely!?

    ?

    It¡¯s so fast that it even leaves afterimages. It even used combos, attacking from different directions, but in the end, it still went to bite my head¡­¡­?

    ?

    Though I¡¯m physically unharmed, mentally I took a heavy blow.?

    ?

    Yeeah, I¡¯m done if there is a Kobold Emperor. Drifting away from the cave any further is not a good idea. Let¡¯s take a detour and go home.?

    ?

    However, he is still not coming? Well, I don¡¯t care if it will become too late? He is underestimating how bad the geeks are at reading the mood, how dumb the idiots are, and how much of a menace the sermon power of the girls is. Even though he went to such great lengths to break them apart, the candidates to become heroes and legends of this world have probably already begun to unify. Side characters like us will have no chances of catching up with them¡­¡­?

    ?

    Could it be that you have gotten the wrong idea?

 CH 42

    Day 24 ¨C Morning, Dungeon.?

    ?

    Anyway, we keep on fighting, at any rate, be it as it may be, we just keep fighting. One way or another we have to raise our levels as much as possible, because that¡¯s what Haruka-kun wanted of us. Even though we can¡¯t do anything for him, even though we didn¡¯t do a single thing for him, we can¡¯t now say that we wouldn¡¯t even try to do what he wanted.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hah©` Hah©` Hoo©`¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lamaze breathing?¡¹?

    ?

    And who is the father?! Oda-kun and the others raised their levels at the most efficient place for that. Mysterious dungeons that exist in this world.?

    ?

    Even the denizens of this world don¡¯t know why they exist, but Oda-kun and the others said that it is a clich¨¦ and accepted it as the most natural thing.?

    ?

    There is no need to understand this though, we won¡¯t get it anyway, the only thing we know for real is that we have to get stronger. Even though no one wants to understand it, everyone followed along, because that is what Haruka-kun wanted us to do.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why did this snake suddenly pop out of nowhere! Why is it wriggling like that!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸There are monsters like this, that don¡¯t get caught by Detect Presence, so you have to be on your guard at all times.¡¹?

    ?

    Under the guidance of Oda-kun and the others, we fight, talk, and fight again.?

    ?

    ¡¸Alternate vanguard, eehm, triangle plus one, and no lightning walls.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Eeeh.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    During the breaks, we take lectures on skills, adjust our status, activate skills for SP to better optimize things for our fighting styles, and learn new skills. Oda-kun and the others fluently talk at length about those topics as if they have already seen all of this before. Did they really live in Japan not so long ago? Why do they know all of this so well? So Haruka-kun was serious when he said that ¡ºThey will get serious after getting to a Different World¡».?

    ?

    1F are goblins, easy.?

    ?

    2F are kobolds, not a threat.?

    ?

    3F are green wolves, simply annoying.?

    ?

    4F are¡­¡­ 4F are some kind of insects¡­¡­ Like huge water bugs walking upright¡­¡­?

    ?

    Normally, it would¡¯ve turned into a huge uproar, everyone would be screaming amidst total chaos¡­¡­ But we defeated them, unfazed. Disgusting¡­¡­ Gross¡­¡­ Don¡¯t want to lay even one finger on them¡­¡­And they are spewing some kind of fluid upon being cut¡­¡­ But we calmly dispatch them. They aren¡¯t strong. Just gross. We won¡¯t be killed by something like this. It¡¯s not a fight for our lives. We don¡¯t need to resolve ourselves. So we cannot falter at such a fight. There is no way such a thing can be allowed.?

    ?

    On 5F we¡­¡­ Vented out our frustration at the orcs there. The bugs were way too gross¡­¡­?

    ?

    Currently, we are on 6F, green snakes here bypass ¡¸Detect Presence¡¹to make surprise attacks. But it¡¯s okay. We are not that weak anymore. If they attack we simply beat them.?

    ?

    There is only a bit until the stairs to 7F. Today¡¯s goal is 20F, and it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s unreasonable or reckless. We are just going for it. That¡¯s all we can do.?

    ?

    It¡¯s fine. Everyone appears calm and composed.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It¡¯s about time we go back. We reached only 17F but experience-wise there seems to be no big difference between monsters on 12F to 24F so it¡¯s fine for our goal to raise levels. Everyone is simply letting their anger out at monsters, and at this world.?

    ?

    ¡¸The mantises of this floor also pose no threat.¡¹?

    ?

    17F also was full of insects, and they also were spewing some weird fluids, but it is still better than THAT on 4F¡­¡­ Those looked completely like cockroaches! Don¡¯t come near me! Don¡¯t stand up!!?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, the time is up, let¡¯s go back. Switch the vanguards, we are going to sweep through the place in 2 teams.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yees.¡¹¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¸OK!¡¹¡¸Got it.¡¹¡¸Where do I go?¡¹¡¸The right group is this way.¡¹¡¸Which?¡¹¡¸There?¡¹¡¸Here!¡¹¡¸Aah!¡¹¡¸Which way is right?¡¹¡¸Hurry up.¡¹¡¸Yes.¡¹¡­¡­?

    ?

    It¡¯s fine, everyone looks alright.?

    ?

    Soon, we will reach level 50. Shimazaki-san and others are over 60 already. In two or three days they should catch up to the levels of Oda-kun¡¯s group.?

    ?

    No one knows what we are getting stronger for, but we have to¡­¡­ Is this really it? Is this what we should be doing??

    ?

    It¡¯s fine, everyone looks calm.?

    ?

    Even though the crying is all I can hear coming from the rooms at night.?

    ?

    Day 42?

    ?

    Yeah, it¡¯s a big haul of gobs, kobolds, fish, and mushrooms!?

    ?

    Yeah, walking is nice after all. But this alone is meaningless.?

    ?

    As expected, I didn¡¯t level up, but I managed to get new skills.?

    ?

    It might be pointless but it was worthwhile.?

    ?

    A few skills also leveled up.?

    ?

    There is no particular point, but it is probably threatening.?

    ?

    I was certain that he would manipulate the wannabes and would come from behind.?

    ?

    But the idiots probably were too strong, so the guest will be alone.?

    ?

    There is nothing left in the forest. Passing through this area is the only thing to do here.?

    ?

    He is probably building up some mismatched plan for this incompatible match up.?

    ?

    So I have to assist him, so the mismatched parts would remain this way.?

    ?

    Spoil and ruin things for him, sneakily pulling out the crucial piece.?

    ?

    It¡¯s about time. Maybe he needs someone to pick him up??

    ?

    Well, I didn¡¯t invite him, so I can¡¯t go out and welcome him.?

    ?

    He can come on his own if he wants, and even if he doesn¡¯t, he has no choice here.?

    ?

    The fish is delicious, and I still have meat left.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t show much hospitality, but I will make sure to give him a lot of parting gifts.?

    ?

    It¡¯s getting late.?

    ?

    I already ate dinner and took a bath.?

    ?

    Today was a good day.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    No, today was the worst.?

    ?

    ¡¸Long time no see, Tanaka-kun. Took you a while? Isn¡¯t it completely too late by now? What did you even came here for?¡¹

 CH 43

    Day 24: Evening, Town of Omui?

    ?

    Withdrawing from the dungeon we head to the town. As we approach the entrance, 5 men in extremely tattered clothes are looking at us. For a moment I became cautious, but¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Kakizaki-kun?¡­¡­ Why are you so tattered?¡­¡­ Haruka-kun is not with you¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah! President!¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Sorry for being idiot!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The trashed five are Kakizaki-kun and the others. As Haruka-kun called them ¡ºMusclebrained athletic idiots¡». They are the group that Haruka-kun went to check on.?

    ?

    Black hair, dark eyes, all in tatters. It seems they got detained by the gatekeepers as they couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying. They also seem to be exhausted to the point of barely being able to move.?

    ?

    Apparently, they ran all the way here from the cave in this wrecked state without getting even a bit of sleep or rest, simply running, while chewing on Health Mushrooms.?

    ?

    Their light armor is missing various parts, arms, holes in the stomach area, or being completely nonexistent past knees. The remaining armor is all battered and is just barely there.?

    ?

    Their bodies were probably healed, but they couldn¡¯t do anything about the equipment.?

    ?

    Which means that this is how things went for them in the forest. That they remained to stall until they turned into such a mess. They almost died for our sake, that¡¯s why Haruka-kun was so eager to go back. Yet we tried to hold him here, while they almost got themselves killed, that¡¯s why he left. And Kakizaki-kun and others came to tell us about this. After almost getting killed, almost dying, after already being one foot in the grave¡­¡­

    And now, Haruka-kun is there.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The story was the worst. Some girls began crying from just listening to it. We didn¡¯t expect this at all. In that case, it might be only natural that Haruka-kun left us here.?

    ?

    Even if we followed him, we probably would¡¯ve died. Even now, with our current levels.?

    ?

    I thought that the enemy was the group that Haruka-kun called wannabe delinquents, Katsuyama-kun, and his associates.?

    ?

    And that the other boys just went a bit crazy, that while we can¡¯t trust them, there is still a chance to make up.?

    ?

    I thought that the problem was in killing other humans.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t help but doubt.?

    ?

    Is there really a need for Haruka-kun to take a risk like that??

    ?

    Couldn¡¯t we solve it somehow by ourselves??

    ?

    What if we resolve ourselves, that if we didn¡¯t waver, we also could do it.?

    ?

    But I was naive. Such naive thoughts could¡¯ve gotten all of us killed.?

    ?

    But as it turned out, it had nothing to do with this. Because we wouldn¡¯t even be able to fight, the worst kind of situation possible.?

    ?

    It brought to question if there was even a point to Haruka-kun staying there.?

    ?

    Absolutely hopeless, that¡¯s the kind of a story it was.?

    ?

    ¡¸That is a monster.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What was that trash¡¯s name? Katsuyama? When we fought him and his group, that guy attacked them from behind. Annihilating 6 of them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, and then, he began using illusions that Katsuyama was using.¡¹?

    ?

    That is Plunder, my skill. Take skills upon killing. But why does he have it??

    ?

    ¡¸Even without it, we couldn¡¯t land a hit on him no matter how hard we tried. Even 5 of us together.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And magic doesn¡¯t work on him as well, what are we even supposed to do with that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And he also could poison, blind, paralyze, and so on. If we didn¡¯t have mushrooms we would¡¯ve been dead.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸He used a spear even though he was supposed to have a mage-type job.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸He also used a sword after killing Katsuyama¡¯s group.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And since he used a different offensive skill every time we couldn¡¯t read him at all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And we could evade and avoid, but even if we dodged, the attacks would land anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    We can¡¯t fight someone like that. Kakizaki-kun and others are Lv 43. On top of having almost inhuman abilities, they have an extraordinary intuition. Super Acceleration, Limit Break, Certain Death Attack, Seventeen Slash Combo¡­ Their cheats are of the highest quality. They should be unbeatable in close combat. And yet, they went through a one-sided beatdown, and retreated without being able to do anything. 12 other boys also were annihilated, even though all of them had cheat abilities. All of them were wiped out by just one person.?

    ?

    No matter how much I listen to them, I don¡¯t get it at all. The only thing I understand is that he can use Plunder, can cause abnormal status effects, can¡¯t be hit in close combat, magic seems to have no effects, and his attacks cannot be evaded.?

    ?

    There is no way such abilities really exist, but Haruka-kun, who had no abilities at all, was doing pretty much the same. At the very least, I never saw him being hit by an attack. He says that he would die if they hit him, all while not taking any hits at all. Even though he had no attacks, he was killing enemies in one blow. I don¡¯t understand what the deal is with either of them. It¡¯s like there is something completely different at play. That¡¯s why he left without us. Because this fight is completely different.?

    ?

    And in the end, Haruka-kun told them to tell us¡ºSorry for being idiot¡»¡­¡­ Then¡­

 CH 44

    Day 24 ¨C Evening, The Cave?

    ?

    An endless exchange of blows, an unending flurry of attacks.?

    ?

    Geniuses exist. Regardless of his personality or character, ability-wise he is a genius. Efforts and experience also don¡¯t matter, simply a genius.?

    ?

    This Yamada-kun here is a math genius. But he doesn¡¯t just calculate, he computes stuff all inside his brain. He tried to hide it, and pass as an ordinary person, but it was obvious.?

    ?

    He is probably troubled right now. Things aren¡¯t going the way he calculated. And even after repeated calculations, even with added probabilities, it still misses the mark.?

    ?

    It¡¯s useless. That¡¯s because my luck is at Max, breaking the limit.?

    ?

    Even if the chance to survive is lower than 1%, I will be able to survive even if we repeat this a million times, as long as it stays lower than 1%, without actually becoming zero. That¡¯s because I¡¯m outright defying the probability theory. A mere chance is not enough to kill me.?

    ?

    We are already in combat, though for him we are STILL in combat. He was supposed to kill me numerous times already, but the fight is not over yet. And I have no intention of ending it.?

    ?

    I indiscriminately strike down the endless slashes coming at me.?

    ?

    Yeah, he is pretty confused. He can¡¯t accept it, he must¡¯ve calculated it perfectly, yet I¡¯m alive. And I¡¯m intending to stay that way until he uses up all of the accumulated skills.?

    ?

    ¡¸You can use a lot of skills, must have killed so many for them.¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s a simple short to mid-range fight, I¡¯m not using any magic, since it wouldn¡¯t work anyway. Anyway, I just have to bait the skills out of him, I just have to stay alive until I get everything out of him.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun? Why won¡¯t you die?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I have no interest in suicide? And I also don¡¯t want to get killed? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    He seems to be quite displeased, quite annoyed. That might be calcium deficiency, he should eat more fish.?

    ?

    He probably killed me more than a hundred times. In his calculations that is.?

    ?

    ¡¸Just what did you do?¡¹?

    ?

    As the endless exchange of countless blows continues, each time I block an attack, each time I dodge an attack, he becomes more and more emotional.?

    ?

    ¡¸What would you like to hear? Yamada-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No matter how much stronger you get, you shouldn¡¯t be able to resist this at level 11.¡¹?

    ?

    I see. He probably calculated that I should have died many times over. Dozens of times.?

    ?

    In terms of both math and probability, this is impossible, but as long as chances are not literally zero, I still can go on.?

    ?

    ¡¸As expected of Math Genius-san. Did you calculate the probability while we are fighting?¡¹?

    ?

    Oops, I disperse the magic with a sweep of my Staff?, and dodge the incoming attack. You won¡¯t be able to kill me by holding back? Why won¡¯t you press harder??

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, how can you even move? Why can you still attack? Why can you see me?¡¹?

    ?

    Oh my, after putting up a facade of normality for so long, he is showing quite a lot of his real self.?

    ?

    ¡¸What? Do you mean your¡ºMeddle¡»and¡ºMimic¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How do you know that?! You shouldn¡¯t be able to appraise me! How¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    Of course, I didn¡¯t appraise him and saw nothing. I just thought that he must have those skills. The very moment I saw them on the blackboard in the white room.?

    ?

    ¡¸The Mimic version of Plunder seems to be quite inferior. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even an inferior version of Instant Death should be enough to take care of Lv 11! Why!¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, the problem with the level wall is that I can¡¯t resist abnormal status effects. Even so, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s 100% guaranteed to work. That¡¯s because¡ª?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, I have ¡ºHealth¡», so it doesn¡¯t work on me. ¡¹?

    ?

    Even the idiots couldn¡¯t deal with him. He used paralyzation, blindness, and poison on them, and then used decoy Illusion, that he plundered, on top of which he tampered with their mind and nerves with ¡ºMeddle¡». That¡¯s why they couldn¡¯t hit him.?

    ?

    Just barely, to a degree that wouldn¡¯t be noticed, he tampers with the body, forcing it to make extra movements. As one would try to cut straight, it would make it so the attack would go diagonally. That¡¯s why attacks won¡¯t hit.?

    ?

    Of course, I¡¯m also under the effect of ¡ºMeddle¡». I¡¯m just disregarding it. Just ignore.?

    ?

    Well, no wonder I could easily learn body manipulation-type skills.?

    ?

    ¡¸Do you know what Muppet means?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A useless fool, right?! Just perfect for you!¡¹?

    ?

    It seems our math genius is not particularly well-read.?

    ?

    ¡¸It also is a puppet of sorts, Yamada-kun. If you are using ¡ºMeddle¡»on my nervous system, then I simply have to ignore it, and forcibly manipulate my own body as a puppet.¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s why my attacks can reach him, While I can¡¯t land a decisive blow, I can fight. I already practiced walking and running while puppeteering myself, and I also practiced slashing after taking only one step. Kyojitsu. This is what I created that skill for.?

    ?

    Thanks to being able to absorb spells near me with¡¸Parasitic Vine ¨C Strengthen Wooden Sticks and Staffs, Magic Absorption ? ? ?¡¹I avoided gradual deterioration of the situation.?

    ?

    He remained in the forest alone all this time, continuing to kill. While I was dragged to the town against my will. This is where the difference between us lies.?

    ?

    This is the gap he won¡¯t be able to fill unless he uses all of the skills that he has gathered so far to kill me.?

    ?

    I just have to hang on until then. I just have to pay attention to magic. Illusions won¡¯t work on me, thanks to ¡ºGod Eye¡». I¡¯m really grateful to Contacts for this.?

    ?

    Thanks to them I can get through this, until the end¡­¡­ Until the last moment.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you sure about this? Yamada-kun. Don¡¯t you have restrictions on the skills that you stole with your Mimicked Plunder? Don¡¯t you have a limit to the number of uses on them? Are you sure you want to waste all of it here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kuh! I just need Plunder!¡¹?

    ?

    Oh, so I was right. So the restriction is the number of uses. In other words, eventually, he will run out of uses. And there is nothing he can steal from me. All of my skills are either completely useless or too difficult to master.?

    ?

    If he uses up everything here it¡¯s my win. He won¡¯t be able to defeat the president and the others.?

    ?

    He probably calculated everything in the very beginning, when he just got into that white room. Possibilities, chances, and steps that have to be taken in all of the various possible situations for him to become the strongest.?

    ?

    If he had Plunder since the beginning, in the best case scenario it would¡¯ve been sealed, in the worst, he could even die. In any case, everyone would¡¯ve been on their guard.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why our Genius-kun calculated, considering all various possibilities. The way that should produce the best results with the highest probability.?

    ?

    The more division he sows among the classmates, the higher the accuracy of his calculations, the less uncertain factors remained.?

    ?

    And then, he copied Plunder with Mimic. Then, he killed and divided classmates one after another. What he wanted were ¡ºMagic Immunity¡», ¡ºGrant Abnormal Condition¡», and ¡ºIllusion¡».?

    ?

    Combine that with ¡ºMeddle¡»and there is nothing that can threaten him.?

    ?

    There is no danger in direct confrontation.?

    ?

    Only a one-sided massacre remained.?

    ?

    A Cheat Killer is complete.?

    ?

    That concludes his preparations.?

    ?

    What remains is to use Mimic Plunder to plunder the real Plunder. In other words, kill the president. This should have made his Plunder the same as the original.?

    ?

    Then, one after another kill everyone else, and he is the strongest, Unrivaled, invincible, the strongest being.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the idiots survived. Only incapacitated, left unable to fight. He left them for later because his Plunder wasn¡¯t complete yet. He didn¡¯t want to lose their skills.?

    ?

    He probably wanted to restore Charm and Puppetry. That¡¯s why he let the wannabes live until now. But the idiots turned out to be too strong. That¡¯s why he killed the wannabes, enhancing his abilities, and then incapacitated the idiots.?

    ?

    He pretended to be friends with the wannabes and the normal boys, manipulating them and killing when he needed new skills. That¡¯s why he is alone.?

    ?

    And yet the abilities that he really wanted, ran away in a group. Killing them for nothing won¡¯t make him stronger. This is his last chance to catch up with them. But I¡¯m in the way.?

    ?

    Thinking normally, I¡¯m the weakest, he should just force his way through.?

    ?

    But he wasn¡¯t so sure.?

    ?

    He couldn¡¯t confirm that.?

    ?

    Because it wasn¡¯t certain.?

    ?

    Because he couldn¡¯t compute that.?

    ?

    Because the skills made no sense at all.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he isolated and observed me, the uncertain factor, and killing the last two of his comrades, stole Instant Death. This, combined with Level Wall, should¡¯ve checkmated me.?

    ?

    And yet, I won¡¯t die.?

    ?

    Far from that, neither Meddle, nor Illusion, nor Status Effects are working.?

    ?

    Even though he is above me in level and abilities, he is shaken, because he never fought tough battles, always overwhelming his opponents.?

    ?

    He is misunderstanding it after all?

 CH 45

    What an utter disappointment.?

    ?

    Slipping through the probabilities calculated by this Genius-kun I will stall him until he runs out of tricks.?

    ?

    Probability-wise it¡¯s impossible, but I should be able to barely pull it off.?

    ?

    I nullified his secret weapon.?

    ?

    The only option left for him is to go all out, using all of his skills to kill me with 100% certainty. And if he wastes all of his cheat skills, he will have no chance of killing the president.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll die, but it also will be the end of him. Checkmate.?

    ?

    Even though he stole enough cheats to kill me. Even though he has enough of them to kill me with a 100% chance.?

    ?

    He can¡¯t kill me unless he uses them all. And I¡¯m going to continue fighting until he does.?

    ?

    Is what I thought. I¡¯m disappointed.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? Yamamoto-kun? That¡¯s enough. You disappoint me.¡¹

    [TL note: All of the names he used to call the other guy until now are among the most common surnames in Japan.]?

    ?

    ¡¸Who the hell is Yamamoto! You were saying my name correctly until now!¡¹?

    ?

    Oh? Looks like I got it wrong. Well, I don¡¯t care anymore, so it doesn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good grief, this is the fight to the death between side characters, but your greed prevents you from becoming even a side character. You understand that we are not the main characters, right? It was pretty obvious from the beginning. It is your last chance to shine, Yamakawa-kun, yet you are holding back, unable to become even a minor character. Farewell, nameless classmate.¡¹?

    ?

    I resolved myself to death, put up my guard, intent to make him waste his skills, but this idiot disabled cheat class martial arts. He is holding back.?

    ?

    Did you really think that you can take me on with just debuffs and instant death? You are afraid of wasting the remaining uses of stolen abilities, huh? Using Swordsmanship MaX, or Perk of Spearmanship, or Perfect Evasion, seems like a waste here, right? You are terribly mistaken? You probably thought yourself to be a protagonist? How foolish.?

    ?

    ¡¸Farewell. Kawamoto-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    Taking half a step forward, I cut him down. Aah, so I killed a person, no idea who that person was though??

    ?

    Aah?! ¡­¡­¡­Uwwaaa, and this is after leaving the last words¡¸Sorry for being an idiot¡¹. What do I do??

    ?

    Day 24 ¨C Late Night, Omui Town?

    ?

    Everyone fell asleep, exhausted. Crying, sobbing, without any idea of what we should do next everyone wearied themselves to sleep.?

    ?

    Without even thinking about what awaits us tomorrow.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t take it anymore. I¡¯m going on my own.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t care about being the class president.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t take everyone with me.?

    ?

    Because there is no chance of victory.?

    ?

    I just want to go to Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Dying by his side is enough.?

    ?

    The enemy is after my skill. Plunder.?

    ?

    So I will die before I get killed.?

    ?

    I will kill myself.?

    ?

    Then there won¡¯t be a chance to steal it from me.?

    ?

    Then Haruka-kun won¡¯t have to die.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he told me nothing.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t take me with him.?

    ?

    It might be too late.?

    ?

    But I¡¯m going anyway.?

    ?

    To where Haruka-kun is.?

    ?

    To that cave.?

    ?

    That¡¯s enough.?

    ?

    Sneaking out of the room I pass through the dining hall.?

    ?

    The place where we are always making a ruckus.?

    ?

    Scolding Haruka-kun all the time.?

    ?

    I pass through the entrance to the inn.?

    ?

    When he saw its name he tried to set the guild on fire, which we all collectively stopped.?

    ?

    Every day was one big uproar after another.?

    ?

    I pass through the town gates.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun was always getting scolded here.?

    ?

    Everyone always scolded him with a smile.?

    ?

    Even now, Haruka-kun is getting scolded.?

    ?

    Really, that¡¯s what you get for trying to get into the town in the middle of night¡­¡­¡­ EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH?!?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back? I guess? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know what to do anymore, I don¡¯t know what to say, I don¡¯t even know what is going on. But Haruka-kun is here. He came back. Well, first of all, a good scolding!?

    ?

    As expected, it turned into a huge uproar with everyone.?

    ?

    As expected, Haruka-kun was given a sermon.?

    ?

    As expected, complete chaos.?

    ?

    As expected, Haruka-kun got scolded.?

    ?

    As expected, everyone scolded him with a smile.?

    ?

    Welcome back.

 CH 46

    Day 25 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    The long sermon went all night long. Or rather, from the middle of the night up to the early morning, it is still in force, in the present continuous form. A joint effort. All Stars. Surrounded on all sides. Everyone is taking their turns. Will I be able to escape this if I fry them? The geeks for example? I can fry them, right? They have no intention of helping me. Yeah, I positively should do this.?

    ?

    They kept endlessly scolding me.?

    ?

    But I had no other options??

    ?

    Yet they kept relentlessly lecturing me.?

    ?

    But no one aside from me could¡¯ve pulled that off??

    ?

    They fervently scolded me.?

    ?

    Isn¡¯t it all that Kawamoto guy¡¯s fault??

    ?

    I lost my allowance!?

    ?

    This is just too much!!!?

    ?

    I did my best, you know? I did, you know!??

    ?

    A discussion began. The geeks seem to have no intention of helping me. Read the mood! I¡¯m hunting them down later and then frying them.?

    ?

    The idiots were idiots. Well, it¡¯s not like I expected anything from you guys¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸So what was his deal in the end? Why no one could beat him¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸He interfered with the minds and nervous system? Kind of.¡¹?

    ?

    Mind manipulation combined with illusions, and abnormal statuses. It¡¯s impossible to even fight him properly.?

    ?

    ¡¸And what about Plunder?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸He copied it with Mimic. Or imitated? Mimicked? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s why no one paid attention to him, no one was on guard, and with no one keeping an eye on him, he was able to go through his preparations. And could execute his plan into reality.?

    ?

    ¡¸He had tons of skills, right? 13 people worth¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm? Magic Immunity? Instant Death? Abnormal Status, and illusions? And something else? ¡¹?

    ?

    The build meant to counter other cheats. The build was meant for killing those with cheat abilities. The sequence he came up with to safely kill cheat owners. And in order to stick to that sequence, he held back. Held back and died.?

    ?

    ¡¸But why you~? Haruka-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    Oooh, they are swaying¡­¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing, really.?

    ?

    ¡¸He is a Cheat Killer. But I have no cheats? So there is nothing that can be taken from me that can become a problem.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaaah.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I had Anti-Anti-Cheat. Reverse Cheat. Wait, isn¡¯t that just a handicap?! Just where am I supposed to use such crap??

    ?

    Even if he used all of the skills he had and managed to kill me, stealing my skills, he wouldn¡¯t be able to kill the president and others with my skills alone. That¡¯s why it was a checkmate for him, no matter what he did.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, since it all happened in front of the cave, I had a buff from ¡¸Hikikomori¡¹for protecting my home. Until now it also kept me from dying in the forest despite my weakness¡­¡­ I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I wanted to go back to the cave. The cave had to remain my home. That¡¯s the only place where I could fight. That¡¯s the only place where I could survive.?

    ?

    Well, in the end¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸I thought he was a genius, but turns out he is just an idiot? He could¡¯ve won if he made use of all of his skills to overwhelm me. But in that case, he won¡¯t be able to take on other cheat users? So he held back? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    He was a dumbass. He had his plans derailed by the idiots. Wasting his skills he then held back against me and got killed. Killed by me.?

    ?

    If he killed the idiots and stole their skills he wouldn¡¯t have lost. If he didn¡¯t hold back against me he wouldn¡¯t have lost as well. It¡¯s because he tried to take the place of a hero, despite being some side character, he was unable to become even a minor character and was killed by a side character. It was supposed to be a fight for mutual destruction, yet he crumbled before me.?

    ?

    You don¡¯t even need to read the first page to understand this. Just read the introduction of other characters. We are just supporting characters. Side characters in an epic that is about to begin. Classmates A and B. We aren¡¯t even characters, my role was supposed to be Classmate A, who lives in that cave, taming goblins, who will get killed by Classmate B, who came out of the forest, who will then die to monsters on his way out of the forest, because he lost power. That¡¯s it.?

    ?

    And yet, while a minor character like me was tossed around by the main characters, he misunderstood his role. He thought that he was the protagonist. That¡¯s why the story fell apart. That¡¯s why things fell apart. And¡­¡­ I survived.?

    ?

    He was an idiot that in this tale of a different world, in a world of sword and magic, still believed that 1 = 1.?

    ?

    Day 24 ¨C Over. Or rather Day 25 ¨C Beginning.

 CH 47

    Day 25 ¨C Morning, Omui Guild.?

    ?

    I escaped since they were scolding me.?

    ?

    And yet¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Why do the quests remain the same? Do you have any intentions of working at this guild? The person in charge of the notice board is not working at all, right? They are working even less than a NEET. I have no money. I have no allowance. When are you going to post legit profitable quests? Just when am I going to hit it big already?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸When are you going to start keeping a low profile? Profitable quests are for adventurers. But you couldn¡¯t become one, right? Why did you come here again?¡­¡­ And where have you been? Everyone¡­¡­ was really worried.¡¹?

    ?

    Oh, it¡¯s a flat gaze from the receptionist lady, the first in a while. Yesterday I couldn¡¯t get my fill. The girls were giving me a serious glare instead. Even though I did nothing wrong? Could it be that they are angry that I came back alive?! No, that can¡¯t be true, I hope. Ah! I see! Souvenirs?! The problem is that I came empty-handed. As I thought, I ought to raise my affection rating or my life is at risk. I will be killed through a sermon.?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t there money hidden somewhere?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If it was lying on the ground somewhere it¡¯s one thing, but please don¡¯t just steal hidden money, that is what a bandit would do!¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Oh. It¡¯s a flat gaze. Not a point-blank stare while crying, completely different stuff. Something I couldn¡¯t have at the cave.?

    ?

    Hmm, I want to sleep, but if I go back to the inn I¡¯ll get scolded again.?

    ?

    And there is no point in idling in the town since I have no money.?

    ?

    The geeks are useless. As usual.?

    ?

    The idiots are sleeping. Well, they are idiots after all.?

    ?

    No, really, aren¡¯t they way too stupid? Almost dying, losing arms and legs, they barely survived, had their limbs regrown, and what did they do? Run all the way to the city, without stopping. Without stopping for a sleep or a break, they ran all the way to the city while chewing on HP mushrooms, and collapsed in front of the gates, getting captured by the guards as the result¡­ Complete and utter idiots.?

    ?

    There was no point in rushing, and they should¡¯ve known that! And in the first place, they were almost dead just some hours ago, don¡¯t run! As a result, they didn¡¯t recover at all!?

    ?

    Wandering around the town I spot the cute maid that I met several days ago¡­¡­ And she is waving a hand? ¡­¡­To me? She is beckoning? ¡­¡­Me! ¡­¡­Is this finally the time for this and that and¡­¡­?

    ?

    I got caught.?

    ?

    Suddenly, soldiers surrounded me! Ah, please, why can¡¯t they be maids! This is a scummy trap! Making use of the high school boy¡¯s brain in such a way!¡­¡­ How terrifying.?

    ?

    Turns out it was set up by Merimeri-san.?

    ?

    ¡¸I thought that we might catch you with this, but why did it go this easy? Even though we couldn¡¯t find you no matter how we tried¡­¡­ And you fall this easy for a maid.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, she was waving a hand? She was beckoning me? ¡¹?

    ?

    Who wouldn¡¯t go??

    ?

    ¡¸But when guards do that you run away!¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? But they are old dudes? Who wouldn¡¯t run away??

    ?

    ¡¸And also, please don¡¯t make such a face like you don¡¯t recognize me! It¡¯s Meriel! You even have it written in your passage permit! Not Merimeari or Merimeri! Meriel!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, eh? But your mother, Murimur-san, introduced herself as ¡ºMerimeri¡¯s mother¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Even mother forgot¡­¡­ I¡¯ll live as Merimeri from now on¡­¡­ You can even call me Meri if you like¡­¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded by the butler.?

    ?

    And that¡¯s after I said so many times that I prefer maids¡­¡­ Ah, nevermind, I didn¡¯t say anything.?

    ?

    ¡¸Father and Mother were looking for you since that day, wishing to express their gratitude, but no matter where we looked, we couldn¡¯t find you, uncertain if it was because you aren¡¯t in the town or avoiding us, I decided to set up a trap¡­¡­ So you were here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I returned last evening? Or rather, last night? But couldn¡¯t get into the town¡­ And when I did, the gatekeeper caught me.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­ Hmmm. Anyway, gratitude! With Father and Mother being saved by you as well, you now saved our whole family, for which we are deeply grateful. Father and Mother once again departed for the neighboring town, so I thank you in their stead as well. ¡­¡­Are you listening? Really? ¡­¡­And here is a modest reward, please accept it.¡¹?

    ?

    I obtained money.?

    ?

    Looks like saving carriages from attacks is pretty lucrative??

    ?

    ¡¸Neighbouring town? Won¡¯t they get attacked again? I mean, it¡¯s about time, isn¡¯t it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why do they have to get attacked every time they leave outside! And what do you mean ¨C about time? Just what are you hoping for? The nobles behind the attacks are already arrested. It¡¯s safe.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like there won¡¯t be new attacks. Looks like I won¡¯t be getting more money.?

    ?

    The path to the affection boost is still long.?

    ?

    Since I got money, I stroll around the town.?

    ?

    Eventually, I reached the weapon store that was on the verge of turning into a store exclusively selling clubs. Old man, are you fine with that? Aren¡¯t you a blacksmith??

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, Old Man? I found more goblin leader clubs lying around, wanna buy?¡¹?

    ?

    When I showed him a club, he dashed to me from the store, carrying a leather bag full of money. How easy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Everything I can buy for this! Or actually, why would such a thing would be lying on the ground?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? Collision? Accidental death? And clubs ended up on the ground? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are saying they were lying, like you had nothing to do with this, but didn¡¯t you kill them? Not only you didn¡¯t just find them, but you are also the very culprit that killed them!¡¹?

    ?

    No no, how much of an idiot does one have to be to run brandishing a club to where a person is about to fall. It¡¯s not my fault at all, isn¡¯t it??

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, well? It was lying on the ground? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    While saying this and that, the old man appraised the clubs. Looks like they are selling well. This town might be a dangerous place.?

    ?

    I actually also have clubs from kings and the emperor, but I¡¯m not telling him that, since he might go bankrupt trying to buy them.?

    ?

    For some reason, this town has a terrible custom of blaming every store that is going into bankruptcy on me. What a terrible place.?

    ?

    Regrettably, the lady from the general store couldn¡¯t beat her mushroom addiction. Her condition might be more severe than I initially thought.?

    ?

    When I told her if she wants mushrooms she should find rice, she broke down in tears. In the end, I sold them to her for cash and dried fruits. She rubbed her cheeks on mushrooms with tears on her face. It might be too late for her, this looks like a terminal stage. I really wish she¡¯d stop, since it looks incredibly suspicious.?

    ?

    Speaking of suspicious, it looks like that suspicious hooded merchant is not yet back to the town. Ah, and my affection points as well. Pheromones aren¡¯t coming back¡­?

    ?

    Now, the president and others are off to a dungeon. It seems that they took a request for it, so they have to go. Until night it should be okay, but then, they will come back with more raging sermons and furious lectures.?

    ?

    The cookies that I made while killing time in the cave had a bit of weird taste since I couldn¡¯t get my hands on butter, but when I tried to feed them to the poster girl, she was incredibly happy and even did some kind of a strange dance. Sugar seems to be pretty valuable and is not widely available. But they have dried fruits, I guess making a fruit cake might prove useful the next time I get scolded. Or rather, there is a good chance that the scolding might continue when I get back. Even more so since I ran away.?

    ?

    This time I came back without souvenirs, that must be the reason they are mad at me. They were super mad. Looks like the weapons that Motoki-kun? carried weren¡¯t enough. What¡¯s needed are sweets after all, though at this rate the girls might soon need to get into Billy¡¯s Bootcamp¡­¡­ One More Set!?

    ?

    So yes, I should make a fruit cake. Without butter, it might turn out like sweet bread, but it¡¯s a fruit cake.?

    ?

    Borrowing the inn¡¯s kitchen I get to making the cake. I already bribed the poster girl, so it¡¯s not a problem.?

    ?

    I have flour, dried fruits, and milk. I don¡¯t know what kind of milk this is, but milk is milk. If it turns into bread, I can turn it into steamed buns. Anyway, with the exception of the idiots, everyone is in the dungeon for now. And they will be back by night. And when they are, the sermon will resume. Before then I must finish a fruit cake! It¡¯s a race against time. A fruit cake is the only thing that can prove my innocence!?

    ?

    Actually, though my clothes are still intact, it seems that there was more damage than I thought even though I healed my wounds with mushroom potions. Especially from the crash landing of the last jump to the town.

    I was on the verge of death, and I also didn¡¯t sleep. And yet, to avoid another lecture, I¡¯m making a fruit cake. Sifting the flour, making a dough, kneading it, letting it ferment, even though the idiots are sleeping, baking it, steaming it, should I bake the geeks¡¯ head as well? Why didn¡¯t they even try to help me? Didn¡¯t they say that they will repay the favor when they get to a town? And when we came to the town, they weren¡¯t there? And they did nothing to save me from the sermon? Read the mood! Why am I the only one who has to work this hard? Even though I¡¯m a NEET¡­¡­?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It¡¯s a victory. A complete and overwhelming victory. I was vindicated, the charges were false after all. Am I on the route of turning into Monte Cristo? I¡¯m already living in the cave, but on whom should I take my revenge??

    ?

    [TL note: the Japanese name for that novel is the King of the Cavern. So¡­]?

    ?

    The girls jumped at the pseudo-fruit cake, or more like steamed-bun-like something. They are almost swallowing it whole.?

    ?

    Some of them are even crying. They sink their teeth into them without saying anything and swallow. I¡¯m glad that I cut it up beforehand. They are going so hard at it, that I seriously think that were I to leave it whole at the center of the table they would¡¯ve started a deathmatch. For some reason, everyone is crying while laughing¡­ I don¡¯t remember putting any shrooms there? Did I add something weird there? Crying with smiles.?

    ?

    That gradually shifted into dinner, with everyone making as much ruckus as usual. With idiots coming from upstairs and joining as well, the conversation turned into chaos. No one knows what they are talking about at this point. I don¡¯t know as well. And their names as well.?

    ?

    In the end, the commotion continued until midnight, with everyone taking turns to bathe. What a noisy bunch. As always, the president is too close, while the bitches are putting on pressure, sitting behind me, the athletic girls are on the spree, while the poster girl is panicking. The idiots got emotional and are saying something dumb, the geeks ignore what is happening around them and engage in their usual geekery, Vice President A is glaring, Vice President C is getting fed by everyone, while Vice President B is jiggling as always¡­ Noo, Imnotlooking? Why does everyone turn to me all at once? Why did everyone stop talking? And many of them have flat gazes? Is it contagious? So close, if it were 12 people, then 24 eyes with flat gazes would¡¯ve been a masterpiece, but the destructive power of 40 eyes is just too high. For some reason, even the poster girl was infected with a flat gaze. Good grief, as usual, they are noisy, bustling, and on top of that boisterous. Even though they are already in the second year of high school. It¡¯s about time they get some common sense.?

    ?

    Time passed, and quite late at night I finally returned to my room, instantly falling asleep. Or more like falling unconscious¡­ I¡¯m so tired.?

    ?

    Day 25 ¨C Over.

 CH 48

    Day 26 ¨C Morning, Streets of Omui Town?

    ?

    Aah, such a drag, I don¡¯t want to do anything. And I didn¡¯t get enough rest. I want to sleep, but they woke me up¡­ I¡¯m a tired high-school boy? But no one tries to understand my hardship.?

    ?

    Everyone applied with the guild for a dungeon for 3 days, so they have to be there. I¡¯m level 11, so I can¡¯t register as an adventurer, thus staying home. Well, since I¡¯m a NEET, Hikikomori, and Loner, it is the correct decision.?

    ?

    My part here is done, can¡¯t I go back already? I can¡¯t shake off the feeling that staying here I¡¯m only getting scolded every day. Even though I did nothing wrong? Very strange.?

    ?

    I have a relatively large sum of money. Upon counting it, it turns out it¡¯s more than 2,000,000 ere. I¡¯m a rich man once again. Let¡¯s tease the poster pleb later. I have no allowance, but I earned the money through a side job. Slowly but steadily I accumulated this sum by working hard, and yet, if it were found out, it would be confiscated, hence, I must spend it before that happens.?

    ?

    But the suspicious merchant is not yet back in town, The same goes for my affection points and pheromone. Just where did it go? My affection? Just when is it going to grow? Low favorability surely must be the reason why I¡¯m being scolded daily despite doing nothing. Can¡¯t that peddler peddle faster?!?

    ?

    The general store also has no new wares and no rice. Just in case, I told her about the existence of the ultimate food form, namely rice with mushrooms. Now she will probably get desperate in her search. She is a mushroom addict after all.?

    ?

    The weapon store, or should it rather be called the club store? Seems to be doing quite well. This town is doomed.?

    ?

    I window-shop here and there, but there are no cool items. No suspicious shop that opens only at night as well.?

    ?

    So boring.?

    ?

    Maybe I should sneak into a dungeon??

    ?

    It seems that only adventurers are allowed inside, but if I move stealthily it shouldn¡¯t be a problem.?

    ?

    Doesn¡¯t a dungeon sound like a lot of fun??

    ?

    Apparently, one can even find real treasure chests there.?

    ?

    For some reason the Geeks were against it, saying that¡¸If you go there you¡¯d probably fall into a chasm all the way to the lowest floor and go missing.¡¹?

    ?

    No, I¡¯m not going to fly or jump inside a dungeon, so I¡¯m not going to fall anywhere? The ceiling is too low for that, isn¡¯t it??

    ?

    There is nothing but gobs and kobolds outside anyway.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m a bit traumatized from fighting the goblin emperor and the kobold king.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t want to do that ever again.?

    ?

    It¡¯s amazing that I managed to survive!?

    ?

    My head almost got bitten off!?

    ?

    Never again.?

    ?

    And I also don¡¯t want to do anything with the Goblin King Game¡­ That¡¯s probably the part that I hate the most¡­¡­ I mean, I¡¯m the only one who isn¡¯t a king there¡­¡­?

    ?

    How boring.?

    ?

    I already had a flat gaze from the president of receptionists at the guild, and all of the quests there remained the same¡­¡­?

    ?

    Which reminds me, until now, no one at the guild met eyes with me even once. Even when I¡¯m standing right in front of them, looking into their eyes, they still wouldn¡¯t make eye contact. Such a mystery. A mystery that is too much for me. Even if it isn¡¯t a mystery, I still don¡¯t get it. And the idiots are still sleeping, they didn¡¯t recover even one bit.?

    ?

    Anyway, let¡¯s go outside.?

    ?

    There might be another carriage under attack, so I might get more money in rewards.?

    ?

    So peaceful. Not a single reward in sight.?

    ?

    Not a single carriage under attack.?

    ?

    Well, not like I need it at this point.?

    ?

    My part is over, so I don¡¯t need new equipment.?

    ?

    No, if I find something good I will buy it anyway. Obviously.?

    ?

    I¡¯m basically obligated to do so according to RPG canons.?

    ?

    But I don¡¯t want to fight strong monsters.?

    ?

    Then, I guess my equipment is sufficient??

    ?

    I¡¯m going to instead ambush them anyway??

    ?

    It¡¯s kind of¡­ Too peaceful.?

    ?

    Well, it¡¯s been a while, so such days are fine as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Is what I¡¯m saying, can¡¯t you read the mood?¡¹?

    ?

    As I walked towards the forest orcs jumped out of it for some reason. Not some orc-faced guys, but actual orcs. Well, I don¡¯t care either way. I don¡¯t get what¡¯s the difference anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸Did they come here after hearing that some town was popular with monsters? Led by false information? In the first place, where did the orcs even get that info? Was it spread by Merimeri-san? Did she put posters in the forest? ¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like gobs and kobolds also tagged along. Is this a shopping tour? Should I go along with the trend? I think they are going to attack me even if I go along with it? Participation denied!! All because I¡¯m a Loner!!?

    ?

    I strike the gobs.?

    ?

    Strike the kobolds.?

    ?

    And occasionally also strike the orcs.?

    ?

    What is this? Whack a monster? A rhythm game? I hope it doesn¡¯t turn into a King Game! And not because I¡¯m afraid of losing!?

    ?

    And no kobold kings as well! Don¡¯t you dare show up! I¡¯ll set bitches after you! Even though I¡¯m also afraid of them¡­¡­ Honestly.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    For how long do I have to keep up with this Whack a Monster? How many hours to clear it? Will I get a prize for this? If it¡¯s a Pheromone Ring then I¡¯m gonna do it!! Absolutely! Come at me, Affection Points! I¡¯ll turn every single one of you into affection!?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It¡¯s getting dark, and I¡¯m getting hungry. Can¡¯t I pause this or save my progress? It¡¯s about time for me to go home. Well, by that logic I will have to go into the forest though.?

    ?

    Ah, how long do I have to keep doing this? Monster Masters? How many hours do I have to whack them to clear this? Will I get a prize? If it¡¯s rice then I¡¯m gonna do it! Absolutely! Come at me, you rice balls! I¡¯m going to squeeze every single one of you!?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    It¡¯s pitch dark already¡­ And I¡¯m really hungry! Unable to bear it anymore I started munching on mushrooms midway! Even though the town is right there? Oh? It¡¯s finally over? Ending? What about the prize??

    ?

    ¡¸Eeh? Read the mood! Saving the most annoying part for the final is a bad game design! What did you come here for! Just go back if all of your allies got annihilated!¡¹?

    ?

    The last came Orc King. Level 34, HP is excessive 327. It¡¯s weaker than the goblin emperor, but it¡¯s going to take a while, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m sure of it.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s late at night, I¡¯m hungry, and yet I have to deal with the orc king now? Just why? It won¡¯t end anytime soon, right? Are they trying to starve me to death? Is that the strategy? Can I leave for a moment? I¡¯ll eat dinner and be right back?¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently ¨C no. This is the worst. It can¡¯t read the mood. It¡¯s on the same level as the geeks. At this point, I won¡¯t be surprised if a Geek King were to appear next. In the first place, why do I have to beat them to death? It¡¯s such a pain in the ass.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I beat it to death. I clubbed it. I did it. But no one is rushing to hand me the prize? Why? Was I tricked? I kept whacking them all this time, I didn¡¯t even use magic in case it might be banned for this attraction. I didn¡¯t even cut or stab them and earnestly kept striking them? And no prize? ¡­¡­Enough, I¡¯m done with this, I¡¯m going home.?

    ?

    Collecting clubs and magic stones of¡­ Who? The Geek King? No¡­ Ah, the orc king and the orc leaders I go back. I¡¯m too tired to gather anything else. Tired, hungry, and just fed up with this.?

    ?

    Receiving no prize, I dejectedly make my way back to the town.?

    ?

    A wasted effort.?

    ?

    If I were to gather everything it probably would¡¯ve totaled for a huge sum, but I won¡¯t be able to sell all of that anyway.?

    ?

    There are clubs everywhere I look. Why not rename it to the Club Town already?

 CH 49

    Day 26 ¨C Late at night, Omui town gates.?

    ?

    When we left the dungeon we were told to immediately go back to the town.?

    ?

    A nearby village was destroyed.?

    ?

    A message came through magic. It was overrun by monsters.?

    ?

    But the village that sent that message, soon also couldn¡¯t be contacted anymore.?

    ?

    Judging by the direction of their movement, this town should come under attack next, so the guild called for an urgent assembly.?

    ?

    At the moment they are building barricades, making bonfires, and getting ready for combat.?

    ?

    And things just turned peaceful.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun brought peace just a short while ago.?

    ?

    Fighting in the forest all alone.?

    ?

    So this time, we are going to protect him.?

    ?

    Even Kakizaki-kun and others, who were sleeping, recovering, joined us.?

    ?

    Their equipment was in scraps, but Oda-kun and his friends gave them spares.?

    ?

    It¡¯s about time, the monsters might come any moment now. Or rather, they are a bit late.?

    ?

    The guild was working on intercepting them since the morning.?

    ?

    On the walls on top of the gate stood the daughter of the local lord, in full battle gear.?

    ?

    That says a lot about the seriousness of the situation. The very existence of the town seems to be at stake. But we are here.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun saved us, risking¡­¡­ No, trying to throw away his life.?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry for being an idiot¡¹probably wasn¡¯t about Kakizaki-kun and the rest, but actually were meant to be the last words of Haruka-kun¡­¡­ Everyone understands that.?

    ?

    And everyone knows that we were protected by him. That once again, we couldn¡¯t do anything. That we just left him for dead.?

    ?

    But, he came back. And for some reason, even he himself wasn¡¯t fully content with coming back¡­¡­ Yet, he returned.?

    ?

    That¡¯s how little he thought of his chances to come back alive. He was planning to die there.?

    ?

    And we were useless again. Unable to defend anything. We couldn¡¯t save anyone. We are just getting protected and rescued over and over. Even though we became stronger. We couldn¡¯t protect what we wanted to protect the most. Back then, everyone thought that we lost him. But, Haruka-kun managed to save even himself. And in turn, saved us from that regret. All by himself. And came back to us.?

    ?

    So this time, it is our time to protect.?

    ?

    Using the strength that Haruka-kun gave us.?

    ?

    This time, it¡¯s our turn to save others.?

    ?

    Just like he did for us.?

    ?

    And we will protect him as well.?

    ?

    He might do just fine even without that.?

    ?

    But he still doesn¡¯t understand that he is not that strong.?

    ?

    He acted as usual, but he probably was badly hurt, he surely must¡¯ve had wounds all over his body.?

    ?

    There is no way that he was unharmed. The enemy was someone who tore off Kakizaki-kun¡¯s and the others¡¯ limbs, and he took a lot of his attacks. For our sake.?

    ?

    There is no way that he is fine. Even so, he came back. Acting, as usual, saying that he is back.?

    ?

    So today, we are going to protect. At least so Haruka-kun can rest without worry.?

    ?

    That¡¯s all we can do.?

    ?

    Luckily, Haruka-kun is not an adventurer, so he wasn¡¯t summoned.?

    ?

    It bothers me a bit that Kakizaki-kun and the others said that they didn¡¯t see him, but I hope he will allow us to protect him, at least today.?

    ?

    After all, after receiving so much, we still haven¡¯t paid him back at all.?

    ?

    I hope he will allow us to protect him at least while he is healing his wounds.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    And yet¡­¡­ No monsters in sight¡­¡­?

    ?

    But instead, Haruka-kun showed up??

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you having a campfire by yourselves? Why are you leaving me out? Is it because I¡¯m a Loner? While I was hungry and tired, you were having a BBQ? After I proved my innocence through the fruitcake?! I wanted to have a BBQ as well! If you are going to bully someone, why not just settle with the geeks? I mean, we finally got them? ¡­¡­Why only me? Ah, I¡¯m so hungry.¡¹?

    ?

    Eehm, looks like he is hungry? ¡­¡­BBQ??

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm? Haruka-kun? It¡¯s not like we are leaving you out? And this is not a campfire. It¡¯s dangerous here, so please pass through the gates? Okay?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know when the fruitcake proved his innocence, but I can¡¯t allow Haruka-kun to fight a horde of monsters in his current condition.?

    ?

    He isn¡¯t complaining, he acts as usual, but he must be injured. He is in no state to fight. Potions can heal wounds, but we don¡¯t know how much damage and fatigue he accumulated. It¡¯s obvious from his face that he is exhausted like he might collapse any moment now.?

    ?

    ¡¸Look, the nearby villages were overrun by monsters, and now this town is in danger. Soldiers and adventurers are working together, preparing to meet them in battle. We also will protect the town, so you can relax and rest. We will handle this.¡¹?

    ?

    I wonder if my explanation was too long? Haruka-kun began frying fish in the middle of it, and by the time he poured soy sauce on it, a crowd gathered around him.?

    ?

    Everyone enviously looked at Haruka-kun, eating with great appetite, while the smell of burned soy sauce made everyone gulp.?

    ?

    Some tried to start a conversation with him, when Haruka-kun put his hand on the ground, then a table suddenly emerged from it, on which Haruka-kun set up fish and began frying it.?

    ?

    Before I even noticed a line formed, taking fish from Haruka-kun and giving him money in return. Is this a food stall? Ah¡­¡­ The price is a total rip-off.?

    ?

    Eem? Isn¡¯t a horde of monsters supposed to attack? Why is everyone eating fish? So this actually was a campfire??

    ?

    Haruka-kun, you are going to get in trouble for opening a stall at such a place. Wait, why is even the guild master standing in the line? Why is the daughter of the lord munching on fish? Why did he give the biggest fish to Vice President B? Or rather, when did she even get in line? Eh? Aren¡¯t we going to fight? Aren¡¯t we supposed to protect the town? Why am I even standing in the line? I won¡¯t forgive you if my fish will be smaller than B-san¡¯s! Absolutely!?

    ?

    They aren¡¯t coming??

    ?

    Haruka-kun is talking with Oda-kun and others.?

    ?

    Even though it¡¯s dangerous for him to remain here.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun was dragged to the guild master??

    ?

    There seems to be some kind of argument? So that stall was a problem after all.?

    ?

    They even called the daughter of the lord? Did something happen??

    ?

    For some reason, the young lady is stamping her feet on the ground. For some reason, Haruka-kun is doing the same? Why does he look so puzzled doing it??

    ?

    A clerk from the guild came to call me? Is it really okay for me to leave my post like this??

    ?

    ¡¸Posts, alert, scouting, it all doesn¡¯t matter anymore, so please, come with me. We need an interpreter. But it¡¯s not about languages¡­¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    While I thought that this is not good, I still followed¡­¡­ Aah.?

    ?

    The culprit was Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? I heard nothing of it? I don¡¯t know anything about a monster raid? I just kept whacking when something popped up? Kind of? Eh? Since the morning? Well, what can I do if they keep popping up? Yes? All the time until night. A raid? No, it was an aggressive shopping tour? Some town, forgot the name, is very popular at the moment? Or so it seems? No, I didn¡¯t hear anything about this? Who? Orcs? Ah, yeah, orcs, they had orc faces? Eh? No, those were real orcs? Anyway, I was just whacking them. Why? Because they kept coming? Like, Whack A Monster? But it might be Monster Master? So I just kept hitting them all, but there was no prize in the end! I¡¯m the victim here?! I didn¡¯t get anything? Even though I cleared it. Eh? What do I mean by cleared? I got Orc King, ah? Yes. No? No, I got tricked! I mean, they just kept popping up? I did my best, even though I was very hungry. What? No, I only hit them, or rather knocked? Whacked? Right? I¡¯m not wrong here? I mean, if a monster pops up, you¡¯d hit it, right? Normally? See, I did nothing wrong?¡­¡­ You¡¯d hit them, right? Right, everyone?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like everyone couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying. Myself included. Indeed, the problem is not the language.?

    ?

    But when Haruka-kun says ¡ºI did nothing wrong?¡»it usually means that he did.?

    ?

    So far, there hasn¡¯t been even one case when he was innocent.?

    ?

    In fact, the culprit is always Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    By the time the sun began to rise we headed to the scene of the crime, which the culprit described in his testimony.?

    ?

    The corpses of the monsters disappeared by now, leaving only huge mounds of magic stones and clubs as far as the eye can see.?

    ?

    With the passage of time corpses of monsters disappear, leaving only magic stones behind. Which means, this is where the crime took place. A massacre, caught red-handed.?

    ?

    Usually, people that manage to fend off an invasion of monsters become heroes. I think it¡¯s quite rare for someone to be treated like a criminal after that¡­?

    ?

    But there is no room for excuses. After all, he fried fish as if nothing happened, and earned a huge sum of money, selling it at an outrageous price.?

    ?

    And then also, there is an element of recidivism. He is a repeat offender, and yet he has no remorse at all.?

    ?

    Verdict.?

    ?

    A sermon, as expected.

 CH 50

    Day 27 ¨C Daytime, Omui¡¯s Guild?

    ?

    They woke me up, even though I still want to sleep. They dragged me to the guild, even though I did nothing wrong. The verdict is unjust.?

    ?

    Even though I was scolded after we returned to the inn.?

    ?

    This time as well, although I don¡¯t think it even has to be mentioned, I didn¡¯t do anything.?

    ?

    But for some reason, I¡¯m getting scolded again??

    ?

    I tried to appeal by asking if fervently beating monsters counts as a crime, but they scolded me anyway??

    ?

    I mean, I didn¡¯t hear that there is going to be a horde of monsters coming? No one told me about the incoming attack? Yeah, I¡¯m sure even gobs didn¡¯t say anything about this.?

    ?

    How am I supposed to know that? Even kobolds didn¡¯t say anything like¡ºHey, there is a stampede incoming¡»??

    ?

    Moreover,¡ºWhy didn¡¯t you report this immediately?¡», how am I supposed to do that when I¡¯m busy whacking them? I was very preoccupied at that time.?

    ?

    It¡¯s just as bad as saying to the people from the attacked villages ¡ºWell, you should have reported it¡»? Are the villagers supposed to run to report this while kobolds are chewing on their heads?!?

    ?

    And yet, they are mad at me??

    ?

    Even the fried fish, I was selling it because they asked me to sell it to them.?

    ?

    I only fried fish because I felt bad for them since they must¡¯ve been very hungry. Well, I did make a huge profit though.?

    ?

    And yet, I was scolded??

    ?

    And the president confiscated all of it?! This is cruelty. Just as greedy and cruel as poachers.?

    ?

    In the first place, they just kept coming one after another? What choice did I have but to whack them? Like in a beat, in a rhythm mania, bam, bam, bam, whack, just keep hitting them? Why can¡¯t they understand it? And why am I supposed to be scolded for that??

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, Haruka-kun. First of all, as the guild master, I¡¯d like to thank you for stopping the monster horde. Thank you. That number¡­¡­ The town hardly could have gotten through it unharmed. It probably would¡¯ve led to considerable casualties among adventurers and soldiers, you really saved us¡­¡­ As a result.¡¹?

    ?

    With the guild master strangely troubled and the conversation going nowhere, I then asked for the details of a receptionist lady, the one that is talkative, often says too much, and later gets scolded for it. It seems that originally when such a large scale attack is happening, the guild and the local troops would intercept them, and then buying up all of the dropped magic stones and weapons, split the money, half would be going to the adventurers with the size of the cut reflective of their ranks, and the other half split between the city and the guild. The city would use that money to repair the city wall, the guild would use it to compensate families of wounded and deceased, covering the expenses they suffered in the attack.?

    ?

    Yet, this time they waited for the whole day, and yet monsters didn¡¯t show up. Yup, it was perfect, but I didn¡¯t get a prize¡­¡­ Nothing. Since I was tricked, I¡¯m the victim here!?

    ?

    So the adventurers didn¡¯t fight, but they still have to compensate them. Well, that¡¯s to be expected. They were paying 500 ere per fish.?

    ?

    But the town walls have not even a single scratch on them. Well, obviously, since no monsters came? Unfortunately, the town couldn¡¯t boost its popularity with monsters.?

    ?

    The guild also took no damage. Well, since they kept kindling bonfires, it probably cost them a bit.?

    ?

    And since I¡¯m not an adventurer and wasn¡¯t summoned, there is no cut for me. Yup, I don¡¯t recall being called??

    ?

    What¡¯s the problem here??

    ?

    Since I defeated all of the monsters, the city can¡¯t just take the loot, but since it is the rule, they have to do it, but if they are going to do it, they won¡¯t be able to compensate me for it, but I was the one that defeated the horde.?

    ?

    The city says that they will issue me a reward, and I already looted the most valuable stuff. As long as I can sell that, it should net me a hefty sum. The rest is the stuff that I gave up on to begin with. And I also made a good profit from selling fried fish, so I don¡¯t particularly care, but it didn¡¯t sit well with the guild master¡­ Or so it seems. Since I don¡¯t need it, I told them to just sort it out between the lord and the guild and escaped because the talk is taking too long.?

    ?

    I received 100 gold coins as the second installment for the magic stones that I sold them previously. 10,000,000 ere. The money I had on me yesterday was confiscated, but I have 5 times that today.?

    ?

    He also said that they will do something about my share from this, but to be honest, I just received 10 million ere, I don¡¯t really care about getting more money.?

    ?

    I mean, they couldn¡¯t pay me for the previous share of magic stones, if I take more money from them, I won¡¯t be able to sell them more magic stones. I accumulated a ton of magic stones since then, and yet I can¡¯t turn them into money.?

    ?

    This time, they will make another exception and will purchase magic stones from me. As I immediately head to the Purchase Counter, the face of the lady behind it suddenly tensed? Hemifacial spasm??

    ?

    It seems they are going to do overtime today as well, unable to keep up with appraisal of the magic stones from the horde.?

    ?

    As I mercilessly dumped a mountain of magic stones on top of the counter, she glared at me, about to burst into tears, but when I told her¡¸You can count my share when you have time, I will tell the guild master to give you a bonus for your effort.¡¹she accepted it with a smile. Yeah, she is going to work hard for a bonus.?

    ?

    Even when it comes to the clubs, I won¡¯t be able to get rid of all of them even if I sell them into every shop. I mean, even now everyone has multiple clubs?! Or rather, if I manage to sell all those clubs here, this time might really be in danger. Every citizen of the town would have to equip something like 10 clubs.?

    ?

    Even goblins will run away from such a town. No doubt. It seems the time for the town to be renamed into Club Town is not so far. I¡¯ll run away if it actually happens. Yeah, it definitely will be safer in the forest!

 CH 51

    Day 27 ¨C Daytime, White Weirdo Inn, Assembly.?

    ?

    Sending off Haruka-kun to the guild, we try to get to the bottom of the incident since we won¡¯t be able to understand the confession of the real culprit even if he gave us one.?

    ?

    Really, just what is going on with Haruka-kun¡¯s special skill ¡¸Report?Inform?Consult¡¹? It didn¡¯t prove useful even once, rather, could it be that it is dragging him down? Well, I¡¯m pretty sure that even skills are powerless to change Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    ¡¸I was sure that Haruka-kun will get lost in the dungeon, to think he would find a horde of monster to fight instead¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸From what I heard later, he saw an orc on the outskirts of the forest a few days prior to that. Which he also beat to death. So by that point, the flag for the event was already triggered, though when I learned of this it was already over.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, if he goes to the dungeon he certainly will fall into a chasm. There is no way for him to avoid that.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, even if he falls down to the bottom of the dungeon, he probably will come back a few days later, saying¡ºI fell down so I accidentally beat the dungeon on my way back? Kind of?¡», as if nothing happened.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How could he not notice that it is a raid by monsters? What made him think that this is a shopping tour?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸According to the culprit, he didn¡¯t realize there was a horde, because they were jumping out one by one.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, that doesn¡¯t seem to be a lie¡­ If it was a large group of monsters he probably would¡¯ve used magic to exterminate them¡­ But it seems that he beat every single one of them to death¡­ Even the king.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, he was even saying ¡ºI was attacked by monsters, so I am the victim here?¡»¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Wholesale massacre doesn¡¯t sound like a very victim-like thing to do, no?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Where did that talk about this town being popular with monsters even come from? That they are probably advertising it? What is that even supposed to mean?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why did he think that there would be a prize? What is this talk about Rhythm Mania? Did he play too many video games?¡­¡­ He claims to have gotten a perfect score¡­¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It seems he couldn¡¯t stop once he started beating them¡­¡­ ¡ºI kept whacking them and got perfect? Kind of?¡»is what he said¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Haaaah.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ¡¸We decided that we are going to protect Haruka-kun, right? But what are we supposed to protect that from?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Yeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, if we were to protect someone, it would be monsters from Haruka-kun. No matter how you look at it, they are the victims here.?

    ?

    ¡¸If Haruka-kun ever needs our protection, we might as well just give up since it¡¯s obviously impossible to handle.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Yeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, right? What happened to Level Wall-san? Was it demolished? He is defeating kings like they are nothing¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸And he speaks of himself as a mob character¡­¡­ If all mob characters were like Haruka-kun, then Demon Lords would be getting beaten up the moment they just think of popping up. They¡¯d go extinct without proper protection from mob characters.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Instant death.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The world of peerless mob characters¡­¡­ It would have no need for heroes, right? Or could it be that the danger to that world is the nearing extinction of monsters??

    ?

    ¡¸You know, lately, I see a lot of townsfolk walking around armed with clubs. Just what is a mob character? Is it some code word for people clubbing others to death? Are all of them just like Haruka-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­ And did you notice?¡­¡­ The clubs they have are really good¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A store that specializes in clubs appeared out of blue, and it seems to be doing quite well. Though it was supposed to be a normal weapon store.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even in front of the inn, there were kids, who played by fighting with clubs. That looked pretty fun¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Does this town even need protection?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Monsters, please run. This town is dangerous. Forget popularity with monsters, this town reeks of massacre and merciless beating. Which reminds me, earlier, Haruka-kun was saying that Villager A might be the strongest. Who? Who is that Villager A? Aren¡¯t mob characters too scary here??

    ?

    Looks like this was not a world of sword and magic, but one of the clubs¡­?

    ?

    Before I noticed, even 2 or three of the girls bought clubs. Even though they are swordswomen? Is this the current trend? Clubbing boom? Am I going to eventually buy one as well? Am I also going to club monsters with it? The source of this fad must be scolded!

 CH 52

    Day 27 ¨C Afternoon, Omui¡¯s Guild.?

    ?

    I was taken to the Guild master¡¯s office. Hearing the Guild master¡¯s long speech, I escape from the Guild master¡¯s office, and upon finishing my business at the purchase counter, come across the Spear old man and have a chat with him¡­¡­ What is this menacing old men ratio? Isn¡¯t it about time to start burning them? Aah, most likely I was summoned to this world to annihilate old men¡­ Eh?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Is that for real? For real? For real? For real? For real? For real? Really for real? For real real? For actually serious real? Truly no mistake here? Not a lie? If it¡¯s a lie you will have to swallow 1000 ice spears? Is it truly truthful truth? Or should I stab you? 1000 times?¡¹?

    ?

    The Spear old man was waiting on the first floor of the guild, and though he tried to pin some nonsense accusations on me¡ºBecause of you I had a very bad time¡­¡», I still managed to get the info on the suspicious peddler from him. Even though he is walking around with my Affection Points, he still won¡¯t be back in the town for a while.?

    ?

    And then, he told me that most of those items are unknown and strange items from dungeons, that¡¯s why they are so cheap. From time to time, that merchant would sit in front of the dungeon, buying them up. Right now, I can buy it. Three of them even. Well, there was only one ring, but will it really be enough? For my favorability with the opposite sex? I feel like one ring might not be enough? I mean, I got scolded again today.?

    ?

    And it seems he also doesn¡¯t like the idea of getting stabbed with ice spears. Let¡¯s think of a different technique.?

    ?

    ¡¸Geeks! Geek A! G.E.K.A! Give me info on the dungeon! Right now! This very instant! If you don¡¯t I¡¯ll set the bitches on you! All 5 of them! Do you want to get your heads bitten off? Then spill the beans!¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, such sluggish geeks, damn it, how long are they planning to fluster, hurry up! Pheromone ring calls to me from the dungeon!?

    ?

    ¡¸!!¡­¡­ So I was Geek A¡­¡­ And what is G.E.K.A. supposed to stand for? And also, we already made up with Shimazaki-san and her group! Don¡¯t set them on us! It was the first time someone said thanks to us¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? I don¡¯t care? Give me info on the dungeon! Immediately! Right now! If you don¡¯t, I will send idiots after you as well! All 5 of them!! And they are very dense! So speak up!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey! It was the beginning of a good story! Why did you have to interrupt me! And also, Kakizaki-kun and others already apologized! Stop calling them idiots, it¡¯s just an insult by now! And you still can¡¯t remember a single name?! ¡¹?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I pressed Geek A, snatched a report from Geek B, and got an explanation from Geek C.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­So I was Geek B¡­ Well, I had my suspicious¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What is G.E.K.C.? Is it some variation of G.E.C.K.? Because you omitted one letter it doesn¡¯t make sense anymore!¡¹?

    ?

    Such a noisy bunch. I wish they cared this much about my affection points. Just imagine how they suffer, all alone, in the dark dungeon, undiscovered for a long, long time that can even feel like an eternity, my poor affection points, waiting for me!?

    ?

    Anyway, first I have to shop for supplies. I got the list of necessary items from the geeks, if I show it to the lady at the general store she should be able to get me most of those. I have to hurry, hurry for my affection points, affection points with the opposite sex¡­¡­ Faster, even faster¡­?

    ?

    I got scolded by a guard? If flying is not allowed then write so? How was I supposed to know that? There is not a single sign around? Probably no one knows that. It¡¯s a clear mistake on the administration¡¯s part, why do I have to be scolded for that? Even though I¡¯m in a hurry??

    ?

    I finally reached the general store. Anyway, let¡¯s get this over with as fast as possible.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, Miss, please sell me everything on this list! Urgently!¡¹?

    ?

    Anyway, I have to prepare. They even call it a labyrinth, so it must be a maze. It has to be far more perilous than a simple cavern. If it was a simple cavern it¡¯d be long remodeled and used as a base.?

    ?

    ¡¸You want us to prepare this? We don¡¯t have ¡ºLove, Courage, and Friendship¡»among our goods?¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, before beating the dungeon, I guess I should beat and stomp the geeks. Just hunting and burning them is too soft.?

    ?

    In the first place, if they sold love, I wouldn¡¯t be going to the dungeon and just buy love itself. Where can I buy it? That¡¯s what I want to know the most!?

    ?

    ¡¸And also¡­¡ºA rope as close in length to infinity as possible. Since you will definitely fall off a cliff! To the very bottom!¡»Well, we have rope¡­¡­ But only of finite length. why are you going to fall off a cliff?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t have any desire to fall off a cliff at all. But let¡¯s throw the geeks into some kind of a bottomless chasm on the way back. It¡¯s clear that merely throwing them off a cliff is not enough.?

    ?

    ¡¸And then¡­¡­ Do you want to buy¡ºComrades¡»?¡­¡­ We don¡¯t sell any¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, it¡¯s a war. Those are clearly fighting words for a loner! I¡¯ll remove the seal from the forbidden Inferno. They can go bald for all eternity.?

    ?

    ¡¸And we don¡¯t have¡ºCommon sense¡»in stock as well¡­¡­ Don¡¯t you have it¡­¡­ Yeah, you don¡¯t.¡¹?

    ?

    What kind of list is that! It¡¯s a list of insults, isn¡¯t it! Why do I need any of that in a dungeon? Or rather, it¡¯s you who need that! Wait, did she just say something??

    ?

    ¡¸And, we can get some of the other articles¡­¡­ But this¡ºA person in charge of scolding¡»is impossible.¡¹?

    ?

    Just what on earth do they think of me? I have to make them kneel and explain it in great detail. That definitely should go on a list of necessary things.?

    ?

    Why do I have to go to a dungeon for a scolding?! Just what do you think a dungeon is? Is there a sermon awaiting me at the end of it? No way I¡¯m going to such a dungeon! I absolutely refuse! Why would I need to beat a dungeon to get scolded if there are 20 people in the inn, ready to do it any time! Not only is there no need for it, I already have a line of people waiting for their turn! ¡­¡­¡­Let¡¯s hunt them.?

    ?

    When I went back to the inn, they already escaped.?

    ?

    And because it took time to catch them, I couldn¡¯t go to the dungeon.?

    ?

    Looks like they don¡¯t like the idea of having their heads burned, erecting the barriers around them. Damn it, such a pointless cheat ability. Just a bit more and I would¡¯ve got them¡­

 CH 53

    Day 27 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn, Assembly.?

    ?

    When we came back to the inn Oda-kun and his friends were crying. Even though there are no bullies around anymore, and they probably became so strong that no one can bully them even if they tried? Aren¡¯t they among the strongest in this world??

    ?

    ¡¸And so Haruka-kun wanted to go to the dungeon alone. We tried to buy time, but he almost burned our heads! It was this close! We were at our limit! Lv Max barrier barely held! The barrier erected by Guardian, Mage, and a Saint together, barely held out. If Ninja didn¡¯t manage to erect a clutch barrier through ninjutsu he surely would¡¯ve burned through it! What is that magic? Our legs were frozen in place, so we couldn¡¯t run away? There was no such magic, right? Even Mage can¡¯t do something like that? It was really scary! That might be worse than a demon lord!¡¹?

    ?

    With tears in their eyes, Oda-kuna and others told us of the terror they went through. They were seriously crying. After this, they will be fine even if they went to our original world and encountered bullying once again. Because they won¡¯t ever see anything more frightening than this. After this, nothing should scare them anymore. It probably was¡¸Common Sense¡¹that ticked him off¡­¡­ That¡¯s his natural enemy after all. Absolutely irreconcilable.?

    ?

    Oda-kun and the others were able to stall him today, but Haruka-kun is trying to get into the dungeon. He is trying to enter alone into the dungeon which even first-rate adventurers are only allowed to explore in a group.?

    ?

    ¡¸This is worrying?¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Right?¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This is dangerous¡­¡­ Right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­ Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Going into the dungeon alone and facing off against a horde of monsters all alone¡­¡­ Is what he did not so long ago, fighting from morning till night?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, challenging a group of enemies without any support from allies¡­¡­ Is what he is always doing? As soon as he gets time¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    While everyone is awfully worried¡­¡­ For some reason, we can¡¯t find a reason to be alarmed. Eh? We can¡¯t find a single possible danger? Or rather, isn¡¯t it the dungeon itself that is in danger? The danger of collapse? Caving in? No, if it collapses Haruka-kun will be in danger, but the actual danger is Haruka-kun collapsing it? There is indeed a danger, but to whom? Or what??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, what he was probably trying to say is not¡ºIt¡¯s the first prize if you can¡¯t hit me?¡», but¡ºIt doesn¡¯t matter how powerful you are if you can¡¯t hit me¡», I think? Probably? For some reason? Most likely? That¡¯s how it usually goes¡­¡­ Which means that he didn¡¯t solve the problem with Level Wall at all. For now, he is just dodging, and evading? Tricking? Unable to find a fundamental solution. Probably? Eeeehm. I do feel like this is a solution in its own way though. I wonder why?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, the problem of Haruka-kun being weak was not solved at all. He is just avoiding the problem entirely, working his way around it. Simply smashing, crushing, tricking, setting up, ambushing, committing acts of atrocity, exterminating, and mocking?¡­¡­ Just what on earth is he doing??

    ?

    In conclusion, there is no doubt that Haruka-kun is fragile. Even if he seems strong, even if no one can beat him, even if he always comes back, even if he says that everything is fine, he is still frail. His life is still at risk. It might be extinguished at any moment¡­¡­?

    ?

    But at the moment, it seems that monsters and just everything is simply frailer than Haruka-kun¡­¡­ I don¡¯t get it.

 CH 54

    Day 27 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    It¡¯s vexing that the geeks got away, but I¡¯m too afraid of the president to chase them into the inn. For some reason, ultimately I¡¯m certain to be the one to get scolded in the end.?

    ?

    No matter how much I try to understand, unveil, or explain this unshakable truth of this world, it remains a mystery. Me, getting scolded.?

    ?

    Until now, the only thing that was able to prevail over this cruel injustice was sweets. That¡¯s all.?

    ?

    So bonus to affection rating with the opposite sex is indispensable for me after all.?

    ?

    Just what could be the reason for my affection rating to be this low at the moment??

    ?

    At this point, I suspect that it might even be negative. I mean, they are angry at me all the time??

    ?

    Thus, I have to go.?

    ?

    Go into the dungeon that is said to have a Pheromone Ring.?

    ?

    To the dungeon that has affection rating with the opposite sex.?

    ?

    The only choice for me is challenging it, searching it, and exploring it. Affection points are so far.?

    ?

    Status?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16

    Lv 12¡¡£¨Up£©

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£±£¸£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£²Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £±£¹£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£µUp£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£·£³¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£±£¹Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£·£¸ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¨£²£°Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¹£±¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£µUp£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¸£¹¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£´Up£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£¹£·¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£³Up£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£°£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£´Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£µ£²£·?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Cane Arts Lv 9¡¹¡¸Evasion Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Discernment Lv 1¡¹(Up New)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 4¡¹(2Up)¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Fluidity Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Movement Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Weight Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Packing Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic of Four Elements Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 7¡¹ (Up)¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Ice Magic Lv 5¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 7¡¹(2Up)¡¸Sensitive Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Gymnastics Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Walking Lv 9¡¹(2Up)¡¸Command Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Appraisal Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Farsight Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸God Eye Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Detect Presence Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Search Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Control Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Stealth Lv 8¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Map Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Concentration Lv 9¡¹(Up) ¡¸Physical Resistance Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸MP Recovery Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸HP Recovery Lv 9¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Parallel Thinking Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Serial Thinking Lv 8¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Quick Thinking Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Rush Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Air Walk Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 7¡¹(2Up)¡¸Imitation¡¡Lv£±¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸NEET Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Loner Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Mage Lv 9¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 7¡¹(2Up)¡¸Muppet Lv 7¡¹(2Up)?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«39% SpE +26% ViT +19%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    Level up. I don¡¯t know when it happened, I wasn¡¯t paying attention.?

    ?

    Alone in the cave, I could check the status whenever I wanted, but in the town, I don¡¯t have such time. If I just take a glance at it when I have no time, then I won¡¯t understand what exactly went up with the sheer amount of skills there.?

    ?

    So what do we have here??

    ?

    I wasn¡¯t able to find out what level Whatever-kun was, but did he turn into experience points? And there also was that whack a monster thing, which they keep calling a raid. I still don¡¯t fully understand the mechanics behind level-ups. But only for my case¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Discernment Lv£±¡¹?¡¸Premonition Lv 9¡¹disappeared. Is this the improved version of the skill? But it¡¯s only level 1¡­¡­ Not sure how to feel about this one. Many other skills are also at level 9 already. Are they going to evolve or will they get (Max)??

    ?

    ¡¸Fluidity Lv£±¡¹must be a damage reduction skill. I recall reading about such techniques in an old book. An unmoving target is easy to destroy, but it is a lot harder to score a good hit on a swaying opponent. Even if you do, the strength of the attack is largely negated.?

    ?

    But what is¡¸Imitation Lv 1¡¹? If it can copy other skills, then it should have a good affinity with Jack of All Trades. I don¡¯t want to learn any of those biting skills though? Is it finally my turn to chomp on heads? What a terrible style of fighting. Absolutely no.?

    ?

    Things seem to be going well with monster bracelets. Orcs gave ViT, which is probably the stat that I needed the most.?

    ?

    I¡¯m glad that Inferno didn¡¯t turn into a skill, even though I unsealed it. I don¡¯t have enough nerve to call that Inferno. Quite the contrary, I want to apologize to the real Inferno-san. I couldn¡¯t burn them after all¡­?

    ?

    Day 27 ¨C Over.?

    ?

    [TL Note: As I mentioned earlier, I changed the names of some of the skills. Dunce => Muppet, Avoidance => Evasion, Communication => Report?Inform?Consult. I wanted to change Premonition as well, but alas. So don¡¯t worry, Discernment is not a downgrade. His skill properly evolved from basically improved perception.]

 CH 55

    Day 28 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    We are having breakfast with everyone. As always, Haruka-kun is surrounded on all sides.?

    ?

    Just how much of a blessing is it to eat together like this.?

    ?

    Everyone felt this happiness today.?

    ?

    But this morning, while Haruka-kun is surrounded as always, it is actually an encirclement.?

    ?

    It¡¯s breakfast, but everyone is probing Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Even without hearing anything, even before he manages to cause another incident, it is obvious that he is a culprit. But just in case, we ask him anyway.?

    ?

    What he is trying to do, what he is about to cause, before he actually does something and it will become too late to help.?

    ?

    After all, yesterday, he was trying to enter the dungeon.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, hey, Haruka-kun, are you going into the dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, I¡¯m done with preparations? And I want a treasure chest? Or rather, I¡¯m going there only for a chest? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    Going for a chest? Is he trying to say that he is going there to find a treasure chest? Probably? I guess??

    ?

    ¡¸Are you really going there alone? It¡¯s dangerous? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    She is trying to stop him, but that part at the end¡­ Probably?¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸There is something necessary for me, and it should be inside the dungeon¡­¡­ Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like he needs something? Just what does he want to start now??

    ?

    ¡¸Something necessary? There is something that you need? Inside the dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, instead of buying it he is going inside the dungeon to search for it. This is what I don¡¯t get.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s produced in dungeons? By dungeons? Kind of? Dungeon-limited product? Or so it seems?¡¹?

    ?

    Limited products? In dungeons? Dungeon-limited product, is it a limited sale? Is there a queue for it? In the dungeon? Is there folk that stays in line overnight??

    ?

    ¡¸But, even if you find a weapon, you can¡¯t use it, right? The same goes for equipment?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, Haruka-kun is not even level 20. Getting weapons and armor should be pointless for him¡­¡­ Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­ Is it a ring? ¡­¡­That ring??

    ?

    ¡¸It seems that dungeons unexpectedly have usable stuff? Somewhat?¡¹?

    ?

    In fact, I scolded him for wasting money on items from that suspicious merchant, but Haruka-kun survived thanks to them¡­¡­ He said he wouldn¡¯t have made it without them¡­¡­ That those items saved him, that he would¡¯ve been dead if he didn¡¯t come to the town¡­¡­ But¡­¡­ But that ring isn¡¯t needed, right? That is¡­¡­?

    ?

    Because¡­¡­ Why¡­¡­ The opposite sex¡­¡­ The affection rating¡­¡­ He is trying to improve his affection rating with the opposite sex!!!?

    ?

    ¡¸So? Haruka-kun? What are you trying to find there? You wouldn¡¯t say¡­ Pheromone ring¡­¡­¡­ Right?!¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun shook his head about as naturally as a ventriloquist¡¯s doll.

    ¡¸Nononononononononono? No yo? Eh? What is that? What I¡¯m looking for is phe-phe-phe th-the ring of Solomon, yo! Believe it¡¯s true yo! It let¡¯s you speak with the animals, yo! I might even be able to talk with goblins? Yo? That¡¯s true, YO? Yes, so so so so, Solomon¡¯s ring it is! Kind of? My, I might even be able to have a heart to heart conversation with kobolds? Sort of? Kind of? I guess? Probably? Yo?¡¹?

    ?

    Are you a rapper? It can¡¯t even be called a stutter anymore? He is clearly reciting his lines? And that YO has nothing to do with stuttering??

    ?

    So that thing is in the dungeon¡­¡­ Maybe I will destroy it? The dungeon??

    ?

    Just what is that? Affection rating with the opposite sex? Just-what-is-that??

    ?

    In the first place, what can he possibly discuss with kobolds??

    ?

    He killed all of them before they could get anything to talk about??

    ?

    He personally helped every kobold that he knew pass away, didn¡¯t he??

    ?

    Forget heart to heart conversations, he didn¡¯t even give them a chance to open their mouths??

    ?

    So he clearly has no will to communicate with them??

    ?

    No doubt! We must hold another meeting!!?

    ?

    An urgent assembly.?

    ?

    We have to destroy the dungeon as fast as possible?!?

    ?

    We must immediately come up with emergency measures.?

    ?

    An urgent demolition order!

 CH 56

    Day 28 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn, the assembly.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun already left.?

    ?

    We have to hurry up with the discussion, an emergency vote.?

    ?

    ¡¸Thus, it is apparent that Haruka-kun¡¯s aim is the Pheromone Ring. The ring that can raise affection rating with the opposite sex¡­¡­ Probably! Hence, we should destroy the dungeon!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­No objection!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s decided. By unanimous decision, the dungeon gets demolished. Complete unity. Objections won¡¯t be tolerated!?

    ?

    ¡¸No, we can¡¯t do that.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They will be really mad! Both the guild and the city!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Why the dungeon has to be destroyed because of some ring?¡¹?

    ?

    Tch! Oda-kun and the others, who usually never show up at our meetings, objected.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah. Which reminds me, earlier, Haruka-kun was saying that he is getting scolded despite not doing anything bad because he doesn¡¯t have enough affection points.¡¹?

    ?

    After getting scolded that much, how can he still believe that he didn¡¯t do anything bad? And how is that supposed to be connected with the affection rating with the opposite sex??

    ?

    Just what is he trying to do by raising it even further??

    ?

    Does he want to create a harem or something??

    ?

    No, that¡¯s unlikely.?

    ?

    After all, he was basically in a harem situation with 20 girls in the cave, but escaped it, choosing to stay alone in the tent.?

    ?

    When I approached him in the tent he pulled back, escaping by crawling along the wall¡­¡­?

    ?

    And what¡¯s most important, he already has 5 girls tamed, he can just order? Anything he wants? To beautiful high school girls? But he isn¡¯t doing anything, he hasn¡¯t done anything and shows no interest in doing anything. He doesn¡¯t even remember their names and doesn¡¯t seem to want to.?

    ?

    Just what is he trying to do??

    ?

    What is the purpose?¡­¡­What is that necessity??

    ?

    Could it be, could it really be, that he actually, seriously thinks, that he is getting scolded because he doesn¡¯t have enough affection points with the opposite sex?!?

    ?

    He might. He certainly does! He is surely thinking ¡ºBut I did nothing wrong?¡»or ¡ºSince they are mad at me? I guess I¡¯ll get the ring? Kind of?¡»No doubt! How after making everyone worry that hard, after making everyone cry so much, after making everyone despair like that, come back all nonchalant, make everyone cry even harder, he can still think that he wouldn¡¯t be scolded?!!?

    ?

    Well, for starters, he isn¡¯t going to do anything indecent.?

    ?

    He certainly doesn¡¯t have any ulterior motive.?

    ?

    But there is a risk in letting Haruka-kun have it. A risk that spells danger.?

    ?

    There might be a chance that all of us will get tamed.?

    ?

    And not through subjugation, but through willing submission.?

    ?

    In fact, by now it¡¯s fine to call everyone devotees¡­¡­ Everyone survived until now through their faith in him.?

    ?

    It will be a disaster if the affection rating goes higher in this state.?

    ?

    This must not be allowed. It¡¯s too dangerous.?

    ?

    And what makes it even more dangerous, is that he himself isn¡¯t aware of this danger.?

    ?

    That¡¯s because Haruka-kun doesn¡¯t know how everyone acted when he was away.?

    ?

    That¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t know how everyone acted on the night he came back.?

    ?

    He doesn¡¯t know that the innkeepers, citizens, and everyone almost flooded the town with their tears.?

    ?

    If he didn¡¯t come back, then we probably would¡¯ve flooded this whole world.

 CH 57

    Day 28 ¨C Morning, The Plains.?

    ?

    Escaping from the inn, I¡¯m currently on the run.?

    ?

    Somehow? For some reason? My affection rating is at risk! The eyes of the president meant danger! It is me, with my bad glare, who says so, so there is no doubt!?

    ?

    How did they find out? Why are they angry? Could it be that they don¡¯t even need a reason to be mad at me anymore? Just how low has Rating-san fallen? Is it burrowing? Underground? Is my affection rating waiting somewhere at the bottom of the dungeon? Where are you, my affection rating! Did it go so deep underground that it created a dungeon? I have to hurry up and save it!?

    ?

    There are gatekeepers at the entrance to the dungeon, my natural enemies. For some reason, gatekeepers always get mad upon meeting me? Could it be that my affection rating with the same sex is too low as well? Well, not like I need it anyway? One can pass by presenting a written application form from the guild, but it seems I wouldn¡¯t be able to pass even if I had it? My level is not high enough? Or is my affection rating not enough? Are they mad because they got overtime work because of me? Or because I¡¯m not an adventurer? I don¡¯t know why, but they didn¡¯t let me through.?

    ?

    As expected, they probably will notice if I try to sneak inside all alone. After all, if I just try to walk past them with not a single soul around, it¡¯s not ¡ºsneaking¡»at all. They will notice.?

    ?

    If there was someone, I could sneak in after them using¡ºInvisibility Cloak¡»,¡ºErase Presence¡»and¡ºStealth Lv 8¡», but no one comes? Is this place unpopular? Even though my affection rating is at the bottom of it? Do they have some problem with my affection rating? Could it be that no one wants it? How dare they! It¡¯s the affection rating with the opposite sex! What is this treatment? Unforgivable! Should I attack the town for this? Or maybe it¡¯s better to raid the guild??

    ?

    ¡¸Huh? Why? Today is not a dungeon day, right?¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, a whole bunch of my classmates showed up? Why are all of them carrying a rope? Bungee jumping tournament? Indeed, bungee jumping is like a coming of age ceremony, but everyone only recently became second years in high school, so they are only 16? Are they going to become adults? Are they going to climb the stairs of adulthood? Are they going to visit that kind of establishment? Please tell me where I can find such a place.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Here is he!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? What? I mean, it¡¯s mine? Isn¡¯t it the dungeon that popped up thanks to my affection rating going through the ground? I have to pick it up from the dungeon¡¯s depths, okay? I mean, it¡¯s mine?¡¹?

    ?

    Why do I even have to explain something so obvious??

    ?

    ¡¸No? This dungeon was here long before you came to this world!¡¹?

    ?

    I was stupid, I was careless, I should have noticed this earlier.?

    ?

    ¡¸So my affection rating dropped all the way to a different world when we were still in our world? So that¡¯s where it got buried?¡¹?

    ?

    No wonder I felt like I don¡¯t have affection points with the opposite sex even back in the original world¡­¡­ So I didn¡¯t have them? None at all?¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it was here even before you were born! This dungeon! And there is no way affection rating can create a dungeon! What the hell is that affection rating?! Is that a dungeon boss?!¡¹?

    ?

    How could this be? So my affection rating was in the other world even before I was born. And so I must have come to this world pursuing it. Or rather, it¡¯s affection rating with the opposite sex, no way I¡¯d let it just get away. The mystery was solved! I have to rescue it as fast as possible, or it will drop to the next life. Good grief, don¡¯t just teleport someone¡¯s affection rating to a different world! I looked so hard for it!?

    ?

    Now this explains it, I thought that it is strange that I can¡¯t find my affection rating with the opposite sex no matter where I looked! So it was missing since my birth, give me a break!?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Everyone swarmed into the dungeon.?

    ?

    I sneak in after them.?

    ?

    Or rather, I¡¯m simply following after them.?

    ?

    Oooh! So this is a dungeon! This is the otherworldly maze! It¡¯s somehow different from a cave, right?! I wonder if I can settle here if I remodel it a bit? I can save a lot on lodging fees this way. Though I don¡¯t want strangers to loiter around? Will I have to offer them tea since they technically will be guests? Dungeon teahouse? Sounds profitable??

    ?

    ¡¸The arrangement of the rooms is pretty good, isn¡¯t it? For a living? And there is even a basement here.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s a dungeon! Not a house! You can¡¯t live here!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why does your first comment on a dungeon sound like you came to check out a place? Did monsters invite you? Are you a guest here?!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I can¡¯t.?

    ?

    ¡¸But look, from the spacious foyer it goes in a U-shape, if we leave the outer walls as they are and remove the stuff in the middle, then slightly raise the ceiling, wouldn¡¯t it look pretty good?¡¹?

    ?

    It is a great idea, I think??

    ?

    ¡¸Why? Why are you starting to design a new layout a second after stepping into a dungeon? Are you some kind of artisan? Do you have a professional deformation?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t remodel the dungeon as you please? The first floor is a straight path, so it¡¯s fine¡­¡­ No, actually, it¡¯s not fine! But everyone is working on the maps from the 2nd floor and onward. If on top of suddenly getting remodeled they were to be turned into a residence, everyone will be very mad.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Those stairs are not a foyer, and what lies below is not a basement, okay? Below is a labyrinth! A maze! You shouldn¡¯t turn it into an apartment, you understand? People that come to the dungeon will be shocked?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Did dungeon capture mean its reconstruction? Occupying the living space of the monsters? Wait? Couldn¡¯t it actually work?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you can¡¯t! And what is that ¡ºHmm¡», you are already planning the reconstruction? A drastic ¡ºAfter¡»is awaiting dungeon? Even monsters are going to be surprised!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, the entrance in my current home is pretty narrow, and it was a whole lot of trouble to expand it. And it is a one-room type without any partition. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸He already began planning!!! Please, run away, Dungeon-san¡­¡­ Oh no! The dungeon can¡¯t run away!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Eeeh, well, can¡¯t be helped??

    ?

    ¡¸You know, after coming to this world I had a lot of trouble with ¡ºMy home¡»? It was a lot of work? Making one?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸The hell did you even come to a different world for? Property development?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Since it seemed like they would be angry if I tampered with the dungeon, I limited myself to leveling the floor. Stealthily.?

    ?

    ¡¸Somehow, it¡¯s getting easier and easier to walk? Did someone begin the renovation? Someone?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, I feel magic power behind that wall. A room wouldn¡¯t suddenly pop out, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The room with the stairs at the beginning kind of turned into an entry hall? Were they always like that?¡¹?

    ?

    As expected of a group of cheaters, even though I¡¯m doing it stealthily, they still noticed?!?

    ?

    ¡¸No? Look? Don¡¯t they say that dungeons can grow and evolve? Maybe it entered a growth stage? Or something?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸As if a dungeon would grow into a residence on its own! Just what is it trying to become?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm, a world heritage site? Sort of? I guess? Yeah, it could. And it will also attract more tourists. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Tourists should have no business with dungeons? Are they going to go sightseeing while beating monsters? Are tourists that strong?¡¹?

    ?

    Will it be profitable if monsters were to sell crackers at the entrance? I¡¯m kind of scared of the tourists that might club monsters lured in by crackers though.

    [TL Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara_Park]?

    ?

    ¡¸Do you call this a renovation? A makeover? Since a while ago I see goblins getting swallowed by the walls? Is this dungeon hostile to monsters? Are we on the dungeon¡¯s side now?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t! If you think about this you lose. Everyone is pretending not to notice¡­¡­ Because the goblins are too miserable¡­¡­ ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Used as construction materials?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Nooo!!! Don¡¯t say it!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Good grief, even though we are in a dungeon, they are so noisy. I wish they could follow proper manners for a public place.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah! There is a closet over there! In the accent wall over there¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We told you that you shouldn¡¯t do it! Why did we have to find a closet after coming to explore the dungeon!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Indeed, with the closet at such a place Nudist Girl might start stripping. It would be a disaster if she removes her items, we are inside a dungeon after all¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸And there is no need for accents on the walls, okay? It makes it look like there is a trap!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We are only trying to pass the first floor¡­¡­ We didn¡¯t even fight any monsters¡­¡­ So why do I feel so tired? Why?¡¹?

    ?

    ? How strange, I thought it should be easier to walk now that the floor is flat and even? But they seem to be tired??

    ?

    ¡¸Should I make a slope? So it¡¯s easier to access the basement? Though it might interfere with the natural traffic¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t do anything! If you make a residence here everyone will settle in it! We will have to fight trespassers instead of monsters?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I see, so the layout of the floor has to be suitable for interception of intruders, now, if we are going to divide enemy forces, then¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­In that case, how about we make possible construction of fortifications in the living room, but also make it possible to pincer enemies from the flanks¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t want such a living room! It¡¯s more like a dying room! It¡¯s not relaxing at all! It¡¯s in battle preparation mode!! Or rather, you mustn¡¯t attack adventurers?! They are our allies, okay?! Why are we supposed to defend the dungeon?!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like it¡¯s a no¡­¡­ Hm??

    ?

    What is this??

    ?

    Inside the wall??

    ?

    Here? ¡­¡­ Ah?!?

    ?

    [TL Note: D¨¦formation professionnelle (French) professional deformation or job conditioning, also called nerdview, is a tendency to look at things from the point of view of one¡¯s own profession or special expertise, rather than from a broader or humane perspective.]

 CH 58

    Day 28 ¨C Daytime, The dungeon, the lowest floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Damn useless geeks! Such useless extra info! Do they use their heads only as headgear slots? Just burn them if that¡¯s all they amount to! Well, I tried though. Ah, this scared me.¡¹?

    ?

    Good grief, just who is going to fall off a cliff? Just who? Ah, that¡¯s me.?

    ?

    Or rather, this was not a cliff but a pitfall trap inside a wall? It was blocked by the wall? Even though it is a trap? Could it be that this is a special trap meant for those that would try to remodel the 1F to settle on it? I¡¯m probably the only one that got caught in it. This is why the situation on the real estate market of this world doesn¡¯t improve. Why can¡¯t they remodel housing on their own??

    ?

    ¡¸I fell pretty far, huh? Which floor is this? The lowest one? Is this where the affection rating is supposed to be? For the opposite sex?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, normally falling from such a height would mean instant death.?

    ?

    So most likely no one ever went in here of their own volition.?

    ?

    Then the affection rating is safe somewhere here??

    ?

    In fact, if I didn¡¯t have¡ºAir Walk¡»I surely would¡¯ve died.?

    ?

    The problem is the pitfall.?

    ?

    I wouldn¡¯t fall from a cliff, and even if I did, I could climb back.?

    ?

    I have ¡ºAir Walk¡»after all.?

    ?

    But this is a pitfall.?

    ?

    It¡¯s completely vertical.?

    ?

    Narrow.?

    ?

    Smooth and slippery.?

    ?

    With¡ºAir Walk¡»I can walk. On air. Like on a stair to heaven. I will move upward and forward, I would have no problem even on a cliff.?

    ?

    But I can¡¯t climb up a narrow vertical hole.?

    ?

    It¡¯s too narrow to climb through it like on a spiral staircase.?

    ?

    And since it is so smooth, I can¡¯t climb up the walls.?

    ?

    ¡¸You will fall from a cliff, you will fall from a cliff, but this is a pitfall, I totally didn¡¯t expect this? Or rather, this is the trap set up by the geeks! I didn¡¯t even think about pitfalls, too distracted by cliffs!¡¹?

    ?

    If I were to climb all the way back by using Air Walk I would have to move forward, pressing and rubbing on the walls. Impossible. I don¡¯t even want to try.?

    ?

    ¡¸Damn it, because of the geeks I only thought about cliffs! I didn¡¯t expect this at all! They didn¡¯t say a thing about pitfalls! Is this a psychological trap? So the geeks are enemies after all? Burn?¡¹?

    ?

    But this shape? Is this work of Sense Presence? I can somewhat tell its size and form??

    ?

    Checking the status, I see¡ºSpace Perception Lv 1¡»there. Is this for design? Architecture? Sounds convenient.?

    ?

    That¡¯s good, that¡¯s all cool. What pisses me off is ¡ºTrap Sense Lv 1¡», it¡¯s certainly because I fell in here. I get the reason, I get it. But it¡¯s too late getting ¡ºTrap Sense Lv 1¡»after I already fell into a trap! Too late! I¡¯m already down here! The trap already got me!?

    ?

    But it probably will come in handy later. Very handy. But it still pisses me off!?

    ?

    Even though I got¡ºSpace Perception¡», but checking the labyrinth around me¡­¡­ It¡¯s a straight path ¡­¡­ Into a dead end? ¡­¡­ No¡­¡­A circular room? A hall??

    ?

    Looks like there is only one path ahead.?

    ?

    With that shape¡­¡­ It can be a big bath. I wonder if I can find a hot spring if I dig somewhere around here??

    ?

    But it¡¯s pretty deep underground? Isn¡¯t this over 100 floors? Getting into a hot spring would be a huge deal. From 1F it might take¡­¡­ 3 days? One can even catch a cold on the way back.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, since it is the only way, I have no choice but to follow it. However, the first floor, this place, and well, in a way a pitfall are all straight paths, which part of this is supposed to be a maze?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s just a corridor, narrow and dark. It¡¯s really asking to get remodeled.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s a looooong¡­ Path? Corridor? Road? Maze? No, since it¡¯s a straight path, I can¡¯t get lost here, so it¡¯s not a maze. It¡¯s been like this since I stepped into the dungeon. I even brought a map with me, but there is not a hint of a maze. I even got¡ºSpace Perception¡»but I still can¡¯t find anything maze-like?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s a secret that during this dull walk I also was working on the soil here.?

    ?

    Finally, the end of the path. A door? And it¡¯s so big? A circular open area?¡­¡­Coliseum? Stadium? ¡­¡­Which is it? I don¡¯t think they are playing baseball here¡­¡­ At least not according to my Sense Presence. Probably??

    ?

    I will know when I open the door.?

    ?

    I won¡¯t know unless I open it.?

    ?

    I won¡¯t be able to return without opening it.?

    ?

    What if it doesn¡¯t open??

    ?

    That might be the most troublesome development??

    ?

    ¡¸Knock-knock.¡¹?

    ?

    I knocked, just in case.?

    ?

    Manners are essential.?

    ?

    No response.?

    ?

    Looks like I¡¯m not expected.?

    ?

    So I have no other choice but to open it.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming in? I¡¯m coming? Please don¡¯t scream calling me a pervert?¡¹?

    ?

    Though I said please don¡¯t, but to be honest, that is the development that I would like the most. But this is also a secret.?

    ?

    But it surely is going to be the most unpleasant scenario anyway.?

    ?

    Large circle shaped room on the last floor. That surely is a coliseum. What awaits there is most certainly a boss battle. Surely there won¡¯t be a baseball match going on. It¡¯s not Japan, after all, I can¡¯t hope for a Japan Series here, Monster Series at best. Hmm, I actually might want to see that!?

    ?

    Then again, I can¡¯t hope for a large public bath here and surely wouldn¡¯t want gobs to shout ¡ºKya, perv!¡»at me. I¡¯d immediately boil them alive.?

    ?

    ¡¸In what world Lv 12 would be challenging a boss solo? If you are going to drop someone, at least drop the geeks instead! I would¡¯ve helped by dropping some boulders after them¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯d burn the boulders until they melt and then throw them. Meteors. Meteors (Lava Dropped on the Geeks¡¯ Heads) should be able to burn their heads.?

    ?

    And yet, why was I dropped here??

    ?

    And my affection rating doesn¡¯t seem to lie anywhere.?

    ?

    Wait, it could be actually lying. Lying dead.?

    ?

    Or rather, was it even alive to begin with??

    ?

    Anyway, it is the lowest floor.?

    ?

    This is the place.?

    ?

    The door opens.

 CH 59

    Day 28: Daytime, The Dungeon, 1F.?

    ?

    Everyone warned him so much, but he fell down anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸He fell, huh?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸After all that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Is he okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who knows?¡¹?

    ?

    They are worried, but¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸So it wasn¡¯t a cliff, huh.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A pitfall inside a wall¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t expect this¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Come to think of it, there are no cliffs inside the dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    They are surprised, but¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸The one who made it is pretty special¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But the one who fell into that¡­¡­ I mean, no way anyone other than Haruka-kun could fall for that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Was it set personally for Haruka-kun? ¡­¡­Normally, you wouldn¡¯t be able to fall into this trap even if you really wanted to?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But he managed?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Is it a trap to prevent any illegal modification of the dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That¡¯s it!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They also can¡¯t believe it.?

    ?

    .¡¸It seems pretty deep?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That usually would kill you, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Usually, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s Haruka-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The other day he was scolded by the guards for running on air.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why is a person without cheats running on air?¡¹?

    ?

    The result of his usual behavior¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸It must be a tragedy for the dungeon master, to have Haruka-kun drop on them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Tragedy is still fine, but don¡¯t you feel pity for the dungeon master, thinking that a certain someone will make a comedy out of this?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I wonder if the dungeon master is okay?¡¹?

    ?

    They are worried¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Am I the only one who can already hear him saying¡ºWell, I fell down, and the dungeon master turned to dust? Kind of?¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Me too!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    About the dungeon master¡­?

    ?

    Well, I hope it is true, because everyone seems to be laughing with tears in their eyes.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun is probably very okay.?

    ?

    But we are also very worried about him.?

    ?

    He always, always makes us worry.?

    ?

    It is only natural that he would get scolded. Only natural.?

    ?

    But he probably doesn¡¯t realize that.?

    ?

    He is probably searching for his affection rating at the bottom of the dungeon.?

    ?

    Bringing everyone to the verge of crying.

 CH 60

    Day 28 ¨C The dungeon, The lowest floor.?

    ?

    Dark, pitch-black, Stygian shadow??

    ?

    Simply black, dark, darkness. Yes, humanoid-shaped darkness.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not simply black, it is a darkness that absorbs all the light.?

    ?

    Though if I, who is wearing a mantle with a hood, were to call it suspicious, it probably would get angry.?

    ?

    I mean, people always get angry at me, so that¡¯s kind of expected at this point.?

    ?

    So the shadowy person will probably get angry.?

    ?

    ¡¸Appraisal.¡¹?

    ?

    Name: ¡ª

    Race: Dullahan, Lich, No Life King.

    AGE ¡¡¨C

    Lv ¡¡27

    Job: Emperor of the Faraway Labyrinth?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¨C

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡ª

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£±£·£¹

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£µ£¹

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£±

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£·

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£·

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£µ

    Lu£ë¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¹£¹?

    ?

    Martial Arts: £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿

    Magic £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿

    Skills: £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿

    Titles: £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿

    Unknown: £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿

    Equipment: £¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿£¿?

    ?

    I can appraise it? Both the name and the job. Wait, it has a job? Even though I don¡¯t? And on top of that Emperor. Emperor Class??

    ?

    I can tell that it is strong, it¡¯s only level 27, but it¡¯s extremely strong.?

    ?

    Both PoW and ViT are not at the level of a goblin emperor, but everything else is overwhelming.?

    ?

    On top of that, it has three races??

    ?

    The elemental attribute is surely Darkness.?

    ?

    Dullahan is supposed to be a kind of a headless knight. On a horse. But it has a head??

    ?

    Lich is a mage-type job. So something like a Magician or a Sage or even more than that.?

    ?

    No Life King is an undead king. Undying.?

    ?

    And the worst part is Question Mark-san.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t see his martial arts, magic, or skills.?

    ?

    And it even has titles and Unknown.?

    ?

    Smells of cheat abilities.?

    ?

    Probably, even together the geeks wouldn¡¯t be able to win. It is simply the strongest.?

    ?

    Not in a way of Cheat Hunter like Whatever-kun, but actually strong.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not like it is strong because of this or that. It¡¯s just strong.?

    ?

    It¡¯s strong just as it is, but it also has ¡¸?¡¹.?

    ?

    My ¡¸Staff?¡¹is the same. Even with high-level appraisal, it gives ¡¸?¡¹.?

    ?

    In other words, his skills, magic, techniques, and equipment are all super strong.?

    ?

    And what is the most troublesome, is that it can fight but at distance and in close combat, is fast and has wits.?

    ?

    And for a finisher, it is also agile and has luck.?

    ?

    Well, my luck is still stronger, but that¡¯s how it always goes. This one is strong¡­¡­?

    ?

    Even so, I walk.?

    ?

    I haven¡¯t stopped since I opened the door.?

    ?

    I approach it.?

    ?

    It has characteristics of Lich and No Life King.?

    ?

    I obviously will lose in a ranged battle.?

    ?

    I¡¯m almost certain that it has some kind of immortality and magic immunity!?

    ?

    Though I also don¡¯t feel like I can win versus a dullahan.?

    ?

    But I at least will be able to fight.?

    ?

    Even if it has immunity to physical damage, I¡¯m sure I will be able to club it to death.?

    ?

    Merely looking at it standing with a sword in hands, I can tell that it¡¯s strong. Its strength is in another dimension to mine.?

    ?

    It¡¯s scary and looks like a grim reaper itself, but at the same time, its standing figure has beauty to it.?

    ?

    Walking all the way up to it and looking into the eye sockets of the skull, I see nothing but darkness.?

    ?

    As we were staring at each other, the distance between us completely disappeared.?

    ?

    A slash so fast that even ¡ºGod Eye¡»managed to catch only the afterimage. Simply fast, and absolutely beautiful.?

    ?

    No wind-up, no pre-motion, no excess, no wavering, nothing useless or extra, a simple movement.?

    ?

    Just a slash.?

    ?

    Nothing other than that, a cutting attack with nothing extra to it.?

    ?

    This is what is called an extreme speed.?

    ?

    Because there is nothing but a slash, only its end result.?

    ?

    When it began moving the cut was already finished.?

    ?

    There is no beginning, no motion, only the end of it.?

    ?

    The start of the slash and the end of the slash happen exactly at the same time.?

    ?

    ¡ºGod Eye¡»probably can see the future.?

    ?

    Just a little bit.?

    ?

    Just a tiny bit.?

    ?

    And with that very little, I counter the slash.?

    ?

    Since I can¡¯t see it.?

    ?

    Since when I can see it the slash is already over.?

    ?

    I just keep swinging.?

    ?

    Swinging to fend off the attacks.?

    ?

    Since it is the No Life King, it must have an infinite time.?

    ?

    So we keep endlessly exchanging blows, eternally crossing the weapons, perpetually parrying, there is probably no end to it.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t even know how much time passed already, but it doesn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    Because the now stretches without a limit.?

    ?

    But unfortunately, I am limited.?

    ?

    Eventually, I will run out of stamina.?

    ?

    Eventually, I will run out of mana.?

    ?

    Eventually, my mind won¡¯t be able to hold.?

    ?

    Eventually, I will lose consciousness.?

    ?

    But until then I¡¯m limitless.?

    ?

    I parried so many times that I lost count.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t even have time to blink.?

    ?

    An eternity of clashing swords.?

    ?

    An instant that those clashes last.?

    ?

    But there is an eternity in that instant.?

    ?

    There has to be.?

    ?

    My physical strength doesn¡¯t matter at all.?

    ?

    I slash the moment I think about it.?

    ?

    I slash the moment I feel that.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not the speed of my body.?

    ?

    It¡¯s the speed of thought.?

    ?

    An impossible speed.?

    ?

    If I used my muscles then I surely wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up with this speed.?

    ?

    Pull my own strings using the speed of thought.?

    ?

    My speed has nothing to do with this.?

    ?

    My speed is limited only by the speed of thought.?

    ?

    As I kept endlessly exchanging blows, I noticed that this skull has no thirst for blood.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, we continue our endless exchange.?

    ?

    The source of this bloodthirst must be the darkness, the slashes come from it.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, a perpetual fight continues.?

    ?

    This skull should have been able to kill me. Easily. Many, many, many, many times. Any moment it wanted.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, I unceasingly exchange blows.?

    ?

    The darkness is fading away??

    ?

    Just a bit.?

    ?

    Just slightly.?

    ?

    Just a little.?

    ?

    But it surely does.?

    ?

    Is it the wooden staff? Scraping and shredding it off, the staff is absorbing it??

    ?

    It¡¯s scraping off the darkness attribute of undead? Does it have a Holy attribute??

    ?

    But as we exchange blows.?

    ?

    As our weapons clash.?

    ?

    As we slash.?

    ?

    As we cross our weapons.?

    ?

    As we attack.?

    ?

    Eventually, and I don¡¯t know how long it took,?

    ?

    But it completely disappeared.?

    ?

    I survived the darkness, but.?

    ?

    I won¡¯t be able to withstand a slash from the skull.?

    ?

    The slash from the skull is¡­¡­ Eh??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I finally understood it.?

    ?

    The skull was waiting here all this time for someone to come and kill it.?

    ?

    It was waiting so that sometime, someday, someone will come and put an end to it.?

    ?

    Otherwise, I would¡¯ve been decapitated without being able to put up a fight at all. Even though it was manipulated by darkness, it didn¡¯t submit to it and kept resisting the darkness.?

    ?

    It kept struggling all this time, waiting for someone who will be able to kill both of them.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tame.¡¹?

    ?

    The skull had no intentions to attack since the very beginning.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I could contend with it.?

    ?

    Because the skull didn¡¯t want to fight.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I was able to match its blows.?

    ?

    Because the skill had no will to live.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why¡­¡­?

    ?

    I tamed it.?

    ?

    I didn¡¯t want to kill it.?

    ?

    For some reason, I thought that I shouldn¡¯t kill it.?

    ?

    It was finally free from the darkness.?

    ?

    So I at least would like to let it out from here.

 CH 61

    Chapter 61: They are coming for me? They should have just thrown the geeks and the idiots into the hole.?

    ?

    Day 29 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    He didn¡¯t come back. Of course, he won¡¯t be able to come back immediately, but¡­¡­ It is still worrying.?

    ?

    He always does something dangerous on his own.?

    ?

    ¡¸He might come back any moment, saying¡¸Well, I fell down? So I climbed back? Kind of?¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸He might.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But even when evening came, he still didn¡¯t return.?

    ?

    ¡¸He might be getting scolded by the gatekeepers after trying to get through the gates at night.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸He could.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But even when the night came, he still didn¡¯t return.?

    ?

    ¡¸He might come back, shouting¡¸Because of the geeks I didn¡¯t even get time to sleep!¡¹?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Sounds just like him.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But even when the morning came, he still wasn¡¯t back.?

    ?

    So, shall we pick him up? Casually saying that we dived into the dungeon.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s 47F, right? Still no sign of him?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just how many floors are there?¡¹?

    ?

    We keep going down while grumbling.?

    ?

    ¡¸The lowest floor anyone went to was 43, right? We don¡¯t have maps to rely on anymore so it¡¯s starting to get tedious¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If he is on 50F then we are almost there¡­ But what if there are 100 floors¡­¡­ Are we going to camp here?¡¹?

    ?

    We keep going, complaining on the way.?

    ?

    To where Haruka-kun is.?

    ?

    Taming on Shimazaki-san and the others still didn¡¯t disappear.?

    ?

    In other words, Haruka-kun is alright.?

    ?

    If we keep going.?

    ?

    If we just keep going down.?

    ?

    We should find Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Everyone keeps saying this and that.?

    ?

    But they keep advancing deeper into the dungeon.?

    ?

    The monsters are already over level 40. We can¡¯t beat them that easily.?

    ?

    But we keep fighting.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun is probably trying to fight his way back to the surface, all alone.?

    ?

    Even at Lv 47 the monsters are extremely strong, one party is not enough to beat them anymore.?

    ?

    But Haruka-kun might be facing monsters of Lv100 or even higher, all by himself.?

    ?

    So we have to meet him, reaching at least where we can.?

    ?

    Because Haruka-kun is there.?

    ?

    No matter how strong the monsters are or how many of them are there.?

    ?

    Because Haruka-kun is there.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun is still alive and is still fighting. I¡¯m sure he is fighting right now.?

    ?

    I¡¯m sure I can reach anywhere, as long as Haruka-kun is there.?

    ?

    I¡¯m sure everyone else is the same, no one is even trying to take a break.?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s 100F or 1000F.?

    ?

    I will go as far as it takes. Until I reach him.

 CH 62

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, the Lowest Floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? Soo? Nice to meet you? I guess? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    I shake hands with Skeleton-san.?

    ?

    Thank goodness, it isn¡¯t mad about¡ºTaming¡».?

    ?

    Aah, I was really scared? I mean, I can¡¯t read its facial expression? It¡¯s a skull after all.?

    ?

    I wasn¡¯t even sure if I would be able to converse with it but it looks like it understands what I¡¯m saying.?

    ?

    Though I don¡¯t know what it actually thinks. Since it doesn¡¯t show on its face. I mean, it¡¯s a skull after all.?

    ?

    It might be an effect of¡ºTaming¡», but I feel a profound intelligence from it.?

    ?

    The idiots, in whom one wouldn¡¯t be able to find even a single speck of intelligence no matter how hard they tried, cannot even begin to compare to how highly intelligent this skull feels.?

    ?

    Well, if by some chance their intelligence met the same fate as my affection rating and was teleported to this world, it must have gone way deeper under the ground and long since rotted away there.?

    ?

    Though I¡¯m worried about the safety of my affection rating, right now Skeleton-san is more important. ¡­¡­But I¡¯m still worried.?

    ?

    Name: Angelica

    Race: Skeleton?

    AGE ¡¡£±£·

    Lv ¡¡¡¡£±

    Job ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¹£¹

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¹£¹

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹

    Luk¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¹£¹?

    ?

    Martial Arts: ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Magic: ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Skills  ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Titles: ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Unknown: ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Items:?

    ?

    The level was reset? Is that how it works? The bitches were Lv 1 from the beginning¡­ Or rather, how long are they going to remain tamed??

    ?

    And the name which was blank earlier¡­¡­ ¡¸Angelica¡¹-san? Looks like she was a woman? So I tamed another woman, and this time it actually was my own doing?! I won¡¯t be able to make any excuses this time? No, since I tamed¡¸Skeleton?¡¹it¡¯s probably not a problem? Why do I feel that I will get scolded for this??

    ?

    The race as well, simply ¡¸Skeleton?¡¹, a demotion from the triple race of Dullahan, Lich, and No Life King? Because she is Lv 1? And on top of that, there is a question mark??

    ?

    The age is 17? Even though she was Undead No Life King? Is that supposed to be eternally 17? Could it be that this trend is going to spread through this world as well?! Is she going to be voiced by that person?! No, Skeleton-san can¡¯t speak¡­ Or will she get a VA anyway? Yeah, I probably shouldn¡¯t think too deeply about this. [1]?

    ?

    And the occupation seems to be Jobless. So we are in the same boat? She also seems to have retired from the post of ¡ºEmperor of the Faraway Labyrinth¡», I guess she wasn¡¯t satisfied with working conditions. I mean 24 working hours per day? No days off? Salary zero? That¡¯s a total black corporation! Pitch black! Of course, she will get swallowed by darkness, it¡¯s so black that it¡¯s a darkness corporation at this point! [2]?

    ?

    All of the stats are 99? So it was a reset? Or is it a limit of what can be carried over? Was she reborn? Reincarnated? Into a skeleton? ¡­¡­A mystery.?

    ?

    But starting with 99 at level 1¡­¡­ I started at 10¡­¡­ My base stats are ten times lower.?

    ?

    And as expected, I can¡¯t see anything else.?

    ?

    Good old question marks.?

    ?

    But even after dropping to level one and losing most of the stats, she still gives off an aura of being super strong.?

    ?

    I guess that comes from her bearing.?

    ?

    Not stats or anything, but the habit, engraved in muscle memory, though she is just bones.?

    ?

    Even so, she is Lv 1, I can¡¯t make her do anything too challenging.?

    ?

    Yes, Level Wall exists after all, supposedly? Or so I heard? Never encountered it myself though??

    ?

    I should be able to reach the surface if I go up. The question is which floor is this. It might take many days to reach the surface. Food is not a problem. Or rather, lately I began to feel that I will never run out of it.

    But I just keep picking up more anyway? That¡¯s mushrooms for you.?

    ?

    And the biggest problem, monsters in dungeons get stronger the lower you go. That¡¯s the standard. No one would want it to be the other way. Imagine stepping into the dungeon to find the last boss on the first floor.?

    ?

    But since I fell down, my exploration started with the boss. From the lowest floor. Since I¡¯m going up, next, I will find the strongest monsters that are waiting just before the boss.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not just bad, it¡¯s more like impossible.?

    ?

    The monsters undoubtedly stronger than the goblin emperor are going to come out in packs. It won¡¯t even be a fight.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not the situation where I can level up Skeleton-san, and unlike the boss fight, there will be multiple enemies. I can¡¯t fight them the conventional way.?

    ?

    ¡ï¡ï¡ï

    TL Notes:

    1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kikuko_Inoue

    Basically, the person that started the Forever 17 meme. When asked her age, she often responds that she is only 17, which has become a running gag at events as well as anime shows

    2: Black company (Japanese term)

    A black company (¥Ö¥é¥Ã¥¯Æó˜I, burakku kigy¨­), also referred to in English as a black corporation or black business, is a Japanese term for a highly exploitative employment system.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_company_(Japanese_term)

 CH 63

    Chapter 63: I also really want Fall Damage Reduction or Fall Damage Immunity.?

    ?

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, the Lowest Floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸SPLAT!!!¡¹?

    ?

    It fell. It looks very painful. The big body that the minotaur has looks pretty heavy.?

    ?

    Ah, another one.?

    ?

    ¡¸CRACK!!!¡¹?

    ?

    We got two guests here.?

    ?

    They are almost dead though.?

    ?

    No, it¡¯s amazing that you didn¡¯t die after a fall from such a height, Mino-san. Having ViT over 800 proved useful. You are almost dead though.?

    ?

    Aah, it¡¯s because you are wearing such a heavy armor.¡ºPhysical Attack Immunity¡»and¡ºIncomplete Magic Reflection¡», huh. Sounds strong. And level 99 on top of that¡­ But you are barely breathing??

    ?

    Yup,¡ºPhysical Attack Immunity¡»won¡¯t save you? You needed¡ºFall Damage Immunity¡»or¡ºFall Damage Reduction¡»¡­¡­?

    ?

    Ah, I want that as well! I really do.?

    ?

    For now, I¡¯ll whack them.?

    ?

    They have¡ºRegeneration¡», so I can¡¯t relax here at all. So I just club them indiscriminately.?

    ?

    Uwaaa, their PoW is over 700! Those bastards! They are dead though.?

    ?

    The coliseum of the last floor is large and has the form of a hemisphere. The ceiling is super high, probably several dozen meters.?

    ?

    And above it are lots of strong enemies.?

    ?

    If I go up they will beat the hell out of me, so I decided to open a hole in the ceiling and beat them to death after welcoming them to this floor. I guess this can be called a success? Or should it be called animal abuse? It¡¯s hard to even look at.?

    ?

    By the way, before Mino-san, a living armor came here, and it was insanely strong. ¡­¡­Or at least it looked that way? In a way, that was a very unfortunate fall. Scattering all over the place from the impact was fatal. Apparently, its only vulnerability is a small Soul Stone hidden inside the strongest armor¡­¡­ And that Soul Stone-san rolled all the way to my feet? So after I gave it a tap with Staff? it passed away. Kind of??

    ?

    The effect of the armor is ¡ºComplete Immunity¡», so it probably was very strong. But Living Armor-san was also a victim. The armor nullified all damage, rendering physical attacks, magic attacks, and abnormal status effects useless. The ultimate armor. But it had no¡ºFall Damage Immunity¡»! It¡¯s a scam! It wasn¡¯t complete at all¡­¡­ Well, it probably did block the physical damage from the fall, but the shock from impact scattered it all over the place¡­¡­ Yeah, indeed, the armor doesn¡¯t have even a scratch on it. But how about protecting what¡¯s inside??

    ?

    I strongly suspect that Living Armor-san was the boss, while ¡¸Skeleton?¡¹was the hidden boss.?

    ?

    The armor¡¸Full Silver Armor¡¸Complete Immunity¡¹¡¸Enhance All¡¹¡¸Skill: Guardian¡¹? ? ?¡¸Cursed: Fuses with Flesh¡¹¡¹, is an extreme cheat, but it¡¯s cursed. It¡¯s useless then!?

    ?

    When I was about to put it into the item bag, considering cursing the Tank Geek with it,¡¸Skeleton?¡¹-san looked very intently at me, and when asked¡¸Wanna try it?¡¹energetically nodded, so I gave it to her.?

    ?

    Indeed, it¡¯s not good for a girl to be walking around bare naked¡­¡­ Or rather, bare-bones. She needs something to wear. The curse of ¡ºFuses with Flesh¡»worried me, but she has no flesh, and when asked about this, she kept nodding, so it¡¯s probably okay.?

    ?

    When¡¸Skeleton?¡¹put the silver armor on her bones, it swiftly changed from the previous giant macho form to a glamorous feminine shape. It¡¯s a secret that I found this to be lewd despite it being just bones and metal. No, it¡¯s really lewd??

    ?

    ¡¸Skeleton?¡¹-san also seems to have adapted to it, since she now delivers finishing blows to minotaurs with the sword that one of them dropped. Good! Good??

    ?

    At first, when I began dropping the minotaurs down here I felt a flat gaze from behind, which surprised me a lot. But how can she give such a look if she has only a skull? Looks like dungeons still hold many great mysteries.?

    ?

    But right now she dances like a butterfly and stings like a bee, tearing the enemies apart. Just what is Lv 1??

    ?

    Well, since we killed level 100 Living Armor-san and she keeps slaughtering level 99 minotaurs the level must be rapidly raising.?

    ?

    I feel like by now ¡¸Skeleton?¡¹-san might be able to force her way through packs of minotaurs even if I don¡¯t drop them here. I¡¯d die though.?

    ?

    ¡¸SPLAT!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸CRACK!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸WHACK!!¡¹?

    ?

    How long is this going to continue? Just how many Mino-sans are there? No way anyone can make it through that floor. No wonder in all those years no one made it through.?

    ?

    1F was goblins.?

    ?

    Since I fell from there, I have no idea what¡¯s on 2F.?

    ?

    ¡¸Skeleton?¡¹-san originally was level 27, but Living Armor-san was level 100.?

    ?

    The minotaurs that are currently in free fall are Lv 99.?

    ?

    Is this perhaps 100F? I don¡¯t see any information signs to confirm this.?

    ?

    An elevator operator also won¡¯t announce which floor this is. Since there are no elevators. The only thing we have here is a pitfall¡­

 CH 64

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, the Lowest Floor.?

    ?

    In the end, it seems there were 100 Mino-sans. Since 100 of them fell down here.?

    ?

    Weapons, armor, and magic stones from each of them should bring huge profits, but the guild is so far away. And I doubt they are going to do a business trip to buy everything from me. If they could come here they¡¯d have no need to buy a thing from me.?

    ?

    But 100 Mino-sans and the Living Armor-san? The great horde of 101 monsters? The hell were they doing bunching up like that?! No one will be able to beat a Lv 100 Living armor after getting through a hundred Lv 99 minotaurs. People would run away the moment they hear about something like that!?

    ?

    Now, there is no one at 99F anymore. Everyone fell down here.?

    ?

    New monsters might spawn if I idle here too much, so let¡¯s hurry onto the next floor. Climbing up the stairs I reach the hole-riddled 99F. Hmm, aren¡¯t there more holes than floor??

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t 99F close to crumbling? Turns out staying below it was pretty dangerous. Damn it.¡¹?

    ?

    Grumbling, I pass through the floor. It¡¯s so difficult to walk here with all those holes in the ground. There are so many of them that I don¡¯t even feel like using earth magic to change the terrain.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s such a mystery. There is only a skull and a helmet. So how does she manage to give me a flat gaze with that? I can clearly feel it on my back. To think I¡¯d get replenishment of Flat Gaze on the lowest floors of the dungeon from the previous boss of that very dungeon. You just never know what might happen in life. Much appreciated.?

    ?

    99F has a low ceiling, so even if I drop someone here it won¡¯t cause a lot of damage. Just in case I tried to open a hole where I felt a presence, but nothing came falling.?

    ?

    I got a glance with¡ºAppraisal¡», and it turns out that it¡¯s a Lv 98 lich. Since it¡¯s floating, it¡¯s only natural that it isn¡¯t going to fall.?

    ?

    Liches are spectre-like monsters that despite having physical immunity and high resistance to all types of magic aside from holy, have the highest levels of mastery in all magic except for holy. And since I can¡¯t use holy magic, I can¡¯t attack them, but since¡ºStaff?¡»was effective versus the darkness of ex-lich Skeleton?-san, it might have holy attribute. Well, I will find out if I poke them with it.?

    ?

    There is a hole beneath it, but the lich isn¡¯t trying to come down or attack me? Two-Dimensional thinking??

    ?

    That being the case, I use my vertical thinking, and reaching out with¡ºStaff?¡» poke the lich from below. Oooh! It¡¯s super effective! It agonized for 2 or 3 seconds and then disappeared, even dropping a magic stone. The stone fell all the way to the lowest floor¡­¡­ Was I supposed to catch that??

    ?

    Even so, the liches aren¡¯t coming down, and make no attempts at attacking me. Do they have problems with three-dimensional thinking? Are they too caught up with existing logic and theory??

    ?

    After that, I kept endlessly repeating the process of opening holes and poking liches through them, open a hole, poke, open a hole, poke¡­¡­ Why am I doing such a thing in a dungeon??

    ?

    Each of the falling magic stones was gracefully caught by Skeleton?-san. All while giving me a reproachful stare. How skillful of her. Looks like we are spared from having to go down to pick them up. One did fall down, but it¡¯s fine I guess. There are probably a hundred of them here.?

    ?

    As I munch on mushrooms we head to 98F. It seems like Skeleton?-san decided to take the lead, climbing the stairs before me. However, I couldn¡¯t tell when she was just a skeleton, but this armor really emphasizes her figure. Long legs, slim waist, why am I having trouble with where I should be looking even though it¡¯s just an armor? Did I actually have armor fetish? Or is it a certain high-school-boy-type something beginning to run amok? Yeah, I was looking for a suspicious establishment open only at dark hours, but what I got here is a suspicious dungeon of darkness. What am I even supposed to do here??

    ?

    97F are moths. I was wondering why nothing is falling down but turns out, these are moth-type monsters.?

    ?

    Naturally, I confirmed it by opening a hole.?

    ?

    ¡ºVenom Moth Lv 97¡», it seems they can give poison and other debuffs by scattering the glowing dust off their wings. If I open too many holes it might get onto this floor.?

    ?

    But these are bugs, right??

    ?

    Shooting a fireball at the ceiling, I then suspend it there. Pouring more and more of my magic power I increase its size.?

    ?

    The presences of the monsters of 97F gather at the fireball, and then disappear, one after another¡­¡­ Yup, those are bugs, no doubt.?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s all of them it seems. No signs of life left.¡¹?

    ?

    Uwaaaa, what an amazing flat gaze. Even though it¡¯s just armor. Even though inside it¡¯s just a skull, how does she manage to give me such a look? I guess this world has no concept of light traps for insects??

    ?

    I mean, there is no way I¡¯m going to waltz into the swarm of bugs that scatter poison and debuffs? It¡¯s a deathtrap for newcomers. Unless you have prior knowledge of this, it¡¯s a guaranteed annihilation even before the fight even starts.?

    ?

    I climb the stairs to 97F while basking in a flat gaze. Let¡¯s call her Skelly Pres from now on. Before long I might even start adding sama to that. Even though I¡¯m the master here?

 CH 65

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 97F?

    ?

    97F was littered with magic stones. Must be from all the venom moths that burned here. The magic stones are mostly concentrated around the hole on the floor.?

    ?

    Skin contact or breathing these scales probably better be avoided, so I burn them as I walk.?

    ?

    Skelly Pres is collecting the magic stones behind me, while giving me a stare. Ah, how nice.?

    ?

    Of course, I then opened a hole in the ceiling.?

    ?

    Caterpillars poured down from there.?

    ?

    Did the venom moths grow from these??

    ?

    ¡ºVenom Crawler, Lv 96¡», yup, no doubt.?

    ?

    Looks like they can spit strings of toxic mucilage that also can give other debuffs. Considering that they also have ¡ºAdhesion¡», one will probably be stuck in those threads while suffering from poison and other abnormal status effects. Can it get any worse??

    ?

    But dropping them one by one sounds like a chore. Or rather, I¡¯m too lazy for that. Those are caterpillars. They are huge, but caterpillars. Their thread is dangerous, but they are still caterpillars.?

    ?

    And if so??

    ?

    We climb to 96F. Skelly Pres is in the vanguard. Let¡¯s buy her a cloak when we get back to the town. This armor is too lewd.?

    ?

    I feel like it might even give me some kind of abnormal status effect. It would be a disaster. Well, though at the point where I feel something for the skull in armor, it¡¯s already quite abnormal. A serious disaster.?

    ?

    Reaching 96 I put my hand on the floor and using earth magic I create a roller. A huge one. I matched it with the size of the passage, so about 8 meters in width? And the height is about¡­ Two meters? Well, it should be enough as long as I cover behind it.?

    ?

    And so, I walk while rolling it.?

    ?

    The floor is a maze, so every time the path splits I remake a roller and roll on. Making the corners was a huge pain.?

    ?

    And while I was at it, caterpillars kept dying, squashed by the roller. Behind me, the Armored Stare-san is gathering magic stones. She also seems to be giving me a refill of flat gaze.?

    ?

    I also can¡¯t step into the mess left by the squashed caterpillars. It¡¯s a glue! And a venomous one at that.?

    ?

    So while rolling forward I work on fixing the floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Phew, 96F was unexpectedly difficult. Hard win? Hard work? Or rather, isn¡¯t this a construction work?¡¹?

    ?

    Whoa, amazing flat gaze, she might be a good match for the president. They probably can have a flat gaze duel.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know what time or day it is, but the rest can probably wait. I might be rushing too much, but I¡¯m worried about the worrywarts up there.?

    ?

    From 95F comes an amazing aura. Is it only one monster? But it¡¯s probably very strong. Opening another hole here is not a good idea.?

    ?

    Though the floor is now nice and even due to my efforts, but, it is all covered in venomous glue. It¡¯s not a good place for a fight.?

    ?

    It would be better to fight on 95F.?

    ?

    ¡¸Looks like a strong enemy? The presence is crazy? What kind of crazy monster is waiting over there?¡¹?

    ?

    As I say that we are climbing the stairs. For some reason, the Skelly Pres, that leads the way, seems to brim with motivation? Well, she probably was too bored since she didn¡¯t get to fight properly??

    ?

    Hmm, I have to buy her a cloak as fast as possible. But why does armor have to reveal the bodyline so much??

    ?

    Now, it¡¯s 95F.?

    ?

    ¡ºLiving Sword Lv 100¡», eh, hey! Why is it not level 95? Are we back to the lowest floor? Is it 100F again? Read the mood! Set it to level 95, dammit.?

    ?

    Living Sword. A flying sword? A living sword? A lively sword? For starters, there are ten of them, stuck into the ground. Seven thin silver swords, two black katanas, and in the center a huge silver sword. Ten in total.?

    ?

    They are giving off a super scary aura. If only the Bitches were here, I could¡¯ve set them on the swords.?

    ?

    Skelly Pres is also giving off a scary aura? Eh? What should I do??

    ?

    As the Skelly Pres approaches the swords in a calm step, they float up in the air, one after another. Illusion? Are they going to perform the Impaled trick? It¡¯s a skeleton in that armor, so it probably won¡¯t hurt her even if they fail. Though I don¡¯t think it is possible to even hit her in the first place.?

    ?

    And finally, at long last, a real fight is going to start?! ¡­¡­Probably? ¡­¡­Most likely?

 CH 66

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 95F?

    ?

    ¡ºLiving Sword Lv 100¡» is strong¡­¡­ Probably?¡­¡­ I think so?¡­¡­ Ah, this again.?

    ?

    The living sword fluttered through the air around Skelly Pres in a boisterous sword dance.?

    ?

    Glints of silver flashed across its surface, with sparks pouring all around. Flashes from the slashes could be seen all around. And¡­¡­??

    ?

    ¡¸Clang, thud¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Knock?¡¹?

    ?

    One of the living swords ended up at my feet after being repelled by Skelly Pres¡¯ attack, so I tried hitting it with ¡ºStaff?¡», after which it stopped moving. Out of batteries? I tried hitting it with Lightning Magic, but it still doesn¡¯t move¡­¡­ Looks like a corpse? Though it¡¯s a sword¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Clang, thud¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Knock?¡¹?

    ?

    Again? Is this going to repeat ten times? Simply repeat? Aren¡¯t dungeon battles with life and death on the line supposed to be more like¡­¡­ Well, that??

    ?

    ¡¸Clang, thud¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Bam??¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like this pattern is going to continue repeating¡­¡­? Or rather, it does! Over and over, ten times¡­¡­?

    ?

    Simply a man in black that hits swords at his feet with a stick.?

    ?

    Over there the silver armor is locked in a sword dance with flying swords, doing all kinds of crazy moves¡­¡­ And here I am, just knocking on them.?

    ?

    And so they all perished. As I was gathering the living swords the Skelly Pres looked at me like a dog at the bone. ¡­¡­Again? Is she asking me to give them to her? Is she actually really high maintenance??

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­Want them?¡¹?

    ?

    *Nod Nod*?

    ?

    Looks like she does? When I lined them up for her to choose¡­¡­ She took all ten of them. She didn¡¯t leave even a single one. Even though I also wanted to fuse something with ¡ºStaff?¡»if there were any good ones??

    ?

    Well, she seems happy? So it¡¯s fine, I guess??

    ?

    But can she even hold all of them??

    ?

    Suddenly, I remember, that I had ¡¸Mantle of Storage ¨C Item Storage, Evasion 10% UP, Magic Defence 10% UP, Slashing Resistance, Piercing Resistance, Blunt Damage Reduction¡¹in one of the item slots of my ¡ºMantle?¡». So pulling it out I gave it to her, to which she almost began jumping in joy.?

    ?

    Are skeletons supposed to be so emotional? Isn¡¯t she ruining her setting? Wasn¡¯t she some kind of big shot in this dungeon? Covered in darkness and all that? Well, she seems happy, so it¡¯s fine though.?

    ?

    Putting on the mantle she then stored the swords one after another. And then after much deliberation put one of the thin ones on her waist.?

    ?

    Red mantle and clad in all silver. For a weapon a silver rapier.?

    ?

    I¡¯m wearing a black mantle with a hood over my head and a stick in my hands¡­¡­?

    ?

    She totally looks more like a protagonist! I¡¯m just a random companion! Just Follower A! ¡­¡­Wasn¡¯t I the one who tamed her??

    ?

    Anyway, Skelly Pres was really amazing. After seeing that I¡¯m completely cool with her being the main hero.?

    ?

    Dancing with ten flying swords in a storm of steel and not losing to them one bit, each movement gracefully flowing into another, she turns and she sweeps, she jumps and she hits, everything perfectly connected. And the perfect control she showed by making every sword land at my feet¡­¡­ I didn¡¯t take even one step during the whole thing. I was delegated to simply knocking with my staff from time to time.?

    ?

    And so, after making an offering of swords to the Skelly Pres-sama¡­¡­¡­ Wait, aren¡¯t I turning into her slave??

    ?

    ¡­¡­¡­And so we proceed to 94F.?

    ?

    ¡¸My adventure is not over yet!¡¹?

    ?

    I tried to raise a flag. Maybe I will successfully jinx it. I don¡¯t even care anymore. My screen time could already be over¡­¡­ The end of the first arc, for the next episode please tune in for ¡ºThe Silver Knight¡», or something like that?

 CH 67

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 95F?

    ?

    Phew. Thank goodness¡­¡­?

    ?

    Looks like I avoided getting replaced after the first arc, and no¡¸The Silver Knight¡¹will be starting. So we are moving on. Well, there might be nothing for me to do¡­¡­ Nothing¡­¡­ I feel like before long I might become ¡ºMan in Black Mantle A¡»¡­?

    ?

    We climb the stairs to 94F.?

    ?

    Of course, Skelly Pres leads the way. Since I gave her the mantle I was relieved that I won¡¯t now have trouble with where to look, but it flutters, and from time to time I get a peek¡­¡­ Of the armor. Why am I looking at it? Did I get a weird mania? Is it armor fetish? That is a new genre for sure! But I refuse to pioneer it!?

    ?

    In the first place, the armor is too glamorous. It didn¡¯t have to fit so tightly! Who even asked for that? The content of the armor is a skeleton, so why is it so sensual? I will consider it another mystery of this dungeon.?

    ?

    I make a bonfire. Throw a bunch of green wood into it, and also add paralysis mushrooms to the fire. Ah, it¡¯s fuming. Using Wind Magic I send those vapors through 94F.?

    ?

    The monster of this floor is ¡ºAssassin Tarantula Lv 94¡», so this seems to be the right answer for this floor.?

    ?

    These are spiders. And on top of that assassins, silent killers.?

    ?

    I hope they won¡¯t say ¡ºSo what?¡», if they do, I¡¯m running away, immediately. [1]?

    ?

    But spiders are spiders, right??

    ?

    Detect Presence doesn¡¯t pick up those Assassin Tarantulas at all, so I have no idea where they are, on top of that, there are dozens of them and they all have ¡ºInstant Death¡»poison! It¡¯s way too dangerous!?

    ?

    Thus, I decided to fumigate them.?

    ?

    All Assassin spiders are dropping to the ground, and convulsing lying on their backs. Skelly Pres silently delivers the final blow to them with a reproachful gaze, while I keep blowing the smoke.?

    ?

    I mean, if a bunch of spiders with an instant kill poison were to swarm at me all trying to attack me from a blind spot, or ambush me, I¡¯d just die. Certainly. So what else can I do??

    ?

    Moving forward while burning down the nest of the spiders we found the stairs. Time for 93F, huh. What is the current time? Or actually, the current day? Aren¡¯t I nearing my limit? I should take a break or a nap. I wonder if Skelly Pres needs sleep as well??

    ?

    ¡¸Hm? There is something?¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    A hidden room in a corner of the dungeon? I check it after properly smoking it through.?

    ?

    ¡¸OOooh! A treasure chest! Finally! Is it where my affection rating was hidden?¡¹?

    ?

    Beside me a¡ºGenocide Tarantula Lv 94¡» is twitching. It¡¯s huge though? Well, who cares.?

    ?

    ¡¸A treasure chest, a treasure chest, finally a treasure chest!¡¹?

    ?

    But inside was neither my affection rating nor a Pheromone Ring.?

    ?

    What was even the point of me coming here??

    ?

    ¡ºMagic Key ¨C can open any lock of level MAX and lower.¡», if it¡¯s MAX and lower, then doesn¡¯t it mean that it can open any lock? Are there locks with a level higher than MAX? Well, now I can open even locked treasure chests. I got the key that can open any door, but what about the key to the door to my adulthood? I feel like the door itself is nowhere to be found? At this rate even if I had the key, it would rust away and wouldn¡¯t be able to open anything anymore.?

    ?

    The next one is 93F, huh. It¡¯s taking a while. I open a hole in the ceiling to check on things there.?

    ?

    What do we have here¡­ ¡ºSkeleton Paladin Lv 93¡», skeleton huh. Skelly Pres¡¯ colleagues.?

    ?

    ¡¸There are skeletons over there? Is it going to be okay? You don¡¯t have friends among them? Maybe relatives?¡¹?

    ?

    Skelly Pres looks at me with a flat gaze. No friends or relatives it seems. Is she a loner? Well, then it should be fine to kill them. The problem is that they are skeleton PALADINs. Skeletons have a darkness attribute, and yet, they are paladins? In other words, holy knights. So the holy attribute probably won¡¯t work against them. Well, maybe I can just burn them? All the way to the bones??

    ?

    For starters, let¡¯s invite one of them over here.?

    ?

    *THUD*?

    ?

    Poor thing. It¡¯s a skeleton and a paladin in one package, so it has¡ºHoly Resistance¡», and ¡ºPiercing Resistance¡», but no resistance to blunt attacks, or impact. With the shock from the fall, it lost its head and died.?

    ?

    Looks like merely dropping them here is enough. Since it¡¯s a drag making them fall one by one, I drop all of them at once.?

    ?

    *BAMBAMBAMBAMTHUDTHUDCRACRADUDUDUKINKINTHUD!*?

    ?

    Looks like total annihilation. A short while after they lose their heads they disappear, leaving magic stones.?

    ?

    93F was pretty fast. If only every floor could be like this. The staring skeleton in charge of collecting magic stones seems to have something to say, but since she can¡¯t talk it¡¯s all good.?

    ?

    Climbing to the 93F it¡¯s now the time to scout 92F, or more like sneak a peek. Well, in the end, it¡¯s another hole.?

    ?

    It¡¯s swimming? ¡ºSky Shark Lv 92¡»¡­Looks like it is a shark? Is it supposed to swim through the air just because it has the sky in the name? A shark??

    ?

    Opening holes I repeatedly thrust through them.?

    ?

    ¡¸URARARARARARARARARRA!¡¹?

    ?

    It would¡¯ve been better if I had a harpoon, but I guess stabbing with ¡ºStaff?¡»will also work, so I repeatedly thrust with it. It¡¯s quite a chore. I use Lightning Magic to infuse the staff and just keep stabbing away.?

    ?

    How unfortunate for you, sharks. I¡¯m sure a flying shark would¡¯ve inevitably caused panic in this world, but in our world Jaws always get killed. Hit with electricity, or stabbed with a harpoon, sometimes shot with a rifle, or swallowing a depth charge, or repeatedly shot with an underwater rifle and then run over with a boat as a finisher. I came from a world that was scary for sharks. By now, everyone in my world is ready to happily pounce at a shark the moment they spot one. Probably??

    ?

    ¡¸Did I get it?¡¹?

    ?

    No reply.?

    ?

    ¡¸We won.¡¹?

    ?

    Still no reaction.?

    ?

    Okay, this means they are obliterated. Let¡¯s climb there.?

    ?

    Skelly Pres seems to be sighing. Even though she is a skeleton? She doesn¡¯t even breathe, so where is that sigh coming from??

    ?

    Even so, it¡¯s a good thing. Rather than being all alone in complete darkness, it¡¯s better if she acts a bit like a human in almost complete darkness. Well, though it indeed might be rare to see such a lively skeleton.?

    ?

    [TL Notes: 1.] Reference to ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a spider, So what?¡±

 CH 68

    Day 29? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 92F?

    ?

    We took a short rest while gathering magic stones on 92F. I asked Skelly Pres, and apparently, she needs neither sleep nor rest. She just was freed from exploitative working conditions, yet she can¡¯t relax¡­¡­ Is that an after effect of being a corporate slave??

    ?

    Munching on a fried mushroom I lie down for a bit. After all that, we are only at 92F¡­¡­ The road ahead is still long. Good grief, if you are going to drop me through a pitfall, at least prepare a pitrise as well? To be honest, I have no idea what a pitrise might even be, but well, something like a lift? An elevator? A cage on a rope? Call it whatever you want, the concept doesn¡¯t change.?

    ?

    As I rest, lying on the ground, I open some holes in the ceiling. It of course goes without saying, but this is another unfamiliar ceiling. I just had to say this since I¡¯m lying, staring at the ceiling. But well, since it¡¯s a dungeon, I don¡¯t think this ceiling will ever become a familiar one.?

    ?

    Hmm? ¡ºAnti-Magic Golem Lv91¡», seems like a golem-san on whom magic doesn¡¯t work. Might be a bit of clich¨¦ at this point, but let¡¯s drop it as well.?

    ?

    *Dum*?

    ?

    Breaking floors of one level after another it went all the way to the lowest floor. If I keep opening holes then not only 92F will suffer, but the floors on every level below it might crumble as well. I¡¯d like to avoid the collapse, and losing the floor to walk on also would mean that we wouldn¡¯t be able to go up? As for the magic stones¡­ Well, I don¡¯t really care. I wonder if I can lure them here??

    ?

    After knocking on the edge of the hole with a stick, golems began gathering near and dropping through it. It seems like they react either to sound or vibrations. Well, they are made of stone, it makes sense that they can¡¯t see a thing. However, this world has skeletons capable of giving flat gaze despite having no eyes. So I should be careful. By the way, right now she seems to be rolling her eyes??

    ?

    I decided to take a break for about 30 minutes, leaving the Skelly Pres to knock on the hole in the meantime. A short nap.?

    ?

    ¡¸*Yawn~* Any presence¡­¡­ Yup, looks like there is no one there now. Let¡¯s go up?¡¹?

    ?

    By the way, while I was resting, Skelly Press kept knocking on the hole until all signs of golems completely disappeared, and then went down to the lowest floor to pick up magic stones. Unsure if I should be pleased or apologetic, I tried patting her on the head, and it seems she is happy about that? Even though I patted her on the helmet? Well, she probably had no one to pat her on the head in the underground depths, so it¡¯s fine, I guess??

    ?

    Since I recovered a bit, we head to 91F. Above it is 90F. I can¡¯t help but notice a pattern here. A boss every five levels??

    ?

    ¡¸Oooh, a treasure chest! This time it has to be my affection rating. Finally, my affection that ran away all the way to the other world?!¡¹?

    ?

    On 91F I found another hidden room. ¡¸Space Perception Lv 1¡¹is really useful.?

    ?

    Beside the treasure chest a boulder just stood there, which I promptly dropped to the lower floors by opening another hole. ¡­¡­I mean, it¡¯s certainly wasn¡¯t¡ºJust standing¡»there at all? Why is there a boulder in the middle of the room? Right next to the treasure chest? I would be more surprised if it was just a normal boulder and not some kind of a golem! If it actually wasn¡¯t a trap and just a decoration, then I demand to talk with the interior coordinator of this place! If you are going that far, then go all the way and make a rock garden! Though I¡¯d drop that as well.?

    ?

    A ring!!!¡­¡­¡­ But? It seems¡­¡­ It is not¡­ The pheromone ring¡­¡­ ¡¸Ring of Royal Procession ¨C LuK Up (Greater), Brings good fortune, Wards away bad fortune¡¹¡­¡­A very good item, this ward away bad luck might ward away scoldings! And it might bring me to the doors of shady night-time establishments! And it also might prevent that nonsense of falling into pitfalls despite having the luck stat over the limit?!¡­¡­ But the one who actually needs it is not me. Even without buffs, my Luk is not only at MaX, but it even went over the limit. Though it doesn¡¯t seem like it brought me any good fortune¡­¡­ The one who really needs it¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Want it? Or actually, I¡¯ll give it to you, I guess? ¡¹?

    ?

    Skelly Pres shook her head. She is refusing, but she is the one who needs this ring. After all, she spent so many years swallowed by darkness, all alone on the gloomy lowest floor, but managed to endure it all. As the proof of that, she still retains her humanity. For eons, she persevered¡­¡­ Although she seems to insist that she is only 17 years old. And I¡¯m not going to touch on that subject since it¡¯s too scary.?

    ?

    When I forced her to accept the ring despite her protests she happily put it on. Is it going to be okay? Wouldn¡¯t it fall off since there is nothing but bones??

    ?

    Now, 90F has only one presence on it. A boss? Floor master? A loner? A comrade!?

    ?

    It is, that? A ghost? A spectre? An evil spirit? ¡ºElemental Wraith Lv 100¡», huh, another level 100? So all of the bosses and comrades in loneliness have level 100? Wait, no, they aren¡¯t my comrades. However, even though I have several people tamed, the loner in my status won¡¯t disappear? Is it telling me to make real human friends? Leave me alone! I didn¡¯t ask for this! Wait, does it mean that the bitches don¡¯t count as humans after all? Well, usually you also wouldn¡¯t be taming your friends.?

    ?

    ¡ºElemental Wraith Lv 100¡», huh. I think wraith is supposed to be a spirit of the dead. And it does indeed look like some kind of a ghost. But what about the elemental part? Going by the meaning it should be pointing to its attribute, but the word also could be pointing to being a part of something or embodying the power of nature? As far as I remember, in the Latin language, it originally meant a principle, a fundamental proposition. So just elemental isn¡¯t telling me anything. What is the context? What is this unhelpful explanation? Well, though it is obviously a ghost with some kind of additional attribute¡­?

    ?

    Since it keeps attacking with fire, ice, and wind magic, that elemental probably should represent either forces of nature or four main elements. Damn, just ¡ºElemental¡»is too vague. Is it on purpose??

    ?

    Well, what do we do now? An exorcism??

    ?

    ¡¸The power of Christ compels you? Begone??¡¹?

    ?

    Doesn¡¯t seem to work? Well, I kind of suspected that it wouldn¡¯t? But who wouldn¡¯t want to try at least once? You don¡¯t encounter an evil spirit that often. Speaking of working, why am I getting treated as a NEET right after I got into the second year of high school? I was properly attending the school, so why give me ¡ºNEET¡»? And I was summoned right from the class, so why am I getting ¡ºHikikomori¡»? It doesn¡¯t make sense??

    ?

    Whoa! That was close! It charged at me! Looks like Elemental Wraith isn¡¯t interested in talking about my problems.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm? ¡­¡­ It¡¯s dead?¡¹?

    ?

    Just as a test I threw salt at it at the moment of charge. A lot of salt.?

    ?

    Skelly Press is just standing there. Battle-ready, combat stance, sword in hands. And looking at me. With a flat gaze.?

    ?

    ¡¸No? I mean? It¡¯s an evil spirit? And they say salt has a purifying effect? So I thought maybe it will disappear? Kind of? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    She is staring at me really hard! Aah~. Throwing salt is a Shinto thing, so the denizens of this world probably won¡¯t get it. Buddhism goes for purification through fire, but this thing had ¡ºFour Main Elements Resistance¡»? I heard somewhere that holy water is actually water with salt, so throwing salt at it might agree even with Western teachings? Could it be that most people here are Buddhists? But I¡¯m pretty sure that fire wouldn¡¯t have worked on Wraith-san?

 CH 69

    Day 30 ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 51F?

    ?

    Floor 50 of the dungeon had a cyclop, a one-eyed giant. It was outrageously strong. The defenses erected by 29 people were broken multiple times, the frontliners swapped countless times for healing, and with the rear continuous barrage of attacks, that they repeated constantly munching on MP mushrooms to restore magic power, we were somehow able to barely defeat it. But everyone was either injured or fatigued so much that they couldn¡¯t even stand. It was too close even for a narrow victory. We are completely spent. One Lv 50 is a threat capable of pushing us to a brink of annihilation. That is a floor master. We didn¡¯t meet one until we reached the 50th floor. Even Oda-kun¡¯s group don¡¯t know what lies ahead. Are they going to show up every 10 levels? Every 25 levels? Or maybe they are waiting only on the floors 50 and 100? In the worst case, they might be on every 5th level. And what is with the level of the monster continuously growing.?

    ?

    In fact, if it wasn¡¯t for Kakizaki¡¯s group in the vanguard, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to make it through. Their close combat ability greatly surpasses their stat numbers. They are monsters. They just reunited with everyone, but their coordination is on the level where they don¡¯t even have to look to know what they should be doing. Haruka-kun mentioned it earlier, ¡¸This is the world that really suits them, it just so happens that they were born in a peaceful world, so they became top athletes, but they were made for war.¡¹, but after witnessing their overwhelming battle power with my own eyes I can¡¯t help but agree.?

    ?

    And then, Shimazaki-san group¡¯s ability to crush enemies. Before anyone noticed they already overtook Oda-kun and others, and went past level 80. And what¡¯s even more important, after thanking and apologizing to Oda-kun and the others and reuniting with Haruka-kun they finally regained their sanity. So they no longer push themselves to needless exhaustion or injuries. Until now they were too distracted with what¡¯s going on around them, but now they have focus. At this point, they are very versatile, capable not only of melee but also good at offense and defense, and combat magic. And their level keeps rising. They are still getting experience from Haruka-kun. Which means that Haruka-kun is fighting monsters far surpassing the levels of those that we are facing. Even at this very moment.?

    ?

    And Oda-kun¡¯s group is assisting others with appropriate support. They understand skills and are good at assessing the situation. Coming to another world they really began taking things seriously. Only 9 people were added to our original group of 20 girls, but I think our battle potential more than doubled. The vanguard and the center are a lot tougher, offense and defense greatly improved, thanks to that, hit-and-run tactics and sneak attacks, towards which many girls were oriented, are finally working properly, bringing a huge difference to the flow of battle. If only, if only everyone in the class worked together, we probably would¡¯ve been even more formidable. I¡¯m sure of that. But we already lost 13 people. Even so, we are still a force to be reckoned with.?

    ?

    And yet, we still don¡¯t understand how strong Haruka-kun is. Just what¡¯s up with that? He is only level 12, and doesn¡¯t level up at all. He managed to get ¡ºMage¡»somewhere, yet still remains jobless. His skills lean in the direction of an assassin or a scout, but his martial arts are of a close combat evasion fighter? And yet he can use 6 types of magic, but his main thing is cane arts? And not so long ago he was jubilant about learning to walk on the air? Just what is this? What is he trying to become? Going by his stats, he is weak, but looking at him fighting, he is strong.?

    ?

    He actually defeated Lv 50 Goblin Emperor on his own. We barely managed to beat Lv 50 with 29 of us.?

    ?

    He is probably fighting level 100 monsters on the lowest floors, and still, somehow survives.?

    ?

    It might be okay, but it might be not. Normally, there is no way it can end okay.?

    ?

    Thinking in normal terms, his situation is absolutely and utterly hopeless. But the more I think about it the more the person that fell there gets in the way of believing that the situation can develop ¡ºnormally¡».?

    ?

    That¡¯s because he lacks the ability to act normally.?

    ?

    But I¡¯m worried. That¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m worried.?

    ?

    ¡¸This time it should be okay. It¡¯s not like the previous time when he went seeking death.¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, this time he just fell down a hole.?

    ?

    The matter with Pheromone Ring is concerning, but if he actually gets it we can just confiscate it.?

    ?

    This time there is no need for Haruka-kun to do anything excessive.?

    ?

    Even so¡­¡­¡­?

    ?

    Even with us, he kept making a mess, and even after being told off by everyone, showed no remorse.?

    ?

    There is no telling what he might do if there is no one watching over him. No telling at all. There is no way he won¡¯t do something.?

    ?

    Since everyone was completely exhausted I made them rest, leaving the scouting to Oda-kun¡¯s group, who managed to recover by now. And according to them, the labyrinth might be dead? Apparently, monsters from the upper floors are not respawning. In other words, if we kill them once, they won¡¯t be coming back? Then we don¡¯t have to worry about our rear. Since the way back is safe, we can just press forward as far as we can. Haruka-kun is waiting for us.?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone seems to be tired, can I take a look below on my own?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No. Until your party is ready you are on standby.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The five of us are ready, if it¡¯s just scouting then we can go?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, but you, from the rear, are out of mana, right? Just stay put.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Three people from the center recovered though?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Until a full party is ready you can¡¯t go. Just calm down already.¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone wants to go down as fast as possible. Even if it¡¯s only a little bit faster.?

    ?

    In any case, we won¡¯t be able to catch up with him unless we get stronger. We won¡¯t even be able to fight alongside him.?

    ?

    I might be losing my cool. I might be too impatient.?

    ?

    I might be yearning for Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    While there is no lie in everyone¡¯s desire to protect Haruka-kun, there also might be a certain yearning.?

    ?

    For Haruka-kun, who time after time beats merciless odds, who annihilates despair itself, who claims that even the impossible can be beaten if you hit it long enough. He might be the source of yearning and impatience.

 CH 70

    Day 30? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 90F?

    ?

    Wraith-san left us a magic stone and a wonderful item ¡ºElemental Necklace ¨C Magic Affinity Up (Greater), Magic Defense (Greater), Magic Absorption (Greater)¡». It is covered in a dense layer of salt though. This will be helpful in magic combat and in simply defending from spells as well. It also might give a buff to ¡¸Mana Wrapping¡¹, so I really want it¡­¡­But the design is too gorgeous. It¡¯s not even about being unable to wear it as a highschool boy. Unless you are a gorgeous celeb from a high society you won¡¯t be able to wear it. It clearly looks like a women¡¯s accessory for a serious party. Decorated with all kinds of jewels, it then has a conspicuously large gem in the middle of it. Is that a diamond? Is it? It¡¯s too lavish! I never went to any parties, have no such plans, and don¡¯t expect anyone to invite me any time soon? I¡¯m staying at the inn with a suspicious name on a credit.?

    ?

    Okay, this will be my offering to her.?

    ?

    When I pushed this thing onto Skelly Pres, who was still staring at me, she excitedly put it on. Yup, since she is happy, it¡¯s fine. And she is ex-lich, so she might be able to use magic. However, don¡¯t I just keep giving tributes? No, as the one who tamed her, it might be reasonable to properly equip her, but? Silver armor, a mantle, and on top of that a ring and a necklace? Am I a simp? No, I called this an offering, so I¡¯m probably a worshipper. Though worshipping a skeleton sounds like some kind of an evil heretic cult, I¡¯m not particularly bothered. The god here is that useless old man anyway. I might lecture him, but there is no way I¡¯ll ever worship him. Absolutely.?

    ?

    Finally, 80¡¯s floors. Well, it¡¯s still only 89F so the road ahead is still long.?

    ?

    Opening a hole, as usual, I saw a monkey peeking from there. Ukii??

    ?

    ¡¸Hanuman Lv 89¡¹, a godly ape. Wasn¡¯t there a god with the same name somewhere around Indonesia? Where was it? I¡¯m sure it is somewhere in Asia? The outfit was pretty oriental??

    ?

    Since it¡¯s a monkey it¡¯s probably pretty agile. Finally, it happened, An enemy I can¡¯t defeat by dropping it through a hole or poking it. Level 89. It also has intelligence and on top of that they are bunching up. They are moving in packs.?

    ?

    Since it¡¯s a godly monkey, they are probably smart? Isn¡¯t it impossible? And while thinking that, I threw paralysis mushrooms at them.?

    ?

    They began to fight for them, and after eating it, dropped, paralyzed¡­¡­¡­ So they were just monkeys after all.?

    ?

    No, fighting them might be impossible, but this is a dungeon in another world, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s not some pest removal? Right? While grumbling so, I finish off hanumans. Well, they have more than 800 SpE and Dex, in addition to¡¸Extraordinary Strength¡¹¡¸Swiftness¡¹¡¸Cooperation¡¹¡¸Magic Reflection¡¹, so if we fought I¡¯d be more than just in big trouble, but paralyzing them with poison and then killing? What impression does it give? Don¡¯t I look completely like a bad guy here? From the general point of view? What will happen if my affection rating goes even lower??

    ?

    Pulling myself together, 88F. The level of monsters is 88 as well. I just hope that it is not an aircraft or something. And while I thought that ¡ºFire Unicorn Lv 88¡»¡­¡­ Is it from the Area? A horse? It probably would¡¯ve been very strong if it was a merc instead. [1]?

    ?

    And so I dropped all of them at once.?

    ?

    How unfortunate for them that they are not pegasusses¡­¡­ Legs are a weak spot for those virgin obsessed horses. Or rather, for horses in general. If they break a leg they are out. It¡¯s basically a monster begging to get dropped down a floor.?

    ?

    Skeleton-san, who was supposed to be quite rich in emotions, is showing only a flat gaze as of late. Well, she is helping with finishing them off anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, a chest! There are quite a lot of them, huh? Well, no one probably reached this place, so it makes sense that they remain untouched?¡¹?

    ?

    Gloves. Even I can equip them, and Skelly Pres actually shows no interest in them. Well, she is in full armor after all.?

    ?

    Hmm, what do we have here? ¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction ¨C Left: Negate Physical/Magic Attacks on Contact, Right: Negate Physical/Magic Protection on Contact ¡»? Well, they do have metal parts here and there, but still, gauntlets? Even though more than half of these are leather??

    ?

    So in short, the left one is a shield, and then the right one is a weapon? I¡¯m ambidexterous though¡­¡­? Well, I guess I should say thanks that I¡¯m not left-handed, they would¡¯ve been very hard to use in that case. I immediately fuse them with ¡ºLeather Gloves?¡».?

    ?

    They turned a bit more gauntlet-like? They now have some metal on them? Even though ¡ºStaff?¡»and¡ºMantle?¡»didn¡¯t change their appearance? Ah, but ¡ºLeather Boots?¡»did change a bit? It¡¯s hard to tell, but when I fused them with ¡ºBoots of Acceleration¡»they became a bit tighter? I think? If they change their appearance based on what I put into them, then maybe I should collect cool looking items? At the very least I should avoid fusing them with anything weird.?

    ?

    However, negating magic on contact, is it that? Sticking out the left hand in front of yourself and going ¡ºKuuH!¡»? That something Breaker? But since actually doing that might get me in trouble, I won¡¯t¡­¡­ Even though I practiced for that before, around the second year of middle school. However, a nun falling from the sky is one thing, but a horse¡­¡­¡­ I might not be cut out to be the hero of this story. I didn¡¯t catch a single falling horse after all. [2]?

    ?

    ¡¸Now then, the horses disappeared. It¡¯s 87F next, right? ¡¹?

    ?

    Opening a bit of a hole, I gaze through it. Why doesn¡¯t this world have sexy monster girls? Peeking at horses from a low angle is no fun at all.?

    ?

    And this one wasn¡¯t fun as well¡­¡­ ¡ºLightning Bee Lv 87¡», just going bzzzzzz, preventing neighbors from sleeping. They are so noisy, they might be even more annoying than mosquitoes. Super annoying!?

    ?

    Fumigation it is.

    From time to time, there are bees going at super high speed. Are they not affected by fumigation? So while swatting away bees we keep exterminating them. But they are really fast. Like, crazy fast. They feel faster than a baseball incoming at 150km. How can this staring armored person cut them down so easily? Even though I¡¯m struggling so much? Just barely making it? By the time I notice their presence they are already in my face.?

    ?

    However¡­ After smashing so many of them, it¡¯s still only about half? Or even less? How many of them were here? 400? 500? Maybe even more? Is it a half now? Even collecting magic stones is real hard work! This is unjust! What about the worker protection laws! I¡¯m a NEET though. Just how much overtime do I have to put in before I can go home??

    ?

    ¡¸Wouldn¡¯t I be a real rich man if I manage to sell all of this? I¡¯m certain I will be. This will cause a huge drop in prices on magic stones. Will I finally be able to lead my shut-in NEET life in peace? Maybe I should make a residence here? ¡¹?

    ?

    But well, if I am to remodel this, then I should start from the first floor. Even if I make a huge bath on 100f, reaching it might kill you, and going back might give you a cold, so no one would go there. There is also an option of going directly there through the pitfall, but how many will be able to return to the surface after that? I should test this on the geeks. With some boulders flying after them!?

    ?

    If only the dungeon really had a cliff, I¡¯d be able to easily climb out with Air Walk¡­ Should I just make one and after climbing out drop the geeks from it? I think it is a nice idea, but if I had so much magic power I wouldn¡¯t have any trouble like I do now. No way lv 12 can do something like that! I probably level up, but creating a cliff is impossible. So if I want to drop them, I will have to use the pitfall. Yup, let¡¯s do just that after getting back.?

    ?

    [TL notes:

    [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_88

    [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Certain_Magical_Index

    ]

 CH 71

    Day 30? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 87F?

    ?

    ¡¸Only 87F, isn¡¯t the dungeon too long?¡¹?

    ?

    This is getting dull.?

    ?

    Where is the variety? After so much time in the dungeon, I don¡¯t even know what day it is. And I also don¡¯t understand if this is supposed to be a dungeon exploration or pest extermination.?

    ?

    Well, I lost interest only because I¡¯m not fighting properly, but there is no way I can fight monsters over lv80!?

    ?

    It seems we are about to be done with the bees soon. But do I really need more magic stones at this point? Though just leaving them also feels like a waste? The item bag is full of magic stones, though it¡¯s still not as bad as with mushrooms. Am I actually a hoarder? But not picking them up when the staring armor is picking them up feels kind of weird as well? But what¡¯s the point of getting rich in a world that has no book stores??

    ?

    Well, now I don¡¯t have to worry about money, but perhaps increased chances of compulsory deposits also known as confiscation¡­¡­ I might die any moment now, but at least I don¡¯t have to worry about my funds for retirement.?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, there is another hidden room on this floor? Hm? But isn¡¯t it too big? A giant treasure box? Riches and treasures?¡¹?

    ?

    I must go, the treasures have to be saved.?

    ?

    I shouldn¡¯t have come here. It was a huge bee queen. I fumigated the room but it doesn¡¯t look like it affected her at all. Is it because it is too huge? One after another, large, about the size of a big Boston bag, ¡ºLightning Bee Lv 87¡» , are charging at me at high speed wrapped in electricity. Do they have a resistance to fumigation? Smoke resistance? No, most of them are on the floor, so there must be some kind of individual differences.?

    ?

    The bees are large even at the size of travelling bag, but ¡ºLightning Queen Bee Lv 87¡»is just HUGE! About the same size as a small truck. No wonder the room is so big. And that huge bee charged at me, which I dodged by jumping to the side. Was it trying to sting me? Or to ram? Or rather, isn¡¯t the stinger thicker than my arm? Or even my leg? Hey, do you even need lightning? Ram and Sting are all the moves you need! Any enemy would be long dead before they feel the shock!?

    ?

    Armored Pres also was attacked, but she avoided the attack at the minimum distance, and with that movement slowing into spinning once, followed it up with a horizontal slash. Meanwhile, I¡¯m rolling around beside her¡­¡­?

    ?

    Since it was very vexing, I spam Water Ball, while still rolling around.?

    ?

    ¡¸So it doesn¡¯t like water after all? Is it afraid of getting wet? Because it¡¯s a queen or something?¡¹?

    ?

    Drenched in water the Lightning Queen Bee fell to the ground, and only flapped its mouth, seemingly unable to fly back up. It might¡¯ve short-circuited? And then, its head was chopped off in one slash. Of course, it was Armored President who did that. By the way, I¡¯m still rolling around.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm? As expected, there is nothing I can do when the enemy overwhelms with SpE? Should I have went with long-range magic attacks? Wait, come to think of it, Lightning Queen Bee had no magic resistance? I could¡¯ve just taken care of her with magic from afar?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, my bad. I got used to hitting things with a stick lately, but it¡¯s not like I have a close combat job. Or rather, I¡¯m jobless, I have nothing, no job at all!?

    ?

    However, in just one step she managed to dodge the attack, prepare for the attack, and finish the slash¡­¡­ By the time she finished that one step, she already completed the attack. All in one continuous motion. That is ¡¸Kyojitsu¡¹. My step in and attack cannot even begin to compare. A completely different thing. All movements, dodge, attack, are all finished in one movement. All other actions are omitted, leaving only one, the fastest, the shortest, and the most effective motion. That is the real ¡ºKyojitsu¡». Yeah, and it¡¯s not the time for me to be rolling on the ground, I should get up. My back is starting to hurt.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yahooo! A treasure chest! Though it¡¯s of a normal size despite the room being so big¡­ The enemy was so huge, but the chest is normal¡­¡­ Rather, it even looks small to me now.¡¹?

    ?

    What a letdown. After so much trouble, a normal treasure chest? Well, even though I was just rolling around? I was rolling for my dear life¡­ I¡¯m amazing for dodging that! That is what I thought, but someone beside me also managed to slash during the dodge. Compared to that, I just look like an idiot, rolling around. Of course, I¡¯m going to roll more from frustration. Though I was just rolling around¡­?

    ?

    Actually, since I have ¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction ¨C Left: Negate Physical/Magic Attacks on Contact¡», on my left hand couldn¡¯t I just stop it with my hand? It probably would¡¯ve looked super cool? But it was so scary! A charge from a minitruck sized bee! Its stinger was extremely thick! Well, even if I did catch it and negated the physical damage, I probably still would¡¯ve been sent flying from the collision, so it¡¯s fine I guess? I still would¡¯ve been rolling on the ground in either case.?

    ?

    Should I respond to the one-spin slash by creating my own rolling slash? Though I¡¯d hate it if it became an actual skill. Rolling around the enemy while attacking¡­¡­ Let¡¯s not. This move is too dangerous both in terms of looks and the possible effect on the favorability rating.?

    ?

    Sulking and pouting I open the box. Just open it¡­¡­ What¡¯s even the point of that ¡ºMagic Key Lv Max¡»? Why does this world raise so many useless flags??

    ?

    Hmm? ¡ºBlessed Bangle, Alleviate Curses and Misfortune (Can be Equipped only Once)¡»Will it work on the curse of sermon as well? What about the misfortune of scoldings? ¡¸Silver Armor¡¹that Skeleton?-san is currently wearing has¡¸Cursed: Fuses with Flesh¡¹, while she claims that it is fine, and she has no flesh, it is indeed a curse, and then, there is also the matter with that darkness when she was on the lowest floor. Heavy, deep, abysmal darkness. A grudge? Hatred? Sadness? Suffering? That was something way different! That also could be a curse. But well, there is no doubt that it was a form of misfortune? Though right now the darkness is gone and she appears to be a very lively? Skeleton? Eh? Is that even a skeleton? But anyway, it doesn¡¯t mean that things will stay this way forever? And there is no way to confirm what that darkness is really gone. And it also seems that the item can¡¯t be reequipped¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Here. It¡¯s better to get a blessing? Probably? You had it tough until now? It seems?¡¹?

    ?

    She stares intently at me. There are no eyes though. Respectfully taking it with both hands, she then kneeled down on one knee and put the bangle to her chest like a very precious item. There is something knight-like in those movements. She should¡¯ve retired from being a dullahan though? Well, if she likes it then it¡¯s a good thing. It was another gorgeous item, so it should suit her. And also, the blessed part makes me wonder if that god is involved, which gives me nothing but a bad premonition¡­¡­ I don¡¯t remember that old geezer doing anything good.?

    ?

    ¡¸Now then, next is 87F? No, wait, this is 87F. Above us is 86F. Right, 86F¡­¡­ Out of 100 floors, we only passed 14¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I wonder how the people that subjugate dungeons do it? Steadily and slowly? Diligently planning ahead and advancing through honest everyday effort? Why do such people even turn to adventuring in the first place? This world is so mysterious.?

    ?

    Ehhm, a fluffy yellow fur with black stripes? It¡¯s a tiger!?

    ?

    ¡ºMirage Tiger Lv 86¡», huh. It must be using illusions or phantoms? So I have to defeat tigers that are strong even without any illusions while being under the effect of illusions? And there are probably more than 30 of them? Even though the tigers are considered the strongest among the mammals? Fight the illusion-using tigers? Can¡¯t those be just cats? Please? I will tame them.?

    ?

    Since it can¡¯t get any worse anyway, I created a bunch of boxes on 86F with Earth Magic. Time for dinner. Let¡¯s have a fish.?

    ?

    After consuming the fish I check on 86F with Detect Presence¡­¡­ Yes, they were cats after all. I guess a small comfy box was too alluring for them. Everyone got into the boxes¡­¡­ They might be big and ferocious, but they are still cats¡­¡­ I close the lid on them.?

    ?

    ¡­¡­Okay, let¡¯s go up.

 CH 72

    Day 30? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 87F?

    ?

    Hmm, they might break the boxes if we won¡¯t hurry. I made them pretty bulky, but Mirage Tigers have almost 800 PoW and ¡ºExtraordinary Strength¡»on top of that! I won¡¯t be able to win if they get out. Running away is also impossible, they have over 800 SpE! Letting them escape is not an option. After climbing up the stairs the staring armor began stabbing them through the boxes. It¡¯s good that I can¡¯t see it¡­ Mentally¡­ I mean, the boxes are packed with them! Well, the cries are not cute at all, so I guess it¡¯s fine? It¡¯s nothing but¡ºGUARRR! GUUUUU! ROOOOAR!¡»¡­ Let¡¯s stab them as well. These are not cats. Not cute at all.?

    ?

    In the end, one managed to escape and chased me all around the floor¡­¡­ What can I do? It¡¯s a tiger that clones itself! A tiger! Well, it was also splendidly defeated by Armored Pres. Meanwhile, I was escaping by rolling away¡­ I did my best! I¡¯m not lying¡­ Even though I ended up rolling.?

    ?

    And right now I¡¯m in the middle of dismantling the boxes to collect magic stones. Looks like Mirage Tigers could not escape them. If only they were Illusion Tigers, they probably could pull off such a trick.?

    ?

    The next floor probably has another boss? It¡¯s 85F after all? I¡¯m more and more convinced that I will do just fine by sticking behind Armored Pres, but if I do that, I¡¯m absolutely sure that this time I will get the ¡ºKept Man¡»title. I don¡¯t want another such title! I already have three of them! Why do I have to be insulted every time I check my status? I never heard of the status page insulting its owner?!?

    ?

    I must be the only person that gets more depressed with each look at the status.?

    ?

    Since there are 100 floors, each with a different type of monster, then maybe, just maybe, this floor might have¡­ Full of such high school boy-like hopes I peeked through a newly-created hole to 85F.?

    ?

    This is the worst! The worst possible low-angle shot! ¡ºGhoul Lv 58¡»? ¡ºGhoul Lv 61¡»? ¡ºGhoul Lv 38¡»? And there are tons of them? Isn¡¯t this a boss floor? Ah, I got it, it¡¯s that pattern, you keep killing zombies, and eventually, a necromancer will show up!! I guess? Kind of? That type of a thing? Right??

    ?

    Climbing up to 85 I collect fireballs, ¡ºPack¡»them, and then knead and stretch, making a wall out of them. Firewall? Kind of a thing? Setting up the blazing wall in front of me I advance forward. It¡¯s an MP-consuming technique, but since I have plenty of MP mushrooms it¡¯s alright.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, as I thought, there was¡ºNecromancer Lv 85¡»¡­ Somewhere?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone burned, so I have no idea which one it was? Because everyone burned. But it seems it was there.?

    ?

    Since a while ago Skeleton?-san maintains a shocking 24/7 flat-gaze state. Oh, looks like she still has enough fighting spirit. Though she doesn¡¯t get to fight at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Jewel of Necromancy ¨C Controls Life and Death, Instant Death, Instant Death Resistance¡¹, a huge gem. Apparently a jewel? Since it¡¯s a red gem, is it perhaps a ruby? Sounds pretty valuable. If it is a red beryl or a spinel it might be just fine. But what if it¡¯s a garnet? I can¡¯t tell the difference. And that simple ¡ºJewel¡»is no help at all.?

    ?

    With that size, it can be used probably only for a necklace. Putting something like that in an earring will stretch an ear. Only one ear, since there is only one gem.?

    ?

    ¡¸Here, take it?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s questionable if Skeleton-san needs resistance to instant death, but there are only two of us here. And what¡¯s the point of me wearing it? Yeah, I might need resistance to instant death, but I was just fine with Whatever-kun¡¯s instant death attacks? Probably the effect of¡ºHealth¡»? I think? I don¡¯t quite understand many of my skills, but I guess something worked against it? And LuK is unbeatable. After all, as long as the probability is not 100% it will be fine. It seems? I don¡¯t really want to test it, so I can¡¯t tell for sure. But what am I supposed to do with a huge gem? Stretch an ear? What kind of tribe am I supposed to be from? No, thank you.?

    ?

    She is motionlessly looking at me, seemingly thinking about something. And it doesn¡¯t feel like it is a flat gaze. After a while, she bowed once and accepted the gem. Yeah, looks like she likes accessories and precious stones. It might look good embedded in¡¸Elemental Necklace¡¹, design-wise they should go well together. Yup, she looks happy. She is super strong and super high maintenance. Will I eventually be stripped of all my possessions right to the bone and turned into a skeleton as well? Ah, whatever, she is happy, so it¡¯s fine. It wouldn¡¯t hurt if something good happened to her for all that she went through until now.?

    ?

    Above us is¡­¡­ Still only¡­¡­ 84F¡­¡­¡­ 84F means 84 levels, I can¡¯t beat that, right? If they were level 40 or so, then maybe¡­ So does it mean I still have 40 floors to go like this? I must do something? But what??

    ?

    Above is? ¡ºGriffon Lv 84¡»? What do I do? They aren¡¯t going to fall, right? They can fly. I wonder if fumigating them will help? What about feeding mushrooms? And they won¡¯t go into boxes, probably? No, how about nest boxes??

    ?

    Well, as they are named Griffons, they have the front body of an eagle, wings, and the remaining parts of a lion. The one with a snake for a tail is a different monster? Being a fusion between the king of the bird world and the king of the beast world it was often used in the heraldry of royal families, but basically, it¡¯s an eaglion? I didn¡¯t bring my catalog of cryptids, but are they birdbrains? Was it a good idea for royal families to use this? Wouldn¡¯t that imply they are birdbrains as well??

    ?

    Is it a bird or a lion??

    ?

    If they are birds, they might have aversion to strong magnets. Not like I have such a thing.?

    ?

    If they are lions, then being cats, the box plan might be effective against them. But they have bird heads.?

    ?

    So are they birds after all??

    ?

    Stuffing paralyzing mushrooms into fish I offered it to them through the hole, and it was a huge success. Victory for the fish! Scrambling for a fish and swallowing it, they then fly away, and¡­ Collapse spasming. I feel like we might get along as fellow fish lovers, but I¡¯m going to beat them to death anyway.?

    ?

    Rushing up the stairs I begin clubbing the griffons while grumbling to myself.?

    ?

    ¡¸I must be the only person that ever got into such trouble while remodeling a living room? Does it count as a work-related incident? Probably not, since I¡¯m a NEET. But it¡¯s a clear work accident.¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres is looking at me with a puzzled look. Since if I explain what happened, as an ex-dungeon master of this dungeon she might get mad at me so I keep it secret. Even though the planning was so good¡­ Why a hole? Is remodeling not allowed? At least write it somewhere? Though I¡¯m not going to tell it to the previous person in charge since it is too scary.

 CH 73

    Day 31 ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 54F?

    ?

    They are too strong. ¡ºWerewolf Lv 54¡», wolfmen, lycanthropes, they can often be seen even in movies, but I would like to pass on that.?

    ?

    Though those are just very furry wolves walking on two feet.?

    ?

    They look like a recolor of kobolds, but very strong. Just plainly strong and fast. That alone makes them overwhelmingly powerful.?

    ?

    Even if we back them in the corner, they are too strong to go down that easily.?

    ?

    There are 50 or 60 of them and they are working in groups, attacking together, and hunting. Not simply fighting, but they are looking for weak spots instead, and use their forte to attack them. That is what is actually scary about them. And that is exactly how Haruka-kun fights, which makes them even scarier. We can¡¯t chase them too deep.?

    ?

    Even if we surround them, they are too fast to allow us to land a decisive blow.?

    ?

    They have complete control over the battle. Making the first move, they do what they want, and then, they also have the last move. They leave us no openings to exploit. When it appears like a charge, it turns out to be a battle of attrition, a battle of attrition turns out to be a blitz, an all-out attack is actually psychological warfare. They are totally playing with us and there is nothing we can do. We are merely holding out due to our individual abilities, but their individual strength is also high.?

    ?

    Magic is avoided, defenses are outmaneuvered, and our attacks aren¡¯t reaching them. And on top of that, they are pushing us back with brute strength. And we are gradually getting exhausted. This cannot continue.?

    ?

    Changing our formation to an inverted semicircle, we wait for their attack. They aren¡¯t stupid enough to attack at the center. But this is what we want. The werewolves will surely aim for the flanks.?

    ?

    With Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group on the left and us on the right, we can allow the center to rest. Taking down as many of them as possible, even if it¡¯s just one werewolf, we will reduce their numbers, and push them back by wounding others.?

    ?

    Those monsters will use any opportunity they get.?

    ?

    But if they can¡¯t get any, they will try to shake things up to create one.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we have to take the initiative.?

    ?

    If they attack us on the flanks we will surely be able to get some of them.?

    ?

    If we can¡¯t, then they will take us down. And once we crumble it will be all over.?

    ?

    7 came from the right and 8 came from the left, all others are a diversion. They are trying to create chaos among us.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haaaaaaa!¡¹?

    ?

    A werewolf that stuck out too close to the center got caught. An attack from all sides tears away at him. Pulling two werewolves that came to assist it, they strike at them, checking with a spear, bashing with a shield, driving in the spear from above, and then tearing off their heads with the shield. It¡¯s the duo from the volleyball club. In fact, the shield is responsible for offense while the spear is for support. Inviting the enemy with a low stance they then bash them from above. The vital part of the center.?

    ?

    All other werewolves, that were about to follow them into the center, drew back. That¡¯s where the flanks are going on the offensive.?

    ?

    Vice President C baits them with precise slashes, while Vice President A forces them into our range of attack. As panicking werewolves are trying to make their way through, Vice President B and I pounce at them. Then, the combined attack of Vice President A and C cuts through them, separating the werewolves, who are then killed one by one. As a result the center got 3 of them, we took down 4 over here, Kakizaki-kun and others got 4 more, and the rear managed to get 3, 14 in total. The second wave was crushed by a preemptive attack from Oda-kun¡¯s group, killing two werewolves in the process. Then the girls from the athletic clubs, that were positioned at the center, go on the offensive. If we manage to encircle them we will be able to annihilate them right here. But the enemy managed to pull back faster. We also have no other choice but to fall back. We achieved our goal, reducing their numbers. Since we can use healing, they should want to avoid a prolonged battle.?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheeew. Next! Get ready!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The rear is working on a trap. The enemy will have to either break through it or escape.?

    ?

    We retreat from the floor.?

    ?

    We managed to take down around 30% of them. Since enemies don¡¯t respawn anymore, simply dwindling their numbers should open the path to victory. Our casualties are limited to injured. We can simply heal that, so our damage is not that big. And I¡¯m going to keep it that way. I absolutely won¡¯t allow the lives saved by Haruka-kun to be taken by anyone.?

    ?

    The dungeon monsters are not respawning, the dungeon is dead, meaning the dungeon master awaiting on the lowest floor was killed. And the only person on the lowest floor is Haruka-kun. Apart from him, I don¡¯t know anyone dangerous enough to take down a level 100 dungeon master on their own. Then Haruka-kun must be heading towards the surface.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good job. Everyone pulled back. ¡¹?

    ?

    The Kakizaki-kun group that served as the rearguard climbed to 53F. After a few more fights we should be able to break through 54F. It doesn¡¯t seem like there is a boss on 55F, so we still should be able to push onwards. But I won¡¯t allow anything reckless.?

    ?

    ¡¸The girls from culture clubs at the center are amazing.¡¹?

    ?

    The athletic girls and Oda-kun¡¯s group, who went for recon, returned. Recently, thanks to a certain someone, I¡¯m not calling some of the classmates by their names. Thanks to a certain someone¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, their abilities aren¡¯t suited for direct combat and are better used for creating chaos and division. So if the vanguard can hold the enemies things are bound to improve.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They used illusion, debuffs, smoke screens, and I think they also did something to the ground itself?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How villainous, could it be that they are of the same type as Haruka-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Watch your words!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, everyone is quite energetic. We are not at our limit yet. We became able to fight back even in such a disadvantageous situation, and our level also grew. We certainly got stronger.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are we done for today? President?¡¹?

    ?

    Speak of the devil, the librarian-san, movement restraints, interference, debuffs, the scariest opponent for large groups of enemies.?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone seems to want to continue, but we are going to stop here. For today.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone is rushing too much. They are too anxious. Haruka-kun is certainly going to climb up on his own eventually.¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that she left. Just like me, she spent 11 years at the same school as Haruka-kun. Librarian-san knows Haruka-kun very well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good grief. What is the point of worrying about Haruka? He probably doesn¡¯t even need any skills.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like Kakizaki-san, who knew him only from high school, had the same opinion. For some reason, their attitude is clearly different towards Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s because Haruka-kun is different. Thinking about it will only leave you more confused.¡¹?

    ?

    Even Oda-kun and the others were saying in unison that worrying about him is stupid. From their way of speaking, it seems they know, or feel something.?

    ?

    ¡¸Buut, it is the people who are saying that who are rushing ahead the most?¡¹?

    ?

    Said Vice President B, who we had to drag back to the camp when she tried to break through solo.?

    ?

    I¡¯m friends with her since high school, and I¡¯m pretty sure I can call her my close friend, but for some reason, I feel like she might be the one I understand the least. Just why is it??

    ?

    During a battle, I¡¯m beginning to get the same vibes from her as from Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    She generally fights in the rear, but as soon as I take my eyes off her for a moment, she begins crushing enemies in melee. But isn¡¯t her job a Great Sage??

    ?

    Well, she doesn¡¯t take any injuries though? Not a single wound? No way, is she using her breasts to repel attacks? ¡ºBoing¡», or something?

 CH 74

    Day 31? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 83F?

    ?

    It¡¯s a trap zone. The floor is loaded with traps. Or more like, everything is a trap? There is nowhere to walk? There are nothing but traps.?

    ?

    ¡¸The next one is 83F, the theme seems to be a massacre? I guess? I mean, it¡¯s just loaded with deadly traps.¡¹?

    ?

    No retort, she is just staring at me.?

    ?

    83F has¡¸Ground Eaters Lv 83¡¹burrowing at the center of pathways with their giant mouths wide open. The surroundings are just riddled with traps. ¡ºTrap Sense¡»is reacting to everything on all sides. So I either have to slip through the traps or get swallowed by a Ground Eater? Actually, why do they keep the mouth open all the time? Is it really a good idea? Is it? Really? Let¡¯s throw a poison mushroom there. A very poisonous one. Are you sure? You don¡¯t have poison resistance, right? Hmm, the ground began to writhe? Let¡¯s toss another one. Whooa? An earthquake?¡­¡­ Ah, it¡¯s dead?¡­¡­ It left a huge hole with a huge magic stone in it.?

    ?

    There are 14 more ground eaters, waiting with open mouths. Is it really okay? Is it? Really??

    ?

    A total annihilation.?

    ?

    Looks like Ground Eaters can¡¯t close their mouths or move around. Or rather, ¡ºcouldn¡¯t¡»would be more precise. They have both ¡ºComplete Physical Immunity¡»and ¡ºComplete Magic Immunity¡», but they didn¡¯t have ¡ºPoision Resistance¡». They were basically asking for it? Sitting there with open mouths? It¡¯s like they wanted someone to put it in there. I¡¯m talking about the poison of course. They were tempting me. I¡¯m sure of it. I even asked if they are sure.?

    ?

    Now, there is a hidden room, but it is also trapped.?

    ?

    The floor is obviously suspicious. The color is distinctly different. The color is so different that it¡¯s like it is screaming ¡ºHey, it¡¯s here?¡». Is this another pitfall? Or maybe if I jump over that spot I will fall into another trap? Is it both? Can I just walk on air? I can, right? I don¡¯t have to step on that, right? I do feel a bit bad about the effort put into that thing, but I¡¯m not stepping on that.?

    ?

    Paying too much attention to the floor while walking on air, I ended up hitting my head on the ceiling. So it was a trap after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸A treasure chest. I¡¯m on the verge of giving up on affection rating, but it is a treasure chest. Though items from precious metals will be taken away anyway, it is a treasure chest.¡¹

    I opened the chest with a load of cynical remarks. Who knows, maybe the treasure chest will take pity on me?

    ¡ºTrap Ring ¨C Automatically Disarms Traps¡»¡­¡­ It was a flag! But the order is all messed up! It¡¯s reversed! No, it is me who is going in the opposite direction, huh.?

    ?

    With this¡ºTrap Sense¡»completely lost any value. Even though I fell through the pitfall to get it. If only I had this, I wouldn¡¯t have fallen.

    If I was coming from above I would¡¯ve found the hidden room, and using Trap Ring avoided the Ground Eaters. Since they are immune to physical and magic damage they cannot be defeated by conventional means. So the only alternative is diving into the surrounding traps. That¡¯s what Trap Ring is for. Yup, it¡¯s a good design. But what about the people who are climbing from below? How about some care for them as well? Picking up Trap Ring after passing through all of the traps doesn¡¯t feel good at all. It almost seems like a mockery. Did Ground Eaters really have to die? It simply makes me look like I can¡¯t read the mood. Good grief.?

    ?

    Above us is 82F, just a bit more and we will pass the 1/5 mark. 20%? But falling took only an instant. Well, though it was worth falling here. I found a new flat gaze after all.?

    ?

    And 82F is ¡¸Mirror Boar Lv 82¡¹, hm? Mirror, like in a mirror? Or like a reflection? Or a mirror image? And boar means a wild pig. Well, they are obviously going to charge at me. What¡¯s more important is the mirror part. If it means like a mirror, then it probably has Magic Reflection, if like a mirror image, then it should be some kind of phantoms, and inversion, would mean illusions? I guess??

    ?

    Hmm, since it has¡ºMagic Reflection¡»it¡¯s probably the first one. The real problem is ¡ºCrushing Damage Resistance¡». Since they are going to charge, it makes sense that they would need this skill. But it also means that dropping them won¡¯t do much good. And them having¡ºGross Eater¡»also means that I won¡¯t be able to poison them with mushrooms. They will just eat them. I might be able to tame them this way though? But it probably won¡¯t work? Usually, it wouldn¡¯t, right??

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, so direct combat? Against level 82? Against 100 of them? They are going to charge me? I¡¯m sure to get stabbed.¡¹?

    ?

    Actually, could it be that the most important thing for the dungeon monsters is blunt and fall damage resistance??

    ?

    Spearwall.

    It¡¯s a pack of charging boars.?

    ?

    Since magic won¡¯t work on them, I¡¯ll go with a spear wall.?

    ?

    After all, I have a lot of spears from minotaurs. Preparing the spears by burying them into the ground at the angle I raise them when Mirror Boars charge and the set up is complete. There is enough momentum, and in addition being pushed from behind by other boars they stick onto the spears, unable to stop. With this there is no need to worry about their charges anymore, they are just bunching up.?

    ?

    And with their charge being halted they won¡¯t be able to maneuver. Meanwhile, I use Air Walk to land behind the boars. With the usual Staff? in my hands. The first in a while Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± Cane Arts Different World Edition. Yes, I¡¯m still insisting on calling this cane arts. I¡¯m going to stick to that until the other world¡¯s branch of Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± comes to sue me. Also, today I¡¯m going to use the staff for shooting.?

    ?

    Boars have no reverse gear. It is what people say, so it must be true. They are capable of sudden stops, turning around, and backing away, but they can¡¯t run backwards. This is bound to seal their movements. Even if they manage to turn around, they don¡¯t have enough distance to accelerate. Meaning, they will become slower. Slow enough for me to fight. In addition, since they are too closely packed to get enough room for movement, I can make a clean sweep at them.?

    ?

    First, let¡¯s create more chaos.?

    ?

    Creating a number of small holes to impede their movements even further, I then surround them with a ditch and get to extermination. If things go south, I can just escape to the spear wall. I can fly after all.?

    ?

    Waltzing through the pack, I move, spin, and sweep, if I stop, I will lose momentum, and if I lose momentum and get surrounded they will beat the hell out of me. I already saw an example a number of times from Armored Pres, and the same goes for the use of Kyojitsu. Whirl with the sword, slip through the gaps, dish out slashes, turning each one into a small tragedy.?

    ?

    Move before I think. There isn¡¯t much I can do anyway, so thinking will only slow me down.

    This is what I learned during my fight with the master of this dungeon. Or rather what I was made to learn. Chain the attacks, set up the onslaught, and moving with the fluidity of water turn it all into a deadly sword dance?

    ?

    Going with the flow, removing pointless motions, just simply slash in a dance.?

    ?

    Going between a boar and a boar, slash after half a revolution, then, step-in with another slash. Without stopping, without halting, just flowing from one attack to another.?

    ?

    There is probably nothing beautiful about it and it doesn¡¯t appear like a dance in any way. But even if my movements are clumsy or ugly, I¡¯m still going to continue my stride. Because I saw what lies ahead.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, from the direction of the spear wall, Armored President began a real sword dance. The moment she jumped in an empty zone formed around her. Our speed is completely different, she doesn¡¯t have even a moment of empty pause.?

    ?

    She is going to kill all of them if I don¡¯t hurry.?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheew, you know? It feels like it was such a long time ago? I mean, the last time I actually fought? Even though we are in a dungeon? I wonder why?¡¹?

    ?

    As I was wondering, Armored Pres was staring at me in disbelief while gathering magic stones. I know what she wants to say, but I¡¯ll die if I fight head on.?

    ?

    The next one is 81F. We are gradually getting closer to the surface. Though the road ahead is still long.?

    ?

    Before I noticed, a flat gaze became her default expression.

 CH 75

    Day 31? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 82F?

    ?

    A short nap. I put up a monster-repelling tent, set up traps around, and what¡¯s more important, there is Armored Pres guarding me. No one would be able to attack me! This is the safest place in the dungeon! But for a tent to turn out to be the safest place in the other world??

    ?

    It might be a drag, but I must¡¯ve leveled up already. Both Skeleton?-san and I should¡¯ve gotten quite a few levels.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16

    Lv 16 (4Up)

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£²£·£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£¹£°Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £²£¹£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£¹£¹Up£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£µ£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£¸£±Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£µ£¶ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¨£·£¹Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£¹£¹Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¸£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£¹£·Up£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£¹¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£±£°£²Up£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£³¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£±£°£¸Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡1774?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Path of the Staff Lv 5¡¹(6 Up)¡¸Uncanny Dodge Lv 3¡¹(4Up)¡¸Discernment Lv 7¡¹(6 Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv Max¡¹(Up)¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 8¡¹(4Up)¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 7¡¹(4Up)¡¸Fluidity Lv 3¡¹(2 Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 7¡¹(2 Up)¡¸Teleportation Lv 4¡¹(6 Up)¡¸Gravity Lv 2¡¹(4 Up)¡¸Holding Lv 2¡¹(4 Up)¡¸Elemental Sorcery Lv 2¡¹(5 Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 8¡¹ (Up)¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 8¡¹(2 Up)¡¸Ice Magic Lv 7¡¹(2 Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 9¡¹(2Up)¡¸Sensitive Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Body Control Lv 4¡¹(5Up)¡¸Swift Foot Lv 3¡¹(4Up)¡¸Command Lv 9¡¹(3Up)¡¸Insight Lv 2¡¹(3Up)¡¸Farsight Lv MaX¡¹(2Up)¡¸God Eye Lv 8¡¹(5Up)¡¸Improved Detect Presence Lv 2¡¹(3Up)¡¸Detect Lv 1¡¹(2Up)¡¸Mana Mastery Lv 2¡¹(3Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Stealth Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Concealment Lv MaX¡¹(Up)¡¸Map Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Empty Mind Lv 4¡¹(5Up) ¡¸Physical Damage NegationLv 2¡¹(4Up)¡¸MP Absorption Lv 2¡¹(3Up)¡¸Regeneration Lv 1¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 1¡¹(New)¡¸Rush Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Air Walk Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 9¡¹(2Up)¡¸Imitation Lv 5¡¹(4Up)¡¸Space Perception Lv 3¡¹(New 2Up)¡¸Trap Sense Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 8¡¹(2 Up)¡¸NEET Lv 8¡¹(2 Up)¡¸Loner Lv 8¡¹(2 Up)¡¸Grand Mage Lv 2¡¹(3 Up)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 9¡¹(2Up)¡¸Muppet Lv 9¡¹(2Up)?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Contacts?¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«39% SpE +26% ViT +19%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    As I thought, my abilities are trying to make a speedy mage out of me. What, am I supposed to charge at enemies or something? Strengthen and speed up with magic and then launch myself at the enemies? This world is so strange.?

    ?

    However, I didn¡¯t expect I¡¯d get 4 levels! Isn¡¯t this place just crazy? In just a few days, 4 levels! Well, there are levels 100 and 99 all over the place. Though I didn¡¯t fight them, I did manage to exterminate them, so it must have gotten me a lot of XP.?

    ?

    A whole bunch of skills changed. I don¡¯t even know how they are different. ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 1¡¹seems to be the fusion of other thinking-type skills ¡¸Parallel Thinking¡¹¡¸Serial Thinking¡¹¡¸Quick Thinking¡¹?

    ¡¸Holding¡¹is Packing-san? The name changed so much that I didn¡¯t recognize who it was at first. ¡¸Movement¡¹ turned into¡¸Teleportation¡¹. I can now use Teleportation magic? I wouldn¡¯t know unless I practice with it, but failure is extremely dangerous. I suffered so much even with Movement. It¡¯s very risky. I should level it up very carefully. Since it¡¯s me I certainly would end up inside a wall or something.?

    ?

    But it seems that I¡¯m now beyond HP Recovery and going to regenerate instead. Does it mean that I now can grow new limbs if I lose them? Doesn¡¯t sound like something a human would do¡­?

    ?

    The growth of combat type skills is also amazing. Well, since I was personally trained by the master of this dungeon it was expected. Those skills were otherworldly. Even though this is already another world.?

    ?

    Okay, time to get up.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning? Nothing happened?? You aren¡¯t sleepy? You sure you don¡¯t need a nap?¡¹?

    ?

    She nodded repeatedly.?

    ?

    I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s right to have my tamed one go for days without sleep or food, but since I¡¯m showering her with jewelry she makes for an expensive employee. I¡¯m sure even the labor standards bureau would have nothing against this. Or rather, how about my status as a NEET despite working this hard? Unforgivable.?

    ?

    By the way, Armored Pres, of course, also leveled up.?

    ?

    Name: Angelica

    Race: ¡ª?

    ?

    AGE 17

    Lv 11

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £²£¸£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¸£±Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £²£¹£±¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¹£²Up£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£µ£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£±£µ£·Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¶£µ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¶£¶Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£°£·¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡ £¨£²£°£¸Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£°£±¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£²£°£²Up£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¸£¸¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¸£¹Up£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£¸¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¹£¹Up£©

    Lu£ë ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£¹£¹?

    ?

    Martial Arts: ¡¸Sword God Lv 1¡¹¡¸Martial God Lv 1¡¹ ? ? ? ? ?

    Magic: ¡¸God of Magic Lv 1¡¹? ? ? ? ? ?

    Skills :¡¸Divinity Lv 1¡¹ ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Titles:¡¸Guardian¡¹¡¸Sword Genius¡¹ ? ? ? ?

    Unknown:¡¡¡¡ ¡¡? ? ? ? ? ? ?

    Items: ¡¸Full Silver Armor¡¹¡¸Mantle of Storage¡¹¡¸Ring Of Pilgrimage¡¹¡¸Elemental Necklace¡¹¡¸Blessed Bangle¡¹?

    ?

    She instantly overtook me in stats and she is only on the way to returning to her prime.?

    ?

    Is she going to become some sort of a god? ¡ºSword God¡»¡ºGod of Magic¡»¡ºMartial God¡», a God of War perhaps? On top of that, she even has¡ºDivinity¡». Is she going to ascend into godhood? Well, for now, let¡¯s pray to her. It is surely going to prove more effective than praying to that old geezer.?

    ?

    She also graduated from Skeleton? and now has an unidentified race? The job remains the same, none. The same as me? Jobless duo? But can a jobless become a god? Well, that old fart probably has Senile Old Man for a job.?

    ?

    Since I¡¯m regularly making donations she has splendid equipment. And I¡¯m still walking in the Villager Set.?

    ?

    But our stats are still far from Lv 80 monsters. Especially mine.?

    ?

    For now, let¡¯s check the hidden room. There still has to be an item with Affection Rating UP effect somewhere. I¡¯d also be happy to find Scolding Evasion UP or Scolding Reflection. Scolding Resistance isn¡¯t needed. I¡¯ll soon acquire it myself.?

    ?

    The contents of the treasure chest were¡ºMagician¡¯s Gloves Magic Control UP (Greater) Dex 30% Up¡», Hmm??

    ?

    Inside the box were gloves. Magician¡¯s huh. With a bonus to control and dexterity. Does it mean, like prestidigitator? The one that shows tricks? Smells of fakery. Both effects are actually pretty good, but the combination makes it super suspicious. Won¡¯t I get something like¡ºTrickster¡»or¡ºFraudster¡»if I use them? Not like it¡¯s going to stop me. But will they get a chance to shine? There is no chance to use¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction¡»as well, so I almost forgot about them. Even though I practiced sticking out my left hand and going ¡ºKuh!¡». Secretly.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s peek at 81F. An aquarium? Looks like a good date spot. I think? I never went to one since I didn¡¯t have anyone to go with.¡¸Sword Fish Lv 81¡¹are swimming here and there. Is that even a monster? Maybe I can eat them? According to Appraisal, they are not edible¡­ Even though it has a fish in the name? Observing them for a while revealed that those are swords, swimming like fishes. No wonder they are not edible! What a misleading name! I even got soy sauce ready! And even the grill¡­ This is too cruel.?

    ?

    How are they different from Living Swords? If they are different, does it mean they are closer to fish? But I don¡¯t think a net can hold them. They will just cut through it. I also see no mouths, so angling them also seems impossible. Poisoned bait is also out. Smoking them also won¡¯t make them edible. Even though Smoked Swordfish sounds so delicious¡­ They are swimming through 81F energetically like a colony. If they all attack me at once I¡¯d turn into a hedgehog.?

    ?

    For a test, I tried to lower the temperature with Temperature magic and their movements began rapidly slowing down. So they can¡¯t deal with cold temperatures, huh. With the temperature down I then tried to freeze them with Ice Magic. Frozen swordfish is ready.?

    ?

    *Crack*?

    ?

    I go around breaking icicles.?

    ?

    Taking swordfish that can¡¯t move, being frozen, I then smash them at the wall, shattering them to pieces. But they are freezing to the touch.?

    ?

    There are quite a number of them, so we split and go around breaking them. The coldness wasn¡¯t a problem for Armored Pres. Though she still stared at me with a flat gaze the whole time.?

    ?

    80F will definitely have a boss. But isn¡¯t having a boss every 5 floors a bit too much? This is the 6th one already? Don¡¯t give me that¡ºI¡¯m a boss¡»despite popping up all over the place. Well, though dealing with only one opponent makes it easier. Magic stones collection-wise. Gathering mountains of magic stones is a real pain. We actually spend more time doing that.?

    ?

    The monsters on 80F is self-proclaimed boss ¡ºDemon Sword Master Lv 100¡». Judging by the name, it¡¯s a demon that mastered the way of the sword. I¡¯d be quite pissed if it used a spear despite that. No, since it¡¯s a demon it just might do that. The main point about demons is not their strength but their craftiness and cunning. Deceit and treachery are their true nature. It wouldn¡¯t be strange even if it had a club instead.?

    ?

    It¡¯s perhaps as sly and as evil as a demon. Well, it is a demon after all. It is doubtful even a demon would even fight seriously in the first place. It is probably going to use traps, poison, pitfalls, or even toxic vapors. Hmm, I feel like we might just get along. Get along well enough to travel the world in search of affection rating together. Demon-san must be getting lectured every day as well.?

    ?

    Or so I thought, but what a disappointment, he just jumped at me with a sword. What about traps? And you call yourself a demon? Aren¡¯t you just an ordinary swordmaster? But doesn¡¯t this make a demon look like a better person than me? Why is a demon so honest and upright? Think about how it makes me look?! I¡¯m totally more of a villain! Ah, I got it! This demon is trying to raise its own Affection Rating by putting me down! Unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable.?

    ?

    Fierce fighting spirit, the stance without any flaws, the mere pressure is enough to make one back down.?

    ?

    Raising the sword in an overhead position, the demon then brings it down at a terrifying speed, without any warning.?

    ?

    *THUD*?

    ?

    Well, since it fell into a pitfall, time to beat the hell out of it. I won¡¯t allow you to raise your Affection Rating on your own. Absolutely.?

    ?

    ¡¸Damn it, such a devious person. How dare he try to lower my Affection Rating by trying to look good. Or rather, not a person, a demon. How dare he show off like that! A mere demon!¡¹?

    ?

    In response, I got only a flat gaze. From her holding a sword with both hands, I can guess that she probably was expecting a fight? But what can I do if it falls down? While trying to drop my Affection Rating? Who can blame me for dropping such an evil demon? In the first place, boasting to be a swordmaster and yet being so careless, serves it right! Swordmaster my ass, apologize to the jobless! You can be Lv 100, or a demon, or swordmaster, or whatever you want, but I absolutely won¡¯t forgive anyone who tries to bring my Affection Rating down. And by absolutely I mean ABSOLUTELY!?

    ?

    I simply was protecting my Affection Rating. It¡¯s basically a self-defense. I did nothing wrong.?

    ?

    A magic stone and¡­ a sword??

    ?

    ¡¸Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds (Sword of Kusanagi) ¨C Divine Sword, Eradicates Evil, PoW SpE DeX LuK 30% Up ? ? ?¡¹¡­

    [1]?

    ?

    A divine sword it says. It eradicates evil it seems¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you are the evil here! A fiend! A literal demon!¡­¡­ And it is already eradicated¡­ Why did a demon even have a divine sword? Of course, it will get eradicated, that is basically suicidal behavior! I¡¯m not to blame here.¡¹?

    ?

    Just what was that? What was it trying to do? What was it thinking? Probably nothing. Just like the idiots. Aah, they could¡¯ve gotten along as fellow dum-dums.?

    ?

    ¡¸A demon would be obviously weakened if it uses a divine sword. At least think a bit when you pick your weapon? Why would a demon have a holy sword? Didn¡¯t it feel any discomfort? Why couldn¡¯t it just be like a normal demon and have a normal cursed sword? Actually, where did a demon even get such a sword? Who? Who was it, who gave a demon a holy sword? Is it bullying? Was the demon sword master actually bullied?¡¹?

    ?

    [TL Notes

    [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusanagi_no_Tsurugi

    The stuff of legends. Very famous legendary Japanese sword. One of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan.

 CH 76

    Day 31? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 80F?

    ?

    I got tired of retorting.?

    ?

    Well, I got ¡¸Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds (Sword of Kusanagi) ¨C Divine Sword, Eradicates Evil, PoW SpE DeX LuK 30% Up ? ? ?¡¹, but it seems that the avatar of avarice Armored Pres-san doesn¡¯t want it? Could it be because she is a skeleton? But she doesn¡¯t seem to have any problems with blessings or holy attribute items? Could it be that she is pretty picky? She might be picking by the appearance? For now, her equipment all looks pretty cool.?

    ?

    So by the design, one was supposed to get the holy sword here, and then use it for the battle on the lowest floor? It does look like it might cleanse darkness¡­ Yeah, going by the order of things, that seems to be the idea. THEN DON¡¯T DROP ME!?

    ?

    It has 30% to every attribute, so let¡¯s put it into ¡¸Staff?¡¹. This is the third item. So I have only 4 slots remaining. But why doesn¡¯t it get any heavier? Why doesn¡¯t the design change at all? With the black hood and wooden staff, I look simply like a side-character. Even though the person beside me is wearing sexy silver armor??

    ?

    Next, 79F. Finally 70s floors. But to go home I have to pass 79 more floors. I never heard of a hikikomori that can¡¯t go home! I feel like I barely even lived in that cave! And from the middle of it, I was staying in a tent in front of the cave? I¡¯m not shutting-in at all. I miss my new home in this world even more than I miss the one in the original world.?

    ?

    Though at this point I¡¯m basically living in a dungeon, which is supposed to be a maze, thanks to ¡ºSpace Perception¡», I¡¯m not getting lost at all. What kind of maze is it if I didn¡¯t get lost even once? I also want to have such moments like in light novels ¡ºWhere should we go? Left? Right?¡». Exploration wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this. After entering the dungeon I first was walking in a straight path, and by the time I got to the supposed maze parts, I could already perfectly navigate through it with the combination of ¡ºSpace Perception and ¡ºMap¡». Not a hint of an actual exploration or discovery. No, it¡¯s convenient, so I¡¯m going to use them, but¡­??

    ?

    And 79F ¡ºSpike Viper Lv 79¡», a snake? Since it is a viper, it probably should have poison, but why does it have spikes? For better traction??

    ?

    Encountering snakes, or rather, reptiles in general, the first thing I¡¯d try is lowering the temperature. Though I did the same with the fishes as well.?

    ?

    They stopped moving. Or they can¡¯t move anymore? Or maybe they are in hibernation? I don¡¯t know, but for now, they aren¡¯t moving.?

    ?

    I then walk around, cutting off their heads. But they are so huge. Easily over 10 meters. ¡ºSwallow¡», ¡ºStrangle¡», ¡ºChoke¡», does it really count as martial arts? At least according to the status page of¡ºSpike Vipers¡»they should be? Are they also going to shout the skill name before the use? ¡ºShAAAA¡»? Getting strangled with that spiked body would probably be very painful. You¡¯d get stabbed all over.?

    ?

    ¡¸But they are vipers, right? Like a saw-scaled viper? They even have that chain-like pattern on them. So why spikes? Why no chains? Are they trying to show off their individuality? ¡ºI¡¯m unique and special¡»kind of thing?¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, everyone lost their heads while lying without movement, turning into magic stones. They even had ¡ºTemperature Sense¡», but couldn¡¯t do anything about the change in temperature. Their numbers were too much to deal with by using Ice Magic, but Temperature Magic has a considerable impact and large area of effect. Could it be specialized anti-reptilian magic? Fried snakes would probably sell really well, but dungeon monsters disappear on death.?

    ?

    It is probably a combination of effects from¡ºKusanagi¡»and¡ºMagic Katana¡», but the staff cuts really well. It could cut even with Mana Wrap and Packing alone, but this is a completely different level of sharpness. Kind of like a mere touch is enough for a cut? Just what is this wooden staff going to become? Even though it began as a wooden stick? Even though it still looks like a stick? Even if I try to gracefully slash my opponents, it looks like I¡¯m simply clubbing them. Not graceful at all!?

    ?

    ¡¸Next is floor 78, huh¡­¡­ Levels 40¡­ Probably impossible? I might be able to handle levels 30? But since there are so many of them, maybe levels 20? Which means for 50 floors more I won¡¯t be able to fight properly? Even though it¡¯s a dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, who is living on the next floor¡­¡­? ¡ºVanish Wolf Lv78¡», just a normal wolf. Does this world even have a concept of monster girls? I¡¯m yet to see even a hint of that? If I find them I might be unable to beat them, but taming is another matter. Though I¡¯d probably get scolded for that later? And I¡¯m probably bound to get scolded for Skeleton-san¡­?

    ?

    Now, Vanish, vanishment. I¡¯m not getting tricked by that. There is no way a monster that disappears or evaporates on its own would exist. It certainly will pop up somewhere else after that. No doubt. This is for certain. Otherwise, they would probably be long gone, due to their own skills.?

    ?

    They are probably going to vanish when I try to attack them, and then reappear when they attack. What a pain.?

    ?

    Well, since they are Lv 78, I won¡¯t be able to win even if they don¡¯t vanish. There are 80 of them, and the whole pack has the Cooperation skill. A team attack from 80 wolves. No, nope, nope, nope.?

    ?

    Vinegar. I spread, scatter and spray it. I wonder if one cask will be enough? Use Packing to hold it and Wind Magic to scatter. On one hand, I¡¯m glad that I bought it, on the other, it feels like a waste. Well, it¡¯s not like it is that pricey, and I can buy it anytime.?

    ?

    After cornering them, I scatter a powder made from paralyzing mushrooms. Doesn¡¯t feel like a waste at all. Have as much as you want. Pepper would be wasteful, so I keep it for now. It¡¯s the last resort.?

    ?

    Cornered and covering their noses with front paws with tears in their eyes, they are then finished off by Armored Pres.?

    ?

    It hurts my heart doing this to cats or dogs. But they definitely would¡¯ve gone for a chomp on my head.?

    ?

    Their vanish ability seems to last only 2-3 seconds, and they are immediately mowed down after reappearing. I keep on scattering vinegar. I¡¯m quite sure there aren¡¯t that many people that go to the dungeon to do this.?

    ?

    I also kill cornered wolves with Ice Needle, and then corner another group, and repeat the process.?

    ?

    The whole floor smells sour. It¡¯s beginning to sting my eyes.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t stay in such a sour dungeon. Though it was I who made it like this¡­

 CH 77

    Day 31? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 77F?

    ?

    Unable to stand that sour-smelling floor I climbed up. Maybe at least the 77th floor will have something nice??

    ?

    Monster girls for example? Or succubi? Oh, I might be fine with losing there¡­ Please, I want to taste defeat.?

    ?

    ¡ºImp Lv 77¡», imp-san, huh. Nothing like monster girls at all. It¡¯s an ugly, small flying demon. You bastards! With how things were going so far the 77F was supposed to have monster girls!! What the hell are those small horny baldies? Are you kidding me? What are you going to do about my betrayed expectations? ¡ºUgya!¡»Ugya my ass! Listen to me you little shit! Huh? The hell are you dying on me? Listen when people are talking! So on top of trampling on highschool boy¡¯s dreams, you also can¡¯t read the mood? ¡ºGyooe!¡»Huh? What is that GYOE supposed to mean? Get crushed just like my dreams! ¡ºGYIyyyI!¡»Enough of your squeals. I told you to read the mood! In the first place, why do you keep dropping like flies just because someone looked at you? Do you have a problem with my eyes? Aren¡¯t you demons? What the hell is that attitude? I am angry, so why are you running away instead of listening? Why are you getting annihilated when I¡¯m talking to you? Listen to me¡­ Wait, annihilated??

    ?

    No, I mean, this is 77F, the hell are you giving me imps for? Isn¡¯t this where monster girls are supposed to show up? [1]?

    ?

    And why is Armored Pres trembling in fear? Aren¡¯t you the big boss of this place? Why are you trying to put distance between us? Dullahans, Liches, and No Life Kings are totally the side that are supposed to be scaring others? Not the other way around? Dungeon Master shouldn¡¯t be so frightened. I¡¯m going to cry? For real??

    ?

    For some reason, the imps were annihilated. My heart is also on the verge of breaking as well¡­ Are my eyes capable of scaring a dungeon master? And the imps died from shock before I could even hit them¡­ Even though they are demons¡­ Even though they are demons!?

    ?

    Why do I have to pat Skeleton-san on the back to calm her? Is this what you are supposed to do in a dungeon??

    ?

    And even if I wanted to vent on someone for this, the imps are already dead. The floor was littered with magic stones.?

    ?

    Okay, 76F, time to relieve my stress.?

    ?

    ¡ºLizardman Lv 76¡»¡­ Well, in a way, calling them monster girls might not be technically wrong. But as a highschool boy, I refuse to accept that! Absolutely!?

    ?

    Lizardmen, with heads of lizards¡­ And bodies of lizards. Hmm, there are females as well? It seems? SO WHAT!? They have lizard faces! And lizard bodies! Their figures have some feminine features¡­ But so what! They are also all covered in scales? Those are basically bipedal lizards with spears in their hands. I¡¯d say they are closer to dinosaurs than to humans. No monster girl elements that a highschool boy would seek. No hopes or dreams. So I will turn them into nothing as well!?

    ?

    ¡¸Ugh, so cold, I don¡¯t want to stay in such a dungeon anymore! I want to go home!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like their mental age is close to nil as well.?

    ?

    I lowered the temperature of the whole area to a really freezing level. On top of that, I also use Ice Magic for additional effect. That¡¯s what lizards get.?

    ?

    Those that can still move are doing so in a kind of slow-motion, and more than half of them cannot move at all.?

    ?

    Good grief, this is the second time. The second time in a row. The second time my hopes were betrayed like this. First imps, and now lizard-faced dinosaurs. I¡¯m about to get really angry. Armored Pres and I mercilessly kill them. Who the hell would be happy about a female lizardman that is 90% lizard? Who would want that? Scales collector? Dinosaur fetishists? To hell with such fetishes! I¡¯m having enough problems with the newly emerged armor fetish alone!?

    ?

    After collecting magic stones we head to 75F. it¡¯s boss time. Floor master. Finally one fourth. So not even reached Pure Feeling, huh? Pure feelings are 66F? Or maybe 67? Two-thirds of 66th floor? Well, I can think about it when I actually reach it. It will still take a while. [1]?

    ?

    I wanted to take a bit of a break, but it¡¯s too cold here. And below here it is sour, just what kind of dungeon is this? I never heard of sour floors¡­ Though I won¡¯t say it aloud, since the person that previously was in charge of the place is behind me. And she also knows the reason for the sourness¡­ So she probably will be mad if I say this. Let¡¯s keep silent.?

    ?

    Only 3/4 left to go¡­ Now that I think about it, it doesn¡¯t make me as happy as before.?

    ?

    ¡¸Chimera (All Species) Lv 100¡¹, and here I wanted to know what kind of chimera it was¡­ All species? Complete edition? If it has parts from all living things, then it would be insanely huge? Though it is huge¡­?

    ?

    With the overall length of about 5-6 meters and the height of more than 2 meters, it was way bigger than me. The body of a bear, the limbs are of a tiger and a lion. 6 legs in total? I wonder to whom the wings belong? They are huge. And the face of a monkey. Looks like a monkey-faced old man. And there are insect-like hands growing from the body. The tail is probably a scorpion¡¯s? Scales on the back, from both shoulders grow dog? No, wolf heads? No horse, sheep, or rodent parts? And yet all species? Maybe they are hidden somewhere??

    ?

    Since it is able to hold its ground versus the ex-master of this dungeon, the skeleton in the silver armor, it should be quite formidable. Still, it¡¯s struggling, barely holding on. While the chimera is fighting at its limit, the skeleton has barely revealed her hand. I hit it from behind.?

    ?

    After I extend Staff? it reached a length of about 10 meters. Applying Gravity, which at some point evolved from Weight Magic, I strike it with full force.?

    ?

    It shouldn¡¯t have time to pay attention to me. It has to deal with the flurry of vicious blows coming from the front. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    Standing upright it used more than ten of its limbs in combination with wings to exchange blows with the Armored Pres. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    Neither took even a step forward nor did they take even a step back, and just simply stuck to striking, flattering wings, slashing, and hitting. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    Neither could land a decisive blow as the speed of their exchange kept growing. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    The rush of blows was so furious that the sparks created an illusion of a wall of flames standing between them. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    But now I couldn¡¯t get a clear picture of what is going on anymore with the countless afterimages flashing between them. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    The number of countless attacks and countless slashes was so great that their sound simply merged into one roar. So I just hit it from behind.?

    ?

    Finally, pressing just half a step forward, both of them were trying to grasp victory and prevent the other from doing so. Meanwhile, I just hit from behind.?

    ?

    It died, it seems.?

    ?

    Whooa, the flat gaze is so sharp I physically felt like I was getting stabbed by it. Did she acquire some kind of skill for mental attacks? Or is this an evolution of a flat gaze?!?

    ?

    Pretending not to notice it, I check the loot. Ah, it¡¯s seriously stabbing me. Ehm, magic stone and a bracelet? Another would-be gift? But this one looks pretty plain. ¡¸Demon Beast Bracelet ¨C Increase All Abilities¡¹Eh? First of all, what exactly is considered as all abilities here? And then, what does an increase mean? Until now it was either % UP or Bonus (Greater), or something, and now it¡¯s just an increase? How about some standard or uniformity? It¡¯s hard to get what is going on. Though it¡¯s not like I had any idea what is going on with my status until now. Is there even a meaning to it? In a way, it feels like it is mocking me? Kind of??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] You might think that this time he actually went insane, but no. This is a reference to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1/3_no_Junj%C5%8D_na_Kanj%C5%8D?

    ?

    As Wikipedia suggests ¡°1/3 Pure Heart Emotion¡±. So 1/3 of 100 floors is either 33 or 34 floors.

    ]

 CH 78

    Day 32 ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 54F?

    ?

    The third battle. We are still getting stalled by the werewolves of this floor. But we reduced their number quite a bit. With only 20 enemies remaining we should be able to get through. Onwards, to where Haruka-kun is waiting.?

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s stop here for today. I don¡¯t think anything would happen, but just in case, let¡¯s build a base here.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸A~ye.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    And we finally managed to defeat them, finally wiped out all the werewolves of this floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Folks on food duty, assemble! I¡¯m going to pull out the meat, hurry and cut vegetables.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m done here, pass me veggies.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s meat. Meat. A meaty, meaty meat.¡¹?

    ?

    No one seemed to be seriously injured. Though we had many lightly-wounded people, we are already roasting HP mushrooms, so it shouldn¡¯t be a problem.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We are hungry and tired!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    This time we made a great number of maneuvers, breaking through the pack of werewolves, splitting and hitting them from the sides, and then annihilating encircled enemies, so it is only natural that everyone would be tired after running around so much. But even so, we managed to defeat all of them. Finally. At last, we will be able to move forward.?

    ?

    The tents seem to be already set up, so we first feed and send the boys to rest, as they seemed to be the most exhausted. Anyway, it¡¯s time for a meal.?

    ?

    ¡¸We finally made it to the 55th floor.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸The wolves took soo long.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    In fact, we spent two whole days on this floor. New enemies are going to be even stronger, but we have no choice but to press forward. No matter how much time it might take, Haruka-kun is fighting with the monsters of the lower floors all alone, trying to get to the surface, so we have to go.?

    ?

    Shimazaki-san and others already went over level 90. The speed of their leveling is way above everyone else. Which means Haruka-kun is still fighting. All alone, trying to get to the surface.?

    ?

    Before sleep, we hold a meeting. In name only, in fact, it¡¯s another girls-only gathering.?

    ?

    ¡¸The cows were ¡ºSpike Buffalo Lv55¡», right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A herd of them. A whole pack of rampaging spiky cattle. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The 55th floor doesn¡¯t have a boss, so we can just attack it, as usual, exterminating enemies one by one.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, won¡¯t there be a huge panic with us getting split up again?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, that¡¯s how it went during our first fight with werewolves, which forced us into a purely defensive position, preventing us from making a timely response.?

    ?

    ¡¸How about we first take a defensive formation and then disperse them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh? Won¡¯t we get surrounded? As soon as we stop moving? We will end up fighting another defensive battle?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But those cows seem so fast? A defensive formation will end up being a perfect target for their stampede.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸No way.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, monsters of the next floor were also moving in packs. Rather than fighting them as a group, I would prefer to reduce their numbers by fighting freely. But splitting up is also dangerous.?

    ?

    That aside, it¡¯s already one month since we came to this world. But it¡¯s probably only half a month since we started fighting? Everyone grew accustomed to combat and began to understand strategy.?

    ?

    By the way, the boys, who barely say a thing during our meetings, act with a perfect understanding of the tactic when the battle starts. But during the planning phase¡­ They do nothing.?

    ?

    Oda-kun¡¯s group is good at reading the flow of the battle, so they are incredible at intercepting and countering enemies¡­¡­¡­ But during discussions, they just blend with the air.?

    ?

    Kakizaki-kun¡¯s idiots¡¯ brigade is very versatile and capable of adapting to any situation, properly cooperating with others while seemingly doing as they please¡­ But during discussions they are useless.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Boys, what do you think?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean? Meet them if they come? Kill them one by one if they don¡¯t?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just deal with the enemies depending on how they act? What happens, happens?¡¹?

    ?

    Their ability to plan ahead¡­ Both groups have quick wits and adaptability, but they are leaving a lot to chance.?

    ?

    The girls, on the contrary, crumble when a plan isn¡¯t working, since many of them had defensive, hit-and-run, or backline builds.?

    ?

    This makes it hard to build a plan. And it happens every time.?

    ?

    ¡¸This time I want to go for echelon formation, so we can sidestep the enemy while reducing their numbers, think we can do it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Do we have enough people? There are more than 80 of them? Won¡¯t they just break through?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, when the last of the herd goes past us, we follow after them, and rotate the formation, while half encircling them, keeping the echelon formation intact, and then, sidestep when they come again.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Matador?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, matador tactic. Gradually wear the enemy down without meeting their charge head-on.?

    ?

    ¡¸But in that case, we will be too stretched for a proper defensive formation. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But what about the rearguard? Won¡¯t all that running around render the rear ineffective?¡¹?

    ?

    Things got a bit too bloodthirsty to call it a girl gathering, but even so, it is the best way for us, the girls, to build a strategy.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the boys couldn¡¯t wait for us to finish faster.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun risked his life to save the lives of everyone present here, so I will do the same, and protect every one of them.?

    ?

    There is no point to this unless we all make it out of here alive and well.?

    ?

    Otherwise, everyone would¡¯ve already charged at the enemies.?

    ?

    This is still only the 54th floor. Haruka-kun is way farther down.?

    ?

    He is fighting under much harsher conditions, with way more fierce enemies as he cuts his way to the surface.?

    ?

    In fact, if a pack of Lv80 or Lv90 enemies jumped at us right now, we would be instantly annihilated.?

    ?

    Yet he keeps fighting on even lower floors. All alone.?

    ?

    To be honest, I want to rush to his side right away, but I¡¯m still way too weak.?

    ?

    I won¡¯t make it.?

    ?

    So we just have to press on, to welcome him back at least one floor earlier. All together.

 CH 79

    Day 32? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 75F?

    ?

    Since the armored person with a stare that physically hurt didn¡¯t need it, I took ¡ºDemon Beast Bracelet¡»for myself. Even though I was just hitting it from behind, I¡¯m actually the one who defeated that thing. Probably??

    ?

    But I¡¯m troubled by the vagueness of¡ºDemon Beast Bracelet ¨C Increase All Abilities¡». Will it also increase NEET, Hikikomori, or Loner??

    ?

    Anyway, the 74th floor. I can still feel the prickling from the stare, but it¡¯s the 74th floor.¡ºMetal Scorpion Lv 74¡»are waiting there.?

    ?

    ¡ºMetal Scorpion¡»is well, a scorpion, which means, it¡¯s venomous. Scorpions, despite their appearance, are actually pretty soft. What they have is not actually a shell or a carapace. They easily die if smashed. But metal scorpions are made of metal, so they must be quite tough. I don¡¯t think they will squash that easily. Probably? The answer is fumigation. So once again, I¡¯m busy with making fires and spreading smoke.?

    ?

    After all, scorpions are arachnids. Basically siblings to spiders. Since they are so close, I have to give them the same treatment. Aren¡¯t you happy? Lying on their backs with twitching legs? They probably are??

    ?

    The silver armor is going around, stabbing the scorpions into the gap of the armor on their necks, and then removing their heads.?

    ?

    Behind it, a dude in a suspicious black hood keeps smoking the surroundings non-stop.?

    ?

    No, no, I shouldn¡¯t let it bother me. It¡¯s my loss if I do. Just like working. Title-wise. [1]?

    ?

    Finishing collecting the stones it¡¯s now time for a pleasant detour to a hidden room. Though there was nothing pleasant about it until now? In terms of My Affection Points.?

    ?

    This chest also wasn¡¯t locked. Just when will I get a chance to use Magic Key??

    ?

    What do we have here?¡¸Enduring Greaves ¨C Complete Resistance, Magic/Physical Attacks/Impact Resistance Up (Greater)¡¹? Greaves? Ah, the shin guard. Leg protection from western-styled armor. Since it¡¯s western-style I tried to show it to Armored Pres, but she seems to have no interest in it. Is it because they are black? She won¡¯t accept anything other than silver? So she picks items based on appearance? Well, as a girl she might have some points where she cannot yield. Well, Full Silver Armor has¡¸Complete Immunity¡¹and ¡¸Enhance All¡¹on top of that, so she simply might have no use for it.?

    ?

    I wonder if I can put these into my boots?¡­?

    ?

    Yup, they fused. I¡¯m so happy. This is what I wanted the most after Affection Rating. Complete resistance, Physical Attacks and Impact Resistance Up. This means that crash landing, and clashes with enemies will become easier from now on. Though is it really a good thing to embolden such behavior? But well, what can I do if I fall and clash? Of course, it would be better if it didn¡¯t hurt as much. Yup?

    ?

    I¡¯m itching a bit for some charge attack, or more like, for crashing directly into enemies at full speed, but considering that the next floor is turtles, I probably shouldn¡¯t try that. Big turtles? With¡­ alligator faces? Is that what¡¯s called an alligator snapping turtle? But the name says ¡ºReflect Turtle Lv 73¡»? Four huge turtles are lined up in an excessively huge corridor. Yeah, don¡¯t want to crash into that. Each of them is the size of a small house. Probably would be beyond painful. No, thank you.?

    ?

    Rather than that, it¡¯s Reflect. How is this reflect different from the boar-sans¡¯ Mirror? Since they also have¡ºMagic Reflect¡»skill, I see no difference.?

    ?

    Approaching the first turtle I use magic to create a hole under its right front leg. And then another one under its left front leg. And another one under the right back leg. And another one under the left back leg. Here we go. It cannot move anymore.?

    ?

    I then hit the head of the turtle, which lost its freedom of movement. Even though it¡¯s a turtle, it makes no attempts to retract its head, so I just keep whacking it.?

    ?

    It is trying to bite me, but it doesn¡¯t have enough reach.?

    ?

    Since it¡¯s so huge, it blocks the passage, preventing other turtles from coming near.?

    ?

    So I just keep bludgeoning it.?

    ?

    *¡¸Thud!¡¹¡¸Thud!¡¹¡¸Thud!¡¹¡¸Thud!¡¹¡¸Thud!¡­¡­¡¹,¡¸Slash!¡¹*?

    ?

    ¡­Armored Pres suddenly cut off its head. She couldn¡¯t wait any longer? That turtle had ¡ºSlashing Resistance¡», how could she cut it like that? Well, fine. It saved us time. She seems to have an impatient side to her??

    ?

    Then, another Reflect Turtle approached us, so I created a hole under its right front leg, and then¡­?

    ?

    It was incredibly tedious.?

    ?

    But all of them are annihilated. 8 turtles in total. They were so huge that this floor felt smaller than the previous ones, but with all turtles now gone, I see how truly huge this floor was.?

    ?

    Their magic stones are also huge. I wonder if big magic stones are worth more? Is this actually a treasure? But there are 72 floors between me and the buyout window.?

    ?

    Hm, no hidden room it seems, let¡¯s check what¡¯s above. I open a peeping hole in the ceiling. No matter how many times I peep through it it¡¯s still not fun at all.?

    ?

    Dead trees? ¡¸Treant Lv 72¡¹. A wood. There is no need to think here. They don¡¯t even have fire resistance. Though they do seem to have magic resistance. Wouldn¡¯t they burn from a normal, ordinary fire??

    ?

    Bonfire, bonfire¡­¡­ Whoa, it¡¯s seriously hot.?

    ?

    It¡¯s burning well.?

    ?

    Well, that¡¯s a dry tree for ya.?

    ?

    I splashed them with all kinds of oil including canola oil, olive oil, and sesame oil, and then set them on fire.?

    ?

    What good will having only magic resistance do? I can simply use air walk to pour oil on them. Of course, they will end up in flames. They are basically monsters made of dry wood, asking to be burned? Of course, I will oblige. Though it¡¯s seriously hot.?

    ?

    Everyone burned out.?

    ?

    Using oil here feels like a waste though. It¡¯s expensive and they don¡¯t sell it in such large quantities.?

    ?

    Gather magic stones and flat gaze. Then, it¡¯s time for a hidden room.?

    ?

    Hm? No treasure chest??

    ?

    Only a piece of dry wood called ¡ºElder Treant Lv 72¡»? A huge dry tree. And it burns very well. Well, not without my help.?

    ?

    When it finally burned down I discovered¡¸Elder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Magic Control Increase¡¹, among the remains. A magic staff, huh. I wonder if there is any cane that makes whacking enemies feel better? Isn¡¯t blunt damage what people seek from canes? The swords get bonuses to attack strength, but all that canes and staffs get are spellcasting bonuses? Isn¡¯t it a weapon designed for beating others to death? No??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] ¡°ƒP¤¤¤¿¤éØ“¤±¡± ¨C ¡°If you work, you lose¡±, Relatively famous japanese meme encapsulating the psychology of some dedicated NEETs.]

 CH 80

    Day 32? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 72F?

    ?

    It seems Armored Pres doesn¡¯t want the staff. Even though she has some kind of insane¡ºGod of Magic¡»skill? Is she sword over magic? Is she going to become a muscle-brain character? Is she going to follow the idiots? Is she going to go down the same path??

    ?

    Since the staff¡¯s effects are pretty good, let¡¯s fuse it with ¡ºStaff?¡». ¡¸Elder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Magic Control Increase¡¹is basically a cheat grade weapon for a spellcasting class. But for now, it would be limited to making holes faster, spreading smoke better, or improving the freezing speed? Kind of dubious isn¡¯t it? I¡¯d rather prefer Whacking Power Up??

    ?

    In the first place, this dungeon has too many monsters with magic immunity or magic reflect. On top of that, some of them even had physical immunity. Isn¡¯t this dungeon impossible to beat normally??

    ?

    Above are ¡ºWar Puppets Lv 71¡». Apparently, dolls made for war? A lot of warriors armed with huge round shields and long spears, wearing heavy looking armor. It¡¯s a phalanx.?

    ?

    A formation based on heavy infantry armed with spears seems to have been very effective in engagements, boasting an overwhelming defensive and offensive power in frontal attacks. But it¡¯s old? It¡¯s something that was used in ancient Greece and Macedonia? As puppets have Crush Damage resistance, dropping them to the lower floors probably won¡¯t do anything, so I climb up to 71F. Since they are puppets fumigating or chilling them has no meaning, and they also have Fire Magic Resistance. The same goes for paralysis and poison. These are dolls after all.?

    ?

    So going to 71F I take a stand with Armored Pres and take on the phalanx.?

    ?

    The wall of spears is charging at us raising clouds of dust. Not even a single gap could be seen, allowing no chance for a counterattack.?

    ?

    And then they fell¡­¡­ Tumbling they fall on each other, smashing those below.?

    ?

    Phalanx is a formation that will work only on flat terrain without obstacles. Indeed, the dungeon is narrow, so it prevents from hitting on the flanks, but if someone creates a hole with magic, then they will have no choice but to fall in there? Since there is only one path for them to take. And since they will certainly pass there, I will create a hole. Now, I set the oil in the hole ablaze. Since it¡¯s not magic they are going to burn, right? After all, they have Fire MAGIC resistance.?

    ?

    ¡¸Such a waste. Even though I bought this oil for deep frying. Half of it is gone already. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to fight them with fire¡­ Ah, such a waste.¡¹?

    ?

    I mutter to myself as we gather magic stones.?

    ?

    Armored Pres was unusually looking at the battle situation with admiration.?

    ?

    Even now it¡¯s not a flat gaze. That¡¯s a bit disappointing. Like something is missing.?

    ?

    70F is next, which means another boss.?

    ?

    ¡¸Orthrus Lv 70¡¹Hm? Level 70? But all of the bosses until now were level 100? So that was the case only from the floor 75+? I¡¯m not sure since I was going in reverse. And¡­ It¡¯s a two-headed dog. And it is huge. If my memory serves me right, it¡¯s Cerberus¡¯ little brother with one fewer head. And it is huge.?

    ?

    *Slash! Slash!*?

    ?

    Armored Pres slashed off both heads in the usual manner. I still have plenty of vinegar left so it is quite convenient that it is a dog-type monster. The problem is oil. It¡¯s pretty expensive and hard to get but I already used more than half of it. Even though I bought it for deep frying. And I¡¯m not going to use spices at such a place.?

    ?

    Making spheres of vinegar I threw them at Orthrus¡¯ nose. Orthrus has two heads but only two front paws, so trying to cover the one nose with each paw it ended up with its heads on the ground. Of course, it would lose both heads to Armored Pres if it does that. That was too thoughtless.?

    ?

    Probably because of¡ºElder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Magic Control Increase¡», but balls of vinegar flew faster than water balls usually did, and control also was pretty easy. They just home in even if the target tried to dodge. It seems like Magic power 50% Up, and increased magic control worked wonders here. Probably,¡ºMagician¡¯s Gloves Magic Control UP (Greater) Dex 30% Up¡»also effected this. Meanwhile, just when will I get to use¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction¡»? Probably will be forgotten just like ¡ºMagic Key¡»and ¡ºTrap Ring¡». Not a single trap in sight. Even though I¡¯m actively looking for them. I remember naively thinking¡ºWow, isn¡¯t this item a cheat?¡»¡­ But I don¡¯t even get a chance to use them?!?

    ?

    So what do we have? Magic stone and¡­ ¡¸Collar of Submission ¨C Forces into a state of absolute obedience¡¹¡­Eh??

    ?

    Yup, let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t see that. That would be for the best. Yup, decided! I mean, I can¡¯t even give it away to Armored Pres-san, and just carrying it around is bound to lower my Affection Rating. The latest Taming incident already lowered it so low that it went deep under the ground, creating a whole dungeon in the process, but it will go even lower! I¡¯m sure of it! I¡¯m certain that at this point my Affection Rating is so low that even going to 100F is not enough to find it. Even if I dig for it, I probably will sooner find a hot spring than my affection rating.?

    ?

    Anyway, 69F. Finally, sixties. The level of the enemies also went down by one. As if it matters! No way I can fight that! I didn¡¯t even get to Lv 20 after fighting on the lowest floors! I was overjoyed about barely reaching Lv 15 not so long ago? I¡¯d like to call for a manager of this labyrinth and give them a piece of my mind, but the person behind me, who previously was in charge of it, is too scary, so I¡¯ll keep it to myself.?

    ?

    ¡ºSleep Owl Lv 69¡», an owl, currently a very popular bird. Is this a therapy floor? Sleep surrounded by cute fluffy owls? Aren¡¯t they basically cute moving mattresses? Oh my, I want one. But I¡¯m pretty sure, if I fall asleep here they will tear me apart. I¡¯m yet to encounter even a single friendly monster or a monster girl. I¡¯m pretty confident that I will die if a pack of monster girls appear. Even though I¡¯d like to get surrounded by them¡­ Just what should I do??

    ?

    They have¡ºDynamic Perception¡»among their skills, so long-range magic will be simply dodged with¡¸Spell Evasion¡¹. Among Martial Art skills, they have¡¸Feather Cutter¡¹so they are probably going to surround us, and then hover, showering us with razor-sharp feathers, trying to shred us to pieces. That¡¯s not nice at all. Can¡¯t they have something like ¡ºSleep Among Owl¡»? I¡¯d probably fall for that. They of course also have¡¸Hypnotizm¡¹, a sleep-inducing attack, but Armored Pres doesn¡¯t sleep, so she is completely resistant to that attack. I also have full resistance. I do¡­ But I probably should start working on acquiring Sermon Resistance asap or I¡¯ll regret it when I reach the surface¡­ I suddenly don¡¯t want to go back anymore¡­ I probably will also need a seiza resistance.?

    ?

    Sleep Owls came from above and surrounded us. They are huge and not cute at all. That settles it, they are enemies.?

    ?

    The owls stopped in the air, hovering above us, and simultaneously shot feathers at us.?

    ?

    This attack is ¡ºFeather Cutter¡», I expected this.?

    ?

    Using Air Walk to get above the hovering owls, I pull out boulders from the item bag and drop them at the birds. Those were meant to be used as a part of the ultimate anti-geek spell ¡ºMeteor¡», but for now, they aren¡¯t engulfed in flames. I was collecting those in preparation for the moment I drop the geeks down a pitfall, but realizing that I probably should get some practice, I¡¯m currently throwing them at the owls.?

    ?

    When Sleep Owls attack with Feather Cutter they always stop flying around, hovering in place. And the Feather Cutter is Air-to-Ground. In other words, can be used to attack only targets below them. So I can freely throw boulders at them. When they get hit they fall to the ground where Armored Pres is already waiting to dissect them. The rain of feathers from countless Feather Cutters proved powerless to get through the barrier of slashes of Armored Pres. With this, she probably won¡¯t even need an umbrella during real rain.?

    ?

    For some reason, while dungeon monsters drop weapons, monster parts simply disappear. So, I guess, I¡¯m not getting owl feathers for a mattress.

    However, doesn¡¯t confined space like a dungeon put monsters of this type at a bigger disadvantage than challengers? Why are they shutting themselves in such a place? Even though a shut-in is exploring dungeons, they are just sitting here? Isn¡¯t it supposed to be the other way around? Can¡¯t I give my title away to them? Seriously? Though I don¡¯t think anyone would take it even if I could¡­ It also would be a problem if dungeon monsters were buffed by the effects of Hikikomori¡­ Though I still would prefer to give it away.?

    ?

    After collecting the magic stones it¡¯s time to check out a hidden room.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, if I Tamed an owl and put it on my shoulder I probably would¡¯ve looked like a real mage. The protagonist of that popular movie series about wizards also had an owl as a familiar? Meanwhile, I never heard of a wizard that had bitches as familiars! Such a protagonist will never get to be on a big screen! Taming girls alone would get him banned!¡¹?

    ?

    Owls are so nice¡­ Can¡¯t I trade bitches for an owl? At 5 for 1 rate?

 CH 81

    Day 32? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 69F?

    ?

    It¡¯s so far. The hidden room is soo far. I can see the hidden room with¡ºMap¡»skill, so it¡¯s not really hidden, and I also can¡¯t get lost despite walking through a supposed maze, but it¡¯s soo far.?

    ?

    The hidden room had a giant owl inside. Or more like, the room was completely stuffed with that owl, taking up pretty much all of the space. Yup, I don¡¯t need such a familiar. Try and put it on the shoulder and dislocation would be the least of my worries. It will probably completely crush me in that case? I would look simply like prey that it caught in its claws. And it will probably just eat me like said prey as well.?

    ?

    Hmmm? ¡ºGiant Owl Lv 69¡», no, it¡¯s obvious that it is giant? How did it even get inside that room? The owl is many times larger than the entrance. Did it grow after getting inside? It grew and became unable to get out? It can¡¯t even be called a trap or encounter anymore, the owl is just stuck inside the room.?

    ?

    Together with Armored Pres, who had a look of disappointed disbelief, we stabbed it for a while until it finally collapsed, but since we won¡¯t be able to enter the room until the body turns into a magic stone, I set up for a meal.?

    ?

    A steak and bread.?

    ?

    Putting it like that makes it sound like a great meal. But it¡¯s hardtack and dried meat. While the item bag seems to be able to preserve contents to a certain degree, I have no idea for how long, so for the most part all I have are preserved foods. Aah, I want to have a proper meal outside.?

    ?

    At last, a huge magic stone and a treasure chest. And of course, it isn¡¯t locked.?

    ?

    ¡ºSticky Boots ¨C Allow Walking on Walls and Ceiling¡», hmm, combining it with Air Walk will probably give great utility. Probably? Perhaps? Maybe? But until now, all of the items that I thought to be useful at first, didn¡¯t get to be used even once. I mean, even this chest wasn¡¯t locked? What was the point of that ¡ºMagic Key¡»? After equipping ¡ºTrap Ring¡»I didn¡¯t see even a single trap? I¡¯m pretty sure the same thing will happen with those boots. They are to become obsolete the moment they appeared. Just like that move that I practiced so much. Kuh¡­?

    ?

    Since Armored Pres doesn¡¯t need it I fused them with ¡ºBoots?¡». The boots became a bit more comfortable, and on top of that, it improved the grip. Actually, isn¡¯t that the most important for boots?! How about mentioning it somewhere?!?

    ?

    After running for a while I confirmed that while they can¡¯t compare to hi-tech sneakers, they are still better than normal sneakers? Especially the grip. These are really good? Even more so considering the boots sold in the town from the viewpoint of a modern person. Leather sole? Iron-reinforced bottom? Uncomfortable and slippery. I¡¯m pretty sure the main selling point of Sticky Boots was the comfortability and the grip. If they sold these in the town I would¡¯ve bought them.?

    ?

    Though 68F surely doesn¡¯t have anything interesting to look at, I still take a peek.?

    ?

    I shouldn¡¯t have any hopes.?

    ?

    It will only make the damage from the disappointment greater.?

    ?

    To be honest, peeking at the ghouls from a low angle became a bit of a trauma. That was really gross¡­ The rot¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Accel Goat Lv 68¡¹a goat-san. Are we on a fluffy series? This time it¡¯s speedy fluff? Actually, I want to sleep. I only had a short nap. Seeing that fluffy fur makes me even more drowsy. Even Sleep Owls made me sleepy, but this time it¡¯s goats? Though they are not sheep, I feel like counting them might give the same result? Hmmm, there are quite a few of them? 70? I¡­ Guess?¡­¡­ Probably¡­¡­¡­?

    ?

    That was close. They don¡¯t even have a skill but I clearly took a hypnotism attack. If Armored Pres didn¡¯t poke me I would¡¯ve been sleeping by now. On a cold dungeon floor.?

    ?

    Whew, I almost began remodeling the place to settle here. As expected, dungeons are full of dangers.?

    ?

    Anyway, I guess they are going to ram me? They are goats after all? And they also have ¡ºCrushing Damage Resistance¡»so I can¡¯t drop them.?

    ?

    As expected, their diet is limited to grass. They completely ignore both paralyzing and poisonous mushrooms.?

    ?

    And they have¡ºMagic Resistance¡». Must be blocking spells with that soft fur. Must be nice. So soft and fluffy.?

    ?

    Hmmm, exchanging blows with a pack of Lv 68 monsters sounds like a nightmare.?

    ?

    Even if I try to crash into them, they have ¡ºCrushing Damage Resistance¡»? And it also rules out ersatz meteors.?

    ?

    And I don¡¯t think I have enough oil for a fire attack. And it¡¯s also wasteful. I still want to use it for cooking.?

    ?

    Since all they can do is ram at enemies, I can just use Air Walk to get past them and simply climb to the next floor, but leaving Armored Pres to fight alone is not good. She probably will win anyway, but what about my position as the master? And more importantly, my affection rating with her? But I can¡¯t fight them? Speaking of goats¡­ They can be used to produce cheese and butter, right? Well, first I will have to milk them, but¡­?

    ?

    Whooa¡­ They have drills for horns! Is that what goats looked like? Did Girl of the Alps keep a pack of those? Just what she was trying to fight with? The tutor? Wouldn¡¯t such a drill open a hole in a human? The Alps are scary. [1]?

    ?

    Since they have ¡ºCrushing Damage Resistance¡»I thought of throwing swords and spears at them from above, but now that I think of it, can¡¯t I just stab them??

    ?

    Opening a hole in the ceiling I go around stabbing goats that keep bleating.?

    ?

    I have to kill them in one hit or they will escape with their Acceleration skill. But they just keep crying¡­ ¡ºBaa, Baa¡»¡­?

    ?

    Why? Even though I just triumphed over a pack of vicious monsters, I feel like crap. Is this another trap of this dungeon? The one designed to psychologically destroy its target? I¡¯m actually on the verge of crying. Armored Pres is patting me on the back? At this rate, she might Tame me eventually.?

    ?

    But I still gather magic stones.?

    ?

    Okay, 67F. Finally. This one should have Pure Feelings somewhere. Though my Pure Feelings were destroyed to only 1/300 by the crying voices of the goats. My affection rating probably dived into lava as well. I must not cry.?

    ?

    ¡¸Evil Eye Lv 67¡¹doesn¡¯t look that pure.?

    ?

    Evil eye, also known as a cursed eye or a demon eye, is very popular among students of the second year of middle school, but this time it is a monster in the form of a giant eyeball.?

    ?

    ¡ºSearch¡»,¡ºDetection¡»,¡ºDetect Presence¡»,¡ºSense Gaze¡»,¡ºDanger Sense¡»,¡ºEvil Eye¡»,¡ºMagic Eye¡»,¡ºGrant Debuff¡»,¡ºInstant Death¡»,¡ºComplete Magic Resistance¡», isn¡¯t it super strong? Though I see only one monster.?

    ?

    Uwaaa, it looked at me! It noticed that I¡¯m looking at it! Our eyes met!¡­ Eh? It died?¡­ I can¡¯t sense its presence anymore¡­? Heeeeeey? Evil Eye-san??

    ?

    I run on the air at full speed, rushing to 67F with all I¡¯ve got. I have to hit it at least once! Absolutely! Even if it¡¯s dead I will at least kick it!¡­ It already turned into a magic stone¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT IS THIS SUPPOSED TO MEAN!! Instant death?! Hey! After staring at me with that¡ºEvil Eye¡», ¡ºMagic Eye¡»and¡ºInstant Death¡»! Why are YOU the one to instantly die! Do you have a problem with me?! Dying just because our eyes met? Are you trying to say that my stare is worse than Evil Eye? More dangerous than Magic Eye? I don¡¯t even have ¡ºInstant Death¡»among my skills! So why are you dropping dead at the first glance?! Or rather, why are you dead? Do you think it will be alright if you just turn into a magic stone? Why am I being treated like I¡¯m worse than a monster?! In the first place, aren¡¯t you an evil eye? That crap that gets used as a talisman to ward off evil? Why are YOU dying? Do your job! Ward off evil! Protect yourself! You are totally useless! A scam! Why do I have to go through such sorrows after coming to another world? What is this treatment the monsters here are giving me?! We only looked each other in the eyes¡­¡¹?

    ?

    As I kept hitting the magic stone in tears, Armored Pres, who climbed here after me, gently patted me on the back. Was this dungeon created simply to diss my eyes? Just what is this? Did I come to this world only to have my eyes dissed??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi,_Girl_of_the_Alps

 CH 82

    Day 32? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 67F?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, it¡¯s not my fault at all. That startled me, but thinking calmly, ¡ºCloak?¡»that I¡¯m wearing has¡ºCloak of Magic Reflection ¨C Reflects Magic¡»in one of the slots, so the Instant Death effect got reflected! That must be it! It¡¯s not because of my eyes! It¡¯s all because of Magic Reflection! Probably. I don¡¯t even have Instant Death! I don¡¯t? Right? It¡¯s not because of my eyes? It¡¯s surely not? Right? Imps? What imps? My eyes have nothing to do with that. Certainly! That¡¯s final.?

    ?

    Evil Eye left ¡ºEvil Eye¡»behind. I don¡¯t get it.?

    ?

    Since it pissed me off I tried to smash it to pieces but was stopped by Armored Pres, who grasped my hands from behind. Armored Pres is desperately shaking her head. Is it such a valuable thing? Can I smash it anyway? For real.?

    ?

    ¡¸Evil Eye ¨C Protective Charm against all Abnormal Effects, ¡ºEvil Eye¡»,¡ºMagic Eye¡»,¡ºEye of Insight¡»,¡ºWisdom Eye¡»¡¹, getting this from someone who died instantly I can hardly believe in its effectiveness. Rather, I¡¯d like to ask why it didn¡¯t use this amulet??

    ?

    Holding ¡ºEvil Eye¡»in her hand, Armored Pres pointed to my eyes, trying to say something? Huh? Evil eye? My eyes??? My eyes are evil eyes?! Is she picking a fight with me?! I thought her to be my ally, and she is dissing me?!?

    ?

    She is shaking her head, I guess not? Now she seems to be thinking hard about something.?

    ?

    Looking at me, she then pointed to ¡ºEvil Eye¡».?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? Evil Eye?¡¹?

    ?

    She nodded, then pointed to my eyes.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­My eyes?¡¹?

    ?

    She once again nodded and then brought Evil Eye right under my nose.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh? My eyes are evil eyes? ¡ºYour eyes are cursed.¡»?! So you are dissing me after all?!¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres began stomping on the ground. Looks like this is a very common practice in this world. Just in case I decided to go along and also began stomping on the ground, after which Armored Pres sunk to the floor, holding her head.?

    ?

    Is she going through a phase? But if she is eternal 17, then can it even be called a phase if it will never end? Being 17 is difficult, even inside a dungeon.?

    ?

    After that, she kept endlessly gesturing. It seems she wants to cram this Evil Eye in my eye socket.?

    ?

    ¡¸Is this bullying? Am I being bullied right now? Did you turn bad? A rebellious phase? What next? Are you going to ride through the night on a stolen¡­ Horse¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    After that, we once again stomped the ground together. I feel like I¡¯m getting better at this. Jack of all Trades-san at work again??

    ?

    And yet, she didn¡¯t give up and kept trying to insert Evil Eye into my eye. What is going on??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? I should put Evil Eye into my eye?¡¹?

    ?

    She nodded. Looks like I finally got the message, but won¡¯t it ruin my eyesight??

    ?

    ¡¸Will something good happen if I put it into my eye?¡¹?

    ?

    She nodded vigorously making some kind of mysterious gestures.?

    ?

    ¡¸Will it improve how my eyes look?¡¹?

    ?

    She immediately averted her eyes¡­ That seems like a no¡­ For some reason, I¡¯m getting pat on the back again.?

    ?

    What I managed to understand is that something good will happen, that it won¡¯t improve my look, and that I will get Evil Eye. Eh? Which part of this is supposed to be good? But to be honest, I don¡¯t have even the tiniest hint of the smallest suspicion that Armored Pres would encourage me to do something bad. At the very least, she should honestly believe that it will be good for me. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be trying so hard. She is desperately trying to communicate.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay. I don¡¯t get it, but I got you? I don¡¯t quite understand it, but I should insert it, right? Kind of? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    She nodded, watching me intently. Then I should just try it. In the worst case, I might lose an eye, but it seems I will be able to get it back through regeneration. I can¡¯t just ignore Armored Pres, who is pleading so hard. Whatever happens, happens.?

    ?

    And so I pressed Evil Eye against my right eye and¡­? Eh? It just went in? Eh? Where did Evil Eye go? Eh? What??

    ?

    Instead of the eye, it went into ¡ºContacts?¡»? Did they fuse??

    ?

    Since contacts are in my eyes I cannot appraise them??

    ?

    Status.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16

    Lv 17 (Up)

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£²£¹£¹¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£³Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £³£±£¸¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£´Up£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£·£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£±Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£·£¶ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¨£²£°Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£¶Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£±¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£µUp£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£²£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£¶Up£©?

    ?

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£´£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£·Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡2116?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Path of the Staff Lv 5¡¹¡¸Uncanny Dodge Lv 3¡¹¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv Max¡¹¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Fluidity Lv 3¡¹ ¡¸D¨­jutsu Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Teleportation Lv 4¡¹¡¸Gravity Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Holding Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Elemental Sorcery Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 8¡¹¡¸Ice Magic Lv 8¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 9¡¹¡¸Sensitive Lv 8¡¹¡¸Body Control Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Swift Foot Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 9¡¹¡¸Improved Detect Presence Lv 2¡¹¡¸Mana Mastery Lv 2¡¹¡¸Erase Presence Lv 8¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 9¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv MaX¡¹¡¸Empty Mind Lv 4¡¹¡¸Physical Damage Negation Lv 2¡¹¡¸MP Absorption Lv 2¡¹¡¸Regeneration Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 1¡¹¡¸Rush Lv 8¡¹¡¸Air Walk Lv 7¡¹¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 9¡¹¡¸Rajingan Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 8¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 8¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 8¡¹¡¸Grand Mage Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 6¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 9¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 9¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Rajingan¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«39% SpE +26% ViT +19%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    Oh, I leveled up? Wait, that¡¯s not important right now.

    Contacts turned into ¡ºRajingan¡»? ¡¸Rajingan ¨C The mind¡¯s all-seeing eye.¡¡God Eye, Future Sight, Magic Eye, Wisdom Eye, Imitation, D¨­jutsu, ?¡¹!? Is this real?! But ¡ºDiscernment ¡»dissapeared from my Martial Arts? And the same happened to¡ºInsight¡»in the skills! And also¡ºFarsight Lv MaX¡»and¡ºGod Eye Lv 8¡»? And even¡ºDetect Lv 1¡»?¡ºMap Lv 8¡»and¡ºImitation¡»disappeared too! Instead,¡ºRajingan Lv 1¡»appeared? Did they fuse into one skill? Hmmm? Ah, I can still see the map and probe for the hostile presence. So they did fuse. Evil Eye is probably somewhere there as well¡­ Makes me very worried about my look!?

    ?

    And among Martial Arts appeared¡¸D¨­jutsu Lv 1¡¹. Is this also because of ¡¸Rajingan¡¹? Could it improve the impression my eyes give? But it is still Lv 1¡­?

    ?

    As I was thinking this and that while looking at my status, Armored Pres approached me with two sticks in her hands and offered one of them to me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Take it? The stick?¡¹?

    ?

    She nodded, so I took one of the sticks, after which Armored Pres took a stance with the remaining one as if she was holding a sword. As always, her sword technique has a beautiful sharpness and strange tranquility to it, which can be felt even from her stance alone. It¡¯s even more impressive than when she was controlled by the darkness.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are we fighting? Sparring? Training? Beat up? Exchanging blows? Or is this bullying? Am I about to get bullied? No¡­? So practice?¡¹?

    ?

    It seems like this is practice? Considering the difference in strength such practice could be considered a form of bullying by some, but it seems this is a practice. When she was on the lowest floor, merely matching her blows was the limit of what I could do, but now it probably won¡¯t even become training? What is she trying to accomplish here??

    ?

    After that, I took a hell of a long beating.?

    ?

    So it was bullying after all.?

    ?

    Even so, I understood what she was trying to convey. It was about¡¸Rajingan¡¹. Its effects and usage. And a splendid array of cheats, God Eye, Future Sight, Magic Eye, Wisdom Eye, and Imitation.?

    ?

    God Eye can see through even the unseen. It has no blind spots, nothing can be hidden from it.?

    ?

    Future sight allows one to see a short bit into the future, showing the next movement before it happens.?

    ?

    Magic Eye shows the flow of mana.?

    ?

    Wisdom eye can reveal everything about the things I lay my eyes upon.?

    ?

    And Imitation allows copying the techniques I see. The same trick won¡¯t work on me twice.?

    ?

    Together they reach into the cheat territory, making me super strong and basically unbeatable. Though I still got beaten up¡­ Yeah, even superior cheats are powerless before her. Really, that was just bullying.?

    ?

    It will take a long while before I will learn to properly use them, but for now, being able to see a great variety of things, I should manage somehow. So this is quite useful. That must be why Armored Pres-san was trying to get me to equip it. This should greatly reduce the risk of getting instantly defeated. Armored Pres was probably worried about me, she certainly has noticed that my level hardly grows. I pat her on the head in gratitude, to which she reacted with joy. Though now that I think of it, I was simply getting bullied.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    D¨­jutsu ¨C Literally Eye Techniques. A variety of abilities that utilize the eyes. Just remember the anime about Boruto¡¯s dad.]

 CH 83

    Chapter 83: I think some things are fine on their own but should never come as a combo.?

    ?

    Day 32? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 67F?

    ?

    Now, onto 67F. I gave up on pure feelings. There are no monsters with pure feelings here. I mean, normally, you would come from above, so one third would be at 34F! So the rest of the floors are not so pure feelings.?

    ?

    I¡¯m tired. I don¡¯t know what time it is. I don¡¯t even know if it is night or day time. When am I supposed to rest??

    ?

    The bullying from Armored Pres was way harsher than battles with countless monsters until now, so I instantly felt exhausted, but monsters on the 60th floor are also strong, so I can¡¯t just waste my time, since those worrywarts are probably trying to cut their way here. Since the idiots were now with them they probably should be alright, but since they are idiots I can¡¯t help but be worried. Well, the geeks are with them as well, but they are geeks¡­ So it¡¯s still not okay!?

    ?

    As expected, 66F had demons. It is 66F after all. But then why didn¡¯t 77F have monster girls? It¡¯s 77F! If it had monster girls I probably still would¡¯ve been there. Long stay. Probably would¡¯ve been remodeling 77F right now. Those are true impure feelings! There were none though.?

    ?

    And ¡ºDemon Blade Lv 66¡», demons again. Until now I dealt with them only once, during that Demon Swordsman battle, but he was a very scary enemy. It attacked me right where it hurts, my main weakness. That¡¯s right, my feeble Affection Rating! Although lately, I¡¯m about to completely give up on it¡­?

    ?

    They surely will attack it as well¡­ My affection rating. I mean, after all, they have such a cool name. Demon blades are small humanoids of about 120 to 130 centimeters in height, who are flying through the air. So this rules out pitfalls. Their number is 70?¡­ 66? Is this some kind of important point for demons? Looks like there are 66 of them.?

    ?

    They also have¡ºMagic Resistance¡»and¡ºMagic Absorption¡», so magic won¡¯t work on them and demons are probably okay with both high and low temperatures? I think??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    After finishing preparations we advance to 66F.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸GUWWAWAAAoH!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    66 Demon Blades lunged at me from above while saying something, brandishing spears and swords. Some of them were also carrying shields, some halberds, each forming small groups of their own.?

    ?

    And I catch them into a net.?

    ?

    Those that managed to avoid that fate are chased by Armored Pres and quickly disposed of.?

    ?

    The higher rank of ¡ºPacking¡»magic, ¡ºHolding¡»became able to grab things. So catching enemies with the net infused with Holding I pin them to the ground and rain upon them minotaurs¡¯ swords and axes which I already had ready, carrying overhead with Holding. Nice, if I keep practicing this I might even get a Sword Rain skill!?

    ?

    ¡ºHolding¡» only recently reached level 3, so speed, power, and control are still lacking, making it impossible to land this attack unless I have enemies restrained. But if I learn to control several weapons at the same time I should be able to compensate for the lack of allies, which should also decrease the pressure on Armored Pres. Yes, let¡¯s practice this later. To put it bluntly, it was simply an attempt to copy Fin Funnels! I mean, who wouldn¡¯t want to try Funnel or Sword Rain attacks? Simply whacking enemies with a stick was getting very boring. [1]?

    ?

    To be honest, preparations were more of a struggle than the actual combat. I had to make the net from ivy, which greatly resisted my attempts of weaving it together. At times, I also stumbled upon thorns, pricking my hands. It was really tough, and for some reason, Armored Pres-san was better at this than me. What about my Jack of All Trades? Wasn¡¯t it the time to shine? Let¡¯s stock up on nets when we reach the town.?

    ?

    In addition to magic stones, Demon Blades also left various weapons. That¡¯s very kind of the demons. They might even have higher favorability than me. It¡¯s another huge batch of weapons after Mino-sans and War Puppets. It would¡¯ve been very sad if I tried to use a sword rain but the only weapons I had were clubs. Thank you, Demons.?

    ?

    Above is 65F, right? But the monster is not alone? Another group? But why??

    ?

    Peeking there, ¡ºMurder Tarantula Lv 65¡»? Just a pack of spiders? Weren¡¯t bosses on every 5th floor? Which reminds me, the geek report was only on the floors from 1 to 46 and it had no mentions of floor masters whatsoever. In other words, there are no bosses up to probably 50F. From 50F they appear every ten floors and from 75F every 5 floors? And from 75F the bosses have the fixed level of 100. If I won¡¯t find one on 55F then it is certain. In the end, isn¡¯t the geek report totally useless?

    The last floor mentioned is 46F, just how long do I still have to climb to finally reach that floor!? After nagging me so much about falling to the bottom they prepared zero info on the lowest floors. And I barely got to see even half of the first floor. They deserved Club Rain.?

    ?

    With those thoughts I silently fumigate 65F. At this point, it¡¯s the standard routine. I¡¯m beginning to worry about the remaining wood. Even though the stockpile of mushrooms doesn¡¯t seem to decrease at all¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸The next one is 64F, huh. Didn¡¯t we advance quite a bit? I guess? I don¡¯t actually feel that way though?¡¹?

    ?

    I mutter while finishing off the monsters and gathering magic stones. Lately, I have to refill on Flat Gaze from the eyes of complete resignation. Flat Gaze Armored Pres doesn¡¯t do her job at all¡­ Well, she does finish off the enemies and collects magic stones, but her most important duty, the Flat Gaze¡­ There is none.?

    ?

    And floor 64 is¡¸Blade Armadillo Lv 64¡¹. Armadillos are famous for the sturdy armor covering their bodies. And those guys even have some blades attached. If such a sharp ball comes rolling at me it will tear me to shreds. In addition, they have long sharp claws on the forelegs. They are meant for digging but I don¡¯t want to get hit by that as well. I remember a small armadillo going viral in our original world because it managed to repel a bullet, so I don¡¯t think physical attacks will work on those guys. [2]?

    ?

    It should be from the same family as platypus and moles, but I never heard of possible weak points of a platypus. You don¡¯t get that many encounters with platypuses in normal life after all¡­?

    ?

    Oh my,¡ºMagic Reflect¡», ¡ºPhysical Reflect¡», and ¡ºSpinning¡»in martial arts. Isn¡¯t it impossible to fight them? I can understand trying to land an attack on a vulnerable spot or something¡­ But with 50 or 60 of them rolling around? Honestly, fighting in this labyrinth head on is just stupid.?

    ?

    As I remember they fed on bugs and worms, but since I had nothing to lose I threw some paralyzing and poison mushrooms to them¡­ And they are eating them? Hmm? Are they actually omnivores? Their feeding habits could be different from the armadillos of our world or they could actually be omnivores, but I don¡¯t care either way. As long as they eat mushrooms anything works. I can just collect magic stones after a short rest.?

    ?

    I make a tent at 66F and after asking Armored Pres to guard me take a nap.?

    ?

    I still can hear how they writhe in agony on the floor above. so I should try not to pay attention. The same goes for the impression I make, it¡¯s my loss if I worry about it¡­ Or rather, isn¡¯t it my loss regardless if I worry about it or not??

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Hm, I think I slept for about 3 hours? I feel a lot sharper. I¡¯d like to sleep a bit more, but there is no time for such luxuries. After all, Armored Pres is guarding me without any rest. Not like she needs any since she is a skeleton.?

    ?

    As I thought, it seems that monsters stopped spawning. I feel no signs of any new monsters appearing on this floor or any of the floors below. Is it because Armored Pres resigned from her post? Since no one came to replace her, it seems she was carrying this whole enterprise all on her own. Are dungeons this short on talented personnel? Well, since we completely annihilated everyone on the lower floors it makes sense they would be shorthanded.?

    ?

    After collecting the magic stones in 64F we head to the hidden room. As always, no traps, no lock on the treasure chest, and no monsters guarding it¡­ Just a lone chest sitting in the middle of the room. Such a sloppy approach. I can¡¯t expect Affection Rating to come out of the chest treated so clumsily.?

    ?

    ¡ºChains of Prometheus ¨C Binding, Disable all Powers¡»¡­¡­Chains. There is no problem with them on their own. Yes, chains can be very useful for capture and apprehension.?

    ?

    But combine them with ¡ºCollar of Submission ¨C Forces into a state of absolute obedience¡»sleeping in the depths of my Item Bag, and oh, how mysterious! I don¡¯t look like anything other than a criminal! This combination points to the crime of conscience, no way to wriggle my way out of this. Just carrying it will make me guilty as charged! And with the said culprit already having 5 high school girls and self-proclaimed 17 y.o tamed¡­ There is just no way to make a defense! Any attorney would run away from such a case at subsonic speed! Just like my Affection Rating!!!?

    ?

    Here I thought the room might be Kaizo Trap, turns out it was set not for me but for my public image. [3]?

    ?

    Even so, it¡¯s a good item. If only I didn¡¯t have the collar I probably could get away with having it. However, Chains of Prometheus? Wasn¡¯t Prometheus simply bound by chains? It¡¯s not like he himself was using any chains? In that case couldn¡¯t they just call it Andromeda Chains for example? As a highschool boy, I could appreciate having the name of a cute girl attached to them instead.?

    ?

    [TL notes:

    [1] Funnel also known as Fin Funnel, a semi-independent mobile turret from Gundam Universe, which in combination with other such units can be used to attack the target from multiple angles.

    [2] As crazy as it sounds¡­ Googling revealed several articles about that¡­

    [3] https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KaizoTrap

 CH 84

    Day 34 ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 56F?

    ?

    Having a hard time dealing with Spike Buffalos of 55F and Metal Slugs of 56F we ended up still being stuck on the 56th floor. We only managed to advance 10 floors from the lowest floor Oda-kun¡¯s group managed to reach on their own.?

    ?

    It¡¯s been a week since Haruka-kun fell. And by the 6th day, we progressed only 10 floors.?

    ?

    Once the floor is reached it becomes possible to open the portal to that floor. But with the dungeon now dead it is no longer possible. Thus, even going back to town to resupply takes a long time. Right now it would mean walking here all the way from the 46th floor. While there are no monsters, it is still a considerable distance, and we only brought provisions for 10 days.?

    ?

    If nothing changes, then 2-3 more days is the limit. Should we continue like this? Or should we go back and resupply after all? Or maybe send back just one party??

    ?

    ¡¸We should just keep going and then turn back when we run out of food. The door on the 46th floor is still open, and since there are no monsters up to the 56th floor the trip will only take a bit over one day.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, sending a squad to resupply at the town while the remaining force tries to break through 57F is too risky. If things go like they did with Spike Buffalos, who ended up chasing us all over the floor, we might not be able to pull through with insufficient numbers.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. If we weaken the vanguard then we will definitely see a repetition of Spike Buffalos, if we weaken the rear then it will be a repetition of Metal Slugs. ¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, after all, splitting is too dangerous. On 55F Spike Buffalos scattered our vanguard and we had a very tough time recovering from that. Forcing the buffalos to run past our diagonal formation and attacking them from behind was not that bad of an idea¡­ Up until the point, we found out the cows can kick with their back legs¡­ What could we do, it¡¯s not like any of us had much chance to see cows back in our original world? How could we know that cows can kick that well? We didn¡¯t have lessons on farming or anything? Thus, the vanguard crumbled, and we ended up retreating while chased by the cows. Only on the next day did we finally manage to defeat them.?

    ?

    The day after that we encountered Metal Slugs. Snails with metal shells. As they were impenetrable to physical damage, we were forced to attack them with magic. Soon enough the rear ran out of MP, and though they tried their best while eating MP mushrooms, we still couldn¡¯t defeat them all. Since attacks from the rear forced them to retreat into their shells we didn¡¯t take casualties, but it still ate up a lot of time.?

    ?

    By the time we dealt with them, it was late at night. The next day we were supposed to attack 57F but we didn¡¯t even scout ahead and we still needed more time to recover mana.?

    ?

    I mean, we aren¡¯t Haruka-kun carrying tons of salt in case we encounter snails¡­?

    ?

    Fights with Cyclops, werewolves, and Spike Buffalos, did considerable damage to the equipment of the vanguard, so it was about time to repair it.?

    ?

    Tomorrow we will scout out the next floor, and depending on the enemies might even temporarily retreat. After all, despite everyone fighting at their limit we moved only ten floors.?

    ?

    It will probably take 40 more floors before we will be able to reunite with Haruka-kun. And if there are actually more than 100 total floors then I don¡¯t even know how long it will take.?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone, take a good rest. Tomorrow we will wake up a bit late and recon the next floor. If it seems dangerous we will retreat for the time being.¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone nodded. Looks like they understand. But no one actually said it aloud. No one wanted to voice that.?

    ?

    ¡¸The rearguard should eat first and go to sleep.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Judging by their movements it seems everyone was exhausted almost to the limit. We should go back. Everyone knew that.?

    ?

    Tomorrow is the limit. Staying any longer is impossible.?

    ?

    We are completely trashed after the 56th floor, and monsters only keep getting stronger.?

    ?

    To think he managed to stay alive on the 100th floor all on his own for the whole week¡­?

    ?

    He must be in an even worse state than us.?

    ?

    He must be even more exhausted.?

    ?

    He¡¯s probably long since over his limit.?

    ?

    He goes beyond the limit just by being alive at this point.?

    ?

    It is because everyone also thought so, it is because everyone couldn¡¯t help but think so, that it was so hard for us to turn back.?

    ?

    Though we might be at our limit, there is someone, who is ever further past his limit and yet keeps fighting.?

    ?

    Even today, Shimazaki-san and the others once again level up. I wonder what is the percentage of the experience that they get??

    ?

    Every time their levels rise Shimazaki-san and the others look even more worried. They seem to be rushed by this.?

    ?

    Because getting this much experience means that he is fighting monsters of that much strength and numbers.?

    ?

    He must have long since passed his limit, desperately fighting all alone to return to us.?

    ?

    Even if this dungeon has only 100 floors the road ahead is still very long.?

    ?

    We have to make appropriate preparations and revise our plans.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why¡­ That¡¯s why we have to retreat for now.?

    ?

    Because we can¡¯t afford¡­ We can¡¯t afford to lose the lives of everyone gathered here. They must be protected no matter what.?

    ?

    The lives Haruka-kun saved by putting his own life on the line.?

    ?

    We can¡¯t throw them away on the way to welcome him.?

    ?

    Even if there is only a remote risk, I still have to make them retreat.?

    ?

    Otherwise, I¡¯m sure Haruka-kun would get angry at me.?

    ?

    Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be able to face him.?

    ?

    After all, we have to welcome him with smiles.

 CH 85

    Day 34? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 64F?

    ?

    After gathering all of the magic stones on 64F we promptly head to 63F.?

    ?

    Coming next are¡ºReflect Metal Slugs Lv 63¡», snails. In this case, there is no need to even think about countermeasures.?

    ?

    By the way, the shock I received after peeking, full of excitement, through the opened hole just to see a snail body was surprisingly great. I hate this dungeon.?

    ?

    And those snails have¡ºMagic Reflect¡»,¡ºPhysical Reflect¡», ¡ºDestroy Weapon¡»,¡ºDissolve¡»,¡ºBiting¡», an absolute defense! Of course, I¡¯m going to scatter salt! How the hell are you supposed to beat that crap! Thus, it¡¯s settled, they are getting salted.?

    ?

    ¡ºMagic Reflect¡», ¡ºPhysical Reflect¡»and¡ºDestroy Weapons¡»all were attached to the shells, so for starters, I throw rocks at them to make them retract their heads. The only skill those heads had was ¡ºBiting¡». Wait? The snails can bite?! Do they even have teeth to do that? Well, not like I¡¯m going to check that, since touching them means coming under the effect of¡ºDissolve¡».?

    ?

    After I hit them, forcing them to retreat into the shells, I then stuff them with salt. Just how many tons of salt was Villager A carrying around? Such a mystery. Actually, just who the hell is Villager A-san? This is the real mystery!?

    ?

    And we are done.?

    ?

    That was easy.?

    ?

    Attack the head, make it retreat, stuff the shell with salt, repeat.?

    ?

    After the salt dries them up all I have to do is roast them.?

    ?

    Everything aside from the shell was weak. In the end, they are just lowly land snails. If I just attack what¡¯s inside the shell they are nothing special.?

    ?

    Salted escargot. I should force the geeks to eat this.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s hurry to 62F.?

    ?

    The next ¡ºSkeleton Knight Lv 62¡». Everyone fell. Heads were rolling all over the floor. The skeletons that managed to keep their heads after the fall due to some kind of strange luck, were immediately decapitated by Armored Pres. She has no mercy for her former colleagues at all.?

    ?

    I wonder, are things getting easier as we go higher? The levels are going down so that should be the case, but I never fought head-on on the lower floors since I didn¡¯t have any chance of winning so I can¡¯t make a comparison.?

    ?

    After gathering the magic stones we head to 61F.?

    ?

    ¡¸Iron Golem Lv 61¡¹, oh, long time no see? It¡¯s golems. We haven¡¯t met since Anti-Magic Golems. Coincidentally, I received a complaint from the former supervisor of this dungeon, regarding the fact that dropping huge lumps of iron from the 61F might really lead to a collapse this time.?

    ?

    Since they are not Anti-magic, I guess they specialize in physical defense? ¡ºPhysical Resistance¡»,¡ºSlashing Resistance¡»,¡ºExtraordinary Strength¡», hmm? Only 3 skills? They have over 600 ViT and Pow, but only a few skills. Since they don¡¯t have Crushing Damage Resistance I really want to drop them, but since they don¡¯t even have magic resistance I might be able to deal with them through conventional means.?

    ?

    After climbing to 61F I create holes on the ground. The Iron Golems, naturally, are trying to find their way around them. As expected, with that colossal size and weight they cannot possibly jump over them.?

    ?

    Slowly, they are trying to make their way over here, but they weren¡¯t that fast to begin with, and now, unable to move in a straight line they were stuck. With the effects of¡¸Elder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Magic Control Increase¡¹my offensive power should be boosted, on top of that, after gaining 5 levels my InT reached 340, almost 50% increase compared to level 12. I can do it.?

    ?

    This time a real inferno. Freezing them through the rapid drop in temperature I then immediately cover them in scorching flames. As a bonus I also drop lava projectiles from the ceiling, walking on it upside down through the power of Sticky Boots.?

    ?

    This looks pretty cool, I¡¯m sure Inferno-san would have no complaints. This might even get an inferno seal of approval. Meteors are also looking good. Though I¡¯m kind of just throwing the stones using my hands.?

    ?

    But what I¡¯m actually trying to accomplish here is simple metal fatigue. I¡¯m just wearing the metal down with the extreme temperatures and then finishing off by throwing boulders. But no one would realize that without modern knowledge, right? It must look like amazing great sorcery! Probably. Appearance-wise.?

    ?

    But that¡¯s the only thing that matters. Appearance. Armored Pres is gazing at the spectacle as her silver armor is shining with red from the light of the roaring flames.?

    ?

    This might improve her impression a bit. Or rather, she might be shocked, since this is the first time I properly used magic in battle.?

    ?

    Iron Golems crumbled, falling to pieces, leaving magic stones behind. No iron ore drops were spotted.?

    ?

    While we got a good pace, the next floor is 60F, which means floor master. Yup, looks like they are on every 10th floor now. As expected, a boss every 5 floors is a bit too much. And each one of them was level 100? This dungeon is just ridiculous. If everyone knew what they are getting into no one would come to challenge this place. I mean, this is undoubtedly impossible.?

    ?

    The ceiling is high, matching the size of the boss, standing at a height of about 2000 centimeters? ¡ºAnti-Magic Gigantes Lv 60¡». Gigantes? But there is only one enemy? Isn¡¯t ¡ºGigantes¡»plural? Is it another case of those fancy names? It is fine to complain to your parents about that, you know? That¡¯s just embarrassing.?

    ?

    While, it is claiming to be Gigantes, but it is actually Gigas, in other words, a giant. A gigantic-sized version of a human. With PoW 814 it appears pretty strong and muscular¡­ But its Achilles tendon is located at such a perfect height. I¡¯m also free to hit it in the shins as much as I want¡­ Oh no, if you fall on your knees you will be exposed to the worst attack a human male can imagine? Which I guess works the same for giants¡­ I¡¯m going to throw a boulder there¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Here you go¡­¡¹¡¸GUUUUAAAAAAAAAGUIIAGUGUiiiiii!¡¹?

    ?

    After that, the giant raised such a shriek that it threatened to shatter the ceiling, then, he fell flat to the ground and was decapitated by Armored Pres.?

    ?

    Even if you are a giant, you are still just a big human, and humans shouldn¡¯t walk around unprotected. Humans are fragile. Even if you have Magic Immunity, you still have to equip yourself properly. I mean, pelts as your only protection? Are you kidding me? And being that big makes your weak spots that much easier to attack. Or rather, you shouldn¡¯t even be in such a small dungeon with its flat terrain. This place just wasn¡¯t suited for you. Rest in peace.?

    ?

    Hmm, Flat Gaze. The first time in a while. Yes, I was feeling unsatisfied due to the lack of this look from Armored Pres.?

    ?

    Well, I kind of expected this reaction. That agonized howl was something no human male would ever want to hear. I don¡¯t even want to remember it! And Armored Pres saw the anguished face of the Anti-Magic Gigantes head on¡­I¡¯ll search for an item with ¡ºAbsolute Crotch Protection¡»enchantment when we reach the town.?

    ?

    Sadly, Anti-Magic Gigantes didn¡¯t drop ¡ºAbsolute Crotch Protection Item¡», instead, leaving behind ¡ºGarb of Herculean strength ¨C PoW 50% Up, Adamantine Fists¡», an item for fistfighting? Armored Pres is shaking her head with all her might. She is definitely choosing items based on appearance! She doesn¡¯t want it because the outfit is made of a huge animal hide and some fur.?

    ?

    Since it has ¡ºPoW 50% Up¡» let¡¯s fuse it with ¡ºPlain Clothes?¡». As for Adamantine Fists, well, I have no plans of getting into fistfights, I¡¯d rather stick to one-sidedly beating my opponents.?

    ?

    I got the magic stone as well, so it¡¯s time for 59F. Finally, the fifties. The president and the others probably should be somewhere around these floors. I hope the boss of the 50th floor is not too dangerous. Well, the president and the others are strong. A bunch of people with cheat skills should be a formidable force. I also feel like monsters are getting a lot weaker compared to the lower floors, so they should be okay. But even if monsters got a lot weaker, I still can¡¯t fight on these floors.?

    ?

    But for some reason, I have this feeling that they will be angry when we meet. I¡¯ll probably get scolded on the spot. Why do I sense that my Affection Rating became even lower even though I went into the dungeon to improve it? Is it another fearsome trap of this dungeon? The ex-supervisor of this dungeon is looking at me with a Flat Gaze after all¡­

 CH 86

    Day 34? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 60F?

    ?

    With the previous level up ¡ºDetect Presence¡»-san that was helping me all this time was promoted to¡ºImproved Detect Presence¡». At the starter, the skill could only tell that there was someone nearby, but before long it was able to pick up presences over a large distance and even allowed me to grasp the difference between them. It really helped me a lot until now. So much so that I¡¯d even like to throw a party for its promotion. And the improved version of Detect Presence-san gained directionality. Were I to narrow it to a certain direction I¡¯d be able to pick up presences at an even greater distance with even higher precision. It¡¯s really useful. I might even use it for fishing, akin to sonar. That¡¯s how useful it is.?

    ?

    And then, when I was scanning the upper floors, I caught it.?

    ?

    A troublesome presence. Absolutely astonishing. It was so stunning that I almost laughed.?

    ?

    Okay, 59F are¡ºHell Hound Lv 59¡», doggies, have the taste of sourness and die.?

    ?

    As I run through the floor, shooting spheres of vinegar at the surrounding dogs, the person in the silver armor following behind me, finishes off the agonized dogs by cutting their heads off.?

    ?

    Rushing into 58F we chop through the pack of ¡ºFrogman Lv58¡». Ribbit-ribbit shut up! So noisy. We are in a hurry.?

    ?

    The trident-carrying frogs are trying to surround us, coordinate their attacks, lunge, and stab, but this is nothing.?

    ?

    Taking even one hit would kill me, but this can¡¯t even begin to compare to the grueling training that super scary person in silver armor gave me. This is too easy.?

    ?

    No matter how many dozens of tridents come at me, they are too slow.?

    ?

    If there is even a little gap, I can slip through, and by the time I take a step, I already finish my attack. All of this is too slow.?

    ?

    Yup, this took too long and Armored Pres came to my help. Let¡¯s leave them to her.?

    ?

    Instant annihilation. What¡¯s left is a floor littered with dead frogs. But above us is a jumble of very troublesome presences.?

    ?

    The presences that I knew very well.?

    ?

    While falling, bleeding, taking injuries, dragging their allies, carrying them away, getting mangled like an old rag, they kept struggling.?

    ?

    Idiots aside, why is everyone else here as well?!?

    ?

    They should be way past their limit? This is 57F! Why did they go down to such a place?! Are they idiots? Every single one of them? They are all in tatters!?

    ?

    Up the stairs, to the 57th floor, where utter fools were waiting for us, all covered in wounds and completely out of their minds.?

    ?

    I shouldn¡¯t make them wait. It would be a problem if I arrive too late. Not a moment of delay is allowed at this point.?

    ?

    Flying up the stairs I Look with Rajingan.?

    ?

    ¡ºSphinx Lv 57¡», and it has¡ºMagic Immunity¡»,¡ºPhysical Immunity¡»,¡ºImmortality¡», so beating it is absolutely impossible. Hmm? For some reason, this floor has four hidden rooms? Aah, I see, this floor is probably a puzzle, which requires items from the four hidden rooms to solve it. In other words, fighting head-on is pointless.?

    ?

    But they don¡¯t seem to be in a condition to notice that. They are in the stage when it wouldn¡¯t be strange for someone to die any moment now.?

    ?

    In the first place, coming to 57F is just way too reckless? I thought they would wait around 50F.?

    ?

    Anyway, for starters, let¡¯s get rid of this puzzle mob. It¡¯s a nuisance.?

    ?

    ¡ºMagic Immunity¡»,¡ºPhysical Immunity¡»and on top of that¡ºImmortality¡». In that case, I should just nullify its immunities and then insta kill it so Immortality doesn¡¯t get in the way.?

    ?

    Gauntlets of Contradiction-san, I¡¯m sorry for being tough on you. Saying stuff like you are useless, that there is no chance for you, that you were just a pointless flag. Especially the right one, sorry, I was too focused on the left one. I just really want to do ¡ºKUH!¡», but all of that, the purpose, the flag, the chance, were meant for the right gauntlet. Now, it¡¯s your time to shine, the right one, ¡ºNegate Physical/Magic Protection on Contact ¡»-san.?

    ?

    Dashing through the air I then crash into the Sphinx from behind, piercing its neck with the wooden staff, of course, holding it in my right hand.?

    ?

    I nullified the immunities. Now we only have to kill off the immortality.?

    ?

    ¡¸Angelica-san! Please do it!¡¹?

    ?

    A flash of silver light flew in a straight line.?

    ?

    The wooden staff is still stuck in the sphinx neck with me holding tight on it. So ¡ºPhysical Immunity¡»is still disabled.?

    ?

    In the end, you are just a middle management position. And now you are going to be fired by the chairman, who stands above your director, holding the true power. A certain kill.?

    ?

    With a single sword slash, the immortal sphinx was decapitated and killed. By the hand of a god of death.?

    ?

    For the sword god shining with silver radiance, a human-faced cat doing small errands for gods is nothing but rabble, just a common mob.?

    ?

    What¡¯s left is cleanup.?

    ?

    ¡¸Can you deal with those bandaged guys? I will help with disposal through fire.¡¹?

    ?

    By the time the warrior in the silver armor nodded, she already was reigning over the battlefield in her terrifyingly brilliant beauty. As she lorded over those that were about to meet their death, everyone gulped, having their breath taken away by that fascinating sight. Even time itself seemed to have frozen out of fright, as the bloody scene of carnage sunk into silence.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s burn them.

 CH 87

    Day 35? ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 56F?

    ?

    After hearing the recon report we held a meeting.?

    ?

    Originally, we wanted to go back, but monsters of 57F turned out to be mummies. While numerous, they were nothing special and could be easily wiped out given time.?

    ?

    Even if we go back here, we still will have to waste time on 57F and will be exhausted after it all the same.?

    ?

    In that case, we should get 57F out of the way to make the following fights easier.?

    ?

    That¡¯s what we decided.?

    ?

    But there were no following fights. This floor was the end of our dungeon attack. This dungeon was the finale of our adventure.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mummy Lv 57, though numerous, they had nothing aside from brute strength. They are slow and easy to kill.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But those numbers¡ª¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Anyway, let¡¯s just work on reducing them. They can¡¯t respawn anymore, so let¡¯s just go at it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They have¡ºRise from the Dead¡»among their skills, so we must finish them off with Holy Magic or fire.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Just like the intel stated, the only thing of note was their numbers, so it was a battle of attrition. We should quickly annihilate them and go back.?

    ?

    They have strength, but they are slow, and they are frail enough to go down in droves from a single attack. But there are just so many of them.?

    ?

    Defeated enemies are being purified with Holy Magic and burned with fire.?

    ?

    The floor is easy, just annoying. That¡¯s what everyone thought, going for one last rampage before going back.?

    ?

    Scattering and mowing the enemies down we thought that we were about to reach 58F in just a little a bit. And then, that started.?

    ?

    A purple light appeared from somewhere, immediately followed by the quaking of the ground, leaving us no chance to process the situation. Then, the dead began moving.?

    ?

    There were too many of them, but even if we want to go back now, the path for the retreat was blocked. In that case, the only path left is down.?

    ?

    Of course, it¡¯s not like lower floors are safe, but regardless of whether we stay here, or try to cut our way back through the army of undead, a certain annihilation seemed to await us.?

    ?

    It was not about tactics or strategy anymore. We simply had nowhere else to go.?

    ?

    No point regretting it now. I have to let everyone escape.?

    ?

    The mummies kept appearing one after another non-stop, and we kept countering them non-stop, even so, as far as eyes could see there was nothing but the endless sea of mummies.?

    ?

    Swords were broken, arrows depleted, mana spent, shields smashed, armor shattered, spears lost, even the very semblance of plans or tactics didn¡¯t exist anymore. We simply had nothing left.?

    ?

    We couldn¡¯t fend off the enemies or keep them at bay anymore. Only crawl away, trying to escape.?

    ?

    We long since went past our limit. Everyone knew that. Magic power dried up, equipment destroyed, medicine exhausted, and remaining stamina used up. Even willpower was about to die out.?

    ?

    We simply did all we could to escape, dragging along the injured, and carrying away the collapsed comrades. Simply trying to escape.?

    ?

    Towards the exit to 58F, towards the stairs, the only hope we had. Yet it wasn¡¯t meant to come true. It was not.?

    ?

    There, a divine riddler was awaiting us. The mysterious statue that would allow none to pass, a pharaoh with a nemes covering its head and a body of a majestic lion, the symbol of royal power itself. The holy being bringing devastation to the enemies. A guardian serving as protector to kings and even gods. The Sphinx. [1]?

    ?

    The very idea of considering defeating or fighting it was preposterous. That is not for humans to kill. Thus, we had no path for escape left.?

    ?

    As the eyes of the Sphinx shone with an ominous light the rotten mummies began moving again. ¡ºRise from the Dead¡».?

    ?

    This is beyond even undead. No matter how much we kill them, purify with Holy Magic, or burn them, they come back to unlife.?

    ?

    Cut, slash, crush, burn, stab, smash, hit, shoot, nothing works, they keep rising back from the dead time after time, and attack us again. Again and again.?

    ?

    And our only way of escape was blocked by the sacred guardian, the Sphinx. The holy being combined the body of a lion and the face of a king, and at the same time, a terrifying monster.?

    ?

    The comrades were collapsing one after another, by now, only a few were able to move, let alone fight.?

    ?

    We are surrounded. There is no way to turn this situation around. Right now, my only wish was to at least let as many escape as possible. That¡¯s all I was hoping and praying for. I will open the path for them, even at the cost of my own life. Charging into the enemy lines I will slash through them, scattering the enemies¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­?

    ?

    But even that was too much to ask.?

    ?

    Suddenly, a knight in silver armor swooped down upon the battlefield, bringing dark winds of terror and death. With a single stroke of the sword, the knight cut off the head of the fearsome beast that was the avatar of dread itself.?

    ?

    That is an irresistible force, the one that cannot be opposed. Something that wouldn¡¯t even allow resistance. More terrible than death itself, capable of bringing even demons to heel, one that does not belong to this world, the dungeon master, the lord of this labyrinth, the one ruling over everything, the supreme overlord of both evil and divine.?

    ?

    No one can win against that. No one can stop that. Even coming close to that won¡¯t be allowed. But I will stop that. Even if I have to sacrifice myself, I will stop it. If this is where I meet my end, then I will at least protect everyone. Even if it will buy only a moment of time.?

    ?

    But even that thought was not allowed, as the next second the silver radiance was already at the frontline. The raging carnage brought stillness to the scene, freezing the time, and halting even the stride of fate. Only the quiet of death remained.?

    ?

    Countless red lights appeared above the remains of the sphinx, flickering as they covered the ceiling, Were those blazing flames to scatter in the surroundings they¡¯d become a torrential rain of fire, reaping all the life around. That¡¯s the kind of merciless twinkling the flames displayed.?

    ?

    There, stood the reaper. A wielder of death the very sight of which seemed to be screaming that they have no rival both throughout heaven or earth.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I muttered with a smile.?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome back. You are late. Everyone almost died from waiting?¡¹?

    ?

    And then the time resumed its flow. The blizzard of scarlet flames turned into a relentless torrent of red lights, incinerating the monsters that were surrounding everyone, scattering and crushing them as they burst into flames.?

    ?

    A one-sided slaughter, overwhelming violence, a devastating massacre, just like that time in the forest, when the same flames slaughtered our despair, as we were almost crushed and were about to accept our death.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back? I guess? I¡¯m late? Wait, what day is this?¡¹?

    ?

    A black reaper-like silhouette emerged with those words. I, no, everyone, was waiting, was hoping, was yearning to see that figure that now crushed our doom.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll deal with the rest, so have everyone fall back.¡¹?

    ?

    With those words he took a step forward and leaped into the horde of monsters, slaughtering, butchering, obliterating, and decimating them.?

    ?

    A radiant silver, and jet black darkness waltzed, leaped, whirled, and danced in a mad rondo of massacre. The only thing that surrounded them was death. Just scattering death around and reaping life of everything that got caught up in this tempest of violence.?

    ?

    Again, just like always.?

    ?

    He crushed our despair.?

    ?

    Murdered our sorrow.?

    ?

    Slaughtered our tragedy.?

    ?

    And brought death to the doom looming over us.?

    ?

    Just killing all of it, allowing no objection.?

    ?

    ¡¸Long time no see? I think? What is the current date? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Again, just like always.?

    ?

    He came back to us.?

    ?

    Welcome back, Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Everyone got tired of waiting, you know??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Nemes was pieces of striped head cloth worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt.] ]

 CH 88

    Day 36 ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth, 56F?

    ?

    In the end, Haruka-kun went to sleep, pretty much collapsing after treating everyone.?

    ?

    And the knight stood at his side as if guarding him.?

    ?

    The knight didn¡¯t appear like someone one should try to strike a conversation with.?

    ?

    After expressing our gratitude we then simply stuck to waiting until Haruka-kun woke up.?

    ?

    We were also worn out, so everyone instantly fell asleep.?

    ?

    No one had the strength to move or the energy to talk anymore. Everyone crumbled as soon as the remains of their willpower ran out.?

    ?

    When I woke up, Haruka-kun was cooking as usual, as always, as if nothing happened at all.?

    ?

    Just like he did every day in the cave, constantly complaining about mushrooms, he was doing a completely normal, everyday thing, just like usual.?

    ?

    While everyone still found it hard to move, they still got up to the delicious smell. During the meal, Haruka-kun was bombarded with questions.?

    ?

    We were completely done. Only annihilation was awaiting us. We didn¡¯t even notice that it was a trap, and could do nothing to run away. Our path was about to end there.?

    ?

    But Haruka-kun knew the answer? It seems he realized everything thanks to the ¡ºSpace Perception¡»skill??

    ?

    ¡¸Look? That is a puzzle room, right? Kind of? Find four hidden rooms and get items from there to clear it? That sort of thing?¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, that¡¯s how it was. Makes sense that the floor was such an impossible monster house. If you don¡¯t realize the gimmick you are certain to die there. The worst kind of trap. But wait? He didn¡¯t gather anything, didn¡¯t he? [1]?

    ?

    ¡¸But you beat it? They can be killed after all? Somehow?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, both the mummies and the Sphinx couldn¡¯t be killed. The Sphinx had ¡ºMagic Immunity¡», ¡ºPhysical Immunity¡», and ¡ºImmortality¡», and as long as the Sphinx is around the mummies would¡¯ve kept coming back to life. So no matter how long you go at it, it would¡¯ve never ended? ¡¹?

    ?

    They can¡¯t be killed? They won¡¯t die? With ¡ºMagic Immunity¡»and¡ºPhysical Immunity¡»no attack would work on it, and yet it even had Immortality on top of that? But they killed it? The invincible and immortal monster??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Then how did you kill an invincible and immortal monster?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s well? That? Didn¡¯t a great man say this in the past? ¡ºViolence isn¡¯t the answer, it¡¯s the question and the answer is yes¡», kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    I remember hearing the first half, they are quite famous, but what the hell is the second part? I¡¯m quite sure that¡¯s not what was meant to be there? It wasn¡¯t such a bloodthirsty quote??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Who said that! Who is that brutal person? Some kind of a general of the Sengoku period who was crueler than Demon King of the Sixth Heaven?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹ [2]?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, then,¡ºIf violence doesn¡¯t work, you aren¡¯t using enough¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸????Haaaah.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why is that person trying to solve everything through violence? If there was such a person wouldn¡¯t humanity be wiped out already?!?

    ?

    And¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehm, the knight over there, thank you for saving us.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you very much.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The knight replied with a silent, elegant bow. Somehow, the place where the knight stands seems like a different world simply because they are there. Otherworldly, would be a good word.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, Haruka-kun? Mind introducing this person to us?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, you mean dungeon master? The labyrinth emperor? Former?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸WHY DID YOU BRING THE DUNGEON MASTER ALONG?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, it makes sense they are so strong. It explains how that Sphinx, which seemed like a mix of pure fear and dread was swatted like a mere fly.?

    ?

    A mere mini-boss of the 57th floor, not even an actual boss, is nothing but a common rabble for them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm? I thought we were saved? But are we going to die here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Huh? No way I¡¯d just bring a dungeon master along? It¡¯s that? That? You know? Taming? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Why do you have the dungeon master tamed?! There is no way it is okay to tame such a person?! Aren¡¯t they one of the key figures of this world?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Just what the hell did he do? And it¡¯s not even a mere dungeon master or labyrinth lord, but a labyrinth emperor, a supreme leader reigning over other dungeon lords. And what does he mean by former? He made such an important person retire from such an important post? And after taming them he is now making them tag along with him?!?

    ?

    But that must be the reason that Haruka-kun managed to get here in the first place.?

    ?

    Otherwise, all of us would¡¯ve been dead.?

    ?

    If you think calmly, there is no way Haruka-kun would¡¯ve reached such a place on his own.?

    ?

    He fell to the lowest, the 100th floor of this dungeon just one week ago.?

    ?

    He couldn¡¯t possibly pass 43 floors in such a short time.?

    ?

    But if the one beside him is the dungeon master of this place, no, the strongest overlord ruling over all dungeons??

    ?

    Then it is possible. That must be the reason he reached us.?

    ?

    Accompanied by the strongest of the lowest floors he went through the floors packed with the worst kinds of monsters.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we survived.?

    ?

    Using the absurd idea of taming the strongest and the most dangerous being of the vilest labyrinth, he slaughtered his way to us.?

    ?

    [TL Note:

    [1] A Monster House is a special type of room found in some dungeons. Contains an extraordinarily large number of monsters and may or may not have a reward at the end.

    [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oda_Nobunaga]

 CH 89

    Day 37 ¨C The Faraway Labyrinth?

    ?

    The way back. The return trip consists simply of going up.?

    ?

    With everyone unsatisfied and confused about the ending.?

    ?

    With everyone surprised about still being alive.?

    ?

    With everyone grateful for that.?

    ?

    Everyone spoke of it to Haruka-kun, thanking him.?

    ?

    Everyone was shocked, about what he did, and admonished him in despair.?

    ?

    The story was so outrageous, that it was hard to comprehend.?

    ?

    It was some kind of upgraded version of absurdity.?

    ?

    And yet it was just what Haruka-kun would do.?

    ?

    The answer that didn¡¯t occur to anyone else.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸You didn¡¯t have any trouble at all?! Or more like, you didn¡¯t even fight?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Here we thought that he was desperately fighting for survival in the dark depths of the earth, and it turns out he was simply doing the usual Haruka things.?

    ?

    The person who we thought was struggling on the lowest floors, suffering, getting injured, and yet desperately fighting for his life, trying to reach us¡­ Didn¡¯t get even a single scratch, and wasn¡¯t even fighting, not even in his usual way, much less forced into a relentless struggle. He was just making his way back as usual, while one-sidedly exterminating monsters.?

    ?

    And his main impression after all that was¡¸Climbing so many stairs was a real pain¡¹. Oh yes, 43 floors, was it? That must¡¯ve been really hard!?

    ?

    We didn¡¯t have to worry about him at all. He was just doing his everyday stuff. Setting up traps, farming mobs, one-sidedly annihilating them, and thus moving up the floors. Apparently, climbing the stairs from the 100th floor of the most fearsome labyrinth was very tiresome!?

    ?

    ¡¸I mean, there is no way I can win against them in a fair fight?! There is no way I¡¯m gonna even try? Lv 99 Minotaurs and Lv 100 Living Armor, can you imagine that? No way, absolutely impossible, how am I supposed to beat that? I¡¯ll die if I try. Yup, no way.¡¹?

    ?

    So since he couldn¡¯t beat them in a fight he¡­ killed them? Everyone fell to their death. Without a doubt dropped by the usual suspect. The scoundrel that doesn¡¯t have even an ounce of remorse!?

    ?

    ¡¸We were struggling so hard with the Cyclop, and you are¡­ the Achilles tendon? The shins? And then¡­ the vitals?¡­ That is just too cruel!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I thought that werewolves might be the strongest monsters¡­ Vinegar¡­ Vinegar, you say¡­ And they were unable to do anything because they were holding their noses?¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No way! I¡¯m not eating any salted snails!! That¡¯s not escargot!!! It doesn¡¯t have the tag ¡ºEdible¡»!! I¡¯m 100% sure!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The buffalos were so scary¡­ We worked so hard¡­ Death from fall damage? An unfortunate chain of accidents? No way that can be true! It was a malicious trap by a cow-hating villain!!!¡¹?

    ?

    And the biggest mystery is how they killed the immortal human-lion¡­ Isn¡¯t it immortal because it cannot be killed??

    ?

    ¡¸AAAAGH!! What the hell is that talk about disabling immunities? What is that about killing immortality? What even is the point of the skill?¡¹?

    ?

    The more we listened to him the more pandemonium spread.?

    ?

    Bewilderment, confusion, chaos.?

    ?

    Dungeon Emperor only kept nodding with a look of resignation.?

    ?

    Everyone went through bafflement, shock, lament, and finally resignation.?

    ?

    Dungeon Emperor also seemed to be done with this. They seem like they have common-sense. Must be a good person.?

    ?

    The one to blame is the lunatic that got Dungeon Emperor so fed up. Actually, isn¡¯t Dungeon Master more human compared to him?!?

    ?

    The monsters that would¡¯ve instantly annihilated us, the tough floor masters, that didn¡¯t get to use their size, all had no chance to show their power and were simply mercilessly and thoroughly farmed by him.?

    ?

    Their sturdiness was useless, their toughness was pointless, their sturdiness didn¡¯t affect anything, they just got one-sidedly slaughtered without being able to do a thing.?

    ?

    There was no battle.?

    ?

    Because their death was decided even before the fight could start.?

    ?

    Before they¡¯d even meet.?

    ?

    Since they were too strong to fight, they were simply killed off.?

    ?

    And since he wasn¡¯t even fighting them, he couldn¡¯t be defeated.?

    ?

    So if we are looking at results only, he is unrivaled.?

    ?

    Too overwhelming and overbearing to be called peerless.?

    ?

    An untouchable, but in a different way from Dungeon Emperor.?

    ?

    Overwhelmingly unequaled in a very different way from Dungeon Emperor.?

    ?

    After all, he wasn¡¯t even fighting.?

    ?

    So he cannot be beaten.?

    ?

    He simply was killing the enemies.?

    ?

    Simply butchering them.?

    ?

    Unrivaled in the worst possible meaning.?

    ?

    Since enemies don¡¯t even get to oppose him.?

    ?

    So he has no rivals¡­ Thus, unrivaled.?

    ?

    Most of the monsters died without knowing who killed them or even that there was an enemy. So it was not even a fight, since they didn¡¯t even get to face him.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not about Affection or any other rating at this point?! Even from our viewpoint, who was just saved by him, he appears much more fiendish, villainous, and atrocious than the monsters of this dungeon, with every little thing he does so filled with wickedness that even Dungeon Emperor is rendered speechless¡­!!!!?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he survived.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t die.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he is okay.?

    ?

    So it¡¯s all good?

 CH 90

    Day 37 ¨C Morning, The Faraway Labyrinth, Outside.?

    ?

    The entrance on the first floor¡­ Or rather the exit. Passing through it we finally reach the surface. The light was blinding, but I¡¯m sure everyone welcomes it with smiles.?

    ?

    It seems that outside the sun just rose, marking the beginning of a new day. Finally, a new day we all greet together.?

    ?

    ¡¸Finally, the outside. The grand escape! Illusion!¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun also was overjoyed, getting out of the labyrinth after spending a whole week there. But there wasn¡¯t a speck of illusion or subtlety to this. He forced his way here. It¡¯s not a grand escape but a grand carnage. He climbed from the lowest floor while killing every living being in his way, right? Apart from¡ºthe outside¡», everything he said was wrong? And also, who made that foyer we just passed??

    ?

    A huge crowd of people are waiting outside? They seem to be surprised to see us??

    ?

    The adventurers from the guild. Including the ladies from the reception and even the guild master. And they have loads of supplies.?

    ?

    Were they worrying about us? The guild master, Hakies-san rushed to us, pushing away other adventurers.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you alright, everyone? We have healers here. How many injured have you? ¡­¡­?!¡¹?

    ?

    And spotting Haruka-kun, he, although surprised, pressed him for an answer.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haruka-kun? EH?! Didn¡¯t you fall to the lowest floor? Are you okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸? Am I okay? I climbed back since I fell? Wouldn¡¯t I be unable to say I¡¯m okay if I didn¡¯t? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    The guild master is confused. He is a serious person, so he ends up trying to understand Haruka-kun¡¯s words, and thus ends up wracking his brains, unable to comprehend them. You shouldn¡¯t seek meaning in Haruka-kun¡¯s words. After all, Haruka-kun himself is a cryptic being. The worst part is that it¡¯s not like his words are incorrect, but the meaning cannot be grasped anyway.?

    ?

    The adventurers that gathered for the rescue also were watching us with looks of bewilderment.?

    ?

    After all, even we are troubled by the explanation. We understood what Haruka-kun said, but we¡¯re having trouble wrapping our heads around this. Our common sense refuses, rejects it. If we accept this, both our common sense and our heads will turn weird, thus, a rejection occurs. That¡¯s why we can¡¯t explain this. Not a single one of us.?

    ?

    ¡¸Long time no see? Or rather? Nice to meet you? Actually, why is no one looking at me?¡¹?

    ?

    Adventurers that noticed Haruka-kun all turned their heads 90 degrees. Some of them went even further and probably hurt their necks as a result. Ugh, that was a scary sound¡­ Meeting eyes with Haruka probably became just that much of a trauma.?

    ?

    ¡¸This is bullying! They are ignoring me! Disregarding me! Picking on me! Ostracizing me!¡­ (Keeps going on and on)¡¹[1]?

    ?

    Haruka-kun complained, but around the ¡ºOstracizing¡»part stopped making any sense. Let¡¯s ignore him. Considering how far he went with his list there is probably no meaning to it anyway.?

    ?

    The guild was building a base camp to support us so that we can resupply, rest, and continue our fight with monsters underground to reunite with Haruka-kun on the lowest floors. Everyone gathered here for that. For our sake.?

    ?

    And yet, the very person that fell in there is complaining. Though at this point it is so incomprehensible that I¡¯m not sure if he is still complaining or not?¡­¡­ Let¡¯s ignore him.?

    ?

    I explained the situation to the best of my ability.?

    ?

    What we knew happened.?

    ?

    I¡¯m sure it will confuse everyone.?

    ?

    After all, even we are confused.?

    ?

    Even the person that did all of that doesn¡¯t get what happened.?

    ?

    So I only explained the most important points.?

    ?

    That the dungeon was dead.?

    ?

    That all the monsters were wiped out.?

    ?

    That everyone is fine.?

    ?

    That the dungeon won¡¯t revive.?

    ?

    It can¡¯t come back to life since the dungeon master is not there anymore.?

    ?

    Though I¡¯m not going to mention what that dungeon master is standing right next to us, feigning ignorance.?

    ?

    I mean, normally, no one would expect a dungeon master to go for casual shopping in the town or stop at the local inn??

    ?

    Probably, if someone said at the inn¡¯s reception ¡ºThis person is Dungeon Emperor¡»the poster girl would begin a weird dance with tears flowing from her eyes.?

    ?

    And I also don¡¯t think that the gatekeepers would be very eager to let them pass if they heard ¡ºThis here is Dungeon Emperor¡»? But I¡¯m pretty sure that if they act unkind towards Dungeon Emperor, then Haruka-kun would do something far nastier in return, so keeping silent here is for the sake of the town¡¯s peace. After all, it is the tamer who is the real danger to the town, Dungeon Emperor actually seems like a very good person. Meanwhile, their master is a self-proclaimed human that doesn¡¯t even seem to have any intentions of pretending to be that.?

    ?

    And thus we head to the town while talking, explaining, and covering things up a bit.?

    ?

    Everyone has the same expression, showing their inner conflict about whether they should be honestly happy about this whole situation or should they accept it at all in the first place. Their heads seem to have a hard time catching up with everything that just happened.?

    ?

    Thank goodness. That no one simply accepted it. Looks like this world doesn¡¯t have other specimens like Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    The town came into sight. Somehow, it looks very nostalgic.?

    ?

    With Haruka-kun being together with us the town and the inn seem very dear¡­ If we forget its name¡­?

    ?

    In front of the town¡¯s gate stood armed guards, forming a line. Looks like they are preparing for something.?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s the squad that Omui-sama is assembling to rescue Haruka-kun. I¡¯ll go explain the situation to them.¡¹?

    ?

    With those words, the guild master hurried to the soldiers. Such a diligent person.?

    ?

    Looks like even the townsfolk were worried. They were trying to rescue him and us.?

    ?

    The outsiders, the newcomers, the troublemakers. Us.?

    ?

    Well, there is only one troublemaker though.?

    ?

    And now he tamed and brought along someone who in a certain way was even more troublesome. Through it probably would be more accurate to call them a walking calamity than just troublesome.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Just in case, it wasn¡¯t me who decided to shorten it but the author.

 CH 91

    Day 37 ¨C Daytime, In front of Omui Town¡¯s gates.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun was summoned by the lord and went to explain the situation.?

    ?

    Such brave people¡­ Trying to get explanations from Haruka-kun¡­?

    ?

    Even though we all know how it will go. Even though I¡¯ve never seen it end in any other way. The bold ones.?

    ?

    And as expected, a great confusion. They are pulling their hair, bewildered. They picked the wrong person to ask. He is the only person one shouldn¡¯t ask for explanations for he is the source of all the chaos.?

    ?

    At first, the daughter of the lord was jumping, but then she began stomping the ground??

    ?

    Haruka-kun also followed suit and began stomping the ground. Eh? Isn¡¯t Haruka-kun getting better at stomping the ground??

    ?

    Seems like he is finally free to go. Looking pretty tired Haruka-kun returned to us.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the lord and his daughter look even more tired. They look completely exhausted. I understand that feeling very well.?

    ?

    No matter how you look at it, Haruka-kun isn¡¯t the one who should look exhausted. It¡¯s his fault in the first place. Always. Even before anything happens.?

    ?

    And finally, we got to pass the gate.?

    ?

    We returned to the town. Together with Haruka-kun. Together with everyone.?

    ?

    Everyone together, we pass through the gates.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a secret that we have one person extra.?

    ?

    Everyone will be happier without knowing that.?

    ?

    In a way, the town protected by Dungeon Emperor would be the safest one in the world.?

    ?

    Not only would they protect against monsters, but they also will be able to stop the wild antics of that merciless tamer lacking in common sense.?

    ?

    The town was as lively as always.?

    ?

    Dungeon Emperor is restlessly looking around like a country bumpkin.?

    ?

    A country bumpkin hailing all the way from the 100th floor of the dungeon¡¯s underground.?

    ?

    Is this that unusual to them??

    ?

    Or maybe it feels nostalgic??

    ?

    But they seem to be happy about coming to the town, so it should be something good.?

    ?

    That must be why Haruka-kun brought Dungeon Emperor to the town from the 100th floor.?

    ?

    It should be something positive because everyone looks happy.?

    ?

    Oda-kun and others left us midway, saying that they will visit the weapon store.?

    ?

    They can¡¯t read the mood at all. As usual.?

    ?

    Apparently, they are going to search for Fire Resistance or Fire Immunity helmets.?

    ?

    They can¡¯t read the mood but it looks like they can feel the impending doom.?

    ?

    I¡¯m pretty sure the protection will simply get disabled, but I¡¯ll keep silent.?

    ?

    Like usual.?

    ?

    The usual every day.?

    ?

    We returned to normal ordinary life.?

    ?

    The days with Haruka-kun and everyone smiling.?

    ?

    Day 37 ¨C Daytime, The White Weirdo inn, Dining hall.?

    ?

    When we reached the inn the poster girl, overjoyed, suddenly head-butted Haruka-kun??

    ?

    Is it her way of expressing happiness? Just like a cow.?

    ?

    The four people that failed to purchase any fire resistance gear came back. Learning of that everyone burst out in laughter and then consoled them.?

    ?

    Gathering in the dining hall we had a meal together.?

    ?

    With a great ruckus, clamor, and excitement.?

    ?

    Everyone was still tired and exhausted, still wearing tattered equipment, not looking great overall, but still smiling.?

    ?

    Taking a bath in turns we returned to the booked dining hall and saw that the whole room was buried under a mountain of magnificent weapons and armor the likes of which we¡¯ve never seen before.?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone here? Then, time for distribution? I guess? Well, that kind of a thing. 2 weapons and 2 pieces of gear per person. And then 2 pieces of whatever you want. So 6 items per person. It¡¯s first-come-first-served, so go ahead and scramble for them. Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    From there carnage began.?

    ?

    That was the arena where desire, selfishness, and greed were whirling together.?

    ?

    To put it bluntly, just like aunties at a bargain sale.?

    ?

    That was a girls¡¯ battle. The boys were trampled and knocked aside.?

    ?

    All of the weapons were limited edition.?

    ?

    Each one was a great find.?

    ?

    A special sale that was available only at this place at this moment.?

    ?

    A frenzied outlet sale.?

    ?

    A battle without honor or humanity.?

    ?

    A merciless free-for-all, a legendary recreation of a bargain sale.?

    ?

    ¡¸If you have something else you want just tell me? We¡¯ll agree on the price~? I¡¯ll make it cheap you know? Kind of? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    Those words were the finishing blow. A clincher. A taboo line for the girls. The last remains of everyone¡¯s reason just snapped, making an audible sound.?

    ?

    Everyone completely lost themselves, fighting, snatching items from each other, pulling and pushing, a perfect picture of mayhem.?

    ?

    Squealing and screaming, putting their bodies on the line to protect the hard-won spoils, everyone was trying to make their way through the lines of mad demons, trying to reach the register named Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Using the girl power known as battle prowess, which they polished and trained after coming to this world, they fought and struggled, striving to get the items they wanted.?

    ?

    It was pretty fun.?

    ?

    The boys were terrified.?

    ?

    With the gear finally being unequally distributed the semblance of peace returned, but then began a game of boasting the spoils of war. Some girls were even rubbing their cheeks on the weapons.?

    ?

    The great loot left everyone thrilled, overjoyed, and satisfied.?

    ?

    After all, every weapon was an amazing item possessing skills.?

    ?

    Legendary materials, super rare skills, top-tier effects, everyone was looking at the equipment in a daze, smiling.?

    ?

    Apparently, this is Haruka-kun style gratitude.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun style reward.?

    ?

    A very Haruka-kun-like compensation for the losses.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun¡¯s thankfulness.?

    ?

    Everyone was fighting in the dungeon, so Haruka-kun didn¡¯t have to be that concerned. Even after breaking the equipment, we should be well in profit. So in order to prevent everyone from declining, from holding back, he turned it into such a big bargain sale. Everyone picked more than 10 items for sure. Many girls even grabbed more than 20 items.?

    ?

    After all, each item was a great deal, a special offer, a valuable find, premium goods, equipment that money usually wouldn¡¯t be able to get you, items that would be completely out of reach if they ever went on actual sale. That kind of amazing gear.?

    ?

    That¡¯s Haruka-kun¡¯s loot.?

    ?

    He fought hordes of monsters carrying such outrageous weapons, such unbelievable armor, and annihilating such terrible monsters, plundered it from them.?

    ?

    That¡¯s where those items are coming from.?

    ?

    With this, everyone will become a bit stronger again, a bit safer again.?

    ?

    Everyone is full of energy, some already equipped their new items, some keep staring at them while appraising, some are itching to try out their effects.?

    ?

    I also bought a bit too much and am now low on cash.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a secret that for this I borrowed a bit from the funds that I confiscated from Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    That must be the first time for everyone to receive such an amazing reward. No matter where you look, every single person was beaming with a smile.

 CH 92

    Day 37 ¨C Daytime, Omui, The lord¡¯s Mansion.?

    ?

    A week since that incident. Way too late. Way too slow. Gathering troops from the territory took too long to send the rescue mission in time.?

    ?

    Everyone objected. That the defenses of the town and villages will get weaker.?

    ?

    That it is preposterous to mobilize troops for the sake of a common adventurer.?

    ?

    What if he fell to the lowest floor of the worst dungeon, then he is already dead.?

    ?

    Everyone just kept coming with one thing after another, trying to get in my way.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s hard to blame them. Their advice is the most reasonable.?

    ?

    They simply don¡¯t know what is going on in this town, in this domain.?

    ?

    I¡¯m the only one who knows. That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to the rescue.?

    ?

    If I can save that boy by throwing away my own life, I will do so.?

    ?

    That¡¯s the gravity of debt I have before him.?

    ?

    There is of course the matter that he saved my whole family.?

    ?

    But even more important, he is a benefactor of our whole house, of all the successive generations of lords of this remote region.?

    ?

    And by the time we finally assembled forces, prepared supplies, and were about to head to the great labyrinth, the adventurers that were supposed to head there with the rescue mission ahead of us, returned to the town.?

    ?

    I shuddered as the worst possible scenario surfaced in my mind. That I allowed my benefactor to die, unable to repay the favor. That I once again couldn¡¯t do a thing.?

    ?

    But, he came back.?

    ?

    And not only that, he killed the great labyrinth.?

    ?

    Once again, he granted another long-cherished desire of our family.?

    ?

    Unbeknownst to anyone.?

    ?

    The boy who no one ever heard of.?

    ?

    All on his own.?

    ?

    Put it all to an end.?

    ?

    The meeting after that is nothing more than a report of events. Pointless.?

    ?

    No matter how many meetings we hold, it bears no meaning. The matter is concluded. We can only understand and accept. No discussion is required.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, isn¡¯t it. The dungeon is dead.¡¹?

    ?

    With those words, I ended the conference. All of the subordinates were panicking. Even though it is a good thing since the calamity hanging over us was no more.?

    ?

    That¡¯s the only way for us to take it.?

    ?

    Right now, the town is going through a period of unprecedented prosperity.?

    ?

    The enormous volume of magic stones put on the market by the adventurers guild.?

    ?

    The town¡¯s general shop and blacksmith, which were no more than simple small shops, are now making sales on the level of big stores.?

    ?

    Despite a stampede happening, the town took no damage at all. Neither in property nor in terms of personnel.?

    ?

    On the contrary, the massive quantity of magic stones it brought made the town even richer.?

    ?

    Merchants from all over the country were flocking to this town every day to buy them, bringing even more wealth here. And yet, despite the demand, the goods were plentiful, allowing the town to continue developing.?

    ?

    As the lord of this domain, I can¡¯t help but rejoice the fact that the frontier territory, which is considered to be the most dangerous, made huge gains over just a few days, and was rapidly growing even more prosperous.?

    ?

    Surely, everyone¡¯s understanding was unable to catch up with a sudden peace and a boom of development. One good thing is following another, but everyone is still bewildered, unsure if they should be celebrating it or not.?

    ?

    The same applied to me. However, I knew.?

    ?

    The great forest, also known as Evil Forest, always has swarms of monsters lurking in it, which from time to time form a great horde, attacking and destroying nearby settlements. But right now the number of monsters there greatly decreased. Some even say that the ruler of that forest is dead. Be that as it may, there is no risk of a stampede happening any time soon.?

    ?

    And then there the legendary dungeon known by countless names. The grand labyrinth is also called the worst dungeon by some. Were monsters to overflow from the great labyrinth in a stampede, not only this domain would be destroyed, but the whole kingdom as well. The monsters there are that strong. With the dungeon most likely already grown to its limit of 100 floors, the only thing we could do is keep a check on the number of monsters, culling them, trying to postpone the stampede. But now the great labyrinth was dead.?

    ?

    One day, the town suddenly became prosperous, the surroundings turned peaceful, and even though no one was doing anything, things were going in a positive direction. We could only feel bewildered, without any idea what is going on.?

    ?

    The same was true for me. But I happened to know.?

    ?

    The reason for this unprecedented prosperity.?

    ?

    And also the cause of peace in the great forest.?

    ?

    The truth of how the raid on the town was stopped.?

    ?

    And the person who killed the great labyrinth.?

    ?

    I simply know it. I simply happened to become acquainted with them.?

    ?

    That black-haired black-eyed foreign boy that saved my family, and his comrades.?

    ?

    They came to the town in a group of only 30 people and made all of that change happen.?

    ?

    I, the lord of this land, didn¡¯t do anything. No matter how hard our house struggled, we couldn¡¯t prevail over the disasters of this remote region.?

    ?

    The domain of Omui. The most dangerous and thus the poorest region of this kingdom.?

    ?

    Everyone is yet to notice that this land was reborn.?

    ?

    The frontier town where tragedies happen daily. Perishing there is the duty of the lord of this place. All for the sake of saving as many people as possible.?

    ?

    The town was founded with the sole purpose of being used as a sacrifice to shield the kingdom from harm. That¡¯s why I want my subjects to have at least some happiness, even if only for a short while.?

    ?

    The town only meant to hold back the great forest and slow down the overflow of the great labyrinth. The only thing awaiting it was a ruin. Even so, I want to protect it for as long as possible.?

    ?

    Then, one day all of it was suddenly resolved. Bringing peace and abundance. But the past was too cruel to us, preventing us from simply celebrating it.?

    ?

    Large quantities of magic stones and weapons flowing out of town. Valuable treasures that by now began attracting even foreign merchants.?

    ?

    Just how the town obtained all of this??

    ?

    It¡¯s simple. Someone defeated monsters of that great strength.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the great forest calmed down. Even the horde of monsters from there couldn¡¯t reach the town.?

    ?

    And even the great labyrinth was now dead. And then, everything was brought to this town, making it prosperous.?

    ?

    All of the threats to the domain were converted into money.?

    ?

    A calamity known as monsters turned into high-grade goods.?

    ?

    That¡¯s the simple reason why things made a complete turnaround to peace and wealth.?

    ?

    A lord of a frontier domain cannot even hope that all of his subjects will be happy.?

    ?

    And yet, right now the town is filled with smiling faces and laughs that can be heard at any time. The people seem happy. And it continues day after day.?

    ?

    The town was overflowing with a happiness a lord of a frontier region wasn¡¯t even allowed to dream of.?

    ?

    The sight that the ancestors that died in the forest of demons didn¡¯t get to see despite hoping, dreaming, and praying for it.?

    ?

    No one realized it yet.?

    ?

    For now, it seems like a simple matter to them. Things are going a bit better, a bit more customers come to visit, the stores have more goods, that¡¯s probably what all this amounts to to everyone at the moment.?

    ?

    They are yet to notice the salvation and rebirth that took place.?

    ?

    It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that the riches of this country began gathering in this domain. The funds circulating through the town were just that great. The economy was thriving, tragedies that destroyed the town¡¯s happiness were no more, the poor and unforgiving town became a rich and safe one.?

    ?

    The person that brought that change had no intentions of making us indebted to him and spoke nothing of it unless asked specifically. So all the changes happened without anyone knowing.?

    ?

    It was only then, that I realized that this town was not a town of tragedy anymore, but the one overflowing with happiness.?

    ?

    The town that the ancestors struggled so hard to protect from the misfortunes that rained on it one after another, even losing their lives in the process and yet unable to save their subjects from death, now turned into the one they dreamed about so much. The town which is filled with joy.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why everyone is confused and bewildered. They knew nothing but disasters until now. That was their first time witnessing a miracle.?

    ?

    Thank goodness. Thinking so was the only thing we could do.

 CH 93

    Day 37 ¨C Evening, Omui Town.?

    ?

    I secured cash. Plundered it from the girls. Seized all of their funds. No one has a penny anymore.?

    ?

    I have no use carrying this gear around since I can¡¯t equip it anyway, and it is too expensive to be sold to vendors. Well, I hid most of the really good stuff and disposed of the rest. Though it basically was a low price sale to get rid of the inventory, I made a huge killing since I got the items for free anyway.?

    ?

    Easy money.?

    ?

    I¡¯m rich.?

    ?

    I¡¯m rich again.?

    ?

    Bow before me, dirty peasants.?

    ?

    The bargain sale approach threw both their sense of economy and reason out the window. Making them spend as much as possible I took every single coin from them.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t sell all of my loot anyway. That being the case, I should use this chance and get currency from the classmates.?

    ?

    However, it was a surprise that the president had that much money. She probably was frugal, saving up until now. Even though I just took all of it. I wonder what she is going to do with that mountain of weapons and gear??

    ?

    For now, I avoided a lecture with the bargain sale of equipment. Somehow slipped through. Barely grasped that chance. I wonder if it is also an effect of Kyojitsu??

    ?

    But it is still too early to say that I made it into the safe zone. I¡¯m not completely sure that they had a lapse in memory. I can¡¯t be certain that I won¡¯t get scolded, despite doing nothing wrong. And the reason for that is that somehow, I always end up getting lectured anyway.?

    ?

    Then let¡¯s seek it. A perpetual ally of justice, a ray of light illuminating the truth, infallible proof of innocence. Yes, let¡¯s buy dried fruits.?

    ?

    Armored Pres accompanied me. As expected, girls like shopping. Though the bargain sale scene shocked me a bit. Even the so-called Dungeon Emperor must¡¯ve been terrified of that hellish scene of utter madness. Since she is a person of this world, it probably was her first time witnessing a bargain sale.?

    ?

    The geeks, so obsessed with weapons and armor, were kicked, stomped, knocked away, and left lying on the floor like used rags, without getting to even see or touch the items as they couldn¡¯t break through the wall of girls. Couldn¡¯t they handle the Sphinx on their own if they went like this??

    ?

    For some reason, the general store became a lot bigger. Not only did the store itself become larger but also its assortment of goods. This looks promising. I wonder what new items they got.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ooh! It¡¯s been a while. I heard that you went missing in the dungeon, so I was worried, you know? But you seem¡­ All right? ¡¹?

    ?

    Oh, she seems normal today. Did she beat her mushroom addiction? She looks like a typical general store clerk.?

    ?

    ¡¸Long time no see I guess? Though I don¡¯t know how much time it was? I mean, I don¡¯t know the date? No one would tell me? Actually, I came to buy stuff, did you get new ware? I can pay both in coin and shrooms? And, please sell me all the dried fruits you have!¡¹?

    ?

    I look around the store with Armored Pres. She should need everyday items, right? And she also has no supplies or a change of clothes?¡­. I wonder what counts as daily necessities for a skeleton? Well, she seems to be having fun looking around, and I gave her a lot of pocket money, so she should enjoy spending it. It¡¯s probably been a while since she went shopping the last time.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fufu, fuffufufuffufufufu, ffufufu, ffufuf, fufu. ¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the clerk lady broke. Out-of-order. She might have escaped her mushroom addiction, but the after-effects are hitting her hard. She is probably beyond repair, since she was ruined by healing mushrooms in the first place.?

    ?

    *THUD!*?

    ?

    ¡¸!!!!!!!¡¹?

    ?

    The time has stopped.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸GuFufu, fuffufufuffufufufu, ffufufu, ffufuf, fufu. ¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    We exchanged firm handshakes without saying a word.?

    ?

    The deal is sealed.?

    ?

    I took every single penny from her.?

    ?

    Being done with the bulk purchase of supplies I was now checking various stalls, and buying up interesting stuff. Like a rich man.?

    ?

    I restocked on the oil, got more spices, found a net, and also bought all of the dried fruits and sugar I found. Like a rich man.?

    ?

    Armored Pres also was carrying sundries in both hands. Looks like she indeed was unable to go shopping on the lowest floor of the dungeon. She seems to like it a lot. Makes sense, after spending what must have felt like an eternity in captivity, doing virtually nothing. Spending what must have felt like an eternity, and still claiming to be 17 years old.?

    ?

    Lastly, we go to the club store to sell weapons. This store has gotten bigger as well? Though I can¡¯t expect anything from its selection of wares. It¡¯s nothing but clubs.?

    ?

    I also tried to show some metal weapons along with clubs. The owner rushed to me with all the money the store had. Even though those are leftovers? The unsold stuff that no one wanted??

    ?

    ¡¸Dungeon weapons! And that is from the lowest floors!! Made from rare materials and with first-rate skills attached?! And even special effects?!! Wh-wha-what? What is this?!¡¹?

    ?

    I thought that this old man is a club enthusiast, but he is making a huge ruckus out of metal weapons as well? Even though I brought the cheapest stuff, which I thought he might be able to buy but he seems to struggle anyway? Well, for now, I took all the money he had, while the old man was making weird sounds, entranced by the weapons. The usual pattern. Just the usual thing.?

    ?

    Sadly, even Armored Pres, who seemed to be very fond of shopping, had no interest in clubs. Well, it¡¯s unlikely that better gear than she already has exists anywhere in this world. I tributed tons of the highest-grade items to her. The strongest and the most expensive item cheat in history. Though their current owner is even more of a cheat. Despite that, the tamer is still in a black cloak with a wooden stick in his hands? Talk about an unfavorable impression, for real.?

    ?

    Dropping by the guild I receive another installment of payment for magic stones. And while I¡¯m at it, I also donated the worst weapons to the guild, that absolutely no one wanted to buy. Since the guild was completely out of money, due to additional purchases of magic stones, I just gave them away for free. It seems they were attempting to do a rescue mission, so they probably mobilized adventurers for that. Even crappy weapons that remained unsold would probably be of some use if given away to everyone.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s go back to the inn.?

    ?

    Day 37 ¨C Nighttime, The White Weirdo Inn, Dining Hall.?

    ?

    The battle formation was already completed.?

    ?

    The atmosphere of the battlefield could be keenly felt in the air.?

    ?

    A flawless encirclement formation, not a single gap could be seen. Once you are in, it¡¯s all over.?

    ?

    Step there without a plan and mobile squads on the flanks will immediately cut off the retreat and surround you, denying all means of escape.?

    ?

    The formation exists for the sole purpose of offense. Wait, intercept, surround. That¡¯s all it was about.?

    ?

    No doubt here.?

    ?

    That is the arrangement for a sermon.?

    ?

    But I didn¡¯t come unprepared.?

    ?

    I worked on countermeasures. It can be even said that I obtained the ultimate counter.?

    ?

    This battle formation is powerless before me.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s onigiri? Come and have as many as you¡¯d like? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Rice?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸RICE?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸ONIGIRI!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No one can possibly withstand the allurement of rice balls. It¡¯s absolute!?

    ?

    I also ate tons of onigiri while I was making them. They were super delicious. Though it is a bit dry, it is finally rice.?

    ?

    The formation crumbled in an instant. The flawless encirclement collapsed. And once broken, there is no way to reorganize it.?

    ?

    Everyone is stuffing their mouths with onigiri with tears in their eyes.?

    ?

    Rice won. I finally obtained it. This is a victory for the lady from the general store.?

    ?

    But this is not final. This is the moment when one has to pursue the enemy that fell into disarray and completely annihilate them.?

    ?

    ¡¸I also have grilled onigiri~? Feel free to battle for them? Kind of? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Grilled onigiri!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    This is probably long-grain rice. Not as sticky and sweet as Japanese rice, and also somewhat dry. But it is rice! Tomorrow we are having stir-fried rice!?

    ?

    Everyone around is busy chewing in complete silence. They can¡¯t even speak. The sermon was stripped of all its power.?

    ?

    Everyone ate so much that they can¡¯t even move anymore. The sermon formation completely crumbled. Everyone is just lying with smiles on their faces.?

    ?

    They have no strength to get angry anymore. Simply a bunch of girls, so full they can¡¯t take another bite, while looking pretty happy, lying on the floor.

 CH 94

    Day 37 ¨C Nighttime, The White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It was delicious!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­It was, but he got away¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, to prevent him from escaping we took an encircling position in the dining hall to make sure that this time he certainly won¡¯t get away and we will be able to properly tell him off. But the formation was easily destroyed.?

    ?

    By the first rice and onigiri in a month.?

    ?

    Everyone was crying.?

    ?

    It was so delicious, so nostalgic. Until just one month ago we were eating it every day, but by now we completely gave up on ever eating rice again. But he found it.?

    ?

    It seems that Haruka-kun once again made a killing without our notice, and using this money loaned funds and goods to the local general store and the weapon store, in turn raking easy money from the whole town, no, the whole country. Here we thought that the town looks more lively than before, and turns out, he began economic domination here. One cannot relax even for a moment with him. And today we understood one of the reasons for that. It was for the sake of rice. He made it into onigiri to feed everyone and brought it to us. We would¡¯ve gladly helped if he only told us, but since he wanted to surprise everyone he worked all alone to make enough portions for 30 people.?

    ?

    And like that, we can¡¯t get angry at him anymore, as always. We always end up smiling.?

    ?

    In reality, if Haruka-kun didn¡¯t climb up, we all would¡¯ve been dead. This is a fact. That was completely our own miscalculation.?

    ?

    By all rights Haruka-kun should¡¯ve been waiting on the lower floors. After all, he was only Lv12. He is weak. Even he himself is constantly saying ¡ºI¡¯m dead if I get hit even once¡», even though he is the last person who should be fighting. even though he is the one risking the most, and furthermore, he was all alone.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we had to go to his rescue. That¡¯s why he absolutely should¡¯ve waited. That¡¯s why we had to press on to reunite with him as soon as possible.?

    ?

    And yet, he climbed up on his own¡­¡­ Even though it¡¯s dangerous. Even though he is the one in the biggest danger. He says that he was completely fine, but that is certainly a total lie.?

    ?

    He surely was doing something dangerous. He definitely came close to dying a dozen, a hundred, a thousand, or even ten thousand times.?

    ?

    The biggest proof of that is that he once again became stronger.?

    ?

    Lv 17. He got 5 more levels. For Haruka-kun, who hunted monsters in the forest with such energy that it seemed like he might bring their complete extinction, and yet got to only level 12 despite that. For him to get 5 levels in just a week, he must¡¯ve been in an extremely dangerous place. Not staying put at all, waiting for no help, simply acting without much hesitation as always, he climbed all the way up¡­?

    ?

    Back then, on the 56th floor, though everyone was in tatters and barely holding onto consciousness, we still saw all of it.?

    ?

    How he dived into that sea of mummies and blocked their way like a mighty wall, denied them from getting even one step closer to us. We saw his back as he slashed, cut, and cleaved them, allowing none to approach.?

    ?

    That had nothing to do with skills or leveling up. That must¡¯ve been the strength that he obtained after endlessly repeating something extremely and outrageously dangerous.?

    ?

    Because there is no way one can get that strong without getting through a hundred of millions of gruesome threats!?

    ?

    So he most certainly was doing something dangerous.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why today, I wanted to have a proper talk. But then, onigiri happened. We couldn¡¯t help but feel happy and laugh. Everyone was the same, unable to hold back the smiles due to overflowing happiness.?

    ?

    Even though Haruka-kun shouldn¡¯t expose himself to danger, we once again got protected by him, made so happy that we couldn¡¯t help but laugh, once again, we are only receiving, giving nothing back.?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh my, I thought I¡¯d lecture him while eating an onigiri, but to think he would then say¡ºIf they have no onigiri, let them eat grilled onigiri?¡», even that Marie couldn¡¯t have imagined that! Even if I could withstand a normal onigiri, a grilled onigiri is too much!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Pulling out soy sauce there was an illegal move!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, everyone felt so blessed that they couldn¡¯t bring themselves to scold Haruka. The sight of him giving away onigiri completely disarmed us.?

    ?

    But the danger is still there. Though his strength was overwhelming enough to make one forget about it, there is a despairing gap in stats. Although he kept going through such dangers, his HP is still barely over 300, while ViT is not even that. With those stats, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if he died to some random monster of level 10 or so. A proper exchange of blows could easily lead to his death.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he turned to speed and magic for his specialization. Since he can¡¯t take a hit he has to avoid all attacks, because taking one would mean death. And due to that specialization, he is getting even less capable of taking hits, remaining just as frail as he was before. We mustn¡¯t let him fight, and we also mustn¡¯t let him near any danger.?

    ?

    His strength is way too irregular. That¡¯s how Oda-kun and others spoke of it. He has an unreliable, half-baked strength, so he would rush to our rescue, but he is the one who is the most fragile. That strength doesn¡¯t come from skills or stats, it¡¯s Haruka-kun¡¯s own strength. Since he lacks power, what he is doing right now is just a somewhat improved version of his old attacks, a combination of speed and skills. So in reality he is just as weak as before.?

    ?

    ¡¸If we were to compare it to traveling, then Haruka-kun is a fast runner, and he is getting even faster. But everyone around¡­ It can be said that in this world if you raise your level, your speed, your entire approach, can change as much as switching to a bike, or a car, or even a plane. And yet Haruka-kun keeps running on his own two feet. Since he can¡¯t ride anything, he just keeps improving his legs¡­ Basically.¡¹?

    ?

    Oda-kun said with a vexed look. That¡¯s why his strength is irregular, unreliable.?

    ?

    It is merely for this moment, while everyone is still not used to handling their cars, bikes, or planes, he seems so fast, overtaking everyone. But he can¡¯t keep doing this forever. Eventually, when this won¡¯t work, it will lead to his death! Such a forced rush cannot be okay. It is surely dangerous. Even though he shouldn¡¯t even be fighting.?

    ?

    ¡¸But with Dungeon Emperor-san he might be okay? They were super strong?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That was amazing! And they are only level 10 at that?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Although I¡¯m not sure if I approve of his use of taming, this made things a lot safer for him. He got himself the strongest bodyguard. They are Dungeon Emperor after all.?

    ?

    But they can¡¯t protect him all on their own. They are physically incapable of prolonged fights, so they are not suited for protecting someone. They both don¡¯t have the power to take a hit. So in the end it is just two glass cannons instead of one.?

    ?

    ¡¸But it seems Haruka-kun got a lot of cheat items?¡¹¡¸His items look the same, and they might not look impressive since it¡¯s just a villager set, but I heard that he fused tons of powerful items from the lowest floors with it, getting loads of special powers?¡¹¡¸I¡¯m telling you, he is a lot safer than before, rather, his danger for the surroundings rose!¡¹¡¸The magic that he used on the 56th floor is not something that he should be able to use on his own!¡¹¡¸Normally, 200MP would be nowhere near enough to even activate such a spell. At the very least, his killing power rose again.¡¹?

    ?

    He became stronger, once again. With his strength still twisted and irregular, it is his destructive power that simply keeps growing.?

    ?

    Even though that is one of the dangers to him.?

    ?

    Still as frail as before, he gets more power. Even though he doesn¡¯t have the capacity to withstand that.?

    ?

    Even though using such power at such a low level will surely ruin his body??

    ?

    Even though I¡¯m telling him to stop doing dangerous things¡­ He still always comes to our rescue.?

    ?

    Even though I¡¯m telling him that it is dangerous¡­ He probably will still do it again.?

    ?

    And for that he will keep risking, trying to get even stronger. I¡¯m sure of it.

 CH 95

    Day 37 ¨C Nighttime, The White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    I finally get to sleep on a bed. As for Armored Pres, I rented another room and shoved her in there. She was somewhat upset, but private time is necessary. Though it seems she isn¡¯t going to sleep??

    ?

    I don¡¯t know how many days passed since I last slept here. For some reason, no one would answer me no matter whom I ask? Is this some kind of confidential information? I don¡¯t know what day it is today, but come to think of it, I don¡¯t even know the calendar of this world.?

    ?

    Or rather, every time I ask about the date they just ignore it and barrage me with questions, but when I answer them, they get angry, give me a flat gaze, and start preparing for a sermon.?

    ?

    Even though I worked so hard to get back to the surface? Even though I brought souvenirs??

    ?

    I guess it was a problem that I profited from the distribution of the said souvenirs? Or maybe it had to be something edible??

    ?

    And as always, just why am I getting scolded for doing nothing bad??

    ?

    Although I subjugated a dungeon in a different world, my Affection Rating was nowhere to be found. Not even an item boosting it. Falling down there was a complete waste.?

    ?

    However, thanks to falling down there, I got 21 flat gazes. So it¡¯s not like I didn¡¯t gain anything at all.?

    ?

    Will I get more if I keep dropping down into dungeons? Though I suspect my Affection Rating will drop as well every time I fall.?

    ?

    In the first place, blame the guy who dug a pitfall in such a place, not me! Who could¡¯ve predicted such a trap?!?

    ?

    And yet, they are angry at me. I mean, it was inside a wall? How was I supposed to notice that??

    ?

    Everyone didn¡¯t notice it as well? So why blame me?!?

    ?

    In the first place, if only anyone told me of the dangers of pitfalls I would¡¯ve made adequate preparations.?

    ?

    Yet they kept going ¡ºYou will fall off a cliff, you will fall off a cliff¡»completely setting me up with a psychological trap. I¡¯m actually the victim here.?

    ?

    I should gift the perpetrators a new Meteor (Fried Boulder To The Cranium). Absolutely.?

    ?

    Haaah, I¡¯m pretty tired? Maybe I lack sleep? I had nothing but naps for several days, but it was pretty fun and I made many great finds. Dungeons might be pretty good after all. Especially for me, since I can¡¯t equip normal gear, dungeon items might be just what I need.?

    ?

    Though I donated most of the gear to the avatar of avarice known as Armored Pres-san, I still got a lot of useful items.?

    ?

    By which I of course don¡¯t mean ¡ºCollar of Submission¡» at all. Were I to use something like that I would have to bid an eternal farewell to my Affection Rating. That should be erased both from my memory and history. Re:Remember!?

    ?

    There are many items that don¡¯t seem like they will ever get to be used, but there probably will be some opportunity for them to shine? Most likely right around the time I completely forget about them. Even if such a chance will never come, it¡¯s not a big deal since I will already forget about them, and there is no reason for me to remember them.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s take it easy for a while. I have plenty of money, I got rice, and I have soy sauce.?

    ?

    And I have mountains of skills that require testing, experimenting, and practice.?

    ?

    Especially ¡ºTeleportation¡». If I could use it, if I had this skill mastered, I wouldn¡¯t have gone through the sort of trouble I had this time.?

    ?

    However, ¡ºTeleportation¡»is the successor of ¡ºMovement¡»-san. A good chance that the skill is pretty hard to handle.?

    ?

    Just how much did I trip, fall, or crashed into something with ¡ºMovement¡»alone.?

    ?

    It¡¯s very different from ¡ºShukuchi¡»or ¡ºAcceleration¡»possessed by my classmates.?

    ?

    Which makes sense since their starting abilities are cheats, and mine are trash.?

    ?

    Just like Weapon Skills, Shukuchi cannot fail upon activation. One will have to practice to master them, but there is no need to practice to Use them. After all, they will always activate and work correctly once used, they can¡¯t misfire or otherwise fail.?

    ?

    However, there is also no room for canceling or altering the course. Once activated, you just plunge forward.?

    ?

    Movement and Walking were nothing more than movement by walking. I had full control over it. If I don¡¯t do anything then I won¡¯t move an inch. Even with¡ºMovement¡», failing to control it I tripped, tumbled, and went ¡ºWHOOOOOA¡», a lot. I need practice. It¡¯s probably going to be quite That again, so I should do it somewhere no one would see me.?

    ?

    The skill doesn¡¯t have automatic control, it¡¯s full manual.?

    ?

    I¡¯m also curious about¡ºD¨­jutsu¡». As far as I remember it had something to do with illusions? And there also was something about hypnosis??

    ?

    Hypnotism sounds a bit dodgy. And it also feels like a close relative of other nasty skills like Charm and Puppetry.?

    ?

    And that¡¯s with Taming already being an issue. If I complete this series then I surely will be besieged with legions of summoned police officers.?

    ?

    It¡¯s better if I don¡¯t master it. I might even get some kind of dangerous skill if I carelessly level it up.?

    ?

    I understand ¡ºGravity¡»and¡ºHolding¡»but I still need to practice, they are not that easy to use. Until now I had to rely on a feeling, but now I can clearly see magic power. I guess it is thanks to the Magic Eye from¡ºRajingan ¨C The mind¡¯s all-seeing eye. God Eye, Future Sight, Magic Eye, Wisdom Eye, Imitation, D¨­jutsu, ?¡¹¡»that I can now have a clear vision of it. So practice should become easier.?

    ?

    ¡ºApex Thinking¡»is a unified version of Thinking skills as well as undoubtedly their upgraded version. I wouldn¡¯t say that I feel like I got smarter, it feels more like my brain became more useful, something akin to a personal computer? I can run calculations on a kind of automatic basis? And it also seems like I can run several parallel thought processes, but what do I do if they freeze??

    ?

    The puzzling one is¡ºEmpty Mind¡». Order-wise it should be an upgraded version of Concentration? But shouldn¡¯t Concentration go into Apex Thinking? Is it somehow different??

    ?

    Or maybe it¡¯s the result of all that thoughtless slander from the girls??

    ?

    And then there is ¡¸Rajingan¡¹, the all-seeing eye. Seeing is all good and fancy, but I can¡¯t use it at all. This thing should come with a manual. A very thick one.?

    ?

    This is an overspec Cheat. So other abilities can¡¯t keep up spec-wise.?

    ?

    There is a lot to do.?

    ?

    I have no time to spare.?

    ?

    I once again have to start from a basic model.?

    ?

    Status.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16

    Lv 18 (Up)

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£³£²£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£±Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £³£´£³¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£µUp£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£°Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£µ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¹Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£´£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£¸Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£³£¶¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£µUp£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£µ£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£µUp£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£¶£¸¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£¸Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£²£¹£·£¹?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Path of the Staff Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Uncanny Dodge Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic Wrapping Lv 1¡¹(Up)¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Fluidity Lv 4¡¹(Up) ¡¸D¨­jutsu Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Adamantine Fists Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Teleportation Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Gravity Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Holding Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Elemental Sorcery Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 8¡¹¡¸Ice Magic Lv 9¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 9¡¹¡¸Sensitive Lv 8¡¹¡¸Body Control Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Swift Foot Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 9¡¹¡¸Improved Detect Presence Lv 3¡¹¡¸Mana Mastery Lv 4¡¹(2Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 8¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 9¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv MaX¡¹¡¸Empty Mind Lv 4¡¹¡¸Physical Damage Negation Lv 2¡¹¡¸MP Absorption Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Regeneration Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 3¡¹(2Up)¡¸Rush Lv 8¡¹¡¸Air Walk Lv 7¡¹¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 9¡¹¡¸Rajingan Lv 2¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 8¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 8¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 8¡¹¡¸Grand Mage Lv 2¡¹?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 6¡¹¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 9¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 9¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Rajingan¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«39% SpE +26% ViT +19%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    Oooh YES! My level went up. I¡¯m Lv 18 now.?

    ?

    So I got a total of 6 levels in the dungeon. Only 6 levels for a complete clear of a dungeon. Even so, from Lv 12 to Lv 18. SpE and InT that grow especially well are almost 1.5 times. Aren¡¯t those about the same numbers my Cheat classmates had at level 30-35? Well, they are over level 80 by now though.?

    ?

    ¡ºRajingan¡»already leveled up. Probably because of the horror that a certain someone calls Training. I can¡¯t see her movements either with God Eye or Rajingan.?

    ?

    ¡ºMana Wrapping Max¡»to¡ºMagic Wrapping Lv 1¡»it seems that level 10 is the max one, after that, they can only evolve into an upgraded version, which also greatly changed user-friendliness. So this makes it another skill to which I have to adapt. Each time a skill gets stronger it also gets more complicated.?

    ?

    ¡ºAdamantine Fists Lv£±¡»must be coming from¡ºGarb of Herculean Strength ¨C ViT Enhancement (Great) PoW 50% Up, Adamantine Fists¡». After all, I never got into fistfights with monsters? And I have no intentions of ever doing so for the remainder of my life. Well, my ViT is dangerously low, so I appreciate the bonus to it, but in the end, I can¡¯t really afford to get hit anyway. Even if I can survive the attack, I¡¯m done the moment I stop moving.?

    ?

    Plenty of other skills also leveled up, but at the present, I¡¯m hardly utilizing them. It probably will remain this way for a while. Take even¡ºImproved Detect Presence¡», if I could properly use it I could¡¯ve arrived to their rescue much earlier.?

    ?

    I once again have to start from a basic model. I must patch together various skills I have, mixing them, forcibly combining them into a semblance of a technique. After all, I don¡¯t have Cheat Skills that would automatically work when activated.?

    ?

    Aaah, which means, another Abuse Fiesta from Armored Pres-san is awaiting me tomorrow! All participants are sure to receive beatings completely free of charge?! That¡¯s not taking it easy at all! I¡¯m going to get beaten?! Certainly?

 CH 96

    Day 37 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls only assembly, The baths.?

    ?

    Dungeon Emperor-san. He was calling her Armored Pres, but apparently, she isn¡¯t presiding over anything. The name is Angelica. He probably doesn¡¯t remember her name as well despite taming her. At least we should call her properly by her name.?

    ?

    It seems Angelica-san was staying alone at the lowest, the 100th floor of the dungeon, and apparently, she was seized by stygian darkness. The dungeon, which is also known as the oldest one. She remained there all alone. For almost eternity she was struggling there all on her own?? Remaining a seventeen-year-old??

    ?

    Haruka-kun fought the darkness that was holding Angelica-san and repelled it. The darkness could control only a fraction of Angelica-san¡¯s power. Thanks to Angelica-san¡¯s perpetual resistance a chance for a battle finally came. And the darkness was driven away.?

    ?

    What remained there was Dungeon Emperor in their perfect state.?

    ?

    But Angelica-san didn¡¯t do anything. She was simply waiting for Haruka-kun to kill her. All this time she was waiting for someone. Fighting against the darkness, refusing to be swallowed by it, she kept waiting for the end to arrive.?

    ?

    And?? He tamed and brought her along.?

    ?

    Well, if that¡¯s the case then it¡¯s only natural. It obviously would turn out like that.?

    ?

    Of course, Haruka-kun wouldn¡¯t kill her. He wouldn¡¯t allow such an end. He wouldn¡¯t give the stage to a tragedy. He wouldn¡¯t follow destiny. He wouldn¡¯t obey fate. There is no way he wouldn¡¯t try to rescue her. It wouldn¡¯t be Haruka-kun if he didn¡¯t save her. That¡¯s because Haruka-kun does what Haruka-kun wants, acting as he pleases, if he doesn¡¯t like it he wouldn¡¯t accept it no matter what.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he brought her along.?

    ?

    To the surface.?

    ?

    To the town.?

    ?

    Somewhere that isn¡¯t engulfed in darkness.?

    ?

    Somewhere where she wouldn¡¯t be alone.?

    ?

    There is no way he wouldn¡¯t bring her along.?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t matter to him if it¡¯s Dungeon Emperor, a job above that of a dungeon master.?

    ?

    He probably wouldn¡¯t care if it was a great king, a holy emperor, or a demon lord. That¡¯s why he brought her along even though she is a dungeon emperor.?

    ?

    There are a lot of things I want to say. It¡¯s a huge issue.?

    ?

    But I can¡¯t object to this. After all, we also were saved and pulled out of the dark place.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not the first time he¡¯s done this. A repeated offense in a way.?

    ?

    And apparently, inside the armor is a skeleton. Even though the armor looks very sensual, giving off an impression of a nice-looking body, it is a skeleton.?

    ?

    It seems her previous occupation was Dullahan/Lich/No Life King, It probably was very tough working at so many positions at the same time??

    ?

    Coming to the town she joined our Girls-only gathering, so today we decided to reserve the bath for ourselves and enter it together.?

    ?

    Even if she is just bones now, she is still a girl. Staying clean is important. And not even to mention that we can¡¯t allow a girl to take a bath together with Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    Then, we removed her armor together????? Eh??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    After getting nice and clean we step out of the bath. Then, help her equip the armor????????? Uh huh.?

    ?

    ¡¸I remember that Haruka-kun mentioning that she turned from skeleton-san to raceless?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    So he doesn¡¯t realize. What exactly he did.?

    ?

    If he knew, his approach would¡¯ve changed, so he doesn¡¯t know. He doesn¡¯t realize the gravity of the situation.?

    ?

    Just what do we do¡­ It seems we need another girls only assembly. Let¡¯s call for it.?

    ?

    Though everyone has their brains melted by onigiri and new weapons, we have to do it.?

    ?

    Even if there is nothing we can do, we must do something.?

    ?

    Luckily, Angelica-san can reply with yes or no by nodding or shaking her head. We can communicate.?

    ?

    With 21 people we will have the wisdom worth of 7 sages. We might be able to come up with some sort of a solution. [1]?

    ?

    We still have time until tomorrow night.?

    ?

    We must think of something until then.?

    ?

    What¡¯s really important right now is Angelica-san.?

    ?

    Her future is depending on it.?

    ?

    Thinking about Haruka-kun is pointless anyway.?

    ?

    So let¡¯s just focus on Angelica-san.?

    ?

    Just why doesn¡¯t he notice??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] A very liberal use of ¡¸ÈýÈË¼Ä¤ì¤ÐÎÄÊâ¤ÎÖª{¡¹

    Japanese version of ¡°Two heads are better than one¡±

    Lit ¡¸If three people gather, the wisdom of Manjushri.¡¹

    Manjushri ¨C is a bodhisattva associated with praj?¨¡ (wisdom) in Mah¨¡y¨¡na Buddhism.

    Basically¡¸Three people together equal a sage¡¹

    (If three people put their heads together they can rival a sage in their wisdom).

    ]

 CH 97

    Day 38 ¨C Morning, Guild of Adventurers, Training grounds.?

    ?

    I came for observation. Learn by looking. Turning what one witnessed into experience or knowledge that can help in the future, gaining new insights by seeing what one hasn¡¯t seen before, or attaining understanding by critically assessing things from the side. Learning through observation is extremely common. And what I¡¯m observing right now is the sword technique of the one with the highest ability in this world, Dungeon Emperor. In terms of battle prowess, there is probably no one above her. But I can¡¯t see a thing??

    ?

    I¡¯m looking at it, it¡¯s in my sight, but by the time I notice the slash is already over??

    ?

    Her level is only 17. It seems she restarted from level 1 after being tamed. So to be precise she is ex-Dungeon Emperor, Angelica-san. It seems her age is also 17? Her stats are not that high yet.?

    ?

    And the one trading blows with her is level 18 self-proclaimed ¡ºMob Character that can¡¯t become Strong and doesn¡¯t have Cheats¡»Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    A step forward and the slash is completed.?

    ?

    Swaying half a step, and there is another cut.?

    ?

    Like in some kind of a deadly rondo.?

    ?

    A cruel and precise elegance is there.?

    ?

    A sword dance where a single miss can cost one their life.?

    ?

    The movements are so sharp, that I can¡¯t grasp them.?

    ?

    While they appear elegant, they are so sharp that they become a pile-up of motions.?

    ?

    So I can¡¯t discern them. I do see it, but I don¡¯t perceive it. I can¡¯t grasp it.?

    ?

    Her SpE is lower than mine, not even a third of what I have. I should be 3 times faster than them, yet I can¡¯t keep up with their speed.?

    ?

    If we start swinging our swords on the same count, it will be I, who is 3 times faster, who will be cut.?

    ?

    I have a lot of uselessness to my movements, while the sword technique in that exchange has no unnecessary movements.?

    ?

    No step in, no wind up, no holding aloft, no strain, no swing, no wind down, there is not even the swing itself. The sword just tracks the shortest possible path in zero tempo. not even a beat, not even half a beat, the instant she moved the cut was finished. The moment one thinks about the slash it is already over. That¡¯s why she is strong.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t rally with her. Even with 3 times the speed, she cuts in 1/10 of what it takes me to finish the attack. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t respond in time.?

    ?

    Even Weapons Skills can¡¯t cope with that speed. On the contrary, Weapons Skills, which can¡¯t be canceled once activated, would only make an easy target out of you. Since that¡¯s the only movement you can¡¯t take, you are basically a sitting duck. Might as well put a leek in your mouth. It¡¯s no different from simply jumping into a pot on your own volition.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why she can smash through Level Wall. Even if there is a level gap, one will end up slashed without being able to hit or dodge her.?

    ?

    Weapons Skills are probably nothing more than a bunch of pointless excessive motions to her. Completely different from her sword technique.?

    ?

    Her footwork is slow, the movement of arms is also slow, the movement of the elbows is slow too, the turn of the wrists is slow as well, her shoulders move slowly, the shift in the center of gravity is quite gradual too, the sword itself is moving smoothly, even the swing itself is slow. Every single motion, despite having all of the inefficiencies shaved away, is still slower than mine. But because all of it ends simultaneously she is fast! By the time I only start moving she is already done.?

    ?

    An endless exchange of slashes, a flurry of attacks trimmed down to the limit of efficiency. Only silver flashes keep flickering before my eyes.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Looks like they finally finished? A very battered Haruka-kun came up to me with a really mischievous smile.?

    ?

    ¡¸President, how about asking for training as well? It will be very educational? Or rather, you will get the hell beat out of you? Or more like straight up bullied? Well, It might be abuse, but it will prove useful? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like beaten up Haruka-kun is going to take a break and is very enthusiastic about getting me beaten up as well. But it is certainly an extremely valuable experience.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm, I probably won¡¯t be able to even touch her, but what if by some chance I do hit her? With the level gap it might be dangerous after all? Even if it¡¯s just practice?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm? Impossible? Armor-san is an Item Cheat, so defeating her is not possible even with a level gap? And speaking of touching her, I don¡¯t think you will have even a chance to do that? ¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, it¡¯s impossible. Even Haruka-kun, who fights at that speed, can¡¯t find a chance to even graze her. On top of that, even if one could hit her it is still impossible since the armor is a Cheat. And how is one supposed to beat that? Can it even serve as training? Is it all about getting beaten up??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I had the hell beat out of me. I, of course, and also all other girls. Even 20 vs 1 we still got badly beaten.?

    ?

    Without magic, it gets so one-sided that it can¡¯t even be called sparring.?

    ?

    And she simply evades or cuts through spells. By the way, apparently, even if a spell hits her it still will be nullified. She must be the strongest of this world.?

    ?

    Right now, Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group is getting beaten.?

    ?

    Those 5 should be the strongest in close combat? But they are getting one-sidedly crushed? No one can keep up with her movements. I should be able to keep up with that speed since I¡¯m 3 times faster¡­ But as soon as we start moving I can¡¯t follow her, and each new motion only widens that gap. The movements are minimal, free of excess, beautiful, and elegant. There is an ultimate beauty of function and elegance merged together in a flowing dance.?

    ?

    And with everyone else lying on the ground, Angelica-san proudly stands alone. The sight invoking fascination, envy, and admiration. A testament to how strong a person can become.?

    ?

    To the fact that level is only one of facet to the strength.?

    ?

    And that there is still so much room for growth.?

    ?

    Of course, if we go for an ugly brute force approach, all bunching up on her without care for casualties, we will be able to defeat her. If we simply push without care for the damage we will be able to overwhelm her with our levels. Resolved to pay a steep price we should be able to do it. If she were an enemy that would¡¯ve been our only chance of taking her down. We can¡¯t beat her in an actual battle. Swarming her is the only option we have. We absolutely mustn¡¯t fight this person.?

    ?

    And then, a certain someone made a person so insanely strong even stronger through Cheat Items. It seems it was a tribute¡­ Even though he is the master??

    ?

    Me and everyone else continued to challenge her only to get beaten up.?

    ?

    Angelica-san san carefully swung her blade as in a textbook, trying to show us, teach us, lead us, and guide us. Showing the technique she countered our technique. Fighting 25 people at once she tried to coach all of us. That¡¯s how immense the difference in our strength that had nothing to do with levels was.?

    ?

    And speaking of the remaining 4. They are getting beaten up by Haruka-kun. Though it seems their heads aren¡¯t burning yet. They are crying though.?

    ?

    We can still get stronger.?

    ?

    We can get even stronger.?

    ?

    Oda-kun and others must¡¯ve gotten mentally stronger.?

    ?

    As I heard later, they obtained Fear Resistance from that.?

    ?

    It must¡¯ve been really scary. The threat of getting their heads burned.?

    ?

    Their barrier magic also leveled up and they even got new skills, ¡ºFocus Barrier¡»and ¡ºComposite Barrier¡».?

    ?

    They got stronger in all sorts of ways. Especially the resistances.?

    ?

    Yes, everyone got a bit stronger today. And we can get stronger yet.?

    ?

    [TL Note: Yes, the title is another Gundam reference.]

 CH 98

    Day 38 ¨C Morning, Guild of Adventurers, Training Grounds.?

    ?

    Such a pain! ¡ºTeleportation¡»-san is way too difficult?!?

    ?

    Using it with the same feeling as¡ºMovement¡»instantly transports me? If it was a movie I would change the location literally in the next frame.?

    ?

    The movements got faster, making it harder to combine them as they turned jerky and unwieldy.?

    ?

    My speed got higher. Faster for the worth of intermedial frames that get skipped.?

    ?

    Moving arms, legs, hips, back, shoulders, or anything else will be considered Movement and thus trigger Teleportation, in other words, allow for instantaneous movement. And then, it will all be affected by corrections from¡ºInstantaneous Movement Lv 8¡». It¡¯s such a mess.?

    ?

    In addition, ¡ºWalking¡»evolved into¡ºSwift Foot ¡», further increasing my speed. This alone makes it close to Shukuchi or Flash Step.?

    ?

    The overall sensation is too different, I don¡¯t think this is how humans are supposed to move? All of the movements are too abrupt, like a combination of sudden blast-offs and sudden stops. A mishmash.?

    ?

    I had Armored Pres-san help me with the practice, but I¡¯m getting battered.?

    ?

    I can now take her on through speed, but on the other hand, my movements worsened, creating new exploitable openings.?

    ?

    Imagine showing an opening to someone who can whack you even without any openings?! The result would be a very heavy beating!!?

    ?

    ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»is also annoying. Another evolved ability. My guess is that it can buff absolutely everything, body, equipment, and even magic power itself. And quite drastically.?

    ?

    The body screams in protest to the movements that exceed the limits of my current stats. It hurts all over. A forced enhancement followed by forced movements.?

    ?

    Getting used to it, comparing and adjusting, I connect and combine movements together. Yet it¡¯s still a shaky mess. And then I¡¯d get beaten as well.?

    ?

    My body can¡¯t keep up with my own movements, getting wounded from it. I¡¯m about to completely crumble.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s take a break. My HP already went reduced to double digits from this self-inflicted damage.?

    ?

    Since being the only one who is battered, tattered, and beaten up is frustrating, I also taunt the president and other onlookers to try practicing with her as well. They should get beaten up as well.?

    ?

    They can¡¯t overpower her with 5 times higher levels and stats, and since they can¡¯t, they get countered through technique, meaning, they get the hell beaten out of them. Free beatings for everyone.?

    ?

    Even when they tried to use numbers and attempted a saturation attack with 25 people, they still couldn¡¯t overwhelm her, and since they can¡¯t suppress her, they will be countered through technique, meaning, they get the hell beaten out of them. Pounded hard.?

    ?

    Even if they use group tactics and try to attack in waves, they still can¡¯t break through her defenses, and since they can¡¯t they will be demolished through technique, meaning they get the hell beaten out of them. Utterly.?

    ?

    Though the classmates also learned during this mock battle, cutting down inefficiencies, revising their movements, chaining their actions, polishing sword technique, they still couldn¡¯t reach her. It is not a height one can possibly reach. To put it bluntly, she is basically in the stratosphere.?

    ?

    Her technique is insane, but her talent is even more amazing. It¡¯s just something completely different. Each stroke of her sword bears multiple outlines, and you are damned if you can¡¯t read through all of them. She is capable of shattering even tactics through the power of her sword alone.?

    ?

    I hope this teaches them how hard I had it. It¡¯s impossible to even stave her off. This training is just one step away from assisted suicide.?

    ?

    Enjoy your beating.?

    ?

    And now¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸To begin with, why am I the only one who always gets beaten up? Don¡¯t you feel sorry for me?! Isn¡¯t it me-based discrimination?! I¡¯m getting abused here! That¡¯s right! EVERYONE should get beaten. If everyone gets beaten up then we all will be equal?¡¹?

    ?

    There is a mountain of people beaten so badly they can¡¯t move anymore. Since they also don¡¯t reply when called out to, it is probably a mountain of corpses. Everyone has X-marks for eyes??

    ?

    There is still time until lunch, and Armored Pres-san is beckoning me. Let¡¯s get beaten up some more.?

    ?

    I also just got rid of my stress. Though pretty soon it will accumulate once again¡­?

    ?

    My only regret is that the time ran out before I could burn the geeks¡¯ heads. Those bastards, at the end they focused their barrier solely on their heads. On top of that, they even layered them one over another. Even a completed Inferno Head Roasting Edition, couldn¡¯t get through it. Yes, let¡¯s try again tomorrow, this time with Meteor.?

    ?

    And then, another round of abuse called Training has begun. It is also known under the nickname of Bullying.?

    ?

    As the flurry of cuts that allows not a moment of hesitation encloses upon me I concentrate on fending them off, simply focusing on moving quicker, more efficiently, slashing back in the shortest time over the shortest trajectory, I keep clashing swords with her over and over.?

    ?

    While feeling every single motion, every single movement of my body, every shift in my center of gravity I chain the movements, merging them, refining them, and adjusting them.?

    ?

    Back and forth, up and down, left and right, one by one.?

    ?

    Confirming and checking every single one, I fix them into memory as a single technique, as a singular motion, blending them into one.?

    ?

    Each movement, every step, every breath, one by one.?

    ?

    This is still not Kyojitsu. They still didn¡¯t merge together. They are fast, but that¡¯s about it. They still cannot be called a technique.?

    ?

    Defend as I hit, strike as I repel, dodge and evade, attack and push, I will get beaten if my movements unravel. It¡¯s just practice, ultimately, practice in getting beaten. A practice, so close to bullying that it transcends it.?

    ?

    Or actually, Armored Pres-san? Aren¡¯t you getting a tad bit too serious when dealing with me? Aren¡¯t you very very very much lacking in restraint? You were a lot gentler on everyone else? And you seem to be kind of enjoying it? ¡­Get beaten, right now.?

    ?

    However, I at the very least have to learn how to use Magic Wrapping and Kyojitsu. Failing on either of the two will be a serious problem. A misfire could mean my death. I have to at least grasp the form? But if she won¡¯t go easier on me I will self-destruct before I do that? I¡¯m so over my limit that I lose HP every time I move? I¡¯m on the verge of dying from this practice. For real.?

    ?

    Even if I can somehow handle her attacks, the self-inflicted damage keeps increasing. By noon my HP was in single digits. I will really die, you know? Like, normally? Or actually, I¡¯m the master here, no? Just what is a master?

 CH 99

    Day 38 ¨C Midday, Omui, Guild of Adventurers.?

    ?

    ¡¸Whoooa?! Lad, can we really have this?! For real? I¡¯m gonna cry if it¡¯s just a joke? I¡¯m not giving it back? Ah, I¡¯ll put spit on it.¡¹?

    ?

    What a dirty old man this spear dude is. The old man is licking a spear. I don¡¯t think anyone would complain if I report him? It¡¯s a pervert. There are clear grounds for concern.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, is it really fine? We just wanted to repay the favor? We didn¡¯t even do anything in the end?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the sword old man is not going to lick anything. The four girls ran off to the training ground as soon as they said their thanks for the weapons. I¡¯m surrounded by nothing but old men, again. I¡¯ve never heard about being swarmed with old men after getting summoned to a different world? Cute girls ditched us for the training grounds? Is it about Affection Rating after all??

    ?

    ¡¸No, I mean, didn¡¯t you spend three days looking for us in the dungeon? You went all the way to the 30th floor while we went back through the portal on the 46th floor, leaving you behind? It¡¯s a consolation payment of sorts? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    As soon as the old men heard the news they made preparations and went to the rescue. Planning to group up with the president and others they descended to the 30th floor, where they received the news of our safe return to the town, upon which they also turned back, and finally reached the town just a short while ago. I felt a bit sorry for them, so I decided to give away some of the remaining weapons, but they made a bit of an uproar out of it.?

    ?

    If I include the stuff like harpoons from the frogs, then I still have close to 500 weapons left. Even after disposing of the useless inventory I still have plenty left. I¡¯m holding onto weapons from minotaurs, so they ended up with the weapons from the puppets or lizards, but everyone is overjoyed anyway. Despite the dangers of this town, they don¡¯t have proper equipment here. Aside from clubs. The town is overflowing with them. It is overflowing, but is it really okay? I just saw housewives chatting in front of the greengrocer, all equipped with clubs? I overheard them saying that they will club their husbands if they dare to cheat? Isn¡¯t this town more dangerous than the forest??

    ?

    It seems some monsters still remained in the dungeon even after its death, with a few still possible to be found on 46F and up. Will I be able to handle monsters from 31F and further? Not now for sure, but after I finish adjusting to my new skills it might be a good idea to check it out. But for the time being, I will stick to practicing and then start from gobs. I mean, I¡¯m pretty sure I will be tripping over myself and clashing into monsters again.?

    ?

    The local lord, Meri¡¯s father, also seems to have sent troops, so I¡¯ll donate a set of harpoons from the frogs to him. I¡¯ll just pass them with a message through the old man leading the guild. I already have the receptionist ladies bribed with fruitcakes for that. With this, I don¡¯t owe them anything. Falling into pitfalls is a pain, but getting out is also a pain. I don¡¯t want to do that again.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m going home now, wanna come? It¡¯s inside a forest though? Or more like, a cave? Well, in a forest?¡¹?

    ?

    I asked Armored Pres-san, to which she responded by nodding, looks like she is coming as well. Gob sweeping should go really well. I still should be able to sell a lot of mushrooms, so there is no harm in gathering extra. I¡¯m sure there are even more of them now.?

    ?

    The classmates are still lying around with X-marks for the eyes, so let¡¯s leave them be. Must be the result of getting beaten up. But normally, getting trained and beaten by a Dungeon Emperor is an extremely rare and valuable experience. I¡¯m getting beaten all the time though? Without hesitation? Is it even possible for the tamed person to attack their master? And beat them??

    ?

    I came back to the woods, but there are only a few gobs and kobolds? Their levels are also somewhat down? But mushrooms are plenty. Their quantity is massive. The general store lady¡¯s addiction is about to get even worse. Somehow, the forest seems brighter? It probably won¡¯t be much of a training, but let¡¯s hunt them. Wait, everything is already hunted down. At least leave some monsters for me to practice? I want to spar with gobs? As one might expect, I don¡¯t want to get beaten up every day? Flying through the woods like the wind she erases gobs¡­ Looks like all my spar partners were exterminated. I guess I can¡¯t avoid getting beaten up.?

    ?

    We reached the cave, but the sun is already setting. It¡¯s better if we spend the night here and then head back. And there is still cleaning to do. Both in terms of rooms and gobs.?

    ?

    Before it gets dark we sweep the depth of the forest, and after we get back, sweep the house. Armored Pres-san is surveying the rooms with curiosity. Perhaps the modern furniture looks that unusual? Or maybe she is considering turning the place into a dungeon? Well, even if she does, I will still remodel it.?

    ?

    Now, the forest depths in question, as I thought, the monsters there also became weaker¡­ And the monster insufficiency also seems to be more severe here? It even seems that without cultivation they might go completely extinct? Well, not like I¡¯m gonna do that.?

    ?

    At most, goblin leaders would pop out from time to time, but the king game¡¯s boom seems to have completely passed. That¡¯s great. No, training-wise it¡¯s not great at all? I mean, if I don¡¯t rush, everything gets obliterated before I get to do anything? A moment of hesitation and I don¡¯t have anything to kill? This is a competition at this point, first come first served. Speaking of serving, I¡¯m sure Armored Pres-san would¡¯ve easily dominated the bargain sale if she tried. She probably would¡¯ve been inaugurated as a Bargain Emperor.?

    ?

    We didn¡¯t find a king even in the deepest part of the forest. Let¡¯s gather mushrooms and go back. The night is about to fall. Let¡¯s continue tomorrow by farming kobolds and then going upstream to hunt weak monsters. Clubs are piling up again. But I wonder, just why are they selling so well??

    ?

    Shrooms are way more numerous than before though. As I thought, with goblin deficiency in this forest, more mushrooms get left untouched. Tons of health and mana mushrooms, but no Potent Mushrooms it seems, well, that¡¯s to be expected. Roasted Potent Mushrooms with soy sauce were delicious, and now that I have rice I had some hopes, but they are not such an easy find even with an Epic Luck.?

    ?

    Going back to the cave I begin cleaning. Since I¡¯m going to use magic for this it won¡¯t take long, but since I wasn¡¯t home in quite a while I take time to diligently clean everything. I last stayed here when I was waiting for Whatever-kun, so I was absent for about 10 days? Is it really fine? As a Hikikomori? My Hikikomori is level 8 already, but I¡¯m not getting to hikikomori at all??

    ?

    ¡¸All clean. I¡¯m back, my sweet home. It¡¯s been a while, even though it¡¯s my home? Even though by now the trip doesn¡¯t take me even a day?¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, my travel speed has risen so much that I can make a round trip in a day, in part because ¡ºMovement¡»turned into¡ºTeleportation¡», but being too scared I¡¯m yet to actually try using Teleportation Magic for the actual travel. Until now, my skills never gave me an easy time, even though the different world is all about skills and magic, what is a person who can¡¯t trust his skills supposed to do??

    ?

    But it seems Teleportation is after all an evolved form of Movement magic, so even without actually teleporting my speed is greatly increased. ¡ºWalking¡»also turned into ¡ºSwift Foot¡», making me even faster. How should I put it, it¡¯s like the distance is shrinking on its own? As I move, it is accompanied by a strange feeling as if the space around me is bending. I¡¯d like to at least get the hang of it while we are in the forest, but since a moment of carelessness means that all of my spar partners (monsters) will be annihilated, I can¡¯t take it slowly. It¡¯s a super live combat practice. I already crashed into goblins more than 10 times?! I almost had my first kiss with one?! Of course, I beat it to death!! That alone I absolutely cannot allow as a highschool boy!!!?

    ?

    I cleaned the bath too, and while at it, also filled it with hot water. It¡¯s a jacuzzi. There won¡¯t be any bubble jets unless someone sends wind inside through wind magic, but it¡¯s a jacuzzi. It must be the only one in this world.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wanna take a bath? You can go first? It¡¯s a jacuzzi, you know? With jets? Streams? It¡¯s a Jet Stream Attack Jacuzzi?¡¹[1]?

    ?

    Unfortunately, it seems that Armored Pres-san is not a Gundam otaku. And she also is fine with taking a bath later. So it¡¯s a lonely Jet Stream Attack in the bath. It¡¯s just a bubble jet, but it¡¯s a JSA attack anyway. JSA!JSA!!?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheeeeew, a bath after getting beaten up feels exceptional. Something is spreading through my body. Probably¡ºRegeneration¡»at work? Returning to life? Quite literally?¡¹?

    ?

    Speaking of which, turning into a higher rank¡ºHP Recovery¡»didn¡¯t become ¡ºSuper HP Recovery¡»or anything, and straight went for ¡ºRegeneration¡»? Did it just give up on recovery? Isn¡¯t regeneration normally a monster skill? Can humans even regenerate? Should they? Am I going to be alright??

    ?

    ¡¸Hm?¡¹?

    ?

    With my Detect Presence I sense that outside, Armored Pres-san began taking off her armor. She couldn¡¯t wait for the bath anymore? Or maybe she began preparing in advance since removing the armor takes a while? She is a skeleton, during the first appearance I saw her all nude, complete bare bones, but since I now know that she is a girl, entering the bath together might be an issue? Well, those are just bones? I actually wouldn¡¯t mind helping her wash them??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m getting out! Do you care to wait for some little bit? Kind of? Just a short whOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH!¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? Nonono, according to the Detect Presence it is Armored Pres-san that just entered the bath. Is it that ¡ºI will scrub your back¡»kind of thing? Is she trying to do something servant-like since she is tamed by me? Or something like that? Thinking hard I¡¯m not thinking at all, the supreme thinking-type of thinking Apex Thinking has completely stopped. Just what is thithithithithis¡­ WHO?!?

    ?

    Long, slender legs. A pair of well-toned, long, beautiful legs entered the room? The front is covered with the towel that she is holding, but she is completely defenseless from behind! Whooa, her hips are so high! Her legs are way too long! It¡¯s like her super-high hips immediately continue into the slim waist. The Anglo-Saxon, or maybe Latin, or porcelain-like pure white skin is dazzling to the eyes, wait, just who is that?! Who is that peerless beauty?! Or rather, where did Armored Pres-san go? They kept calling me crazy for quite a while, but did it finally happen? Did I really go crazy now? She is gazing at me with her big eyes? Ah, a downturned eyes look is very cute. Eh, ooh, her eyelashes are so long! The nose is high! Such well-defined features! Who is this pretty girl? This world is full of handsome men and beautiful women of western-type, but she is far beyond even that. Creme de la creme. Not once in my whole life have I ever seen such a beauty even among models or actresses. So fair, bewitching, lovely, charming, pretty¡­ Eh?!?

    ?

    ¡¸EEehm?? Armored, or rather, boney, or rather, Dungeon Emperor, or Battering Pres, no, are you¡­ A-A-A-Angelica-san¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    This lovely appearance, this dignified bearing, this standing figure, worthy of being called too beautiful, is none other than that of Armored Pres-san Angelica-san¡¯s?! EH? Wasn¡¯t she just bones? Bones???

    ?

    She nods in a familiar way. Two round objects below her face also nod in unison. They are big. And she is smiling at me with a smile that seems capable of illuminating the world¡­ But she was a skeleton? Her race on that status page? No, she became raceless later??? Eh? Actually, she is not even covering her front anymore!! This is a risky danger for a highschool boy? I can see? A lot of things? Steam-san and Holy Light-san are both slacking off? This is RED ZONE!!! ¡­EH? Waah!! ¡­Too late??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    The next morning.?

    ?

    Yesterday, I got thoroughly washed and cleaned, every inch of my body, and I returned the favor in the same fashion, going over every nook and cranny of her body, after which a goodnight. Over and over again. In a highschool boy sort of way. Finally, I zoomed up the stairs of adulthood, in a highschool boy sort of way? She is a monster? No, this is totally fine by me. Rather, I¡¯m pretty sure I will never see anyone more beautiful than her? The only thing that bothers me, is it really alright to be doing this with someone I subdued through Taming? It¡¯s kind of too late though? Well, she seems to be smiling with a very blissful look, so I guess it¡¯s fine? Is it? Is it, really??

    ?

    In the end, though I kept endlessly yapping that the Faraway Labyrinth has no monster girls, turns out, one was with me all along.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Jet Stream Attack, a trademark attack of a certain team of pilots from Gundam universe.

    ]

 CH 100

    Day 39 ¨C Morning, The Cave.?

    ?

    I¡¯ve been getting beaten up since the morning.?

    ?

    With what happened yesterday, she woke me up today and we had breakfast together, you know??

    ?

    I then thought I¡¯d tease her a bit, and said ¡ºYou were very cute yesterday¡», after which she turned red and began donning her armor. I was wondering what she was doing, and then she immediately started a morning practice! Instead of morning cuddling, it¡¯s morning stomping!?

    ?

    And to begin with, she looks sexy even in her armor. She has such an amazing figure the armor even looks somewhat lewd.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t do this, the impact from yesterday is too great. One look at that hot armor is enough to make me recall what happened. I can¡¯t focus at all. She looks very dignified right now, but yesterday she was so lovely. The way she acted a bit embarrassed made it even more alluring. The way she seemed a bit hurt was also lewd. I¡¯m being very hurt right now though. Because I¡¯m getting beaten up. Is it revenge for the last night? Did I go overboard after all? Yup, when I checked my status in the morning I got both ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»and ¡ºInsatiable Libido¡», so I surely must¡¯ve went overboard. Now I¡¯m the same as the president.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m gonna die. Or actually, I¡¯m dead, HP-wise. If it wasn¡¯t for ¡ºSoul Ring¡»then it surely would¡¯ve been 0 already. It¡¯s beyond beating already? I¡¯ve even seen the geeks waving hands at me from the other side of the river? I burned them though. Along with the river.¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s impossible for a highschool boy, the image is already burned into my eyes. Because of Rajingan I saw everything very well. Thank you very much. ¡ºApex Thinking¡»must have some sort of Perfect Memory function, as I can recall it in vivid details. Fighting in this state is just too much. The best I can do since a while ago is evading her bloodthirst, I also did the best I could last night. No! I¡¯ll die if I keep thinking of such things! I¡¯ll die for real!?

    ?

    And it seems she has a voice. She probably simply forgot how to speak after spending so much time all alone. I¡¯d like to practice with her, but I first have to survive THIS practice. She let out so many lovely voices last night, wait, ¡¸WHOA!!¡¹?

    ?

    That was close?! I almost lost my head there? For some reason, the armor¡¯s visor looks red. And there is also steam coming out? Was the armor actually running on a steam engine? I¡¯m pretty sure I just heard¡ºPSHHHHH¡»? No! That¡¯s not what¡¯s important right now! Didn¡¯t I just teleport? Just a bit? If I didn¡¯t my head would¡¯ve been rolling on the ground? I was unable to avoid the attack, but the next moment I was out of range? That must be teleportation. For some reason, every time I get any funny thoughts, a fatal attack comes my way. The ¡ºface¡»of the armor also appears red. Since she doesn¡¯t speak she gives off an impression of a cool beauty, but in reality, she is very shy. The type that goes on a rampage from embarrassment. And she is currently running amok. I most likely will die if I don¡¯t stop this.?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry for teasing you? Kind of? But it¡¯s true? You were really cute?¡¹?

    ?

    Saying that I very carefully pat her on the head.?

    ?

    I recall patting her on the head in the dungeon, and she seemed very happy about it, so I tried to do that again. I¡¯m a bit scared about losing my arm, but since it will regenerate anyway, I guess it¡¯s fine¡­? Is it though? However, the head is impossible. Or at least that¡¯s what I¡¯d like to think. If I managed to grow back a lost head that probably would mean that I¡¯m no longer human??

    ?

    The silver armor turned red. Looks like she stopped functioning. It seems I managed to survive somehow. Let¡¯s keep teasing in moderation from now on. Or someone might get hurt. Namely me.?

    ?

    For starters, we enter the forest with me leading the way. It¡¯s a secret that I can¡¯t walk behind because her figure the back is too much for me to handle. Okay, next time I should take her from behind¡­ ¡¸Cough, cough¡¹, no, I wasn¡¯t thinking anything? Honestly? There is blood thirst flying at me from behind? You can¡¯t go for my head, okay? It probably isn¡¯t going to regrow? I¡¯m not joking.?

    ?

    As expected, the forest is filled with dangers. I should focus. Even though I¡¯m a highschool boy, highschool boy-like things are sealed from now on. More than a month passed already, I wonder if my attendance still allows me to be counted as a high school student? Is being summoned to another world treated as absence without leave??

    ?

    Thinking about silly things I¡¯m trying to somehow distract myself. My mind immediately gets filled with images of that mesmerizing white skin the moment I close my eyes, so even blinking is a matter of life and death. But my¡­ Her legs were so long, so beautiful, and those thighs, eh, ¡ºWHOOSH!¡». ¡­Thank you, Teleportation-san. It seems I became able to use Teleportation after all. Though it bothers me a bit that the activation condition seems to be a threat to my life. Well, considering that my life is endangered every 5 minutes, I¡¯m fine with whatever will allow me to stay alive.?

    ?

    But isn¡¯t it too much to ask a highschool boy to stop doing highschool boy things??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Goblin King wasn¡¯t home, so we are currently in a meeting with Kobold King-san. It¡¯s Lv 37 and is super fast. Its SpE stat is over 300. Though it is still slower than me, however, since its movements are sharp, akin to those of a wild animal it is hard to deal with, but I still manage to dodge them.?

    ?

    Fending off the storm of claw swipes from the kobold king with the gauntlet on my left hand and the staff in my right I step in.?

    ?

    And then stab the kobold king from behind with my staff, piercing it through. It went right through its neck, it¡¯s over.?

    ?

    While probing for signs of life with Sense Presence I breathe a sigh.?

    ?

    Using teleportation during the battle is a dangerous bet. The failure would mean stumbling defenseless right in front of the enemy. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll immediately have my head bitten.?

    ?

    Armored Pres¡¯ armor also returned to silver color, and she is now nodding to the results of the battle. Looks like I passed.?

    ?

    Okay, enough of Teleportation. It¡¯s not a skill I can repeatedly use without considerable concentration. And today I have the least amount of it in my whole life. I can concentrate as much as humanly possible on another matter, but it would put my life at risk. An attempt to hide embarrassment more dangerous than the Evil Forest might become the end of me? Since this morning my life is in constant cat and mouse with death! It¡¯s really close!?

    ?

    There was only one king, so the rest of the training is to be conducted with normal kobolds, and it should be done ASAP, since there is a serious extinction threat to them? A silver flash is sparkling all over the forest? It¡¯s training, you know? Leave at least something for me? Please? Just a bit? Just a little? Just the tip¡­ Ah, no, it¡¯s nothing. This Flat Gaze is so bloodthirsty it¡¯s scary. Kobolds are fainting from it? Just now, 3 of them that were standing behind her dropped to the ground.?

    ?

    With this and that the kobolds seem to have gone extinct. Let¡¯s go up the river, sweeping trash monsters, and then check on orcs. One shouldn¡¯t drop their guard, but it should be fine to try out new skills a bit since those are weak monsters. Experimenting is important.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ?

    The sun is about to set, so it¡¯s about time we go back to the town. We hunted more than enough. Especially Silver Armor-san. While I did get to practice and experiment, while I was dealing with one monster, every other one would be annihilated in the meantime. Efficiency is one problem, but it was like I was training in the middle of a murder scene, which created a very awkward atmosphere, to which kobolds and I would from time to time sigh, unable to say anything. Orcs also were on a brink of extinction, with barely a few of them around, but they were completely annihilated. All while I was practicing with one of them? What about my spar partners? As I thought, the monster deficiency of the forest is very grave. But it goes without saying that because of that, there is a massive quantity of mushrooms.?

    ?

    I once again collect a whole bunch of paralyzation mushrooms. Is this a foreshadowing? I also collected a lot of Deadly Poisonous Mushrooms, are these meant for a dungeon? Am I going to fall once again? Is this a flag? I don¡¯t remember it even working out??

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s go back to the town. I might get scolded if I don¡¯t go back for more than two days, and going back to the cave I might get in trouble in a highschool boy-like way. Or actually, I surely will. There is no way I won¡¯t. It was pretty close even during the combat. No, I actually, restrained myself to only sneaking peeks at her? Even if I peek, it¡¯s just armor? It¡¯s not a big deal if I look at it, right? It¡¯s lewd though¡­

 CH 101

    Day 39 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Returning to the town we run through tailors before the stores close for the day.?

    ?

    Since Armored Pres-san now has flesh, it would be cruel to leave her with nothing but armor. She is also a girl, after all, so she probably has an interest in dresses and stuff. Armored Pres-san seems to tend to act reserved, so she keeps looking at this and that, comparing clothes and deliberating on her choice, but since she seemed to have fun I make her buy one thing after another.?

    ?

    She is trying to hold back, but I show no mercy and make her buy! That is because it is a feast for my eyes! Her appearance had something so divine about it that a good look at her could make one want to drop to one¡¯s knees in a sort of religious fervor, however, art is something meant to be seen and appreciated! That is the truth! We went through many stores, but sadly, none had anything lewd. Very disappointing. Well, even if they had something, it probably would¡¯ve only meant more highschool boy-like troubles for me, but it is still disappointing.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is happily carrying a mountain of clothes as we walk through the street. Can she even see ahead of her? I tried to offer her to put them into Item Bag or at least carry half of them, but she refused, energetically shaking her head. She enjoyed the shopping, so she might enjoy carrying so much stuff after that. I mean, she looks so delighted. She had no chance to do this until now, so I want her to have a lot of fun and pleasant things from now on. In other words, there is no problem with buying her a bunch of stuff.?

    ?

    After going through the cloth stores of the town we finally got back to the inn. The name seems to remain unchanged.?

    ?

    ¡¸We¡¯re home~? Sweeping the cave and the forest took a while? I neglected it for quite a bit so I had to get it cleaned. It¡¯s nice and sparkly now? So that¡¯s a relief? Kind of? ¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, I¡¯m greeted by 20 flat gazes? The mood seems kinda weird? The strangely tenacious flat gazes. Okay, fried rice time! Finally, the moment has come! Fried rice invoked! Here cometh the fried rice¡¯s decree! Fried Rice-based Flat Gaze Interception Plan!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome back. Is that so? A relief, huh?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Sounds about right? Haruka-kun, you look very relieved?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I got everything cleaned?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Spending the night there, cleaning, must¡¯ve been tough, huh? And you came back on the night of the next day.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You must¡¯ve worked very hard? Until very late.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸And this! And that!¡­¡­£¨And so on and so forth£©¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I hurriedly shake the iron pan. Fire Magic should be enough for cooking,

    I have plenty of tools and tons of rice. Only eggs are somewhat a valuable rarity here. As I thought, long grain rice works the best for fried rice. But the luckiest thing is that this world also had sesame oil. That decided it. Having no white pepper I had to settle for black pepper, but it still should be delicious. If I had nori I would¡¯ve gone for fried rice with nori, but there¡¯s nothing I can do about that. Shaking 6 huge frying pans I also prepare soup in a stockpot. Meanwhile, the meat is deep-fried in the oil. My preparations are perfect. The fried rice set special is about to descend into this world! [1]?

    ?

    Pouring some soy sauce into a cauldron and letting it burn there for a bit spreads the smell of fried soy sauce through the dining hall. The girls that were mumbling something immediately went silent, fixing their gazes on the rice dancing through the air as I stirred it over the fire.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fried rice is ready. Take your plate and come for it? There is also deep-fried meat of some unknown bird? It even comes with a soup? It¡¯s a fried rice set meal? Well, once again with mushrooms though.¡¹?

    ?

    The students form a line, carrying plates in their hands. As soon as I pile up a whole plate of fried rice they beam with smiles.

    The girls got back to their seats with chatter and giggles and immediately began stuffing their mouths with food. The idiots brought a giant platter from somewhere so I first clubbed them with the ladle. When I piled up a large serving of fried rice with extra deep-fried meat they rushed back to their table with the platter, but unable to wait until they reached it, they began munching on the meat as they ran. As expected, fried rice with meat is popular with boys. Since it seems everyone got their share, I beckon Armored Pres-san and hand her a plate with fried rice as well. She might not need food, but if she can eat it, it would be a waste not to enjoy delicious stuff. If she can taste then that is a blessing in itself. So I gave her an extra-large serving. Okay, finally, fried rice set in a different world.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Sooo goood!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It seems they liked it. Actually, there are a lot of complaints one could make for ingredients and flavoring, but everyone is too nostalgic for that. Only a bit over one month passed, but they are already missing it. It¡¯s not about this or that world, they are missing the ordinary everyday life. I also miss bookstores, but I don¡¯t feel like I will ever find them here? Should I try summoning after all??

    ?

    Armored Pres-san seems to have trouble eating in the armor, so she went to change. As expected, getting food through a faceguard is a bit difficult. Simply removing the helmet would¡¯ve solved the problem, but she probably wants to try on new clothes as soon as possible. In short, she couldn¡¯t wait anymore. After buying so many clothes that she couldn¡¯t hold them all anymore, she now can¡¯t hold herself back from wearing them. I guess I will have to tribute more stuff to her when we get out into the town again??

    ?

    While everyone was making a ruckus, munching on their food, armorless Armored Pres-san returned to the dining hall after finally changing her clothes.?

    ?

    Although she was now wearing pretty normal clothes for a resident of this town, the room completely froze, as one would expect. No one cared about the food anymore. It¡¯s fried rice, you know? It¡¯s delicious??

    ?

    Although her attire was an utterly mundane combination of a simple tunic-like top and loose pants, on her it looked incredibly stylish.?

    ?

    The clothes were as everyday and mediocre as they get, but with her incredible figure, she appeared like a fashion model in them! If I were to set up an online store with her as a model I¡¯m sure I¡¯d be able to sell literally anything! Anything she wears instantly becomes the most fashionable thing possible. Since even plain and simplistic clothes appear like some kind of stylish casual attire, her power as a model is too high.?

    ?

    The loose tunic swayed, going in parallel to the bodyline, emphasizing her figure. Even loose pants, which would usually be unfashionable, looked smart and even sexy thanks to the marvelous length of her legs. That¡¯s just unfair! And her face is even more amazing. The poster girl that got her first look from up close even forgot how to breathe. Rescued by the other girls she is now taking deep breaths but still cannot take her eyes off her. The beauty went beyond tempting, straight into the lethal territory. The boys froze along with the atmosphere in the room, but who cares about them, it¡¯s not a big deal if they were to stop breathing as well. They can¡¯t read the atmosphere anyway, so why pollute it with their breath. Or rather, stop looking!?

    ?

    The girls should¡¯ve been aware of this since they even took a bath together, but they are staring at her in a sort of trance anyway? I¡¯m pretty sure the impact was far bigger when she wasn¡¯t wearing clothes? Yup, it was. For real.?

    ?

    Armorless Armored Pres-san came this way, apparently intending to eat together, and taking the seat opposite me she began eating.?

    ?

    I was wondering how a person from this world would see this fried rice, but since she seems to like it, nodding as she eats, I guess it¡¯s a pass. That¡¯s nice, so the greatness of fried rice is understood even in this world.?

    ?

    ¡¸Want to sweep through the dungeon tomorrow? My remodeling of the 1st floor was interrupted midway?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹?

    ?

    She tilted her head, puzzled. Well, she surely didn¡¯t think that the dungeon where she stayed was undergoing an arbitrary reconstruction.?

    ?

    In a way, that¡¯s the ultimate approach to beating a dungeon. Invade, occupy, and remodel the place while living there, turning it into the base of operations, gradually capturing the dungeon. The monsters were surprised as well. They probably couldn¡¯t even imagine that someone already made plans to turn their 100th floor, where they lived all that time, into a hot spring. But hot springs are nice, you know? It probably would be even nicer if I entered it together with her? I don¡¯t know which part of it would be nicer exactly, but I¡¯m sure of it! But if I actually made one, I¡¯m certain I¡¯ll end up confining myself to the 100th floor. I have absolutely zero confidence that I will ever leave the place! Developing an elevator might be a real necessity.?

    ?

    There might also be treasure chests that I missed, so in any case, it¡¯s worth going back.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Nori (º£Ì¦) is a dried edible seaweed used in Japanese cuisine

 CH 102

    Chapter 39: Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    As I returned to my room, armorless Armored Pres-san also followed after me, so I sat her down on the bed, right next to me. There is no deep meaning to why I chose the bed. Though there might be meaning not so deep. Anyway, I just want to talk.?

    ?

    Since she can¡¯t talk that well, for now, I use this chance for a sort of rehabilitation and discuss various things with her. We barely know anything about each other, but there is no need to rush. She finally got out to the light, to a place with lots of people.?

    ?

    She must want to chat, that¡¯s why we talk, using it as a practice. Though she still mostly replies by nodding or shaking her head, she is trying to use words as well. For now, she is quite laconic, with ¡º¡­Yes¡»,¡º¡­Un-der-stood¡»sort of replies, but she is doing her best to speak. She seems to be quite delighted with me patting her on the head as she does that, so I for now hold back from touching her in the other places. She finally reached a bright place, so turning off the lights in the room wouldn¡¯t be good. I¡¯m doing my best as well, you know? I¡¯m holding back with all I have.?

    ?

    The first thing we discussed was the future, and to be more precise ¡ºTaming¡».?

    ?

    She is not a monster anymore. It¡¯s strange for a person to be tamed by another person, so it should be lifted. A person shouldn¡¯t be bound by a skill meant to control monsters¡­ The bitches aside, they probably aren¡¯t even humans? So the skill classified them as monsters. Which is reasonable considering how scary they are. Or rather, I can¡¯t lift it? It apparently can¡¯t be arbitrarily canceled by the tamer??

    ?

    I told her that she is free, that she can remove the taming and do what she couldn¡¯t do until now, go where she couldn¡¯t, return where she was unable to, do whatever her heart tells her. I told her that she can do whatever she wants, and explained that even without taming on her I¡¯d help her out with anything. I did. But she shook her head with tears welling up in her eyes? Looking me right in the eyes she frantically repeated ¡ºI-don¡¯t-want-to¡».?

    ?

    I thought that she probably didn¡¯t understand me, and tried to go over it again, over and over, but she kept shaking her head no matter how many times I do it? Since it seemed like she was about to really burst into tears I asked¡ºThen, let¡¯s leave things as they are until you¡¯d want to cancel it on your own?¡», to which she energetically nodded with a smile.?

    ?

    She was alone all this time, there must be no one she knows left in this world. So she probably wants some sort of connection with someone, even if it comes from something as terrible as¡ºTaming¡».?

    ?

    So it¡¯s fine if things stay this way for a bit more. It might be not fine in terms of my Affection Rating, but I¡¯m pretty sure that at this point it is so low that it won¡¯t budge from something so trivial. And even if it were to fall, chances are it is already at rock bottom, so it must be okay. Can this be called okay, though??

    ?

    The next question was why she resigned from being a skeleton. Can you even resign from that? Even if you do, would you return to being human because of that? But Armored Pres-san actually has a splendid record of resigning from the posts of Dungeon Emperor, Lich, No Life King, and Dullahan. A long history of evading responsibilities, so it might not be that strange if she were to slack her way out of being a skeleton.?

    ?

    Struggling with words and helping herself with gestures, she explained bit by bit how and what happened.?

    ?

    And then the reason, the cause, and the culprit became apparent. All mysteries were revealed, verification completed, the missing link established, and the last piece of the puzzle discovered! The reason, the cause, and the culprit was none other than I! Wait, what?!?

    ?

    Well, as obvious as it may sound, but people cannot come back from the dead, and undead, on top of having only a soul, they are also cursed, so they cannot come back to life as well. They cannot be revived. Impossible. Or so they say.?

    ?

    Originally, a skeleton is possessed bones, which move through the power of soul and magic. But when she was given¡ºFull Silver Armor¡¸Complete Immunity¡¹¡¸Enhance All¡¹¡¸Skill: Guardian¡¹? ? ?¡¸Cursed: Fuses with Flesh¡¹¡»the armor fused with the flesh part of the soul and the magic power, merging into one. Then, when she was given¡ºBlessed Bangle, Alleviate Curses and Misfortune (Can be Equipped only Once)¡»the curse was lifted, and she regained her flesh. Through still dead, but she now had the soul, the bones, and flesh. And then, there apparently was some guy that gave her¡ºJewel of Necromancy ¨C Controls Life and Death, Instant Death, Instant Death Resistance¡». Well, trying to control life and death in such a state she is bound to come back to life!¡¡There is no way anything else could happen! Who was that guy? And it seems he even gave her¡ºRing of Pilgrimage ¨C LuK Up (Greater), Brings good fortune, Wards away bad fortune¡». That would revive her for sure, yup, that¡¯s our culprit. Yeah, that¡¯s me?!?

    ?

    All of the items, with the exception of the swords and the mantle, worked together to bring forth a miracle. And it seems she is grateful to me for that. But it has nothing to do with me or luck. The very fact that such peculiar items were all gathered in that dungeon is a miracle in itself. So that must¡¯ve been inevitable. It¡¯s not like I did anything, all those items were there for Angelica-san¡¯s sake, waiting for her all that time. That¡¯s why all of the unique treasures, the likes of which one wouldn¡¯t be able to find even after searching the whole world, were gathered in the same dungeon. Then it¡¯s an inevitability.?

    ?

    She began crying when I said that, but such coincidences are impossible, and if it¡¯s impossible, then it is an inevitability. That¡¯s why it wasn¡¯t a place for her to die such a sad death all alone.?

    ?

    She cried for a very long time. She must¡¯ve been unable to cry until now no matter how painful, bitter, empty, lonely, or sad she felt. Until now she couldn¡¯t shed a single tear and didn¡¯t even have anyone to lean on, so she cried a lot. She cried as if she was trying to cry out all of her sorrow. She finally can cry when she feels like crying, so she should cry as much as she wants.?

    ?

    After that Armored Pres-san wanted to hear about me, so I told her my¡­ our story.?

    ?

    That we came from a world completely different from this one.?

    ?

    About meeting that old geezer in the white room.?

    ?

    About getting garbage skills.?

    ?

    About living in the cave on my own.?

    ?

    About my first fight.?

    ?

    How I ate nothing but mushrooms.?

    ?

    How the geeks and gobs were annoying by making noise in the middle of the night.?

    ?

    How I started fighting with the staff.?

    ?

    How I joined up with the girls and had to live in the tent.?

    ?

    How we wandered through the forest, trying to reach the town.?

    ?

    About our life in the town after we finally found it.?

    ?

    About the ground stomping trend among the local nobles.?

    ?

    About how stupid the idiots are.?

    ?

    And the story of how I didn¡¯t die when I was heading for death.?

    ?

    How I then went to the dungeon, fell down, and met her. About everyone. I told her everything.?

    ?

    Talking about it like this makes it sound like all of it happened a long time ago. It¡¯s only been a month, but without me noticing, it now felt like something that happened years ago.?

    ?

    For some reason, she appeared angry when I spoke about Whatever-kun. Crying, but angry. This reminds me, when I came back the girls also were angry and crying. I feel like they are always angry at me??

    ?

    But since everyone is smiling now and we even got 1 extra person, it¡¯s fine, right? Or rather, I¡¯m not to blame here??

    ?

    And as it got late we gradually grew tired of talking¡­ So after doing the deed, we went to sleep. After going at it to the point of complete exhaustion. No, I mean, I¡¯m a highschool boy? What did you expect?

 CH 103

    Day 39 ¨C Nighttime, Omui Guild?

    ?

    We are incredibly busy, and because it¡¯s like this for several days already it is even more tiresome. It never was this crowded and hectic at this faraway guild. So I appreciate this busyness. I never felt this good about being tired. It seems that today as well the whole guild is going to work overtime thanks to just one boy.?

    ?

    Every day, from dawn to dusk we are under a constant onslaught of merchants with orders for magic stones. The merchants, whose numbers are increasing with each passing day, crowd the bargain area, buying magic stones in a chaotic commotion, and in return, the pile of coins keeps growing. The local lord was so desperate to advertise the place, and yet no one wanted to even approach the region, but now, trading associations and merchant guilds are making lines, bowing to him to get authorization to operate in the area. And thriving business brings enormous profits to the guild and the town.?

    ?

    Until now the guild couldn¡¯t even properly compensate adventurers that were risking their lives to decrease the numbers of monsters in the forest and the dungeon. So adventurers kept fighting with poor equipment, which didn¡¯t match their skills. But now, we can finally reward them properly. At last¡­ Just how many adventurers lost their lives until now, if only we could provide them with proper equipment, if only we could gather more people, then those lives could¡¯ve been saved. Just how many have we lost until now??

    ?

    Even so, as a guild¡­ As a guild master, I kept sending them to fight monsters, protect citizens, defend the town and villages. I had to give those orders regardless of how dangerous it may be. I¡¯m not allowed to say that it¡¯s fine already and they don¡¯t have to work so hard. The local lord, Omui-sama, was bringing as many troops as possible, and even fought at the head of the army himself, trying to protect this remote region. He kept supporting the guild, even if it meant that he will have to live frugally. But even so, the number of troops was insufficient. And it couldn¡¯t be any other way. There is no way there could be enough troops to defend from the forest of demons and the oldest dungeon. Many more died venturing to fight monsters than in defensive battles, and yet we couldn¡¯t repay even for those deaths. Only tragedy and despair were awaiting this place. To think that would change to days filled with happy laughs and tears from busyness.?

    ?

    The boy destroyed the tragedies of this frontier and brought tremendous profits to the city and its citizens. As a mere level 9, he destroyed the pack lead by an atrocious big green wolf and saved my friends, Ofuta and his party. At such a low level he wouldn¡¯t even be able to join the guild, yet he entrusted us with a large quantity of magic stones. Moreover, he even rescued Omui-sama¡¯s family. A true savior of this town, the black-haired boy, unknown to everyone, never speaking of it himself.?

    ?

    The worst monster stampede in the history of the guild. The worst-case the likes of which couldn¡¯t even be found in the records. In addition, according to what we heard later, the incoming horde was led by an Orc King. This is too much, there is no way we could defeat that. The town and surrounding villages were bound to be destroyed, but black-haired adventurers, young comrades of that boy, joined our forces. A mysterious group of boys and girls every single one of which had black hair and dark eyes, and possessed high levels and incredibly rare skills. Every one of them is incredibly strong, but none had any connection to his town, or most likely, even this country, yet they were willing to put their lives on the line to protect this place. From what I¡¯ve heard they are only 16 years old. No one would blame them if they ran away. Quite the contrary, I had to fight the desire to yell at them to escape, when I bowed my head, asking for their help.?

    ?

    For quite a while after that, we stood strong, prepared for hell and death. However, not a single monster showed up. All because there was that black haired boy. Thanks to him we didn¡¯t have even a single casualty, since he annihilated all of the monsters on his own. And he didn¡¯t accept countless weapons and magic stones, acting as if nothing happened at all. The boy ended the worst stampede without any death or injury, and yet made no effort even to talk about it, much less brag to anyone.?

    ?

    And that¡¯s the cause for this hecticness.?

    ?

    The equipment of adventurers drastically improved. Instead of their previous lacking gear, what they had now was far more than just adequate, as they carried rare items and weapons with skills, which were worthy of first-rate adventurers. Seeing such a scene in a remote frontier guild I can¡¯t help but doubt my own eyes. Everyone teared up upon seeing this, unable to hold back tears when they thought just how many of their comrades they could¡¯ve saved if they had this gear and weapons back then. No guild employee can remain unaffected by this.?

    ?

    The boy handed us equipment, saying that it is gratitude, and then also left a huge number of Frogman harpoons for the lord, moreover, the harpoons were of Lv58 class. The boy that killed the dungeon and escaped from the 100th floor before we could even prepare for the rescue mission. Bringing a colossal amount of magic stones to the guild, spreading potions which ended up saving the lives of many adventurers and citizens through the town, selling countless clubs at such low price to the weapon store that even the poor could afford to buy them for self-defense. All of it was done by just one person. The black-haired boy that single-handedly changed this town.?

    ?

    Praised by no one, hailed by none, unknown to gratitude or reward. Even so, this boy doesn¡¯t hesitate to come to the rescue.?

    ?

    For now, only those that directly interacted with him or saw his deeds with their own eyes, know about that.?

    ?

    Omui-sama was crying when I delivered that huge volume of Frogman¡¯s harpoons to him. Just how many soldiers could survive if they had these weapons¡­ How many people could¡¯ve been saved¡­ And thinking about all of those he couldn¡¯t help but simply crying, grateful to that boy, whom no one knew.?

    ?

    And I was the same. Receiving that number of weapons as gratitude, I protested, refusing to accept such an expensive donation, yet he simply pushed them onto me and left, leaving me bowing over and over in gratitude.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll never forget the words Omui-sama said at the time.?

    ?

    ¨D¨DWithout anyone noticing the town that was heading for ruin, knowing nothing but tragedy, became one filled with happiness. We witnessed a miracle for the first time.?

    ?

    The words he said while overlooking the town filled with laughter.?

    ?

    Because of the unfortunate skills, that boy is yet to reach even level 20, and because of those skills, he also can¡¯t form a party. Fighting so much, defeating all kinds of monsters, and yet not reaching Lv 20. Unable to equip proper gear he is forced to fight with a stick, wearing simple clothes. Unable to form a party he is suffering all alone with those skills.?

    ?

    Not only can we not repay this debt, we can¡¯t do anything for the boy that keeps struggling all alone, unable to even register as an adventurer.?

    ?

    For the boy that saved this town and the region, which, thanks to him has been reborn, bringing happiness here.?

    ?

    Even if we cannot repay this great debt, there is no way we can allow him to struggle all alone without doing anything for him, such a thing absolutely cannot be forgiven. Just what can we possibly do for the benefactor who seeks no fame or fortune, who obtains everything with his own power and yet holds to none of it, just how can we repay him, even in the slightest??

    ?

    Just what can we possibly do for the boy who doesn¡¯t desire anything??

    ?

    Every time he appears with words¡ºI have no cash¡», but in the end he pours all of it back into the city. Vast fortunes, weapons, equipment, medicine, everything¡­ And while the town grows more and more prosperous, he is still walking around with nothing but a stick in his hands, wearing only leather and cloth, continuing to fight on his own. Just what can we do??

    ?

    No matter how hectic things get, no matter how busy we are, that thought alone sits in the back of my head, not leaving me even for a second as another day of work comes to an end.?

    ?

    The thought about that black-haired boy. While everyone found their reward and their share of happiness, the boy that made all of that come true had nothing, still struggling all alone¡­?

    ?

    Day 39 ¨C Over.

 CH 104

    Chapter 40 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    As I left my room I noticed that the doors to the other rooms were slightly open, and through the gaps¡­ I saw Flat Gazes??

    ?

    Wha¡­ A corridor filled with Flat Gazes? Just what is going on here? Could it be that this inn is now running a Morning Flat Gaze service?! May I know how much a monthly subscription would cost?! No, I¡¯m fine even with a year, or even 3 years long contract!! Anyway, let¡¯s greet them for starters??

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning? I guess? And, what?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Good morning! Had fun last night, huh£¨*SLAM*£©¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    All of the doors closed at once. Hmm, looks like they noticed??

    ?

    But why? Armored Pres-san still cannot properly let her voice out, so the sounds she makes are very faint. Yes, those sounds as well. And yet, why? N-no way, could it be that all of the girls were peeking with ¡ºDetect Presence¡»?! They couldn¡¯t see or hear us, but they could read the presence with a skill¡­ Hey! That¡¯s a privacy violation! T-that¡¯s a breach of manners! I also have ¡ºRajingan¡»but I¡¯m not using it to peek on you in the bath! Yes, I¡¯ve endured in anguish all this time, you know??

    ?

    Well, it was obvious anyway since we are leaving from the same room? It¡¯s not like I had any intentions of hiding it? But I would be very, very troubled if I had to explain the situation as it is now.?

    ?

    At the moment, Armored Pres-san doesn¡¯t want to cancel taming. She is absolutely against it. And in the end, it seems she is just my follower and not my girlfriend¡­ But it¡¯s not like she is doing it because she is my servant? I heard her saying in a faint voice ¡ºLove you¡», I really did!!?

    ?

    Even so, she kept talking about the difference in position and status or something, what does status have to do with anything? I¡¯m a jobless NEET shut-in loner, and though it¡¯s not the case anymore, she was a dungeon emperor. Yeah, no matter how you think of it, not someone to get tamed??

    ?

    But even so, she seems to insist on a concubine-like position? I didn¡¯t even have a girlfriend until now, so why am I getting a lover first?! But it seems she wants to stay by my side forever, or rather, serve until death¡­??

    ?

    Well, since she has problems talking we also have problems discussing this, so in the end, we didn¡¯t come to any resolution. So there is no way to explain the situation??

    ?

    Well, if she wants to stay with me forever, then I don¡¯t think the details matter that much. Though they do matter a lot for my public image. Yeah, my Affection Rating with the opposite sex certainly took a fatal blow! That I can say for sure because even I took a fatal wound when I heard that, especially that part about ¡ºNot a girlfriend¡»was a critical hit, and overkill, basically a kick to a dead body level!!?

    ?

    Well, I had fun so I have no objections. I actually enjoyed it so thoroughly that I don¡¯t have even a shred of objection! Yeah, and also ended up getting scolded in the end.?

    ?

    Since everyone is staring with reproachful eyes even Armored Pres-san is troubled, fidgeting in embarrassment. Do we have a bullying problem now? It¡¯s a mystery to me how it is even possible to bully the strongest ex-dungeon emperor, I hardly ever heard about bullied people who were regularly and casually beating their bullies? Do bullied people in the other world cleave through lines of enemies? Is that how it is here? The geeks seem to be getting quite close to that¡­ I¡¯m still going to bully them though??

    ?

    Or rather, the atmosphere in the dining hall is so heavy! But breakfast is a breakfast! Treating them to a grilled fish set meal as a countermeasure to flat gazes seems to have robbed them of the composure to stare at us like that. After all, it¡¯s grilled fish and rice with soy sauce. There are talks about youngsters losing interest in eating rice these days, but in this world, they are devouring it with a great appetite. At this point, I¡¯d also like some miso¡­?

    ?

    After all, my classmates, who earn their money in dungeons every day, have plenty of cash on them, which allows me to make a killing every day from food sales. Since I¡¯m buying up foodstuff I have tons of it, and the cost price is low. And if I cook utilizing the magic of¡ºHolding¡»I can easily make many portions at the same time without any problem. And yes, I¡¯m overcharging.?

    ?

    ¡¸So I think of going back to the dungeon, wanna come along? You can stay if you don¡¯t want to? I mean, you probably don¡¯t have many good memories of that place? And the stairs are annoyingly long?¡¹?

    ?

    I suggested that she can stay, but as expected, she decided to come with me. I don¡¯t think that darkness will appear even again, but there is something I have to confirm. If things go south I can just send Armored Pres-san back alone.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is staring at the entrance to the great dungeon with a flat gaze? I have a lot of confidence in this piece, could it be that she liked it??

    ?

    ¡¸Well, since the access point is the stairs it kind of ended up going into the depths like this? Don¡¯t you think this imposing-looking stair entrance that only gradually expands as you continue your descent is really nice?¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm? The reception is not that positive. The reply is flat gaze again? So arbitrary remodeling was no good? But it¡¯s just 1F, isn¡¯t that fine? That much? Her post was on 100F, right??

    ?

    Going down to the 30th floor, which now was devoid of monsters, I probe lower floors with Detection skills. Nothing??

    ?

    ¡¸I heard that monsters still remained on floors from 30 to 46¡­ But there is nothing?¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod, Nod)?

    ?

    Searching through the lower floors with Detect Presence doesn¡¯t pick up anything, so someone already killed them all? Well, adventurers would be coming here to make money, so it¡¯s not that strange, and since I came for treasure chests the absence of monsters isn¡¯t a problem.?

    ?

    There was a hidden room on 30F which had a chest. Inside we found ¡ºProfession Medal -¡¾Job Specific Trait Up¡¿¡», and both of us are jobless! Is it going to up our specific jobless trait? What kind of trait is that even supposed to be?! Some kind of boost to laziness? Never mind, let¡¯s go down.?

    ?

    Another one was on the 36th floor. It seems that hidden rooms remained largely undiscovered. We also found a few treasure chests outside of hidden rooms, but they contained only potions and other consumables, and no rare items at all. As I thought, what we need are hidden rooms. and as always, the room on 36F had no traps or locks. Opening the chest I saw¡ºDemon Ring:¡¾Dominate Demon (3)¡¿¡»¡­ I killed them all already!?

    ?

    Going by the scenario, I guess this ring was supposed to be used to dominate the swordmaster and have it fight in the later fights! That was a foreshadowing¡­ FOR AN EVENT THAT¡¯S ALREADY OVER!!! There is no foreshadowing of what already happened! If you don¡¯t like it then don¡¯t drop people!!!?

    ?

    The progression makes sense if you descend from the surface, but since I was going in reverse all of the event flags were broken. Yeah, so the proper course of actions should¡¯ve been receiving the divine sword from the dominated swordmaster and then using it to fight, but I, instead, was first attacked by that divine sword and only after bludgeoning the swordmaster to death found the ring! That¡¯s a sad mess.?

    ?

    In that case, since I have no idea if I will ever get to use it, I guess I should refrain from fusing it? ¡ºSoul Ring¡»has 7 slots, but the only thing that was fused with it is that ¡ºTrap Ring ¨C Automatically Disarms Traps¡», which has no use whatsoever at the moment. Well, if I don¡¯t need it I can just take it off, but what worries me is that if I put it away I suspect I will completely forget about it. For now, let¡¯s fuse it.?

    ?

    Well then, at the moment there is nothing the apostle of Avarice Armored Pres-san would desire. If we won¡¯t find anything that she likes then I¡¯ll buy her something in the town when we get back.?

    ?

    On 41F was another questionable item ¡ºBlade Shield ¨C Attack Bonus (Lesser), Defence Bonus (Lesser), Magic Defence (Lesser), Shield Bash +ATT¡». The effects are nice, but all of them are (Lesser). With Shield Bash +ATT one would be able to cut and pierce with this shield, after all, it has blades on the edges and the surface. Is this meant for attack or for defense?¡¡Okay, let¡¯s sell this.?

    ?

    And lastly on the 45F was ¡ºTemptation Shirt ¨C Allurement (Great)¡»¡­This might be good, but it¡¯s out. It smells of crime. No matter how I think about this, it seems like a close friend of Charm skill. Pheromones would¡¯ve been enough, this is too much. Simply raising my Affection Rating would be fine, but this thing might actually lower it? There might be a demand for it, but it¡¯s sealed, selling it sounds too dangerous.?

    ?

    ¡¸In the end there wasn¡¯t a single monster? What do we do? Want to go down all the way to the 100th floor? It¡¯s been a while?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like she isn¡¯t particularly interested. Well, as expected, she has no nostalgia for that dark place. At this rate, she probably wouldn¡¯t be angry even if I were to remodel it into an underground bathhouse??

    ?

    From what I can tell, not only is there not a shred of darkness left, the dungeon itself seems completely dead. The lack of presence here is absolute. A dead stillness. Fine, if that darkness disappeared then it¡¯s all the better.?

    ?

    Well, I didn¡¯t find anything great, but I should be able to sell those for quite a sum. I won¡¯t sell¡ºTemptation Shirt¡», but the medal and the shield are nice. If it wasn¡¯t for the combination of the Divine Sword and wooden stick exclusive to my jobless self it could be called a good result.?

    ?

    That being the case, I didn¡¯t find anything for Armored Pres-san, so let¡¯s shop in the town before returning to the inn. I think it¡¯s a bit past noon, but I wonder how everyone is able to tell the time??

    ?

    Killing time in a town bustling with the life we are walking around, buying various miscellaneous goods and daily necessities for Armored Pres-san. Then, dropping by the guild, we found out that just recently adventurers and regular troops went to confirm the death of the dungeon, and while they were at it swept through the floors, wiping our remaining monsters. That explains why there was nothing left but hidden rooms. Not like I¡¯m going to complain since it turned the trip into a casual walk.?

    ?

    Using this chance I also got information on other nearby dungeons. Only adventurers can enter them, but I got the info anyway. I guess bribing with fruitcakes proved effective. Instead of going for a tight-lipped Receptionist President, I asked the clerk in charge of appraisal, who often made slips, and thus the result. I¡¯m pretty sure she will be exposed and scolded soon enough, but for now she seems to be extremely happy¡­ Ah, she is already behind her¡­?

    ?

    Going through the town while shopping at leisure we returned to the inn. Since it seemed that everyone is here I pulled out ¡ºBlade Shield ¨C Attack Bonus (Lesser), Defences Bonus (Lesser), Magic Defence (Lesser), Shield Bash +ATT¡»and¡ºProfession Medal -¡¾Job Specific Trait Up¡¿¡», and asked if there is anyone interested in buying them. Unexpectedly quite a few. Especially popular was the medal, apparently ¡¾Job Specific Trait Up¡¿is hyper rare stuff. Well, even if you tell me that, I don¡¯t want to upgrade my special jobless trait!?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s start an auction, I guess? Anyway, the starting price is 1,000 ere, kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸3,000!¡¸5,000.¡¸6,000!¡¸9,000!¡¸10,000¡¸12,000¡¸1¡­¡­5,000¡¸kuh¡­ 20,000!¡¹¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone got so caught up in the auction mood that even the girls that wouldn¡¯t use the shield began raising their hands? No, you are using a two-handed sword, aren¡¯t you? And that girl is using a pair of matching blades, if I remember correctly??

    ?

    ¡¸105,000!¡¸110,000¡¸120,000!¡¸125,000¡­¡­¡¸140,000!¡¸15¡­¡­5,000¡¸¡ª200,000!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Weird¡­¡­ The geeks are being quiet. Those weapon maniacs aren¡¯t participating. They have pretty tense expressions, as if they are holding back, and even when someone asks them something they remain silent??

    ?

    ¡¸250,000!¡¸260,000. ¡¸280,000 ¡¸ugh, 290,000!¡¸29¡­¡­5,000¡¸¡ª300,000!!¡¹Guh!¡¹?

    ?

    And the winning bid belongs to the volleyball club¡¯s Twin Light Poles! Ah, now I remember, this girl was swinging a shield around, so this item suits her perfectly. But to think I¡¯ll make 320,000 ere from the shield alone. Since it seems the two pooled all of the money they had to buy it, I guess I¡¯ll add something extra.?

    ?

    And the medal was bought by the geeks who got very serious about it. The starting bid was only 1,000 ere but it immediately rose to 1,000,000 ere. And with no one able to outbid that, it was sold in one bid. It seems they also pooled all their money. I¡¯m certain that their goal is to give it either to the guardian or the magician to protect their heads. Looks like I will have to come up with a new technique!

 CH 105

    Day 40 ¨C Night time, White Weirdo Inn, Girls Only Gathering.?

    ?

    The Emergency Girls Assembly is currently in session! Carrying over from girls¡¯ bath party to girls assembly. Taking Angelica-san into custody we are performing a cross-examination while surrounding her on all sides.?

    ?

    She is so gorgeous that it¡¯s a bit scary to even look at her. Everyone is completely captivated when she smiles with those beautiful features.?

    ?

    Even so, everyone has one thing they absolutely want to know. Just how did she ask out that absolute king of mockery, who doesn¡¯t seem capable of holding a serious conversation at all? And how did it go? And¡­¡­ How was it? Hey?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Tha, ank, yo, u¡­¡­I, sa, id, thank, you.¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s what she said. And saying that, embraced him.?

    ?

    It seems she just threw her feelings straight at him without any plan or strategy behind it. Moreover, she went for it when Haruka-kun had his guard completely down, soaking in the jacuzzi in that cave¡­ On top of it, naked.?

    ?

    That being the case, as expected, even Haruka-kun wouldn¡¯t be able to turn it into a joke. After seeing that overwhelming¡­ THAT¡­ He surely ended up panicking, losing his composure. And then she just pushed through and conveyed her feelings. And she received a reply.?

    ?

    And all the time while she was crying, while she was repeating her thanks, all the time that she was repeating that she wants to stay together, he kept gently patting her on the head. Haruka-kun is kind.?

    ?

    Then, all embarrassed, she also spoke about what the girls pressed her to talk about the most, which is what happened after that. Apparently, it was very, very, very, very amazing. So Haruku-kun is¡­¡­ very dominant¡­?

    ?

    With their faces bright red, the girls kept prying for more, and upon hearing new details, one after another they sunk into the bath. Later, returning to the room, even more extreme details were revealed, making young maidens faint on mats or the floor¡­ This is too much of a thrill for them! Haruka-kun is too much! I mean, even ex-undead Dungeon Emperor-san thought she was going to die?!?

    ?

    But it seems Angelica-san was happy with that. And she is also delighted about being able to talk like this with everyone. After all, all that time she was completely alone.?

    ?

    Very unlike that loner-in-title-only, who is falsely claiming to be a minor character. What she experienced was true loneliness, eternal isolation, a solitude engulfed in darkness. So she is very glad to talk with everyone.?

    ?

    Because of that, she did her best to reply to everyone¡¯s questions. Still having difficulty talking and resorting to gestures here and there she is trying hard to explain accurately and thoughtfully, answering in the utmost fine details. Even back in the bath, while listening to her with red faces everyone exploded with steam from embarrassment, sinking into the hot water. In the room, details got even more explicit, making the girls drop to the floor, covering their faces.?

    ?

    After all, her face as she is stutteringly but happily talking while recollecting what happened with an enraptured gaze is way too lewd! And the micro-detailed descriptions even include her thoughts at the time!?

    ?

    The impact is too much for the girls to handle, overwhelming them in the blink of an eye. Even so, they keep getting up for more, just to get knocked out again with even more extreme details. Is¡­ Is this the power of a Dungeon Emperor??

    ?

    But she looks so delighted, she became so happy. She just kept waiting for the sorrow to come to an end, but suddenly, everything came crashing, tumbling, and flying, and without being asked about it, she was made happy. That¡¯s why she is like this, overflowing with joy¡­ Everyone is drowning, you know??

    ?

    A few girls came close to actually drowning, I guess the blood rushed to their heads. In several meanings.?

    ?

    And after exhausting all she could say about her inexhaustible feelings, she went back to Haruka-kun¡¯s room with an elated look on her face. Well, I guess today everyone¡¯s Detect Presence will level up again. I¡¯m pretty sure that warning them against it is useless. After all, even mine went up 3 levels.?

    ?

    ¡¸Angelica-san seemed to be on seventh heaven?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Entangling? With each other? Entangled? It can do such a thing?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Did you see that smile? She was overflowing with joy, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, she looked totally enraptured. In a lot of ways¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It flew? It can fly? It can? Levitation magic?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But, she said that she is a monster. Even though she was once a human, she became a monster, so she can only be his follower.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸She was obstinate about it.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, she insisted that she is not his girlfriend. She said that she loves him to death, will follow him until death, and is so grateful to him that she is fine even dying for him. And Haruka-kun¡¯s kindness, the one that doesn¡¯t seem to involve taking his life into consideration at all as he seems to be willing to toss it away to save others without much hesitation, that insolent and pushy kindness, seems to inspire utmost respect, reverence, and affection in her. That¡¯s why she wants to follow him and keep him company forever. Even though she was a monster, she had a shred of human heart remaining, and he saved and protected it. That¡¯s why she wants to stay at his side.?

    ?

    Even more, she even said, beaming with a smile, that she can¡¯t wait for us to become his wives, and get along with us even better. No one could respond to that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh~? Buut~, the people of this world~ are polygamious~? So~, it¡¯s like a normal thing~?¡¹?

    ?

    Just where did she hear such a thing? We are in the same party, so we should¡¯ve been together all the time? ¡­So they are polygamous¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm¡­¡­ So Angelica-san wants him to have 20 wives, while she will be his lover, getting along with everyone? Is that normal to you?!¡¹?

    ?

    That probably isn¡¯t normal even by the standards of this world. Polygamous, huh. And¡­ No one could say a thing.?

    ?

    Or rather, why is everyone looking my way?!

 CH 106

    Day 40 ¨C Night time, Omui¡¯s Guild.?

    ?

    The two began another meeting. Every day, despite their busyness, the guild master and the local lord are holding a meeting as soon as the lord arrives.?

    ?

    Distribution of budget and personnel to the border and the town, a sudden and drastic increase in work, labor shortage, diverting workers to public infrastructure maintenance, which until now, couldn¡¯t even be considered.?

    ?

    There is no end to subjects for discussion. But by the end of it, they always end up talking about that black haired boy.?

    ?

    And then a meaningless talk begins.?

    ?

    According to them, the boy saved the town??

    ?

    According to them, the boy brought happiness to the town??

    ?

    According to them, the boy brought a rebirth to this remote region??

    ?

    And on top of that, the boy found no reward for all of that??

    ?

    Ultimately, the boy is refusing to accept happiness coming his way??

    ?

    And lastly, the boy is risking his own life for the happiness of others??

    ?

    Just who the heck is that boy they are talking about??

    ?

    A pointless discussion that couldn¡¯t possibly get any more pointless. There is no such boy, and I¡¯ve never seen such a person!?

    ?

    Yeah, I see a black haired boy every day, but I¡¯ve never seen such an unfortunate person as they describe.?

    ?

    They are underestimating him too much, that boy is nothing that cute.?

    ?

    If there was such a boy he would¡¯ve been killed by monsters a long time ago.?

    ?

    Not only was that boy not killed by monsters, but he is also killing them to the brink of complete annihilation instead.?

    ?

    All alone? All alone he is annihilating all of the monsters around.?

    ?

    Heedless of danger? It is the monsters that are under threat.?

    ?

    Saved everything? He simply killed everything, so there are no monsters around.?

    ?

    Found no reward? He is simply killing everything, so he doesn¡¯t desire anything of that sort.?

    ?

    Brought happiness, but didn¡¯t get any himself? He is killing everything, and then is happily coming to convert that to cash.?

    ?

    Refusing to accept reward or happiness? Every day he is taking all of the money from stores here and there, and that brings a wave of prosperity.?

    ?

    The two must be very grateful to him. That is natural if you look at the results alone.?

    ?

    But those are the results.?

    ?

    And all of those are the result of him killing every single monster he encounters.?

    ?

    Both the local lord and the guild master were born on the frontier, so they consider this town to be something commonplace.?

    ?

    But I¡¯ve never seen or heard of a town filled with such compassionate, considerate, and virtuous people anywhere else in this country.?

    ?

    Falling into ruin and having nowhere to go, we were warmly received and helped by everyone in this town.?

    ?

    But in other places, not to even mention the capital, going under would mean more people coming to kick you when you are down, taking the little you still had left.?

    ?

    It is because of the way this town is that all of it worked in its favor, saving it.?

    ?

    That boy. No, that boy and his comrades are a mirror.?

    ?

    Because they were treated well, they stayed.?

    ?

    And because they stayed, the town obtained tremendous profits.?

    ?

    They killed monsters to complete annihilation, and peace came as a result.?

    ?

    It simply happened so his action resulted in the town¡¯s happiness.?

    ?

    They are taking him too lightly, he is not such a compassionate boy.?

    ?

    If this was a different town, one that would¡¯ve tried to bring them down with malicious intent, then such a town would¡¯ve been destroyed.?

    ?

    If this was a different town, one that was a threat to that boy and his comrades, then it would¡¯ve disappeared.?

    ?

    If the people of this town tried to strike a hard bargain with him, he would¡¯ve simply turned to another town to sell his wares.?

    ?

    But the people of this town were willing to purchase everything at a reasonable price, even if it meant scraping every last penny they had to do so, and it was true not only of the stores of the town but also the guild and even the lord himself.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why happiness came to this town, that¡¯s why this town was shielded from harm.?

    ?

    That boy has neither good nor ill will.?

    ?

    It is because the rescue mission was sent to the dungeon that he left us weapons as gratitude.?

    ?

    It is because the town has people that treated him well that he is acting in the town¡¯s interest.?

    ?

    Compensation, praise, adoration, reward, fame, gain, benevolence, or desire, that boy thinks of nothing of that sort.?

    ?

    Saving the town? He doesn¡¯t even remember its name yet. As grateful to him as they might be, he doesn¡¯t remember the names of the guild master or the lord either.?

    ?

    There is an old man that treated him well, so he repaid in kind. A nice town with nice old men is probably all that it amounts to him.?

    ?

    That boy does as he pleases, making people around him happy on a whim, and happily doing whatever he wants.?

    ?

    They are taking him too lightly, they are underestimating him too much, regardless of how unfortunate he might get, he will be happy, doing whatever he pleases.?

    ?

    Were it not so there is no way the people around him would¡¯ve been so happy. They are simply being made so. Yes, he is simply doing whatever he wants.?

    ?

    They are underestimating, they are taking him too lightly, and they are worshiping him too much. That boy is just acting doing whatever he pleases. There is no way a boy, who thinks himself to be miserable or misfortunate, can make everyone around this happy.?

    ?

    So please stop this talk at once and get back to work. It¡¯s pointless.?

    ?

    Day 40 ¨C Over.

 CH 107

    Day 41 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Guiding principles. Basic guidelines, dictating which actions should be taken, under what kind of notions, seeking what kind of results.?

    ?

    No matter how I look at it, I lack funds. If I don¡¯t do something I won¡¯t even have enough to pay for the inn. I¡¯m seeking money. Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸And so I¡¯m thinking of going to a labyrinth? A dungeon? It seems dungeon tours are pretty profitable, so I thought I¡¯d make some money while also sightseeing?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A labyrinth? A dungeon? Do you mean that place where everyone was desperately trying to kill as many monsters as possible to at least somehow get their numbers down? That thing? Just where in this world is such a fun dungeon where you can make money while sightseeing?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, monsters¡¯ numbers will go down with just me being inside, and I also have a person fully capable of destroying it on her own? Aren¡¯t I working hard??

    ?

    And she finally got outside, so I¡¯d like to show her the world? I mean, I also didn¡¯t see anything apart from the town and the forest.?

    ?

    Yes, it¡¯s important to expand your horizons. After all, we don¡¯t even have published travel diaries. Or actually, doesn¡¯t something like ¡ºTravel Diaries of the Remote Frontier¡»sound pretty cool?!?

    ?

    ¡¸So? Are you going to traverse it like the Great Dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    I wouldn¡¯t say that I ¡ºTraversed¡»the great dungeon? More like, took a wrong step and fell all the way down? Can you really call that ¡ºTraversing¡»??

    ?

    Even if you can, it was still just climbing up the stairs, step by step. Speaking of which, the stairs there were way too long!!?

    ?

    ¡¸No, just go inside, stroll around up to the point we can safely reach, make money, and go back? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Was a dungeon a place where you can safely loiter around, make money, and go home?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸I kind of remember almost dying there?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, that¡¯s because you don¡¯t account for a safety margin. Since you have no concept of risk management, you come close to dying¡­ That is what I thought, but didn¡¯t say aloud¡­ Even so, they are glaring at me for some reason? Glaring really hard? Yeah, I guess I should keep my mouth shut.?

    ?

    ¡¸I tortured geeks a bit, and turns out there are quite a lot of dungeons here and there? And well, there are no monsters in the forest anymore?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, seems so. But are you going to destroy dungeons now? Just because you exterminated all of the monsters in the forest? And why are you casually torturing geeks!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Well, there are no other sources of income? There is only 50,000 ere of pocket money per day? I think it¡¯s fine for the Avatar of Avarice to get angry demanding a raise as well??

    ?

    ¡¸Torture? Don¡¯t say such terrible things. Since I didn¡¯t burn their heads yet, we just chatted for a bit while I was trying to do so? Just a friendly chat?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You are the one who said you tortured them! And you can¡¯t call chatting while you are trying to burn their heads ¡ºfriendly¡»!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But they didn¡¯t burn? It was another failure. Because I sold them¡ºProfession Medal -¡¾Job Specific Trait Up¡¿¡», the guardian¡¯s abilities were boosted. I mean, even Meteor wasn¡¯t enough. Even though I threw 16 of them in rapid succession. As expected of a cheat job. He should apologize to the jobless!?

    ?

    ¡¸So, after breakfast, I¡¯m going to assess the new dungeon property near the village downstream.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸The new dungeon property? It is indeed a new dungeon, but it¡¯s not like it is up for sale?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Just what is a dungeon? Can you assess it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And regardless of that assessment, he is going to usurp all floors if he likes it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And it¡¯s not like he is going to buy it or anything! He is going to seize it from monsters! Eh? It is supposed to be a good thing, but why does it sound so evil?!¡¹?

    ?

    Well, looks like there are no lots for sale. But the hotel pay is a constant problem, I stay on the tab, collect all the money I can from the town, pay the tab, then stay on the tab again, and when I eventually run out of money again, go to the guild and take all of their money, pay the tab. I¡¯m barely staying afloat? After all, I even have the Avatar of Avarice with me. Well, I ordered a sexy dress at the general store, and then forced her to buy it¡­ Which is fine, but the underwear to go along with it was very expensive. Of course, since I was there, I bought all of it, and that¡¯s how all of my money disappeared! Well, naturally, being a highschool boy, I then worked really hard during the night!?

    ?

    I mean, I was summoned to this world when I was in the second year of high school. so the only chance I had to see hostess bar ladies was on TV. And then there is a sexy backless dress! The cut is so low that her back is completely exposed! Of course, as a highschool boy, I couldn¡¯t afford not to buy it. Both the dress and what¡¯s inside were amazing.?

    ?

    ¡¸Coincidentally, it¡¯s a pretty new and weak dungeon with only a few floors. Wouldn¡¯t floors 10 to 20 be just right for an underground residence? And it is also close to the town?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸As I thought! He wants to occupy the dungeon!¡¡There is nothing coincidental about this! That was your plan since the very beginning!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I mean, if it grows gigantic, reaching 100 floors, then I will be able to build a huge bath there, but having to walk the stairs to the 100th floor is too much! One would definitely get cold on the way back from the bath??

    ?

    ¡¸10 floors sounds reasonable. Should be affordable. The only thing in question is the arrangement of rooms, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Are we still talking about dungeons? You didn¡¯t switch to real estate talk, right? And there is no ¡ºAffordable¡»to dungeons!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And what kind of arrangement do you expect to see? I¡¯d be very surprised if the dungeon map had 3LDK written on it! ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, a house spanning 10 dungeon floors is ¡ºReasonable¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    Close to the town, fully equipped with a village in proximity, an underground housing of reasonable size, and moderate floor count.?

    ?

    Surrounded by nature you also will be able to enjoy a great panorama view? Well, not like it¡¯s a very unique point. Everything is surrounded by nature here.?

    ?

    I¡¯d rather prefer some kind of trading center. A Shopping Mall-like dungeon with a huge bookstore would be the best. Yeah, if I find one I will immediately capture it!?

    ?

    Well, first I will have to take a look anyway, so let¡¯s head there. The Great Dungeon was too big. And for some reason, the lower floors are in danger of collapse, because they are riddled with holes, so it¡¯s not safe? Hm, Armored Pres-san is looking at me with a flat gaze?!

 CH 108

    Day 41 ¨C Morning, on the road.?

    ?

    It seems with the increase in speed from leveling up I will be able to easily reach the destination even without flying, which is nice since I don¡¯t enjoy crash landings.?

    ?

    And since unusually there are no carriages under attack, we are moving at a steady pace.?

    ?

    As a result of the meeting, it was decided that both for the sake of experience points and the peace of the town it would be better to proactively enter dungeons. So today we are going for an inspection. Later on, we will gather parties, and depending on the circumstances, go for a raid, but first, we split, and are going to check the nearby dungeons acting in parties.?

    ?

    There are only two of us. We are all on our own, but I won¡¯t do anything strange. Yes, I was categorically warned against that. I won¡¯t do it, okay? Probably??

    ?

    Yes, I won¡¯t. That¡¯s why I¡¯m walking in front.?

    ?

    Even geeks and idiots agreed that this sight is too tempting. Well, naturally, I crushed the eyes that were looking at her with weird thoughts.?

    ?

    After all, those hips visible from time to time through the gaps in her cloak are¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing. I didn¡¯t look at anything! I was just reminiscing!?

    ?

    Looks like Armored Pres-san is getting along with the girls, and is now often called for their girls-only gatherings. They are taking baths together, probably making a lot of noise there as well, and it also seems to me that she is gradually getting better at speaking.?

    ?

    She also seems to want to cook with me, but it looks like even Armored Pres-san can¡¯t cook at all. Which is not surprising. Some of the girls were from the cooking club, but apparently, their cooking over here isn¡¯t good at all. That being the case, it is entirely possible that just like jobs give positive adjustments to combat abilities, they also could be giving negative adjustments to crafting-type actions. If that¡¯s the case then my classmates, all of whom have combat-type jobs, are doomed¡­ Grilling a fish or cutting a salad seems to be their limit.?

    ?

    If so, it would be incredibly difficult for Armored Pres-san to learn how to cook, since she always had a combat-type job, and basically got to the apex of it. I¡¯d like to teach her cooking, but I don¡¯t understand the mechanics behind negative adjustments¡­?

    ?

    Even so, she seems to be happy surrounded by the girls, smiling and laughing in delight, so the small details don¡¯t matter. She spent so long in the darkness, all alone. It¡¯s fine if she just has fun without concerning herself with difficult stuff. Even the girls are desperate in their laughter, trying to recover¡­ They are doing their best to smile, since there is no way that now, when things finally calmed down, they won¡¯t think about their families, homes, school, and friends.?

    ?

    But when I tried to ask what exactly tongue-tied Armored Pres-san could be telling the girls, I received ¡ºGirls¡¯ secret¡»as a reply? Well, they seem to be having fun, so whatever.?

    ?

    Though still awkward in her speech, she is fully enjoying conversations with everyone. If she is happy, then it¡¯s all good¡­ Though I wish she¡¯d spare me some of the details of their bathing scenes. After all, I¡¯m having trouble walking, in a highschool boy sort of way¡­ I mean, apparently, those of a certain B-san¡­ were floating.?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, a village? Or more like, a settlement? A farming commune?¡¹?

    ?

    Farm fields are stretching along the river, and beyond them stands a group of buildings, with some more structures scattered around it. I guess it is safe to assume that this is a village. Well, since they are farming, I guess calling it a farming village would be more accurate??

    ?

    Looks like there is no fee to enter the village. Well, all they have is a low wooden fence with gaps here and there, no wall or gates or anything, so it¡¯s not like they can stop anyone from entering as they please. Or rather, aren¡¯t they too careless? Don¡¯t they have monsters lurking around??

    ?

    Should I call out to someone? I wonder if their first line will be ¡ºThis is ¡ð¡ð¡ð Village.¡»? Hmm, it would be pretty scary if it turns out to be their only line.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hello? Hello? Ehm, I heard that there is a nice dungeon available around this area?¡¹?

    ?

    I asked a villager beside the fence. Just a normal villager without any special equipment like that of Villager A-san, or rather, a farmer.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aye, good day. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s nice or available, but there is a dungeon downstream, on the right side. Young man, are you an adventurer?¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s not nice it seems. As expected, information from the locals is crucial. There could be issues that would be known only to the people living in the area. Looks like I¡¯d better ask around for more information.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, sort of an adventurer-like kind of something? I guess? Well, we heard about the place at the guild and came from there?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s much appreciated. To think the guild will send people our way. With how close that place is to the village it¡¯s very scary.¡¹?

    ?

    Scary, it seems. Could it be that the foundation is weak? Since it¡¯s close to the river there also could be a danger of flooding or erosion? Riverside might sound nice on paper, but in reality, many properties of that sort have some kind of issue, thus going for an extremely low price. Now that I look at it, the ground level seems to be too low compared to the river¡¯s water level. Which means the area is vulnerable to water damage. Thanks to that the area must be rich in nourishment, well suited for farming, but rising waters can be a problem for housing in the area.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm? For starters, I¡¯ll inspect the dungeon, thank you.¡¹?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t seem like a good property, but since we are already here let¡¯s take a look. If it¡¯s a jackpot then I can just perform some flood-control works. So first of all, let¡¯s check it out.?

    ?

    ¡¸Looks like a cave? Is this really a dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    It turned out to be shabby. The entrance is narrow and inside it resembles a limestone cavern. This is no good at all. There is nothing to even check out, no rooms, no layout, no point to even waste efforts on remodeling. But The humidity level is also uncomfortably high, probably because the river water is leaking into the cave from somewhere. Not suited for living.?

    ?

    Aah, I don¡¯t care anymore. The moment I saw the entrance I lost all interest. That¡¯s not how it was supposed to be. It¡¯s far worse than my forest cave. I wouldn¡¯t compare it to 1F of the great dungeon, but this just won¡¯t do.?

    ?

    Even if I expand the entrance, if the interior is too narrow then it¡¯s all for nothing. The shape also lacks appeal. Even the floor seems like it can hardly be leveled.?

    ?

    ¡¸This dungeon is useless, right? No problem with destroying it? We can come for treasure boxes at a later date?¡¹?

    ?

    It seems Armored Pres-san doesn¡¯t quite get it but she is nodding anyway, so I guess it is fine to destroy this place. Since ex-Dungeon Emperor-san is saying that it¡¯s fine, then even the current dungeon master of this place won¡¯t be able to complain.?

    ?

    Since it¡¯s useless then there is no point in exploring it. Let¡¯s go with the siege of Takamatsu route. The humidity is too high anyway, so it should be fine.?

    ?

    [1]?

    ?

    A carefree barbeque by a riverside. BBQ with a beautiful girl by my side. Although she is wearing full-plate armor, it can be said that one of my highschool boy dreams came true.?

    ?

    When I handed her skewers with grilled meat she began happily eating them. Since she had to take off her helmet for that, she looks like a proper beautiful girl. Though it¡¯s still a mystery for how many eons she is 17 years old, but a beautiful girl. Yes, since she is cute there is no problem at all!?

    ?

    Now, it¡¯s been 2 hours since the dungeon went underwater. I wonder how much time it takes for monsters to drown? The great dungeon had frogs and sharks. I think even a lizard would probably be okay? And now that I think of it, I¡¯m not sure if I ever heard of skeletons dying from drowning??

    ?

    And as I continue munching on a barbecue with those thoughts, the presence coming from the dungeon disappeared. Did it die??

    ?

    Well, that can wait until we finish eating. The next is grilled fish on skewers.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san, who was giving me a flat gaze since I began flooding the dungeon, was now engrossed with eating grilled meat, so the dungeon can be left for later. And it¡¯s damp there¡­?

    ?

    And looks like the dungeon master was neither a fish nor an amphibian. But if by some chance they are a reptilian, would they come back once the water is drained? Along with the dungeon??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Siege of Takamatsu (1582), during the siege, Toyotomi Hideyoshi resorted to flooding the castle by diverting a nearby river.

 CH 109

    Day 41 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    It was revealed when everyone was reporting today¡¯s finds from their respective dungeon surveys.?

    ?

    Since listening to him usually doesn¡¯t bring any good, we put off his report, and so, for closure, we ended up listening to an absurd person that never makes sense. Of course, his story didn¡¯t betray our expectations, and was absurd, making no sense whatsoever.?

    ?

    It appears that he killed the dungeon that he went to inspect. Or rather, flooded it.?

    ?

    The person that committed the inundation testified ¡ºI kind of flooded it?¡». Kind of, he says.?

    ?

    And then, he made no confirmation or follow-up check, stating as the reason ¡ºWell, it¡¯s damp in there, chests can wait until tomorrow, right?¡», and went back just like that.?

    ?

    ¡¸And? Did you drain the water before going back?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, so I have to return there tomorrow. Aquatic monsters should still remain there, and I think undead also didn¡¯t die? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like the new dungeon at a nice spot not so far from the town didn¡¯t match Haruka-kun¡¯s criteria, so he flooded it with river water, killing the dungeon and its dungeon master. Though half of the story was about BBQ??

    ?

    After that, followed a talk about humidity, discomfort levels, mold, and water damage??

    ?

    It seems that he is seeing dungeons through the prism of construction.?

    ?

    What we are seeing is an issue with Haruka-kun though??

    ?

    An issue with his criteria for dungeons.?

    ?

    And then there is that dungeon master, that died without us finding out even their species or even seeing their face.?

    ?

    By the way, Haruka-kun¡¯s friends, who knew him for a long time, commented ¡ºI knew he¡¯d do it one of these days¡».?

    ?

    Not even one person could be found saying ¡ºNever thought he¡¯d do such a thing¡». Because everyone knew he would do it eventually! And he, after all, did it!?

    ?

    Even the reason he didn¡¯t enter the dungeon ¡ºIt¡¯s wet, and damp in there.¡»? I¡¯d really want to press him ¨C just who was that person that flooded it in the first place! But it¡¯s probably useless??

    ?

    ¡¸I mean, imagine having an entrance at such low height, right beside a river? Of course, I will flood it? Anyone would? Even Toyotomi-san would agree? I guess?¡¹[1]?

    ?

    Is what the perpetrator claims, so it is almost certain that he will soon repeat this offense, not reflecting at all. And as for Toyotomi-san, he actually advised a capitulation and ended the affair by accepting opponents¡¯ surrender? It¡¯s only Haruka-kun who would suddenly flood the place with water, annihilate everything without any warning, and then go home without even checking the results!?

    ?

    Rather than wasting time, seeking common sense from Haruka-kun, it would be better to come up with some kind of sensible explanation for the guild. That certainly would be much wiser.?

    ?

    After all, it is me who always ends up explaining everything.?

    ?

    To begin with, it would¡¯ve been fine to tell him off since he is not an adventurer and thus shouldn¡¯t even enter dungeons, but since he killed it without taking a step inside¡­ Does it technically make him innocent??

    ?

    Beside him, Angelica-san is making foreigner-like ¡ºgood grief¡»gestures, as if it doesn¡¯t concern her at all, but you are an accomplice, okay?! Just a short while ago she was saying stuff like ¡ºI will follow him to the bitter end!¡», deeply moving all of the girls, so why is she acting like she has nothing to do with this??

    ?

    She should¡¯ve had a lot of responsibility at the previous ex-Dungeon Emperor position, so I had high hopes for her, certain that we can entrust handling Haruka-kun to her¡­ But come to think of it, she also irresponsibly ditched the Dungeon Emperor post. Teaming up with Haruka-kun she destroyed that dungeon, and today she helped him destroy another one. Yeah, Angelica-san appears like a common-sense person, but actually is his accomplice.?

    ?

    And for the dinner we had croquettes. Presented with those freshly fried, hot, and crispy crockets both boys and girls made a huge uproar, scrambling to get the first serving. Everyone was beside themselves, completely forgetting about the sermon and everything, eating until they got sick from overeating. That¡¯s dangerous! We must not forget that potatoes are the natural enemy of girls!?

    ?

    Apparently, he got a huge volume of potatoes from the village. And it seems he also bought as many potatoes as he could. This is the specialty of that nearby village, but the popularity doesn¡¯t seem to have spread to other places, so they were troubled, unable to sell a huge stock they had. Both Haruka-kun and the villagers were overjoyed with him buying up their whole stock.?

    ?

    ¡¸You see? There is a point to sightseeing as well? Trading is also important? And also records of agricultural information? I¡¯m sure even Marco-san would¡¯ve been impressed with my observations? ¡¹[2]?

    ?

    And so he kept bragging, talking about the farm village, and with the talks about the village and croquettes, the matter with the dungeon was completely forgotten. Yeah, looks like the dungeon really was killed just incidentally, while he was at it.?

    ?

    I mean, more than half of the remaining story was about potatoes. The first half was BBQ, the second half potatoes. During the course of a long, long story of today¡¯s events, the only line about the dungeon was¡ºI kind of flooded it?¡».?

    ?

    Just in case we also tried to get testimony from his accomplice, Angelica-san, but all we got is her awkwardly and yet happily saying stuff like¡¸The scenery was beautiful¡¹, or ¡¸I never tried barbeque before, but it was very delicious¡¹, or ¡¸I tried grilling meat for the first time¡¹, or ¡¸Cold river in such nice weather felt really good¡¹and so on, just speaking joyfully. Yeah, looks like they were just having a picnic. Well, good for them??

    ?

    What we managed to understand is that while the newly made dungeon lot he went to see was very shabby, the nearby village was nice and had a lot of potatoes, so the trip was worth it.?

    ?

    And that the person that went with him enjoyed the picnic, and is very happy about today.?

    ?

    And also, the dungeon was destroyed through flooding.?

    ?

    I guess that¡¯s all? I wonder if the guild will be fine with this? Will the lord understand what they are talking about when they report this to him??

    ?

    Even so, the meeting was over.?

    ?

    And the lecture on the outrageously outrageous matter with the dungeon was avoided. Everyone had their mouths sealed with sweet potatoes. Potatoes are girls¡¯ enemy!?

    ?

    Yeah, one more set??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a Japanese samurai and daimy¨­ of the late Sengoku period regarded as the second ¡°Great Unifier¡± of Japan.

    [2] Marco Polo, Venetian merchant of XIII¡¯s century most famous for his travel records.

 CH 110

    Day 42 ¨C Morning, Dungeon near the village downstream.?

    ?

    What a pleasant morning¡­ And that¡¯s because it follows a pleasant night! Yup, it was quite an enjoyable experience, I¡¯m sure, this would mark the beginning of an equally nice day¡­ Or so I thought, but it wasn¡¯t nice at all?! I completely forgot about the dungeon¡­?

    ?

    Well, to be more precise, it was unpleasant, or rather, high on discomfort index. Every bit of the dungeon was wet, damp, and humid, I don¡¯t enjoy this kind of wet at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸This dungeon doesn¡¯t even have a proper ventilation or drainage system, let alone any countermeasures for humidity. I¡¯d really like to see the face of the dungeon master of this place, though they are probably dead by now?¡¹?

    ?

    They probably turned into a magic stone already, so there is no face to look at. And since they are a magic stone now, they wouldn¡¯t be able to receive complaints.?

    ?

    Damn, the great dungeon was too big to settle there, but it was incredibly well built.?

    ?

    And the dungeon master of that place turned out to be really cute as well.?

    ?

    And with an amazing figure on top of¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸*Cough Cough* I¡¯m not thinking anything, alright? Okay, why are you drawing your sword? It¡¯s dangerous? Yeah, it might be the right thing to do since we are in a dungeon, but at the moment, all of the monsters are nothing but magic stones, so you don¡¯t need a sword, right?¡¹?

    ?

    (Stare¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª)?

    ?

    Both the floor and the stairs are all slippery from the water covering them, making it hard to walk. And there are no handrails or anything, really, don¡¯t they have the Building Standards Act for Dungeons or something? Yes, this is a dangerous dungeon that has no regard for the safety of invaders, creating an environment with a high risk of accidents from slipping and falling.?

    ?

    ¡¸The safety and comfort levels of this place are the worst. That¡¯s why you are so unpopular, dungeon-san, since you paid no attention to adventurers¡¯ safety in your planning no one wants to adventure here. And of course, such an unsafe, discomforting, and damp place would also be disliked by the villagers. At least make an effort to build good relations with your neighbors? What an antisocial Dungeon Master-san.¡¹?

    ?

    I kept endlessly grumbling, muttering, as we kept going down the stairs. Hmm, no reply, huh??

    ?

    We keep picking up magic stones, but they all look kind of cheap. But I¡¯m already out of money, broke to the point of having Pres pay for my lodgings from the deposit. Even if they are cheap I still have to gather them!?

    ?

    But at the very least, can we have at least some treasure chests here? Or I¡¯ll be in red after purchasing all those potatoes? No, I do need potatoes as well, but¡­?

    ?

    After walking through such a damp and humid place it¡¯s a huge loss. So not worth it. But can I at least have something to cover the potatoes¡¯ cost? Well, I already made a huge profit from massive rip-off sales of sweet potatoes¡­ But since I already spent it all I don¡¯t have a penny??

    ?

    That¡¯s why I was pressed into checking such a damp and wet place even though I wanted nothing to do with it.?

    ?

    And by the way, I also was warned about doing lewd stuff inside dungeons. Yes, I¡¯m being pressured!?

    ?

    ¡¸I mean, that¡¯s the type of wet and slippery I¡¯m down for¡­ No, I¡¯m not gonna do anything?! I didn¡¯t do anything?! Someday I¡¯d like to try lotion play though¡­ *Cough, Cough*! No, it¡¯s nothing. Now, let¡¯s go down!¡¹?

    ?

    The stairs are all slippery, so let¡¯s sheathe the sword, okay??

    ?

    However, what if with all this humidity I got rheumatism, or arthritis, or neuralgia at this young age of 16? I probably would immediately recover from that due to my skills, but I still hate the idea. A young man shouldn¡¯t have such diseases.?

    ?

    We finally reached 5F, but it¡¯s no fun at all. If we were going up I¡¯d be able to enjoy the view from behind, but going down is not fun at all. There is nothing interesting in staring at the top of her helmet! If looking at the top of her helmet felt fun I think it would be a problem in itself, but gladly, it¡¯s not fun at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Looks like there is something below us, on the 6th floor, what do we do? Should I just collapse the ceiling and crush it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Im-possible¡­ G-hosts?¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san told me, shaking her head. G-hosts¡­ Does she mean ghosts? Which means the enemy is incorporeal, so physical attacks won¡¯t work on them. I mean, I doubt there are hosts there, the location is way too bad for such business.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t get into the mood because of this humidity. At this point, I just want to leave it as it is and go home. On top of this dungeon being trash as a real estate property, the treasure chests are trash as well. The hidden room on 5F for example, had¡ºFreeze Sword ¨C Ice Attribute (Lesser) PoW 10% Up, SpE 10% Up¡» The effect is (Lesser) and the bonus is only 10%. I know that the great dungeon was just too good, but even so, it is incredibly underwhelming when you compare them.?

    ?

    Yet, even this can be sold for a hefty sum. Or rather, it seems that if the item is too good it becomes hard to sell it through ordinary channels, so somewhat dubious items are just right. Yeah, I want good equipment, but I also want money, so this is fine? It¡¯s profitable? But even so¡­ It¡¯s a dungeon??

    ?

    ¡¸Won¡¯t some¡ºT-this is the legendary¡­¡»trope-like development happen? Well, I already have a legendary sword that just popped out of nowhere, so I don¡¯t think I will be surprised by swords, but I want a weapon to come out with a hype appearance scene, clearly pointing to a complicated history behind it¡­ No one will get excited from just ¡ºOh, there is a holy sword on the ground¡»! Isn¡¯t there something like ¡ºOnly the chosen one can pull this out!¡»? ¡¹?

    ?

    Considering my and Armored Pres-san¡¯s equipment, I don¡¯t think we will ever find better swords or armor, but I¡¯d like something with special skills attached. Ice attribute is okay, but I don¡¯t need (Lesser). If anything, I¡¯d prefer something to burn enemies, because the geeks powered up! Isn¡¯t there something??

    ?

    And 6F had¡¸Phantom Lv6¡¹, no idea how it is different from spirits, specters, or ghosts, but the shape isn¡¯t that of a human. I wonder what kind of spirit this is? Armored Pres-san switched her weapon from the rapier to a sword and taking a graceful stance began cutting through the enemies at blindingly fast speed¡­ Can you even cut spirits? Can this be resolved through physical means?!?

    ?

    And what should I do? Maybe stretch the wooden staff that I¡¯m carrying, to about 2 meters length, gallantly fly through the air, and then?¡­ And by the time I thought that it was all over. Could it be that all I¡¯m going to do is go down the stairs? No chance to do anything else at all??

    ?

    In conclusion. Yeah, it seems that¡¯s all I¡¯m going to do here? The 7th floor¡¯s hidden room had a vestige of a monster in the form of a magic stone, and the treasure chest had ¡ºThunder Spear: Lightning Attribute (Lesser) PoW 10% Up, SpE 10% Up¡», a shabby weapon. No, as merchandise, it should at least cover the cost of lewd outfits. I¡¯m sure we will be able to buy a whole lot! The backless dress from yesterday was great, but the dress we saw the other day, with deep, deep cleavage, so deep in fact that it showed the navel, was also stirring. Well, with a figure that good, even outright lewd clothes look stylish on her. I was under such a deep impression, that went too hard at it, and she ended up scolding me in tears. No, I¡¯m a highschool boy, and my levels of ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»and¡ºInsatiable Libido¡»keep growing¡­ So it can¡¯t be helped??

    ?

    Oh, 9F had another hidden room and a normal treasure chest in a corridor. The hidden room had ¡ºSpiked Mail, Defense Up (Lesser) + ATT¡», I only showed it to Armored Pres-san and she immediately began refusing with all she had. So she is choosing items based on appearance after all??

    ?

    Well, wearing this would have you mistaken for a villain without a doubt. The entirety of armor is called in sinister-looking metal spikes. With this design, she would be safe and secure even in a post-apocalyptic world, but looks like she doesn¡¯t approve??

    ?

    And the chest that was just sitting in the middle of a corridor had ¡ºEarring, Decoration (B Rank)¡». This is not even an equipment anymore, but let¡¯s tribute it to Armored Pres. The earring with a blue jewel will surely match that blue dress with a slit. And it will look fine even when she takes that dress off! Alright, tonight is the night for that slit dress. Okay, I¡¯ll do my best! I mean, the slit on that dress goes all the way to the upper part of the hips!!!?

    ?

    And earrings should fit her in general. Despite being so cute and pretty she spent so much time as a skeleton, unable to dress up, so I think there is no problem at all with having a bit of luxury until she recovers.?

    ?

    As we descended we kept finding somewhat better magic stones, but all of them still seemed like F rank. Or rather, the range of F rank is so huge that I still can¡¯t get a proper grasp on the prices??

    ?

    On top of that, prices are beginning to fall, so even F 10+ is only 5,000,000 ere? Less than half of the previous price. Previously, the prices were up due to a deficit of magic stones, and on the contrary, now they are trying to stabilize the supply to prevent the price collapse. So since they won¡¯t readily buy up magic stones I have to make money from equipment. Sadly, there are no lewd clothes or underwear in dungeons¡­ Or is there? Yeah, if we find any I will make a temporary resting area!

 CH 111

    Day 42 ¨C Morning, Dungeon near the Village downstream.?

    ?

    We finally reached the 12th floor. Although there is loot, as meager as it may be, this was of no use for the training at all.?

    ?

    I guess it¡¯s only natural that in a brand new dungeon both quality and quantity of monsters would be insufficient. Naturally, the same applied to the magic stones.?

    ?

    Treasure chests are the only saving grace, yet there are no rare items that would make me want to equip them. The great dungeon was special after all. As expected of a dungeon with such a peerlessly beautiful dungeon master. Well, she was nothing but bones though??

    ?

    Or rather, the dungeon master was the greatest treasure of that dungeon. For that alone, I¡¯m thankful that I was brought to this world. Yes, I¡¯m affectionately thankful every night!?

    ?

    Even so, I have nothing to do? Since the monsters are no match for Armored Pres-san at all, I don¡¯t get any left for myself. I guess from a third-person point of view this is what could be objectively called¡­ An attendant of a knight in silver armor! I¡¯ve completely become a minor character! I won¡¯t be surprised if I find ¡ºKept Man¡»among my titles! Well, I will be mad though? Quite mad!¡­ After all, I already have ¡ºLoner¡», ¡ºNEET¡», and ¡ºHikikomori¡».?

    ?

    However, I really have nothing to do. There are barely any monsters remaining in the first place. Monsters of this dungeon were in serious danger of extinction. After all, there are magic stones everywhere I look. The cause of death is either inability to swim or withstand water pressure¡­ Hm??

    ?

    ¡¸There is something on the 13th floor, can you tell what it is? The numbers are not great, but they seem to be moving around a lot? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸De-demo-n¡¯s, ka-ma.¡¹?

    ?

    Demon¡¯s kama it seems? Yeah, the way she struggles with words despite her supreme beauty makes her even cuter. Ah, how I¡¯d want to¡­ *Cough, Cough!*?

    ?

    She is glaring at me! Ehm, kama? Like desire? Demon desire? Or kama like for tea? Maybe Demon¡¯s naKama? Just demon¡¯s what is that? I hope it¡¯s not a demon okama. If so, then I¡¯m running away. Absolutely! [1][2]?

    ?

    But they seem to be swinging something? Or maybe they are gesturing??

    ?

    Well, I¡¯ll know the answer when I go down to that floor. With those thoughts, I went down the stairs and it turns out the correct answer was ¡¸Demon Scythe Lv 13¡¹. I thought it¡¯s Demon Nakama, but turns out it¡¯s just oversized kamas.?

    ?

    Or rather, flying scythes. I guess it would be more accurate to call them Scythe Demons. Enemies possess an eerie appearance that seems like a combination of a kama and a spear. Quite an appealing form for someone with an 8th grader¡¯s syndrome? [3]?

    ?

    Spinning, three scythes are coming this way. Flying weapons, huh, quite cool. If people who actually suffer from 8th grade syndrome were here they would¡¯ve swooped down on those scythes and made a bloodbath fighting for them!?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeehm¡­ ¡ºDominate¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    (((Clang)))?

    ?

    It worked, it seems? Suddenly remembering¡ºDemon Ring:¡¾Dominate Demon (3)¡¿¡», I pointed to the flying scythes and tried to use it on them, after which they fell to the ground and stopped moving. What is this? Are they on standby for orders??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? Fly?¡¹?

    ?

    Wooow, they flew up! The three scythes are now floating in the air! Very in line with 8th grader¡¯s fantasies.?

    ?

    £¨£¨£¨¡­¡­£©£©£©?

    ?

    The demon scythes spin around me, following the trajectory that I picture in my mind. Since they obey a mere thought they might be quite useful? But at Lv 13 they are too weak unless I train them.?

    ?

    Well, I can just think about it as I use them. Their levels will rise gradually. If only I had 4 scythes I would¡¯ve had enough for the head of every geek. Unlucky.?

    ?

    I keep playing around the scythes, spinning and circling them, and it seems they really move according to my thoughts. Quite useful. Perhaps thanks to my ¡ºApex Thinking Lv 3¡»I have no problem with controlling them separately, no discomfort or confusion at all. This is useful, or rather, very cool! But isn¡¯t this kind of villain-like? And I¡¯m already wearing a black mantle with a hood? If I fused ¡ºSpike Mail¡»with it, then I¡¯d probably be attacked on sight by adventurers if they spotted me inside a dungeon!?

    ?

    However, I wonder how¡ºDemon Ring¡»¡¯s control is different from the control of my ¡ºTaming¡»? Probably, my ¡ºTaming¡»doesn¡¯t have a compelling force behind it, while ¡ºDemon Ring¡»¡¯s control is forceful. But what about the bitches who forced their way into being ¡ºTamed¡»by me??

    ?

    This reminds me, since coming to this world I¡¯ve yet to encounter a proper mirror, so I didn¡¯t notice it myself until now, but apparently, the color of my eyes tends to change from time to time? It seems, sometimes, they turn golden. A 16 year old boy in all black with golden-colored contacts, swinging a scythe would be an incredibly cringy sight. No doubt, a mere look at that would be physically painful. Perhaps lacking a mirror is for the best?!?

    ?

    However, with this, I will finally be able to cut the grass around the cave. Revolving scythes with automatic control and auto spinning function. Now, I¡¯ll be able to create my own park! I also should deforest a bit of the woods. Thinking so, I might¡¯ve gotten pretty great stuff. It¡¯s good that I came here¡­ After all, I got potatoes and a lawnmower??

    ?

    As I was playing around with the scythes, spinning them, we continued our advance. I thought that the scythes will be hard to handle in confined spaces but it turns out their blades can be folded, basically turning them into spears. Spears with a blade attached to the handle. Might be good for charging attacks as well. Can¡¯t wait to try it out.?

    ?

    And even though I¡¯m trying to raise a flag here, there are no monsters around! The monster in the hidden room of the 15th floor also was a magic stone, while the chest contained ¡ºCounter Shield ¨C Returns magic or impact once the damage reaches a certain threshold¡¿DeF 20% Up¡». Let¡¯s sell it to classmates. I¡¯d prefer to give them a priority on purchasing good items. Also, the items that are too good get a bit too expensive to sell otherwise. There was fierce competition to buy ¡ºBlade Shield¡»so there will be someone who¡¯d want this as well. Maybe I should hold another auction??

    ?

    As we reached the 15th floor magic stones¡¯ quality somewhat improved, but there are still very few of them. Must be because the dungeon was yet to fully develop. How dull¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Eem, is this the last stop? Kind of? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod, Nod)?

    ?

    Well, as expected, my Affection Rating won¡¯t be found on a mere 17th floor. After all, I went all the way to the 100th floor earlier and didn¡¯t find it¡­ So the chances of it being here are slim to none??

    ?

    It seems that the 17th floor was the residence of the dungeon master. A single conspicuously large magic stone is lying on the ground. Beside it lies a set of armor. Must be the equipment of the dungeon master. An armored dungeon master¡­ But would a living armor or a skeleton knight die by drowning? Just what was this dungeon master¡¯s job?! There are no other items, so nothing to deduce from. This means the culprit will remain unknown!?

    ?

    Ah, there is a passageway in the back¡­ A hidden room spotted! Thanks to ¡ºSpace Perception¡»I discovered another hidden room. This skill could be the most useful one in the dungeons, but before I noticed it was absorbed by¡ºRajingan¡». I still can use it, but it disappeared from the list of my skills. You are helping me so much, yet you had so little screen time, Space Perception-san.?

    ?

    ¡¸This way, over here, it¡¯s a hidden passage? A hidden room? Which is it? That sort of thing?¡¹?

    ?

    There is a very obvious rock, but pushing it reveals a passage. This arrangement boosts expectations but considering everything we saw here so far, getting my hopes up would be very foolish.?

    ?

    At the end of the passageway was a treasure chest. Well, I guess this can be counted as a hidden room. But once again, no lock. Just what the hell was that ¡ºMagic Key¡»for? Is it hinting me to turn to burglary? Is it because I¡¯m an unemployed 16 year old (male) living in a cave¡­? Hmm, can¡¯t argue, that is reasonably suspicious.?

    ?

    Inside the chest was ¡ºRing of Dungeon Master ¨C ¡¾Dungeon Creation, Dungeon Control¡¿¡»¡­eh? Eeeeeeeeeeh??

    ?

    Why wasn¡¯t the dungeon master wearing it? Why did they have it locked away?! You have to wear it! You are a dungeon master. Could it be they didn¡¯t like the job? Well, it indeed seems to be pretty exploitative¡­ Both in terms of duties and the post itself. I mean, even their superior, Dungeon Emperor, resigned from the office??

    ?

    However, does one become a subordinate of the dungeon emperor upon equipping this? Or rather, was there an inauguration of a new dungeon emperor? Yeah, equipping this might lead to problems with dungeon hierarchy.?

    ?

    However, with dungeon creation, I will be able to not just remodel but create brand new dungeons. I¡¯d better keep it, just in case.?

    ?

    The armor is ¡ºArmored Plate ¨C DeF Enhancement (Great), Magic Resistance (Intermediate), Auto Heal¡», quite bulky. However, the effects are nice, and Armored Pres-san doesn¡¯t want it. This is going on auction when we get back.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s go home. There seems to be nothing left, and despite the dungeon being so dripping wet, no lotion appeared among the drops. No need to take a rest at such a place. Yeah, no Rest, huh¡­ tch??

    ?

    When on the way back I told an old-timer from the village that the dungeon was dead and had no monsters, he, for some reason, was extremely overjoyed, and even went to call the village elder. Yeah, being called, he came, and as expected, it¡¯s another old man. No need to call something like that!?

    ?

    After bowing over and over they then gave me a whole ton of vegetables.?

    ?

    According to the old-timer who is the village elder, the walls and some of the structures were destroyed by a flood a few years ago, so they are completely defenseless from the monsters. Which reminds me, when I first came here they had nothing but a wooden fence around the village, but it seems they are working on a new wall? Indeed, being attacked by monsters under such conditions would be scary. After all, this place is different from that terrifying town of brutes, where every citizen is armed with a club.?

    ?

    But I received vegetables from the whole village, and it¡¯s not like it¡¯s that big, so it doesn¡¯t need much of a lengthy wall. On top of that, I didn¡¯t do anything today, so I have full mana. Yeah, after all, I really didn¡¯t do anything at all!?

    ?

    Putting my hand to the ground I pour magic power into it. If I properly set up the area of effect first, then I will be able to easily handle the rest with visualization only. The thickness and the height can be adjusted according to my mana reserves.?

    ?

    ¡¸Come forth, walls? I guess? You don¡¯t need a ditch for it, right? Traps would be dangerous for the people of the village? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    The height doesn¡¯t even reach 2 meters, but it¡¯s reasonably thick, so the likes of a goblin leader won¡¯t be able to destroy it. Kobolds and wolves might be able to jump over it, but making it higher will turn it more fragile¡­ Let¡¯s dig around it a bit? Yeah, looks pretty good now??

    ?

    ¡¸Well, I felt bad just taking all those vegetables for free, so I made a small wall? Kind of? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Eh?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, they gave me even more vegetables. I probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to hold all of them if I didn¡¯t have the item bag.?

    ?

    Well, they seem to be happy? The village elder even had tears in his eyes. Making a big deal out of nothing? Was there no one in the village who could use Earth Magic? Getting even more vegetables from something like this, I might¡¯ve profited from it even more from the dungeon? As expected, sightseeing is important. Let¡¯s have a hot pot today¡­ The only question here, can earthenware pot be made through Earth Magic??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Kama (¥«©`¥Þ) ¨C means ¡°desire, wish, longing¡± in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain literature.

    [2] Kama (¸ª) ¨C a type of metal pot or kettle used in Japanese tea ceremony.

    [3] Kama (æ`) ¨C a traditional Japanese farming implement similar to a sickle used for reaping crops and also employed as a weapon

 CH 112

    Day 42 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Apparently, tonight we are having hot pot.?

    ?

    He seems to be enjoying himself.?

    ?

    Until a short while ago he was working on an earthenware pot.?

    ?

    Hmm, just what Haruka-kun is trying to become??

    ?

    It seems he received a lot of vegetables from the village near the dungeon. Initially, we thought it was because villagers were overjoyed over the death of the dungeon, but turns out, this is their gratitude for turning the village into a fortress.?

    ?

    At first, he received a lot of vegetables for destroying the dungeon, and to return the favor, he seems to have made a wall around the village??

    ?

    While the creator thinks it to be a mere wall, it doesn¡¯t sound like anything other than fortress-level fortifications. A sturdy 2-meter wall that even a goblin king wouldn¡¯t be able to break that easily, surrounded by a slope, making jumping over them a difficult task. Furthermore, it seems he also added spikes on top of the walls? Hmm, just what does Haruka-kun want the villagers to battle??

    ?

    The villagers were overjoyed after seeing that fine wall and gave him even more vegetables, which made him feel awkward to receive so much, so he, in turn, distributed clubs to the villagers. No monsters or bandits would dare to attack such a place.?

    ?

    If unsuspecting monsters were to attack it, they¡¯d probably be annihilated before troops from the town reach the place. No matter how I think about it, this is not a village anymore!?

    ?

    But the person that created fortress village seems to be happy with all the vegetables he received, saying that he made a huge profit. Well, if everyone is happy, then I guess it¡¯s alright??

    ?

    He was saying that they were overreacting with how happy they were, but it¡¯s only natural they would be overjoyed. After all, despite being so close to the demon forest, they didn¡¯t even have a proper fence, much less a defensive wall. The villagers must¡¯ve spent their every day in anxiety, I think it¡¯s only reasonable they would be overjoyed if their village suddenly gained a rampart for protection? And then, they also received weapons as a bonus, I don¡¯t think there is anything strange about their reaction??

    ?

    ¡¸A hot pot~, with mystery meat~, mystery vegetables~, and the usual shrooms~, a hot pot~, sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, he seems to be in a good mood, so it doesn¡¯t really matter, but he completely forgot about the dungeon, didn¡¯t he? Doesn¡¯t he remember why he went there in the first place??

    ?

    He briefly mentioned it, saying at the very beginning¡ºWhen I told them that we killed the dungeon, they were overjoyed, and gave us a lot of vegetables and fruits.¡»¡­ So I guess it¡¯s safe to say that the dungeon is dead. He kept going on and on about vegetables and a hot pot, but for an instant, there was a piece of actual information, after which he returned to his usual cryptic antics, talking about lawnmowers and whatnot, but right now I¡¯m too curious about the hot pot to care about that!?

    ?

    A nice smell. Some of the mysterious vegetables seem to be comrades of Chinese cabbage? And some resemble both garlic and onion, can¡¯t tell what they are like until I try them. Is it ready yet? Is it? The person in charge of cooking is so strict!?

    ?

    ????

    ?

    It was delicious. Haruka-kun complained that he wants kombu, but it was delicious. Just how high are his demands despite being in a different world? By now, Haruka-kun¡¯s excessive demands turned that small general store into a huge shop. It¡¯s on the verge of turning into a department store. [1]?

    ?

    And after everyone took turns, speaking of the dungeons each of them visited today, we asked the last remaining person, who by now forgot about everything besides the hot pot.?

    ?

    ¡¸And? How was the dungeon inside? You did go all the way to the lowest floor, right?¡¹?

    ?

    His testimony was a load of nonsense¡­ With no countermeasures against high humidity, the dungeon also had no drainage and no ventilation. Poor safety and environmental standards pointed to little regard for the well-being of adventurers, or so he says.?

    ?

    Apparently, the dungeon didn¡¯t satisfy his safety standards, but can you call a dungeon that meets safety standards a dungeon? Maybe he accidentally went to subjugate a mansion instead of a dungeon? I think the residents would be very angry if he captured a mansion? No, from what we¡¯ve heard there were monsters, so it should be a dungeon. Though by now I seriously doubt if he can really tell the difference, but apparently he went to subjugate a dungeon, after all.?

    ?

    Since it had only 17 floors, it seems that it was a new dungeon that appeared only recently. The monsters were weak and few in numbers, so the whole thing ended with Angelica-san going on a bit of a solo rampage.?

    ?

    He was complaining that he had nothing to do, but I think it¡¯s his own fault for bringing the dungeon emperor from the 100th floor of the scariest dungeon in the land to a weak dungeon of only 17 floors? That¡¯s horrible overkill!?

    ?

    But I¡¯m glad that Haruka-kun wasn¡¯t in danger.?

    ?

    We keep forgetting, but he didn¡¯t even reach Lv 20 yet¡­?

    ?

    But even a full party of Lv20 wouldn¡¯t be permitted to enter a dungeon. Even apprentices to veteran parties barely get permission.?

    ?

    At this point, no one is certain whether they should be worried for Haruka-kun or for a dungeon, but this duo, who didn¡¯t reach Lv 20 yet, is doing something that usually would be considered far too dangerous for their levels.?

    ?

    So I¡¯m glad that they were fine.?

    ?

    And it seems the dungeon master was something wearing armor.?

    ?

    Apparently, an armor and a magic stone were just lying on the floor of the lowest floor??

    ?

    In other words, the dungeon master died without getting to face anyone in combat even once. Drowned, without doing anything bad yet. Perhaps without even seeing a single human being.?

    ?

    Without meeting any one, without the world learning of their species, without a single fight.?

    ?

    Just why do I get this feeling that it¡¯s dungeons that we should be worried about? Defeating a dungeon master should be an admirable and praiseworthy deed, but why, imagining that scene do I feel nothing but pity??

    ?

    And it seems he wants to go to the cave with a lawnmower tomorrow, and create a garden. So the cave is about to get even more palatial¡­ Just what does he seek from caves and dungeons??

    ?

    After that began another auction. All participants scrambled in a huge uproar for the sword, the spear, and the dungeon master¡¯s armor, but no one raised a hand for ¡ºSpike Mail¡».?

    ?

    Weapons with skills or high spec armor can¡¯t be found in the town, and having 30 people here it¡¯s hard to get good items for everyone. Furthermore, since everyone carries several weapons, changing them, it becomes necessary to have swords, spears, shields, and armor for every single person. So with this constant shortage of good gear, the auction found huge success. And yet, ¡ºSpike Mail¡»was ignored anyway.?

    ?

    The price on it kept going down as in some kind of discount sale, eventually reaching the point when he just tried to push it onto someone to get it off his hands, but everyone ran away. Well, that¡¯s to be expected??

    ?

    After all, girls wouldn¡¯t want such sinister-looking spiky armor? Even boys were taken aback by it? Only a true villain can wear something like that. On top of that, you have to be something of post apocalyptic overlord class to make it work.?

    ?

    In this world, only Haruka-kun can wear such villainous and sinister armor. After all, it is something that only a person worse than a demon lord can wear¡­ Is there anyone else who would qualify??

    ?

    By the way, someone even more amazing than Overlord or Demon Lord, which is ex-Dungeon Emperor, was desperately shaking her head in refusal. Yes! Don¡¯t offer such evil items to girls!?

    ?

    It seems it won¡¯t get equipped by anyone, but I think it would suit Haruka-kun just fine¡­ Just what is he trying to become??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Kombu ¨C is edible kelp mostly from the family Laminariaceae and is widely eaten in East Asia.

    ]

 CH 113

    Day 42 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Gathering for Girls only meeting in the baths, we ask Angelica-san about today¡¯s events.?

    ?

    Apparently, it was a very small village.?

    ?

    And a poor one at that.?

    ?

    Even so, the villagers were kind.?

    ?

    A small and poor village that lacked a defensive wall or even a fence, despite the proximity to the Demon Forest, yet peaceful, with kind and gentle inhabitants.?

    ?

    Being the usual Haruka, he didn¡¯t say a word about it, but it seems he also gave away wheat and potions as thanks for the vegetables.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the whole village was crying.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the villagers were so grateful to him.?

    ?

    Angelica-san happily and proudly spoke about Haruka-kun, almost shining, as she did so.?

    ?

    How the whole village was overjoyed with that splendid wall.?

    ?

    How he bought all of the potatoes that they lamented they cannot sell from them, and even taught them cooking techniques for it.?

    ?

    And how he took a detour, cutting down the nearby demon forest.?

    ?

    Angelica-san was delighted over being thanked over and over together with Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    She told us a lot of what Haruka-kun usually wouldn¡¯t mention.?

    ?

    Everyone¡¯s eyes were red as we were unable to stop crying.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun has only a pretense of evil.?

    ?

    I knew many people who put up a pretense of goodness, in other words, hypocrites, I saw a lot of such adults.?

    ?

    Sweet and pleasant to the ear, splendid wise-sounding words devoid of any substance, and the people that flaunt that, profiting from making fools of others. There were plenty of such in our previous world.?

    ?

    But Haruka-kun puts up a pretense of evil, constantly saying ridiculous and mean things, and only making public his absurd or outrageous actions.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we never heard of him doing anything good.?

    ?

    Even though good things constantly happen around Haruka-kun, he keeps saying that it¡¯s just an accident, a coincidence, that he has nothing to do with that, that he knew nothing, that he didn¡¯t do anything, that¡¯s it¡¯s a surprise to him as well, painting himself as an offender, claiming that he is not to blame for that, despite making all of it happen.?

    ?

    In other words, he is a fake baddie.?

    ?

    Always acting as a bad guy, he is constantly helping everyone, but then acts as if he is unrelated to any of that.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he kept his usual front today as well and ran away from people who thanked him in tears.?

    ?

    He can take on a horde of monsters or a great dungeon, somehow handling it all on his own, and yet he has to escape from people thanking him.?

    ?

    Because he only knows how to act as a rogue.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why everyone¡¯s eyes are red.?

    ?

    After we got out of the bath and took our girls-only gathering to the room, Angelica-san, looking all delighted, brought clothes that Haruka-kun bought her. Everyone looked with hints of envy at dresses and underwear, that had such elaborate and fine design and ornaments that it was hard to believe they came from this world, which hardly had any fancy clothes, but¡­ The more we looked, the lewder they got. The objective is clear, he is GUILTY. I mean¡­?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaa! What is this? Slit goes all the way to the top of the hip bone! Wait, is this a china dress?¡¹¡¸This red dress is cute though¡­ Eh? The cut is so deep that it goes all the way to navel¡­¡¹¡¸The black dress looks sexy, and it has an open back¡­ Eh! It¡¯s so open that even butt might show! How indecent!¡¹¡¸What is this string? A dress? It covers nothing! It¡¯s just one big opening!?¡¹¡¸Hmm, and this is a net, right?¡¹?

    ?

    The dresses are colorful, and the fabric is good, but just when you¡¯d think that and pick them up¡­¡­It turns out that every single one of them has some kind of huge opening, showing parts that shouldn¡¯t be seen!?

    ?

    ¡¸So this world had it as well, lewd underwear. This one is cute, but it¡¯s super low-rise? It only covers half of the butt!¡¹¡¸But this one is nice? The sides are strings though¡­ Sexy, but cute? No, I feel like this might be just lewd?¡¹¡¸The area the cloth covers¡­ It¡¯s like it¡¯s not trying to hide anything? Just look at this? Or this?¡¹¡¸No frill or lace it seems~, but looks like they have ribbons~? If they were a bit more normal, I¡¯d want something like that for myself, too small for me though~.¡¹?

    ?

    At first, we rejoiced that this world also has cute underwear, but taking a closer look¡­ Is it even trying to cover anything at all? Take this for example¡­ Isn¡¯t it the same as wearing nothing at all? And pretty much all of it was like that.?

    ?

    ¡¸So she wore this and did that, did, that, doing that. In this, this¡­ or rather, just where did Haruka-kun buy such a thing?¡¹¡¸They seem to be sold at that general store! We had to check it! We have to buy them!¡¹¡¸Yes, but they don¡¯t seem to be capable to endure combat, they might just disappear somewhere during a fight?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Well, yeah, they are for lewd purposes only?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸They are cute, but where am I supposed to wear them? Whom would I show that?¡­¡­ Having ¡ºlucky¡»underwear is all good, but there is no chance to even try that luck?¡¹?

    ?

    Each and every single one of them seems to have zero practical use, but apparently, they are being put to use every day, or rather, every night. Fully!?

    ?

    Even so, that Angelica-san, with such an innocent smile on her face¡­ Keeps going how hands slip through here or there and then follow with such, or how he does this or that, passing his fingers through that gap or this slit¡­ Aren¡¯t her explanations just way too lewd?!?

    ?

    All of the highschool girls long since passed their limit, collapsing in droves! It¡¯s also because her face looks so sexy. I understand that it¡¯s because she recalls what happened as she talks about it, but isn¡¯t she recalling too much? Her face and eyes look as if she is in some kind of ecstatic trance, melting in pleasure?!?

    ?

    By the way, it seems today she received earrings with blue jewels. Just when we thought that it¡¯s a nice story and asked for more details, it turned out that those earrings go along with that blue dress with a super deep slit. The earrings are just a bonus, I¡¯m sure the dress and underwear will become just as insignificant soon enough!?

    ?

    And even so, with a smile as pure as that of an angel she continued talking about how he bit her while licking here or there, or how he inserted his tongue and sucked, or moved it around, or rubbed, or caressed¡­ It¡¯s a red card! A risky description that made even the girls who were just listening feel weird! Everyone got a strange look in their eyes!?

    ?

    Everyone¡¯s eyes were red. Bloodshot from excessive excitement.

 CH 114

    Day 43 ¨C Morning, Omui¡¯s Guild of Adventurers?

    ?

    Before going on a morning walk I have to drop by the guild for the usual stuff. After all, morning flat gaze starts from here. A highschool boys wholesome morning routine begins with a flat gaze and ends with a flat gaze.?

    ?

    ¡¸Nonono, just how, why, for what reason are the requests still the same? Is this guild even trying? The person in charge of this board doesn¡¯t work at all, no? They work even less than a NEET. I¡¯m coming here every day, and every day it turns out to be a waste of time? Why didn¡¯t the request change even once? Just when will you post a request that can make me a rich man? Just where is my chance to get rich quick?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Really, just when are you going to start keeping low-profile? Why are you coming here every day? Aren¡¯t I telling you every day that only adventurers can take profitable quests? You are still not an adventurer, right? Then why are you coming here every single day? You must be coming just so you can complain about the bulletin board!¡¹?

    ?

    Today¡¯s share of morning flat gaze from Receptionist Pres. My, Flat Gaze from the girls at the inn, a portable Flat Gaze from Armored Pres-san, and a mufufu-type flat gaze at night. Calling this world a Flat Gaze Paradise wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration at all! Okay, I got the stare, so it¡¯s time to set out.?

    ?

    Leaving magic stones that I had stored quite a lot of by now, at the purchase counter, I, just in case, explain that I killed the dungeon near the village downstream. Even the old man guild master came out, so I just said that I had to say and escaped. I mean, I said a few times already that ¡ºDungeon drowned¡», but for some reason, they just don¡¯t get it? Well, I explained it like 3 times already, so I think that¡¯s quite enough.?

    ?

    Now, to the forest. Home, sweet home, we can decide if we will spend a night there or not after we see how the situation goes. As a healthy highschool boy I, of course, find it hard to give up on Jacuzzi play, but if we go at it there, then it will take a while for us to leave, so we won¡¯t be able to return back to the town before dark. Oh well, let¡¯s worry about it later.?

    ?

    First is lawn mowing! Let¡¯s aim for a one-house cave with a garden!?

    ?

    Yesterday, I already tested¡ºDemon Scythes¡» on the way back from the village, and they easily cut even fairly large trees, so cutting grass should be extremely easy.?

    ?

    With this, I will finally be able to mow the grass around the cave. It was bothering me for quite some time, but it seemed like a huge pain so I didn¡¯t touch it until now. But ¡ºDemon Scythe¡»is a fully automatic scythe with self-propelled blades. One order is enough for complete deforestation, and degoblinization. Will I be finally able to celebrate adding gardens to the cave? Maybe someday I can also add fields? Anyway, let¡¯s start with ordering them to cut the trees around the cave.?

    ?

    We swiftly move through the forest, but with three¡ºDemon Scythes¡»flying around and cutting down all of the goblins and kobolds, Armored Pres-san seems to be bored. Aren¡¯t you doing the same thing to me all the time? Every single day without exception? Just yesterday you had a lot of fun doing this, no? I had absolutely nothing to do during our Dungeon Capture yesterday? In the end, I literally came there just to go down and up the stairs??

    ?

    I was extremely sad when I was all ready for action, and by the time I finished saying ¡ºPhew, so they are finally here¡­ Let¡¯s do it¡», all of the monsters were dead. It ended with me extending my staff for no reason at all¡­ I even took a cool pose, and it was all over¡­ That was all I got to do yesterday.?

    ?

    But monsters in the Demon Forest really became scarce. Apparently, even adventurers and regular troops are coming to cull the population, so unless you go deep into the woods there is no profit to be made. And not to mention that there are much fewer mushrooms on the edge of the forest, so we should hurry to the cave. However, from time to time¡ºDemon Scythes¡»would bring magic stones to me, but just how are they doing it? Do they have hands or something??

    ?

    With this and that we finally came back home. Leaving Demon Scythes to deforest the surroundings, Armored Pres-san and I head for the forest depths. The main purpose is mushroom gathering and goblin sweepings. Coincidentally, kobold sweeping as well. I finally will get to train. While getting beaten up by Armored Pres-san behind the inn can serve as practice, you can¡¯t call it a training. That¡¯s not a martial art practice but more of a practice to stay alive¡­ Yeah, basically, just getting beaten up.?

    ?

    It seems the president and others are also getting beatings under the guise of practice, so I once went behind the inn to check on them and saw a very surreal sight of 29 bodies piled up in a mound under a starry sky, with the Poster Girl, in a panic, doing some kind of mysterious dance around them¡­ That was seriously bizarre.?

    ?

    It¡¯s training time,¡ºMagic Wrapping¡». Forcibly enhance my body by forcibly wrapping it in skills and magic. A very radical enhancement technique, awkward movements which would deal damage to me.

    Synchronize the body, mana, and skills, integrate them with each other. It can be considered perfected when I can do that as naturally as I breathe. Everyone would be doing it if it could be done that easily, but unless I have proper control of my movements my muscles tear, and even my bones break. That damage is endlessly restored through ¡ºRegeneration¡», repeating the cycle of breaking and healing over and over. That¡¯s why I have to keep training to improve my movements until I break to the point of being unable to move¡­ Wait, isn¡¯t that absurd?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaagh, as I thought, when the feeling for the body changes, it also ruins techniques? Too strong and too fast, yet too weak?¡¹?

    ?

    My low physical abilities are being forcibly enhanced from outside, a reckless enhancement skill, enforcing movements on the body from the outside. Using it deals damage to me, but failing to use it puts me at risk of being killed by monsters. That¡¯s why I¡¯m making do with what I have, forcibly creating such a makeshift technique, picking the best part from every skill to somehow get by, and I¡¯m shifting and adjusting things, trying to get the hang of it. As long as I can bear the pain I will eventually get used to it and will come to be able to properly make use of it, if I don¡¯t, I will get beaten up under a pretext of training, so in either case, what awaits me is pain.?

    ?

    Even Lv 15 goblins take only one hit¡­ Well, it always takes only one hit, but being able to take them in one hit without ambushing them from behind is a huge improvement. I don¡¯t have to erase my presence and sneak around like I did until now. I can just take them head-on, so it¡¯s remarkable progress, but at the same time, self-destruction is progressing as well, gradually depleting HP with self-inflicted damage. It¡¯s not too bad, but it still hurts.?

    ?

    Somehow, while unable to fully master¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»I¡¯m still somehow making use of it. The problem is what comes after this. Most likely the real hurdle is going to be ¡ºTeleportation¡»skill. ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»is a martial art type, while ¡ºTeleportation¡»is magic, and ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»is probably a skill that allows wrapping not only mana but also skills and magic¡­ In other words, even¡ºTeleportation¡»can be wrapped.?

    ?

    I beat a fast-moving kobold with my own speed¡­ Fast, but since teleportation is a part of the movement, control becomes incredibly difficult. But the movements are blindingly fast, it¡¯s almost as if I vanish for a moment. Or rather, I actually do disappear for an instant, don¡¯t I? If I master this I will be able to vanish from sight, allowing for an indefensible attack, getting the hang of this I will be able to teleport, delivering an undodgeable fatal attack. The problem is that the skill is heinously hard to use, far from allowing me to easily learn it!?

    ?

    But if I manage to get all of that in order, merging it with ¡ºKyojitsu¡»then I¡¯ll be able to fight even the dungeon emperor. If so, then I might be able to avoid at least some of the beatings! But just why do I feel that I won¡¯t be able to win??

    ?

    I activated ¡ºTeleportation¡»during our spars as well, but I was beaten anyway. I can vanish or teleport all I want, and I will still get beaten up. Yeah, if she were completely swallowed by the darkness in the depths of that dungeon then she would¡¯ve become not just Demon Lord but Supreme Demon Overlord, and easily destroyed the world. I mean, she is like this after¡ºTaming¡»reduced her to the first level, if she was in her complete form, no one would¡¯ve been able to defeat her. For real!?

    ?

    However, right now she is happily springing through the woods, like a dance. She must be smiling under that helmet. A layer of gob and kobold corpses is covering the surroundings, but she seems to be having fun so it¡¯s okay. I just had to take my eyes off for one second, and my practice partners are going extinct again, but it¡¯s fine. Coincidentally, her cheerful slashing attacks are also destroying the woods, almost turning the whole area into an empty lot by now¡­ But it¡¯s fine, I guess? Hmm, but I won¡¯t be able to collect mushrooms there after this, so I wish she would keep it in moderation.?

    ?

    In one go close the distance with an enemy and slash, all in one motion, merging everything in one action, and repeat it over and over¡­ Was my plan, but all of the monsters were annihilated. Okay, let¡¯s go upstream. There is nothing to do here since there are no kings around anymore, but since upstream at least has numbers, they should be able to hold off Armored Pres-san for a bit!?

    ?

    Well¡­ To be honest I didn¡¯t expect anything¡­ But at least struggle a bit harder! Why do all of you jump in just to get easily beaten back? Are you idiots? Are you goblins? No! You are kobolds! So act the part! Cooperate, make joint attacks! Why are you just jumping at Armored Pres-san head-on? Is this a group suicide? Well, looks like it indeed was one act of mass self-destruction, the result is obvious the moment they charge at her, couldn¡¯t even buy time, useless monsters.?

    ?

    Only the orc area is left, but we spent more time picking mushrooms than fighting. At this rate, I might get a Mushroom Hunter class. While it might be better than Jobless, doesn¡¯t mushroom gatherer in all black armed with a wooden stick sound super suspicious??

    ?

    Good grief, while I¡¯m doing my best, cladding ¡ºTeleportation¡»and tripping at super high speed, rolling around, bumping into trees, falling to the ground with said trees, and rolling on the ground, all of the orcs were killed as well? I crushed a few, running over them as I was rolling on the ground, but I didn¡¯t get to properly face even one! They just died instantly. While I was rolling through the woods everything was finished.?

    ?

    My attempts to have combat training ended up with rolling training. No, I don¡¯t need such training? Eventually, she gave me one orc king out of pity. I really begged her for it! Everyone else was dead by then. The culprit, that person in silver armor, then observed my fight while nodding in satisfaction. And when my wrapped magic screwed me over and I went flying she would go ¡ºOh my¡», slowly shaking her head¡­ It¡¯s sooo distracting!?

    ?

    Finally¡­ On the 7th try it finally became something resembling ¡ºKyojitsu¡»? I think it worked because Orc King went down in one attack, but it just went ¡ºPew¡»and by the time I thought I¡¯d move, I already finished the slash¡­ Is it done? I don¡¯t really feel that way, but even if I want to practice more there are no opponents left.?

    ?

    Since I had no other options, we stayed for the night, and I got beaten up. Beaten up in the garden that ¡ºDemon Scythes¡»just finished cutting out! Unable to go ¡ºpew¡», I was getting repeatedly beaten up, and when I finally was about to go ¡ºpew¡», I couldn¡¯t land the blow, and was beaten up. While the instantaneous speed of teleportation cannot be evaded, it seems that simple movements still can be read and predicted. And as I was beaten, battered, and pounded, the night came.?

    ?

    Yes, and since the night came, I went all out in my revenge. All the way until late night! Well, I¡¯m pretty sure that tomorrow I will get beaten up again in revenge for that revenge.?

    ?

    But I have no regrets. After all, it was a very nice revenge. I suspect that revenge breeds revenge, but since it is so good, I think it¡¯s okay. Yeah, it was amazing!

 CH 115

    Day 43 ¨C Morning, Omui¡¯s Guild of Adventurers.?

    ?

    There is a small village called Shimomui. A very small village, formed as the result of farmers of the farmlands downstream from Omui town gathering together for the sake of security.?

    ?

    Shimomui Village is in a vicious circle of slowly growing larger, getting attacked by monsters, its fields falling into ruin from the lack of laborers, and then recovering and slowly growing until it gets attacked by monsters again. Adventurers and guards are patrolling the area, and the monsters are regularly culled, but it seems to have little effect, so the circle keeps repeating.?

    ?

    Fences built by the village just get destroyed by monsters, and their first defensive wall, which they began building several years ago, was destroyed by a flood. Having no proper fence is the current reality for most of the surrounding villages or even towns. When a period of prosperity comes, creating leeway in the budget, manpower and materials to resolve the problem are not there. Despite being surrounded by woodlands, even lumber is hard to get, since the woods are infested by monsters.?

    ?

    However, today, a large quantity of wood suddenly arrived. Or rather than say arrived, when the boy, who comes to the guild every day while not even being an adventurer, saw the request for lumber he asked¡ºYou are buying wood? Even though you are surrounded by woods? For real?¡»and then¡ºYou can pay in installments, so just buy it.¡», and with those words it was left here. And not just any wood, but a huge pile of properly dried large squared timber.?

    ?

    We immediately sent a messenger to the lord. Buying up all of the wood, he gathered adventurers and carpenters with a goal of making at least fences for nearby settlements, and first, sent them to the nearest Shimomui Village.?

    ?

    However, Shimomui Village was no more. That tiny defenseless village disappeared.?

    ?

    What stood there was a small fortress-like town surrounded by strong walls. As we neared it, the village mayor immediately came out and told us of what had happened. The story sounded like a fairytale or a legend from some faraway land.?

    ?

    Previously, we received a report that a new dungeon appeared downstream from Shimomui Village. Since the dungeon was still young we planned to immediately squash it as soon as we gathered enough force, but being constantly short on people we kept postponing it. And then, the day before yesterday, a knight in silver armor came to the village, accompanied by a young man in a black robe. The young man in a black robe bought up all of the grain and vegetables they couldn¡¯t sell until now and bartered much-needed wheat and medicine that they couldn¡¯t afford¡­ After that, the two entered the dungeon.?

    ?

    Then, they entered the dungeon on the next day as well, and coming back a few hours later told them that the dungeon is dead. And since the young man was holding the legendary Ring of the Dungeon Master in his hand there is no room for doubt. Grateful for the grain, medicine, and on top of that, having the dungeon destroyed, the villagers gathered all of the agricultural produce their poor village could spare and gave it to the two as their thanks.?

    ?

    Accepting that, the young man rejoiced and putting his hands to the ground said the following. ¡¸Come forth, Walls?¡¹and with that single utterance, the rampart was made.?

    ?

    Having no idea how to thank such an amazing sorcerer, they gathered even the vegetables they planned to sell and gave them to the young man, then, he gave them numerous weapons, medicine, and money, saying that it is his gratitude. The village didn¡¯t have anything valuable enough to repay him, but he only smiled and replied that receiving so many vegetables is enough for him. Unable to calm down, since it didn¡¯t sit right with them, the villagers began gathering the little precious metals and jewellery they had in their homes, but the expression on the young man¡¯s face turned to a troubled one, after which he said ¡ºThanks for the vegetables¡»and left. And just when they thought why the two went in the direction of the Evil Forest, the two began felling trees and even killing monsters at a blinding speed, leaving the village just like that, without turning back even once.?

    ?

    What remained was a splendid wall, cleared out woods, destroyed dungeon, and plenty of money and wheat. They also were told the ways to store and even cook the grains that they struggled to sell, and the suddenly prosperous village now even had weapons and medicine. All of a sudden the village became a safe and flourishing one, bringing happiness to everyone.?

    ?

    The village mayor and the villagers continued in tears. Saying that even they can hardly believe it. Even though they saw it all with their own eyes it all seems more like a dream. And despite all this, they couldn¡¯t even ask for their names.?

    ?

    It¡¯s like a fairytale.?

    ?

    In this harsh world, such a thing is possible only in folk tales or legends.?

    ?

    Normally, hearing such a dream-like story, one would laugh, dismissing it as silly gossip or an old fable.?

    ?

    But we couldn¡¯t do that.?

    ?

    Since sturdy walls stood right in front of our eyes.?

    ?

    And we were also very familiar with the town that was suddenly filled with happiness one day.?

    ?

    So we couldn¡¯t bring ourselves to laugh.?

    ?

    Even more so, because we had a very good guess of who that young man in a black robe was.?

    ?

    After all, I just met the boy in a black robe this morning.?

    ?

    That black-robed boy certainly said that the dungeon was dead. We had no idea what he was talking about, but he did say that. Confirming that was part of the reason I came here.?

    ?

    And he also left a large amount of wood. The young man that cut parts of the Evil Forest that were too close to the village would naturally have a lot of lumber.?

    ?

    But the black-robed boy left without saying a word about the village.?

    ?

    So no one knew about this.?

    ?

    It¡¯s all like a fairytale.?

    ?

    This story will probably become a legend or a fable in the future and will be passed down in this village.?

    ?

    With all the joy, delight and gratitude that they have, they don¡¯t even know to whom they should be thankful, so all those feelings will fuel the legend that is about to be born. That might be how such folk tales are created and transmitted in the first place.?

    ?

    That boy will most likely say nothing about this himself.?

    ?

    So this story will end without becoming known by anyone.?

    ?

    But in this village, it will be told for generations to come.?

    ?

    They probably will be startled when they see him in the town, but until then, it can remain a happy fairytale.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s not tell them that the great sorcerer with a wooden staff is walking around beating monsters to death, using that staff as a wooden stick.?

    ?

    For all that, the boy has to blame no one but himself, never talking, introducing, or giving necessary details.?

    ?

    So he will have to bear with them creating a fable out of gratitude.?

    ?

    A fable about a travelling¡¸Great Sorcerer in Black Robes¡¹and¡¸Silver Knight¡¹.

 CH 116

    Day 44 ¨C Morning, The cave.?

    ?

    Unusually, it is raining. Did the rainy season start here? It¡¯s raining buckets for an annoyingly long time. Until now it barely ever rained, and even when it did, it was only a light drizzle in the middle of the night. Well, it does seem like it is going to stop after a while, so for now, we are taking shelter in the cave. Continuing night activities the first thing in the morning is not a good idea. It sounds very appealing, but it is not a good idea¡­ Yeah, I actually thought about that, but she gave me a glare?!?

    ?

    So I¡¯m killing time remodeling the cave without much of a plan and making new furniture.?

    ?

    Getting into the mood I made a hammock, where we then spent a while snuggling. It¡¯s a secret that we then took things further and went for round two.?

    ?

    Preparing the garden through magic while sitting in the comfort of the cave, planting the fruit trees, which I purchased in the town and the village, adding a terrace and connecting it with a room, branching the river and making a small pond, creating tables and benches around it.?

    ?

    Creating stone pavement along the riverbank, making an arch bridge across it, placing benches on the opposite shore as well, and as I was playing around like that, the rain finally turned to drizzle.?

    ?

    ¡¸Looks like it¡¯s about to stop? Since it¡¯s light rain we can both stay or go back if you want?¡¹?

    ?

    She is hesitating, but it seems like she leans towards going back? At night she is coming at me on her own, but in the morning she, for some reason, is angry and gives me a flat gaze. Probably means that I¡¯m overdoing it. But well, I¡¯m a highschool boy and I can¡¯t win during the day? So the night is my only chance¡­ to shine??

    ?

    Yeah, since I have no highlight scenes, I have to do my best during love scenes, so it¡¯s not my fault at all.?

    ?

    Now, it looks like Armored Pres-san has the girls on her mind, so we are going back. Spending time with just the two of us is great and all, but she seems to be happy to finally have female friends to talk with, and we can come back here any time anyway, so let¡¯s return. But I wonder, just what are they doing during those girls-only gatherings? Even if I try to ask her, she always replies that it¡¯s a girl secret, and doesn¡¯t tell me anything??

    ?

    Picking up speed¡­ We are going to leave the forest without stopping for rest or whatever. The monsters are already extinct, and mushrooms are experiencing results of excessive foraging, so there is nothing to do here. While surprised by the effect of ¡ºSwift Foot ¡»I spring through the forest. The combination of effects of¡ºWalking¡»and power-ups from level-ups greatly increased my movement speed. Armored Pres-san is following me without a problem. The trip takes less than an hour if we don¡¯t hunt. It¡¯s already in sight, emm, Something-Something Town??

    ?

    ¡¸Did you get any good wares? I¡¯ll buy them, I will, I¡¯m a rich man now, can you hear me, General Store Peasant? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Returning to the town we drop by the General Store. Armored Pres-san is going nuts over newly arrived clothes. Mm, the aura she gives off almost feels threatening, so I¡¯ll leave her alone for now.?

    ?

    The variation and quantity of goods seem to be growing, but how should I put it, very gradually? And the merchandise is all over the store, so it feels kind of cramped.?

    ?

    ¡¸You aren¡¯t making that much profit? I gave you plenty of investments and mushrooms, so why is the store still so small?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The mushrooms are selling well, but the suppliers can¡¯t keep up, and I just expanded the store, but already have nowhere to place goods, because of a certain someone.¡¹?

    ?

    She bought the building next door and connected it to the store, breaking the walls. There is a difference in ground levels, and the whole thing doesn¡¯t look great at all. Since she is trying to cram everything here, the goods are in chaos, lying in plies without any logic.?

    ?

    ¡¸You bought the lot behind the store, right? If you don¡¯t have enough, I¡¯ll lend you money? You can pay me back in lewd underwear? Naturally, I¡¯ll accept lewd dresses as well! That one was amazing!! Really!! Like REALLY!!!!! Thank you very much, sorta!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Whoa, whoa, whoa, we have new arrivals, so calm down. I bought the land, but there are no carpenters available. And I didn¡¯t even decide if I should put a warehouse or a store there, so until the building is made we will have to operate in this state, thanks to a certain someone. Somehow, every day is very busy¡­ Just what happened to this town? Thanks to a certain someone?¡¹?

    ?

    She bought the store next door to expand, but since it still wasn¡¯t enough, she bought the lot behind the store as well, I even refrained from taking all her money, since she said that she needs it because of that purchase, and turns out, she didn¡¯t even begin construction there. I mean, I even invested money, shrooms, and magic stones? All for rice and eros. I¡¯m throwing all of my energy to indulge two of the three primordial desires, completely sacrificing the need for sleep to keep at it every night until late??

    ?

    ¡¸Since you already bought the land, shall I erect it? The limit of stone construction is 4 or 5 floors anyway so it will take only a moment? Do you need a basement? Or maybe a dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haaaah, what do you mean by erect? Why is it going to take only a moment? And why would a general store need a dungeon underground? Just what do you want from a general store? Outside of lewd stuff? I do want a basement, but I certainly don¡¯t need a dungeon.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well then, I will remodel the interior after I connect the two buildings, so please move the merchandise away from that wall. Armored Pres-san, please help her as well. You can take some clothes as payment later.¡¹?

    ?

    With the land behind the store we should get pretty much a square shape, A standard building should do, 1-2F are sales floors, 3F in reserve, and 4-5F are warehouse/office/and general store lady¡¯s residence. Then make one basement floor as a warehouse, and it should be enough space for starters. With a standard multi-story building shape, it will be possible to add new floors on top of this or expand the basement at any moment. Yeah, let¡¯s do this.?

    ?

    Measuring accurate dimensions of the current store with¡ºRajingan¡», I remember them and making necessary calculations offset for that. Then, pouring my mana underground I create a foundation while gathering soil and stones, pulverize and mash them together, then erect walls, encasing the current general store building, following, create supporting pillars. Hmmm¡­ At this rate, I might just barely have enough mana for 5 floors? Slowly pouring mana in, I use¡ºHolding¡»to bind earth and sand together solidifying them into one structure. Making especially thick and strong pillars in four cardinal directions and the center, I also add arches, to support the upper floors. Create stairs spiraling around the central pillar, and rocks to reinforce the pillars and the walls. Make a designated entrance for unloading goods into the basement, and it¡¯s complete.?

    ?

    It was more difficult than I expected¡­ I¡¯d feel scammed if I don¡¯t get new lewd stuff after working so hard! Yeah, a male high school student can do anything for lewd stuff! Possibilities are unlimited? And there is also no limit to the number of clothes we need. After all, she is a great beauty, so she looks amazing no matter what you put on her. That¡¯s why I want to dress her up more. Well, and I also want to undress her. Although I keep dressing her up in lewd clothes only¡­ But it can¡¯t be helped? I just want something as sexy as her? Yeah, in a highschool boy sort of way? Kind of? Sort of??

    ?

    With this and that, I went back to the store, and they are moving the goods at a very slow pace, they are only half done, even though I worked so hard??

    ?

    ¡¸I already finished, and you are still not done? Anyway, I¡¯ll connect just this part then, and I will do the rest tomorrow. It seems my mana is pretty low as well?¡¹?

    ?

    Reinforcing and strengthening the back wall of the general store I merge it with the wall of the new building. Then, expand it, widen, and connect it¡­ The mana¡­ I have a little left. I need just a bit more¡­ Barely, but I managed! Yeah, decoration and remodeling comes tomorrow. I¡¯m completely spent.?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean still not done? What did you finish?¡­ Ah¡­ AAAAAAAAH! What is this?! Where is this?! What have you created! ¡¹?

    ?

    The general store lady jumped outside in panic and is now looking up at the building with her mouth wide open. Perhaps multi-story buildings were still a rarity, but other citizens also gathered around it, looking up. It¡¯s just earth and stone walls, it¡¯s nothing special? Stare as much as you want, it¡¯s just a rectangular box? Yeah, painting and decorating it is for tomorrow. I¡¯m getting hungry so I¡¯m going home, okay??

    ?

    Being low on mana makes me incredibly hungry, and also, my head is spinning. I¡¯m hungry and want to leave, but why is the general store lady standing frozen there, with her head turned upward? Mm, what about my lewd goods? Or rather, if she doesn¡¯t go back to the store as fast as possible, Armored Pres-san might carry away all of the clothes from there? I¡¯m serious? She is already holding an armful of clothes? Are you okay with that??

    ?

    We are beaming with smiles, Armored Pres-san is delighted since she got cute clothes, I¡¯m delighted since I got lewd clothes. Alright, I¡¯m going to have her try all of those when we get back. I kind of suspect she won¡¯t be able to put on anything once she undresses, but we are going to try. I can think about the details after I undress her. I probably won¡¯t be able to think about anything once we get to that point though. Probably something very different will begin, and we will have no time for dressing up, but to strip her, I first have to dress her! Well, there is no doubt about what will happen though.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back. An extra extra huge serving, please? Super urgently? I¡¯m very hungry. Very very? Really.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome back, how is the garden? Eh, what is that mountain of clothes? Are you gonna open your own store?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The girls dashed out of the building as soon as I told them that the general store had a new arrival of clothes. A few were even using¡ºFlash Step¡»and¡ºShukuchi¡». But the best stuff was already bought up? By this jolly person next to me??

    ?

    I asked for additional servings until I was stuffed. The Poster Girl seemed to be very busy, running around the place, so I presented her one of the dresses that I bought at the general store, after which she began happily dancing that mysterious dance. If a stranger saw her they¡¯d think she is crazy, but that¡¯s fun in its own way, so it¡¯s okay¡­ I guess??

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s take a bath and sleep! Sleep very hard! Sleep so hard I¡¯d have no time for sleeping! Sleep over, and over, and over again! Well, in a highschool boy sort of way?

 CH 117

    Day 44 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-only Gathering.?

    ?

    Rush into the bath and immediately fly out. While it¡¯s ill-mannered, it can¡¯t be helped today, after all, we finally bought cute clothes in this world, so everyone can¡¯t wait to try them on. In such a case, a quick bath cannot be avoided.?

    ?

    Usually, the clothes here were either undyed or dark green in color, occasionally, since it is expensive, dark gray or deep blue. No red, blue, light blue, or pink, and no pure white as well. And now, while pale hues, far from pastel colors, but we finally had clothes with color variation, somewhat elaborate designs, cute details, ribbons, and frills.?

    ?

    ¡¸We got them~, thank goodness~. But wasn¡¯t that a modern building~?¡¹¡¸They had a lot of cute clothes, right? Yeah, but the building was modern?¡¹¡¸Let¡¯s save money and go there again? It was just a small shop in the morning? A normal one-story house?¡¹¡¸ There barely were any colorful clothes, now we have some variety! Yeah, it had 5 floors though.¡¹¡¸Most of it is cotton, but the fabric is good, It¡¯s not stiff nor rough. And it seems there is also a basement?¡¹¡¸They are going to have new arrivals soon, so we should check it from time to time. The townsfolk were staring at it¡­ The building.¡¹¡¸There even was lace! It seems to be considered a high-class piece, so I¡¯ll need to save money! But did this world have such buildings? It¡¯s the first time I saw one here?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, I know who¡¯s responsible!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No, we knew who was the culprit since the very beginning? We just ignored it, too focused on clothes. After all, even a mere glance from far away identified it as a piece of modern architecture. There was even a crowd outside, and we stormed past them without hesitation, but there is no way anyone could not notice that. Everyone rushed towards the clothes, trying on everything, anguishing about the choice, and buying everything we could¡­ Yet we all realized what the building looked like only when we left the store!?

    ?

    ¡¸They even had hair clasps! Hair clasps! They were made of wood, but they are accessories! Accessories I say! The not an equipment type of accessory!¡¹¡¸I can see jewelry from time to time, but most of the time it is some kind of equipment, and it¡¯s gorgeous rather than cute.¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, that flashiness is a bit too much for highschool girls.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Unexpectedly, wooden rings are cute too?¡¹?

    ?

    But the general store finally had cute and somewhat fancy clothes and accessories. They even received cosmetics. The general store lady was crying as she was lining up the goods, which immediately would be bought out, and she¡¯ll have to line them up again moments later. Must be pretty tough¡­ At that scale it can¡¯t be called just a store anymore, she has to hire people. Trying to operate a department store alone¡­ Is just reckless.?

    ?

    And there is no need to even ask who brought that store to that scale. The answer is clear. There is always only one truth! After all, Angelica-san was carrying a mountain of evidence. [1]?

    ?

    ¡¸It will take time, but they are going to order goods from the capital as well. She said it¡¯s gonna be the best clothes in the country!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaa, do want! Totally buying!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    After that began a fashion show by everyone. Trying on, showing off, exchanging and borrowing, a fashion show with giggles and lively chatter.?

    ?

    Usually, it¡¯s all about armor and armaments here, robes and mantles are still somewhat bearable, but leather, iron, or whatever armor, has not even a shred of charm. What we wanted was not equipment, but clothes. Everyone wanted nice clothes.?

    ?

    Certainly, in this world, we might not have many opportunities to wear such outfits. One has to be under arms on a routine basis, and the clothes have to be durable and easy to move in.?

    ?

    Cute clothes won¡¯t be visible under armor, and would immediately get dirty and torn. Even so, we wanted to have something in reserve, something in which we can go out. After all, any girl would want that. Adventurer might be a combat profession, but we still want to remain girls.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why there was a fashion show that lasted the whole night. Today, everyone finally gets to be a girl.?

    ?

    Were it our previous world, these probably would¡¯ve been considered inferior goods, that we wouldn¡¯t even notice, but right now, they are treasures. Haruka-kun financed this, built the store, and ordered lots of lovely women¡¯s clothes. He even made sure that there will be all sorts of sizes. Well¡­ Although he also seems to have been ordering lewd clothes as well¡­?

    ?

    The general store lady also said that there is a special discount for black hair and dark eyes, and sold everything at very low prices. And for the girls who didn¡¯t have enough money, she said they can pay the rest later. Must be instructions of the secret owner.?

    ?

    Everyone probably was crying when no one was looking. And he must¡¯ve noticed how emotionally unstable everyone became, and was trying to please us, and make us laugh. As the result, Haruka-kun blew all of his savings on fabric and building materials¡­. He must¡¯ve been doing this for everyone¡¯s sake¡­ But please, could you stop spending all of your money to the point you have to stay in the inn on a tab? And then even hiding it since you thought we¡¯d be angry? The sum piled up to a scary number!?

    ?

    Angelica-san was also delighted about all the dresses she got, actively showing off new clothes with everyone. Hmm, at first she was just trying various clothes¡­ but midway, it turned lewd! Aah, they bought even more of those! Is she going to wear such a thing today as well? Just look at that, bare shoulders, deep cleavage, and the bottom, the bottom part! The things are so exposed that the crotch area is almost visible! And she seems to be totally okay wearing it! She seems so happy! The model being too beautiful makes it extra sexy.?

    ?

    Everyone¡¯s Detect Presence will level up tonight. Mine will probably hit MaX level. That is already a cause for the lack of sleep for everyone¡­ All because Haruka-kun is trying too hard! But Angelica-san seems to be happy.?

    ?

    Then, the conversation turned to what happened yesterday at the cave, eventually, about the night there¡­ And once again everyone was knocked out. Collapsing en masse, like they were mowed down! An utter defeat! I mean, a hammock¡­ Doing such a thing in a hammock!!? KYAAAAAA©`©`©`©` (Followed by a frenzied confusion)?

    ?

    Looking satisfied upon finishing her story, Angelica-san then headed to Haruka¡¯s room with an entranced smile, wearing a super lewd dress.?

    ?

    Her delight could be felt even through the sound of her footsteps. And today again, she finished her story with¡¸Some-day, we¡¯ll, all do, it, together, some-day.¡¹?

    ?

    Even if she says it with such delight, such relish¡­ She wants to do it, together? With all us girls? Just what is it that she wants to do together? A hammock with everyone?! No, a hammock itself is not weird at all¡­ If it¡¯s just a hammock.?

    ?

    Today as well, no one could reply to her. I mean, together?¡­ Is Angelica-san aiming for a Harem Dungeon Master??

    ?

    But if we were to intrude into his room wearing lewd dresses, Haruka-kun would most certainly run away? He might be a perv, but a harem is absolutely impossible for such a wuss as Haruka? After all, he even escaped from his own home, the cave. Escaped, and lived in a tent all on his own.?

    ?

    Yeah, he is very shy and timid¡­¡­ I think if he ever got a harem, he¡¯d run from it himself??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Conan Edogawa¡¯s catchphrase.

 CH 118

    Day 45 ¨C Morning, the general store?

    ?

    Leaving early in the morning I went to finish the exterior of the general store and the reinforcement of the building. Thinking that I¡¯d also decorate the interior and arrange the merchandise I stepped inside¡­ And saw the general store lady with dark circles under her eyes, working, as she wobbled from side to side? Hmm, I suppose that¡¯s not a ghost??

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning? I guess? Does this count as one? Kind of? Panda?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who are you calling a panda! Morning! Thanks to a certain someone I didn¡¯t sleep at all! Even though I worked for the whole night, lining up wares, I barely got any closer to setting everything up. I don¡¯t even know how I am supposed to arrange the goods. I have to open the store soon, but I¡¯m nowhere near the end¡­!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. Well, you have no shelves or tables, so of course, you won¡¯t be able to? I will create them now, so there is no point trying to set things up before I do? I¡¯d move the stuff anyway?¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, she suddenly got crestfallen. And really bad on top of that. I only made one basement floor, so please don¡¯t fall that deep into depression? If you fall too low, you might accidentally stumble upon a dungeon emperor? I¡¯m saying this from experience. Look, she is right next to me right now??

    ?

    Since I felt bad for the shopkeeper, I create racks right on the wall, while Armored Pres-san is lining up wares on them at high speed. As expected, though formerly, she is still a dungeon emperor, an amazing product placement speed, her hands leave 10 afterimages as she moves! S-so that¡¯s the true ability of the lord of the lowest floor? ATATATATATATA¡­ And while we were playing around, the shopkeeper finally returned to her senses. Looks like she somehow managed to crawl out from that pit of despair? [1]?

    ?

    We cleared up most of the stuff, as for the detailed layout of the store, it would be better to do it while discussing with the manager.?

    ?

    ¡¸Look, about the walls, I don¡¯t really want to give the place a too high-grade look? I mean, it¡¯s a general store, so it might scare some customers away? But I also want to make the place brighter, so I¡¯d like to increase the number of windows, but sunlight also can damage some of the goods, and it can also be the reason for colors fading, so I thought that making the interior white is a safe choice. Yeah, and the shelves, having more of them is very merchant-like, since you will be able to display more goods, but having more useless space also makes the place look more fancy? I mean, giving off the right atmosphere is important to stir up customers¡¯ desire for purchase. Also, I think instead of placing cheap trinkets somewhere further in the store, it¡¯s better to put them near the counter, since people might just buy them without thinking. Yeah, and for clothes and accessories let¡¯s use that wall, and in turn, put a lot of shelves over here, and show off the abundance of goods, sort of? But for appearance sake, I think it¡¯s better to restock on tablewares? And also cookware? I mean, you are making a trade of providing a steady source of necessities, so replacements are also important, and also the prices¡­ Ah, it would also be nice to feature some kind of glassware, right? Even if it¡¯s expensive, people might want to buy it someday, and it would also make prices on other goods look more reasonable. Yeah, there has to be an assortment of goods of a wide price range. And also, I think¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸SHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT UUUUUUUUUP! AAAh! ENOUGH!!! I want to sleep, okay? I didn¡¯t sleep all night! And even so, I couldn¡¯t set all of the wares! Because the place is too huge, too large! Why is there so much pomp? What kind of big-time firm is this? Even the capital doesn¡¯t have such stores. Just what is this building? You know, since yesterday, people from all over the town are flocking here to see it? This is just a general store! Just what do you all expect from it? You especially! Just what are you trying to do? In the first place, do you even understand what a general store is? Why do tables and shelves keep popping up right as I¡¯m saying this? Why does everything fit so well as if you took measurements beforehand? Why are you arranging wares as you please, even though it is my store?! Wait, you are going to do the second floor as well? Are you? Large merchandise? Like beds? Sofas? You are placing them there? In a general store? Even though this is a general store? Your own creation?! And even tables and chairs the likes of which I¡¯ve never seen before¡­ Eh? Are you sure about selling them this cheap? Eh? You are the one who made them so you basically got them for free? Were you actually a furniture craftsman? But didn¡¯t you construct this building? Wait, you also dived into the dungeon, right?! Just what is Jobless?! Rather, aren¡¯t you getting involved in all kinds of jobs!? You also were cooking and making potions. Why is your self-made stuff of such high quality?!!¡¹?

    ?

    Aaah, what a pain. The shopkeeper is angry, seriously angry. With the lack of sleep, her wrinkles are even more prominent, at this rate calling her a lady might be a stretch¡­¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m gonna do my best.?

    ?

    With this and that we kept working on completing and furnishing the interior until the opening hour, finishing placing all of the goods, and to conceal the lack of wares, putting furniture made by me into an empty area for which we didn¡¯t have enough items. And also, medicine, cookware, and mid-century modern-like art objects, all of my own making. Of course, I can¡¯t deny that a lot of my own preferences went into it.?

    ?

    Okay, this looks like a stylish shop now. This is it. Let¡¯s go back.?

    ?

    ¡¸Soo, good work? Hm, good luck with sales? There is a huge crowd outside? A general store that people line up for? I guess? Well then.¡¹?

    ?

    The shopkeep waved her hand with a blank stare. She must¡¯ve given up, realizing what is going to happen as soon as the store opens¡­ After she saw that long, long line.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s hit dungeons.?

    ?

    Actually, today I¡¯m going as an aide, a helper. Among the dungeons that we were attacking while split into groups was one which the capture wasn¡¯t progressing at all. It took me, in essence, only one day, can¡¯t they take it more seriously? I entered two dungeons so far, and both were dead on the first day? Why aren¡¯t they making any progress? Killing the dungeon master first must be the trick, probably??

    ?

    ¡¸And so I came to help? Everyone, get along with me? Kind of? Or rather, you are still yet to beat it? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Dungeons don¡¯t usually die on the first day! We aren¡¯t that slow compared to normal!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The president and Vice Presidents said in sync, one of them is left out though? Ah, it¡¯s one of the front liners, the one that always gets blown away.?

    ?

    ¡¸What? Board members are all in harmony and Shield Girl is left out? Is this bullying? Is it because she is not on the board? Can¡¯t she run for Shield President or something? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s not bullying! And also, Miwa-chan was Shield Girl? When did you give her such a name?! Also what do you mean by board members?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I was Shield Girl?! Do I really have to become a Shield President?¡¹?

    ?

    She will go for it, I guess? Shield President sounds like someone who will get along with Armored President, speaking of which, isn¡¯t the armor completely useless for her? No one could even touch her yet? At this rate, she might lose the next elections of the armored president. Looks like they might not be able to get along? Well, no idea though??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You shouldn¡¯t take Haruka-kun¡¯s words seriously. It is worse than devil whispers.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Yeah, he is a villain that butchers demons!¡¹¡¸Hey! Isn¡¯t that cruel? Is this bullying? Isn¡¯t killing demons something one usually gets praised for? I¡¯d cry if you say that killing demons makes me worse than them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The demons are the ones who should be crying. In your case, you kill them in such a way that it makes them appear less evil in comparison. It even makes demons look pitiful.¡¹?

    ?

    Is that the problem? Didn¡¯t you rush to buy swords that I plundered from Demon Blades? You are carrying them on you right this very moment? Yes, I caught them with the net and skewered them, getting a whole bunch? But since you rushed to buy them, aren¡¯t you an accomplice? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong.?

    ?

    ¡¸But you are only on the 9th floor after 3 days? With a Lv 90 party? And you are trying to set aside that you were slacking off? What were you doing? Having a dance party? In a dungeon? Dance till you are dead? It¡¯s dangerous, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We weren¡¯t dancing and we weren¡¯t slacking off! This dungeon is just difficult. In the first place, what kind of maniac would dance in a dungeon? It¡¯s not just dangerous, it¡¯s more like something a dangerous person would do!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸There is nothing but tough golems in this dungeon. A hit from them sends me flying. Like, swoooosh.¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like Shield Girl was getting blown away here as well. I remember how back in the forest she would often be sent flying by orcs. She is fairly tall, but she doesn¡¯t seem like a power type, and despite being delicate she is a shield user. How did she end up being a tank? But she is also a very good customer of mine, who bought ¡ºCounter Shield ¨C ¡¾Returns magic or impact once the damage reaches a certain threshold¡¿DeF 20% Up¡» and ¡ºArmored Plate ¨C DeF Enhancement (Great), Magic Resistance (Intermediate), Auto Heal¡», a good shield girl. Yes, a regular high bid winner.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey? Don¡¯t golems break when you drop them? No? In my experience, they usually break and die upon the fall? Mostly?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You must be the only person in the whole world making holes in dungeons! Ordinary people can¡¯t do that and they normally don¡¯t even try! Also, this dungeon is still alive, so you wouldn¡¯t be able to make a hole here.¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, looks like it can¡¯t be done in a functioning dungeon. Until now I had an easy time because I first killed a dungeon, but it looks like a dungeon can¡¯t be damaged without killing its dungeon master first. I was able to remodel the great dungeon but probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to open a hole. Would it have angered the dungeon emperor if I tried? Well, she is getting angry at me every morning though.?

    ?

    For starters, we went to the 10th floor, and it was really golems. ¡ºStone Golem Lv 10¡», which we whacked all together. But they aren¡¯t breaking. Oh, here comes the Great Sage from the backline, Vice President B-san, and hitting it! Hitting it! Hitting it! Hitting it! Continues hitting it!?

    ?

    Somehow, this doesn¡¯t look very smart, despite her being Great Sage? What about the magic? And they are shaking with every hit! Shaking! Shaking! Shaking! Shaking freely as they please swaying left and right! Is this great size somehow linked to her being Great Sage? ¡­Ah, no, I¡¯m not looking at anything? No, no, I saw nothing! The enemy is the golem-san over there! I¡¯m an ally? Is this ¡ºThe ally of my ally is my enemy¡»? They are glaring at me so hard¡­ Even though I came to help??

    ?

    The staff that Vice President B-san is wielding is a long one, with a large mass of metal on one of the ends. That¡¯s quite an unusual shape. It¡¯s my first time seeing one like this. Though I often see hammers of this shape? But she is proudly claiming that it is a staff. Ah, but the clothes are struggling so hard, that size¡­¡­¡¸Cough, cough¡¹, so it¡¯s a staff, it would seem. She is using it for striking, but it¡¯s a staff. Well, I¡¯m using my staff for cutting, so it¡¯s fine. For now, let¡¯s move onwards since it is getting scary. I mean, there is no way golems can scare me? They are nothing compared to that bloodthirst I feel behind me? Seriously.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] The Hokuto Hyakuretsu-ken (±±¶·°ÙÁÑÈ­, translated as Hundred Cracking Fist of the North Star) is a fictional martial arts technique used by Kenshiro, the main protagonist from the Japanese manga series ¡°Fist of the North Star¡±, which consists of numerous rapid punches that result in the illusion of several arms appearing at the same time. It is also known by Kenshiro¡¯s trademark battle cry ¡°AH-TATATATATA!¡±.

 CH 119

    Day 45 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon, 10F?

    ?

    ¡¸Stone Golem¡¹, a large moving statue made out of hard stones. A monstrously strong giant, which, being a golem, has no real life, and thus doesn¡¯t fear or falter and keeps attacking with the indifference of a machine. A sturdy lifeless slaughter engine that just keeps attacking.?

    ?

    In one second, I use Magic Wrapping to clad Teleportation, and in the next instant I stab ¡¸Stone Golem¡¹, the next moment it cracked and shattered. As sturdy as it may be, it is still just a stone, a mere moment is enough.?

    ?

    By applying Vibration Magic that I was Holding.?

    ?

    Poking a golem of the 10th floor with the staff I destroy it with ultra-high-speed vibrations. In an instant the staff goes through the golem like a rock drill, breaking and smashing it to pieces.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Wow! What kind of magic was that?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Board members, who were struggling against the golems, are keenly interested. Well, golems must be annoying opponents for sword users.?

    ?

    But with Vibration Magic it might be possible to use something like ¡ºVibration Sword¡». Not sure if a sword will be able to take it, but it should be possible to saw through enemies like with a chainsaw of sorts. It should be a valid technique in absence of skills that deal blunt damage. Teaching it to them should expand their tactics.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yea, there are no enemies that can withstand the power of ¡ºVibration Magic¡», that I kept developing in my daily spars with Armored Pres-san. I even defeated Armored Pres-san with it. In a non-combat situation. Every night.¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, I¡¯m battling with this magic every night. Doing my best day after day. Though if I overuse it she tends to get really angry the next day. I developed a very powerful vibrating weapon. No physical damage was done, but it might¡¯ve caused a bit of a mind break. Because it is so powerful.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­Aaah, vibrations¡­ A magic with vibration function¡­ And you fought with it¡­ With Angelica-san? With vibrations? And defeated her¡­ A dungeon emperor¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Hey, didn¡¯t I just use it?¡¸Stone Golem¡¹went down with one attack? It¡¯s useful. There was both meaning and significance to developing it. Not only for its anti-golem applications but many other reasons as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸You¡¯ll be able to beat golems if you learn it? It¡¯s handy? In more ways than one? Seriously.¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, the girls are staring at the ground with red faces? No, it¡¯s really handy? It can even remove stains easily? It was very useful for cleaning, washing, and polishing. I think it can also help with stiff shoulders? Actually, making a mayonnaise would¡¯ve been a real pain if I didn¡¯t train in this magic. No way I could whip it without ¡ºVibration Magic¡». It¡¯s really convenient, why does no one try to learn it? And that¡¯s after I revealed my hidden card? And everyone¡¯s faces are bright red??

    ?

    After that, I got beaten up by Armored Pres-san and we continued on our way.?

    ?

    Apparently, they were embarrassed? Of mayonnaise making? Is mayonnaise something embarrassing in this world? Does it have to be eaten in secret? Even though it is so tasty? It¡¯s handmade, so it¡¯s super delicious? With a steady supply of eggs, one can have it any time? As long as one has ¡ºVibration Magic¡»? Maybe it being so tasty is embarrassing? In a mayo kind of way??

    ?

    And so, after defeating the golems of 10F we proceed to 11F. After all, Armored Pres-san cuts through them even without¡ºVibration Magic¡», of course, she can¡¯t trade blows, but she easily cuts them down as if passing through them. Actually, the President and Armored Pres-san have similar forms, well, both of them have wonderful forms, with amazing body lines,¡¸Cough, Cough¡¹, no, I mean they have similar combat forms? I mean, approach to combat? Their battle styles. No? Honestly? I was honestly thinking about combat? And that slash would¡¯ve killed me if not for¡ºTeleportation¡», you know? It¡¯s dangerous? For me.?

    ?

    Mmmmgh, yes, the President and Armored President¡¯s battle styles are similar. All-rounder close-combat types, that use two-handed swords as well as dual one-handed swords in their swordsmanship while relying on armor for defense, but also capable of using magic, favoring speed and technique over power. Even their preference for sidestepping and evading attacks instead of fencing is similar. A wonderful form. No, I meant battle style. Really.?

    ?

    The president¡¯s stats are overwhelmingly higher. With the level over 90, her SpE is close to 4 digits, even her worst stat, ViT, is over 700, so she can afford to trade blows head-on. On the other hand, Armored Pres just barely went over Lv20, so her abilities are only a third of a fourth of the President¡¯s, so she can¡¯t take hits, she must always evade or parry the incoming blows. Perhaps due to the sort of reincarnation she had, but her level-up speed is quite slow, even so, she promptly overtook me¡­ Are my stats even trying? For real??

    ?

    So the President keeps earnestly observing the swordsmanship of the Dungeon Emperor. Although, a former.?

    ?

    Intently, burning with the desire to learn, steal, obtain those moves and techniques.?

    ?

    Observing as to learn where the difference is between them, steal what she lacks, obtain at least a portion of that strength.?

    ?

    The strength to protect her allies, fend off the death threatening them, bent on gaining that strength no matter how many times she is knocked down.?

    ?

    I¡¯m getting ignored though? Looks like no one needs my techniques? Well, that¡¯s to be expected, even I¡¯d prefer to have Armored Pres-san¡¯s moves?

    I mean, I tried a lot of stuff, but ever since I came to this world I¡¯m stuck to charging and bashing, swift assaults. That¡¯s all I can do, I have no other moves. Clubbing from behind, bashing from overhead, mowing in a sweep, all of that is jumping in and taking a swing, basically the same thing. In fact, I can¡¯t do anything else. That¡¯s why I kill before an enemy has a chance to do anything. Kill before an enemy has a chance to take a stance, kill before they take a swing, kill before they cut me, kill before I get noticed. After all, I have no power to defend, that¡¯s why I have to kill. Since I can¡¯t protect anyone, I simply kill enemies. I¡¯d be instantly killed if I were a tank. With my stats, I¡¯d be dead even before I get knocked away.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why there is no point for anyone to learn my techniques. And while Armored Pres-san keeps showing one skill after another seemingly non-stop, entrancing with what could be called an ultimate skill, she also cannot protect. The same as me.?

    ?

    Learning from her is fine, but one shouldn¡¯t become like that. But that¡¯s also what makes the swordsmanship of the Dungeon Emperor so fleeting and beautiful. A sword dance akin to a mirage. No need to think why my techniques appear ugly despite also being just as fleeting. Really, let¡¯s not go there.?

    ?

    And the one heroes should learn from is Shield Girl. Time after time she is getting knocked away, as she is always trying to protect someone from enemy attacks. While she has plenty HP and ViT, she also possesses high SpE and DeX, allowing her to swiftly put herself between allies and the enemy, intercepting incoming attacks. That is the strength required to trade blows. Though she is sent flying all of the time.?

    ?

    They shouldn¡¯t become like Angelica-san, who despite being so strong, beautiful, and kind, was seized by darkness and became a dungeon emperor, or me, who being unable to do anything aside from killing, became a murderer, killing even my own classmate. Since we can¡¯t protect, since we cannot defend anything, since all we can do is to kill, our techniques are all about killing. We don¡¯t have the strength it takes to become heroes. They shouldn¡¯t turn out like this.?

    ?

    And that¡¯s why I think they should learn ¡ºVibration Magic¡». It¡¯s really handy!?

    ?

    Yeah, today it¡¯s probably going to end with Armored Pres-san going on an unstoppable rampage. I¡¯m very familiar with this scenario. She seems to be trying to teach them her skills, but she understands what is possible and what is not, and she is also well aware of the fragility of her style, and that¡¯s why she is showing as if she is relying on her armor, taking hits on purpose. That, however, makes her swordsmanship less effective. As I thought, I must teach the girls ¡ºVibration Magic¡», and if possible, today.

    What is actually important in this world is the ability to trade blows. After all, even Weapon Skills are designed that way. To trade hits, exchange blows, crush each other. Our approach is the unconventional one.?

    ?

    It also seems that someone is having fun smashing golems with a hammer, but I¡¯m probably just seeing things. That is Great Sage, and she is armed with a staff. The boing boing must be my imagination as well. It¡¯s distracting, but it is surely just my imagination. I¡¯ll probably be killed if I look. It¡¯s a trap!?

    ?

    At this pace, we most likely won¡¯t make it to the 20th floor today, and it will hardly be practice for the President or Vice-Presidents. Only Shield Girl is working hard. She thoroughly had parrying and distance closing techniques drilled into her. Before a golem would finish its swing she steps in, turns aside the attack, and breaks the stance and keeps delivering blows. Yeah, today Shield Girl¡¯s movements are completely different. And these are the fighting techniques that they actually need to learn. After all, they are fortunate enough to have Cheats.?

    ?

    It¡¯s decided. When we get back the girls are having¡ºVibration Magic¡»training. And at night, I¡¯m going to train in¡ºVibration Magic¡», vibrate all the way until the dawn.

 CH 120

    Day 45 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls Gathering?

    ?

    It was a crash course. Special training to acquire ¡ºVibration Magic¡»required for a new technique, Vibration Sword, capable of defeating sturdy monsters.?

    ?

    Just when we thought that ¡ºVibration Magic¡»is going to be sexual harassment¡­ The training contents were all about whipping mayonnaise??

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, yes, it¡¯s important to keep this image of how it slowly spreads and then starts trembling. With modern knowledge, the visualization should be easy. Well, just keep it shaking? If you manage to do it, then go ahead and eat?¡¹?

    ?

    Being told so, everyone is desperately trying to master the skill. I mean, there are croquettes and mushroom salad right in front of us, waiting for someone to put mayonnaise on them!?

    ?

    ¡¸I applied too much magic power and the spatula broke!¡¹¡¸Vibrations, huh¡­¡­ No, I get it, but¡­?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸But it¡¯s our first time making mayo!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They desperately vibrate wooden spatulas through magic power. Visualizing magic power, they stir with vibrations. Trying to sneakily beat it by hand will result in confiscation of croquettes, so everyone is earnestly doing their best. The temptation of sizzling hot croquettes is forcing everyone to work very diligently!?

    ?

    And as we were struggling¡­ Haruka-kun used¡ºVibration Magic¡»with each girl, meaning it as an example¡­ Then, the wooden spatula in their hands would begin shaking, trembling with vibrations.?

    ?

    And those vibrations cause the girls to have a flashback of what Angelica-san told us in the bath¡­¡­ She passionately spoke of the dreadful effects of¡ºVibration Magic¡»and repeatedly went into vivid and graphic details of how threatening those vibrations are for the girls. It brings back the sight of her wet eyes, as she was narrating that! Oh, how she spoke, half crying, shuddering, as she recalled what happened, trembling as she talked¡­ Yeah, and that talk was filled with plenty of words that should be omitted.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s vibrating?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸No, it is Vibration Magic that makes it vibrate¡­¡­ Probably, otherwise, it¡¯s just a normal wooden spatula?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s stirring it into a mess!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸What, no, it¡¯s stirring it into mayonnaise, or it will remain an egg yolk and oil!?¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s why all of the girls turned red, probably, myself included. Haruka-kun must be the only person capable of turning mayonnaise whipping into sexual harassment.?

    ?

    ¡¸Woow~¡­¡­ I can feel terrific~ vibrations going¡¸Nmmh¡«¡«!¡¹through my body~?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yes, please stop with such comments!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Here and there, the girls that already managed to learn ¡ºVibration Magic¡»were staring with a blush at the wooden spatula that was shaking and vibrating before them. Why do I feel that some parts of this scene are about to get a mosaic? Hmm, aren¡¯t we working on mayonnaise? Why is everyone breathing so heavily??

    ?

    ¡¸Vibrations, huh¡­ So you make it vibrate and then thrust!¡¹¡¸Sta-stabbed¡­¡­ With those vibrations¡­¡­¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸No, we are talking about cooking, right? There is no room for stabbing anyone with a Vibration Sword during mayonnaise production, okay? If mayo fights back it¡¯s probably not a mayonnaise? I never heard of such an accident in a kitchen?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone is whipping mayonnaise while panting and blushing with cloudy eyes. Stirring the substance into a squish, they are intently looking at it with red faces¡­¡­ Just what is this scene??

    ?

    ¡¸Whoa, it¡¯s mixing, it¡¯s blending, it¡¯s stirring up?!¡¹¡¸Yeah, it¡¯s spreading in circles and stirring.¡¹¡¸It¡¯s mayonnaise, so let¡¯s whip it, okay? There is nothing wrong with stirring it, or rather, unless we stir it, it won¡¯t even be a mayonnaise?¡¹¡¸Uuugh, it¡¯s such a wet and sloshy mess!¡¹¡¸Yeah, you probably added too much oil, please don¡¯t make things sound so indecent!!¡¹?

    ?

    Adding to the spinning mayonnaise, my head also was spinning with what Angelica-san told us. Yes, I might throw away these wild thoughts out of my head and focus on the croquettes, but I can¡¯t get those vibrations out of my mind¡­ I mean, these vibrations that I feel¡­ They are clearly risky! In a lot of ways, they are filled with danger¡­ In other words, he used these vibrations on Angelica-san to do this, and that¡­¡­(Entered a flashback)?

    ?

    Phew. And after a lengthy struggle, many obstacles, and breakthroughs, everyone finally finished their mayonnaise and got to eating.?

    ?

    Becoming jubilant upon putting mayonnaise on croquettes and mushroom salad. We shared some of it with the poster girl and the overwhelming deliciousness caused her to express her excitement through a mysterious dance¡­ Flap flap??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Soo good! Was mayonnaise this tasty?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Rich and yet smooth natural taste?¡¹¡¸Yeah, it¡¯s super delicious!¡¹¡¸T-T-T-T-That¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹¡¸N-N-N-Noway?!¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸KYAAAAaaAaa!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸T-Too close! Or rather, it¡¯s too cramped! It¡¯s hitting me! Stop pressing me!!¡¹?

    ?

    A madness descended with the arrival of okonomiyaki! He was researching it all this time, it seems he couldn¡¯t get the sauce right, but then the general store lady found a sauce from salted pickles. Not too strong, not too weak, simply a sauce taken from salted vegetables. Even so, this light brown liquid has a taste similar to a proper sauce![1]?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Delicious©`©`(tears)¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Nostalgic©`©`(loud crying)¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun complained that he couldn¡¯t find katsuobushi or aonori, but it tastes great. Everyone is crying from how tasty it is¡­ It might be somewhat lacking compared to okonomiyaki everyone had on the way back from school, yet it certainly is delicious, no matter what anyone would say. [2][3]?

    ?

    After all¡­ We still barely can get any eggs or sauce, and yet Haruka-kun was looking around all this time, searching for them for everyones¡¯ sake. Of course, it will be delicious! Everyone¡¯s tears are the best proof of that.?

    ?

    The girls are stuffing their cheeks while sobbing. Even the boys, who were slacking on making the mayonnaise, are gulping down okonomiyaki, while whipping mayonnaise in a hurry¡­ also in tears. The taste that they thought they¡¯d never experience again must¡¯ve made them nostalgic.?

    ?

    While everyone gave up, since it seemed like the most reasonable thing to do, Haruka-kun did not, and searched, and what he couldn¡¯t find, he researched, and then treated us to it like it was nothing. That¡¯s why everyone cannot stop tears of happiness.?

    ?

    Thank you.?

    ?

    Finally calming down, we gathered in the backyard to practice Vibration Sword before going to bed.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wooow~. These vibrations are crazy, I might get addicted to this. The trembling spreading through the body is crazy by itself?! T-this night, might get wild?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This trembling, these vibrations? They are coming? They? Are coming? Eeh, or I am? Which is it?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s trembling really hard! This is no good!! Or rather, I¡¯m going to become no good?!¡¹?

    ?

    Eeehm¡­¡­This is training for Vibration Sword, right? Everyone is holding their weapons, everything should be alright, yet the talk doesn¡¯t sound alright at all??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaaah! This is bad!!!¡¹¡¸Yeah, this is criminal! What is this black thick vibrating monster!!!¡¹¡¸This is over the line for me! I¡¯ll die! I can¡¯t! Nononono!!!¡¹?

    ?

    And why are swordmasters making clubs vibrate?! And what was that about black and thick!!? And why would you die from that? Isn¡¯t this training to kill a golem? Hmm, everyone seems to be possessed by a weird mood. This is that! The bad one! Clubs are banned from now on!!!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm~? It is vibrating, but it is too weak for Vibration Sword?¡¹¡¸This is more like¡­ Soft Vibration Sword?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Sounds like it might be good for health?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Instant destruction would be impossible. Maybe it could cut slowly? Like¡­ bit by bit?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸This is too scary! Slowly cutting bit by bit? What kind of horror is that!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Even if we try seriously, it¡¯s quite difficult. Not sure if the reason is a lack of power or mastery of magic control, but it doesn¡¯t reach the level of destructive tremors as Haruka-kun showed. Hmm, just what could he be using such strong vibrations for¡­ No way! Is he using them for¡­?!?

    ?

    Practice, and then practice again. Tomorrow is real combat practice, so I¡¯d like us to get a good grasp of it tonight. Destroying the enemy in one attack might be impossible, but it¡¯s all good if we can do it in a series of attacks, so for now, practice.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah~, there you are~. What are you doing in such a place~? Training~? Aaah~, for¡ºVibration Magic¡»? ¡ºVibration Magic¡»felt soo¡« good, I almost lost myself there~?¡¹?

    ?

    I was wondering where Vice President B-san could be, and she suddenly appeared looking listless, but very content? Felt good? Just what did she do with¡ºVibration Magic¡»? Eh? Did she do it??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸What did you do with¡ºVibration Magic¡»?! What do you mean ¡ºit felt good¡»!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I thought that Vibration Sword training is unnecessary for Vice B-san, who smashes enemies with what she claims is a staff, which looks like nothing but a hammer¡­ But was she doing a different kind of training?! Did she use it for?!! Ehm¡­ Was she actually a lewd girl? Well, I did somewhat suspect it though¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeh¡«? I had Haruka-kun do me with¡ºVibration Magic¡», brrrr the whole body, it was amazing~. I feel like I¡¯m about to melt. It was really great~. Nm, everyone should try it as well~, he is really good, and he also looked really cute, blushing all over¡«?¡¹?

    ?

    And when we went to talk with him, I found him playing with the boys in the dining hall, or rather, bullying Oda-kun and others? And ¡ºpraising¡» Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group as kings of idiots? Just what is he doing? Anyway, we captured, surrounded, and then pressed him to confess just when and what he did!?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I mean, Vice B-san was saying¡ºMy shoulders get really stiff¡«, Unlike Vice A-san¡«¡», so I taught her¡ºVibration Magic¡»for massage purposes, but then she said that it¡¯s hard to do it herself, and asked me¡­¡­ So I vibrated? Make them shake? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    It was just a massage, it seems. But it also seems it was a full-body massage. He vibrated, and made them shake, it seems. Guilty. Guilty without a doubt. Felt soo~ good? Definitely guilty. Even if we forgive him, Vice President A-san won¡¯t. So the sermon is inevitable. Though it seems that the reason for her anger seems a bit different??

    ?

    ¡¸Full body? I only did as she asked,¡ºHere please¡»or¡ºLower¡»or¡ºHarder¡«¡»or¡ºAah¡«nMm, ah¡«mmm?¡»or¡ºAah¡«Nnh, there¡«???¡»? Yeah, I did nothing wrong? It was those idiots who were overjoyed, saying that she sounded lewd? And the ones who were drooling over the expressions she made were the geeks? I didn¡¯t do anything? And it¡¯s also not my fault that they shook with the vibrations? See? I did nothing wrong?¡¹?

    ?

    They were all accomplices. Everyone is guilty. Just like in some kind of a twisted Orient Express, every single one of them was guilty. Commence the sermon. Although one of them refuses to accept his guilt, just like always, but no matter how you look at it, ¡ºAah¡«nMm, ah¡«mmm?¡»is guilty. And just what he was doing for ¡ºAah¡«Nnh, there¡«???¡»?! Eh! Shoulder blades? That¡¯s, uhh¡­ well, a sermon anyway??

    ?

    Day 45 ¨C Over.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Okonomiyaki is a popular pan-fried dish that consists of batter and cabbage. Selected toppings and ingredients are added which can vary greatly (anything from meat and seafood to wasabi and cheese). This variability is reflected in the dish¡¯s name; ¡°okonomi¡± literally means ¡°to one¡¯s liking¡±.

    [2] Katsuobushi (Japanese: öž¹) is simmered, smoked and fermented skipjack tuna It is also known as bonito flakes.

    [3] Green laver, known as aonori (¥¢¥ª¥Î¥ê; Çàº£Ì¦) in Japan, sea cabbage (º£°×²Ë) in China, and parae (??) in Korean, is a type of edible green seaweed.

 CH 121

    Day 45 ¨C Nighttime, Mansion Omui¡¯s lord.?

    ?

    Finishing a meeting with the envoy from the capital I rush to the mansion and give out orders to the subordinates.?

    ?

    ¡¸So the news finally reached the capital.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It was only a matter of time, but it was surprisingly quick.¡¹?

    ?

    I already notified the capital about the investigation into the death of the great dungeon, but I kept the precise details a secret, reasoning that the investigation was still in process. But the death of the great dungeon finally became public knowledge.?

    ?

    And the only thing they do is make demands, ¡ºPresent equipment of the dungeon master of the great labyrinth¡», or¡ºThe Magic stone of the dungeon master belongs to the royal family¡», or ¡ºHand over the person that defeated the dungeon master to become the retainer of the royal family¡»?

    ?

    Since it finally got to my head, I bluntly told them ¡ºIf you wanted it, then why did you not subjugate the dungeon yourself? Why have you not done so?¡», and left, but they surely won¡¯t stop from just that.?

    ?

    But I can¡¯t afford any inconvenience to befall the benefactor of our family and the savior of our land. Repaying the favor with ingratitude is something I absolutely cannot do. I stake my pride that I will definitely protect him even if it will put my life at risk.?

    ?

    Yesterday, I heard the story of the Shimomui Village Miracle. Just like it was stated in the report from the guild master, this time, a village was saved. Apparently, every villager was crying, being so full of gratitude, they had to tell the story in tears.?

    ?

    And then, there is the matter with the small general store of this town. Its manager, a former adventurer, had to venture out to fight monsters to keep the supply, distributing goods to the poor at a small price, making only a meager profit. That was a small store, which supported the town that couldn¡¯t be fully supplied by peddlers and traveling merchants alone.?

    ?

    There is no telling just how much the town was saved by that. Many times I offered my support, yet every time they refused, and kept risking their life to procure the goods for the sake of the townsfolk, keeping this town a town. Everyone is grateful to that store. And that general store now grew bigger, raising almost to the status of its symbol. With the citizens being greatly moved and delighted by the great assortment and previously unseen abundance of goods.?

    ?

    A symbol of the town¡¯s prosperity. That mountain of merchandise, shiny ornaments, plentiful food and flavorings, that is the symbol of prosperous livelihood. That¡¯s why the people flocked to it, moved to tears by the mere sight of it. Finally, the people of the frontier were allowed to dream. Everyone finally began dreaming of a happy life.?

    ?

    There is no way that a store, that even now sells food and medicine to those in need with little regard to money, can reap enough excess profits to grow that big. However, that giant building that now became the town¡¯s symbol is a declaration of the rebirth of the town.?

    ?

    And I know even without asking anyone. It¡¯s so obvious that there is no need for that. That symbol was also created by that boy. Rather, I¡¯d be surprised if there was anyone else besides him capable of such a feat!?

    ?

    In fact, just what did the royal family do for this town? What right did the nobles from the capital have to make demands? No matter how much fuss they make, I have no reason to give anything to the royal family or nobles from the capital, who sent only a trivial amount of money, and even that, they were always was hesitant to give, decreasing the sum year after year, skimped on reinforcements, and didn¡¯t ever set a foot inside the Great Dungeon. Not even to mention that it belongs not to me, but the boy who subdued the dungeon all alone. No one else has any rights on that.?

    ?

    In the first place, that boy doesn¡¯t even belong to this country. He is not a subject of this kingdom.?

    ?

    He received no help or rescue from the country.?

    ?

    Quite the contrary, by all rights, the kingdom, and all neighboring countries of this continent are indebted to him. That is the only way to look at it.?

    ?

    No one could beat the Great Dungeon. He subjugated the Great Dungeon, while no one could reach even the middle part of it before. He saved them. If this is not a debt, then what would that be??

    ?

    Were the Great Dungeon to overflow, not only this kingdom but the whole continent would¡¯ve been swallowed by it. Why can¡¯t they see that they were saved from such a cruel fate??

    ?

    Instead of being endlessly thankful to their benefactor, they even want to rob him of what rightfully belongs to him, there is a limit to how insolent, how shameless one can be.?

    ?

    How dare they demand their benefactor to hand over the treasures? They should lower their heads in gratitude and make offerings to him, not speak down to him while trying to rob him like lowly thieves!?

    ?

    ¡¸You absolutely must not let anyone know about the boy or his comrades. Bothering our benefactor will not be allowed, everything else doesn¡¯t matter.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aye!¡¹?

    ?

    Shameless inept and greedy bastards. Trash, that can¡¯t think of anything but plunder, without doing anything themselves. The lowly royal family which has nothing but royal authority to them. The spineless nobles of the central region are nothing but rabble even if they form a bunch. I won¡¯t allow them to interfere even if I have to mow them down.?

    ?

    ¡¸Make the military preparations. We will protect the frontier. Be it monsters, or fools blinded by their greed, I will allow no one to trouble our benefactor.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We already made the necessary arrangements.¡¹?

    ?

    Even if they pressure us with military power, the frontier is not soft enough to let the royal troops or forces of nobles, who fought no monsters and neglected dungeons of the realm, having nothing but gaudiness to them, to do as they please.?

    ?

    Equipment of our forces is subpar, even the supply of medicine could hardly be called sufficient, as expected of troops of a poor domain, but they are elites, who fought day and night with monsters of the Great Forest and were continuously culling monsters in the Great Dungeon. And now, while still somewhat lacking, they had new gear arranged, weapons enhanced, and medicine and potions stocked. A mere 10 or 50 to 1 difference in numbers will not be enough to make them falter.?

    ?

    And all that was also given by that boy. If we don¡¯t fight here, then what¡¯s the point of having all that gear, where are those this sword is supposed to protect, and what¡¯s the point of having such a lord??

    ?

    Unable to protect the safety of the subjects, unable to lift them out of poverty, it would be only fair to call such a lord incompetent.?

    ?

    But I would let no one call me a coward who couldn¡¯t even protect the boy that brought my subjects wealth and removed the dangers threatening them. That alone I will not allow.?

    ?

    ¡¸Most likely, we won¡¯t get to have negotiations. Put more people on the lookout. Don¡¯t allow dogs of the nobles to approach the boy or his comrades.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I already posted highly capable individuals at the gates.¡¹?

    ?

    I will stand firm against authority.?

    ?

    If they come in force, I will accept the challenge.?

    ?

    The real danger is spies.?

    ?

    To be honest, I¡¯d like to see a spy capable of harming that boy. If such an agent exists, they should be busy fighting in dungeons instead of doing whatever this is. Well, there is no such person though.?

    ?

    On the contrary, the boy probably needs no protection and will be able to defeat the king¡¯s army on his own.?

    ?

    Compared to the stampede led by an orc king, a royal army would prove disappointing.?

    ?

    Doesn¡¯t the kingdom realize just how dreadful the boy capable of beating the great dungeon on his own is??

    ?

    And in the first place, if they had the power to handle that boy, they surely would¡¯ve been able to deal with the Great Dungeon.?

    ?

    How do they imagine an army incapable of defeating a dungeon master will be able to defeat the one who defeated the dungeon emperor??

    ?

    Such utter incompetence.?

    ?

    Such boundless stupidity, that I even pity them.?

    ?

    Just what makes them believe it is a good idea to meddle with the boy who possesses more power than the kingdom itself??

    ?

    What can possibly make them realize that they are the ones who will meet their destruction??

    ?

    I cannot even fathom what makes them think that they can give orders to someone who wields a power greater than that of the kingdom.?

    ?

    Maybe they willingly seek their own downfall??

    ?

    If so, then it all makes sense.?

    ?

    Surely it won¡¯t take long to have that desire granted.?

    ?

    They will perish before they even realize it.?

    ?

    Just like it happened to the Great Forest of Demons.?

    ?

    Or even the Great Dungeon.?

    ?

    The annihilation was complete by the time anyone noticed it.?

    ?

    Were that to happen, he might not even notice.?

    ?

    After all, he doesn¡¯t even remember what the kingdom is called anyway.?

    ?

    And he couldn¡¯t care less about the name of the King.?

    ?

    And so even the name of the nameless King of the nameless kingdom will perish without getting known by anyone.

 CH 122

    Day 46 ¨C Morning, Cavern, 19F?

    ?

    The tip of the staff, focusing my power, speed, mana, magic, and skills on that one point, concentrate them and thrust.?

    ?

    Pierce through, putting all the accelerated body weight behind it.?

    ?

    Shatter to pieces. The golem turns into splinters, fragments, and stones.?

    ?

    Yeah, I have no problems with blunt attacks, so there is no reason to fixate on cutting??

    ?

    I can manage just fine even without using Vibration Sword. I only did what I did to teach it to the president and others.?

    ?

    Since my ¡ºWooden Staff?¡»had Divine Sword fused with it, I can cut with it even without using Vibration Sword.?

    ?

    And I get enough¡ºVibration Magic¡»practice at night. I was once again scolded for it this morning.?

    ?

    I¡¯m also pretty used to both thrusting and hitting. I mean, it¡¯s a wooden stick, so poking with it is more natural than cutting? And since I have it wrapped in¡ºGravity¡»the destructive power is top-notch.?

    ?

    The president and the others, who are currently struggling, fighting with Vibration Sword, are looking at me with flat gazes, but this is normal you know? And fighting with a flat gaze is dangerous??

    ?

    I can break the golems whether I thrust or strike them. It¡¯s a staff after all. I¡¯m yet to receive a formal complaint from the Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± branch of this world, so it¡¯s okay? Probably? For now.?

    ?

    But the girls have to train in Vibration Sword. It¡¯s essential for swordsman-type jobs. They were practicing yesterday, weren¡¯t they? I saw them in the backyard. Though I couldn¡¯t approach because the mood seemed very weird. Just what was that??

    ?

    ¡¸No, even if you look at me like that? I mean I¡¯m not a swordsman, kay? I don¡¯t even have a job? I can just whack them? Isn¡¯t that what I was doing since the time in the cave?¡¹?

    ?

    And also¡­ Just look at your Great Sage, isn¡¯t she doing the same? And yesterday, I got scolded because of that Great Sage. Even though I did nothing wrong? What can I do if they shake? She was swinging just some moments ago? She was swinging around her staff and that jiggling stuff. Because of¡ºRajingan¡»I can stare at her even if I turn the other way, so you can¡¯t blame me for this. For real. I¡¯m being completely serious. She was swinging them around!!?

    ?

    Swinging¡ºWooden Staff?¡»I smash the incoming giant stone first with it, then, swinging the staff the other way, slash through the golem, cutting my way through the group of them.?

    ?

    Avoiding enemies with each step as if swaying. Cutting between stone giants I advance, smashing them to pieces, pushing away, and parrying the hands trying to hinder me with my left arm. Well? I have to use ¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction ¨C [Left]¡»somewhere? There are no opportunities for ¡ºNegation of Physical/Magic Attacks on Contact¡» to shine? I didn¡¯t get to go ¡ºKuh!¡»even once??

    ?

    The golems began swarming, so I put my hand to the ground and sent magic power and vibration there. Scattering waves of magic power like ripples in my surroundings I demolish the enemies through vibrations.?

    ?

    ¡ºVibration Magic¡»?

    ?

    I press forward while dodging splinters from ¡ºStone Golems¡»that all came crumbling at once.?

    ?

    A mountain of stones from the enemy remains is growing around me.?

    ?

    That¡¯s how it¡¯d be for Lv 19, no different from stoneworking. I can just break, drill, smash, and move on. No different from stonework at all. And I¡¯m kinda good at it.?

    ?

    Now, the 20th floor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, hey, Haruka-kun, are you in a hurry? You are going pretty fast? Is something up? ¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I appeared to be in a hurry because I annihilated all of the enemies while the president and the others were dealing with one opponent at a time. See? This isn¡¯t normal. Armored Pres-san? She doesn¡¯t seem to care at all though. Massacaring enemies in the usual fashion, she has no intentions to listen.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m in a hurry? I just have to defeat them as fast as possible or they will be annihilated? Monsters tend to go extinct if you don¡¯t defeat them fast enough. In the previous dungeon all I did was go up and down the stairs, you know? The Armor of Avarice-san hogged everything to herself, going on a monopolistic solo carnage. For real.¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, today Armored Pres-san doesn¡¯t have to coach anyone, so she is free to do as she pleases. Left to run free, she is currently on a rampage, completely neglecting the master? Finders ¨C killers, the enemies are just trampled down on sight, and unless I do something, I will progressively become more and more of a minor side character. Lately, I only get to shine late at night. As hard as I try, only at night.?

    ?

    From the 20th floor, the enemies changed to ¡ºIron Golem Lv20¡». Looks like they evolved from stone to iron. Speaking of evolution, it seems Bitch Leader is yet to evolve into Bitch Queen. She was really angry when I asked her about it.?

    ?

    ¡ºIron Golem¡»-san, is giving a lot of trouble. Unlike stone, iron can¡¯t be easily cut with a Vibration Sword, so it¡¯s much harder to deal with.?

    ?

    Speeding up through¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»and closing the distance I then use¡ºRajingan¡»to locate the core and pierce it in a single stroke. (With a stick though) It¡¯s a fantasy world of magic and stuff, and I¡¯m still walking around with a wooden stick. Although I even fused it with a divine sword, it¡¯s still a stick, the visuals didn¡¯t change at all.?

    ?

    Immediately continuing into a slash (with a stick though) I strike at the core of the ¡ºIron Golem¡»that was about to attack me from behind, destroying it through a shockwave.?

    ?

    I¡¯m trying my best to show off, but no one is paying attention? Everyone is busy. Well¡­ Fine then¡­?

    ?

    Destroying all of the surrounding iron fellows I take a look at the presidents, and it seems that the tiny Vice President C-san is struggling the most. Meticulously dodging and avoiding she is slashing at the enemy as she pleases, but none of her attacks have any effect. She is too small for that. No different from a small animal, that¡¯s why her attacks have no effect. I mean, the big B-san is crushing them, must be because they are big and jiggly, they are so big that she might as well crush enemies with them? Oops, Armored Pres-san is glaring this way with Flat Gaze while holding up her sword. Looks like she came back without me noticing, let¡¯s escape, ¡ºTeleportation¡»!?

    ?

    I got scolded.?

    ?

    The main shtick of the shrimp is sneak attacks on vitals while the enemy is confused or distracted, so she¡¯d have a hard time dealing with a tough opponent one on one. Her forte is group battles. Being an assassin or ninja type she is ill-suited for duels.?

    ?

    Her weapon is also not of much use here. Her daggers lack both length and destructive power to land a decisive blow. Although with her high DeX her combat style is also skillful, so she might be able to handle any weapon.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, get here, small one? Try these? At this size, even a small animal can handle it, and since it¡¯s throwable, you will be able to freely choose the distance? In your small way? I mean War Puppets also were pretty small? ¡¹?

    ?

    I fetched two franciscas that I thought I¡¯d use but didn¡¯t get a chance to do that at all from the item bag, and handed them to her. War Puppets were swinging them around, so she should be able to fight with them even with her small size.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m not small! I¡¯m petite! I¡¯m still growing! I¡¯m going to grow really fast from now on! I¡¯ll be a BIG animal! Eh?! Yaaay! You¡¯re giving those to me?!¡¹?

    ?

    She began objecting, but as soon as weapons appeared she grabbed them and ran away. Just like a small animal. She is turning feral. Should I release her back into the wild? Along with the bitches??

    ?

    If this doesn¡¯t work then I might also try giving her a falchion. If I were to show her both weapons she¡¯d just grab all of them and run away, so I started with the franciscas. The axes that are used as a throwable weapon, don¡¯t have much reach, but a swing from them packs more punch, and they also can be used for woodcutting. A very fitting weapon for a small animal from the woods.?

    ?

    Immediately taking the axes in both hands she began spinning them, charging into the enemies. Just like a spinning top. A small spinning top.?

    ?

    Enemies hit by that attack are smashed and broken into pieces. Yeah, looks like she¡¯ll be fine. Her movements also seem good and she probably has some kind of spinning attack, like¡ºRolling Shrimp Attack¡»or something.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yaaay, yaaay, I got weapons~! Axes, it¡¯s axes! Now I can do axel as well! Axel! Like an adult woman! An adult axel!¡¹?

    ?

    Overjoyed she is showing off to everyone. No intentions to pay for that at all. She is running around, shouting that she had them given to her for free. I only said ¡ºTry these?¡»but looks like I won¡¯t be getting them back. As expected of a small animal. But why does she think that carrying axes makes her an adult woman? What a mysterious small animal.

 CH 123

    Day 46 ¨C Daytime, Cavern, 20F?

    ?

    There is nothing but golems here. Really. I¡¯m tired of this already. I mean, waiting for the presidents all the time we are barely making any progress. Looking at them now, their Vibration Magic seems to have greatly improved, and their control got better as well? But it doesn¡¯t translate into Vibration Sword? Just what kind of training were they doing? It¡¯s gonna be noon soon? Oh, looks like they are finally done??

    ?

    Spotted the hidden room of 20F. Though going to check it alone is a bit¡­ that? I wonder how the contents of chests are split? Sharing loot in a party sounds like a pain. In my case there is only me and Armored Pres-san who I tamed, so I get everything that she allows me to have. As simple as that. Just what is taming¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m opening it? Kind of? Sort of? Or rather, no lock again? How careless. And what about traps? For real. (Clang)¡¹?

    ?

    And, oh my, inside was¡ºAfterimage Katana ¨C Invisibility Effect (Intermediate) Pow SpE DeX 10% Up¡». It¡¯s kinda dubious and I don¡¯t like the stats, so I don¡¯t need it. I mean, a sword with an invisible blade sounds super cool, having only afterimages visible is fantastic, but if I fused it with a wooden stick I¡¯d turn into just a crazy high school boy who is swinging an invisible stick. I¡¯m sure even enemies would look at me with pity if I fought with that. That would be just cringe.?

    ?

    ¡¸Inside was¡ºAfterimage Katana¡»?¡¡Invisibility (Intermediate)? It leaves only afterimages? A katana with like¡­ See-through effect? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oooh~. Or actually, there was a hidden room~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸A katana. ¡ºAfterimage Katana¡»sounds very strong? And it¡¯s also invisible.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If only afterimages can be seen and the blade itself is invisible then isn¡¯t it unbeatable? How do you defend against that?¡¹?

    ?

    Aside from Shield Girl and Bludgeoning Great Sage everyone is using swords or katanas. And on top of that, all of them fight with a sword in each hand. It¡¯s going to be carnage, a women¡¯s fight, a battle without honor or humanity, a fantasy catfight, hand-to-hand combat, a possibility of a nip slip? I wonder where is the best spectator seat? If it¡¯s pay per view then take my money?¡­ But nothing is starting? And I even pulled out my wallet from the item bag.?

    ?

    ¡¸Errr? If we find something together, then we split it, but if someone finds something hidden, then they get the priority. So I think Haruka-kun can make the decision, or if you want, use it yourself. In the case of a sale, half of the sum goes to the finder, with the rest split among everyone else. That¡¯s the rules by which we usually go. What about you and Angelica-san?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We aren¡¯t a party, so it¡¯s simple. Since there is only Armored Pres-san and me, I get everything that she didn¡¯t plunder. Basically, I take everything except for valuable weapons and armor, or gorgeous accessories. Very simple? Right? ¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason everyone turned to Armored Pres-san, meanwhile, she was frantically shaking her head. Hmm? Did I explain it wrong somehow? According to my memory, that¡¯s how it went until now??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, you can decide. The finder gets priority.¡¹?

    ?

    Since Armored Pres-san is gesturing that she doesn¡¯t need it, I guess I¡¯d give it to the board members. I still have plenty of weapons from Minotaurs, and they are better anyway. I keep them in reserve for Sword Rain, but the monster deficiency prevents me from ever using it. And with the addition of three¡ºDemon Scythes¡»Sword Rain itself is under question. Even though I trained at throwing and swinging swords with¡ºHolding¡»I didn¡¯t have a single chance of using that.?

    ?

    ¡¸You girls can have it. Armored Pres-san doesn¡¯t want it, and if I use it I¡¯ll just look like a crazy highschooler, so you take it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I want it! Can I buy it? You really don¡¯t want it? I can buy it? I don¡¯t have much money though? How about sharing?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice President A-san is using katanas and seems to be very interested in it, but didn¡¯t she just buy a few of them during the bargain sale? How many sword style is she going for? Is she going to hold them in her mouth? Considering the amount she is carrying, about 3 are going into her mouth? I don¡¯t think the style will be too popular. Actually, won¡¯t she be reported as a deviant??

    ?

    The rule among the board members is that if someone is going to use equipment they don¡¯t have to pay for it, so I just gave it away for free. The shrimp stole axes without paying anything anyway, so I might as well give something to A-san for free as well. Vice President A-san is using a dual-wield style oriented for inter-personal combat so¡ºAfterimage Katana¡»might suit her. But now she has more than 5 swords. Can she hold them all? Well, can¡¯t argue that facing someone who is holding 3 swords in the mouth would be scary as hell. Even goblins and kobolds will be terrified. I¡¯ll run away in fear as well. It might be surprisingly effective??

    ?

    Locked in combat with iron golems on the 25th floor. Armored Pres and I annihilated everything in the vicinity, so we are currently in observation mode. In the usual fashion, we left barely any monsters for anyone else.?

    ?

    Vice President A-san is using two swords. Looks like she is not going to use her mouth. And Afterimage Katana suited her after all, what the hell is that! So cool. I also want to do that¡­ Was I too greedy, taking too many swords?! What she is doing is so nice. Let¡¯s snatch it later.?

    ?

    Vice President A-san seems to have a skill for katanas. Currently, she has two shadow hands, in other words, 4 sword style. Add two more and she¡¯ll be Asura-san? 8th graders would be overjoyed! And if she also takes a lot in her mouth¡­ She might lose that popularity? Well, she has nothing in her mouth though.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san also changed to a katana and began coaching Vice Pres A-san. Both have long legs, so they look amazing in armor. It¡¯s a bit disappointing that there is no jiggle since it¡¯s armor, but Vice President A-san has nothing to jiggle even without armor. ¡¸Cough, cough¡¹¡­I didn¡¯t say anything? I was just observing? H,o,n,e,s,t,l,y??

    ?

    Unfortunately, the armor of Armored Pres-san seems to be the only one that follows the body line, all other armors are not particularly sexy. Thank goodness, looks like I didn¡¯t awaken to Armor Fetish or any other weird stuff. It was just pure sexiness coming from the person inside the armor.?

    ?

    Joining Vice President A-san I fight while being coached as well. Dumb shrimp is fighting while spinning around all over the place, and Shield Girl is also managing without getting knocked away. The Great Sage-san is as usual, why is there not a single caster among them? Great Sage-san??

    ?

    On the 28th floor, I found another hidden room, but there was something inside? ¡ºMetal Golem Lv 50¡», a big-shot, a guardian. I wonder if Metal-san is made of some kind of alloy? Since it looked kinda dangerous I decided to go with metal destruction, thus, the first in a while Inferno-san. After wearing down the metal with high-speed vibrations and swift alterations of extreme temperatures I then crushed it with Holding and Gravity magic. It collapsed? No movement? ¡¸Did I get him?¡¹, still no movement, let¡¯s go in. There were 6 people, but not a single person went¡¸Oh!¡¹??

    ?

    A mysterious lump of squashed metal and a treasure box, which contained¡ºFaerie Ring¡¡Dazzle Effect (Intermediate) Evasion (Intermediate) SpE 20% Up¡», ooh, this is quite good.?

    ?

    ¡¸Anyone want this? If not then I¡¯ll buy it? I think it will be pretty useful no matter who takes it? I especially recommend it to A-san and C-san, for real.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Hmmm. What shall we do?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, used with sword skills of Vice President A illusion-based effects will have amazing compatibility with her¡ºAfterimage Katana¡». The shrimp is also darting about, so both Dazzle and Evasion effects will work well for her. Evasion (Intermediate) and SpE 20% Up will be beneficial for anyone. Quite close to my ¡ºCloak of Evasion ¨C SpE + 20% Evasion Up (Lesser)¡»but this one is better. This is a good find.?

    ?

    ¡¸Since you need it, I¡¯m fine with you taking it, you passed on the previous item, and you also gave away axes.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No objection. Okonomiyaki were delicious, so.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I can have it? In exchange, I gave them ¡ºCloak of Evasion ¨C SpE + 20% Evasion Up (Lesser)¡»which after a discussion went to the President. However, having ¡ºFaerie Ring¡»and¡ºDemon Ring¡»¡­ Won¡¯t they start a fight? Will it be alright? I guess I¡¯ll instruct¡ºDemon Scythes¡»on this later.?

    ?

    As a return gift for the item, I treat everyone to sweets as we stop for a break. I still don¡¯t have enough to treat all other classmates, so it¡¯s a limited edition stuff.?

    ?

    ¡¸A new product, steamed buns with jam. A limited edition? They are sweet~ delicious~, contain unidentified fruits~ For real, kind of~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaaa~y, jam! Steamed buns!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And they are sprinkled with sugar? A premium-grade item~ delightful~¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Sooo sweeet! So gooood! Mysterious fruits are delicious!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I used one of the mysterious fruits that I received in the village. It had a good flavor but lacked sweetness and moisture, so serving it like that didn¡¯t seem like a good idea. But the taste was a good fit for a jam. They were growing from the ground, so they might be comrades of strawberries. Looks like they made a favorable impression, so I¡¯ll ask how to raise them when I drop by the village next time.?

    ?

    Now, I don¡¯t think we can reach the 40th floor today, but are there many levels in this dungeon in the first place? Well, I want to sell clubs, and there is no point in trying too hard here. This place has nothing but golems. There won¡¯t be any monster girls anyway. Golem girls won¡¯t be accepted! Absolutely! Inorganic objects are a no-no. Ah, but the armor was very sexy? Wait¡­ What if there is a sexy golem?! There is no such a thing, right?

 CH 124

    Day 46: Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    After finishing the dinner Armored Pres left for the bath, surrounded by girls.?

    ?

    In the end, we went back after reaching the 36th floor. Since there would be no point to this if the president and the others didn¡¯t get to fight we couldn¡¯t increase the pace. If we left it to Platinum Armor-san then no one would get to do anything. I have first-hand experience with this, so I know what I¡¯m talking about. Seriously.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san probably will join the girls-only gathering today as well. She seems to be having fun doing this every day. She is shining with happiness all day long. Be it shopping or eating, she is shining, and she comes with a smile after every girls-only gathering. If she is to stay by my side forever, then I have to keep her smiling forever. Though finding new offerings for the Avarice-sama is a difficult task.?

    ?

    During the meal, we discussed our dungeon dives, and it seems the board members caught up to the other teams, or actually, were now slightly ahead.?

    ?

    For now, no team succeeded in a complete subjugation of a dungeon. Reaching middle levels it was about time to join up to increase combat potential. It seems that we were the only ones who got a small dungeon, everyone else reached around 30th floor, after which their pace dropped. This time it¡¯s the idiots who are lagging behind, but it must be for some very stupid reason. They must have had no problem with combat but forgot which way to go or something of that sort. I¡¯m absolutely convinced of it. Because they are idiots.?

    ?

    Tomorrow is a day off, everyone will be resting. Although it seems that only the girls are suffering from fatigue? Lack of sleep? They have to sleep properly. This morning they appeared especially miserable. What were they doing the whole night? Secret side job? Are they in need of money? Well, so am I.?

    ?

    It is because I have no money that I wanted to sell clubs, and while I¡¯m at it I might also check on the general store. She is probably crying, just hire workers already? Why is it that that lady never has money despite doing so well? And why am I still not released from the allowance system despite making so much profit? 50,000 ere is not enough at all. Well, the general store is good since I can pay with mushrooms there, but I want to browse other stores as well. When will that suspicious merchant return to the town? Aren¡¯t there any new places? Just where are those night-type establishments? Anyway, what should I do tomorrow??

    ?

    I wonder how things are at the cave, but at the moment I need neither mushrooms nor gobs. And we also will end up spending the night there, so it¡¯s probably better to pass on it for now. That Jacuzzi is too dangerous, the beauty of slender female legs enveloped by those bubbles is¡­ (Censored for publishing reasons)?

    ?

    But the town¡¯s too small to spend the whole day wandering through it. Well, it¡¯s not actually small, it¡¯s pretty big, but there are only a few stores. Hard to kill time there. Even though I could¡¯ve spent hours in a bookstore. Well, Armored Pres-san likes shopping and takes her time with it, so it might be just fine to spend time at leisure. It¡¯s been only 10 days since Armored Pres-san came to the town. Before then she was all alone. It was a long time since she visited any settlement, yet we hardly tried to explore it slowly, so tomorrow might be a good chance to enjoy ourselves at ease. Enjoy it for all the time that was lost until now. I can¡¯t be the only one having fun, so I¡¯ll do my best to finance her.?

    ?

    A rare moment of free time. I don¡¯t want to look at it, but I guess I should check it while I have time. After all, everyone seems to be checking their Status daily.?

    ?

    Well, usually, people don¡¯t get sad from looking at their status. I also wouldn¡¯t mind checking it even without level-ups if I didn¡¯t have insults like ¡ºHikikomori¡»,¡ºNEET¡»,¡ºLoner¡»,¡ºMuppet¡»written there. It actually hurts pretty bad. And every time I check it I¡¯m terrified of getting a new one. Receiving¡ºKept Man¡»sounds so real it¡¯s scary! Well, I understand the reason for ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»and¡ºInsatiable Libido¡», so that is fine. I completely agree with it. It only makes sense that I¡¯d get these. Yup¡­?

    ?

    Status.?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16?

    ?

    Lv 19 (Up)

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£³£´£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£°Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £³£¶£¹¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£¶Up£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£µ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£°Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£±£³ ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡¡¡£¨£±£¸Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£·£²¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£¸Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£¶£°¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£´Up£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£·£´¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£´Up£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£¹£·¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£¨£²£¹Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ 3,747?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Path of the Staff Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Uncanny Dodge Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Wrapping Lv 4¡¹(3Up)¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 9¡¹¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Fluidity Lv 5¡¹(Up) ¡¸D¨­jutsu Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Adamantine Fists Lv 2¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Temperature Lv 9¡¹¡¸Teleportation Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Gravity Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Holding Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Elemental Sorcery Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 8¡¹¡¸Ice Magic Lv 9¡¹¡¸Vibration Magic Lv 5¡¹(New 4Up)¡¸Alchemy Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 9¡¹¡¸Sensitive Lv 8¡¹¡¸Body Control Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Swift Foot Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 9¡¹¡¸Improved Detect Presence Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Mastery Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 8¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 9¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv MaX¡¹¡¸Empty Mind Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Physical Damage Negation Lv 2¡¹¡¸MP Absorption Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Regeneration Lv 3¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Rush Lv 8¡¹¡¸Air Walk Lv 7¡¹¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 9¡¹¡¸Rajingan Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸High Sexual Vigor Lv 5¡¹(New 4Up)¡¸Insatiable Libido Lv5¡¹(New 4Up)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 8¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 8¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 8¡¹¡¸Grand Mage Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Swordmaster Lv 2¡¹(New 1Up)¡¸Alchemist Lv 1¡¹(New)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 9¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 9¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Rajingan¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«44% SpE +33% ViT +24%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    My level went up at some point. I didn¡¯t notice at all. Hm? Just a bit more and InT would¡¯ve gone over 400, so close. Meanwhile, it seems PoW and ViT aren¡¯t growing that much. HP as well. So I¡¯m getting stronger while remaining just as fragile. And getting Lv20 will take a while. I remember that going from level 9 to 10 took quite a lot longer.?

    ?

    Eh? I got¡ºSwordmaster¡»?¡¡Even though I can¡¯t even equip a sword yet?¡¡I became a swordmaster by swinging a stick around? I can already hear people calling me a pretend swordmaster.?

    ?

    ¡ºAlchemy¡»and¡ºAlchemist¡»must be the result of cooking and scientific experiments. I mean, there are no appliances or tools around, so I have to compensate with magic to make things easier. But I still can¡¯t color the furniture that I make, and having everything being one and the same wooden texture is boring. I¡¯d like to confine myself to the cave and extensively research this subject, but I can¡¯t go back to my sweet home despite being a hikikomori.?

    ?

    And then there are three skills that immediately went up 4 levels. And all three of them¡­ No comments. But it is these 3 that see the most use. Helping me day and night. Especially at night. Today I will do my best as well.?

    ?

    However, ¡ºRegeneration Lv 3¡»went up 2 levels even though I¡¯m not getting any injuries? Just what does it heal? What is being regenerated? I was wondering how I got¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»and¡ºInsatiable Libido¡», but maybe regeneration assisted in that type of recovery as well? That¡¯s why I could go for several hours no problem? So Regeneration-san was the culprit! She will be really angry at me if I try even harder¡­ For real.?

    ?

    SP keeps accumulating on its own, but is it used for something? I can understand it increasing, but at times the number is going down? Well, if there is no use for it then it doesn¡¯t matter.?

    ?

    There is no point in pondering over it since I won¡¯t learn anything from that anyway. Tomorrow is a day off, so let¡¯s take Armored Pres-san shopping since she likes it so much. It feels like we are always together, but it¡¯s been only 10 days since we returned to the town. She seemes to be happy all the time being constantly by my side, enjoying every day, so I might as well follow her tomorrow, as she does what she wants. It looks like she had no day off in forever, so we gotta compensate for that time now.?

    ?

    And since tomorrow is a day off, it might be okay to go a bit harder at it tonight? It is, right? If Regeneration is involved, then there will be no end to it, is it really okay? Was Regeneration actually that kind of skill? Meant for lewd purposes? Really?

 CH 125

    Day 46 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-only Gathering.?

    ?

    We made tomorrow a day off.?

    ?

    A day of rest, the time to have fun and recover. The girls¡¯ sleep deprivation is terrible. And the rate at which their Detect Presence is growing is also terrifying! And the higher the level gets the more minute details are revealed by the skill, making the matter progressively worse! And then he taught us Vibration Magic at such disastrous timing! It already went up a few levels! On everyone! In just one night! We can¡¯t go on like this. We have to rest. Mornings are so tough.?

    ?

    We decided that tomorrow we will go to the general store together. We also invited Angelica-san, so she is currently wavering, trying to choose between a female friendship and a date. It seems she wants to accept both, and can¡¯t choose, but apparently, both options lead to the general store? Is there a point in racking your brains so hard if we are going to the same place anyway??

    ?

    We made good progress through the dungeon in the past two days, and even though most of the monsters were defeated by Haruka-kun and Angelica-san they still split magic stones with us equally. As such, we have plenty of funds, so I¡¯m looking forward to shopping tomorrow.?

    ?

    ¡¸Did they get new clothes? The lady was saying that they will get new items soon, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸She did, but that was when we went there just the day before yesterday? Though tomorrow we can take things slowly. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I want new clothes, new gear, and new delicacies, but I don¡¯t have money for all of that? I¡¯ll end up in debt at this rate!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Since Haruka-kun didn¡¯t take any independent action lately, there shouldn¡¯t be any bargain sales or auctions in a while. So we should be fine focusing on clothes for now. Probably? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, and as for delicacies, they can¡¯t compare to Haruka-kun¡¯s stuff, so it¡¯s all about clothes and accessories now! Ah, but that general store is cooperating with Haruka-kun, so they might start selling his sweets?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You are right! Won¡¯t we go bankrupt? We will definitely buy them!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It seems Haruka-kun will make a box lunch tomorrow. Angelica-san said that she saw him making something!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyyaaa! Is it sweet? Is it tasty? Are we going to become fat?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun is pretty diligent despite how irresponsible he is? He seems to be enjoying the process, but it usually turns out to be something for everyone¡¯s sake.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸At school he was much less talkative, or rather, scary even?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like Haruka-kun himself changed, it¡¯s more like everyone¡¯s view of him changed. He simply was exposed as a soft heart who¡¯s only feigning ignorance. He is still the same Haruka-kun.¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, at school he was always reading something, so it was hard to start a conversation with him, and so he had that silent quality to him, but in the end, he is just the same as back then.?

    ?

    ¡¸As Oda-kun¡¯s group was saying, at school, when they were about to get bullied, he¡¯d often cut through and say something like ¡ºYou are in the way. What¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you such a nuisance? Are you dumb? Are you as dumb as you look?¡»he would then kick the hell out of delinquents. And then, pretending that it had nothing to do with anything, would just continue on with his business. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aah~. Speaking of which, it always looked like a coincidence, but it happened a lot.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, it was always someone else¡¯s fault that he appeared scary. And since the person in question isn¡¯t saying anything he ends up being misunderstood. And even then, he still makes no effort to clear that up.?

    ?

    ¡¸Which reminds me, didn¡¯t he somehow have the biggest presence, despite not standing out?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, he didn¡¯t catch an eye during events or competition so I thought he might be bad at sports? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, Kakizaki-kun and others were saying this for a long time. Like, they feel some kind of terrible presence around him, or that they don¡¯t feel they can win, so be it soccer or basketball, they always end up driven away from Haruka-kun.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, makes sense that he won¡¯t stand out like that. And he doesn¡¯t seem to care about this anyway. But doesn¡¯t that mean that he is basically not taking part in games?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It seems he was avoided due to some kind of primal instinct. Since the time he was a kid, Haruka-kun did whatever he pleased, as long as it wasn¡¯t against the rules. Since he has no common sense he will use everything that wasn¡¯t explicitly forbidden. I never heard of anyone disguising themselves while playing hide-n-seek aside from Haruka-kun. The same goes for using traps in a game of tag. He was too invincible.?

    ?

    ¡¸Back there, rules existed, and common sense was demanded. But without all that he naturally would stand out. Well, though it seems he lacks common sense by the standards of this world as well.¡¹?

    ?

    Angelica-san vigorously nodded in agreement. She probably recalled what happened in the Great Dungeon. And the fact that he chose to save a Dungeon Emperor.?

    ?

    A world where Haruka-kun¡¯s actions won¡¯t be considered lacking in common sense would be an absurd place. A world where everyone is like Haruka-kun probably would be a very peaceful place. Everyone would be too scared to cause any trouble. A world where ordinary people are the scariest and the strongest will has no room for villains.?

    ?

    Even in this world, it will become a huge uproar if they learn that he actually has a Dungeon Emperor under his control. It will be a great mess.?

    ?

    But in this town, everyone is already used to the armored person following Haruka-kun everywhere, so while they would be surprised by such a revelation, that would be the extent of it.?

    ?

    After all, they have to deal every day with someone a lot more outrageous than a dungeon emperor. Rather, everyone knows that the armored person following him around is a much more decent person.?

    ?

    Being absurd even for this world, he managed to change the common sense here without anyone noticing. And all of that must¡¯ve been for Angelica-san. Though I don¡¯t think he is aware of that himself? Probably??

    ?

    ¡¸If only they have some cute shoes or boots, right?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, shoes are a problem here. Let¡¯s ask the shopkeeper.¡¹?

    ?

    I can¡¯t wait for tomorrow. Meanwhile, Angelica-san is actively gesturing, explaining that she wants a cute hat. Somehow, it seems she is getting better at gesturing rather than talking? Even though she improved a lot when it comes to lewd topics? Is it because she is being constantly asked about that? There are too many reasons I can think of why things turned out like that.?

    ?

    ¡¸And bags as well! It¡¯s an indispensable fashion item! And all they have here are beige cloth bags. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aah, you are right. It¡¯s awful, lately, we¡¯ve been thinking of nothing but durability and capacity? Our femininity is in danger!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I hope they got a lot of new items¡­ Being too excited, everyone was in an uproar. Even the girls of this town were enjoying their first fashionable items. That¡¯s why Haruka-kun was frequenting that store. Buying a lot, selling a lot, and since it still wasn¡¯t enough, investing into it, and even constructing the building for it. And what he did to the shopkeeper lady? She was talking about the merchandise turnover rate, stockpile items discounts, supply base optimization, in this world that hardly was any different from medieval times. He totally trained her in business administration and economics. At this rate that place is bound to become a huge company, the first department store of this world. And probably because he understood that, he made a pretty ordinary-looking building. He must be planning to further expand it later. Without telling to the shopkeeper anything.?

    ?

    ¡¸From cosmetics they had only lipstick, right? And it was a bit too red.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, not even mentioning basic skin-care products. I guess for now, while we are still in our teens, it¡¯s gonna be alright, but¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Rather than skin-care~, wouldn¡¯t it be better to just get Regeneration like Haruka-kun~? The skin will regenerate by itself?~¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That¡¯s it! And here I wondered why Haruka-kun¡¯s face was so smooth and glossy lately! I thought it was because of his perv nighttime activities, but he actually had Regeneration! ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I have it as well, but let¡¯s keep silent, it¡¯s too scary. I think regeneration has nothing to do with this since we are only 16. I¡¯m pretty sure it is because of the night activities.?

    ?

    Coming to this world, everyone gave up on everything. Everyone tried their best to forget since they thought there wouldn¡¯t be a chance to obtain those things ever again. But now, everyone is overjoyed since it seems that Haruka-kun can solve everything? And he must be working on something new again. According to the information from Angelica-san, he gathered various materials and he seems to be tinkering with magic in his free time. So I can¡¯t wait for tomorrow. Because it might bring even more joy.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Good night, see you tomorrow.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone is spending their days happily. Just as Haruka-kun said, living every day with smiles. Thank you.

 CH 126

    Day 47 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    A pleasant awakening! A good morning. It was truly a fruitful night.?

    ?

    She is giving me a Flat Gaze, but it¡¯s still alright. It¡¯s alright because she still doesn¡¯t have enough strength to move.?

    ?

    She probably will be angry at me later, but for now, it¡¯s alright.?

    ?

    Looks like I¡¯m really regenerating in the process. Be it stamina or vigor, they are recovering. Perpetual motion??

    ?

    Obviously, I was scolded.?

    ?

    Today she is going shopping with the girls. She seemed to be very apologetic and torn about this, so I told her that later I will drop by the general store to join them, and in response she nodded energetically, looking happy. She was probably looking forward to this so much that she couldn¡¯t fall asleep. She still looks very sleepy and tired. And is also staring at me with a flat gaze¡­?

    ?

    I leave alone and head to the weapon store of that old man. I need funds. Avarice-san will certainly show her true nature at the general store.?

    ?

    ¡¸Old man? Long time no see? Are you still an old man today? Wanna buy weapons? I also have clubs? If you don¡¯t have money I¡¯m fine with a consignment sale? I can also lend you money? But I will tear off your beard if you don¡¯t pay it back. You don¡¯t have other hair to pluck after all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t touch my beard! I¡¯ve been properly paying you back, haven¡¯t I! And yes, I¡¯m still an old man, if I wasn¡¯t, that wouldn¡¯t be me anymore. Yeah, sell me weapons, I will also go for a consignment sale. Anyhow, I don¡¯t have enough stock. Although the store got larger, the supply doesn¡¯t catch up.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, since he is bald, I can¡¯t threaten the hair? There is nothing to pluck but the beard? But now that I look around, even this weapon store specializing in clubs doesn¡¯t have enough space reserved to display merchandise. There is too much pointlessness in the spacing. He just bought the neighboring store and the one behind, haphazardly connecting them, thus, the area is not utilized effectively. This calls for remodeling. And if I were to add a second floor and a basement he should do fine for a while.?

    ?

    ¡¸Should I expand the store? It doesn¡¯t have to be as big as the general store, so I can remodel it just a bit, adding a second floor and a basement. Storage can be down the basement, and if you are okay with moving the forge to the basement as well you will immediately get a lot more room? Or rather, I¡¯m gonna do it anyway, even if you say no. Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You are doing it anyway?! Even though I am the store owner? Well, getting more space is great, but I won¡¯t be able to immediately pay for the construction? I already went into debt just to buying new land.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You are selling your wares, and have a steady supply, isn¡¯t it a waste to leave the store in such a messy, cramped state? All you have to do is make money, pay back the debt and buy more weapons. I make a huge profit and become a rich man. It¡¯s already decided that I will build it anyway? Or rather, that¡¯s what I¡¯m currently doing?¡¹?

    ?

    I got the knack for it during the expansion of the general store, and with it being my second time doing this, it won¡¯t take as long. Since I already understood the needed steps I didn¡¯t waste my energy, and as such, had more than enough mana to spare. The basement and outer walls were complete, now I only had to add the second floor. Since it¡¯s a weapon store, the more wall space to display weapons it has, the better. Since the whole structure will be held by the walls the interior is simple. Let¡¯s do it in one go.?

    ?

    ¡¸Is it fine to place the stairs to the second floor here? Want another set in the back? They might also look cool if placed right in the middle? Where do you want them? Hurry up and decide? I¡¯m bored already? You have a second floor and a basement, but without the stairs, it¡¯s no different than having only one floor? You¡¯ll have to climb the wall to the second floor? Is that what you want? Is that your hobby or something? Is it that fun?¡¹?

    ?

    No good, the old man is unresponsive. He just froze with his mouth wide open. No one would be happy about an old man with an open mouth, there is no demand for that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey? If you don¡¯t reply I will just leave without making stairs? You will have to climb the walls, okay? Helloo?¡¹?

    ?

    No reply. He broke it seems. Or maybe climbing walls is a hobby of his??

    ?

    As an experiment, I showed him a Goblin King¡¯s club, after which he seems to have restarted. He restarted, but he is now shaking, holding the club, so it seems that didn¡¯t fix him.?

    ?

    ¡¸!! Se-Sell it to me! I will make it the heirloom! I will polish it every day, so please sell it to me! I will pay as much as you want, are you fine with payment in installments? How much is the down payment?¡¹?

    ?

    No, it¡¯s merchandise, so let¡¯s sell it, okay? Since I still had a lot of clubs I pulled out all of them, presenting them to the shopkeeper, after which he sunk deep into thought, becoming unresponsive again, so I just went ahead and created the stairs and began working on the interior design on my own.?

    ?

    I mean, I¡¯m doing all of this right in front of him, and all he can see are the clubs? Why would a blacksmith be so obsessed with clubs? Looks like I¡¯d better not show him the Emperor¡¯s club. Otherwise, we¡¯ll be back to square one.?

    ?

    Now, the remodeling is pretty much complete, and I plundered all the money he had, I guess I¡¯m done here. Looks like the old man still cannot decide on which club should become an heirloom. Is it really something his descendants would be happy to have? A club as an inheritance??

    ?

    Since it¡¯s a weapon store, rather than trying to make it nice and neat, having a somewhat crude feel will work better. A fancy and stylish weapon store feels kind of wrong.?

    ?

    Moving the forge underground I expanded it, increasing the number of furnaces, but he isn¡¯t paying attention at all? Since he won¡¯t even take a look I can¡¯t ask for his input? Well, after using it for a while he will get some comments, so adjustments can wait until then. I have to carry away the seized money. Avarice-san is waiting for me.?

    ?

    The general store was crowded with people. It was bustling to the point it made one wonder if all of the citizens were here. And she already hired two young female assistants? When I asked, it seems the shopkeeper lady was selling them medicine and food for their families at extremely low prices, and was even putting it on the tab. So when they heard that she was in trouble they rushed here, and began helping, after which, they were hired as assistants.?

    ?

    But I don¡¯t think they can make it even with three of them? Take even the desk alone, it¡¯s complete chaos? All three of them are dizzyingly busy, or rather, they seem to actually be dizzy, with their eyes spinning? They don¡¯t even have time to restock merchandise on the shelves. Well, I was the one who made and arranged the shelves, and I was the one who made the warehouse, sorting the goods there, so naturally, I know what¡¯s located where and where it should be placed. As one would expect, I felt pity for them, so I decided to help out a bit.?

    ?

    However, you can never tell what the future has for you. Who would¡¯ve thought that all that Sword Rain training was a flag for helping out with the general store? Even though I was practicing to handle spears and swords with ¡ºHolding¡», I¡¯m now restocking the shelves by ¡ºHolding¡»the merchandise. One after another the wares are being carried from the warehouse with¡ºHolding¡». I bet¡ºHolding¡»is surprised by this turn of events as well. I¡¯m certainly surprised. The staff and the customers are startled by the goods flying through the air to the shelves as well. I guess Merchandise Restock Rain is unusual even for this world. Though it¡¯s not raining or anything anymore¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you, you are a lifesaver. We are so busy that I couldn¡¯t even tell what is what anymore, no time to deal with the shelves at all. Come to think of it, aren¡¯t you the very reason why things are so hectic? Even so, thank you. Ah, I¡¯m so tired and hungry.¡¹?

    ?

    The number of customers finally went down and the store calmed down. It seems that they were so busy since the morning that neither the shopkeeper nor the assistant girls had any time to eat. Since I had more than enough for the girls, I shared some rice balls with mushrooms, fried potatoes, and sweet potatoes with them, which they accepted with great joy and immediately began eating. They are crying tears of happiness though, are all of them actually shroom addicts? Are these withdrawal symptoms? Which reminds me, they were getting medicine here, weren¡¯t they? The number of mushroom addicts is growing??

    ?

    Finally, selling new goods to the shopkeeper I leave to stroll around the town.?

    ?

    The president and the others couldn¡¯t get into the store because of the crowd, so they must be killing time somewhere. Let¡¯s bring them potato lunch.?

    ?

    But the place was crazy packed. This town is getting more peaceful and wealthy, but there are only a few things to buy. That¡¯s why the cash flow is so bad here. And without the cash flow, there won¡¯t be new wares, and without it, there is no new wealth.?

    ?

    And since there isn¡¯t enough money or wares, people that make things and people that procure them aren¡¯t utilized effectively. What this town needs is security and wealth, in other words, a weapon store, and a general store.?

    ?

    On surface value, I already turned into a rich man, a magnate. Investing in the weapon store and the general store I have full control of the supply. But then why do I never have money? I never heard of a magnate living on an allowance. For some reason, I¡¯m a very broke tycoon.

 CH 127

    Day 47 ¨C Daytime, Streets of Omui?

    ?

    We¡¯re loitering throughout the town.?

    ?

    Peek into this store, search through that store.?

    ?

    Aside from conventional stores there are also stalls selling foodstuff. A short while ago we even saw a place that was selling croquettes! And they were pretty good. The name was Croquettes of Black Mantle Crest. The business was going so good they had people queuing for it.?

    ?

    Munching on croquettes and being just generally noisy we continue our tour through the town.?

    ?

    We couldn¡¯t get inside the general store because of the crowd, so we ended up strolling through the streets.?

    ?

    The general store was literally jammed with people! But they still have plenty of clothes in stock. Looks like high price outfits are still out of reach for many of the townsfolk.?

    ?

    But the general store is not the only place with new wares. The whole town is overflowing with new goods. Both quality and quantity are on the rise. That must mean that the town is flourishing, as townsfolk and merchants seem to be beaming with smiles.?

    ?

    As one would expect, those goods lose in comparison with what can be found at the general store, but everyone is enjoying browsing new goods and sales.?

    ?

    While there is a lot of clamor, there is nothing we can do about it, after all, how can 21 girls be quiet during shopping.?

    ?

    As we were having fun, going peeping into various stores, Haruka-kun came around.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s about time for lunch~, so I brought a potato lunch box~? Also, the general store is not as crowded anymore? And, Armored Pres-san, do you have enough money? Here, allowance.¡¹?

    ?

    With those words, he gave lunch boxes to everyone. Inside were rice balls with mushrooms, deep-fried meat, fried potatoes, and sweet potatoes for a desert. A potato lunchbox. It was delicious.?

    ?

    But he is really tributing to her¡­ The bag with her allowance looked pretty heavy. He was very serious worrying that he might get the ¡ºKept Man¡»title, but I think there is absolutely no such danger at all. Quite the contrary, shouldn¡¯t he be worried about getting ¡ºSimp¡»title?!?

    ?

    As hazardous as a combination of deep-fried meat and fried potatoes may be, everyone was too thrilled to have them after such a long time, so we walked through the town, while happily munching on them. There is no way we can pass on something this tasty. Even if we have to face super devastating sweet potatoes after that, we are going to eat that anyway. But we also ate croquettes¡­ After we get back we¡¯ll have to learn some Calories Burning Magic, or we will be in serious trouble!?

    ?

    It seems Haruka-kun is going to nap after we return to the inn. Last night, he was working hard again. And even without asking, it¡¯s very clear what he was doing for the whole night instead of sleeping. Is Angelica-san going to be alright? Let¡¯s ask her when night comes. In details.?

    ?

    Now, we have to hurry! With our stomachs now full, we head to the general store. Looks like they just received new clothes, lucky.?

    ?

    In a display at the entrance to the store was a lovely woven wood basket. Chic and with a somewhat an Italian feel, it caught the attention of both simple town girls and married women, captivating them. I want these. Is this some kind of tallow tree and reddish mahogany? Brown and light brown, the black one looks cool as well! And they have a few different sizes and designs! I can¡¯t pick one! They all look nice!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaa! The boots! And even mules! And such cute sandals!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What about the size?! I want to try them! The yellow is mine!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Black boots! I¡¯m an adult woman! An adult-san! Sexy-san!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Mules, mules, aaah, all of them are so cute! How much? I¡¯ll buy all of them? Aah, why do I only have two legs?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You can¡¯t buy all of them! What about me! Or rather, these are mine! It¡¯s been decided so! By the law!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aa~w, it¡¯s too large, don¡¯t you have smaller sizes? Like my size! Where are the other sizes?¡¹?

    ?

    Leather strap boots are classic, but look great anyway. Since they have no metal buckles, so one will have to tie them up instead, but that, in turn, makes them even cuter! And leather sandals look cool as well, the woven mesh gives them an adult and somewhat European look. Platform mules? Northern European style? So stylish! The use of nails provides a highlight, I really want them! But the design of all of the items is modern? In this world, the boots were more like wellies? Just where did they get those??

    ?

    ¡¸Leather clothes! Fashionable! A~aw, this skirt is nice! I¡¯m totally buying it!¡¹?

    ?

    Leather vest and leather flare skirt, everything looks fancy, almost as cool as brand items? And the design is quite modern. All of those wouldn¡¯t be hard to make, but they look stylish and cute. Yes, there is no mistake about it, everything is too cute and stylish. There is no way such a thing could exist in the middle ages. And there is a certain mix of local influence. In other words, all of those were made with modern knowledge by using the materials that could be obtained in the town. And all of those they received only a short while ago.?

    ?

    A certain someone must¡¯ve been working on them during the night, and after hearing that everyone is going shopping tomorrow, hurried to complete them. To please everyone, to make sure that everyone will enjoy tomorrow, he was secretly working on his own. So that¡¯s why he is going to sleep during the day!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸TO THE DRESSING ROOOM!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Quicker, faster, hurry, are you done yet? I¡¯m going to start stripping right here!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you can¡¯t have this! It was love at the first sight! Please let me have it!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸AAAAAAaah, my budget, I don¡¯t have enough money. But I want both of these!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please switch with me! I want the white one! The whiite one! Please take the blue one instead, pleease. ¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone is pleased. Thank goodness, but even so, I cannot yield this one! It¡¯s mine! Argh, since it came to this, I¡¯ll just break through with Shukuchi! Accelerate¡ª (A carnage ensues)?

    ?

    Completely satisfied. We wanted even more, but we are completely broke now. Does everyone even have enough to pay for the inn? There are quite a few girls that bought items on credit¡­ Aren¡¯t we quite close to actually going bankrupt? Are we about to take a dive into debt hell? Even so, we couldn¡¯t resist buying stuff that we could only buy here, special-made limited edition items for our day off. After all, he worked so hard on them, so there is no way we aren¡¯t going to buy that. That¡¯s only natural, we¡¯d incur a divine punishment if we didn¡¯t buy those.?

    ?

    Everyone is trying on the items, while the former model and fashion authority Shimazaki-san and her group are helping to coordinate the clothes. As I thought, the bag is an important point after all? Then I have to buy it! Where was that woven one! Where is it!!?

    ?

    Angelica-san also bought quite a lot, but it seems she couldn¡¯t find what she really came for, the hat. But Haruka-kun presented it to her, when we came back to the inn. Probably just finished it. Angelica-san looks so satisfied and content. Must be nice¡­ And it¡¯s custom-made by him¡­?

    ?

    However, isn¡¯t Haruka-kun too knowledgeable on women¡¯s fashion? And he has a pretty good idea of current trends? Could it be that he is secretly a fashionable person??

    ?

    While everyone was as pleased as they could be with today, the end of it had a bit of envy. Angelica-san is so lucky¡­

 CH 128

    Day 47 ¨C Daytime, Streets of Omui Town?

    ?

    I delivered the lunchboxes to the girls and gave an allowance to Armored Pres-san.?

    ?

    But the money will soon return to me. After all, Armored Pres-san is reporting to me what everyone wants and desires. As such, I was working super hard in secret. Because I need money. Yup, when they found out that I¡¯m staying in the inn on the tab they scolded me really hard and forced me to pay from my savings.?

    ?

    But the girls currently diving into the dungeon are earning very well, so if I were to make something aimed at them it would definitely sell. That¡¯s because modern design clothes, which I have a monopoly on, will completely sell out. Right at this moment, the girls must be getting all their money ripped off them. Yes, this promises huge profits.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m currently on my own.?

    ?

    Luckily, since Armored Pres-san was taken by the girls, she can enjoy things to her heart¡¯s content as well.?

    ?

    Simply following me around is not fun at all.?

    ?

    Or rather, I¡¯m getting followed??

    ?

    A tail? A stalker??

    ?

    What¡¯s fun about stalking a high school boy??

    ?

    I don¡¯t feel malice or bloodthirst from them, so there is probably no danger though??

    ?

    They are trying hard, hiding their presence, and using Stealth, but since I can use¡ºSpace Perception¡»they are plainly visible to me.?

    ?

    With¡ºRajingan¡»I can even see what is happening behind me, you know? If it was a dude I would¡¯ve burned him with no mercy, but judging by the response from ¡ºSpace Perception¡»it¡¯s someone of a small build, so probably a girl??

    ?

    Since there is no malice or bloodthirst, then what is going on? Ma-maybe, love? D-did my period of popularity come? Is this the rumored so-called fan club? Does she need my autograph? I actually practiced in the past, so I¡¯m quite good at this. I have a total of 5 signatures, which one does she want? Does she have an autograph board? No, if she needs my autograph, I can even buy one for her! I¡¯m serious.?

    ?

    But all she does is look? Is she watching over me? No, maybe observing? Could it be that she is not after an autograph? If she asks right now I¡¯ll even add a handshake as a bonus? I mean, the one following me is most likely a girl? Well, there is also a possibility that it is a child, but I don¡¯t think many children follow people around while erasing their presence and using ¡ºStealth¡»? So it must be a member of my club formed with the arrival of my popularity phase, awaiting the chance to press me for the autograph??

    ?

    Well, unlikely. It would be a bit scary if that was the case. I mean, just imagine if fan clubs consisted of girls that erase their presence and tail people with ¡ºStealth¡»? All Idols would end up with nervous breakdowns. That¡¯s too scary! Yeah, nope, no way.?

    ?

    Okay, no need to buy an autograph board it seems¡­ Even though I have 5 signatures¡­?

    ?

    She just keeps following me around everywhere I go, but what is this? Is this an actual stalking? Or maybe orcking? Just kidding, no way an orc king can follow me around the town. Or rather, gatekeepers would need a serious sermon in such a case! How the hell can you just let an orc king pass!?

    ?

    ¡¸Heya, do you need something? Are you a robber or something? I don¡¯t have any money though? For real, not a penny? If you want to rob me, go and tell them to give me more allowance! At this rate, I might rob someone myself! I was robbed even before I met any robbers. I guess that¡¯s why I never have any money?¡¹?

    ?

    No reply. Now I look like an idiot, talking into the air? C¡¯mon, it hurts my heart¡­ But if I were to chase after a stalker, won¡¯t I become a stalker myself? Ah! A highschool boy stalking a petite girl! Whoa, that was close! That was a trap! My affection rating was about to disappear among the stars. Hm, but wouldn¡¯t that count as a rise of affection rating? Even if it were to rise so high I can¡¯t even see it? It kind of seems like it might disappear like a falling star, so let¡¯s not go there. My Affection Rating is probably even more fleeting than a passing comet.?

    ?

    Well, there is no harm if she is just going to follow me around, but she¡¯ll be in danger when Armored Pres-san comes back. She is very overprotective¡­ Even in dungeons, she is just clearing the monsters in my surroundings. Those mass killings are just the results of her overprotectiveness¡­ The stalker is in serious danger!?

    ?

    ¡¸Heey, do you want something? Are you a mugger? All my valuables were seized already, so there is nothing to take? For real?! Yeah, if you have a problem, tell that to Avarice-san. I might mug someone myself. No matter how much I earn, all my money just disappears as I tribute it to her¡­ That¡¯s why I have nothing of value on me¡­ I¡¯m quite serious. ¡¹?

    ?

    No reply. Now I¡¯m pretty much confirmed as a weirdo who talks to himself! It really hurts¡­ But Am I going to be stalked by a petite girl who I¡¯m stalking? What the hell is that! Why do I have to be branded as a stalker? At the very least, can¡¯t it be an alluring lady instead of a petite girl??

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, hey, aren¡¯t you going to reply? Are you going to just ignore me? Talking all on my own hurts extremely hard¡­ I¡¯m bleeding my Affection Rating from this! Or rather what is this? Are you ignoring me because I have no affection rating? Without it, I can¡¯t even get a reply from a girl?! I mean, my Affection Rating went peddling, it can¡¯t be found even in a dungeon anymore? For real? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­Errrr, how are you finding me even though I¡¯m trying to hide? Why are you finding me and getting angry even though I¡¯m hiding? And I don¡¯t get what you are saying at all? At the very least you have to speak without fooling around, or I will have no way to reply? Also, I won¡¯t lend you any money.¡¹?

    ?

    Woow, Flat Gaze Stalker-san! That¡¯s a nice stalker! I mean, she has a flat gaze. Yup? Flat Gaze indeed. I have plenty of things to say, but if she is going to stalk me with a Flat Gaze then she is more than welcome! I wonder how much this service costs? Are there coupons for Flat Gaze Stalking? If possible I¡¯d like to pay with mushrooms or clubs.?

    ?

    ¡¸You don¡¯t get it? I¡¯m the one who doesn¡¯t get it! Why my Affection Rating has to join the stars since I¡¯m stalking a petite girl stalking me just because I chased after a stalker? Why am I getting ignored and complaints when I¡¯m asking serious questions? Also, just because you are such a good stalker-san don¡¯t you think I won¡¯t buy stalking tickets! Oh, I will. For real.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, enough! I want to go home! I can¡¯t investigate such a weirdo! I don¡¯t get what he is saying, yet the more he talks the less I understand! I was only tailing, and somehow I¡¯m a stalker now! How are you going to buy tickets if you have no money?! And I don¡¯t sell any stalking tickets!! UWwaaaaaaaah¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The stalker suddenly broke down in tears? Looks like she wants to go home? Then why was she shadowing me instead? Was she just lost? Rather, isn¡¯t it a problem for a highschool boy to stalk little girls, making them cry? Or rather, why is she even crying? Maybe she is hungry? Is she actually lost after all??

    ?

    ¡¸Soo goood! Yummy, yummy yummy. Thank you, it was delicious! I never tried anything so good before, but I¡¯m not lost, and I wasn¡¯t crying because I was hungry or anything. But it was yummy!¡¹?

    ?

    Sweet potatoes stopped her crying. But how I turned into a highschool boy who stalked a little girl to the point of tears and then stopped her from crying by giving her sweets¡­ Somehow, it sounds even more suspicious now!?

    ?

    If I return to the inn for help I¡¯ll end up as ¡ºA highschool boy, who stalked a little girl made her cry, and then gave her sweets and brought her to the inn with him¡», but at this point, it¡¯s not a big difference. It seems this girl doesn¡¯t understand me, so I¡¯ll ask for a translator. Translator President probably already returned.?

    ?

    ¡¸The mystery of the stalker case somehow deepened instead of resolving, turning into a whole new dungeon! The mystery deepened, or rather dungeoned, so hard that it turned into a dungeon master before becoming a dungeon? But the dungeon master is a sweet potato and doesn¡¯t sell tickets! What a surprise, right?¡¹?

    ?

    Why am I getting scolded? Why am I being treated like¡ºA highschool boy who chasing a stalker stalked a petite girl, making her cry, and giving her sweets brought her to the inn with him¡»? I can¡¯t comprehend it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Soo, in short, there is a very dangerous person in this town, so there was a request to investigate if this person is a threat or not, but since this person is very dangerous, it was decided that instead of sending someone strong, it would be better to send someone who won¡¯t be noticed, thus you were chosen, and you investigated him, but you didn¡¯t understand what is going on at all and ended up crying?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How is that my fault?! I only gave her a sweet potato since she was following me? I simply thought that she is a lost child and is hungry. Look, I didn¡¯t do anything. I¡¯m innocent!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸To begin with, you are the one who can¡¯t be understood without a translation. And since when did I become Translation President?!¡¹?

    ?

    How did it end up like this??

    ?

    ¡¸I only spoke to the stalker that was following me and gave her a sweet potato? Not a fried potato, okay? What did I do wrong? After all, that obviously was the timing for a sweet potato. I mean, she happily ate it? Yeah, since it¡¯s so yummy?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Noooooooooo!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yup, it¡¯s delicious? I mean, I did nothing wrong, after all?

 CH 129

    Day 47 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Everything began from a certain report. One day, in a remote region, a monstrously strong man who killed a dungeon master appeared.?

    ?

    It¡¯s an extremely dangerous situation, in a way, he is more dangerous than monsters.?

    ?

    Since he can wield his atrocious power with intelligence and planning, he is a much greater threat than a monster.?

    ?

    And since he is a human, he can remain unnoticed even in our midst, despite the monstrous danger he poses.?

    ?

    On top of that, he is moving according to his own will. Driven by his own desires and ambitions.?

    ?

    ¡¸A monster of a man appeared in a frontier town.?

    ?

    All alone he annihilated every monster in the Demon Forest.?

    ?

    All alone he annihilated every monster in the oldest dungeon.?

    ?

    All alone he annihilated a monster stampede.?

    ?

    Monopolizing all of the town¡¯s riches.?

    ?

    Treating the town as his own property.?

    ?

    A monster-like man.?

    ?

    What is that man trying to do??

    ?

    Where is that man heading??

    ?

    What is his goal??

    ?

    Who is that monster, and what kind of person is he??

    ?

    Go and investigate it, okay? That is what I was told.¡¹?

    ?

    Aaah¡­ Hmm? It¡¯s not like there is anything wrong with what she said? I wanted to follow up on that, to clarify the situation, but everything is correct, isn¡¯t it??

    ?

    ¡¸That man isn¡¯t trying to do anything. He is too busy doing perverted stuff. All night, every night.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And he isn¡¯t heading anywhere? Look away for a moment and he is back to being a shut-in in his cave.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And he has no goal in mind. He is living his life day by day.¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, that¡¯s true. Yeah, that isn¡¯t wrong.?

    ?

    ¡¸What kind of person is that monster-like man? He is a good baddie! Though he is always up to no good¡­ And don¡¯t compare him with monsters! It¡¯s rude to monsters!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What kind of person is that monster-like man? He is good at cooking, and apparently, can also sew? He also can make furniture, basically, a very self-sufficient baddie?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, what kind of person is that monster-like man? He seems quite involved in construction and commerce. He likes making money but never has any. Always penniless.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, what kind of person is that monster-like man? He likes delicious stuff. And also lewd stuff. That¡¯s why he is always out of money.¡¹?

    ?

    It isn¡¯t wrong, but is that what they want on the report? Is there anyone interested in that??

    ?

    ¡¸You stalked him for investigation, right? Did you find anything?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, he expanded the building of the weapon store, helped at the general store, distributed lunchboxes, and gave away sweet potatoes.¡¹?

    ?

    No good. I even thought about writing a report for her, but I don¡¯t know what to write there.?

    ?

    I guess the only mistake there is that it was not a dungeon master, but its superior, a dungeon emperor, and she wasn¡¯t killed, but every night seems to be close to dying, according to her??

    ?

    Other than that, he indeed killed everyone, monopolized the riches of the town while somehow remaining broke, and is treating the city as his property¡­ Or rather, just generally doing as he pleases??

    ?

    What can I write there??

    ?

    A cautionary¡ºDon¡¯t approach, dangerous¡»??

    ?

    Or maybe an experience story of bargain sale ¡ºDon¡¯t get involved or you will have all your money ripped off¡»??

    ?

    ¡ºThe food is tasty¡»what is this, a review??

    ?

    ¡ºHis massage is incredible~¡»¡­ Looks like ¡ºVibration Magic¡»was to her liking??

    ?

    ¡ºHe gives sweets!¡», yeah, that¡¯s important!?

    ?

    But since they even launched an investigation, they must see him as that much of a threat.?

    ?

    So what they probably want to know is if there is any harm from him? I wonder¡­ He is basically harmless but at the same time a walking calamity.?

    ?

    What¡¯s next, the danger? Mostly in the bed, I guess? Yeah, apparently he is quite dangerous there. Very amazing it seems!?

    ?

    What else, disposition? Irresponsible and careless. A softhearted and kind yet devious miscreant, a nonhuman self-proclaimed human??

    ?

    Though he is indeed fiendish for the most part, his physical and magical prowess seems to be aimed at doing lewd stuff, and his intelligence at cooking. Even his ambitions seem to be limited to raising his daily allowance. And he can talk about allowance all he wants, but he already blew his savings, yet he already made new debts at the inn.?

    ?

    Also, rather than being hard to get, he doesn¡¯t make sense no matter how long you try to understand him.?

    ?

    But he isn¡¯t even a monster-like man, to begin with? He is just an incomprehensible man. Everyone is getting obliterated without understanding a thing, saved without understanding a thing, annihilated without understanding a thing, made happy without understanding a thing, that¡¯s the common theme here. And since no one understands a thing, how can they say anything for a report? Her higher-ups won¡¯t understand a thing even if they see him with their own eyes, and if they ever talk to him they will get so confused that they won¡¯t be able to understand even what they don¡¯t understand, so they absolutely won¡¯t be able to comprehend. He cannot be understood so there is nothing to say.

    Rather, if anyone were to understand him then they are done for, one shouldn¡¯t even try to understand what he is, the only thing that is certain is that he doesn¡¯t make sense. Get it? You don¡¯t? That¡¯s why he cannot be understood. (This concludes the report)?

    ?

    Is it really okay for a report on a monster-like man to be like this??

    ?

    She probably will get scolded if she reports this.?

    ?

    Looks like the meeting went into a dead-end, everyone is holding their heads, racking their brains. How do you write about a person that has not a single proper thing about him for it to turn into a proper report?

 CH 130

    Day 47: Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    I was kicked out¡­ Everyone gathered for a conference in the dining hall.?

    ?

    Apparently, some lord or a noble from somewhere was investigating me.?

    ?

    Well, at the moment there is no harm, but in this world, black hair and dark eyes are pretty conspicuous.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m not the only one with black hair and dark eyes, so there is a danger of dragging my classmates into this. The risk of them being targeted for simply being my comrades is high.?

    ?

    There is no actual reason for me to stay in this country, and I can always go to a faraway place and live there without attracting attention, but that feels like running away, and somehow pisses me off. Like, seriously and grandly pisses me off.?

    ?

    If it was about me alone, I don¡¯t need a country, I¡¯d be perfectly fine with a cave alone, but for some reason, I seem to be forbidden from confining myself to the cave despite being a hikikomori? A lovely cave life with Armored Pres-san sounds nice as well, but I can¡¯t help but think that it will ruin me as a human. I mean, there is a Jacuzzi there. Bubbles all over the body, it¡¯s amazing, you know? For real!?

    ?

    But be it exp grind or equipment strengthening, diving into dungeons seems to be the most efficient approach. It¡¯s better to collect items from dungeons.?

    ?

    For the time being, this town seems to be safe. Nobles or lords or whatever from other lands sound like a pain, and they might not be such nice eccentrics as Meri¡¯s father.?

    ?

    This town is going to be the base of operations until there will be no more dungeons in the surroundings. It¡¯s also the closest to my home. I¡¯d like to have a Jacuzzi within a day¡¯s travel distance.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even so, is it the neighboring town that is investigating me? They are far, but still neighbors. Or rather, there is only one neighboring domain? So that can¡¯t be anyone else, no?¡¹?

    ?

    The territory of this remote region is surrounded by a monster-infested forest and high mountains. To put it bluntly, a giant isolated area. The only way to the neighboring territory is a narrow path with cliffs on both sides. Beyond that lies the domain of the lord something-something and beyond that the royal capital. Aside from that, there is nothing but woods with monsters and rocky mountains here. That¡¯s why the place was so poor and starved for goods.?

    ?

    In short, the neighboring domain is taxing the traffic, stealing profits. But there is no way to do business without passing through them. That¡¯s why they are free to do as they please. That¡¯s how they acted until now and this is how they must be planning to act from now on as well.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they are so interested in the affairs of this town, as soon as something happens they investigate it. After all, that¡¯s the region that steals the money of the frontier for the sake of their own prosperity.?

    ?

    This development¡­ Is there going to be trouble with the neighboring domain? Political friction? I like friction, but not of this kind. For the other kind, I¡¯ll be right there the next moment! Where should I go?! The neighboring domain? No, the other kind of friction is awaiting there¡­?

    ?

    Well, the lords are probably doing something among themselves, and there is nothing I can do without information. I can respond if they try to take some kind of action affecting us, but I should make sure the girls don¡¯t act solo.?

    ?

    Combat shouldn¡¯t be a problem for the girls. The problem is underhanded methods, poison, mind control, manipulation, traps¡­ Wait, isn¡¯t that my field of expertise? Well, since it¡¯s my field, I can come up with countermeasures. I¡¯m good at underhanded methods and don¡¯t mind getting my hands dirty. In more ways than one.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, for starters, manufacturing, and trading. This will raise skills, bring money, and also serve as a countermeasure, what else can one ask for. Aah, another shift tonight, huh? Are there no days off for me? Even though I¡¯m a NEET?¡¹?

    ?

    The general store¡¯s lady finally procured books of this world as I requested.?

    ?

    No novels among them.?

    ?

    Had a banned book though.?

    ?

    The book managed to survive precisely because this region is so remote. Forbidden writings, the name is¡¸How To Magic Tools!¡¹, who the hell gave such a name to a forbidden book?! No, obviously the author, but¡­ What got it banned? Was¡ºHow¡»a problem? Or maybe ¡ºTo¡»??

    ?

    But the contents were exceedingly normal, densely filled with information on magic tools, skill items, ways to create them, and materials required. Contents capable of saving poor towns and villages or a frontier lacking in proper equipment. In fact, many pages were dedicated to monster repellants and combat support effects. Also, many utility items, useful in daily life. It seems the author made sure not to list any harmful or abusable items. Isn¡¯t it an essential book that should be a must-read in this dangerous world? Why would it be banned? It didn¡¯t even have anything erotic? Why forbidden??

    ?

    However, while people of this world know the alphabet, they are prone to illiteracy, while they can read, most people can only read numbers, simple words, or short phrases, so there is no demand for books it seems. On top of that,¡ºHow to Magic Tools!¡»is basically an alchemy book. But the alchemy of this world, or rather chemistry, is not only undeveloped, it even tends to be shunned. Sale prohibition aside, it probably simply couldn¡¯t find a buyer.?

    ?

    With this, I can make new items, though only with minor effects for now. Or rather, all of the items that the girls bought at the general store already had some kind of effect attached. While I don¡¯t think that they noticed, since it¡¯s unlikely that they used appraisal while shopping for clothes, the items had defense buffs, evasion, and status effect resistance. I attached them to every item. Compared to items from dungeons they are pretty shabby, but it¡¯s better than nothing at times when they aren¡¯t wearing their equipment, and they also should have better effects than items of adventurers and guards of this town.?

    ?

    However, high levels of abnormal status effects resistance and trap detection are about to become more important than combat effects. Magic stone-encrusted rings should work for that. I have enough magic stones to even sell them, and high-grade magic stones also should give greater effects. I didn¡¯t touch it until now since it¡¯s difficult, time-consuming, and just a pain, but looks like it would be better to make them, just in case. Well, I thought about making accessories eventually, since it seems like a very lucrative idea. Materials are basically free, and they should sell for a hefty sum, so it should make me a rich man. Let¡¯s give it a shot.

    ¡¸Oooh, the color changed? This will sell! This will be a big hit! The problem is design. Having the stone limits the possibilities, and since it¡¯s meant to be practical, it has to be simple, sturdy, and not get in the way?¡¹?

    ?

    Just farming and selling magic stones will net me only the usual market price, but with this method I will be able to give it an added value, allowing me to decide the price. If the price of magic stones goes down I can just refrain from selling them, going for the manufacture route instead, thus avoiding having to sell them cheap. Aaah, that might be the reason why the book was banned and burned.?

    ?

    The main producing area for magic stones is the frontier. Every other region would prefer comfortably low prices.?

    ?

    In that case, having processing technology in the frontier would be a problem. Most likely, someone is monopolizing it, increasing their profits. That¡¯s why the frontier was this poor. Despite magic stones being their main product, the prices were kept low, allowing for only meager profits. And even those profits were stolen by the neighboring domain as goods went through it.?

    ?

    And being too poor, they couldn¡¯t afford proper equipment, hindering their ability to collect magic stones, leading to a further deficit.?

    ?

    As a result, the military strength also fell, making them unable to prevent the demon forest from growing, leading to attacks on the town and villages which had decreased population, making the region even poorer. If this is the result of the government policies then they are not only trash but also incredible fools. Even if they can profit from this now, the end result will be destruction. The monsters are free to multiply as they please.?

    ?

    ¡¸Maybe a simple jewel ring? Would look pretty gorgeous? But then the stones would be too big for everyday use¡­ Aaah, might as well make stones into the ring shape? Like ancient jade rings? Since I can process them, why not? In that case, can an entire ring be made out of shone? And since the color can be changed they should sell well! Riches, I¡¯m coming! HyAHAAH! Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    This smells like a big hit. Not only is it a monopoly but the items also have an added value. On top of that, the color and design can be changed, so having repeating customers is also possible, making for a long term business. This is a long rich man¡¯s life without a doubt!?

    ?

    Mass production after mass production, mass manufacture of the same type can be all handled at once with Parallel Thinking, allowing for a one man magic-based mass production assembly line. With Parallel Thinking of¡¸Apex Thinking¡¹playing an active part, Alchemy, and magic combine into a solo controlled parallel assembly-line system.?

    ?

    I think it would be quite hard to find a home industry that was this industrialized. Magic stones, forming a line like on some kind of a conveyor belt, move one after another, floating around me in a spiral, and one by one, are processed, turning into rings. As I got used to the process the speed also grew, increasing the number of rings created. A one-man factory? It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say a one-man industrial area. But there is no one to give me a salary for this??

    ?

    I work and work but my life has no signs of improving? I probably could easily get the title of high school champion of labor? And yet why do I remain penniless? Sort of??

    ?

    Day 47 ¨C Over.

 CH 131

    Day 48 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Despite my drowsiness, the morning already arrived. For the whole night, I was busy with my side job. While the manufacturing process for each ring was time consuming at first, midway it turned into a smooth conveyor-like mass production, and before I noticed, it was already morning! Well, midway I was also busy doing other secret stuff with Armored Pres, but for the most part, I was working. One shouldn¡¯t let a business opportunity slip by. But now that I think of it, I already ripped off all of the money from the girls through clothes, so they probably don¡¯t have anything. If anyone has money, it is the geeks and the idiots, but would the boys wear rings? Well, let¡¯s rip them off anyway.?

    ?

    Using cheap magic stones I mass-produced rings meant to be sold to the townsfolk, attaching Warding and Healing (Petty). Let¡¯s sell those to the general store. It¡¯s about time that the suspicious merchant returns to the town, so it¡¯s better to save up money for then. Just how far did my Affection Rating go? Speaking of which, ¡ºTemptation Shirt ¨C Allure (Greater)¡»from the dungeon, should sell for quite a price, but that¡¯s not something that should be allowed into the big world. Sealed it is.?

    ?

    Today we were to continue in the golem dungeon from the 36th floor, if I remember correctly? The lower the floor the better the loot from the treasure chests get, and middle floors already have a lot of promise. On the way, I check villages here and there, buying their specialty products, and oh, how mysterious, all the money disappeared? I¡¯m going to use those ingredients to make dishes that I sell at rip-off prices for great profits, so it can¡¯t really be helped, but as soon as I waste money even a bit they all disappear like the mist¡­ This world is filled with mysteries.?

    ?

    But since there is nothing but golems there is no room for Death Scythes. At this rate, they might end up as glorified lawnmowers. Maybe I should deforest the evil forest? Wood sells for a good price and there is not enough of it.?

    ?

    I wanted to get Abnormal Status Nullification rings out there as soon as possible, so when I showed them during breakfast they immediately sold out. Introducing a new payment method of¡ºPay when you find a new dungeon item¡»I sold them even to the broke girls as well, and just like that all of the rings were gone, despite the number I initially prepared. Well, wearing two rings won¡¯t double the effects, but it should strengthen them to like 150% power, so it¡¯s fine¡­ But why should I be lectured by them about my unnecessary spendings? This is absurd! I merely stayed in the inn on the tab a bit because I couldn¡¯t pay for it, having spent all the money I had and going into a bit of debt. Absolutely baffling.?

    ?

    Now, it¡¯s time. Onwards to the dungeon.?

    ?

    And once again golems. A Harem in the Fantasy World Dungeon would¡¯ve been wonderful, but we are stuck with golems instead. Not fun at all.?

    ?

    But since I need both money and dungeon items I have no choice but to work my butt off every day, and yet, I¡¯m stuck with no Job, ¡ºNEET¡»title and no money. No matter how much I earn, they disappear when I use them, just why is it??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are off!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It seems Tailing Stalker Girl is going to stick to me all of the time. Don¡¯t really want to reveal my abilities or skills to her. And she is also going to write a report on me, so there is a possibility that if I do anything weird the information will spread. On the other hand, if I take actions that will improve my image, and spread that report, it might explosively boost my Affection Rating.?

    ?

    Okay, actions that can raise Affection Rating. But what exactly are those actions? I kind of suspect that if I knew that my Affection Rating would¡¯ve been quite a lot higher, but generally speaking, doing things that are considered by society to be good, should naturally lead to a more favorable image. What would be good? Distributing sweets might give a good impression, but doesn¡¯t a person that gives sweets to girls every time he sees them sound incredibly suspicious? Wait, that¡¯s me!?

    ?

    Well, what actually shouldn¡¯t be known by Stalker Girl is Armored Pres-san¡¯s existence. There is a matter of her previous occupation, but what¡¯s even more important, that strength is not something that should be seen by other people.?

    ?

    Moreover, bringing Armored Pres-san together will put Stalker Girl at risk. Even during yesterday¡¯s meeting, it seems she was overflowing with caution, half glaring at the girl. Wish I could see that, a Flat Gaze showdown!?

    ?

    That being the case, today we are acting separately. The injury rate of the girls from culture clubs is too high. The dungeon exploration itself is going well, but they seem to be taking too many hits, and going through potions way too fast. Not even to mention that with a Holy Magic-user in possession of¡ºCure¡»that potion consumption speed is no good. It¡¯s fine while the damage is limited to wounds, but when something happens it will be too late.?

    ?

    They should greatly improve under the protection and guidance of Armored Pres-san, so I asked her to go with them as a coach.

    Most of the culture club girls lean towards middle guard or rear guard, proficient with the sword, control, and debuffs. Their party has almost absolute strength over favorable opponents, but as soon as they encounter someone resistant to magic or status effects they begin to struggle. Well, since they have the librarian they should do fine, but they still should level up their close combat skills, or things might get dangerous.?

    ?

    Sending Shield Girl to them should¡¯ve been enough, but Armored Pres-san can also coach while protecting them at the same time. Plus I also want to get Armored Pres-san away from the Stalker Girl and allow her to get along with other girls as well.?

    ?

    She probably will get happier the more friends she gets, and I want to avoid her sacrificing herself for my sake or following me in death. So I want her to form bonds with more girls, so she wouldn¡¯t be lonely even if something were to happen to me. And in the first place, I think there is a problem with having her Tamed all of the time. Especially in terms of my public image. Seriously.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san was objecting, vigorously shaking her head, but after pleading, giving her sweets, and a ring, I was able to send her off with the culture club girls. That¡¯s Master¡¯s dignity for ya¡­ I also promised that I will make her a new hat when I get back, so tonight I¡¯m going to be busy with work again. The girls act as if everything is fine, but unlike the boys, this is probably mentally taxing for them, so it¡¯s better to not press them too hard.?

    ?

    So today I¡¯m going to act the part of a harmless nice highschool boy who isn¡¯t that strong on his own, trying to make a favorable impression in order to raise my Affection Rating!?

    ?

    ¡¸Whooa, that was super close, right? Aaah, somehow we got them? Or kind of like something like that? Everyone, are you alright? Are you injured? Are you hungry? Want sweets? Is the kind of impression that I give? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    Show off doing my best to overcome foes in a hard struggle. Now I will be reported as a fine young man, and my popularity will be boosted.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, the way you speak is incredibly weird?¡¡On top of being monotone, what did you even mean by that¡ºIs the kind of impression that I give¡»?! You talking nonsense is nothing new, but today your weirdness is off the charts.¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? I didn¡¯t appear like a fine young man? Doing his best during a hard battle and yet worrying about everyone, giving away sweets. Hey, look, ain¡¯t I a nice guy? Like, a super good person??

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmmmm? I~ think the problem~ is that for saying¡ºWhooa, that was super close, right? Aaah, somehow we got them? Or something like that? ¡»you didn¡¯t struggle at all~, and easily~ were annihilating golems~?¡¡Rather~ than showing how earnestly~ you fight, it turned into a golem abuse demonstration~?¡¡On top of that~, you keep muttering¡¸Fine Young Man Play¡¹or~¡¸Affection Rating Up¡¹~for everyone to hear~? The plan completely failed~. The role was too much for you~. You are more of a erophiliac type of character?~¡¹?

    ?

    That was a no. And what type of character is that? That¡¯s my first time hearing that? Is there such a thing??

    ?

    ¡¸OOOOoooh! Yeeeeeeah! I found an amazing hidden room at such a place! What a surprise, what do we do? How about this? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    40F had a hidden room. Yeah, very natural acting of being surprised after accidentally discovering a hidden room by accidentally touching a wall. Hollywood-level acting, how terrifying.?

    ?

    ¡¸You are voicing all of your thoughts aloud. In a way that¡¯s indeed a terrifying way to ruin everything. Also, going in a straight line to a wall and then going¡ºOOOOoooh!¡», even we are troubled about how to react. And¡¸Yeeeeah!¡¹was completely unnecessary.¡¹?

    ?

    The acting coach is strict. Stalker Girl is looking at me with a flat gaze. Well, she said that she is going to report what she saw and heard, so it¡¯s fine as it is at the moment.?

    ?

    ¡¸A-A treeasure chest at such a place~? What~ an ama~zing find~? What do we dew?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Acting stupid won¡¯t help as well, okay? What even made you think that it will give an image of a fine young man? What exactly? Did you ever see such a person anywhere?¡¹?

    ?

    Finally, even Vice President A-san joined with criticism? But I even said it with a sparkling smile? Still no good??

    ?

    ¡¸H-How long have you been under the delusion that I¡¯m not a fine young man? Hmm? Isn¡¯t that weird? Am I not giving away sweets? Am I not?¡¹[1]?

    ?

    ¡¸If anyone sees you as a fine young man that¡¯s not a delusion but a legit hallucination! Even hypnosis won¡¯t help, one has to be sleeping to see that!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸If there was a Fine Young Man Haruka then he undoubtedly would be a fake one! A sham! A fraud! I mean, all he would be doing is giving away sweets at random!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Look~? If you go for a lustful young man, I think you might make it~? Or actually, you are already making it in a present progressive form~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸Yaay, sweets~. Yaay!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    For now, everyone rejoiced when I gave them cookies, so I guess I¡¯m a fine youth? I mean, they are happily munching on them? No one is even looking at the treasure chest at this point. For real.?

    ?

    Opening the chest that no one was interested in I find¡ºCowing Hat ¨C ViT 10% UP, Intimidation Effect (Greater)¡», not an Affection boosting item? Read the mood. Shouldn¡¯t the skill be¡ºFine Young Man¡»or something? Isn¡¯t this the time??

    ?

    What am I supposed to do with Intimidation when I¡¯m trying to raise my Affection Rating? I don¡¯t need it. And it looks kind of like a cowboy hat? There are no gunfighters in this world. Is it because they use magic instead? Speaking of using magic¡­ No! I shouldn¡¯t look at the Great Sage that instead of using magic keeps hammering enemies to death in a grand massacre with great jiggling and swaying and boing boing. If I look at her I will be reported.?

    ?

    ¡¸I can take it! It¡¯s cute, and it¡¯s intimidating! I¡¯m gonna be like an adult woman!¡¹?

    ?

    What is this shrimp with cookie crumbs around her mouth talking about? Cowboy hat makes her an intimidating adult woman??

    ?

    As a result, we now have a mysterious small animal in a cowboy hat and leather armor, that holding axes in both hands spins all over the place. There is nothing adult or intimidating about that.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Reference to BLEACH chapter 392. Haruka is using almost the same line as Aizen when he was asked since when he was using Ky¨­ka Suigetsu. It seems that frame became a bit of a meme over there.

 CH 132

    Day 48 ¨C Cavern, 36F?

    ?

    Since for the most part, I¡¯m trying not to get too involved, we aren¡¯t making much progress. I mean, what can I do if Stalker Girl is watching my every step??

    ?

    Everyone mastered Vibration Sword, but from 40F enemies changed to ¡ºMetal Golems¡», with the sturdiness going up, so they end up taking a lot of time to defeat them anyway. The only exception is Great Sage. Well, Though Vice President B-san is not using a Vibration Sword, she still has a lot of shaking from the jiggling. This is earthquake level! For real!?

    ?

    However, I don¡¯t think I ever saw Great Sage use magic even once? All she does is swing around? Her staff and various other stuff. She is swinging it around!?

    ?

    I taught them how to use vibration for destruction, but it seems they still can¡¯t use it in real combat. Even though their Vibration Magic skill level went up in one go they still can¡¯t use it in combat? Just why? And they were so angry when I asked them about that??

    ?

    To hide my abilities I stick to beating enemies with the staff, but could it be that killing enemies in one blow is a problem in itself? She is staring incredibly hard at me. And writing something. This is going to be reported. Is she going to write that I¡¯m some kind of a wild savage that beats enemies to death with a stick? But is there even such a thing as an elegant way of clubbing enemies??

    ?

    ¡¸I can¡¯t get into it. It¡¯s really hard to fight like this. The gaze on me is bothering me too much to focus. And I¡¯m also bored of golems. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The last one is your real complaint, right? You usually keep grumbling about not having enough monsters to fight, but when you have as much as you want you are bored? Where did your Fine Young Man act go? You are totally your usual self.¡¹?

    ?

    But there is nothing to do aside from beating¡ºMetal Golems¡»? Everyone just keeps bam bam bam hitting them. And since I can see the location of their cores with Rajingan it¡¯s over in one hit. Can I be blamed for being bored??

    ?

    ¡¸To report. Easily bored, spoiled, keeps hitting with a club, not a fine young man. (scribble scribble)¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, she keeps writing slander into the report. Before long it will be posted on some kind of underground website.?

    ?

    There is a hidden room over here, so let¡¯s check it first. Yeah, in a fine young man¡¯s sort of way.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, I¡¯m so ti~red. Whooa, I leaned on the wall and it moved! Aaaah, a hidden room in such a place? Aah, what a surprise? Monotone¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Your acting ability is the surprise! It¡¯s so bad that it¡¯s actually impressive! I don¡¯t think I ever heard someone say every line in such an unnatural way! And why would you say ¡ºMonotone¡»aloud!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Eerrm, inside the chest, was ¡ºShocking Necklace ¨C Add Knockback to Blunt and Slashing Attacks (Greater), +ATT¡». like at a shocking price? But I don¡¯t recall ever being surprised by the so-called shocking prices? The only shocking thing about them was the fact that they dare to call such prices shocking.?

    ?

    Since¡ºShocking Necklace¡»adds a knockback, then it should go to sword users. If they get the ability to knock away enemies after a slash then they have an easier time controlling the distance, and also will be able to knock away several enemies at a time. So either the president or the shrimp, no, it might be nice for Shield Girl as well? For some reason, I also think it might be just perfect for Great Sage, but that¡¯s probably my imagination. Vice A is cutting up enemies, so it won¡¯t be that useful for her, while I don¡¯t have enough PoW to send enemies flying.?

    ?

    In the end, it went to Great Sage. That necklace over that chest¡­! Ah, no, it¡¯s nothing. I was simply looking at the necklace? Honestly? I was just looking??

    ?

    Looks like by now no one is expecting any magic from Great Sage, as she is sending golems flying left and right. Apparently, that hammer is called ¡ºStaff of Sacred Mysteries¡», an item boosting Holy Magic efficiency. A staff? Magic? All she does is smash with it??

    ?

    Hmmm? Looks like the next floor is the last one? There is a hidden room or something, but there seem to be no stairs or additional floors beneath it? Well, we¡¯ll know when we get there.?

    ?

    Ooooh, it¡¯s been a while. A floor master that is simultaneously a dungeon master. Well, it¡¯s another golem though.?

    ?

    And very, unfortunately, the flag for a female-type golem didn¡¯t trigger. It¡¯s a simple giant, and it is charging at us.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll exterminate them!! From this world¡­ Wait, which world? This fantasy world? I didn¡¯t even hear the name of this world yet? Probably? Or maybe I did? From which world?¡¹[1]?

    ?

    It¡¯s huge. ¡ºMithril Golem Lv 50¡» has Magic Reflection and Abnormal Status Nullification so only option is fighting it head on, but with ¡ºExtraordinary Strength¡»,¡ºSlashing Resistance¡»,¡ºBlunt Damage Resistance¡»,¡ºRegeneration¡»it has no weaknesses. This combination of skills that inspires zero faith in possible victory without a doubt means it¡¯s a dungeon master. It¡¯s not something that can be taken down with only one party. Retreat??

    ?

    Or rather, it¡¯s Mithril!!! Finally, an enemy made out of valuable material. Will it leave mithril after its death? This is a flag, isn¡¯t it? By now I¡¯m pretty suspicious of all the seeming flags popping up in this world. But mithril was even listed as a recommended material in ¡ºHow To Magic Tools!¡»!?

    ?

    A silvered steel, sacred metal, magic power amplificator, elves¡¯ favorite, mithril, truesilver, the treasure of Moria, mithril of gray glitter. A metal of legends.?

    ?

    ¡¸Uhhh, Haruka-kun? What are you doing?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸EH! It¡¯s mithril! Don¡¯t you want it? Don¡¯t worry, I will share with everyone. I also accept orders for custom products, so there will be no problem? It should have enough for everyone with that size?¡¹?

    ?

    Grasping mithril with Holding I dismantle it through Vibration Magic and process through heating, so just wait for a bit. Don¡¯t worry I will surely share. I certainly won¡¯t hog it all for myself.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Uwaa, the core is just discarded? It¡¯s a mithril golem, but all the mithril was stolen from it. The core is just thrown away.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    What? The core will turn into a magic stone. Until then I have no need for it, so it can just lie on the ground. It¡¯s fine, there is no need to process it or anything. Even if we just break it, the core will still turn into a magic stone. Rather than that, it¡¯s mithril! Mithril I say! Who cares about the dungeon master! It¡¯s mithril!?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, for now, let¡¯s make bars out of it and carry it home. What a great find. It¡¯s mithril, you know? Just selling it will bring a whole fortune? I wonder if more will spawn if we wait? At least one more?¡¹?

    ?

    The first fantasy material of this world. My equipment is still nothing but wood, leather, cloth, all 100% natural materials. Well, natural fantasy materials, but I don¡¯t feel happy about that at all.?

    ?

    For some reason, everyone is staring at me with a flat gaze? Hey, it¡¯s mithril, you know? Isn¡¯t everyone¡¯s reaction a bit too small? Speaking of small, there are quite a few small-chested individuals around as well¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing! Mithril. I didn¡¯t think of anything. Please put away your axes and four-sword styles. These are not flat gazes, you are scaring me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mithril is great, you know? We can make new equipment out of it, or use it to strengthen what we already have. It will also boost both magic power and magic power conductivity. It¡¯s strong, and it might also enhance skills? It¡¯s very nice stuff. And it was just waiting to be found.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Waiting to be found? It¡¯s not like it was lying around? You tore it from a living monster. Core-san died after being completely stripped of everything. A sad and lonely death. It was disassembled so fast that it didn¡¯t get a chance to regenerate. We are coming to kill monsters, so why do we end up pitying them every time?¡¹?

    ?

    Aaah, yes, it¡¯s a dungeon master, so if it dies the dungeon dies as well. Nothing will spawn here anymore. And I wanted more. If there were at least 10 golems of that size there still would¡¯ve been plenty of mithril left even after making equipment for everyone. Why is it all over with just one? It¡¯s not enough.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Yes, it¡¯s a reference to Shingeki no kyojin.

 CH 133

    Day 48 ¨C Daytime, Cavern 46F?

    ?

    ¡¸A great harvest. A legendary metal. A fantasy material. Today I¡¯m going to be busy with work again¡­ But it must be kept a secret. Or rather, is it a secret? I¡¯m not getting enough sleep, for real.¡¹?

    ?

    And I now have a souvenir for Armored Pres-san. Mithril, it will make equipment even stronger, but when do I get to rest from those side jobs of mine? I don¡¯t get to sleep at all. Such an extremely ruthless world! No, the word impossible is a lie! What people need to live is not food but motivation! Nah, no way people can sustain themselves on that alone.?

    ?

    Now, the dungeon is dead, and the sun should be setting soon, Perfect timing to go home.?

    ?

    Ah, but there was something like a hidden room. It might have a treasure chest. It might be fine to get my hopes up for the dungeon loot of these floors.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaaah, what a coincidence~ there is ¡¸¡¸¡¸Enough of that already!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡­a hidden room.¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded. At this rate, a fine young man report capable of boosting my Affection Rating isn¡¯t happening. Okay, let¡¯s give sweets to Stalker Girl later. She seems to be a bit feeble-minded, so getting sweets might be enough for her to write that I¡¯m a fine young man. Or rather, I¡¯ll have her write that. One candy for each time she writes ¡ºA fine young man¡», a perfect plan. Affection Rating is about to skyrocket.?

    ?

    Finally! There is finally a locked treasure chest! At long last, a lock! And Vice President B immediately destroyed it? Yeeah, that makes sense. There is no need to waste time with every single lock when one can simply break them¡­ Just what is the point of Magic Key¡¯s existence? That¡¯s an item for the lowest floors of the great dungeon, right? It¡¯s supposed to be rare? Is it so rare that there is no use for it? Is it possible??

    ?

    And inside¡­ Eeh!¡ºRing of Golem Maker ¨C Create, Control, Command Golems¡», having this, I might be able to pull that off. It might be critical for that terrain? Probably??

    ?

    ¡¸Please! Let me have it? If you yield it to me I will accept your custom orders for mithril items free of charge? No? Then how about custom-made clothes? If you like, I can also add custom-made rings? If that¡¯s not enough¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Have it! Take it!! Custom-made clothes!! And handmade rings?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸T-thank you? I guess? Are you sure? You can make golems with this?¡¹?

    ?

    They aren¡¯t listening. Looks like they already began discussing clothes? And also racking their brains over rings? What about mithril-san? It¡¯s a legendary fantasy metal? I can upgrade your equipment or make you new mithril weapons and armor? It¡¯s mithril, you know? Valuable, rare, and precious? Yeah, not listening at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸To report. Tempts girls with clothes, and entices them with handmade rings. Not a fine young man. (scribble, scribble)¡¹?

    ?

    And behind me, Stalker Girl is writing the slander she calls a report. Looks like to get her on my side I will need a lot of sweets, which means even more work. I¡¯m not even a crafter? I¡¯m jobless. From dawn until dusk I¡¯m a combat jobless, and from dusk till dawn I¡¯m secretly a crafter, working completely illegal hours. Such a regime would put even exploitative companies to shame??

    ?

    We climbed out of the dungeon.?

    ?

    As we make our way out of there, I from time to time destroy golems that respawned before the boss died. Everyone else is too preoccupied with discussing clothes and won¡¯t fight at all. All by myself, I steadily break them, all by myself, I pick up magic stones one by one, and then I have to work even after we get back to the inn? And no money despite all that! There is not enough currency in the town, so it doesn¡¯t reach me as a result. Should I just destroy the neighboring domain already? If I climb a nearby mountain, make a house there, and rain meteors at it for about a week, it should vanish, right? The neighboring domain I mean. After all, they are holding back my money, and as a result, I remain broke. It¡¯s fine, right? I mean, I¡¯m working 0 official hours and 24 hours overtime? That must be the reason why I¡¯m a NEET. Overtime takes up so much time that there is no room for work.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeeeeeey, Haruka-kun, your muttering is getting disturbingly dangerous? The Stalker Girl, whose house is located in the neighboring territory, is scared to the point of tears. Your affection rating will disappear long before the neighboring domain. Also, with the way you keep spending money left and right I¡¯m pretty sure you will remain just as broke even if the neighbors were to disappear. No doubt here!¡¹?

    ?

    Huh? I was saying that aloud? Affection Rating-san is vanishing?!?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright¡­ I¡¯m sure another domain will immediately spawn. As long as I keep the lord that hogs my money only half-dead, I¡¯m positive it will keep respawning? Surely? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Respawning is something that happens to monsters in dungeons! Why would a domain respawn? And keeping their lord half-dead? It¡¯s even crueler than just killing him on the spot! Stalker Girl-chan is crying already!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Sounds like a no? It seems Neighboring Domain is not a monster.?

    ?

    ¡¸To report (crying). Will turn the town into a sea of flames if we won¡¯t give him money. Will treat the same as monsters if we won¡¯t give him money. Definitely not a fine young man (scribbles while crying)¡¹?

    ?

    And she keeps writing that defaming report? What¡¯s that¡ºWill turn the town into a sea of flames if we won¡¯t give him money¡» supposed to mean? Am I some kind of evil demon king? I¡¯m going to get angry??

    ?

    ¡¸Usually, anyone would be treated the same as a demon king if they throw meteors at a city for seven days straight? That¡¯s basically worse than an evil demon king. I think even Demon King-san won¡¯t do something as cruel as leaving the lord half-dead every time? Or rather, don¡¯t you dare actually do it!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I can¡¯t do that¡­ But even so¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸There is no guarantee they won¡¯t do something just because I didn¡¯t do anything? I¡¯m pretty sure that Meri¡¯s father would stick to protecting his domain even if he were to get branded as a demon king for that? I think that to do that, to protect his subjects, he will turn into anything, be it a devil or a demon king, and will keep fighting. And if there is no way to defend, then offense is the only option. And this fief doesn¡¯t have enough population to properly defend itself, just like myself, they don¡¯t have the power to protect. If we don¡¯t attack then someone will die somewhere. If we won¡¯t make the first move then someone will really die. Some town or a village will get obliterated. Just like the poster girl¡¯s family, who lost their home and their whole town and had to wander the land. And even that was only because White Weirdo sacrificed himself to protect everyone, allowing them to escape. Normally they¡¯d be dead right then and there. Attackers not being monsters changes nothing. If monsters attack in a pack the effect would be the same. So after stopping a horde of monsters from attacking we should just leave human troops to do as they please? Villagers, townsfolk, they all would be dead. Just think about it, the other party already began an investigation, and gathering information is the first step in the war. That report that is being written right now is the first step in the war. And to begin with, the lord of this region and his family already were attacked before. By troops, you know? And there is only one domain that shares a border with this region. The neighbors already began the war, okay? I have no idea if they understand this, but it wouldn¡¯t have been strange if it turned into an all-out war when they attacked the local lord? And they still didn¡¯t have enough. I don¡¯t think they will get it until their own lives will be in danger? I mean, what they are doing is too stupid. A dangerous man appeared, they say, and yet the local lord who gets along with that man refrained from going to war even after an attempt on his own life, and they go and send a subordinate to do an investigation or whatever? What¡¯s wrong with burning their city to the ground after they¡¯ve done all that?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone went silent. But please write that down in your report, okay? That is an ultimatum. The other side is free to choose to either amend their ways or come in force.?

    ?

    ¡¸But¡­ The people living in the neighboring region didn¡¯t do anything wrong? It¡¯s what their lord is doing on his own, why do the people have to suffer for that? They might be good people? You can¡¯t treat them like that. You absolutely shouldn¡¯t do that. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, this town or its people didn¡¯t do anything wrong as well? Hell, even the local lord didn¡¯t do anything wrong? There is no need to even make guesses about that, we know it¡¯s nothing but nice people. Is it fine for them to have their homes burnt and their lives taken? Since people from the neighboring region are nice, it¡¯s okay for the good people of this town to be killed, is that what you mean?¡¹?

    ?

    While crying, Stalker Girl remained silent, only biting her lips, not knowing how to retort. The people of that domain are most likely aware of the disastrous situation of this region, as well as the fact that their domain is one of the reasons for that. They are neighbors after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if the real fault is on the nobles since they live in that domain there are consequences to be had. They settled there because they didn¡¯t want to go to the dangerous and poor frontier. They settled there and paid taxes, taxes from which nobles raise their troops. And regardless of whether there is awareness of the town that grew and developed by sucking wealth from the frontier, that¡¯s enough of a reason for them to be killed, no? There is nothing surprising if one day they were to wake up to the storm of fireballs raining upon their town? If one doesn¡¯t want to die then they shouldn¡¯t do something that will get them killed.¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know how she will report on this, but I don¡¯t care what the neighboring fool of a lord will think upon reading that, so she can write whatever she wants. But since we met like this, I at least want them to understand the meaning of what is about to happen. Since we already met, we are not just strangers. Even if we are oblivious to that, we are not just strangers anymore.?

    ?

    Everyone is climbing the stairs in complete silence.?

    ?

    Because they now understood that there was nothing strange even if the war already broke out on the surface.?

    ?

    Well, not like I¡¯m going to let that happen? I won¡¯t let others do as they please. Even though that¡¯s what I love doing myself. But I¡¯m always getting scolded if I go too far? So they also can¡¯t complain if someone gets angry at them.

 CH 134

    Day 48 ¨C Daytime, Streets of Omui?

    ?

    The report was complete. Submitting something like this to that lord cannot possibly end without consequences.?

    ?

    But even so, I definitely have to do it.?

    ?

    After all, Haruka-san was outraged.?

    ?

    Usually, he speaks plainly, sounding even somewhat disinterested, but at that time, he was clearly angry.?

    ?

    Being this poor, this region cannot fully protect its people, which results in deaths. Apparently, almost none of the previous lords of this domain died in their mansion, and their tombstones stand over empty graves. And one of the reasons why the domain remained poor despite having such fine rulers is the neighboring domain of ¡ºNarrogi¡». Originally, it was founded to supply the armies locked in the fight against monsters on the frontier.?

    ?

    But at some point the town began embezzling supplies from the capital, meant for the frontier army, and taking a percentage of the magic stones coming from the frontier, growing as a result.?

    ?

    Everyone in the town knew that, and everyone condemned the lord for that. All pitied the people of the frontier, but no one did anything.?

    ?

    Everyone would be surprised if tomorrow they were to wake up to a rain of fire. Of course, no one will think that they had it coming. Regardless of whether they are aware of what they are doing or not, no one considers it as enough of a reason to be killed. Even I never thought of it until I had that said to my face.?

    ?

    But even so, I want to save the townsfolk. Because there are people that were good to me, my friends, and my beloved ones. Even if we deserved that, I still want to save them.?

    ?

    I too want to save those dear to me.?

    ?

    The black-haired girls said that they definitely will stop Haruka-san, so it is going to be fine, while the poster girl, hearing that I¡¯m leaving, gave me lots of sweets. She probably took them from Haruka-san or he gave them himself. To a spy from a neighboring town.?

    ?

    But I know it is not fine, and it shouldn¡¯t be. After all, even if they manage to stop Haruka-san, I can¡¯t stop our lord.?

    ?

    A long time ago, the poster girl and her family lost their home along with their hometown, and only after wandering for a long time finally settled in this town and built an inn. And it seems if it wasn¡¯t for the person that fought for them they would¡¯ve been dead.?

    ?

    Even if they manage to stop Haruka-san, since Narrogi-sama cannot be stopped, Omui will be invaded anyway. Then, the poster girl and her family will once again lose everything they have and will end up wandering the land. Or maybe, even die. Despite staying in the neighboring domain all the time I never gave this a proper thought.?

    ?

    Narrogi-sama attacked Omui-sama a few times already, so it wouldn¡¯t be strange for a war to break out or a rain of fire to come any moment. I didn¡¯t know anything and didn¡¯t try to think about the meaning of any of that. However, it was our clan that was spying and reporting on Omui-sama and the ladies of the house. We aren¡¯t unrelated to this matter. Ignorance was not allowed to me.?

    ?

    After all, my clan are descendants of the unit that was historically scouting for the sake of the frontier army. Originally, we should be working for Omui¡¯s benefit.?

    ?

    But lacking in combat strength we were located in the rear, and ended up being taken in by Narrogi¡¯s domain. While holding dear the desire to go to Omui, our lack of strength held us back, leading to us being swallowed up by the Narrogi domain. And with our families and friends being now held hostage, we were forced to assist in tormenting Omui.?

    ?

    The moment Haruka-san said¡ºGathering information is the first step in the war¡», I understood. It would¡¯ve been but a matter of course if I was killed right on the spot.?

    ?

    After all, those were the same words that were handed down from one generation to another in our clan. ¡ºInformation saves lives of allies and is the first step to defeating the enemy¡», I should¡¯ve known better since those were the words I grew up with. And yet, I didn¡¯t think of what I¡¯m doing or the meaning behind it.?

    ?

    ¡ºSee with your own eyes, hear with your own ears, learn of everything, be it lies, truth, mistakes, or secrets, and reflect on it yourself.¡»is what I was taught, yet I saw nothing, heard nothing, and just kept missing the most important, without thinking anything at all. I didn¡¯t even notice that until I was told.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to deliver this report.?

    ?

    To the clan.?

    ?

    To Narrogi-sama.?

    ?

    After which I most likely will be killed.?

    ?

    It¡¯s almost certain that I won¡¯t survive submitting such a report.?

    ?

    Even so, I¡¯m going to do this.?

    ?

    After all, it¡¯s only natural that I will be killed. It¡¯s only natural that I will be punished for what I¡¯ve done.?

    ?

    The people of Omui Town were very kind.?

    ?

    That¡¯s where we were supposed to be. Despite the poverty, the danger, the misery, and the despair, everyone was nice.?

    ?

    That place is what really ought to be protected.?

    ?

    The front line is locked in a fight with monsters in order to defend towns and the country that lies behind it.?

    ?

    And we didn¡¯t even comprehend that all this time we were protected by that town.?

    ?

    We forgot that it was that town that was guarding us.?

    ?

    We pushed everything on the people of that town and forgot about everything that we found inconvenient, paying it no heed and sparing it no thought.?

    ?

    We deserve their ire.?

    ?

    We deserve the fire.?

    ?

    But even so, I want to save the townsfolk. After all, that¡¯s where the people that treated me kindly, my friends, and my beloved one are. Even if the town deserves to be burned, I still want to save them.?

    ?

    All I can do now is to report.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I wrote there everything I saw, heard, and thought. The full and complete report.?

    ?

    And most likely, my last one.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s my first real report, where I wrote what I truly saw, heard, and thought.?

    ?

    After all, Haruka-san told me all that.?

    ?

    While he could¡¯ve killed without saying a word.?

    ?

    Yet he spoke to me, and scolded me, an enemy.?

    ?

    And even though I¡¯m an enemy, he gave me lots of delicious sweets.?

    ?

    And patted me on the head when I cried.?

    ?

    Yes, I received a lot from him.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t pay him back, but at the very least, I can return at least a bit of my debt to Omui.

 CH 135

    Day 48 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you very much. Thank you for your help. I will do what I can. I¡¯m really grateful to you.¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that the Stalker Girl ran off.?

    ?

    ¡¸Is she going to be alright?¡¹?

    ?

    Most certainly not. Those eyes filled with resolve that she showed at the end. She is determined to die.?

    ?

    These are not the eyes a girl of middle-school age should make. It¡¯s not alright.?

    ?

    The poster girl, who became friends with her by now, was also flustered, with tears welling up in her eyes from worry.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I gently embraced the poster girl and firmly told her.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. Even if it¡¯s not alright at all, it will be alright.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, it¡¯s not alright at all, but that¡¯s most certainly alright.?

    ?

    After all, Haruka-kun isn¡¯t here to see her off. Even Angelica-san is absent.?

    ?

    So even though it¡¯s the worst kind of not alright, ultimately, it¡¯s alright.?

    ?

    The duo of worst enemies of Tragedy-san isn¡¯t here. They are already on their way.?

    ?

    To be frank, from our perspective, the very fact of coming to this world was a tragedy.?

    ?

    And then the world welcomed us with a whole banquet of tragedies. It was nothing but tragedies all around no matter where we looked.?

    ?

    But even now, while looking worried, everyone believes and trusts. Believes that the tragedy will be beaten to death anyway.?

    ?

    On top of that, this time, the serial clubber of tragedies is also accompanied by the strongest slasher of disasters.?

    ?

    The two, that mercilessly butchered the nightmare-like tragedy, that engulfed the entirety of the great dungeon with unfathomable despair and disaster.?

    ?

    The murderers of tragedies, that trampled down that endless sea of monsters and exterminated the nightmare covering the great dungeon. And they are always in the process of making a repeated offense.?

    ?

    A great tragedy must be awaiting the Stalker Girl.?

    ?

    Poor tragedy. After all, the worst serial clubber of tragedies and the strongest slasher of disasters are already on their way? It has no idea what¡¯s coming for it.?

    ?

    The tragedy is as good as dead. That¡¯s how much danger it is in now.?

    ?

    I mean, we were completely surrounded by tragedies, with a tragedy waiting no matter where we would turn our eyes, and yet we never got to personally meet one.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. The Stalker Girl already met Haruka-kun. And anyone who meets Haruka-kun is bound to find happiness. Regardless of their will. So it will be alright. ¡¹?

    ?

    Hearing that, the poster girl nodded energetically, still having teary eyes.?

    ?

    I¡¯m pretty sure that the Stalker Girl¡¯s destiny was already shattered by now, with her misfortune and doom running out.?

    ?

    But Destiny-sans a tough one, a heavy one, a tragic one, or even a hopeless one, the opponent is too unfortunate.?

    ?

    How unlucky of Destiny-san.?

    ?

    The one coming there is a Super Ultra Lucky crusher of destinies, that won¡¯t hesitate to smash another one.?

    ?

    Destiny-san, run away.?

    ?

    You have to run or it will be too late! The person that keeps destroying the destinies of this world without a shred of care for them must be heading that way. Bringing with him the strongest, the worst, and the most excellent companion.?

    ?

    I mean, they aren¡¯t around.?

    ?

    Which certainly means they are coming for you.?

    ?

    So you have to run.?

    ?

    That person is going to endlessly massacre you until even the worst of luck turns into a blessed fortune.?

    ?

    Obediently giving up now will ease your suffering, Destiny-san??

    ?

    That person definitely is not going to give up, so you should just give up yourself.?

    ?

    After all the frontier that had nothing but tragedies all around, had tragedies exterminated, bringing happiness. Tragedies were hunted so excessively that they are about to be designated as endangered species, you know? Though they might go completely extinct before that happens. Lately, it was questionable if any still survived. After all, the whole town is filled with smiles.?

    ?

    Destiny-san, it¡¯s futile to struggle or resist. He is going to keep killing you until happiness comes.?

    ?

    After all, there is no way Haruka-kun can just leave a girl that has such a look.?

    ?

    After all 21 girls that had the same eyes in the past were forcibly turned happy and are smiling every day ever since.?

    ?

    Destiny-san is really unfortunate.?

    ?

    He isn¡¯t going to stop until everyone will be smiling, so making a job change from Misfortune to Good Fortune is for your own sake??

    ?

    He crushed all of the frontier¡¯s tragedies, so now the chummy duo is going to the neighboring territories to massacre misfortune there.?

    ?

    He will certainly do something.?

    ?

    After all, when our lives were in danger he appeared no matter the time or place.?

    ?

    Although his entrance is not gallant or cool. After all, he is not a hero or anything.?

    ?

    And he doesn¡¯t appear shrouded in fear and dread. He is not a dark hero as well.?

    ?

    And he doesn¡¯t use evil to crush evil. He is not an anti-hero either.?

    ?

    He is just crushing it because it¡¯s in his way.?

    ?

    Having someone crying, despairing, or dying is a nuisance to him.?

    ?

    Misfortune, disasters, and tragedies are simply an eyesore to him.?

    ?

    And since it¡¯s an eyesore he forces them to convert to happiness, bringing smiles. It simply happened that misfortune and tragedies were an annoyance. That¡¯s why he erased them.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why, Destiny-san, stop being such a misfortune and turn to a fortune, or you will be treated as a nuisance. Being an annoyance is enough of a reason for you to be destroyed without a fight.?

    ?

    So hurry up and reform and become Fortune-san.?

    ?

    Or very very scary people will come for you.?

    ?

    So please, make it alright.

 CH 136

    Day 48: Late night, On the way to Narrogi.?

    ?

    Just a bit more and I will get back to the town. Just a bit more and everything will be over.?

    ?

    The error has to be put to an end no matter what.?

    ?

    Even if the whole clan went into exile to Omui they won¡¯t trust us, which is only natural, no one would believe that, considering the incredibly suspicious timing of this sudden defection.?

    ?

    But that¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    Even being treated as sacrificial pawns on the frontlines is fine.?

    ?

    As long as we can meet our end fighting for Omui.?

    ?

    The ancestors will certainly scold us, but if we tell them that we died fighting for Omui they surely will forgive.?

    ?

    Conveying to Omui-sama movements of Narrogi¡¯s army, its battle potential, and location of traps, should be our clan¡¯s last job. That alone is enough, that is my first and the last real mission.?

    ?

    What Haruka-san said is correct. Even I was taught in the ways of war.?

    ?

    To win, Omui has to attack, otherwise, they will lose due to the terrain, no matter how fierce their troops are.?

    ?

    They might be able to prevail if they draw Narrogi forces deep into Omui¡¯s territory, abandoning the people, but Omui-sama and Omui troops will definitely try to protect them.?

    ?

    Just like all of the previous lords of Omui did, dying, trying to protect their people.?

    ?

    And from that gathering of protected people, not fit for combat, our clan was born.?

    ?

    At some point, that clan that was formed to repay the debt, began paying it back with evil, but that is precisely why we have to properly repay them in the end.?

    ?

    The decisive piece of Omui and Narrogi¡¯s fight is the long long narrow path connecting them. 20 meters in the widest parts, and less than 10 in the narrowest area.?

    ?

    A swift advance through it is impossible and a large force is bound to stretch and halt there.?

    ?

    If one has control over the cliffs on the sides they are free to throw boulders and rain arrows at them.?

    ?

    And those cliffs can¡¯t be accessed from Omui¡¯s side, due to their steepness. But they can be climbed on Narrogi¡¯s side.?

    ?

    All Omui can do is encircle the exit. But with frontier¡¯s forces stretched like that they will be broken through due to the sheer difference in numbers.?

    ?

    Conditions are far too different for Omui-sama who has to defend everything, and Narrogi, for whom it¡¯s enough to penetrate at any spot they¡¯d like.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why Omui forces have to strike the town of Narrogi first. Although that will expose the townsfolk of Narrogi to the attack as well.?

    ?

    But that is the only path to victory for Omui.?

    ?

    And Narrogi¡¯s sins are heavy enough to justify that. The sins of not realizing and not caring.?

    ?

    Haruka-san can easily put an end to it on his own.?

    ?

    Just hurl balls of fire from the mountains. Even if an army were to chase after him they¡¯d have no hope of catching up with that speed.?

    ?

    If the whole army deploys on the mountains the town is open for invasion, and if they act separately they will only get killed one-sidedly.?

    ?

    If Haruka-san fixes his aim on a target there is no way to stop him. Yes, it¡¯s impossible without at least as much strength as those girls have.?

    ?

    But even so, I want to protect the townsfolk.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to reveal the position and deployment situation of Narrogi forces, as well as locations of traps.?

    ?

    Our clan will take full responsibility. I know that we can¡¯t possibly atone for everything we¡¯ve done, but that¡¯s all we can do. After all, this is going to be the clan¡¯s last job.?

    ?

    I did everything I should. The clan members are already on the move. By now they probably told the townsfolk everything, so this concludes my work.?

    ?

    ¡¸I brought the report on the man that appeared in Omui¡¯s territory.¡¹?

    ?

    I handed over the report to Narrogi-sama. With this everything is over.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a pity that I didn¡¯t get to say goodbye to Haruka-san, but even being such a dummy as I am, in the end, I managed to do what was right.?

    ?

    Thank you, Haruka-san.?

    ?

    As Narrogi-sama read the report the hand holding the paper began to tremble, while his face reddened from anger.?

    ?

    ¡¸You bitch! What is this!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as the report says. Causing harm to that town means ruin for Narrogi. Both the domain and the lord will perish. There is nothing to report other than the necessity of apologizing, compensating, and swearing fealty to them. There is no other option but to fall under their authority and act as their logistical support, as this town was originally supposed to. Our clansmen are already heading to Omui to report on everything from Narrogi Castle¡¯s secret passages, hidden entrances, underground tunnels, to even the most remote of hideouts. Structure of the town¡¯s defenses, troops equipment, strength of each unit, chain of command, special forces, and even secret units, all of it will be reported to Omui, as well as hidden mountain passages, hidden bases, and their positions, all of it. We already notified the townsfolk that they have to abandon the town for the incoming danger. And there is absolutely no means for Narrogi to defeat the monster-like man. That¡¯s because he isn¡¯t monster-like or anything, but actually a very kind, strongest invincible young man. This concludes the report.¡¹?

    ?

    This is the end.?

    ?

    I did everything I should as the chief¡¯s daughter.?

    ?

    Now Narrogi won¡¯t be able to attack Omui so easily.?

    ?

    Even if they now try to force their way through, the casualties will be tremendous, and if the offense fails, then the town of Narrogi will be taken instead.?

    ?

    And during that time, the townsfolk will have time to escape.?

    ?

    I did everything properly.?

    ?

    Thank you, Haruka-san.?

    ?

    ¡¸How dare you, a lowly spy!!!!¡¹?

    ?

    A sword is coming right at me.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m surrounded by soldiers on all sides.?

    ?

    I have no way to escape, and no desire to even try.?

    ?

    After all, it¡¯s painfully obvious that there is no way for me to survive this.?

    ?

    But my work is done.?

    ?

    This is the end.?

    ?

    I¡¯m glad I went to Omui Town in the end.?

    ?

    I met so many nice people.?

    ?

    And got to know Poster Girl-chan.?

    ?

    I was so happy that we became friends.?

    ?

    And I got to try incredibly delicious sweets the likes of which I never had before.?

    ?

    And I also was treated to amazing dishes and was pampered a lot by the girls.?

    ?

    And also met Haruka-san. He gave me sweets and gently patted me on the head.?

    ?

    I was really happy.?

    ?

    I had a very great time.?

    ?

    I received a whole bunch from Haruka-san.?

    ?

    So I¡¯m happy enough.?

    ?

    Aah, but I wish I could¡¯ve at least gotten one word of farewell with him.?

    ?

    Would he have patted me again if I started crying??

    ?

    That¡¯s my only bit of regret.?

    ?

    Being so happy after meeting them, I can die with a smile on my face.?

    ?

    Thank you, Haruka-san.?

    ?

    By now the only thing I can see is the sword.?

    ?

    I¡¯m about to be cut down.?

    ?

    The tip of a sword is almost touching me.?

    ?

    And yet¡­??

    ?

    ¡¸Long time no see? Although you stalked me all right until the evening? Or rather, why do you have a sword sticking to your forehead? Is this a hobby of yours? Wait, I got it, you are puncturing pimples? You shouldn¡¯t do that, it¡¯s better not to touch them? For real.¡¹?

    ?

    And yet why is Haruka-san here??

    ?

    Why is Haruka-san holding the blade pinched between two fingers??

    ?

    Why is he stepping on Narrogi-sama??

    ?

    And why can¡¯t I stop crying??

    ?

    And¡­ And he is patting me again.?

    ?

    I thought he¡¯d never pat me on the head again. It shouldn¡¯t have been possible.?

    ?

    And yet here he is, gently brushing me on the head. While still standing on Narrogi-sama??

    ?

    ¡¸Y-Y-Y-Y-You BASTARD! Who do you think you are stepping¡ª fugueh!¡¹?

    ?

    Standing on Narrogi-sama he keeps patting me on the head.?

    ?

    It¡¯s Haruka-san.

 CH 137

    Day 48 Late Night, On the way to Narrogi.?

    ?

    As we run I give a warning. After all, I can¡¯t help but be anxious whether the person inside the silver armor can hold back enough or not??

    ?

    ¡¸So you definitely shouldn¡¯t kill them, okay? We are there only for rescue and escape assistance. Even if someone comes, luring them out of town is enough. Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is nodding energetically, but does she really get it? However, the Stalker Girl was faster than I expected.?

    ?

    Taking action arbitrarily might be a problem so I first went to meet with Meripapa-san, but while we were talking, the Stalker Girl went back to the neighboring domain, so we had to leave in a hurry and are now chasing after her. I mean, I never left the frontier, so I don¡¯t even know the way? No familiarity with the terrain whatsoever? And Armored Pres-san is insisting on tagging along no matter what, so I can¡¯t fly as well??

    ?

    ¡¸So this is the pass? It¡¯s pretty long? Past it lies the neighboring domain, but since it¡¯s late-night I doubt there are any stores left, so let¡¯s pass it straight away. I¡¯m going to leap when we make it past the pass, so hop on my back then, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    Oooh! I¡¯ll get to give a piggyback ride to a girl! Well, she is wearing armor, so carrying her on the back doesn¡¯t promise much fun, but as a highschool boy, I can¡¯t help but rejoice at the first piggyback ride! Even though she is wearing armor¡­ Yeah¡­ That leaves a lot to be desired in a tactile aspect¡­?

    ?

    However, it¡¯s really one long straight pass¡­ And we still haven¡¯t caught up to her, and since we didn¡¯t spot her by now, does it mean that she has already reached the town? Isn¡¯t this a problem? I definitely will get scolded if something happens to her. And I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t end up with a sermon alone, even my allowance might be reduced. And the Poster Girl who became all chummy with her might never speak to me again. I might get kicked out of the inn if I don¡¯t hurry? I also have a big tab there, so it might be a real problem??

    ?

    I finally caught the Stalker Girl¡¯s presence when the town gates came into our sight.?

    ?

    Since she is over there, does it mean she is inside the castle? Searching through the castle is not easy? I thought about blowing up the castle in the worst case, if it seems that we can¡¯t make it in time, but now it¡¯s impossible. And I doubt they have a guide or a map for visitors? I mean, the castle is too shabby for a tourist attraction. In this case, it might not be that hard? They seem to be trying hard with appearances, but it seems to be all just for show? Just a mansion remodeled to look like a castle. Well, it¡¯s still a lot more splendid than the mansion of the frontier lord, but despite being worn-out, the frontier lord¡¯s mansion was combat-oriented. This one is big and pretty, but the walls seem thin, the windows are too numerous, and what¡¯s even more important, it has too many useless decorations, making scaling it an easy matter.?

    ?

    Using Farsight from Rajingan I was able to confirm the situation inside the town and the location of the fake castle, so it¡¯s about time we make our way inside.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, hop on my back and hold tight. Don¡¯t expect a smooth flight.¡¹?

    ?

    Honestly, getting ¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡»from the dungeon was really lucky. It created a chance of protection. Until now extermination was the only option, but it opened a possibility of giving an ultimatum and keeping the enemy in check. I finally have an option of resolving things without destroying the town? She just had to inform the local lord and the residents. Why would she do this? Making a mess is my specialty. Taking her for a simple spy specializing in tailing was a huge mistake.

    Good grief, I¡¯m always surrounded by idiots, and somehow I¡¯m always the biggest one of them all. I didn¡¯t even consider this possibility.?

    ?

    I lose my cool after finding¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡».?

    ?

    I was too ecstatic after finding a possibility of protecting, which numbed my judgment.?

    ?

    And panicking over the danger to the numerous people, I ended up overlooking the danger to the sole Stalker Girl. What an idiot I am.?

    ?

    I couldn¡¯t care less if I can or cannot make it in time, I will make it.?

    ?

    Failure is not an option. It doesn¡¯t matter how slim the chance is, if it exists, Epic Luck will take care of it. That¡¯s why¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Teleport.¡¹?

    ?

    I teleport to the Stalker Girl¡¯s location.?

    ?

    If there is no chance to make it in time by leaping through the skies, then I will leap through space. Live combat trial with no rehearsal? I just hope I won¡¯t end up in a wall, Wha¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª!!!?

    ?

    Whooooa! That was close! Who the hell put their sword right in front of me! That¡¯s dangerous! This almost turned into an unfortunate accident with bisection on teleportation! Why is this world so bent on dangerous stuff colliding with me? That hurts? If it hits me? And on top of it, a sword, I could¡¯ve lost something? Good grief¡­?

    ?

    Mmm? I reflexively grabbed the sword, but the tip was about to hit the Stalker Girl? What is she doing? It¡¯s dangerous, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸Long time no see? Although you stalked me all right until the evening? Or rather, why do you have a sword sticking to your forehead? Is this a hobby of yours? Wait, I got it, you are puncturing pimples? You shouldn¡¯t do that, it¡¯s better not to touch them? For real.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, if you pop them without thinking they might fester and spread? I recommend washing your face and steaming it with a warm towel for a few minutes before that? Seriously. And to use a sword on top of that? That¡¯s just unhygienic.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t quite get it, but she seems to be crying, so I pat her on the head. Most of the problems can be solved by giving candy and patting the head. This is a trick to escape sermons. Though it doesn¡¯t seem to work for me, I¡¯m pretty sure it is? Sort of??

    ?

    ¡¸Fugueh!¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? I think I heard something? If my memory serves me right, ¡ºFugueh!¡»is the sound that orcs make? It¡¯s been a while? And what¡¯s the deal with this unsteady footing here??

    ?

    ¡¸Huh? Why is an orc pretending to be a floor? Is this a trap? So¡ºTrap Ring ¨C Automatically Disarms Traps¡»didn¡¯t work? Being ineffective on top of having no place to be used is not even about flags or foreshadowing anymore? The great dungeon might get recall demands at this rate? But the person in charge bunked off? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who are you calling an orc you insolent scoundrel! Hurry up and move your feet away already! Fugueh!¡¹?

    ?

    The orc spoke! Even Goblin Emperor couldn¡¯t do that?! Is this the highest evolved form of orcs? It looks dumb, but is it actually smart since it understands speech? But our dumber-than-goblins idiots are also capable of something resembling speech, so that might not be the case??

    ?

    ¡¸Uhhh¡­ The orc-like person you are standing on is Narrogi-sama. Despite how he looks, it¡¯s the lord of this territory, and not related to orcs, I think? The last part is still under investigation.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who is Narrogi? If you throw names of random strangers like that at me there is no way I will be able to remember them? Can¡¯t it be just Orc N? And you have to investigate it properly, or it would mean you are letting an orc freely roam through the town? It¡¯s dangerous, you know? It looks pretty weak though.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, if it was an otherworldly world¡¯s town of carnage, where every resident is armed with a club, then an orc would be in greater danger, but for a normal town, it¡¯s a threat. Yeah, the walls of that town probably exist to prevent poor orcs that wandered inside from escaping. The town of carnage is terrifying.?

    ?

    ¡¸Umm, err, that orc-like person is the lord of this domain¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, c¡¯mon? Why would you make an orc your lord? Just look at this stupid mug? It must be an idiot? Couldn¡¯t you at least pick a kobold for your lord? ¡¹?

    ?

    If they are to make such a stupid-looking orc their lord then they would¡¯ve been better off taking a kobold instead. Kobolds actually have some wits to them. If they were just a bit smarter then they could¡¯ve been able to learn tricks like dogs. I recommend kobolds instead of orcs. For real.?

    ?

    ¡¸DON¡¯T SCREEEEEW WITH ME!! You low-life, how dare you call an aristocrat an orc! Stupid looking? Cut him down!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Errr, no idea whom it was trying to tell that, but the guards didn¡¯t hear that? You won¡¯t get anything from them.?

    ?

    Or rather, Armored Pres-san? I know I said that you can¡¯t kill them, but why would you drill them instead? Your drills are worse than torture, so that¡¯s too much? I went through it more than once, so I know what I¡¯m talking about? Written as training pronounced as a living hell. Definitely.?

    ?

    The guards that have no strength to even stand anymore are shooed away and escape by crawling. Yeah, I get how you feel really well. It¡¯s tough, isn¡¯t it? Even hell is too cute of a word for it? But that¡¯s just pre-warm-up exercises, basically, stretching level stuff? A real drill has not even begun. Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸What do we do with this orc? I was told not to touch the lord of this region, but since it¡¯s an orc, killing it should be alright, no? I mean, it¡¯s an orc? And it¡¯s sort of disgusting, all soft and flabby? Shall we do it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Fuheeeh!¡¹?

    ?

    No-no, I didn¡¯t slaughter it yet? What? An orc fainted? A fainthearted orc? Well, if an orc can be a lord, then there might be cowardly orcs as well, but since it¡¯s a monster can¡¯t it be a little bit more like¡­ You know? Maybe it should get drilled as well? Might help with getting rid of that flabbiness? This might be too much even for Commander Billy but the Armored Captain should be able to handle it.

 CH 138

    Day 49 ¨C Morning, On the way to Omui.?

    ?

    Steep mountains towering over a wasteland and a long mountain pass, so narrow, it might even be called a crevice. There, deep down the path where the way ahead can be barely seen¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸All troops, take formation! Hold your position! We only need to halt the enemy! Don¡¯t leave your posts!¡¹?

    ?

    The town that lies on the other end of this pass, Narrogi. The only domain neighboring the lands of Omui, the treacherous town of Narrogi.?

    ?

    By now, it¡¯s no different than an enemy territory, and that boy ventured there alone.?

    ?

    He surely can destroy the town, and erase the lord of Narrogi along with their castle.?

    ?

    But we cannot allow him to lay hands on the town or its lord. Were he to go against the law of the state, the kingdom itself will take action.?

    ?

    I will allow no one to get to him, even the King himself. But it will become an all-out war.?

    ?

    In battle, we won¡¯t lose no matter how great the enemy force is.?

    ?

    But I had no counter to his words.?

    ?

    ¡ºEven if you win the battle, you won¡¯t be able to protect them? Many townsfolk and villagers will die, you know? For real. If it¡¯s about winning alone then a small force is enough, but you have nowhere near enough numbers to protect? Kind of?¡»?

    ?

    Were the town to be targeted, we would have to station troops for defense, and if the enemy goes for villages, we will have to split our forces even further. Having enough forces only for fighting, we don¡¯t have the numbers it takes to efficiently defend.?

    ?

    But even if it is to avoid the war, heading to the enemy town with no intention of touching either the lord or the town itself is suicidal. As strong as he is, what good is that strength if he can¡¯t even fight them??

    ?

    ¡ºYeeeah? Looks like things progressed way further than I expected? Somehow. So I think if I just bring Stalker Girl out and return, the citizens will take care of the rest? Probably?¡»?

    ?

    I couldn¡¯t fully grasp what he meant, but even so, it certainly was a huge risk.?

    ?

    He has to reach this place without fighting, while also bringing another person with him, constantly defending from attacks of pursuers.?

    ?

    Even so, he went there.?

    ?

    Trying to stop him is pointless.?

    ?

    After all, he only informed me, the local lord, out of obligation.?

    ?

    He wasn¡¯t seeking help or assistance, he simply wanted to avoid inconveniencing us.?

    ?

    Informing me of an already made decision, and yet heeding my request.?

    ?

    As a result, he ended up having to jump into the heart of enemy territory unable to kill any of the opposing soldiers or attacking the town and its lord.?

    ?

    In a low voice, I say to my aides.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s kind of getting tiresome already? We are also pretty pissed, so how about just charging in? Like all forces going GAAAAA! And just DODODO swooping in? ¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s a no-no it seems.?

    ?

    Well, I wasn¡¯t serious anyway. I promised that boy that we definitely won¡¯t enter the pass.?

    ?

    Even so, thinking that our benefactor is there, unable to fight, I¡¯m beginning to get the feeling that maybe it¡¯s fine to take some kind of action.?

    ?

    But waiting impatiently is the only thing we can do.?

    ?

    For some reason the boy also made me promise that I will listen to my aides. I can¡¯t possibly break the promise with our benefactor.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the only thing I can do is wait with impatience and irritation.?

    ?

    He managed to come back from the Great Dungeon, so I wait, having faith that returning from the neighboring town is no different from a pleasure jaunt for him.?

    ?

    All we can do is wait for the boy that is trying to rescue someone from the enemy territory without fighting.?

    ?

    ¡¸How about taking the whole army on a bit of reconnaissance in force¡­¡­¡¸No! In which world would the whole army go on reconnaissance in force?! How is that different from an all-out attack? No!¡¹kuh, so stubborn.¡¹?

    ?

    And as I continued to wait, unable to do anything, an orderly ran up to us. A movement from the enemy??

    ?

    ¡¸Residents of Narrogi are coming this way, carrying their belongings and household items with them! How should we deal with them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, everyone, prepare for a cha¡ª¡¸Find their representative at once and bring them here. Carry this out immediately.¡¹¡­ You heard him¡­¡¹?

    ?

    For the residents to be escaping to the frontier with their possessions, something extremely extraordinary must be happening. Didn¡¯t he say that he won¡¯t attack the town? No, if he attacked it, then the town of Narrogi would¡¯ve been obliterated without any chance for the residents to escape. Then what is going on? Asking them seems to be the only option.?

    ?

    ¡¸Allow shelter to the residents! Treat the wounded, prepare wagons for the ill and weak. What are the enemy movements?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The enemy force took no action! No action, and yet there is a movement! There is a movement, but the enemy force is not acting!¡¹?

    ?

    What is that report? Normally, such an unintelligible report would earn them a strong rebuke, but if that is an accurate description of an incomprehensible situation, then it can¡¯t be helped.?

    ?

    The boy that makes the incomprehensible happen is currently over that pass. If that is his doing then they can¡¯t be blamed for such an incomprehensible report.?

    ?

    I already had that experience. When I received the report on the monster raid, the incoherent explanation of puzzling events and their baffling resolution left me in utter confusion. That¡¯s just incomprehensible.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m leaving this place to you. Report to me as soon as you understand the situation.¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, there is no way to comprehend an incomprehensible event without seeing it with my own eyes. And if the boy is safely making his way here I cannot possibly loaf around in the rear. At the very least I must welcome him back awaiting at the front lines.?

    ?

    Going on my horse at a gallop, I head to the frontlines. Something is happening there. Some sort of event is taking place there.?

    ?

    ¡¸The movements¡­ Or rather, what is moving? Report only what you understand at the moment.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Currently, we are trying to confirm the situation while maintaining the encirclement, putting priority on sheltering the escaping Narrogi residents. The circumstances currently under investigation are too unclear, we don¡¯t understand anything!¡¹?

    ?

    So even on the frontline, they don¡¯t understand what is going on. At the very least, I hope it¡¯s the boy doing something incomprehensible again.?

    ?

    Climbing up a watchtower, I take a look at what is happening with my own eyes.?

    ?

    I saw it. Yeah, no idea.?

    ?

    If I were to put what I saw into words, the pass leading to Narrogi no longer existed. Yup, I don¡¯t get it.?

    ?

    What I saw was a giant cave¡­ No, since residents of Narrogi are making their way here, it should be connected with Narrogi¡¯s territory. Then, a tunnel? But the ones leading the residents of Narrogi, while also protecting them, are monsters. These are stone golems. And if there are stone golems, that means it¡¯s a dungeon. As proof of that, new golems are emerging out of the tunnel walls one after another and¡­ Join the evacuation effort? Yeah, perfectly incomprehensible.?

    ?

    Using a far-sight magic tool, I peek into the depths of the tunnel. What I saw there was a stone army that held back Narrogi troops while protecting the people, allowing them to escape. Its first line held giant stone shields, defending against incoming attacks, while back rows held very long stone pikes, sticking them through the gaps between the shields, forming a spear wall, keeping Narrogi troops at bay. That formation is impossible to break through. This is a dungeon protected by the strongest stone army. And right now, that army is sticking to organized retreat while defending the people. Yea, incomprehensible. I wouldn¡¯t dare to ask anyone to explain that. If I can¡¯t understand what is going on even after seeing it myself then there is no way anyone can give a coherent explanation.?

    ?

    The enemy force is not acting, but there is a movement, that movement is sealing enemy force from taking action, so the order wasn¡¯t wrong. The report was correct. Simply incomprehensible. The reason for this is simple, something incomprehensible is taking place.?

    ?

    And that is something that dungeon monsters are doing on their own. And there is nothing in the laws of the kingdom that prohibits monsters from fighting or attacking troops. Yeah, no problem at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Reporting. The representative is asking for a meeting. We already heard the gist of what is happening from them. Your orders?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, I will meet them.¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s not like I can learn anything by watching this incomprehensible situation. Hearing an intelligible story would be much more beneficial. And as I was heading here, I saw the black-haired gang laughing, while pointing their fingers at that strange scene. The comrades of that boy. They must¡¯ve come here to assist him, but witnessing a bizarre sight that they didn¡¯t even imagine, they couldn¡¯t help but laugh. All of them must¡¯ve instantly realized what was done and by whom the very moment they saw it, which brought them to laughter. Then, the boy must be alright. That¡¯s why they can laugh in such a way.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    Changed Tailing Girl to Stalker Girl because it sounds better.

 CH 139

    Day 48 ¨C Morning, Tunnel??

    ?

    Finally, the last group of refugees left at the Omui¡¯s side of the tunnel. It¡¯s already morning outside though? I don¡¯t remember when the last time I had a proper sleep was? On top of that, today, I didn¡¯t even get to have ¡ºPrivate¡»time with Armored Pres-san? Okay, let¡¯s ask her when we get back. Absolutely!?

    ?

    Stone Golems are covering our rear so there is no need to worry about that. It¡¯s a heavily equipped phalanx with greatshields, so there is no chance of a breakthrough. And I can still increase their numbers so there is no way to get past them.?

    ?

    While the Stone Golems were made with ¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡»and are controlled through commands, they are very real golems. Yeah, not even monsters, so they don¡¯t have cores.?

    ?

    They are lifeless puppets, hence immortal, and lacking actual life, they also can¡¯t be killed. If they have no orders they will turn to simple stone statues, so there is no possible damage. They are just stones after all. That¡¯s just a horde of stone statues that can be infinitely produced as long as I have mana. The very idea of fighting them is idiotic.?

    ?

    The Stalker girl that completely calmed down by now is happily stuffing her cheeks with a steamed bun imitation of fruit cake. Apparently, it¡¯s tastylicious.?

    ?

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san, good job there? But are you sure that the guards are alright? Mainly in the physical sense? It¡¯s plainly obvious that mentally they are definitely not alright, but it seems it¡¯s not a problem as long as they are alright physically? Well, who cares. They all were middle-aged dudes anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is nodding, so I guess they are okay. Means I won¡¯t get scolded by Meripapa-san.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, I didn¡¯t attack the town, I didn¡¯t harm the troops, and I also didn¡¯t lay hands on the lord. I did absolutely nothing wrong this time, no need to worry about false charges as well. See? I¡¯m Innocent!¡¹?

    ?

    Why Flat Gaze? A crossfire of Armored Pres-san¡¯s and Stalker Girl¡¯s Flat Gaze. And the barrage is by no means weak, is this a focused fire??

    ?

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t lay your hands on him? How about stepping, stomping, forcing him to faint, and then leaving him to lie on the ground? I think he was even leaking something? That lord?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Stepping and stomping are both done by feet, there is no way I¡¯d touch something that filthy with my hands. And it¡¯s not like I stepped on him because I wanted to, he was simply lying on the floor? I just stepped onto him when I tried to step on the floor? Nothing wrong on my part, right? There is always only one innocence. What was Grandpa¡¯s name again?¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    Looks like false accusations were resolved. However, the Flat Gaze Crossfire seems to be still continuing. Well, I just left that dirty orc that fainted in the puddle of its own pee. I don¡¯t need it and I don¡¯t even want to touch it. So I didn¡¯t lay hands on it. Why can¡¯t everyone understand that I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? Is that the Affection Rating issue after all? I can¡¯t think of any other reason? None at all??

    ?

    Meanwhile, this tunnel was made merely through a bit of remodeling. Getting attacked from above would¡¯ve been dangerous so I added a roof. So I didn¡¯t use my ¡ºRing of Dungeon Master ¨C ¡¾Dungeon Creation, Dungeon Control¡¿¡», so there is no danger of getting scolded for turning it into a dungeon. I didn¡¯t tell the troops of the neighboring domains, so they are free to kick up as much fuss as they want, unable to realize the difference. All I need is to keep them at distance, hence a dummy dungeon to keep them at bay. If I move too far away the stone golems will turn into stone statues, so I will either have to seal them away behind the walls, or implant magic stones and make monsters out of them, but this can wait until after we discuss this outside.?

    ?

    After all, what comes after this is of no concern to me. That¡¯s Meripapa-san¡¯s job¡­ His aides must be working very hard right now. Hmm, keep it up??

    ?

    Now the question is what will the kingdom do after losing its supply of magic stones. The frontier is inching ever closer to self-sufficiency in wheat, and since they also have potatoes this is far more than just enough. As for salt, I secured a huge volume of it after stumbling upon a giant layer of rock salt in a cave, and there are also no signs of Villager A¡¯s reserves of salt dwindling. Even metal is not an issue, there are enough discovered ore veins to make a mine, though all of them are neglected at the moment.?

    ?

    The problem is sugar and cloth. Having a supply of livestock cut off also hurts, but none of this is urgent, so it should be fine for a while. If this becomes a real problem I can just fly to purchase those myself. Between the two economies, the kingdom¡¯s economy should be the one to give out first. The kingdom has no other sources of magic stones, and yet they largely abandoned the region, denying them reinforcements, driving down the price of magic stones, and coveting aid. Rather than not doing anything, they were actively exploiting the region, so it serves them right. No need to take steps to help them.?

    ?

    The cliffs around the tunnel are also under remodeling. Those rocky mountains should become an indestructible wall surrounding the frontier, while the tunnel will become an impenetrable dungeon-style fortress gate. This will make for an impregnable frontier fortress. The garrison is an immortal army of Stone Golems, and if that is still not enough to hold back the enemy, then I can use¡ºRing of Dungeon Master¡»to turn it into a real dungeon.¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡»is the only way to defend the frontier with its few troops. Well, the control is difficult so there is a limit to fine manipulations, but since they are still capable of carrying out simple orders, a mass-produced heavily equipped phalanx is enough of a force to reckon with. That impossibility of precise control forces the use of outdated phalanx with shields for defense and a wall of spears. Well, if I add a castle at the exit then it will be completely safe, secure, and serene.?

    ?

    ¡¸This should make things peaceful for a while? There was no peace in forever, so getting at least a bit of it is important. If the economy grows and the town develops in the meantime it should reach prosperity. Prolonged isolation is also a problem, but that¡¯s not my problem, that¡¯s the job for the local lord. So don¡¯t blame me?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But wouldn¡¯t it be considered an attempt to break away or become independent from the kingdom? It might turn hostile? ¡¹?

    ?

    After some talk, I found out that Stalker Girl was not a simple stalker girl, who only knew how to stalk, but a Clever Stalker Girl, who was taught in the ways of war and economics for the sake of investigations. And on top of that, she is also a daughter of the chief of a clan of stalkers, a very remarkable stalker girl. By the way, at the moment she is munching on a fried potato. Apparently, it¡¯s saltylicious.?

    ?

    ¡¸What break away? What is there to do if no one can pass the tunnel? And if we have any business we can go there on our own? In the first place, if the kingdom wants to blame anyone, they can start with themselves for allowing the neighboring town to do as they please for so long. In fact, the kingdom was taking hostile actions towards the frontier, so the frontier might as well really declare independence. If the kingdom doesn¡¯t want the frontier to declare independence then they should conduct themselves accordingly. What¡¯s most important is that now the frontier cannot be threatened through force or food supply? Now they can finally negotiate with the kingdom on equal grounds, now it¡¯s all in the hands of the local lord. Yeah, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I didn¡¯t touch anyone, so legally there should be no problem. So I¡¯m properly innocent, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    At this point the kingdom should have no advantages, so the negotiations should go all the way in the frontier¡¯s favor. And since the kingdom can¡¯t step into the frontier on their own, even having negotiations or not is entirely up to the frontier. Well, now the frontier surely must be probably okay? No idea though? Well, I mean, I¡¯m not even a citizen? How would I know? I didn¡¯t even hear its name? Or did I? Meri, was it? Well, Meripapa-san¡­ ¡®s aides will probably manage¡­ I guess??

    ?

    Finally, outside¡­ Eh, it¡¯s so bright! It¡¯s morning already! I lack both sleep and Private Time?!?

    ?

    The soldiers seem to be taking care of refugees, so that can be left to them. Aah, looks like the president and the others are here as well. They are all waving their hands, so let¡¯s check on them. Well, and it also would be a pain to explain everything to Meripapa-san if he finds me. It seems that there are some difficulties in communication with the people of this world. Do my words get properly translated? I can¡¯t help but doubt that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome back, Haruka-kun. Stalker Girl-chan. Thank goodness you are alright. Well, not like we were worried. We were pretty sure nothing will happen to you. Welcome home.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back? I guess? And I also kind of abducted the Stalker Girl? Yeah, she was crying, about to have a pimple popped by an orc, so I sort of snatched her? Rather than that, I need serious advice. What do we do about breakfast? I don¡¯t have anything prepared, but going for BBQ right in the morning sounds like a bad idea?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You need serious advice on BBQ?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, they got mad at me after I earnestly explained the importance of breakfast? No, it¡¯s really important? A good breakfast is the first component of a healthy life??

    ?

    In the end, after discussing it with the geeks, I made 2 Master Golems. Is what I guess they should be called? Well, anyway, there are two of them.?

    ?

    The Master Golems¡¯ duty is to control and manufacture Stone Golems, They barely have any combat strength or defense, but there is simply no way to cram it there.?

    ?

    I buried level 90 magic stones into cliffs on the right and left sides, and turned them into Master Golems by infusing them with my mana. So the cores can¡¯t even be destroyed without excavation. For offensive abilities, they can shoot Ice Needles at those that climb the cliffs and throw down boulders, which should be enough. Their main specializations are command, manufacture, and restoration. And since they can regenerate, one can¡¯t even dig a tunnel here, so this should be plenty for defenses.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s go back and sleep. A lot of adult sleeping. So much that we won¡¯t get even a wink of sleep! I¡¯m going to sleep super hard! For real!!?

    ?

    Day 47 continues into Day 48.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Reference to Detective Conan ¨C ¡°There is only one truth¡±, and then The Kindaichi Case Files ¡°I swear on the name of my grandpa!¡±

    ]

 CH 140

    Day 48: Late Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun said that he didn¡¯t get any sleep and immediately went to sleep in his room as soon as we got back to the inn. But we shouldn¡¯t be tricked by that! Angelica-san went to bed with him! He has no intention of having a calm and peaceful rest, he is clearly raring to have a very intense rest! And it surely won¡¯t get him even an ounce of sleep no matter how much time he spends in bed.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the Poster Girl and the Stalker Girl are hugging each other, rejoicing at their reunion. They are overjoyed.?

    ?

    They were convinced that they wouldn¡¯t ever see each other again. They are still so naive.?

    ?

    There is no way such a sad thing would be allowed to happen? Simply ¨C no way.?

    ?

    It won¡¯t be accepted.?

    ?

    It won¡¯t be approved.?

    ?

    A certain someone is bound to reject it.?

    ?

    And as proof of that, you got this happy reunion, didn¡¯t you? So naive.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know what happened on the other side of that dungeon tunnel, but he must¡¯ve modified it so as to seal all of the misfortune and tragedies on the other side. It seems to be a fake dungeon, but that¡¯s more than enough. I don¡¯t have full confidence that we can even break through that? It¡¯s not that tough, but I have no confidence. The only option is to blast away stone golems and rush through the tunnel, but Haruka-kun seems to have set up traps, in his usual fashion, so I have no confidence that it will end well. After all, in its viciousness, the trap he set up far surpasses what one could imagine and then goes even further beyond? I caught only a glimpse of it but isn¡¯t drawing trompe l¡¯oeil in a dimly lit tunnel simply inhuman? It¡¯s an abuse of trick art? Anyone would fall for that, after all, it doesn¡¯t register as a trap for detection purposes. Because it¡¯s art. And if one tries to dodge it, thinking it¡¯s a trap, that¡¯s where the actual trap awaits. Skills aren¡¯t enough to get past that. Trying to rush through the tunnel only would only end up crashing into the wall and falling into a pitfall. Anyone who doesn¡¯t have Space Perception is bound to fall for this regardless of how strong they are. And even more so are people of this world, since it probably would be their first encounter with trompe l¡¯oeil. A party of level 100 or higher with a rare skill, Space Perception, might be able to get through that, but even so, that last thing¡­ Is impossible. Even knowing all that, I am still not confident. [1]?

    ?

    Oda-kun and others who were watching from the outside while laughing and pointing fingers named it Sasuke Castle. That¡¯s the kind of thing it is. [2]?

    ?

    On top of that, he turned the mountains on both sides into golems, took them under his control, and left them with¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡», so they are going to spawn stone golems infinitely. And since they are tamed by Haruka-kun, they will keep receiving tremendous amounts of EXP and mana from him. The abilities of their master are affecting them. At this point, it might be easier to go a full circle around the world and invade the place through the forest of demons on the opposite side of the domain? Rather than going through THAT place¡­?

    ?

    So even though there is a passage, no one can pass through it. The only people that wouldn¡¯t get caught by such a twisted trap would be people of a character similar to that of Haruka-kun. Yeah, and since most likely there are no such people around, it¡¯s completely safe. After all, if there were such people, this world would¡¯ve been screwed up a long time ago.?

    ?

    There was a message from the lord, asking Haruka-kun to come when he wakes up, but he definitely won¡¯t. After all, he has to fall asleep first, and if what I¡¯m reading is not an extremely aggressive sleeping posture, then there are no chances of that happening yet. He is too busy sleeping with Her to get any actual sleep. The girls stopped bringing this up entirely. Everyone already got¡ºDetect Presence¡»to LvMaX and a few even unlocked some kind of advanced version of the skill. They can now get even more detailed information if they focus on a particular direction? I¡¯m the one who actually lacks sleep!?

    ?

    And everyone went to bed. After all, being curious, we also went all the way to the neighboring town to see how it goes, so we didn¡¯t get any sleep either. Although we are going to actually sleep.?

    ?

    After taking a nap I went down to the dining hall and found there were a few people already awake and discussing. Did something happen??

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, how about hanging a few ropes, so one has to swing on them and jump from one rope to another, and after a few ropes, there would be a dummy that will just fall out?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Going back to the exit on a slide is way too humiliating, it¡¯s enough to break a spirit three times over.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Wouldn¡¯t that be enough then? Yeah, finding an exit among hidden doors, and dashing to it only to find out that it is a painting is cruel enough. That is sure to break the spirit at least once.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, those fake doors are evil. Some of them are simple paintings, some are traps, how are you even supposed to exit that? ¡¹?

    ?

    It seems everyone liked that fake dungeon, and now they are exchanging ideas for possible traps.?

    ?

    ¡¸Morning. But don¡¯t enter it. All of the equipment there is enchanted with Weapon Destruction, while the traps are loaded with Corrosion or worse, so you will end up with all of your items destroyed and it will be a huge waste. The girls especially shouldn¡¯t go there. Corrosion melts both armor and clothes. You might be unable to leave after that for a completely different reason.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That¡¯s the worst!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I mean, what did you expect? The worst kind of person designed that place, so of course, it will end up like that? It will sap your spirit until your soul breaks. Any challenger is bound to have their personality changed by the time they leave it. Gaining distrust of humans is pretty much assured. I mean, just looking at it I doubt that the creator is a human??

    ?

    Even so, when a new person wakes up they also join the conversation, followed by another, and another, all discussing the traps together. It seems to be very popular. The birth of a super popular spot that no one wants to get near. It has plenty of attractions but no visitors. All everyone wants is to see someone fall into the traps they thought of, or so it seems, but if they keep doing such bad things they will turn into Haruka-kuns.?

    ?

    ¡¸Morning? Or rather, evening? Sort of awakening? Actually, I still want to sleep. But I want to eat even more. ¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun finally woke up but seems to be sleepy. The reason is always the same. And there is always only one culprit, himself.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning, Haruka-kun. The lord¡¯s aide was crying, asking to tell you that they want you to come as soon as you wake up? He seemed to be terribly exhausted?¡¹?

    ?

    Upon talking with the lord of this town, Omui-sama, he turned out to be a nice old man, a benevolent ruler, beloved by his people. However, both the people and the troops seem to be worried about the lord, the reason seems to be in the fact that for generations, lords of this region fought to protect the people, and often ended up dying in the forest of demons, which somehow seems to be doing nothing about his excessive energy and willingness to press forward. And yet, he is always lamenting that he can¡¯t protect everyone. That¡¯s the reason why people love and worry about him. Yes, this is a good town. But his aides seem to be having a very hard time.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, food comes first? That¡¯s decided! I mean, I¡¯m hungry? I even have a menu decided already? After all, I found a tomato-like vegetable? So this calls for an omurice? With mysterious bird meat.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaa! Omurice! Omurice!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Omurice! Omurice! Omurice¡­ (Keeps going)¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Some kind of Omurice chant began? What is this excitement?! But I¡¯ll join as well! After all, it¡¯s omurice! Omurice!?

    ?

    By the time the uproar woke everybody up, plates with omurice were being lined up on the table. All those that were still half asleep had their eyes wide open. Angelica-san, who saw omurice for the first time, was looking with bewilderment, but she will understand when she tries it herself. She will know the reason for this crazed feverish chant.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Omurice! Omurice! Omurice!¡­¡­(Still goes on)¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s done? Help yourself? Bon appetite, I guess? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The Omurice chant immediately stopped, turning to tranquil quiet as a supreme beatitude of silence enveloped the dining table.?

    ?

    Uuuuuh. Delicious. This is omurice. It¡¯s too tasty, everyone is devouring it. I might cry, after all, it¡¯s omurice. Soo good.?

    ?

    Filling their stomachs, everyone began basking in the aftertaste.?

    ?

    And even Angelica-san, the Poster Girl-chan, and the Stalker Girl have expressions of bliss on their faces from having their first omurice.?

    ?

    But a lecture is still in order.?

    ?

    After all, from what I¡¯ve heard later, the Stalker Girl-chan¡¯s life was hanging by a thread, or rather, the sword was literally only a hair¡¯s breadth away. It was really close. Haruka-kun made it at the very last moment. But it turns out, he was buying tomatoes on the way? He spotted something tomato-like in a village on the way, and that¡¯s why it became so close. A lecture it is.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I knew I¡¯ll make it in time? It¡¯s fine, I mean, if I can¡¯t fly there fast enough I¡¯ll just jump there? If I jump I¡¯ll make it in time? The pimples were alright? Since it was already decided that I¡¯m going to jump I had plenty of time to spare? Tomato-like?¡¹?

    ?

    The lecture in process. And the Poster Girl is extremely pissed. Seriously angry. She is stomping and waving her hands in tears. Is it perhaps an angry dance??

    ?

    But it seems he jumped. He used the taboo magic of teleportation to make an entry. He needs a great sermon! After all, he avoided using it until now because it¡¯s dangerous? He sealed it since he isn¡¯t sure what is going to happen? A skill so dangerous he didn¡¯t resolve to use it even in the great dungeon! Even during the training he only teleported 1-2 meters in the area with no obstacles while fully focused! And yet he leaped through space, passing all of the castle walls?! Why does he keep taking risks like that?! It seems that midway he realized that he can¡¯t make it in time without teleportation, and since he is going to teleport anyway, decided that he has plenty of time and stopped to buy tomatoes? And he even dares to call this effective time management. Not even a hint of remorse. A great sermon it is.?

    ?

    If he isn¡¯t going to repent then let him have a taste of the Poster Girl¡¯s Dance of Fury! She is flapping in tears. A super-duper angry flapping dance. This Dance of Fury is telling how she was seriously worried about the Stalker Girl and Haruka-kun. You are the one who made her cry, so feel sorry for that??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Trompe-l¡¯?il is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions.

    [2] A fusion of a reference to Takeshi¡¯s Castle, a game show featuring Takeshi Kitano, aired 1986-1990, which might be better known in USA as Most Extreme Elimination Challenge, which used repurposed footage from there, and SASUKE 1997 ¨C STILL Airing, which might be better known to the outside world as Ninja Warrior, a game show in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four-stage obstacle course.

 CH 141

    Day 48 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸According to the report, this person apparently¡ºSlashes Heaven and Earth, Puts down man-eating fiends, annihilates devils and demons, lowly riffraff is but a dust to him¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸More like, Feigning Ignorance, Pretending like nothing in Heaven and Earth involves him, a loafer always rolling around, all he does is outrageous. I think that would be more accurate?¡¹?

    ?

    Isn¡¯t this pretty harsh? How can you say that a man that just beat the Great Dungeon is a loafer that does nothing? For real??

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm? As I remember, he made holes~ in the ceiling and floor, tricked the dungeon emperor, and made his way up through trickery?~ ¡¹?

    ?

    Tricked ? What a terrible thing to say, I did nothing of that sort. I only tamed her a little bit? Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸The report that went to the capital said that it was a giant of a man with kind eyes? Just who could¡¯ve seen such a thing?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, maybe they misheard it? Maybe it was a giant pain in the arse with lewd eyes? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or maybe, a lewd man with sharp eyes? Ah! There was that time when he made a very scary look and it turned into a bit of an incident, so it must be that! ¡¹?

    ?

    Why is everyone trying so hard to completely shut down the kind eyes part? Some people already started crying because of that? Namely, me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Also, the frontier has a rumor of a black magician going around? Who also seems to be called the croquette missionary.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, after reading so much we finally found something that is actually true. The croquette missionary is a real thing. Eh? Wait a moment? So Haruka-kun was the black magician from the emblem of the stall of Croquettes of Black Mantle Crest!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I heard that one~? That¡¯s like~ there was a poor village~, which was saved by a great wizard in a black mantle that suddenly appeared there~? The old man at that stall was crying~ telling that story~? At the village, they seem to be praying to the black wizard every morning and evening~. I doubt there would any help from that though~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, that person is more in the calamity department, either being related or directly causing them? But you know, that worship might actually spook misfortune, causing it to stay away!¡¹?

    ?

    We should be examining the info gathered by Stalker Girl¡¯s clan, but for some reason, to me, it seems like a badmouthing contest? They should be going through the reports, not through their list of insults.?

    ?

    ¡¸Through a dungeon into the depths of terror with one glance, that sounds quite close to the truth? Wasn¡¯t the Dungeon Emperor shivering in tears? She even said that it probably was the scariest she felt in her entire life? They almost got it right.¡¹?

    ?

    Okay, that Dungeon Emperor is in for a good punishment tonight. Oh, how I am going to punish her with this, and this, and also with that. I¡¯m going to punish every inch of her body from head to toe. I¡¯m going to do my best.?

    ?

    Stalker Girl¡¯s report continued, and my mind continued to take damage. Apparently, Stalker Girl¡¯s clan was originally meant to act as intelligence agents for the frontier, but when the neighboring town turned against the frontier, with their base located in the neighboring domain, they ended up with their families basically taken hostage, and before anyone knew, turned into spies working against Omui. That seems to be the reason why in the end, in what can be seen as an open revolt, they moved as a whole clan and prompted the citizens to evacuate to the frontier. For the whole clan to get so desperate is just idiotic, but well, since Meripapa-san scolded them pretty hard I guess it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    ¡¸They asked lord Omui to send them to die on the frontlines for betraying Omui and got lambasted incredibly hard for that. ¡ºWhere is there a fault in protecting your family or clan? If that is a crime, then all of the frontier are criminals. Rather, were you to come to the frontier¡¯s rescue, abandoning your family and close ones, I would¡¯ve cut you down myself! In the frontier, you should have pride in managing to protect your family!¡» Is what he shouted at them. Not only did he not call them traitors, he praised them for doing well, and even asked them to serve Omui himself, they told me crying.¡¹?

    ?

    Stalker girl also was in tears from just talking about that, so they must¡¯ve been really happy to hear that. However, who is that lord Omui that they are talking about? I don¡¯t recall ever meeting a person talking in such a fine way, so it must be someone I¡¯m not familiar with.?

    ?

    ¡¸But now there is surely no need to worry about any assassins being sent after Haruka-kun. There is no way they can find or get close to him with such info.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, unless he wanders around in a black mantle with croquettes in his hands no one will recognize that it¡¯s him? That point about kind eyes alone makes any attempt to find him impossible.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, and other reports are even worse, black armor, or giant sword, or long blond hair and almond eyes, or silent and all covered with scars, or a man with a thoughtful gaze, or whatever, are all just completely off.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But you know, don¡¯t assassins often attack at night, when the person is asleep? Imagine how much danger assassins will end up in if they intrude into the room where Angelica-san and Haruka-kun are together at night!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s risky in a lot of ways!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    How rude, but if it¡¯s a beautiful female agent, then I¡¯m fine with being targeted. Let¡¯s put a guideboard outside the inn. I also love honey traps from beautiful female agents? Never tried one though. Perhaps I also should make fliers on the recruitment of a honey trap? Even more side work, huh.?

    ?

    ¡¸Also, this is still unconfirmed, but there is information that the royal family wants to obtain the treasures and equipment of the dungeon master of the great dungeon. So there also might be a threat from thieves.¡¹?

    ?

    Can thieves steal Armored Pres-san? Treasures and equipment of the dungeon emperor¡­ That¡¯s just her? The entire person? And she herself is the strongest and the scariest crime prevention device? An absolutely invincible trap. I¡¯m pretty sure, beating a dungeon would be a lot faster, and what¡¯s more important, easier, than stealing her? For real!?

    ?

    ¡¸And somewhat unrelated to this, but there are also reports that first-rate adventurers and skilled mercenaries are heading over here. It is not clear if they are heading for the frontier, but there were numerous messages of them moving this way.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, challengers for that Fake Dungeon? Uwaa, they are going to enter that place, completely oblivious¡­ I feel sorry for them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But they should do better than regular troops? They might reach pretty far? They might even set a new record.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think they will be too thrilled if all their hardship results in only a new record? Since they can¡¯t get through it, they are already pitiful. And they will probably lose all their equipment as well? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Poor guys!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I think destroying equipment instead of killing should be more effective? After all, one cannot fight without items, and if they come back alive they will spread the word that the dungeon is destroying equipment? And if people hear about that, they probably wouldn¡¯t want to enter. And if someone commissions to go there anyway, the payment for such a request would include the price for high-grade weapons and armor, so the client would soon go bankrupt.?

    ?

    I also received a few papers with ideas for the fake dungeon? One of them was filled with nothing but lewd traps, probably written by the geeks. Let¡¯s discuss it with them later. A sticky trap, and then a Corrosion attack followed by a tentacle monster¡­ Genius! This is worth discussing! Well, that aside, if I also change the traps from time to time, everyone will probably get fed up and will eventually give up. And probably lose all their weapons as well. I wonder where tentacle monsters live?

    If no one comes, we can focus on the internal affairs in the meantime. While things are peaceful here we can proceed with dungeon exploration and economic development. People won¡¯t just multiply overnight, but since citizens of the neighboring town already came here and we have plenty of magic stones, the industry should soon develop. Until now the poverty and labor shortage prevented even commercialization, but how that things are safe and the situation is good, the division of labor and specialization should advance on its own, and if it goes too slow, I can just make and distribute magic tools for industrial use. If that makes goods and money go around, then the town and surrounding villages will do alright.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why from tomorrow we are back to dungeon exploration, they are a safety risk and an obstacle to development, plus there is a possibility of finding other artifacts like¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡». And I¡¯m sure, my Affection Rating is probably hiding somewhere there as well? There is no way it won¡¯t be found anywhere, right? Seriously??

    ?

    Then we kept exchanging information on the dungeons currently in the progress of exploration, until late at night. Discussion of possible party compositions and plans for the union. In the end, it seems the only dead dungeon is the one that the Board Members and I went through. Everyone else is currently struggling near the 40th floor. Well, making it through with only one party is pretty difficult. Additionally, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and compatibility also seem to be huge factors.?

    ?

    The discussions of formations and capture order continued into the night, so I served everyone french fries with ketchup, and got scolded¡ºHow cruel you are to offer girls fried potatoes before sleep!¡»? Is what they were saying while eating all of it? How is that my fault??

    ?

    Since it got pretty late we decided to stop for today and leave for our rooms. Nice, time for some side work. And also a second battle. Time for a showdown, I also want to take a bath, so we are locked in naked wrestling in the room. For my strategy, I decided to go with repeatedly thrusting at high speed like a woodpecker. A decisive battle! The Ecstasy of Red and Black!?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Reference to Heaven and Earth (1990), a movie about a conflict between Uesugi and Takeda clans, the advertising slogan for which was ¡°Ecstasy of Red and Black¡±.

 CH 142

    Day 48 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Side job in the process? Once again, there is a working workaholic NEET? At the moment, I¡¯m strengthening Shield Girl¡¯s shield with mithril. Actually, aside from Shield Girl, every other board member asked for custom-made clothes? Is it alright to be so complacent in the world where you have to fight monsters through sword and magic? And who the hell ordered a combat dress?! Ah, it¡¯s the small animal, let¡¯s ignore it then. She is too tiny, so it¡¯s just impossible to make anything sexy for her? And how is it supposed to protect with that much skin exposure? Did she even consider protection? Rejected.?

    ?

    And then I proceed with the creation of magic stone batteries and accumulators, and their charging, or rather, mana infusion.?

    ?

    A new discovery. A new product, undoubtedly a commercially successful item. Preserving magic power to use it when necessary. A perfect countermeasure for running out of mana? It goes without saying that the rear guard would be interested, but everyone else also uses mana for enhancement, so it will undoubtedly sell. I¡¯m going to be rich.?

    ?

    In fact, running out of mana and going back for rest was one of the reasons why the progress of exploration was so slow. Being able to store mana should allow fighting safer and longer. This should be distributed as fast as possible.?

    ?

    The mechanism is simple, apparently, lining up numerous magic stones allows for the circulation of magic power to be contained in them, invigorating it, using that principle, magic stones can be arranged and combined to create battery cells and accumulators. The principle was described in ¡ºHow to Magic Tools!¡», but since the people of this world lacked knowledge of accumulators or batteries, it wasn¡¯t put to practical use. In short, it¡¯s a mana bank. Having a battery where MP can be saved should allow people to avoid running out of mana, as well as using normally impossible heavy mana consuming techniques. Everyone needs them, it should sell, it should bring profit.?

    ?

    But because the connection method and quality of magic stones impact the efficiency, I now have to do all of it manually while probing and verifying various points. Without the proper know-how, I can¡¯t proceed to mass production. Maybe there is a second volume of ¡ºHow to Magic Tools!¡»somewhere? It¡¯s most likely banned though. Maybe there is some kind of a book written by an ancient scholar?

    For starters, a set for everyone. I don¡¯t need one. Yeah, I had no idea but turns out, I already had one? Or rather, I was using it. The method of creating magic stone accumulators and magic stones batteries requires arranging numerous magic stones and pouring mana through them. And I have a whole mountain of high-quality magic stones just lying in my item bag. An item bag is constantly absorbing the magic power of its user and pouring it inside. In other words, it turned into a super enormous accumulator? Which explains why I seemed to have almost bottomless reserves of mana no matter how much of it I used? As well as the reason for the rapid growth of ¡ºMP Recovery¡». I was repeating the circle of accumulating mana and using it and then accumulating it to use it again. All the time without my knowledge. And when I was running low on mana, I was absorbing it from the battery inside the item bag. That¡¯s why ¡ºMP Recovery¡»evolved into¡ºMP Absorption¡». I had no idea until I read ¡ºHow to Magic Tools!¡». As expected, books are essential. I should summon a courier!?

    ?

    And since I now have a Mana Absorption skill, I guess I¡¯m now constantly absorbing mana from my surroundings and charging the accumulator with it? I mean, I had enough mana to remodel mountains stretching for a great length. Thinking for a bit, it should¡¯ve taken an insane amount of mana. But I didn¡¯t notice anyway.?

    ?

    So late into the night, I¡¯m busy sneakily working. Armored Pres-san is in a knocked-out state, sleeping. Long white legs of divine beauty are peeking out of the blanket, exposing even the most captivating and alluring pure white thighs, but that is a trap! Most definitely a trap! Many and many and many times I got caught into that trap and had a terrible time. It¡¯s a trap meant to have me endure a scolding in the morning without getting a speck of sleep! For real!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, I¡¯d like to go back to the cave to make a sauce workshop, and I still haven¡¯t even began work on poultry, with the whole idea verging on the brink of collapse, and the garden was just left as it is after creating it, and I also want to enjoy some bubble play in the jacuzzi. I do have my own home, why don¡¯t I get to stay there?¡¹?

    ?

    The stable supply of eggs and bird meat is an urgent business. Both for omurice and for oyakodon. Aaah, I want nori, and we also lack Katsuobushi, green laver, and simply marine products? I don¡¯t see us getting to the sea any time soon, then inland¡­ Right, corn! Even though I served omurice, I couldn¡¯t add potage to it. Let¡¯s search for corn. We already have onion and spring onion, so what¡¯s left is¡­ Butter, I guess? Ah, I¡¯d also like cheese! Agriculture demands innovations, and it is also urgent! I¡¯m not even a part of the fief population, so why do I have to reform agriculture? What kind of side job is that? [1]?

    ?

    Grumbling, I stick to the work. Is it the effects of¡ºLoner¡»,¡ºHikikomori¡»and¡ºNEET¡»that allow me to stealthily act at night without sleeping? No, I want to sleep anyway? But there is still work left? Perpetual abusive self-employment??

    ?

    During today¡¯s meeting, I understood the issues of each party, so I¡¯d like to make items to counter them, so sleepy, when I¡¯m done, the geeks will get their share at the special rip-off price, after all, right now they are sleeping happily. Let¡¯s rip them off, absolutely!?

    ?

    For starters, I made 60 mana accumulators, and specifically for the rear guard, 90 mana batteries, so I will be able to start selling from the morning. With this, I will be a rich man when everyone wakes up. The problem is that the girls went bankrupt buying clothes and don¡¯t have any money. And they are already in debt from buying rings yesterday? Ah! If I make mana accumulators in the form of bracelets they will sell! They will probably end up resembling praying beads, but if I combine various colors nicely they should sell! Hehehe, with this the girls are bound to sink even deeper into debt. They should suffer the same poverty that I do.?

    ?

    And for some reason, I have tons of requests for custom-made clothes, even though they have no money? But all they have is design and color, no mention of sizes and dimensions at all? Am I supposed to take measurements? They won¡¯t make pattern paper or something themselves? Do they want to make a healthy highschool boy take highschool girls¡¯ measurements? But I want to make Vice President A-san¡¯s order, which is a long tight leather skirt with a slit. So much so that I¡¯d like to go and take measurements right now. Next time, let¡¯s make it for Armored Pres-san. I¡¯ll strip her immediately after she puts it on, but I want her to try it on anyway. Rather, she should wear it precisely so I can take it off! No, I¡¯m fine with going at it even without stripping? Seriously.?

    ?

    Should I also upgrade Armored Pres-san¡¯s and my equipment with mithril as well? The items are already cheat-grade, so I don¡¯t think it will boost their performance any further, so I guess it¡¯s fine to leave it for later? Ah, but Armored Pres-san¡¯s ¡ºMantle of Storage¡»is shabby, so let¡¯s add mithril to it. Yeah, but in that case, I will have to disassemble all of my equipment and upgrade it as well? Eehm, the staff has ¡ºSpatial Staff¡»,¡ºMagic Katana¡»,¡ºHeavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds¡», which won¡¯t benefit from this so whatever, it¡¯s a Divine Sword after all, and then ¡ºElder Treant Cane¡». The mantle got¡ºInvisibility Cloak¡»,¡ºCloak of Magic Reflection¡»and¡ºCloak of Evasion¡», and then boots with ¡ºBoots of Acceleration¡»,¡ºEnduring Greaves¡»,¡ºSticky Boots¡», the gloves ¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction¡»and¡ºMagician¡¯s Gloves¡», and what is going on with the rings? ¡ºTrap Ring¡»,¡ºDemon Ring¡»,¡ºFaerie Ring¡», and¡ºRing of Golem Maker¡»that I left with Master Golems, plus still unused¡ºRing of Dungeon Master¡». Ah, there are clothes as well, ¡ºGarb of Herculean Strength¡»seems like it could be upgraded, and ¡ºBlack Hat¡»too, BUT LIKE HELL I CAN DO IT ALL IN ONE NIGHT!?

    ?

    It¡¯s an excessively heavy workload. A side job with an excessively heavy workload? Is there no end to my self-exploitation? Even though it¡¯s just a side job? How does a side job on self-employment end up as an exploitative enterprise? I don¡¯t even get who is exploiting who when all I do is work alone at home for myself!?

    ?

    And I also got a lot of additional orders from the general store? I have to hurry up and develop the town already, or I will end up supporting the whole town economy with my nighttime work? I¡¯m so sleepy. Our naked battle dragged out for longer than I expected? I didn¡¯t even get to carry out my woodpecker strategy? After continuously going up and down the Dungeon Emperor ended up going down and sinking into the bed. But without the side job there won¡¯t be any money for me? And there are tons of orders. Isn¡¯t it weird for the entire town¡¯s economy to be relying on my little cottage industry? There is just no end in sight? Even though white thighs are inviting me? Aaaah, this one is marked as urgent! Wait, isn¡¯t the general store shopkeeper writing urgent on everything?! And what the hell is that ¡ºrice with mushrooms for three people ASAP¡»? That¡¯s just your meal, isn¡¯t it? Am I a restaurant or something?! Aaah~ and I have to leave for a dungeon in the morning¡­?

    ?

    On and on I kept molding and manufacturing merchandise flying through the air, with one process linked into another like in some sort of a conveyor, putting the finished product into the storage, but there is no end to it, not even a sign of it, order forms are still just as numerous, their number didn¡¯t just go over the limit, it spiraled through the roof, turning into a drill piercing the heavens! That¡¯s just way too much!?

    ?

    ¡¸Enough! I can¡¯t take this anymore! Limit break! Onward to round three! To the bed! I shall become the woodpecker!!!¡¹?

    ?

    (Third round in the process. Cannot be shown~.)?

    ?

    I got scolded the very first thing in the morning.?

    ?

    Day 48 ¨C Over. Currently getting scoldings on Day 49.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Oyakodon is a combination of chicken and egg on rice.

 CH 143

    Day 49 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Putting aside whether a morning or cottage industry worker starts early or not, I have a morning fair open first thing in the morning??

    ?

    ¡¸Here is today¡¯s featured product! Mana accumulator bracelets for sale! First come first served~? It¡¯s a limited edition item with only 60 available~? Struggle~? Fight for them~, kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    A hellish picture of girls¡¯ frenzied madness, capable of scaring away all of the morning freshness. If they approached dungeon exploration with the same terrifying drive, they would¡¯ve already killed all of them? Also, it seems there is no wardrobe malfunction to be expected.?

    ?

    The backline girls that usually would be pushed back by frontliners were completely different today. After all, these are not some healing stones of unknown effect, but mana stones of certain effectiveness. And not just any stones but magic stones.?

    ?

    There are two types, the first one is a power stone bracelet, somewhat large magic stones linked together, excelling at high power output, which should be very effective during one battle, I guess most suited for frontliners? But the one I¡¯d recommend is a 5 wrap bracelet that has great performance. Instead of blowing a lot of energy each time, it slowly consumes the charge with high efficiency, a very practical item. The design is a straight-up rip-off, but I don¡¯t think Luu-san will notice what I¡¯m doing in this world. If she does, I¡¯ll apologize. [1] But I¡¯m yet to receive angry letters from the Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± branch of this world, and since I blocked the passage with the fake dungeon, it should still be alright for a while. It will take some time for Luu-sans branch store of this world to become aware of this.?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t touch it! I¡¯m going to buy it! No, it¡¯s mine. It¡¯s a fated meeting? Ah, I¡¯ll buy this one too.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Let backliners have it! You are a vanguard! And we are even in the same party! Cooperate with boosting the rearguard¡¯s firepower!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Frontliners need mana too, and there is only one bracelet with this design, so it¡¯s mine! I have wanted this since a long time ago! It¡¯s a knockoff though¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s all your limited quantity is to blame! That¡¯s not enough. I got only two bracelets? Make more! And scale up ring production!¡¹?

    ?

    Am I going to have even more work pushed on me? Or rather, with two bracelets per person, wouldn¡¯t it usually be more than enough? Just how many arms do you have? And also rings, why did they end up completely sold out? Didn¡¯t the danger of getting hit with debuffs pass for a while? I even wrote in the fake dungeon that no one should come? I also added a warning right above the entrance that anyone who enters this gate should abandon all hopes, dreams, and friendships, so it should be fine? That dungeon can melt clothes, so it¡¯s a danger to intersex friendship, you know? Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-ku~n! There is no purple. If you have a 5 wrap bracelet with a combination of purple and red then give it to me, if you won¡¯t then make it! For goodness¡¯ sake!¡¹?

    ?

    Why are they so full of themselves despite buying all of this on credit? Are we in a buyer¡¯s market situation despite the obvious scarcity of goods? Is this again an Affection Rating issue? Without sufficient Affection even market principles are going to be ignored? I mean, I¡¯m getting shouted at just for having no purple and red combination? A combination of purple, red, and blue won¡¯t do? Don¡¯t you feel bad for Blue-san? Don¡¯t you feel bad for me? I¡¯m quite serious.?

    ?

    In the end, on top of selling all 60 pieces, I got requests for 20 custom bracelets? Isn¡¯t it strange? Aren¡¯t those numbers just weird? The geeks and the idiots didn¡¯t even buy anything? They are just sitting along the wall, completely burned out? Well, whatever. On top of that, all 50 rings with Abnormal Status resistance, that I made after requests from the previous time, sold out as well? Just how many debuffs do they want to catch??

    ?

    It¡¯s not a problem, since I made a profit from that, but I received only a bit of currency? I¡¯m working all the time yet can¡¯t break out of poverty? Has anyone ever seen such a super hard working NEET? Death March isn¡¯t just the beginning here, it¡¯s still going non-stop in Present Continuous. Looks like there is no saving in this world.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s go to the dungeon. Recently, I¡¯m beginning to feel like the place where I can relax the most are the dungeons? Just why is that? I¡¯m even beginning to consider seriously settling down in a dungeon for the sake of peace and quiet? But I¡¯m yet to find an excellent dungeon lot that has both satisfactory room arrangement and a good environment. And the dungeon we are about to explore today can be called the worst possible dungeon lot. After all, every single monster is an insect-type. I absolutely refuse to live in a place swarming with bugs!?

    ?

    Dropping by the general store to deliver the goods, I also gave them 3 portions of rice with mushrooms, following it by slapping the shopkeeper on the head with a paper fan. I¡¯m insanely busy, yet I ended up cooking rice and even making a paper fan? Good grief. And after being done with buying, selling, and bartering, I left for the dungeon.?

    ?

    Oh! What a gloom, my enemies are insects and my allies are idiots. This is depressing, let¡¯s just kill them. And since I lent out Armored Pres-san, it¡¯s nothing but dudes here.?

    ?

    ¡¸The girls pushed this dungeon on us because they didn¡¯t want to deal with bugs! And chasing after bugs to kill them in melee eats tons of time! They are flying, running, and there are hordes of them!¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, the affinity is the worst. After all, they are dumb idiots specializing solely in close combat with pretty much no ranged attacks. On top of this, they are most suited for dealing with humans, large monsters, and beasts. On the other hand, they are weak against insects, ghosts, and magic-type enemies that prefer to keep their distance. Or rather, they simply need a lot of time to kill enemies in such an unfavorable match-up. And in addition, since they don¡¯t learn, they end up chasing after bugs every time. The bugs that keep running away appear to be more intelligent than them.?

    ?

    For starters, we begin from floor 39, with¡ºParalyze Moth Lv 39¡», moths with paralysis attack. I already pushed rings with resistance to them, yet they keep struggling here because moths keep escaping by flying. And yet, today again, they showed up carrying swords and spears¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Even 1st graders would¡¯ve prepared butterfly nets or something? Why are you coming here with swords right after saying that they didn¡¯t really work? Why are bugs smarter than you? Why doesn¡¯t the idea of preparing tools or learning magic even cross your minds?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ooh! There was such a secret trick!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I can¡¯t do this, they are real idiots¡­ How is it a secret trick to use an insect net to catch insects?! And all five went ¡ºoooh!¡»hearing that¡­ They even added an exclamation mark. They really didn¡¯t think of it. It¡¯s not that it didn¡¯t occur to them, they didn¡¯t even try to think at all??

    ?

    Using suspicious grass that the shopkeeper recommended to me, I fumigate the place. ¡ºFor bugs, THIS!¡», is how heavily recommended this item is. Buying all of it I then placed a bulk order for more.?

    ?

    And¡ºParalyze Moths Lv 39¡» are dropping like flies¡­ You are dungeon monsters, don¡¯t die instantly from an insecticide herb sold at a general store! How are you different from common bugs? Perhaps it was possible to beat this dungeon in one day by thoroughly fumigating it from the first floor??

    ?

    And the idiots shouting ¡ºWoooow! Such an original idea!¡» I can¡¯t take it anymore, honestly, didn¡¯t you guys ever see an insecticide? You did hear how I fumigated the great dungeon, didn¡¯t you? Why would a modern person chase bugs around with a sword? This is the actual surprising part here. I¡¯m pretty sure even cavemen, our ancestors from the stone age, were still brighter than that? How far do you have to go back to get such idiots? It¡¯s one thing if they tried and couldn¡¯t come up with anything, but the fact that they didn¡¯t even try to think disqualifies them as a sentient life form? What kind of creatures are they? Can¡¯t I fumigate them as well??

    ?

    ¡¸Oh man, and we were going around, running up the walls to strike down giant moths flying 10 meters above the ground?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or filling up the area with countless slashes to completely seal the escape of flies that instantaneously moved around at ultra high speed at unpredictable trajectories?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or showering giant beetles with a series of blows, completely overwhelming them until we could pierce through their defenses?¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? It does sound like your typical fantasy stuff? Eh? Is this actually the correct approach? No! They just make it sound cool!?

    ?

    Phew, that was close, I almost was tricked by their wording. It¡¯s really not what you say, but how you say it, huh.?

    ?

    In other words, they were chasing moths until they got near walls, the flies were evading attacks so they swung their swords around like maniacs until they hit something, and the beetles were too sturdy, so they just kept stabbing them at random until bugs died? Their way of thinking is absolutely barbaric, or rather, there is no thinking involved at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm? Did you guys really come from the modern era? I was pretty sure you are my classmates, but could it be you are just some strangers?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are! We were in the same class! We aren¡¯t just strangers!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Unfortunately, they are modern people. If modern-day people of our previous world were to hear this they¡¯d surely grieve and moan, asking if these really are their contemporaries. Yeah, it saddens me as well? Seriously.?

    ?

    And while continuously making fools of the idiots, I keep burning the insecticide herb, while sending the smoke further with wind magic. Hmm? For some reason, I¡¯m beginning to feel as if it¡¯s my approach that¡¯s wrong? How utterly baffling.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, let¡¯s go down. If they are still not dead I can fumigate them again? They also might drown if flooded? Well, let¡¯s think after we see what¡¯s going on down there.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Just what were our struggles until now? Our war versus an army of bugs?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even though I had to go through a life and death battle when crossing blades with praying mantis?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And it was so hard to deal with that swarm of charging spear locusts?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And we had to fight caterpillars while running around the dungeon, constantly avoiding their spit?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸A bit of fumigating could¡¯ve put an end to all that fighting?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No, would a modern person even fight giant bugs with a sword? Normally??

    ?

    I think they knew about insecticides even in the middle ages? And wasn¡¯t lime used even in ancient times? Even Dalmatian pellitory is used for quite a long time already? From which era did you guys get summoned? Jurassic Period??

    ?

    Were they really living in modern society? On the other hand, the geeks were poisoned by it? Am I the only normal person here? How deplorable.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Chan Luu, the creator of the iconic wrap bracelet, and a trendsetting jewelry designer from Vietnam.

    ]

 CH 144

    Day 49 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group and Haruka-kun are trying to push a very insect-like themed armor called¡ºBattle Shell Armor¡» that was left by the dungeon master, onto each other. Yup, that¡¯s gross! Kakizaki-kun, who almost had it forcibly put on him, is escaping by crawling around, so he must really hate it. The girls are also completely creeped out. Other items from that dungeon seem to be dubious as well. Who could¡¯ve expected that all of them will turn out to have an insect-themed design? Is that a bug leg spear? Please don¡¯t pull something like that out in the dining hall??

    ?

    And then, the report.?

    ?

    ¡¸Since everyone except earthworms died, the identity of the dungeon master that was residing on the 47th floor is unknown. Also, while it was an insect dungeon, the 46th floor above it had weapons lying beside the magic stones. Since it had spiderweb, it probably was a spider-type monster, but since they all were annihilated by then, we don¡¯t know what it was.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s just a scam, isn¡¯t it? Putting earthworms into an insect dungeon is basically a betrayal to earthworms? For real. But the insecticide herb from the general store works really well, you know? On middle floors, it can take out anything except for roaches? It seems? And if I meet a giant roach I¡¯m instantly scramming! Absolutely!¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like he¡¯s done it again. The dungeon was killed, but the identity of the dungeon master is unknown, monster distribution is unknown, simply adding to the pile of unresolved cases? Last time it was drowning, and now poisoning? And to think of it, in the Great Dungeon, it was an abduction!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸The weapons lying on the 46th floor, was there nothing else?! Was there no armor?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? For some reason, Oda-kun and others jumped at some weird point? Is there something important about it? Oda-kun¡¯s group is the most knowledgeable on the matters of this world, so there must be some deeper meaning. Everyone listened, holding their breath.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, just weapons. Swords, spears, and also shields of standard size? Is there a problem?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaaah, it could¡¯ve been Arachnes. And they all were annihilated, dead before you even saw them¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Oda-kun¡¯s group is wailing? Arachnes? Is that some kind of valuable monster? Perhaps good monsters? What is going on? Even Haruka-kun seems to be deeply shaken?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Arachne you said? That arachne?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, there was no armor! There was none¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka! What color is your blood!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Seriously? But are arachnes¡­ Bugs? Would they really be in an insect dungeon? Ah, NO AAAAARMOR!! WISH I COULD SEE THAT!!!¡¹?

    ?

    All of the boys are in uproar! This is huge! Ah, but Angelica-san is watching them with a flat gaze. Does she know what is going on? Let¡¯s ask her.?

    ?

    Uhhh¡­? So it¡¯s a spider woman? The upper part is that of a woman¡­ No armor? Aa~ah, that¡¯s GUILTY.?

    ?

    (Sermon in process. Please wait for a while.)?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You are the worst! Just what are you seeking from bugs?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, that turned out to be the worst. Arachne-san is a ¡ºSpider Girl¡», apparently well known as typically having a woman¡¯s torso and the body of a spider below the waist. And they were armed, but without any armor, in other words, topless. A sexy-type monster girl, or so they say. They need a good scolding! How indecent, bringing up such a thing during a meeting!?

    ?

    Haruka-kun, in his usual fashion, is the only one refusing to admit his crimes. According to him, Arachne-san is a human woman that appeared in Greek mythology, who was so good at weaving that could rival even Athena, who governed over it. A very skilled weaver.?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone keeps ordering custom-made clothes, right? I¡¯m getting swamped, you know? And Arachne-san can handle it from the weaving stage? Fully custom-made, fabric included! A spider girl-san can make yarn? Even threads can be an order-made, full custom! And she has a lot of hands? Right, when I¡¯m so short handed it will be a wonderful addition of 2 arms and 8 spider arms! See, it¡¯s very important! I was simply shocked by the damage to the clothing industry, lamenting the loss! I mean, I am in the clothing industry every night? If I tamed one, we could¡¯ve had mass production of attires as well! The variation would increase while prices get low! See? I¡¯m innocent?¡¹?

    ?

    That is what he is insisting on. Those words caused a big disturbance among the girls, stopping the sermon, after all, a large cloth variation at a low price is a clincher. A splendid argument. Hitting the opponent¡¯s weak spot while simultaneously justifying his own claims, a knockout clincher. A very logical defense that left no failures to exploit for a counterargument.?

    ?

    But you know? Weren¡¯t you the one shouting¡ºAh, NO AAAAARMOR!! ¡»? The presence or absence of armor has nothing to do with the clothing industry, does it? That¡¯s as good as a confession? This decides it as a monster girl peeping attempt, okay? GUILTY!?

    ?

    (Additional sermon in process. Please wait for a little while more.)?

    ?

    Aside from the sermon part, the meeting progressed smoothly, but there were two groups that turned back on floor 49 of their respective dungeons, judging that the Floor Master is too dangerous. We are the same, so that¡¯s three floor master battles. Tomorrow we are going to attack floor masters together and also have Haruka-kun search for hidden rooms, so it¡¯s going to get very busy, especially for Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    While Haruka-kun couldn¡¯t be bothered to report to the lord, so much so that he bribed the Stalker Girl with sweets, sending her there in his stead and staying to bum around, he is actually very busy.?

    ?

    He must need help with production, but even though we have a few in possession of the Alchemy skill, Haruka-kun is the only one who can use it on a practical level. For everything else, we are of no help at all.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun seems to be the most skilled in clothes making and also has a good fashion sense. Even if we tried to assist, sewing by hand is one thing, but there is no one who can help with his mass production through magic. Even searching for materials is a task that only Haruka-kun can do.?

    ?

    Food too, we can¡¯t search and process ingredients the way he does. After all, making food is one thing, but there is no way anyone knows how to make ketchup from scratch, not to mention cooking by using magic.?

    ?

    He is also getting requests for civil engineering. We have other Earth and Elemental magic users, but none can do construction or architecture work. First of all, they can¡¯t read blueprints.?

    ?

    Additionally, he is helping with stocking the general store and the weapons store, as well as teaching them management, financing them, giving purchasing instructions, and producing merchandise for them. That¡¯s impossible? How can he do all that??

    ?

    That¡¯s why he is so busy.?

    ?

    Since he doesn¡¯t have a combat job he might as well go into crafting, but it¡¯s always Haruka-kun who is killing dungeons. Be it insecticide, flooding, or metal dissolution, others can¡¯t do that.?

    ?

    And he is also the master of our greatest combat asset and tutor, Angelica-san. She also seems to be against acting independently, so she is sulking a bit at the moment.?

    ?

    That being the case, from dawn Haruka-kun acts as if he has a combat job, killing dungeons on his own, and at night is supporting the whole town¡¯s economy working as a crafter? That¡¯s absurd, but he keeps doing it day after day??

    ?

    And yet, despite being so busy, he takes time to make equipment for everyone as well.?

    ?

    Rings, bracelets, and even normal clothes before that, all had various effects added. He even sold dungeon weapons cheaply. He is supporting everything all on his own.?

    ?

    But even so.?

    ?

    You can¡¯t go for Arachne-san!?

    ?

    Even Angelica-san is angry??

    ?

    Shimazaki-san and the others look like they are about to bite??

    ?

    This is developing into a hierarchy problem among the tamed??

    ?

    If you tame one anyway, you have to make her wear clothes!?

    ?

    Uugh, a huge variation of clothes at a low price.

 CH 145

    Day 49 ¨C Nighttime, Omui Lord¡¯s Mansion.?

    ?

    ¡¸This concludes the report. And here are proposals from Haruka-san, this one is regarding trade, marketing, and finance. The one below it is mainly ideas on policies and structural alterations for agriculture of neighboring lands, and then the documents beside you are on the overall development of the whole region. The one at the bottom is on suggestions for town reconstruction. That is all.¡¹?

    ?

    After that the girl left, leaving¡ºI¡¯ll be taking my leave¡», as parting words.?

    ?

    On the table was a colossal mountain of papers. Around it, even more papers.?

    ?

    A quick glance was enough to tell that all of them contained groundbreaking proposals. The defense plan, that came first, was already completely unprecedented and almost outlandish. Making use of the mountains that isolated Omui, and turning them into fortress walls to protect the land instead, and then founding a castle town, meant to control the circulation of money and goods with the kingdom. The fortification of the mountain range and creation of the dungeon serving as castle gates was already complete. Putting a town for defensive and trade purposes at the entrance, and also fortifying the current town of Omui against the threat of the Demon Forest, until finally creating two fortress towns on the north and south, agricultural districts in the east and west, and constructing a new Omui in their heart, stationing a garrison capable of reacting to emergencies in east, west, south, and north there, as well as making it a logistic center. And he even provided a detailed proposal on the maintenance of public roads for that.?

    ?

    I wanted to talk about Narrogi but instead got a defense construction project that seems to have considered the threat of the kingdom as well.?

    ?

    On top of that, the idea of viewing the entire frontier as one colossal city, one big fortress, was innovative, and he already finished the construction of the walls on the kingdom¡¯s side.?

    ?

    And he even attached a price list, willing to undertake such an absurdly giant public project with very reasonable numbers and even allowing barter.?

    ?

    Civil officials from the respective departments are already fighting over these proposals, reading them aloud as if in delirium, and then glancing at each other in bewilderment. But the eyes of each one of them were burning with passion.?

    ?

    As if possessed, they would reread them and then compare with other proposals. Their expressions showed an excitement that they couldn¡¯t possibly conceal.?

    ?

    Yes, this is a dream.?

    ?

    A future of peace and abundance from our fantasies. A dream that the frontier couldn¡¯t even dare to imagine before.?

    ?

    This is a process document for materializing that unbelievably delightful dream into reality.?

    ?

    Design specifications for making such a dream-like future a reality it is terrifying to believe.?

    ?

    No matter how many times I checked it while being unable to believe it, it was a blueprint for a certain path to the dream.?

    ?

    Shedding tears, everyone was immersed in the proposals, as if trying to peer into the dream-like world inside them.?

    ?

    Those stiffened smiles probably meant that they managed to read them all the way up to the peaceful future of our children and grandchildren.?

    ?

    Yes, this is a manuscript of dreams.?

    ?

    Anyone who reads it will be pulled into the dream world.?

    ?

    Drowning in those writings that told even about what comes after that hopeless dream.?

    ?

    This is a manual for making that impossible fairytale possible.?

    ?

    A method for creating a reality which anyone would consider unreal.?

    ?

    Everyone is crying thinking of the happiness of our future people and descendants.?

    ?

    I see¡­ This is not just some kind of fantasy proposal.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a strategy for crushing all factors that don¡¯t go along with making that dream, even if forcibly, a reality.?

    ?

    Not simply fantasy of the dream coming true, but a tactic book for eliminating all possibilities that can prevent us from realizing it.?

    ?

    A tyrannical master plan, that doesn¡¯t approve of anything but that blissful dream.?

    ?

    ¡¸You guys¡­ If there is anyone who would say that they cannot do it, even after being given so much and having so much shown to you, step forward! Come forward, anyone who would dare to say they will not do it!¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone glared at me with tears overflowing from their eyes.?

    ?

    That¡¯s a good attitude.?

    ?

    That¡¯s a good resolution.?

    ?

    Where else can there possibly be another such fulfilling and worthwhile job, for which one wouldn¡¯t regret laying down their life many times over??

    ?

    ¡¸Then, each of you, begin from what you can, do what can be done, and regularly report on progress and issues. If there is anything you need, be it goods or people, immediately state it.¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone rushed to their posts with a drive reminiscent of a battlefield.?

    ?

    Nay, for civil officials it is a battlefield.?

    ?

    Until now all the jobs this domain had given them were akin to recouping from one lost battle after another, and now, they finally got their first fight.?

    ?

    The military officials also were impressed by the defense plans and were completely possessed by the attached tactic and strategy writings.?

    ?

    Just what is the extent of his intelligence, his knowledge, his techniques??

    ?

    Just what is that boy??

    ?

    Just what are those boys and girls??

    ?

    Are they just a dream collectively seen by this poor remote region??

    ?

    Are they just a mirage hallucinated by this desolate domain??

    ?

    The frontier does not believe in god.?

    ?

    They wouldn¡¯t accept the church.?

    ?

    Just what did those boys and girls come to do in this frontier, that had no hopes or dreams? Why are they willing to do so much for us as neither I nor the people of the frontier have the power or riches to repay them??

    ?

    Going so far for the people of the frontier that not so long ago was destined to imminently perish.?

    ?

    The boys and girls that seem to be simply scattering happiness everywhere.?

    ?

    The boys and girls that keep mowing down a tragedy known as monsters.?

    ?

    Unknown from where they came.?

    ?

    Saying nothing about why they are here.?

    ?

    Unclear of what they want to accomplish.?

    ?

    They just keep spreading happiness around, as if it is the most natural thing to do.?

    ?

    Continuing to show generosity for which even adoration would be too lukewarm. Benefactors, for which we cannot possibly repay with anything but the deepest gratitude.?

    ?

    And the boy at their center, who keeps spreading happiness without knowing the name of this region.?

    ?

    Why won¡¯t he remember the name? We even increased the number of signboards??

    ?

    These fantasy-like drafts had Muri or some town of frontier written on them¡­?

    ?

    Haruka-kun? It¡¯s called Omui. Omui¡­

 CH 146

    Day 50 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸Today we are going to split into regular dungeon teams and floor master teams. Don¡¯t mix it up? Especially Haruka-kun over there who is sleeping while standing? He isn¡¯t listening to anyone even awake, and now he is asleep? Heeeeeeeey? Wake uuup?¡¹?

    ?

    What a rude thing to say, I am listening, you know? Today we are delving 50 floors underground in three dungeons. Yeah, I heard that? I was simply unconscious with my eyes closed? I wasn¡¯t sleeping, okay? I was even puppeteering myself with¡ºMuppet¡»so I wouldn¡¯t fall, so it¡¯s alright? Zzz? Zzzz? Kind of? Zz??

    ?

    ¡¸Wake up, we are leaving, okay? Come on, Angelica-san, how can we get him up? Eh, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEhhh! No-No-No, why does it have to be a wake-up kiss? Wait, why am I the one who is supposed to do that? Why is everyone staring at me? No, nope, no way, I can¡¯t do such a thing with everyone looking! No, wait, everyone, please don¡¯t turn the other way! Are you telling me to do it? I can¡¯t? I¡¯m too much of a coward for that? No way? Please, wake up!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm? How noisy? You are disturbing my sleep? Lack of sleep is bad for the skin, you know? Basically, the enemy of good skin? I can¡¯t have it? But I can have that? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaaan, no, you can¡¯t! Why is everyone glancing here? No, don¡¯t go back to sleep? Wake up! How did the morning turn out like this? Ue~en¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm? The president is crying, did something happen? She is crying with her face bright red??

    ?

    ¡¸There, there? Are you having colic from the lack of sleep? Are you getting cranky? Maybe you are hungry? But you just had your breakfast? Wait, did you? Seriously?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why am I supposed to get cranky from being hungry and have colic? And I had breakfast! I¡¯m not senile! Or rather, you had it as well!¡¹?

    ?

    So lively. Is there no chance for me to enjoy the serenity of a peaceful morning??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aa~ah, she chickened out.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Traitors. Why did no one come to help? Why are you all looking away? What do you want, there is no way I can do that! Of course, I will! I¡¯m a chicken!!¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? But what¡¯s for breakfast? It¡¯s a dining hall but there is no food? I¡¯m not interested in dieting, alright? Rather, my brain craves nourishment and doesn¡¯t work properly??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    And when I woke up I was in a dungeon?¡ºAn unfamiliar dungeon¡», actually, what is going on? Just what has to happen so one would wake up in an unfamiliar dungeon? Or rather, where am I??

    ?

    ¡¸Aaa~h. He fi~nally opened his eyes~. It¡¯s impressive how you can walk while asleep~? You didn¡¯t wake up even when touched~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Errr, so I walked here while sleeping? And who touched me where you say? What did you do to me while I didn¡¯t wake up? Why is everyone averting their eyes? What did you do!?¡¹?

    ?

    Suspicious circumstances came to light? There is no letting my guard down around them, we now have sexual harassment allegations on our hands? What did they do to me, where did they touch, who is the perpetrator? Why is everyone looking away??

    ?

    ¡¸Noow, dungeon time! Let¡¯s do our best, everyone?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaaaay!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Even the shouts sound fake? Suspicions keep growing, right at this very moment. Suspicions might soon get bigger than the dungeon.?

    ?

    ¡¸There is a hidden room on this floor. Wait, actually, which floor is this?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The first one? We just stepped inside. Aren¡¯t hidden rooms usually located deeper?¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm? I don¡¯t think I ever saw hidden rooms on the floors above the 20th? Much less on the very first one? But it is certainly a hidden room, it¡¯s located in a pretty weird spot, but there is no mistake about it.?

    ?

    I press on the wall of the dungeon entrance.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh?! That¡¯s the entrance we came through? A hidden room right at the entrance?¡¹?

    ?

    That revealed a small room. No treasure chests inside, only one lone book. A book? Is this one of those legendary porn books that get randomly discovered on riverbanks or in the bushes of public parks? So in a fantasy world, they are inside dungeons? But the percentage of pretty ladies in this world is very high, this is promising!?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerm,¡ºKnow How Magic Tools!¡», huh, they really published it! So my midnight mumbling was a foreshadowing! A flag that no one knew about? Raised it myself, and then collected it myself! And also, give me back my highschool boy-like expectations!¡¹?

    ?

    I did say that it would be nice if it existed, but why was it inside a hidden room in a dungeon? Even so, these series are banned, so someone could¡¯ve hidden it here. They probably thought that this book could help the frontier, so they probably hid it here to save it from fire. The thick layer of dust indicates just how much time it spent here.?

    ?

    From a quick skim, ¡ºKnow How Magic Tools!¡»seems to be a continuation of ¡ºHow to Magic Tools!¡», what¡¯s next? How many books are there in total? The contents are more advanced techniques of magic tools creation and detailed explanations of the theory behind magic and skills. The title aside, it¡¯s a pretty serious book. The pages filled with fine letters convey the passion for the safe and comfortable life of people. It¡¯s impossible to measure just how much of a loss to society the ban of this book was. Considering just how much more convenient it could¡¯ve made the lives of the people, and how much safer it could¡¯ve made things not only for troops and adventurers but for merchants and even simple farmers, it, by all means, should¡¯ve been recommended and endorsed, while banning it is nothing but a disaster? Huge damage? Truly a royal pain in the ass.?

    ?

    ¡¸Do you mind if I have this book? It¡¯s a book on magic tools creation, so I¡¯d like to read it and experiment. Kinda?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Sure. That¡¯s a book you need.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Got it. Okay, now, to avoid missing everyone¡¯s share I¡¯ll have to thoroughly search for hidden rooms. It¡¯s a treasure hunt.?

    ?

    As monsters of the upper floors are slaughtered and turned into magic stones before I get to see them, I pick the stones off the ground.

    Armored Pres-san seems to be in a good mood, happily butchering monsters. I recognize this pattern. It¡¯s ¡ºI¡¯m not getting anything to do¡»scenario. A very common one. Going on dungeon exploration and just walking all the way to the lowest floor without doing anything should be a pretty unique experience, yet it¡¯s a very common one. Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hm? Another hidden room. Isn¡¯t this the 5th floor? Is it a dungeon with extra hidden rooms? Maybe it¡¯s a bookstore dungeon! Okay, let¡¯s remodel the place and settle here.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You are saying this after finding just one book?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸So he didn¡¯t give up on remodeling yet.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Mmm~nm? But~ the location is pretty dubious~, far away from both the town~ and any villages~?¡¹?

    ?

    I see, yeah, it¡¯s not the time to be rash.?

    ?

    ¡¸You are right, I have to calmly go one by one through each and every property and compare them.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Dungeons are not properties and they aren¡¯t for sale!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, they seem to be very opposed to the renovation idea. Looks like they prefer brand new places.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh? But building from scratch is going to be a huge pain? Without digging I won¡¯t be able to understand the foundation and soil, so it will become full of holes? This world I mean?¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, as expected, Flat Gaze in a dungeon feels completely different. On top of that, aside from me, all other members of the three merged parties are girls. The thickness of this Flat Gaze is completely different. But I¡¯m visiting the adventurers¡¯ guild every morning, getting Flat Gaze from the Receptionist President? Without fail? It seems I did the same today as well, even though I have no recollection of that? I entered the guild like I was sleepwalking, complained about the quests as if sleep-talking, and getting my fill of Flat Gaze, apparently left? Really??

    ?

    ¡¸Here? Eehm,¡ºLet¡¯s Go Magic Tools!¡», why did you have to hide them separately on different floors!? What a pain! Or rather, aren¡¯t there any other books? Also, are you still going to drag on that naming theme?¡¹?

    ?

    A third issue. This one seems to be an advanced-level edition, with everything having a much greater difficulty level. Many required materials seem hard to obtain as well? What is this??

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, it has clothes,¡ºMulticolor Dress, a dress which color can be changed through magic power¡». Whoooa, making this one would be such a pain? It requires no special materials, but processing magic stones for this formula will be very tiresome?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Make it! Blouses and skirts as well! The book is yours, just make it!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Making a dress, a blouse, and a skirt version of this? For 21 people? So 63 items? Who is going to make those? When is that person going to sleep? Even this morning, I was extremely sleepy from going to sleep so late with all those custom orders yesterday? But I was awake when taking measurements? Wide awake, especially with Vice President A-san¡¯s straight skirt, and Vice President B-san¡¯s apron dress, not only did they wake me up, but I burned what I saw into my Rajingan. The measurement tape went BOING! Like, Pyon! And as a result, I was lectured until deep into the night, getting only a bit of sleep? And for the shrimp, I went with a western jacket with a fringe, which got Dazzle Effect attached. Here I thought that I¡¯d be able to take things easy after making a one-piece for the president tonight, but I got even more troublesome orders? At this rate, I might get ¡ºInsomnia¡»Skill? Before long I might even start singing Nessun Dorma? Talk about public annoyance.[1] [TL Notes:

    [1] ¡°Nessun dorma¡± (Italian: ¡°Let no one sleep¡±) is an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini¡¯s opera Turandot and one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera. It is sung by Calaf, il principe ignoto (the unknown prince), who falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot. Any man who wishes to wed Turandot must first answer her three riddles; if he fails, he will be beheaded. In the aria, Calaf expresses his triumphant assurance that he will win the princess.

 CH 147

    Day 50 ¨C Morning, Dungeon.?

    ?

    As the result of the negotiation it was settled that as the production of¡ºMulticolor¡»series begins, 10 girls present today, the board members + Shield Girl, and Athletic Girls + Fish Girl, will each receive priority before everyone else for the purchase of one item each, plus discount, and semi-custom designs. I can¡¯t begin mass production before I make a few of them first, seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸The problem is, I can¡¯t decide if I should ask for a flared skirt or a one-piece, so how about an additional order to solve the problem? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Such high-grade stuff gives a feeling of getting a great deal, but having to pick a season feels like a waste. Since the color can be changed it has to be all season after all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Something simple, basic, and multipurpose, would be the best, but which one would be the best to utilize with other clothes? Top or bottom? Is there no other way to resolve this but an additional order?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The one I wear the most is the cloak, so that would be the most practical. Even so, while changing the color of the cloak is nice, the cloak is not cute¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸T-shirt might be the most convenient, but it feels like such a waste?

    Then, a blouse after all, and go with basic looks? A bag is nice as well, so the only solution is an extra order?¡¹?

    ?

    An additional order to solve the problem? That means you have no intention of solving it at all, isn¡¯t it? You simply want to push it on me and make another order? When did you become such little exploiters? And your debts just keep growing? Or rather, you are buying too much stuff! That¡¯s the very reason for my excessive workload! Why are the debtors peacefully sleeping at night and the creditor can¡¯t get a wink of sleep working through until the morning??

    ?

    However, is it really fine for a dungeon exploration to be all about passionate discussion on clothes and the combat being only secondary? Is this how fantasy dungeons were supposed to be? I¡¯m yet to even pull out my weapon today? The wooden stick is hanging on my hip? I didn¡¯t even touch it yet? Was there ever any other person for whom a divine sword was such a paperweight? On top of that, I now had ¡ºDimension Blade¡», which was on par with divine swords, but there is no chance for me to use any of that??

    ?

    During my night shift yesterday I tried to work on my equipment as well, and as a result of upgrading¡ºMagic Katana ¨C Sharpness can be increased with mana, Level 30 required¡»with mithril, it became ¡ºMagic Katana ¨C Sharpness can be Greatly increased with mana, ( ) Level 50 required¡», blank brackets appeared, and after running various experiments, I realized that by putting a magic stone charged with magic power there, an additional effect can be added to it. Well, I read that in ¡ºHow to Magic Tools!¡», so I tried charging a magic stone with Teleportation and got ¡ºDimension Blade ¨C Cutting Power and Cutting Range can be changed with mana, Dimension Slash, Level 100 Required¡», and today was supposed to be its debut, but there is no opportunity for that.?

    ?

    I only got a glimpse of monsters here. All of them are brought to me as magic stones by Armored Pres-san.?

    ?

    Upgrading armor doesn¡¯t seem to have much point, and it seems that¡¯s about it for built-to-order production, so I¡¯d like to retreat to sleep early today, but for that, I first have to sleep with Armored Pres-san a lot, so I want to get to sleeping as soon as possible.?

    ?

    Another hidden room, seems to be a proper one this time? Even if there is another book from those series I won¡¯t be able to even prototype the stuff from it? There is no way I can test all of that at the same time, okay? At least issue them once per quarter or something??

    ?

    ¡¸However, it¡¯s the 10th floor, isn¡¯t it? So we went 5 floors down and there is another hidden room? What is this obsession with hiding things? Well, I understand why they might want to hide banned books, but¡­? Is that it? Another banned book? I¡¯m only sixteen, is that going to be alright? Age restriction-wise?¡¹?

    ?

    This one seems to be pretty small too. Is it another book? Is it a bookstore labyrinth after all? Should I actually remodel it? But books appear only one at a time, so it¡¯s pretty low on content??

    ?

    ¡¸Over here, and¡­ Aah~, it is a bookstore after all. ¡ºCooking, Complete Collection, Ladies guide to Shining Finger your Boyfriend¡¯s Stomach¡», oh no, run away, boyfriend-san! Having your stomach grabbed by Shining Finger means it will blow up! It¡¯s nothing but a certain-kill ability! Simply a straightforward unarmed attack!¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    What does Shining Finger have to do with this world? Wait, couldn¡¯t it be that in this world the act of getting a hold of the boyfriend¡¯s stomach is called Shining Finger? The contents of the books seem to be just that of a very detailed normal cooking book. It doesn¡¯t seem to have any mentions of how to perform an explosive Iron Claw or anything? But this book deserves to be banned. The title is too damn scary. The next book probably has a suspicious title as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸A cooking book? But you probably wouldn¡¯t need it? You are already on a chef level, able to make pretty much anything. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm, I¡¯d like to read it anyway, since it has info on ingredients of this world and magic cooking methods, but I only want to check it, so if there is any girl who wants to cook I will pass it to her. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸????Then you can have it, Haruka-kun!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Are they saying that I should be the one to cook all the time? I want to eat a girl¡¯s home cooking as well, you know? It¡¯s a very important event in a highschool boy¡¯s sort of way? Come to think of it, all the girls have done until now is fry fish back in the cave? No, it was delicious, but does that really count as home cooking??

    ?

    ¡¸Wo~w, mysterious plants? I have to find them! I wonder what white melting oil is supposed to be? I might be able to solve our oil problems if I can make lots of it? However, the phrasing is bothering me¡­ Like how exactly is it melting? Like, so tasty you are going to melt? The oil is melting? Or it is going to melt ingredients? If it melts ingredients it will be impossible to cook with it? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    In the previous world, there was an issue of looking at a smartphone while walking, which had nothing to do with me since I didn¡¯t even have a normal cell phone, but in this world, we got a reading while walking through dungeons issue, which seems not to be a problem. No one is trying to warn me, and monsters aren¡¯t getting to me as well. Looks like the girls are very cooperative when it comes to food and clothes? But they get angry as soon as I try to remodel it a bit? All of the life necessities are important, so you can¡¯t discriminate against the dwelling like that, okay? In the first place, what is the difference between remodeling a cave and a dungeon? Is this perhaps dungeon discrimination? Ex-Dungeon Emperor will be angry with you. Though she seems to be too preoccupied with mass killing somewhere.?

    ?

    ¡¸A mysterious fruit! There is a list of features of mysterious fruits? A fruit festival is awaiting us? How about writing this out and splitting up to search for those? We can get a punch?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Punch-san! On day off we are going to search through villagers for them!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    However, the frontier has a severe deficit of livestock. With the drop in the number of monsters in the surroundings of Evil Forest, the number of animals seems to have increased, so that created some supply of meat, but eventually, it is going to become insufficient. The price is still comparatively high as well, keeping it as high-grade goods. We have to prioritize stock raising, but this book has nothing on that, let¡¯s hope the next one got something! Okay, the flag raised.?

    ?

    ¡¸Somehow, we gathered a group to challenge a floor master, but the whole thing ended up in book hunting? But the multicolor dress is important. Yes, the multicolor dress is important.¡¹?

    ?

    The president even repeated herself. Is she trying to pressure me??? Is she that bent on making me craft it? Well, I guess I can practice on one-piece I¡¯m going to make tonight? I¡¯m going to make it anyway. And it¡¯s another round of taking measurements? The impact is too strong for a highschool boy though, leave me without sleep until the morning? Armored Pres-san even had dark circles under her eyes this morning? It was really tough, you know??

    ?

    And so, listening to the agonized scream of monsters in the distance, we head for the floor master. Seeing how enthusiastic Armored Pres-san is, it¡¯s unlikely we will encounter any monsters. Well, it is surely safe, so I guess it¡¯s a good thing??

    ?

    And the 15th floor had¡ºOn Alchemy and Smithing¡», a book explaining the basics of smithing, as well as alchemy and magic-based smithing techniques. Eh? Is that a message to me? ¡ºMake weapons and armor?¡» It¡¯s a trap! This is a fantasy dungeon¡¯s trap! It¡¯s an attempt to kill me through the lack of sleep! But it¡¯s interesting. And it also has methods of upgrading equipment with mithril, which I had worked hard to discover by myself through experiments, tests, and trial and error while fighting with sleepness¡­ It¡¯s literally the same method. Give me back my sleep!?

    ?

    Furthermore, on the 20th floor, ¡ºPlants Field Guide¡», a very useful book. Even knowing the category is a great help, it would¡¯ve been better if it had further explanations on ¡ºMedical plant¡»or¡ºEdible¡», like what can be done with them, but it only has a breed, a name, a location, and a rough list of traits. No mention of cultivation methods. Even so, it¡¯s helpful. Seriously.?

    ?

    And the 25th floor had¡ºSkill Analysis¡», a study of already discovered skills! That¡¯s a guide! I finally will be able to understand the effects of obscure skills! Well, I didn¡¯t really think that. As expected, it had no mention of ¡ºHealth¡»,¡ºSensitive¡», ¡ºGymnastics¡»or¡ºWalking¡». It also had no ¡ºParallel Thinking¡»,¡ºSerial Thinking¡», let alone¡ºApex Thinking¡», while ¡º¡¸MP Absorption¡¹¡»and¡ºRegeneration¡»were listed as monster-only skills. No¡ºRush¡»and¡ºAir Walk¡»too. All of Mind Eye, God Eye, Future Sight, Magic Eye, Wisdom Eye, Imitation, D¨­jutsu are absent, and obviously, no ¡ºRajingan¡»as well. And while ¡ºPuppetry¡»and¡ºCharm¡»are mentioned as the stuff of legends, ¡ºTaming¡»doesn¡¯t seem to have ever existed in this world.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] A technique used by Shining Gundam, in which the Gundam¡¯s hand glows and becomes able to crush a gundam¡¯s head with ease.

    [2] After consulting with me, myself and ryu, I decided to change Demon Forest to Evil Forest.

 CH 148

    Day 50 ¨C Morning, Dungeon.?

    ?

    And with this and that we continued to the lower floors of the dungeon.?

    ?

    Rather, that¡¯s all I do? Go down some stairs, pick up books, proceed to the next staircase? And the raid group formed to challenge a floor master in a currently alive dungeon is engaged in a lively conversation on fashion. The Armored Pres-san, who by now finished her cheeky bloodbath, also joined the girls¡¯ talk about clothes. Well, she even took off her helmet and is chatting happily, so it¡¯s fine, I guess? But is it, really??

    ?

    On the 30th floor was another room with a book from yet unseen series by the name of¡ºLiving a Country Life¡», I am! It¡¯s enough of the countryside already! Is there anything more rural than a frontier? The Evil Forest? That¡¯s where my home is? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible to go more rural than that? But I don¡¯t get to enjoy the slow life at all? I¡¯m working every night like some kind of work-horse? Do I have to go to the end of the world for my shut-in life? Hmm? Maybe that¡¯s what I should do? Retire and live a slow life? Come to think of it, there is nothing better to do? Can I just retire already??

    ?

    But reading the contents, it seems to be a manual on agriculture and animal husbandry. A book scholarly enough to be called a textbook. A perfect manual for the agricultural renovation of the frontier. This surely must be the result of raising the flag earlier! It wasn¡¯t without a reason that it spent all this time here! When we get back I should have the geeks, who are knowledgeable on administration cheats as well, read it as well, and then consult with them. With this, we will be able to incorporate animal husbandry into agricultural reforms. However, I can¡¯t help but feel that there is a bit of a problem with the way they name books in this world. They should¡¯ve published ¡ºHow to Name Books¡»first. I especially want the author of ¡ºKnow How¡»to read that. Seriously.?

    ?

    And without anything exciting or interesting happening, we reached the 35th floor. Armored Pres-san, you are way too much into this? Dungeon exploration kind of turned into a cave excursion? And another hidden room. At this point, it is pretty much confirmed that there will be a hidden room every 5 floors. As expected, the room on the 35th floor had a book,¡ºWeapon Skills Encyclopedia¡», yeah, useless.?

    ?

    I mean, Weapons Skills are meant for a serious head-on face-to-face exchange of blows, right? There is no way I can do that brawl-like¡ºwhoever collapses first ¨C loses¡»thing? I¡¯ll die? On the other hand, since blasting each other with weapon skills is the norm here, Level Wall becomes a huge factor. Since the motion for Weapon skills is too large, it prevents dodging and evading attacks. They hit hard and fast, but also leave one wide open, that¡¯s why I can¡¯t use any of that, so I don¡¯t need this thing. Well, if we share it, everyone will read it, and the geeks have already begun researching club techniques, so this is perfect. Looks like there are some pretty dirty attacks as well, so it might be fine to learn them, but at level 10+ it might be pointless.?

    ?

    And the clothes talk still goes on. Just how many more clothes do they intend to have me make? Am I going to continue my small production until I get the town to the modern era level of industrialization? Let¡¯s send a new plan to Meripapa-san. I have to make him prioritize daily necessities and clothes! The food situation should gradually improve as more and more surplus appears with agricultural innovations, for housing, we already went over the basic stuff from modern architecture and submitted plans for it, but clothes are falling behind. First of all, we need to begin an industrial revolution from weaving and create a supply of a rich variety of fabrics. The designs they can learn and imitate on their own. But we need a large-scale magic-powered weaving machine. In which world would a person have a pressing need to create a blueprint for a huge weaving machine to start an industrial revolution for their nighttime side job??

    ?

    I mean¡­ We have 21 girls and only 10 boys, among which 4 geeks, who can¡¯t read the mood and thus have no right to speak during the meetings, and also 5 idiots. The boys have no voice at all! In the first place, there is no way highschool boys can go against cute girls, and there are 21 of them. Even now, there are 11 girls and 1 boy, which might look like a harem party to an outsider, but in reality, it¡¯s suffocating? I mean, I¡¯m getting overwhelmed? By numbers? On top of that, since they are better with words, they have an edge over the boys even with even numbers. The power balance is devastating. That¡¯s how we got this atmosphere where the girls cannot be opposed. This is harassment of the lonely home industry? Well, there is no way I¡¯d feel bad about being surrounded by a bunch of charming girls, pleasing to the eyes. It is nice, but it takes a lot of work. Seriously.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m probably easily swayed. Even so, since it¡¯s nice to see laughing and smiling girls, I end up making sweets, food, clothes, and accessories.?

    ?

    Even so, I still remember their faces when I encountered them in the Evil Forest, frightened, tired, warped by sorrow and despair, blank and completely disheartened expressions, faces saying that they gave up on everything. I still can¡¯t forget them. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want them to make such faces again. I don¡¯t want to ever see that.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I want them to keep smiling, laughing, jolly and happy.?

    ?

    And that¡¯s why I¡¯m in this endless compulsory overtime home crafting¡­?

    ?

    I should vent my anger on useless geeks and idiots when we get back. Definitely!?

    ?

    ¡¸As I thought, there is another hidden room on the 40th floor as well? So this is a bookstore dungeon after all? Is there going to be a bookcase on the last floor? Okay, let¡¯s clear it today! We are going all the way down! I prohibit flooding or burning the place. Or rather, you might ruin the books if you go wild, so maybe we enter the lowest floor with just Armored Pres-san and me? Vice President B-san absolutely can¡¯t go there.¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, she is a Great Sage. A large-scale magic used at such a place can ruin the books, but that¡¯s not what I¡¯m worried about. The real problem is that in combat she is basically lord of destruction. She smashes, she crashes, she bashes, she throws, utterly destroying everything around her? And she is also swinging them around, destroying my concentration too. For some reason, occasionally, despite staring directly at the enemy during the combat, I keep seeing Vice President B-san chests with my Rajingan!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm, if there are books we are fine with leaving it to you two, but we are worried about you, so we will come along anyway. Also, did you just have some kind of a weird flashback during the last part of your sentence? Guilty?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸AAAAAAAh, oh my, a h.i.d.d.e.n. rooom at suuch a place? Another boook? Look¡ºHerbology¡»? I woonder what is it about? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, that¡¯s a good book, was every book we found so far banned? This one is all about medical plants and medicine creation. Particularly, about pharmaceutics for dealing with all sorts of diseases. Speaking of medieval medicine, it¡¯s herbal solutions. Magic and shrooms can help recover, but they don¡¯t actually heal. Mushrooms and potions that do heal are rare and thus cost a lot. That, of course, is not enough. This book should be immediately copied and distributed. There is no point in me being the only one learning this. There is a limit to what one person can do, but a book can bestow its knowledge upon many people. If many were to gather herbs and make large quantities of medicine from it that would save that many more people. So I now have even more work on my hands.?

    ?

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san, the monsters are getting stronger, so don¡¯t run off solo, okay? Well, I know that you are going to be alright, but don¡¯t do anything dangerous? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    She is nodding, so I guess she agrees. We are on the 45th floor already. Armored Pres-san is about to hit level 30 soon, but her stats are still low enough for getting immobilized and hit to be a real danger. On top of that, the monsters show up in packs, each coming with tricky attacks, so we cannot let our guard down.?

    ?

    There are 5 monsters on the way to the hidden room, no, there are 2 more after those five, so it¡¯s 7 monsters.?

    ?

    ¡¸There are 7 monsters ahead. Since it¡¯s 45th floor, they should be ¡ºChimera Beast Lv 45¡», a pack of animal-type chimeras, so it¡¯s a bit annoying. They are quite hard to kill. So everyone, be really careful.¡¹?

    ?

    And they are also the most dangerous of all monsters here up to the 49th floor. Animal-type chimeras,¡ºChimera Beast¡».?

    ?

    Being a fusion of several different animal-type monsters, they also have several heads, hearts, and even magic stones. So often it¡¯s impossible to kill them in one attack. For such opponents, tough brawler types are more suited than evasive one-hit killers. The risk is much lower.?

    ?

    And the most troublesome point of chimeras is their power to absorb the abilities of the enemies they ate. Just because it¡¯s a Chimera Beast, there is no guarantee that it can¡¯t use magic, and there is no telling what else it can hide. The danger of an unlikely worst-case scenario is very high here.?

    ?

    Luckily, these are just mobs that recently respawned, so there are only a few of them, and I¡¯m pretty sure they don¡¯t have any control or special attacks, but there is no telling what might happen during a prolonged melee, so it is still dangerous.?

    ?

    So we are going with a safe approach of the glass cannons Armored Pres-san and I staying in the rear and supporting with magic and hit and run attacks. A safe approach it was.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun! We even went as far as to advance in a defensive formation, so why are you insta killing all 7 of them!? Who was that person that talked about no dangerous stuff?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? I just wanted to test¡ºDimension Blade¡»before the actual combat? I took it pretty easy, like ¡ºHey, would be nice if that did any damage¡»? It wasn¡¯t on purpose?¡¹?

    ?

    All I was planning is to jump in for a bit, do one attack, and retreat? I was planning to go back to the defensive formation even if I managed to knock them down? Although I ended up charging into them.?

    ?

    Dimension Slash. I might¡¯ve poured too much mana into it since it was my first time using this thing. It slashed chimeras along with the walls¡­ There is a half-circle of about 30 meters in radius, gouged out in the walls. Along with the dungeon itself, huh¡­?

    ?

    As expected,¡ºTeleportation¡», is a subtype of spatial magic, so it seems to have cut the space itself? This one is dangerous, it can¡¯t be easily used around allies. It¡¯s a potential hazard without proper control.?

    ?

    An instantaneous teleportation slash through Kyojitsu, utilizing¡ºTeleportation¡»that I can¡¯t fully control yet. An unavoidable strike. It¡¯s safe as long as I don¡¯t fail. But since I used teleportation along with the Dimension Slash I ended up jumping too far, unable to fully control it. For some reason, all of my skills are all about plunging ahead? For real??

    ?

    However, it seems to be a one-hit attack that cannot be used in succession. If I were to try to chain it, I¡¯d probably have to keep mana output much lower. This is a type of technique that cannot be used without prior practice.?

    ?

    Even now, I was barely able to control it.¡ºMana Control¡»and¡ºHolding¡»contained it, allowing me to keep it in check with¡ºApex Thinking¡», but it was inches away from going wild. And even after all restraining, that destructive power. With a divine sword involved as well, it creates an extremely dangerous combination. Ah, there also was ¡ºSpatial Staff¡»! So it must¡¯ve contributed to cutting through space too. Such an uncontrollable technique.?

    ?

    And since it cut apart the chimeras, it must¡¯ve ignored their¡ºSlashing Immunity¡»and¡ºMagic Immunity¡».?

    ?

    I can¡¯t sell this weapon to anyone. This can be used to cut even us. And there is a high probability of instant death as well.?

    ?

    It¡¯s so dangerous that I can¡¯t even use it for practice with Armored Pres-san? After all, even cheat items won¡¯t be able to protect her if space itself was cut.?

    ?

    This is a dangerous weapon, maybe I should seal it?

 CH 149

    Day 50 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon.?

    ?

    I proceed to the hidden room while getting scolded.?

    ?

    I mean, I had no idea it would turn out like that? I just wanted to try it since the name ¡ºDimension Slash¡»sounded so cool? Who would¡¯ve thought it would cut through space itself? If the magic power went berserk it could¡¯ve turned really ugly, so I can understand getting scolded for that, however, what they are actually angry about is me jumping in front of the chimeras? What¡¯s dangerous about that? I was planning to go back right away? I was going to use Kyojitsu to sweep them off their feet and then retreat after making an attack? It was completely safe? Although I ended up charging into them.?

    ?

    However, since the Dimension Slash is a teleporting slash that ignores the distance, I thought that it¡¯s a long-range attack, but it¡¯s too hard to control unless used point-blank. So in the end, I¡¯ll have to charge into the enemies anyway. Somehow, teleportation magic is beginning to look like it was meant for reckless charging? I thought it was something more smart but looks like it¡¯s all about going in.?

    ?

    ¡¸The hidden room ¨C reached? Or rather, this is the book? ¡ºTrue Herbology¡»? Then what was ¡ºHerbology¡»we found earlier? Is that a fake one?! A book of deceit!?¡¹?

    ?

    Is it going to be followed by ¡ºExtreme Herbology¡»,¡ºUntold Herbology¡»and ending with¡ºUltimate Herbology¡»? Is¡ºFinal Herbology¡»going to show up as well? I wish they¡¯d write how many volumes there are in total. And that¡¯s even more work for me.?

    ?

    Thus, we are done with the 45th floor. Just a bit more until the floor master on the 50th floor. It¡¯s time to pull ourselves together and prepare for battle¡­ or I guess not??

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right! Pants outfits are much more functional!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, but after all, skirts are cuter.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸One piece is unbeatable, but it alone is kind of lonely?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll, ask, him, to, make, a hat, with, mul-ti-color. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, additional orders are necessary after all!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Instead of bracing themselves, they are passing notions to make me brace for even more work. An extra orders bill was just approved? And I probably don¡¯t have the right to veto it? Let¡¯s make the hat tonight. Armored Pres-san seems to really like them.?

    ?

    After all, I asked the general store lady to purchase women¡¯s underwear at maximum priority, so other stuff is lagging behind. It¡¯s impossible for me, okay? The hurdle to making female underwear is too high for a highschool boy. Merely handing over designs and pattern papers for it was enough for my Affection Rating-san and Public Image-san to just barely make it with only fatal injuries. That¡¯s why seamstresses are currently prioritizing the production of women¡¯s underwear. Well, I¡¯m pretty sure that for a highschool boy to provide designs for women¡¯s underwear means a lot more than a fatal injury, but I can¡¯t be bothered by that. It¡¯s game set if I do! If I ignore the game end¡¯s whistle then I can keep going and going! As long as I don¡¯t get caught by the judge there is no defeat for me!?

    ?

    I never heard or read about that before, so I think that should be the case, but I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s quite unusual for someone to be exploring a dungeon while designing layouts of pattern paper for clothes in his head. Rather, for home industry to be more challenging than dungeon exploration is already unusual enough? I already learned the true nature of sorrow, so I feel like I¡¯m ready to get an ultimate technique. A crafting one that is. [1]?

    ?

    I had¡ºBomb Bat Lv 48¡»of the 48th floor self-destruct. It seems Athletic Girls struggled quite a bit on this floor, but the enemies¡¯ weakness seems extremely obvious? It¡¯s a bunch of bat-shaped bombs flying through complete darkness while erasing their presence, but they have¡ºUltrasonic Wave¡» among their skills? I mean, they are bats after all??

    ?

    So grasping the air inside the dungeon with¡ºHolding¡», I then¡ºVibrate¡»it with Vibration Magic. Shaken with a frequency high enough to produce ultrasonic waves it eventually leads to¡ºBomb Bats¡»bumbing into each other and exploding on their own. Annihilated. Picking up all the magic stones was a real pain. It might be better to think about some kind of magic stone collection magic.?

    ?

    ¡¸And we were desperately running away from the bomb bats, weren¡¯t we? While shoving them away with wind magic.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Didn¡¯t it take us like two days to get through this floor because we took too much damage?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Normally, you wouldn¡¯t think of this even after being told ¡ºhey, they have Ultrasonic Wave in their skills?¡»!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The bats became victims to their own bombs without being allowed to even approach their targets.¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, everyone seems dissatisfied? The basics of bomb disposal is detonation from a safe distance, okay? Disassembly or dismantling is usually too dangerous? This is a common-sense approach to bomb disposal. This is to be expected since I¡¯m an ordinary common-sense person. Seriously.?

    ?

    The 49th floor is next, and after that, the 50th floor with the floor master is awaiting! But as expected, the fashion discussion resumed. For some reason, the topic changed from Vice President B-san¡¯s apron dress to maid outfits? Well, it¡¯s not like I have anything against that? Rather, I like it very much, it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say I love it? But even so? You must have more consideration for Affection Rating of the person who will have to be seen walking around with a bunch of girls in maid outfits? Affection Rating-san is already so ephemeral that even a precarious state would be an understatement for its current condition? It might not even be breathing anymore??

    ?

    There is not the tiniest little bit that I even remotely dislike about maids, but sewing that is very difficult. You are adding to my nighttime workload? I don¡¯t dislike maids, but I¡¯m absolutely not fond of making maid outfits? It¡¯s not like I hate it, but it¡¯s a real pain? And taking measurements for it is a challenging task for a highschool boy? And there is even more highschool boy trouble after taking measurements??

    ?

    ¡¸We reached the 49th floor. This floor has¡¸Terror Knights Lv 49¡¹. It was really scary getting chased by them all over the place!¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, no matter what Fish Girl is fighting, she ends up being chased around, while Shield Girl ends up blown off? Is it some sort of tactic??

    ?

    And¡¸Terror Knights¡¹are knights armed with abnormal status attacks of a mental type. Well, basically, evil spirits. They are weak against Holy Magic, but the Great Sage is probably going to simply smash them anyway. I mean, I already saw her chasing phantoms on the upper floors and beating them, so there is no doubt about that. Terror Knights fight by using Intimidation, Fear, Panic, Confusion, Paralysis, and then following up with attacks. The girls have tons of Abnormal Status Resistance rings, so as long as they keep their distance there should be no problem. The only danger would be meeting eyes with them at point-blank distance. Well, I have Rajingan, and before getting it, I never caught any debuffs even on the lowest floors of the great dungeon. Furthermore, attacks from my staff seem to have the Holy attribute, so with it being a favorable match-up for me, I can fight in the front row.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ayeeee! It¡¯s a massacre! Just butchering all of you is not enough! I¡¯m going to bludgeon you within an inch of your lives, so you will have no easy way out through annihilation! So that was your plan after all! Not abnormal mental status attacks, by attacking my mental status directly! I knew something was up when I heard that explanation about knights intimidating, scaring, confusing, and paralyzing victims with their gaze! Why are the knights of dread, Terror Knights, averting their eyes in fear, panic, and confusion? Crap, my Affection Rating! MY AFFECTION POINTS!!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Evil has perished. Although my Affection Rating might¡¯ve died along with it. My heart¡¯s HP probably reached 0 by now.?

    ?

    ¡¸Massacring Terror Knights, who are running around, trembling in fear¡­ Is this the coming of the King of Terror?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸So Terror Knights can cry as well~? The moment their eyes met they began screaming in panic~? Even though they are evil spirits~.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And a few of them died the moment they looked him in the eyes, right? Can that be considered suicide? In the evil spirit sort of way?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Evil spirit knights were trembling, you know? Crying and shaking like chihuahuas?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Again, this again? All those demons and evil spirits are always trying to attack my spirit and affection rating. And every time they manage to score critical damage. Right now, Armored Pres-san is patting me on the back, trying to comfort me, but while it might be just my imagination, didn¡¯t she sheathe her sword even before the terror knights and I looked each other in the eyes? She was getting ready to console me? Is it just my imagination? Why is she looking away??

    ?

    Flying into a rage, I ended up activating Dimension Slash. I don¡¯t regret it, but I didn¡¯t kill enough.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, the floor master, it¡¯s the superior¡¯s responsibility. I¡¯ll have the boss of those terror knights take responsibility for this. To put it bluntly, I¡¯m going to vent my anger on it! And if taking it out on the floor master won¡¯t be enough, I will take out the dungeon master as well! Definitely!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You seem so fixed on killing them that ¡ºtaking it out on¡» became ¡ºtaking them out¡»? Dungeon Master-san didn¡¯t do anything? You didn¡¯t even meet them yet, and you already decided that you are going to kill them to satisfy your rage?¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, I¡¯m getting Flat Gazed despite the bullying that I just went through? Although this Flat Gaze from 22 eyes happens to heal my wounded heart. Looks like this world has a thing known as Flat Gaze Addiction. Withdrawal symptoms probably exist as well. And I don¡¯t think it can be cured.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] The ultimate secret technique of Hokuto Shin Ken, Mus¨­ Tensei can only be learned by the one who embraces the true nature of sorrow.

 CH 150

    Day 50 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon.?

    ?

    Ahead of us lies the 50th floor. The floor where the floor master of this place is residing. That¡¯s precisely why we can¡¯t charge in there without resolving all pending issues. We have to first confirm everyone¡¯s intentions, and this is the last chance for us to discuss everything. After this comes carnage.?

    ?

    ¡¸Now, the question is do we kill the floor master and then have lunch or do we first have lunch and then kill the floor master? Which do you prefer? I¡¯m fine with either one? The time is a bit off for both of those options though? But eating lunch while killing the floor master is probably not good for digestion, so it¡¯s not advisable? Sort of? ¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s too early to eat it now, yet it is going to be a bit late after the fight. Having a meal at a proper time is important, but even so, I can¡¯t recommend having a meal during a fight. And yet, why the Flat Gaze??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, Haruka-kun, is meal time the only point you want to raise in regards to fighting a floor master? And eating while fighting a floor master is not advisable regardless of whether it is good or bad for digestion!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaah, the feeling of tension before the fight, it all sapped away, it all vanished?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Good grief, they are underestimating the importance of a proper diet for growth way too much. Humans are built by the nourishment they get through their meals? Food is very important? Malnutrition is a sure way to ruin your body. It is precisely because we are about to engage in combat that we have to make plans for a meal??

    ?

    ¡¸Physical activities on an empty stomach aren¡¯t good, but exercising right after eating isn¡¯t nice either? However, to grow muscles, the most effective way would be to eat within 30 minutes of working out? Look, it¡¯s serious business? Way more serious than a fight with a floor master, okay? So I¡¯m not wrong.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Somehow, it sounds like a proper argument? It somehow became a talk about health management? But should we really listen to the health advice of someone talking of the digestion demerits of eating while fighting a floor master? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you can¡¯t listen to him! That¡¯s how he always tricks and deceives everyone. Every time you agree with him, your common sense is gradually chipped away. Somehow, his words sound right, but there wasn¡¯t a single instance when the actual content of his words was valid as well. You can¡¯t take what he says at face value.¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m pretty sure that normally if what is said is right, then the content of what was said should also be right? And I don¡¯t remember even tricking or deceiving anyone? I mean, would a trickster and deceiver spend every night sewing and crafting in tears? That¡¯s why I¡¯m certainly a serious and diligent highschool boy who never deceived or tricked anyone. That¡¯s most likely definitely true.?

    ?

    And by majority vote, we decided to have lunch.?

    ?

    ¡¸By the way, for lunch, we are going to have oyakodon? Sort of? That¡¯s why I thought that fighting a floor master while carrying and eating oyakodon is not good for digestion? Kind of? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are having lunch immediately! We missed Oyakodon-san so much! ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Unanimous decision.?

    ?

    ¡¸Uuun, runny egg, soft meat, juicy onion, nicely cooked rice! So delicious!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah~, oyakodon for a dungeon lunch, what bliss~. This is it, I¡¯m going to transfer to Haruka-kun¡¯s party!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You traitor! Are you picking oyakodon over our friendship? Yeah, I¡¯m going to transfer too!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad that you liked it? While it might be lunch, I thought that pork with rice might be too heavy for a meal outside? So using the mysterious meat I made a dubious-if-they-are-really-related dish? Kind of?¡¹[1]?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸I want pork with rice! But please don¡¯t drag Oyakodon-san into those complicated dubious-if-they-are-really-related soap-opera-like circumstances!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, far from knowing their parent-child relationship, even their species are a mystery? It might jump above family drama, and develop into species drama? Not just the meat is a mystery, the origins of those eggs are unknown as well? So in fact, these are mystery eggs as well.?

    ?

    By the way, for dinner we have cutlets. I already made the sauce too. All that¡¯s left is to add a topping. I even have a salad from mysterious vegetables and mushrooms ready. Dressing and mayonnaise are prepared as well. I had it all done yesterday evening. Life in a fantasy world is tough. For real.?

    ?

    Also, with¡ºLoner¡», I can¡¯t form a party. Cook for yourself like proper adults, okay? Lately, everyone¡¯s girl power changed into battle power, magic power, and attack power? Femininity-san almost evaporated by now??

    ?

    Now, with our stomachs full, we are ready to challenge the 50th floor! Or rather, it seems to be the last floor, the one with a dungeon master. We have to brace ourselves or we might get in trouble. But the clothes discussion began again. Do they want to force me to make even more stuff? Isn¡¯t death from overworking more of a real danger in this world than monsters or Level Wall??

    ?

    What a surprise, we are now having an actual conventional boss fight with the dungeon master! Somehow, it¡¯s completely normal combat? The dungeon master is fast and agile, dashing across the battlefield, swiftly swinging its sword, parrying attacks with the shield, and enveloped with a magic storm. On top of being strong, it doesn¡¯t have any clear weakness. An extremely orthodox dungeon master.?

    ?

    Or rather, this is the last floor, and the dungeon master is¡ºSlime Emperor Lv 100¡», extremely fast, manipulating swords and shields, and using magic to surround itself with raging winds and lightning? For real. I don¡¯t know what is Slime-san¡¯s weak point? This is our first meeting.?

    ?

    Having a complete Physical Immunity neither slashing nor blunt attacks work on it, and with complete magic resistance, it¡¯s unaffected by any of the spells. And that slime is good enough of a fencer to fend off Armored Pres-san¡¯s attacks.?

    ?

    And it¡¯s so cute, all soft and bouncy.?

    ?

    Not a slimy-slimy or sticky-sticky gross kind of slime.?

    ?

    It¡¯s fighting while being soft and bouncy? But it seems to be angry? Something seems to have displeased it??

    ?

    Just when it turned yellow, enveloping itself in lightning, it then became red, and began throwing fireballs? Ah~, Shield Girl got blown away.?

    ?

    It¡¯s all soft and cute, but it¡¯s incredibly strong.?

    ?

    Even attacked together by Armored Pres-san, Real Pres-san with the addition of Vice Pres A-san attacking it from the back with her four sword style, it still manages to respond to all of the attacks. It has enough speed to oppose them, and on top of that, as it moves with irregular movements, transforming to counter them, they can¡¯t checkmate it or pin it down.?

    ?

    It¡¯s pulling out multiple shields and swords from its round and bouncy body. Looks like it has either Spatial Magic or Infinite Storage. For some reason, it makes no serious attempt to use magic, but if it were to go all out on magic there would be no way to resist such a barrage. It¡¯s strong with both sword and magic, and is cute too!?

    ?

    It¡¯s trifling with everyone with those movements without a tell. Yeah, a slime has no need for any wind-up motions, and even if it had any, there would be no way to recognize them? It¡¯s just jiggling after all??

    ?

    It¡¯s so strong that it might be impossible to defeat without Armored Pres-san seriously going all out.?

    ?

    And since they are currently doing joint attacks, Armored Pres-san is not fully serious.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s fending off chained perfect combination attacks.?

    ?

    Jiggle-jiggle it parries them, and then bounce, it dodges.?

    ?

    Jijigle it blocks, and then jiggle jiggle, B-san jiggles too.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The ten of them are staring at me in perfect unison? Are they actually taking this fight easy??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, why are you only watching?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? I thought that it¡¯s kind of cute, jiggling, and bouncing like that? Jiggle jiggle? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    I mean, it¡¯s so cute, all bouncy and jiggly? And since it¡¯s cute, it might be justice??

    ?

    ¡¸Jiggling and bouncing and cute? Is that about Slime-san? Or is it about a different jiggling? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s about SliSliSliSliSliSliSlime-san! Of course it¡¯s about Slililimeme-san? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Who the hell is that Slililimeme-san?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    At this rate, we might not be able to take it down? Bouncing, it¡¯s charging forward, looks like it¡¯s angry??

    ?

    Well, we are trespassing, so it can¡¯t be blamed for being angry? But it¡¯s so aggressive despite being so soft and bouncy??

    ?

    Having such a technique and magic, such a wide array of diverse and irregular moves, and yet it sticks to close combat??

    ?

    Once again, it jiggles forward, trying to bump into them? While being able to use sword and magic? But it¡¯s trying to ram them instead??

    ?

    Somehow, this jiggling looks like a brave and valiant effort to me.?

    ?

    For some reason, it looks like it is desperate, trying to bump into someone.?

    ?

    From my combined life experience from the previous and this world, there is only one conclusion I can draw from this.?

    ?

    And it is a failsafe method. There is no problem that can¡¯t be resolved by that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Want a candy? Kind of? It¡¯s delicious? Tastylicious, as Stalker Girl says? ¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle-jiggle!)?

    ?

    Yup, it¡¯s eating. Good thing I brought sweet potatoes with me. As I thought, it¡¯s hungry. Poor thing, you probably were starving, stuck all alone in such a place all this time? Wait? Is that how all dungeon masters are? Hungry and lonely??

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeat a whole lot~! Sort of~? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiiggle Jiiggle!)?

    ?

    Frying cutlets that I had prepared for dinner, I throw them to it, and then fry some more, and throw them as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸I have bread as well~? Although a slime wouldn¡¯t get the importance of a balanced diet~?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle~!)?

    ?

    It¡¯s jiggling up bread as well.?

    ?

    It remained here alone and hungry for so long, that¡¯s why it was angry and attacking everyone. Too hungry to sufficiently use magic it was earnestly trying to body slam someone.?

    ?

    After finally having its fill its mood seems to have greatly improved? It¡¯s now sleeping on top of my head? And even sleeping it¡¯s still jiggly and cute. Since it turned so small, I guess it can also freely control its size??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸He bribed it with food! It got attached to him~? Why are you so carefree about letting a dungeon master sit on top of your head?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Eeh? But it¡¯s so cute, all soft and bouncy? Seriously??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Since it might be puzzling ¨C what they are even talking about, Oyakodon is literally ¡°parent-and-child bowl¡±, because it has a chicken and an egg.

 CH 151

    Day 50 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon?

    ?

    Putting my hand to the wall I firmly press on it. This is the last hidden room.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? And inside the room was~? Oooh!¡¡Three volumes sold at the same time!¡ºStudy on Martial Arts ¡»,¡ºStudy on Titles ¡», and¡ºStudy on Magic ¡»?¡¡This series, despite being supposedly a study, has none of my skills at all? Ostracization? Can I take these?~¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Looks like it¡¯s alright for me to take them.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸He is having a conversation with the dungeon master!? Or rather, it took a liking to him!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s kind of adorable? Even though it was so strong?¡¹?

    ?

    I flip all three books, skimming through the contents. Nothing, huh, as expected.?

    ?

    None of the nonsense magic like ¡ºTemperature¡»,¡ºMovement¡»,¡ºWeight¡», or¡ºPacking¡». Not even ¡ºWood Magic¡»or¡ºVibration Magic¡». So naturally, there can¡¯t be ¡ºTeleportation¡», ¡ºGravity¡», or¡ºHolding¡».?

    ?

    Of course, no such titles as ¡ºHikikomori¡»,¡ºNEET¡», or¡ºLoner¡»too. Yeah, I knew there definitely won¡¯t be anything like that! I was absolutely convinced of that!?

    ?

    And no¡ºCane Arts¡»among the list of Martial Arts? Vice Pres B-san, did you hear that? Apparently, no such skill exists?. So no ¡ºPath of the Staff¡»too.?

    ?

    And without¡ºMana Wrapping¡»there can¡¯t be¡ºMagic Wrapping¡».?

    ?

    Well, ¡ºKyoujitsu¡»is an original skill, so I expected that I won¡¯t find it here, but turns out, the very concept of originals doesn¡¯t exist.?

    ?

    On top of that, even¡ºUncanny Dodge¡»,¡ºInstantaneous Movement¡»,¡ºFluidity¡»,¡ºD¨­jutsu¡»are legend-tier?¡¡What about the legendary Sword God and Swordmaster? No, an owner of¡ºSword God¡»is nodding right next to me? They do exist??

    ?

    As for¡ºUnknown¡», there wasn¡¯t even a book, so¡ºReport?Inform?Consult¡»,¡ºJack of All Trades¡»,¡ºMuppet¡»remain a mystery.?

    ?

    Aaah~. Useless books? Or rather, maybe the skills are so useless that they don¡¯t exist in this world??

    ?

    Well, I was certain there won¡¯t be any of my titles, so that is fine. After all, this world doesn¡¯t even have such words as Hikikomori or NEET! And yet the meaning is somehow properly conveyed? I wonder how they get translated into the language of this world? I don¡¯t want to actually know that though.?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle~)?

    ?

    ¡¸Unn~? Dungeon Master-san, that jiggling, are you trying to comfort me? And then there is the ex-Dungeon Emperor patting me on the back? That¡¯s a very grand consolation line-up? Are you sort of telling me to cheer up? Kind of? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Indeed, the world strongest consolation line-up! A complete waste of the strongest!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I doubt that further search will reveal any more books, so I have no more business with this place, and I don¡¯t want to kill the dungeon master. It got kind of attached to me and is hella cute? There is no way I can fight it now? Eating to the fullest it doesn¡¯t seem to be angry anymore. Was it trying to eat us earlier? Well, it¡¯s cute, so whatever.?

    ?

    In the end, it was simply lonely, just like Dungeon Emperor-san. Hungry, it kept waiting on the lowest floor without anyone ever coming.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hey, wanna join us? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle~!)?

    ?

    Oh~, it¡¯s dancing, so cute! Does it mean it¡¯s happy? The jiggling seems to be of a joyful kind, I think??

    ?

    ¡¸E~rhm,¡ºStatus¡», ah, it got tamed. Like, really? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We thought you¡¯d do this!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    So cute. It¡¯s dancing a jiggly dance. Is it a happy dance after all? If we take it with us it probably will get along just nicely with the Poster Girl. Mystery Dance Friends??

    ?

    First, let¡¯s get it outside under the light of the sun, and then feed it a lot of tasty food. Then, with everyone at the inn it surely won¡¯t feel lonely anymore.?

    ?

    It seems to be pleased with the idea, so that should be the right thing to do.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go back? We still have two lots left, right? Let¡¯s roll?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t say it as if dungeons are real estate property~, I¡¯m not entirely sure anymore if we are subjugating dungeons or hunting for a home!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Bu~t? Going through two more properties today might be tough~? It¡¯s quite~ ha~rd~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Not you too!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, since this is not a bookstore dungeon, I might as well remove it from the list for potential remodeling. The location isn¡¯t great and the room layout lacks appeal. It¡¯s more like an ant nest? After all, it¡¯s hard to find a dungeon with a superb room arrangement like that of the great dungeon. The location was nice, and it also had a good feel to it, but the great dungeon was plainly too spacious. And also deep. A 100 floor house is not the level of a private residence.?

    ?

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san over here was tamed before you, so that makes her your senior, plus she is a former dungeon emperor, so she is your former superior as well, listen to what she says, alright? Kind of, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle)?

    ?

    Alright, it seems. Looks like we have a proper hierarchy established. Is it trying to do a salute? Maybe they are acquaintances? Since she is its former superior? Did they have regular meetings? Assemblies? Since they are both former, is this an ex-colleagues reunion??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯d like to say ¡ºHow could you tame a Dungeon Master and take it home!¡», but there is already the dungeon emperor casually walking around? Is this actually normal?¡¹?

    ?

    While complaining, everyone is enthusiastically feeding bread and sweets to Slime-san, who turned into a former dungeon master. Jiggling, it seems happy and friendly. Looks like cute is justice after all.?

    ?

    And the girls resumed their fashion talk. Each of them presented their own theory, and upon debating them¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Okay! Additional orders it is!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸No objection!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, no one is going to listen to my objections, so I go home alone with Slime-san. Nnn~, this is so soothing.?

    ?

    Such solace is necessary for this rough world! After all, the talk that is going to make this world even rougher for me is about to reach its climax? Why is no one raising any objections? Can it be called a discussion if everything is decided unanimously? Are they even trying to deliberate on their decisions? All agendas are just blazing through??

    ?

    I have to complete a magic-powered spinning machine, a magic-powered weaving machine, and a magic-powered sewing machine as fast as possible. Otherwise, my life span will be at risk!?

    ?

    Since the Athletic Girls have already cleared the dungeon up to the 49th floor, we return to the 1st floor by taking the 49th floor¡¯s portal. If we didn¡¯t search for the hidden rooms we could¡¯ve ended this instantly, but checking every floor eats a lot of time, moreover, this dungeon had a hidden room on every fifth floor, so it took even longer. The next one shouldn¡¯t take as long, but doing both remaining properties today is impossible.?

    ?

    And thus we returned to the surface. Slime-san is jiggling happily too.?

    ?

    ¡¸The next one is the dungeon that board members were clearing? Is it close? Is it a good one? How close it is to the nearest town? Are there any other selling points, like a rough sketch for visuals? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Dungeons are not real estate and they aren¡¯t for sale! Dungeons and mansions are two very different things!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No selling points it seems. I shouldn¡¯t get my hopes up.?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s pretty close to the town? It might be a bit too close to the Evil Forest though. ¡¹?

    ?

    I confirm¡ºMap¡»with Rajingan. Aah, there, huh. Near the village destroyed by the monster stampede. There were two, right beside the Evil Forest, that came under attack by the monsters before I killed the orc king and the crowd following it.?

    ?

    The villages I couldn¡¯t save. The villages with people that I couldn¡¯t save.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why there are no selling points anymore. They were all destroyed. The villages, that were destroyed because no one noticed that orcs, that should¡¯ve been in the forest¡¯s depths, were near the edge of the forest. The villages that were destroyed because I, the only one who knew that orcs were on the outskirts of the forest, failed to realize that it was the sign of the upcoming stampede. There seem to be characters weirdly praising me to the sky, but I failed to save those people. Speaking of villages, two have perished? And then 13 of my classmates? One was killed by me, and I did nothing to save 12 others. That¡¯s some rescue. I¡¯m not good at all.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why no one mentions those villagers to me, that¡¯s why they are leading me there through a detour, going an extra mile to avoid the sites of those villages.?

    ?

    I was the only one who had keys to saving them, and yet I was too busy killing my own classmate at the time. That¡¯s why the villages were destroyed, and lots of people died. See, no good at all? I¡¯m not saving anyone at all. Hearing that I saved the town or the frontier is nothing but embarrassing, after all, I didn¡¯t save anyone? How can I accept their gratitude after allowing two entire villages to disappear??

    ?

    The results of my decisions left twelve of my classmates and countless people and those two villages to their deaths. By now raising walls around some village, exterminating monsters of the Evil Forest, or deforesting it, changes nothing. There is no saving the already destroyed villages and people that lived there. No matter what I do now, there is nothing to be thanked for. No matter what I do, the dead won¡¯t give me their forgiveness. Unforgiven should be an object of scorn and disdain, yet no one says anything to me. Because the dead can¡¯t speak for themselves.?

    ?

    Slime-san is jiggling very hard on top of my head, almost as if it is trying to pat it. It¡¯s probably trying to comfort me.

 CH 152

    Day 50 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon.?

    ?

    We finally reached the dungeon located nearby the Evil Forest. This dungeon is likely deeper than 50 floors, and yet the entrance looks shabby??

    ?

    ¡¸We finally arrived? It was pretty far, you know? Going through three of them is a crazy idea, okay? That¡¯s an abuse of highschool boys? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Today we will be done after diving into this dungeon, we probably will end only in the evening, and if there are many hidden rooms again, it might take until the night.?

    ?

    But I have a hunch that this dungeon should be easy. After all, three parties with board members at the core made it all the way to the 49th floor in a very short period of time? Most likely, there should be no unique or specialized monsters. The girls seem to have a hard time dealing with highly specialized or peculiar monsters, they are bad at adapting to the opponents. However, when the fight goes their way they are incredibly strong.?

    ?

    Or rather, if we don¡¯t get it over with quickly, the side job¡¯s turn will begin? And the side job¡¯s turn is endless, you know? It always will be the side job¡¯s turn and then the morning will come. Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah~ this doesn¡¯t look promising at all? There is no way a property with such a shabby entrance can be anything other than a miss. This one is no good, so let¡¯s just crush it as quickly as possible. The walls are thin, the whole thing looks kind of crooked, and there is no sense of unity to the rooms. Is there no property that can rival the great dungeon¡¯s entrance after all? And the great dungeon also had such a grand bath on the lowest floor.¡¹?

    ?

    The ex-owner of the great dungeon is looking at me with a flat gaze?! So remodeling it without asking first was a problem after all? But I didn¡¯t create a bath there, and I didn¡¯t even dig for a hot spring? I simply remodeled the first floor a tiny bit? I mean, it¡¯s the dungeon of a dungeon emperor, so it has to have a suitably great entrance? Although she ended up resigning.?

    ?

    Acting in three groups for purposes of monster extermination, the board, the athletic girls, and the dungeon rulers duo, we descend into the dungeon. Actually, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san didn¡¯t even have to group? They would¡¯ve been perfectly fine on their own? They started competing for mobs? Armored Pres-san, snatching monsters like that is so immature? And Slime-san, you shouldn¡¯t eat them, okay? You¡¯ll upset your stomach, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸As expected, normal dungeons don¡¯t have hidden rooms on the upper floors, so let¡¯s get it over with. I¡¯d like to get home and feed Slime-san. So stop eating off the floor? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle~!)?

    ?

    Yup, looks like it understands. However, it seems to be a predation attack, so should be alright?¡ºPredation¡»can be seen among its skills. Moreover,¡ºPredation¡»seems to have the same effect as¡ºPlunder¡»? Slime-san is utterly demolishing enemies with its cheats. Well, it dropped to Lv 1 from Taming, so in tough fights, it would be better to have it fall back, but on the upper floors it should do alright, or rather, it¡¯s doing way too alright? The duo of Armored Pres-san and Slime-san is way too brutal. A joint continuous onslaught that can¡¯t be dodged or defended. Isn¡¯t that an overkill for poor monsters of these floors? And as I suspected, I¡¯m not getting to do anything at all??

    ?

    Slime-san¡¯s movements are so unpredictable and bizarre, that I can¡¯t get involved? It makes it too scary to practice Dimension Sword here. A moment ago I tried to step in with Kyojitsu, and ended up getting scolded by Slime-san after it bumped into me from behind? Somehow, even though I¡¯m the master, I¡¯m getting scolded by everyone??

    ?

    Both of them seem to be having fun rampaging. The two probably spent too long in boredom, and as a result have a lot of stress to burn. They must be happy to even fight together like this. Why am I the only one who doesn¡¯t get to have time for boredom though? Isn¡¯t the time distribution a bit weird??

    ?

    We already descended to the 17th floor, but still no hidden rooms.?

    ?

    Without hidden rooms, there is nothing to do but kill monsters, so it takes only a short while. An instant.?

    ?

    We swiftly move ahead.?

    ?

    But why do I feel the most peaceful inside dungeons??

    ?

    Well,¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san is making full use of Though Acceleration and Perfect Memory, trying to produce blueprints for a weaving machine, so in a way, I¡¯m busy with crafting even now. There should be hope if I manage to design one with an improved version of a shuttle, a flying shuttle, after all, it is famous for its role in the Industrial Revolution, I had seen it before, and understood the principle behind it, but I had never made a loom before. So lacking experience, I can¡¯t design it. Inside my head,¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san is theorizing, repeatedly trying to put together various designs, concentrating on producing a blueprint, but in the end, I will need to put it together first to get enough information. In other words, the night shift is decided.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, there should be no trouble with the agricultural revolution, the geeks perfectly remembered four-field rotation, the so-called Norfolk four-course system, which had no fallow years, and they even had the recipe and production method for ammonia-based fertilizer memorized. Rice cultivation also was perfectly covered. Just how hard were they wishing to be summoned to another world? I already explained the ways of intensive use of the land to Meripapa-san, and the book from Slime-san¡¯s dungeon, ¡ºLiving a Country Life¡», gave a new outlook on livestock raising. If with an increase in the livestock numbers we increased the acreage of tillable land, it would¡¯ve greatly increased food production.?

    ?

    A steam engine and steel were stored inside the geeks¡¯ heads as well.

    They even remembered how to make furnaces and blast furnaces. Those geeks. Even Tatara-san and Puddling-san are shocked, you know? Just how ill-suited are they to modern life. However, since we can use magic as a power source, loom and spinning machines take precedence, okay? They have way too little interest in clothes. They don¡¯t know anything at all? Isn¡¯t it weird for textile not to be included industry revolution at all? Wasn¡¯t it one of the leading characters of that story? [1][2]?

    ?

    And the frontier has no sea access, so there is no point in building steamships? Can¡¯t we use our abilities on something more practical? Just how ill-suited are the geeks for life in society¡­?

    ?

    And the geeks¡¯ biggest mystery is construction. For some reason, the only thing they remember is the manufacturing and handling method of reinforced concrete? In what kind of fantasy world were they expecting to end up? Why are they starting with reinforced concrete dwellings? Were they going to make it in furnaces? Rebars for multistory buildings? Or were they going to suddenly build a blast furnace in the medieval world? Just how awkward are they as living beings¡­?

    ?

    However, they turned out to be very knowledgeable on smithing. It is overwhelming, from iron production to knife manufacture, from modern blades to 13th-century katanas, they remembered it all. When I introduced them to the old man of the weapon store he ended up completely breaking? Even so, that old man is a blacksmith, so it¡¯s better to make him do actual smithing instead of polishing clubs all day. We don¡¯t have any extra blacksmiths here? And yet why is he playing with clubs all day??

    ?

    If those efforts bear fruit, the frontier should gain enough power to oppose a whole country. And that will be the moment when I will finally be released from my nighttime work. But I probably will still have to make sweets and food.?

    ?

    With this and that we are on the 38th floor already. At last, a hidden room, but the contents of the chest were shabby. ¡ºHoming Bow ¨C Automatic tracking, £«ATT¡», there are a few girls with Archery jobs, but all of them have cheats like ¡ºSure-Hit¡»or ¡ºTrajectory Prediction¡». They can hit the target even without Auto Tracking. Let¡¯s sell it to the weapon store.?

    ?

    And even on the 44th floor, ¡ºSafe Ring ¨C Abnormal Status Effects Resistance (Lesser) ¡», everyone is already loaded with rings with Abnormal Status Effects Resistance (Greater), buying up tons of them? On top of that, the design is something else. Did you really think you¡¯ll get girls to wear you with that design? How much do you think I suffered? A hell of rejections, adjustments, improvements, and corrections? It was so tough that I was about to cry? Highschool girls really have no mercy! Fiends! More vicious than real demons! They are brutally savage when it comes to accessories and sweets, you know? There would be a sermon were I to show them something like that? For real. Seriously for real!?

    ?

    On the 46 floor, I encountered monsters. With too many forks, we decided to split up, and as a result, I managed to bump into some monsters! I have to hurry, or something will snatch them up.?

    ?

    Three knife-carrying dolls,¡ºMad Puppet Lv 46¡», are skipping their way towards me. Is it their attempt at horror? This is not enough to get a scare in the modern age, you know? You have to work harder and add things like, sound effects or lightning? Mere knife-carrying dolls simply lack the impact. I chopped the first doll, slipping past it as it was trying to slash at me, turning around I use the handle of the staff to strike up the second one, which was flying at me from above, cut down the third one, near my right leg, that was trying to attack me from the blind spot, and taking a full swing, slash the second one that was thrown high with my previous strike. All ended in two steps, huh??

    ?

    So easy. Being horror-type they have good cooperation, trying to get me from a blind spot? Their knives also had¡ºDeadly Poison¡»¡­¡¡But since I can see them, it¡¯s all meaningless. Rajingan has no blind spots, so that combination was pointless. Having¡ºFear¡»for skills, they will only end up laughed at by modern era kids. But Fish Girl would probably end up running from them, I just heard her screaming.?

    ?

    ¡¸That was scary. Scaring me by surprise they chased after me. Those are bad dolls! So I burned them. That was so scary.¡¹?

    ?

    So she got chased around after all¡­ Finding a doll inside the dungeon she tried to get closer but the doll attacked, and she ended up running away? C¡¯mon? How can you fall for that? Can it even get more cliche? It¡¯s so cliche that you might as well have started by burning it? Aren¡¯t you a modern kid? Oh my, it turns out, Fish Girl has never seen any horror movies. No immunity at all.?

    ?

    (Jiggle! Jiggleeee!)?

    ?

    Looks like Slime-san had fun. It probably spent all that time staying still, too hungry to move, so it must be happy to run around as it pleases after getting to eat to its heart¡¯s content. But why can¡¯t Armored Pres-san calm down? Well, she seems to be having fun so whatever.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] The tatara (èz) is the traditional Japanese furnace used for smelting iron and steel. The word later also came to mean the entire building housing the furnace. The traditional steel in Japan comes from ironsand processed in a special way, called tatara system.

    [2] The puddling furnace is a metalmaking technology used to create wrought iron or steel from the pig iron produced in a blast furnace.

 CH 153

    Day 50 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon.?

    ?

    As heavyweight class monsters charged with a booming rumble, they were met with a shield wall that seemed to also be moving to meet them.That¡¯s Shield Bash, and you can¡¯t afford to halt like that, you know? Look, she is coming from the side? Jiggling, coming with a swing? And it¡¯s over. Well, it was decided the moment they stopped. That¡¯s because we have approximately two dangerous tanks here.?

    ?

    One is bound to get trapped by their style if facing them without any prior knowledge. Block with the sword, cut with the shield. Parry with the sword, crush with the shield.?

    ?

    Offensive became defensive, and defenses are used to attack. A continuous joint offense tears into the enemies with repeated strikes.?

    ?

    The reason for the effectiveness of their coordination lies in the fact that it was born even before we came to this world. In the first year of high school, their names were already sending waves throughout the country.?

    ?

    ¡¸As expected of Twin Lightpoles!¡¹(Bam! Thud! Crash! Thud!)?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸We told you not to call us that! It¡¯s Twin Towers!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Really? But I heard them saying¡ºTwin Lightpoles!¡»on TV? Sort of? Or rather, it hurts, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸We would¡¯ve burned that TV station if that was true!¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they are unsatisfied with the approach of the modern media. Is it the media bias that got them so angry? But wasn¡¯t it ¡ºTwin Lightpoles!¡»on the banner in school as well? Was it not??

    ?

    The shield team seems to be changing their weapons depending on the enemy, swords, axes, spears, hammers, but lately, they mostly use swords, and after that, spears? They can¡¯t get their hands on any good axes or hammers, so they tend to favor swords these days. I guess I should get into weapon production too. It would¡¯ve been better to use hammers or axes for the previous opponents, and having a weapon with reach, like a spear or a halberd, will allow to choose the distance. It¡¯s a group battle, but with everyone using swords it limits the available tactics. I should think about weapon manufacture when we return. I might not be able to begin it right away, but I can at least make preparations. A strife to get to the edge of the never-ending night, or in other words, there is no end to overtime work!?

    ?

    Looks like¡ºPanzer Rhinoceros Lv 49¡», that charged at us all at once, are already annihilated.?

    ?

    Panzer Rhinoceros, basically armored rhinos, were stopped by Shield Girl and the volleyball club¡¯s AB duo. Yes, their defense was high, but that¡¯s it. While they had Slashing Resistance, a flanking attack by Great Sage easily flipped them over. Of course, it goes without saying that Great Sage used physical attacks for that.?

    ?

    After that, they simply got showered with blows. Slime-san and everyone seemed to have fun beating them. And so Rhinos got mauled to death. The shields of the tanks were the very first to be upgraded with mithril, greatly boosting ¡ºImpact Resistance¡»and ¡ºReflection¡». Merely crashing into them won¡¯t do anything.?

    ?

    One of the few in possession of¡ºAlchemy¡», Febreze-san of rhythmic gymnastics, also bludgeoned them with a barrage of club attacks. She is using some kind of strange alchemic weapon, which can transform into a ribbon, a hoop, a ball, or a club, but I¡¯m yet to see hoop being ever used. Is there even a way to use it? Perhaps spinning it to make the enemy dizzy? A hypnosis type??

    ?

    Now, it¡¯s Hidden Room-san, inside is¡ºPower Glove ¨C PoW +30%, +DEF¡», it doesn¡¯t seem particularly unique, but this type of item is in high demand and upgraded with mithril will probably turn into a pretty good piece. For now, I¡¯m just blending in bits of mithril, so it¡¯s fine, but eventually, I¡¯m going to run out of it. Is there a place where mithril is lying around outside of dungeons??

    ?

    ¡¸This one isn¡¯t half bad? Does anyone need¡ºPower Glove ¨C PoW +30%, +DEF¡»? Seems so I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, Shield Girl already had a similar item, so Twin Something are trying to decide it among themselves with rock, paper, scissors. Well, it¡¯s clear that the item is going to them. Actually, the one who might benefit the most from it is Great Sage-san, but she said that she doesn¡¯t need it. For some reason, her gear is all magic-oriented? Even though she doesn¡¯t use magic at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then? To the 50th floor? The boss battle? It might be another dungeon master though? So, we fight, we win, we cutlet, sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Cutlets!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸For the sauce, we are going to have Aurora sauce. Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aurora sauce! To think that in this world Sauce-san, Mayonnaise-san, and Ketchup-san all joined together in such a marvelous fusion! ¡¹¡¹¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, only soy sauce is left out? Since it¡¯s too pitiful, I added a bit of it as a secret ingredient? It¡¯s delicious, you know? Seriously. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸KYAAAAAA!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They seem to be motivated. At this rate, they might turn the floor master into cutlets. I wonder what cutlets from a floor master would taste like??

    ?

    Probably, not very good, as it turned out.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s that, that?¡ºParalyzing Jellyfish Lv 50¡», Man o¡¯ war-san! And it¡¯s not a dungeon master!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    A huge jellyfish floating in the air. It¡¯s a cool feature for interior design, but it¡¯s also a nuisance. It¡¯s too huge.?

    ?

    As the tentacles are repelled by the wall of shields, the middle guard is unleashing an onslaught of attacks, meanwhile, the rear guard¡­ Doesn¡¯t exist, yup, as expected. Yeah, they are beating it hard. But it doesn¡¯t seem to have much effect??

    ?

    Beautiful girls jumping through the air, and jellyfish intercepting them with its countless legs? Tentacles? Yeah, tentacles.?

    ?

    If the geeks were here they probably would¡¯ve been crying tears of joy and gratitude to this scene of schoolgirls fighting tentacles. Doing nothing but watching, they¡¯d eventually get scolded for not helping. No, knowing them, they probably would¡¯ve started rooting for the Jellyfish-san? Seriously!?

    ?

    Bringing attention to the fact that I¡¯m also participating, I pulled out three¡ºDemon Scythes¡»and had them join the tentacle hunt. Phew, thank goodness I didn¡¯t forget about this.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wait? Isn¡¯t this a no-good one? Looks like neither slashing nor other physical attacks are working? It has Magic Reflection, but magic seems to be its only vulnerability?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸What should we do then?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What do you mean what? Use something aside from physical or magic attacks? Or rather, go for the jellyfish extermination approach? I think? ¡¹?

    ?

    Yup. That¡¯s the only way, right??

    ?

    Meanwhile, Fish Girl was getting chased around, drawing the tentacles away from everyone, there, Nudist Girl jumped in, slashing at the tentacles with her dual swords. They can¡¯t be cut, you know??

    ?

    She got caught. Yeah, the geeks would¡¯ve been overjoyed. I¡¯m glad we didn¡¯t take them with us.?

    ?

    ¡¸You can resist poison and common abnormal status debuffs, so it¡¯s alright? Just take care not to get paralyzed and hang in there, okay? Ah! It also has no weapon destruction, so don¡¯t worry about that? But it has ¡ºDissolve¡»so you will end up naked? Well, you are a nudist anyway? So I guess it¡¯s fine? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸No, it¡¯s not! It¡¯s not fine at all! It¡¯s not the case where we can allow her to stay caught at all!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s not fine it seems? So getting naked yourself is good nudity, and becoming naked from having your clothes melted is bad nudity? Aaah, that¡¯s because ruining clothes is a waste! And it will also increase my workload!?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t seem to be doing anything, but just in case, I actually have the main body of the jellyfish caught with¡ºHolding¡». Basically restrained? The tentacles are doing as they please though.?

    ?

    Hence, I use Kyojitsu to close the distance and cut off a bunch of tentacles holding Nudist Girl with Dimension Blade.?

    ?

    And crash into the jellyfish. Aaah, it¡¯s the first time it doesn¡¯t hurt upon crashing into something? GJ Jellyfish? Not sure if this is really GJ or not, but JK retreated. They don¡¯t want their clothes dissolved it seems.?

    ?

    No, it¡¯s not like I crashed into it because I wanted to? But I can still barely use Kyojitsu and Magic Wrapping, and adding Dimension Blade to the mix makes it all a bit uncontrollable? Well, while I didn¡¯t have any intention of crashing into it, since I already did, let¡¯s roll with this.?

    ?

    Allow myself to get caught by the innumerable tentacles of the jellyfish? Captured? Captured.?

    ?

    Actually, keep tentacles away from boys! There is no demand for that! No one wants to see that! And even if someone wants, I don¡¯t! It¡¯s pointless! And why do the girls look kind of happy?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerhm? First,¡ºHolding¡», then rise¡ºTemperature¡»? Adding Heat¡ºVibration¡»?¡¡Followed by dehydration through¡ºAlchemy¡», and drying it with¡ºWater Magic¡»and¡ºHolding¡»? And since I have¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction¡», stripping it of immunities with my right hand? And the dehydration is complete? Wither, wither more, sort of? So, dried jellyfish? Jellyfish jerky? And then fry it¡­ I won.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? What is that ¡ºHaaaah¡»?¡ºAh¡», would¡¯ve been enough? Don¡¯t ¡ºHaaaah¡» me? Why does no one say anything??

    ?

    Ooh, the jellyfish¡¯s magic stone and loot? Is this the jellyfish¡¯s equipment? But it didn¡¯t seem to be carrying anything? Eehm, ¡ºInfinite Tentacles ¨C Create and Control Tentacles¡», isn¡¯t this that type of a thing humans shouldn¡¯t have? Ah, but the geeks would probably like it? They surely will be willing to pay good money for this, but why do I feel that they are the only ones that absolutely must not be allowed to have this item??

    ?

    However, now I have the three sacred treasures of the worst public image possible?¡ºCollar of Submission ¨C Forces into a state of absolute obedience¡»,¡ºChains of Prometheus ¨C Binding, Disable all Powers¡», and now¡ºInfinite Tentacles ¨C Create and Control Tentacles¡»?

    ?

    Why do all these Brute Violator-type goods keep drifting to me? Is this an attack on my Affection Rating? It¡¯s on the verge of death already? Lately, it¡¯s not breathing anymore? Or rather, I don¡¯t remember when was the last time I saw it? What could be the reason for this world to so persistently target my Affection Rating? C¡¯mon? Controlling tentacles? Ah, Armored Pres-san is hiding behind the girls??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Japanese Aurora Sauce is quite different from the original recipe. Yes, it actually involves mayonnaise and ketchup.

    ]

 CH 154

    Day 50 ¨C Evening, Dungeon.?

    ?

    For some reason, the girls unanimously decided to hand over¡ºInfinite Tentacles ¨C Create and Control Tentacles¡»to me. Apparently, it¡¯s an item that maidens can¡¯t be allowed to have? I think it¡¯s a big no-no not just for maidens but for humans in general? I¡¯m a human too, you know? Honestly? I have¡ºHuman¡»written in my stats? Look, you can look for yourself? I¡¯m not lying? Just look at it? Race: Human, right? It¡¯s true? Seriously??

    ?

    Actually? Maidens can¡¯t have it? And selling it to the boys is prohibited? So I¡¯m the only one?! Since selling it to the general public is also prohibited, it means I¡¯m the only one who can have it? My Affection Rating is flickering far away, you now? It¡¯s on the verge of vanishing? Or rather, I can¡¯t catch a glimpse of it! Ever since the time in the previous world!?

    ?

    For some reason, the girls surrounded Armored Pres and began girls-only assembly in a dungeon??

    ?

    ¡¸So after Vibration came tentacles¡­ Hang in there!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You say after, but there is a possibility of vibrating tentacles as well?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaa!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They were all wiggling and wriggling?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You get it? He can produce an infinite number of tentacles and control them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa~!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Seems like they are having fun? I wonder what they are talking about? Why am I being left out from the conversation? Holding a girls-only talk when there are 11 girls, 1 boy, and 1 slime, is basically ostracization? I¡¯m being ostracized, you know??

    ?

    (Jiggle, jiigle¡­)?

    ?

    So I¡¯m playing with Slime-san. I¡¯m not lonely at all. Sob, sob.?

    ?

    Looks like Slime-san likes to be patted. I¡¯m glad that it¡¯s enjoying it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey? What are we gonna do? Are we going down? Are we going back? Are we going to live here? I¡¯ll remodel it? Are we staying here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No! N-N-No, you can¡¯t! You can¡¯t stay here! You can¡¯t come to such a place and stay here to vibrate tentacles! You can¡¯t come¡­? You can¡¯t, you can¡¯t, you absolutely can¡¯t do that!!!!! (Scream)¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like we aren¡¯t staying. But for some reason, all of the girls are blushing? Is this some kind of mass infection? Speaking of which, Nudist Girl got caught, didn¡¯t she, was it then that she received some kind of virus? Can it be treated with mushrooms??

    ?

    We are going back it seems? I wonder what¡¯s this all about? Apparently, it¡¯s a girls¡¯ secret.?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    An encounter at the inn??

    ?

    Poster Girl and Slime-san are staring at each other??

    ?

    As Poster Girl extends a hand to it, Slime-san also stretches a jiggly tentacle towards her? Is this a handshake? ET??

    ?

    Then, they seem to have begun conversing through hand and body movement??

    ?

    A robot dance??

    ?

    How mysterious. Specifically, Poster Girl.?

    ?

    Why did she begin a robot dance upon encountering a dungeon master slime? It¡¯s a slime, you know??

    ?

    How mysterious. Well, robot dancing Slime-san is quite mysterious as well. How can it produce such machine-like movements with that jelly-like body? Well, they seem to be having fun, so it¡¯s fine, I guess??

    ?

    ¡¸And so we beat two floor masters and called it a day. So we are still in the process, with only one dungeon dead due to the desertion of the dungeon master. Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it was enticed with food, wasn¡¯t it? So it¡¯s either abduction or capture? Moreover, this is already a full-fledged recidivism.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸N-no remorse at all!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But being that cute is justice, you know? Seriously?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸More importantly, tentacles! More details please! DETAILS!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Hey, geeks over there, what is that excitement? You think ¡ºHere is it!!!¡»? Can¡¯t you read the mood? The girls¡¯ gazes are ice cold, you know? The room is about to freeze? As I thought, ¡ºInfinite Tentacles¡»should be kept secret from them. Seriously.?

    ?

    Since the Geeks were annoying, I scattered them and proceeded to serve cutlets with aurora sauce while trampling the geeks.?

    ?

    ¡¸Cutlets with aurora sauce. If they have no katsudon, let them eat cutlets? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Marie Cutlets! Let¡¯s dig in.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, I actually didn¡¯t have enough eggs for everyone. The eggs became mayonnaise. It¡¯s about time I went to buy more, or it will become a problem soon.?

    ?

    And then, there is Stalker Girl, who cheekily shows up for dinner.?

    ?

    Well, she cleans up with everyone, so it¡¯s fine, but she has completely blended in by now.?

    ?

    She was also desperately trying to take part in that robot dance but it looks like the difficulty was too high. Or rather, she is too busy with the cutlets at the moment.?

    ?

    (Jigglee, jiggle!)?

    ?

    It seems Slime-san liked cutlets too. It ate to its hearts content during the day, but it¡¯s stuffing itself again? Well, it seems to be enjoying it, so it¡¯s fine, I guess.?

    ?

    As we split up after dinner, I took Slime-san and went to the bath. And returning to the room I get to work. A never ending night begins. No matter how cool I may try to make it sound, it¡¯s still just crafting.?

    ?

    There was an unexpected surprise.?

    ?

    Tentacles are quite convenient, they are extremely dexterous! Unlike Holding, tentacles are physical objects, so they are very easy to handle. I mean, the work on copying the manuscripts ended in an instant? Tentacles working all together moved by¡ºApex Thinking¡», they are also good for sewing. This is a surprisingly great find. The problem is that the list of orders keeps growing at the same rate as the speed of work. Also! Who is this person! Who placed an order for a school swimsuit to a highschool boy? It¡¯s Nudist Girl! Wait? Wasn¡¯t she a competitive swimmer? I¡¯d understand if it was a racing swimsuit, but why a school swimsuit? You are going to attract the geeks with that, you know? It¡¯s dangerous? No, even if it was a racing swimsuit, I¡¯m still not going to make it! On top of that, she wants ¡ºDissolve Resistance¡»on that? Is she planning to fight in that? In a school swimsuit??

    ?

    Trial and error. No, it¡¯s not about a school swimsuit. Why is a highschool boy supposed to trial and error a school swimsuit in the middle of the night? There is no way I¡¯m doing that. It¡¯s the research into multicolor items. Hmm? Maybe there would be demand for a multicolor swimsuit? From who!??

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, at this rate I should be able to handle multicolor. Now I won¡¯t have to make tons of differently-colored versions. The workload is so big that if this were Tsuru no Ongaeshi the crane would¡¯ve died of overwork before anything else? On top of that, the crane at least got a loom, and I have to do everything by hand. The crane had it nice. I have to start from first making blueprints for the loom, you know?¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    The principle is extremely simple since all it takes is pulverizing magic stones, and then rubbing them into wet thread or fabric, and once it¡¯s dried up, pass mana through to make them stick together. Also, it seems to boast the ability to change colors as the main feature, but if high-quality magic stones were used in production, it can be useful in combat too? The problem was in the fact that magic stones had to be pulverized, while not to particle level, they still had to be smashed into uniformly small grains. To put it simply, they had to be crushed, and it¡¯s a real pain to crush them into small particles of equal size.?

    ?

    But the combination of Vibration Magic and Alchemy allowed to mass-produce that. It was quite extremely annoying, but if I can mass produce the dust, it should be alright to accept orders for multicolor series. The process was seriously troublesome, but being able to pass mana through clothes by itself makes it greatly beneficial even in regards to safety.?

    ?

    When the girls finish their girls¡¯ only meeting I¡¯ll take measurements to finish one piece for the president, and might as well try to make it multicolored. But the girls¡¯ talk seems to be extremely unendingly loong? Merely deciding on the time for tomorrow¡¯s girls¡¯ only assembly will probably take them 3 days? That¡¯s how long it takes. Are they not done yet??

    ?

    However, while things got more convenient, I have a hunch that there now might be a bit of a problem in terms of visuals. Actually, what I have is not a hunch, but a confidence that there is a clear problem with appearance.?

    ?

    That¡¯s because when I was studying the ways to use ¡ºInfinite Tentacles ¨C Create and Control Tentacles¡», I fused it with ¡ºCloak?¡». In other words, there is now a highschool boy that has squirming tentacles poking out from his black cloak, who is bound to be declared guilty even before getting reported? Was there even an other piece of apparel this hostile to the Affection Rating with the opposite sex? Rather, before getting into Affection Rating, it already maxed Unpleasantness Rating with Opposite Sex to the cap? I mean, it¡¯s plain gross? It¡¯s very convenient, but it looks evil and disgusting? It is so bizarre that rather than an item from a fantasy world, it looks more like something from the Cthulhu Mythos, you know? If I were to be attacked by such an enemy I¡¯d absolutely run away! Nope, just nope. No way. Even so, the tentacles are very handy and hardworking, you know? They are doing their best, okay? BFFs who share struggles of my unending overtime work. I mean, there is no one else rushing to my help? Well, it¡¯s still a huge nope though.?

    ?

    Are the girls still not done with their discussion? Maybe I should check on them??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Tsuru no Ongaeshi (lit. ¡°Crane¡¯s Return of a Favor¡±) is a story from Japanese folklore about a crane who returns a favor to a man. I don¡¯t want to retell the whole story here, so I¡¯ll just link the article. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuru_no_Ongaeshi

 CH 155

    Day 50 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-only Gathering.?

    ?

    After the bath, we start the girls-only meeting.?

    ?

    Worried about the way Haruka-kun reacted to the villages destroyed in the monster stampede, we gathered to discuss what we should do. What can we do? What should we tell him? No one knows if there is anything we can say to him. We should do what we can, but we don¡¯t know what that is.?

    ?

    I think cheering or encouraging him is not quite what is needed here? But telling him a thousand times that it¡¯s not his fault also won¡¯t do. If that could help we would¡¯ve said it a million, or even a billion times!?

    ?

    But that won¡¯t do.?

    ?

    And there is also the question of¡ºInfinite Tentacles¡», for which everyone refused to take responsibility. Angelica-san looks like she is about to cry, but her face is red? And her breath is rough? Is she imagining it? Please don¡¯t do that? Don¡¯t bring such a weird mood here, okay? Everyone¡¯s faces are turning red with a blush as well! Once you imagine it, you are in danger as a maiden, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸He can control all those tentacles, you know? Isn¡¯t that crazy? Angelica-san, hang in there! And let¡¯s hold another girls-only gathering tomorrow!¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, she can¡¯t wait to hear the details, huh? But every time we have such a talk in the bath we have people drowning, so let¡¯s do that when we get out, okay??

    ?

    ¡¸So~? Those tentacles~? Do you think they are going to vibrate~? Like~ Brrrr~ Brrrr?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa! Vibrating tentacles is too much! In a set with Haruka-kun that¡¯s an Ultimate Weapon! All maidens will go extinct!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun was always saying that he has nothing but trash skills, but he fights by combining and blending them together. As a result, not only can¡¯t we help him with crafting and sewing, but even cooking is beyond our reach because the process is nothing short of great sorcery. That¡¯s why it is certain that he will find some unimaginable way to use them. The tentacles are dangerous on their own, but blended, mixed, and combined with other skills they will become something absolutely terrific! Yes, something crazy is going to happen to Angelica-san tonight! Yeah, we must have another girls-only meeting tomorrow, starting in the morning.?

    ?

    (Knock Knock?)?

    ?

    A knock on the door, it¡¯s Haruka-kun. I don¡¯t think there is anyone else who can make knocking sound like a question. How is he doing this??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yees. It¡¯s a girls-only gathering? Do you want to join? Are you going to crossdress? ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No! Actually, Pres, I came to take measurements? It¡¯s for multicolor one piece? Your talk just never ends, so I came to at least get dimensions?¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun¡¯s voice sounded from the other side of the door. No crossdressing it seems.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Come in!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why are you replying as you please? Or rather, don¡¯t all of you look too defenseless? Haruka-kun is sort of a boy too, you know? Well, he probably would be the one to run away though.?

    ?

    ¡¸Excuse me? Kind of? I¡¯ll leave after I take measurements, also, is it fine if I test multicolor on this dress? You seemed to have a hard time picking a color? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes! I couldn¡¯t decide between white and blue, but I also wanted a black one as well! Red is a bit embarrassing, but if it¡¯s multicolor, then it solves the problem. Actually, why is he wearing a cloak? In full battle gear right after a bath? No, wait, he has no boots or gloves, and clothes seem to be casual too¡­ AAAAAAh! He made jeans for himself!?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s unfair! Making jeans for yourself only! There will be an additional order for that!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed! No objections allowed! ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Good, motion passed. But jeans alone are not enough for a girl! I actually wanted That to go along with one piece, but gave up on it since we are in a different world, however, if jeans exist, he should be able to make it as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Additionally, we request the development of jean jackets. A short one should be good, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Approved! Additionally, we request denim skirts too!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Denim shorts for the win!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That¡¯s truth, approved!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Even without denim, many of the girls in the room are wearing shorts or mini skirts right at this moment. Haruka-kun, troubled about where to look, is currently in a greatly disadvantageous position. That¡¯s the timing to get in as many additional requests as possible!?

    ?

    ¡¸Additional relief goods decided! Girls need support in cuteness too. I saw you wearing skinny cargo pants the other day! I want capri pants!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun, you are so sly! I want that too!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The pressure of the pants faction is overwhelming. He was delaying his work on them, saying that making skirts is easier. Everyone waited for that, you know? He probably was just embarrassed to measure girls¡¯ legs, so he kept postponing that. The result is this backlash from the pants faction.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m innocent! It¡¯s still in the trial phase, okay? All of my clothes are trial products? It¡¯s a one person sample sale? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We need a pass to that sample sale!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Come on, he is making everything himself, so can¡¯t you at least let him have samples? However, calling it a sample sale was a mistake. Adding ¡ºSale¡» there is playing with our instincts.?

    ?

    Surrounded by highschool girls with a high rate of exposed skin, Haruka-kun has nowhere to run. His eyes were darting all over the place. Why are the eyes that made the Terror Knights cry shifting like that? At this rate, everyone is going to come at you even harder??

    ?

    And they pressed. As he was crushed by the flood of desires for specific designs and priority, the light disappeared from Haruka-kun¡¯s eyes while they lost focus, and his gaze turned empty.?

    ?

    The resistance was all but futile, so one after another a mass of additional requests was pressed on him, as no escape was allowed, and he could do nothing to stop them. Looking at this scene alone, isn¡¯t this a splendid harem situation? If only Haruka-kun¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t so dead. He is very soft despite being such a perv.?

    ?

    ¡¸AAAGH! Well then, there is no end to it, so I¡¯ll just take all of your measurements together. Don¡¯t move too much, okay? I still don¡¯t have full control over them? No, the control is complete? So it¡¯s more of a strength adjustment thing? Or more like, tentacle adjustment? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    What followed was pandemonium.?

    ?

    I mean, he measured me all over with tentacles??

    ?

    As he claimed, tentacles can take more precise measurements and can do them all at once.?

    ?

    Measuring with tentacles just because you were too embarrassed to do it yourself?!?

    ?

    And he did that to everyone!?

    ?

    Entangled by countless tentacles stretching from Haruka-kun¡¯s body, all of the girls had their measurements taken by them.?

    ?

    The tentacles measured every inch of our bodies.?

    ?

    Despite all that, Haruka-kun was sitting in the middle of the room, nodding to himself and cutting cloth together with tentacles, which he then gave to other tentacles that seemed to be in charge of fitting.?

    ?

    The fabric measured for our bodies is then sewn by Haruka-kun and the tentacles, over and over put against our bodies by them, repeatedly confirming dimensions.?

    ?

    Like some kind of assembly line, the tandem of Haruka-kun and tentacles turns fabric into clothes, putting them to the bodies and then adjusting them, or rather, this is draping!?

    ?

    The fabric that was pressed against us like some kind of sewing mannequins, is cut, sewn, stitched, and once again put on us, adjusted, and completed into finished clothes.?

    ?

    By the time all of the girls collapsed, having no power to move left, a mountain of clothes from extra orders was lying on the floor accompanied by a pile of receipts. The prices were quite steep.?

    ?

    Well, it¡¯s fully custom-made clothes after all. Everything made for oneself, a perfect fit for oneself and no one else.?

    ?

    Even in wealthy Japan, it was a luxury way too expensive to indulge, after all these are the clothes made in the designs one desired, created to fit oneself specifically.?

    ?

    Fully made-to-order clothes for me and me alone. A supreme luxury. That¡¯s why the sum on receipts is so crazy.?

    ?

    See? That¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t tease Haruka-kun like that? Everyone is lying on the floor after the¡ºrevenge¡»was exacted on them? Moreover, everyone is covered in debt.?

    ?

    But everyone seems to be happy, holding their new clothes close.?

    ?

    After all, it¡¯s a girl¡¯s dream to have clothes be made specifically for her sake.?

    ?

    For the girls, this is having a long-cherished dream come true.?

    ?

    If not for the tentacles, we could honestly celebrate it.?

    ?

    But tentacles turn a dream into a nightmare.?

    ?

    Everyone is overjoyed, brimming with happiness.?

    ?

    However, it looks like they took heavy damage, in a young maiden¡¯s sort of way.?

    ?

    After all, everyone is breathing heavily with red faces.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸I can¡¯t get married anymore!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s clear now that tentacles are a threat to maidens. Yes, the maidens were on the verge of going extinct.

 CH 156

    Day 50 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Aah, just what do the girls think of showing so much skin to a highschool boy and clinging to him like that??

    ?

    Well, they probably did that on purpose. They probably were trying to get my mind away from the destroyed villages.?

    ?

    Being too flustered, I ended up making all of the clothes multicolor with the exception of denim ones? I charged quite a bit for that too, but it¡¯s better that way.?

    ?

    Even though I¡¯m not dwelling on that. They are such worrywarts. It¡¯s too late to change anything, so worrying about it now is pointless anyway. I simply don¡¯t want to forget.?

    ?

    Villages, where numerous people lived, once stood there. I just don¡¯t want to forget that the responsibility for their destruction is on me.?

    ?

    So I¡¯m not dwelling on that at all. I know for a fact that it won¡¯t be forgiven no matter how much I worry about that now.?

    ?

    However, with the girls struggling so much it was really difficult as the tentacles kept squeezing or rubbing them, you know? In a highschool boy sort of way.?

    ?

    After all, our senses are synchronized for the purposes of control, so all tactile sensations are transmitted to me. That¡¯s why I made sure to tell them not to move too much.?

    ?

    On top of that, in the middle of it, their breathing got rough while their faces began turning red. They began giving off a kind of a lewd aura? It¡¯s too much for a highschool boy to bear, okay??

    ?

    Although I worked in a great rush, I think the result is pretty good. The way tentacles move with unmatched precision and accuracy is simply divine. And there is nothing lewd about that, okay??

    ?

    And yet they kept leaking weird moans from time to time, so I panicked a bit there. The more they kept twisting and wriggling the more I felt it.?

    ?

    I¡¯m going to lose sleep again. Even though I was finally able to get rid of all extra orders. Although it¡¯s for clothes alone, but it¡¯s finally over? It¡¯s my loss if I start thinking about accessories or equipment. But that too can be somehow handled with the combination of tentacles and Holding. As for the required mana, I doubt I will have a shortage of it any time soon with the mana accumulator in my item bag.?

    ?

    Slime-san is fast asleep.?

    ?

    I wonder if it¡¯s happy? Did it find today to be enjoyable? Is it seeing good dreams? Is it glad that it tagged along??

    ?

    I don¡¯t know, but Slime-san is sleeping well.?

    ?

    Apparently, Armored Pres-san is fine without sleeping or eating, but Slime-san is taking time to sleep. Well, while Armored Pres-san might not require sleep or food, she is still eating every day with a great appetite and sleeping soundly as well, so I hope Slime-san can find happiness too.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san got caught up in there along with the girls, and is now lying in the girls¡¯ meeting room, however, she seemed to be satisfied, holding new clothes and a hat with a smile.?

    ?

    I¡¯m pretty sure that even if she recovers early, they are still going to try clothes on, showing off to each other, so she will return late in any case. Thus, home industry time it is. There is no end to this side job, you know? After all, I also got tons of orders from the general store! On top of that, just as I suspected, that lady is marking everything as¡ºUrgent¡»! And she once again put an order for a mushroom lunch set! Why am I being treated as a food delivery service? And why is it mushrooms every day? Just how much does she like mushrooms??

    ?

    ¡¸Ooh~, as expected, using tentacles for work makes things quick, and the quality is pretty good as well. This is master craftsmanship level! If the work can be done in such precise and minute detail, then it might be possible to reach even modern era level?¡¹?

    ?

    Or rather, why is she sending me orders for buckets or plates? And pots? What the hell is this? A wood-burning stove? Wait, it¡¯s A clothes iron! Go to the blacksmith for that! Why are you ordering iron, lunches, buckets, and clothes at the same place?! Why is all of it Urgent? Why are you ordering lunches every day ASAP? Why did you start selling sweets as well? And why are you asking me to make them as if it¡¯s a matter of course?! On top of that, sales and the inventory don¡¯t match up! You are eating them yourself, aren¡¯t you! And you are eating way too much! How did you eat 7 boxes with 3 people?! Which one of you ate 3 boxes?! Aaah~, and why did she sell furniture that I made as a decoration for the store? Eh, and it went for such a fortune! Let¡¯s mass produce it. However, how is she working after selling a sales counter? Is she packing things on the floor? Is she an idiot? Why can¡¯t she sell it after I make a new one? But this sum is an insane rip-off! Let¡¯s mass produce it. Let¡¯s rip off.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, I should mine some iron ore after all. Buying it sounds like a waste, and the town doesn¡¯t have enough iron anyway. But when am I going to get my rest? At first, there was some semblance of a plan, but now everything is just going with the flow? I actually have a schedule for the side lining as well? Although ¡ºUndecided¡» is all the schedule for it is saying. But there is a plan? I made it only yesterday though.¡¹?

    ?

    Slime-san is sleeping deep and seems to have no intention of replying to my mumbling.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why am I making buckets in a fantasy world? But arrangements for mass production are all put in order already¡­ Will there be something good for me if a bucket store makes a profit? Why would it make a profit and not me? That¡¯s unfair!¡¹?

    ?

    A highschool boy sitting alone in the middle of the night, surrounded by countless buckets¡­ Just what is this? Even I don¡¯t get it. However, I now have a massive quantity of buckets in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are even versions with handles or lids. A great performance by Wood Magic-san and tentacles. And? Why are there so many orders for buckets? And why are all of them coming to me? And there are even orders for baskets? And they are also coming to me as if that¡¯s how it¡¯s supposed to be??

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me what the general store shopkeeper thinks that I¡¯m a carpenter? Then why is she sending orders for mushroom lunches to me?! Why is she putting orders for sweets to me? The everlasting side job is never ending?¡¹?

    ?

    I remember hearing somewhere that an increase in talking to oneself is a signal of deteriorating mental health, but if there is such a danger, isn¡¯t asking one to keep it to themselves kind of cruel? I¡¯m going to mumble to myself. There is no one who would listen, but I¡¯m going to do that anyway. Working in silence is boring.?

    ?

    ¡¸What would you need so many baskets for? Couldn¡¯t I catch fish on day one if I was using this from the beginning? Before I noticed, I was working on my handcrafting skills in a fantasy world! And with establishing a production system, a mass production of baskets also became possible! An inspirational story of a home industry factory in a fantasy world!¡¹?

    ?

    And then there is an order for a huge amount of women¡¯s clothes and a moderate amount of men¡¯s clothes. Well, that¡¯s what men get even in a fantasy world. I remember how in the previous world, I went to a bookshop in a department store and tried to use a toilet only to find a sign ¡ºToilets On This Floor Are Women-only¡»? Such discrimination, even though it¡¯s a department store? Naturally, I never went there again. Seriously.?

    ?

    In the end, it¡¯s the same even in this world. I¡¯m sure even in the general store the men¡¯s clothes section is small and shabby. Just because men¡¯s clothes supposedly don¡¯t sell¡­ You are a store, so put something there that people will buy! If you put worthless crap there and then further reduce the selling area there won¡¯t be anything to buy at all! Obviously?! Just quit the business! For real!?

    ?

    So no matter how hard I will have to work, I will make clothes for men too. But why can¡¯t I think of other items that might be needed aside from cargo pants and jeans? Wait? There is really no demand! If it were me, I probably could live with one pair of multicolored pants!? Laundry would be a problem though.?

    ?

    ¡¸The other stuff is fine, I can mass produce it to build a stock? I¡¯m fine with doing this home industry until the town develops its own, but why do I have to make lunches every day?! Go and ask an eatery for that! And you are too obsessed with mushrooms! Why is it mushrooms every single day? No matter how developed this town gets, there won¡¯t be a place serving exclusively mushroom dishes! That¡¯s too niche to operate, okay? Eat some normal food too!¡¹?

    ?

    I mutter to myself while making an extra-large lunch set with mushrooms. While I grumble, my item bag from Villager A set can preserve things for a very long time. Or rather, as far as I tested it, I¡¯ve never seen any signs of deterioration. ¡ºIs the time stopped in there?¡», is how fresh things remain. In fact, I mass produced lunches as well. If it turns out to be too much I will just give them to Slime-san.?

    ?

    With high-speed processing power of¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san, manipulators from tentacles, and support of¡ºHolding¡»magic I can produce anything in the blink of an eye. It¡¯s a complete one-man factory! Real mass production is possible now! Can this be called a home industry anymore??

    ?

    I built a somewhat larger quantity of requested furniture and also made a lot of new products. What¡¯s left is a loom and a spinning machine, ah, I have to make an iron too. Or rather, it doesn¡¯t have to be an iron with a stove like that? Making it so primitive is actually more difficult? It¡¯s a waste of iron. Let¡¯s make a compact iron running on magic power supplied by a magic stone. That being said, I¡¯m renting a room meant for 4 people, but it¡¯s getting cramped in here? In terms of industry space. Finished products are put into the item bag, new items are made, and also put into the bag. Or rather, the bag became the starting and ending point of this magic-powered conveyor belt. The whole room is an industrial area and assembly line. Home industry, huh. But I¡¯m in a good rhythm.?

    ?

    I should be done before Armored Pres-san returns. The manufacture must¡¯ve become ultra-high speed. ¡ºInfinite Tentacles¡»are useful, let¡¯s upgrade them with mithril later.?

    ?

    And upon upgrade with mithril,¡ºInfinite Tentacles¡»-san turned into¡ºInfinite Evil Hands ¨C Create and Control Tentacles and Evil Hands, Shape and Property Alteration, Hardening, Weaponization¡», evil hands? Did they become hands? I will have a helping hand now? No, tentacles were helping me a great deal as well? However, I¡¯m all out of mithril now, huh? Hmmm? Can¡¯t tell how good they are without trying them out though? Ah, Armored Pres-san came back! Let¡¯s try them! Let¡¯s endlessly do our best with endless Evil Hands. Let¡¯s put these evil hands to a bad use. I already had it tough in a highschool boy sort of way after the tentacles measurement incident, so I¡¯m going to test them to my heart¡¯s content! Yes, this is an experiment and a practice! So if anything, it¡¯s not my fault! Fault! Fault! (Echoing)?

    ?

    It goes without saying that on the morning of the next day she scolded me incredibly hard while crying.

 CH 157

    Day 51 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Today, we are supposed to continue dungeon exploration from where we left off yesterday? But the girls seem to be having a girls-only meeting during breakfast? There is an awful lot of whispering, giggling, and screaming, I wonder what¡¯s that all about? But Armored Pres-san, surrounded by the girls on all sides, is earnestly trying to tell a story, constantly gesturing in the process. The girls like talking, after all, so she must be enjoying being able to chat like this. In the long time she spent down in the dark depths of the earth, she probably gave up on even dreaming about such a day coming, so I¡¯m glad she is having fun now. I¡¯m glad that she is smiling now.?

    ?

    Slime-san also ate its breakfast of bread and stew while jiggling in delight. Being fed one loaf after another by Poster Girl and Stalker Girl it¡¯s bouncing cheerfully. Looks like it is having fun too. That surely must be better than staying all alone underground. But it¡¯s eating like crazy, so I will have to earn to cover those food expenses. It finally has a chance to eat to its hearts content, and I want to keep it that way.?

    ?

    It¡¯s about time I get to planning the shopping tour to another fief, so I¡¯d like to accumulate some money for that.?

    ?

    The region can¡¯t remain isolated. Stagnation in goods circulation will mean economic death for the frontier.?

    ?

    At the moment, I made it possible for Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen to pass the fake dungeon with the escort of adventurers, so stock refreshment, and sales of magic stones and mushrooms still more or less continue although at the bare minimum level. This puts heavy limitations on both quantity and volume of goods.?

    ?

    I can order the great dungeon to allow merchants to pass, but the monopoly of such merchants might also become a problem.?

    ?

    What do we do with the circulation of goods and money??

    ?

    It¡¯s going to depend on negotiations with the kingdom, but we can¡¯t afford to simply wait, doing nothing.?

    ?

    After all, we are going to run out of rice! And soy sauce too!?

    ?

    However, I¡¯m going to bring everything else to self-sufficiency. After all, the economy is a weapon.?

    ?

    If one needs iron, if one needs fabric, that will become a weakness to exploit. This will be an economic war.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the region has to achieve at least minimum self-sufficiency. Mass production should be possible with spinning and weaving machines, but there are not enough animals to provide enough wool for that.?

    ?

    As for iron ore, I already found a few veins, so if tunnels were made, the problem could be solved.?

    ?

    And while the food lacks variety, the volume is well on the self-sufficiency level.?

    ?

    With the frontier having the monopoly on magic stones and mushrooms, the one to be pressured will be the kingdom. The only instrument they will have left is military power.?

    ?

    However, regular troops have no chance of breaking through the fake dungeon, hence, the kingdom will have no other choice but to negotiate. Until that happens, I want to restock on deficit goods and improve self-sufficiency.?

    ?

    In the end, abundance is power? One needs abundance to avoid being taken advantage of. The inability to suddenly increase the number of livestock and worker populations is a bottleneck.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeeeeeeeeeeey. Haruuuka-kuun! We are about to leave? Why are you making buckets while mumbling under your nose? Please keep handicrafts for nighttime, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    Oh no! Did I awaken as a bucket maker? I¡¯m making buckets in large quantities without even noticing. Well, I can just sell them, and if I have extra, I can give them to the inn, since they are treating me so well. It¡¯s a good inn, the name aside, after all, even though I keep bringing monsters in here they are yet to make a single complaint? Although they are charging me for them.?

    ?

    On the contrary, they should have an Advertising campaign based on the dungeon emperor and the dungeon master staying at the inn. No, this will attract more monsters. It might actually become popular with them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, shall we go? Slime-san, you are going too, you know? No, you can¡¯t bring Poster Girl with you? Drop that.¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle¡­)?

    ?

    Okay, we are ready it seems. Poster Girl is on the verge of tears after being tossed aside. Well, with her at the inn, it might be fine to leave Slime-san home. But I need some solace here.?

    ?

    ¡¸Going past the 50th floor we will have to eventually deal with a dungeon master, and if the dungeon has more than 60 floors, there also will be another floor master, plus, leaving middle floors, we will start finding more hidden rooms, so I think the whole thing will eat up a lot of time¡­ What do we do? Continue where we left yesterday or first beat another dungeon?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. About that, I thought we¡¯d deal with another dungeon today, and I will continue in the dungeon from the other day with just Armored Pres-san and Slime-san? I mean, it seems other dungeons need more people too? That dungeon doesn¡¯t seem that deep, so it will be faster to break through with a small group?¡¹?

    ?

    Because the board members and athletes are in the anti-boss squad, the other teams are short of hands. As a result, their progression speed dropped as they reached the middle floors.?

    ?

    If it¡¯s us alone, we can blitz through the enemies. Yes, we can¡¯t take a hit so we aren¡¯t fit for proper head-on brawls, but if it¡¯s about blasting through the ranks of loosely packed enemies then acting on our own will be faster. From the 50th floor onwards the number of enemies will increase since those are still untraversed floors, so being able to blitz or ambush enemies will be a big advantage. Well, that¡¯s actually the only thing we can do? But I want to get it over with as fast as I can and get my rest, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸Are you going to do something risky again? Why are you always trying to do something dangerous? Why do you never listen no matter how many times we repeat it¡¯s dangerous? And why do you still have no trouble every time anyway? Why are you doing it by yourself with only level 19? It¡¯s really dangerous. Especially when it comes to dungeon masters. It¡¯s a huge risk. Why are you doing dangerous things while dealing with dangerous matters, making everything even more dangerous?¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm, I took a glance yesterday, but my level is still yet to go up. It took especially long with level 10 too. I don¡¯t think I will get level 20 any time soon? Probably.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fighting is dangerous and takes time, you know? So I¡¯m not going to fight and will simply farm them? Like, ambushing? Even if the enemy is stronger, in most cases they tend to die if the attack is swift and unexpected, so it should be alright, okay? In most cases, if you kill the enemy, things work out somehow? Speaking from experience? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Anyhow, let¡¯s make plans as we head to the third dungeon. For starters, we must make preparations to leave the town. As the President and others went to report on the dead dungeon I go to the notice board. This is a part of my morning routine, you know? Apparently, I came here yesterday as well, but I was half-asleep, so I don¡¯t remember that? My morning dose of Flat Gaze??

    ?

    ¡¸I knew even before I looked, but the requests on this notice board are still the same! The same? They are so unchanging that I¡¯m beginning to wonder if this is some kind of permanent edition? The paper of those requests might start degrading with age soon? Why does nothing change despite me checking on it every day?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What a great pleasure to see you again¡­ Why are you coming to the guild more often than actual adventurers despite not being one? Or rather, didn¡¯t you show up sleeping yesterday? You muttered ¡ºThe requests are the same~¡», but your eyes were closed, you know? What are you coming here for? Only adventurers can take requests! And lately, you are not only not trying to keep a low-profile, but seem to be going out of your way to make your presence as grand as possible? Do you know that some are calling you the Boss Of the Notice Board?¡¹?

    ?

    I wait for the President and the others while basking in an angry Flat Gaze. An exhilarating morning Flat Gaze. However, the boss of the notice board, huh. What¡¯s next, promotion to the Master Of the Notice Board? The way to the Emperor of the Notice Boards seems long. But I think the bigger problem is that requests are probably going to stay the same until that day. What¡¯s the point of that notice board then??

    ?

    ¡¸We are back. We are done with the report so we can leave now. Are you complaining about the quests again? Even if there were good requests, you wouldn¡¯t be able to take them anyway since we are heading to the dungeon? Why do you like the notice board so much? Do you want it? You can¡¯t take it home, okay? You will get scolded? Although you seem to be already getting scolded.¡¹?

    ?

    If the notice board comes with the Flat Gaze Receptionist President, then I want it, otherwise, I couldn¡¯t care less? I mean, by now, I already memorized the contents of never-changing requests posted on it? Of course, I did, I¡¯ve been looking at the same notice board every day for almost a month after all. Seriously.?

    ?

    Dropping by the general store I delivered the goods and gave the shopkeeper a good slap with a paper fan, scolding her. Considering that I find new orders every time I come back, this doesn¡¯t seem to have any effect. Moreover, even while being slapped with a paper fan, she is fully focused on consuming the mushroom lunch? She probably was suffering from withdrawal.?

    ?

    And after setting up a new sales counter, I leave. She really sold it. She sold the sales counter. And so she spent the whole day yesterday with a bunch of stacked-up wooden boxes. Why would a general store even be dealing in sales counters??

    ?

    Slime-san seems to be in a good mood, getting to see the town. For some reason it was looking with desire at dried meat, so I bought some for it, and Slime-san ate it while bouncing in joy. Looks like Slime-san took a great liking to it. Let¡¯s stock up later.?

    ?

    Greeting the gatekeepers we leave the town. However, those guards are casually letting a dungeon emperor and a dungeon master into the town, what exactly are they trying to gatekeep then??

    ?

    And we finally head for the dungeon.?

    ?

    All of the girls look drowsy. Are they training at night or something? Even with their eyes almost closed, they seem to be able to navigate through Improved Detect Presence alone??

    ?

    As I heard in the morning, today, ¡ºDetect Presence¡»of all of the girls finally evolved into¡ºImproved Detect Presence¡», Vibration Magic is also hitting MaX level on one girl after another. And yet¡ºSearch¡»is somehow not improving? I wonder why? What are they trying to Detect and Vibrate? Stiff shoulders??

    ?

    ¡¸Hey? The stuff the boys were wearing today, is that some kind of uniform? Did you make it the same on purpose?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah? That. I asked the boys if they have any requests too, but the only demand they had was ¡ºSturdy, dirt doesn¡¯t stand out, easy to move, and with lots of pockets¡». So it ended up looking somewhat militaristic.¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone got a camo M65 imitation for the top and dark cargo pants for the bottom, and since they are even wearing boots, they totally look like army men? What kind of mercenary squad is that? This is a fantasy world of sword and magic, read the atmosphere for goodness sake.?

    ?

    Well, the girls also were enjoying themselves in the morning, each wearing whatever clothes they wanted, so it made for a gorgeous display. Well, eating in full armor is probably inconvenient. The boys can do whatever, who cares about them. Seriously.?

    ?

    However, they immediately changed into battle gear, so it¡¯s short-timed fun. Meanwhile, I¡¯m in the Villager A set since the morning. It¡¯s just normal clothes after all? I did fix them a bit, but otherwise, they are still the same.?

    ?

    ¡¸Here we are~. The third dungeon-sa~n. It mainly has beast-type monsters and there are lo~ts of them~? The original party warned to be careful with mana management?¡¹?

    ?

    With beast-types it might be faster to scatter poisoned food, but since Slime-san might eat it, I¡¯d rather not. Moreover, keeping the incoming boss fight in mind, exp grind, and training for the girls is also important. If at the times when they are with Armored Pres-san they fight under her guidance they should learn more nuances of fighting or pacing. It is precisely because they have cheat abilities that they have to use such chances to get the experience they undoubtedly lack.

 CH 158

    Day 51 ¨C Morning, Dungeon?

    ?

    The girls are scared. They stare at me with eyes wide open in horror! Why do I get those frightened looks while fighting monsters?!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸The tentacles are scary! He actually was the Impaler! It¡¯s scary in a completely different way! They just keep wriggling and slithering!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The tentacles seem rather unpopular? Well, they actually got the promotion to Evil Hands? Were they emotionally scarred by yesterday¡¯s events? Armored Pres-san seems to have gotten really traumatized though? She is shaking, cowering behind the girls??

    ?

    On the 18th floor, we were ambushed by ¡ºGround Hunger Lv 18¡», but the combat performance of the tentacles seems to be incredibly unpopular? I mean, what should I have done when a giant six-armed gorilla-like something jumped out of the ground and tried to hug me? I don¡¯t want that, okay? It¡¯s not cute at all??

    ?

    Actually, Armored Pres-san, Slime-san, and I, all noticed it beforehand, but since it is supposed to be a training for the girls, decided to keep silent, and yet it had to choose to hug me? This boulder-like fake gorilla? It just so happened, that on one of the floors earlier, I saw a hedgehog monster, so using the Weaponization property of ¡ºEvil Hands¡»I became kind of like a hedgehog, so Ground Hunger that tried to give me a hug instantly died from numerous stabbing wounds. That must¡¯ve hurt.?

    ?

    And so, the tentacles are now being bullied. Poor them.?

    ?

    ¡¸How can you call them scary, those tentacles are good and hardworking tentacles, you know? The clothes from yesterday were all made-to-order by tentacles? They even took measurements for you? Every inch of your bodies? Each and every part? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸And that¡¯s the cause of the trauma! And the reason for the lack of sleep! They are a threat to maidens!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Despite the complaints, in the morning they were using multicolor to its fullest, flaunting before each other, turning it into some kind of fashion show? The tentacles sewed that, you know? You shouldn¡¯t bully them like that? And you shouldn¡¯t bully me too? I was also sewing that? Don¡¯t you feel bad about bullying us like this? I¡¯m serious enough to cry??

    ?

    Now that the girls learned to properly detect presences, they are discovering precise positions of monsters and farming them through swift attacks.?

    ?

    Enemies hiding underground slipped past them, but aside from that, these are unbeatable schoolgirls. Does this count as girls¡¯ power??

    ?

    There are no hidden rooms, so we simply farm, go down to the next floor, and farm again.?

    ?

    No actual battle-like battles as well, the girls one-sidedly attack monsters, obliterating them on the spot.?

    ?

    They are strong when they get into their rhythm, if they don¡¯t, they get overwhelmed instead. They are too extreme in both attack and defense, that is their strength, but it also makes it harder for them to adapt. They are strong when things go as expected, as planned, but crumble when things take a weird or unforeseen turn. A polar opposite to the boys who go with the flow, without putting much thought into it.?

    ?

    They don¡¯t have that loose leeway to the plan, no moderation. And since there is nothing in between attack and defense modes, if they fail to switch in time, they get overrun. Completely unlike the geeks with their noncommittal, even lazy approach to fights, or the idiots, who freely change their method of attack and tactics, adjusting to the enemy. That¡¯s why they are strong when things go well, but weak when they don¡¯t. They are unbeatable if they get to push things their own way, but since they can¡¯t adapt to their opponents, crumble if they don¡¯t get to have their way. A very polarized strength.?

    ?

    They need to learn Armored Pres-san¡¯s fighting style of turning aside the opponent¡¯s strength and cutting them through it. If they can¡¯t push through, they should deflect and cut through. No matter if she defends or attacks it all leads to slashing the enemy, that¡¯s why she is strong. She is fighting strategically even though she has no troops to command but herself.?

    ?

    So learning her techniques alone is not enough, they have to learn her way of fighting itself. Or rather, learning her techniques might be too much to ask? In the morning we played for a bit, during which I summoned Evil Hands and tried 8 swords style, but she managed to fend off all of them with just one sword? Not just block, but parry every single one and cut them in turn? What the hell is that??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Going good! Let¡¯s move to the next one.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They are in high spirits. The library committee already reached the 49th floor of this dungeon, so enemy numbers are not that high. This shouldn¡¯t pose a problem to them.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaa! Help me!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They are completely trashed. Unable to decisively crush enemies they tried to go onto the defensive, but the formation was instantly broken and scattered, so they are now locked in a chaotic melee. Even Armored Pres-san is lost for words, expressing her disbelief through a gesture. Maybe you should stop looking and start helping them? Going to extremes in both offense and defense, they can¡¯t deal with the confusion of melee, so as soon as the formation breaks they lose a lot of their strength. While the president¡¯s leadership further enhances their strengths, when the fight turns into a melee, losing her command throws them into further disarray.?

    ?

    Now then,¡ºInfinite Evil Hands¡»might be infinite as the name suggests, but there is a very finite limit to how many I can control at the same time. However, our enemies are ¡ºVanish Eagle Lv 35¡», birdies. Calling them eagles makes them sound kind of cool, but those are vultures. And as they keep flying and moving around while constantly disappearing, the girls unable to chase them down for a decisive blow end up getting counterattacked instead. But if there is no need to chase them, then there would be no need to control them as well, so I will be able to create an infinite number of hands. Turning them into thin but sturdy threads I spread the hands through the whole top part of the level in just a second, and the birds took care of themselves, crashing into the threads and cutting themselves, smashing into nets and tearing to pieces, and getting bisected as they flew through the place. Since they can¡¯t hit the brakes in mid-air, they have no other choice but to be cut apart. If they could disappear for as long as they wanted they could¡¯ve survived, but this edition can vanish only for a few seconds. Absurdly weak to traps. Why did they even try to chase after flying birds? Are they going to become idiots too? The idiots actually did that for real, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you. You saved us, I can¡¯t deal with flying swarms. Their speed alone makes it a nightmare, but they can also disappear on top of that! Those beaks hurt!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Those bald bastards! They were going for the eyes! For round and cute eyes of the maidens! How dare they! How dare they threaten such a beauty! Even though they are just bald bastards!¡¹?

    ?

    Those words could probably make the weapon store¡¯s old man cry if he were to hear that. Since he is bald and all. He has a beard though??

    ?

    ¡¸You have to learn how to fight while using magic and exploits, otherwise, you will get overwhelmed? Not every enemy can be fought with a sword and shield, you know? If you can fend off everything like Armored Pres-san that¡¯s fine, but unless everyone gets to that level, you will be in deep trouble when your formation gets broken? Didn¡¯t you struggle with those self-destructing bats as well? You have to learn to adapt to your opponent, or it might become a problem later on?¡¹?

    ?

    The problem is that magic specialist Great Sage-san was swinging a hammer around, but took no damage at all, managing to intercept every incoming flier. Eh? Could it be that the Great Sage is actually a close combat profession??

    ?

    ¡¸I know, but I end up concentrating on one thing too much. When I fight with the sword I can¡¯t handle the magic, and when I fight with magic I can¡¯t use the sword. And the person that should be in the back row is bulldozing through the enemies on the frontlines?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eeeh~? You have to be able to handle that much~. You won¡¯t get stronger if you keep relying on large-scale offensive spells, you know~?¡¹?

    ?

    A sound argument. The geeks are a good example, their ability to combine various skills and magic makes them very strong in combat, but their fencing and athletic abilities are not improving at all. Well, they were geeks in the previous word, so they are quite horrible in that aspect.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san and Slime-san aside, since Vice President B-san also didn¡¯t get even a scratch, does it mean that it¡¯s better to raise individual skills? However, as impressive as that is, isn¡¯t that pretty pointless for a rearguard??

    ?

    ¡¸Speaking of exploits, what was that just now? I didn¡¯t sense any spells being activated, but the birds dropped to the ground in pieces?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸These were tentacles. Or rather, ¡ºEvil Hands¡». I turned them into threads and spread them around. A wire cutter of sorts? I mean, they are flying into it, cutting themselves on their own? So don¡¯t bully the tentacles, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸So that was a trap! A tentacle trap! The place was filled with countless tentacles sealing all possible ways of escape!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why are they so distrustful and hostile towards the tentacles? Why are their gazes so distant and their faces so red? Why is Armored Pres-san trembling, hiding behind the girls? These are just your friendly Evil Hands? Didn¡¯t you meet last night? With a crazy number of them??

    ?

    Evil Hands are incredible when properly controlled, but even¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san has a hard time handling them. Since I myself am moving around at high speed, even using ¡ºTeleportation¡», I can hardly control them. Or rather, I don¡¯t have proper control even over¡ºTeleportation¡»itself. Mixing teleportation with an unmanageably high speed makes it impossible not only to control but even to predict. Even I don¡¯t understand what is going on.?

    ?

    ¡¸After we cull the number of dungeons a bit, it might be a good idea to increase the number of training days? Improving weak points and the variety of fighting styles? I guess? You too should suffer the drill! Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Real combat is the best practice, but it does nothing to improve the diversity of fighting methods. In addition, it¡¯s difficult to improve individual skills in a group. On the other hand, I, who has nothing but techniques for solo fighting, can¡¯t work in a team. Especially considering that in my case, I might get others caught up if I screw up on control. Allies at Armored Pres-san or Slime-san¡¯s level will be able to dodge on their own, but I can¡¯t use any of the big techniques with classmates around.?

    ?

    However, were I to match the style of my classmates, having the outstandingly low stats, I¡¯d end up dying. And since I can¡¯t form a party due to the effect of Loner, I can¡¯t learn Cooperation skills. So acting on my own is more efficient, and if something goes wrong, I won¡¯t harm others. This group was likely intended as my escort for the sake of searching for hidden rooms, but in a boss fight, either group won¡¯t function properly, and with a dungeon master that might be very bad.?

    ?

    If the dungeon master¡¯s level matches the floor number, it should be alright. But Slime-san was level 100. Most likely a candidate for a dungeon emperor. Having that as an enemy is far worse than just bad. It almost called for Armored Pres-san to start fighting seriously. If we actually fought, I wouldn¡¯t have the leeway to hold back as well. In that case, the danger of getting caught up in my skills will be added to the threat from the enemy. I haven¡¯t seen the dungeon master that I killed earlier, but judging by the magic stone, it should¡¯ve been around level 50. If it¡¯s only that much, we probably should be able to handle it with this party. But a dungeon master of level 100 is too dangerous. Slime-san was simply too hungry to fight at full power. During that fight, it seemed to be in an energy conservation mode, so it should¡¯ve barely used any magic power. If it fought seriously it would¡¯ve been bad. Failing to defend, someone could¡¯ve died there. Since Slime-san was too hungry, it was simply trying to eat them, so things didn¡¯t get worse. But if it was an actual battle, it wouldn¡¯t be a surprise for someone to die there. That¡¯s how strong it was.?

    ?

    It¡¯s jiggling around, doing silly dances, but it has enough power to fight Armored Pres-san. It could¡¯ve been a terrifying enemy. Although it is jiggling and dancing now. And there might be others level 100.?

    ?

    ¡¸If the dungeon master of this place is level 100, we are retreating, okay? You have to go back even if it¡¯s without us. I¡¯m serious.¡¹?

    ?

    The president and others are glaring at me, looking as if they are about to cry, but no means no. I know that this will make them worry, but the danger is too high.?

    ?

    Shield Girl is my polar opposite. While I might die in one hit, she can easily take a hundred of those. However, she also gets hit a hundred times before I take even one hit.?

    ?

    And I can potentially kill in one hit the enemy that Shield Girl will have to strike a hundred times to defeat. And while Shield Girl makes one attack, I will finish a hundred.?

    ?

    I¡¯m fragile, nothing can be done about that, but my opponents are equally fragile. I can make my opponents fragile.?

    ?

    If I can use Kyojitsu with Magic Wrapping, I can make the opponent¡¯s defense, vitality, and resistances all completely pointless. I can turn it into a contest of speed, the first to cut is the winner. Or at the very least, I can make it a contest of skill.?

    ?

    A lv100 dungeon master is that sort of an opponent.?

    ?

    But that is still fine. The Dungeon Emperor, when she was on the lowest floor of the Great Dungeon, was so strong that a lv100 dungeon master wouldn¡¯t be worthy of even a glance from her. No one can beat that.?

    ?

    If back then, Dungeon Emperor ended up swallowed by that darkness, the world would¡¯ve come to an end. No one can defeat that.?

    ?

    At the time, Dungeon Emperor¡¯s level was 27. She probably didn¡¯t fight even at 10% of her full power. No, there probably was less than 5%. Even so, no one can defeat that.?

    ?

    And if swallowed by the darkness she had her full lv100 power, it wouldn¡¯t have ended with mere destruction of the world. She probably would¡¯ve easily surpassed the gods.?

    ?

    And Dungeon Masters of Lv100 are potential candidates for her replacement. It has to be killed, but it¡¯s too dangerous. Among everyone present, I¡¯m the one who has the best chance of killing it. But I¡¯m also the one with the highest likelihood of getting killed as well.?

    ?

    However, leaving the dungeon be is not an option.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we are going deeper.

 CH 159

    Day 51 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon.?

    ?

    Since getting to level 90 it takes a while for everyone to increase their levels. They will probably spend a long while as Lv99. But going over level 100 should make one exponentially stronger.?

    ?

    And it is possible to do that. While Lv100 is the limit for monsters, humans can go over that. I guess that is the point from which one can actually challenge the dungeon.?

    ?

    There is no need for the girls to risk right now and force the fight. Because they are guaranteed to become stronger later. The path to the strongest is open to them.?

    ?

    In that regard, levels have nothing to do with me. Because me getting level 100 is absolutely not happening ever. Farming every monster in the Evil Forest to complete extinction and even killing Goblin Emperor only got me over level 10. I won¡¯t get to level 100 even if I spend my whole life on it. It¡¯s not even a time problem, but more of an experience issue. If annihilating all monsters of the Evil Forest got me only level 10, then I doubt there are enough monsters for me to reach level 100. Even if I were to kill every single monster in the world by myself, I probably still won¡¯t get there.?

    ?

    Massacring everything on the lowest floors of the great dungeon with the following dungeon-busting expeditions still didn¡¯t get me over level 20, so there is no way a colossal amount of XP required for me to reach level 100 exists. If there were so many monsters around, the world would¡¯ve been destroyed a long time ago.?

    ?

    Immortal Armored Pres-san and Slime-san of unidentifiable lifespan might eventually reach it, but not me, since I have a finite life span. There is no way I can make it in a limited amount of time. I¡¯m a human after all. Honestly? It¡¯s even written in my status, okay??

    ?

    I don¡¯t know what I came to this world for, but there might be some meaning to it??

    ?

    I certainly remember the geezer talking about that. That wavelength and aggregate amount matched. No idea about the wavelengths, but the aggregate amount was meant for all 43 of us who were brought to this world. There are only 30 of us left, and one is no good. The aggregate amount went under 70% by now. If that amount is a required volume, then there is only 69.76744186% left.?

    ?

    In that case, at least the remaining 29 have to get over lv100. I don¡¯t know if that will be sufficient, but since the quantity went down, there is no choice but to compensate with quality.?

    ?

    I have no idea why we came to this world, but there might be a meaning to it. If so, there might be some things that can¡¯t be accomplished unless the aggregate amount is raised. And, since my level doesn¡¯t grow, I¡¯m the best candidate here. A typical glass cannon side character that is strongest only in the opening chapters.?

    ?

    And if there is a meaning to us coming to this world, there is a good chance it has something to do with dungeons. In that case, we have to fight there. We have to fight in the dungeons. In there, we can deal with enemies floor by floor, and since each floor has monsters of only one kind, adapting to them is easy. But we won¡¯t be able to win if a dungeon overflows and the dungeon master of Lv100 comes at us leading an army of monsters of different kinds. Being able to pick them off one by one as we can do in a dungeon is incredibly advantageous for us. It would be a problem if they went outside.?

    ?

    And if someone has to risk, there is no better candidate than me. Allowing the president and others to fight the boss is a high-risk low return gamble, considering the chances of victory.?

    ?

    And while I might be the weakest, my Epic Luck boosts my survivability by a lot, and my array of skills also gives me the best chances of winning. It is a high risk, for me, but also a high return.?

    ?

    Perhaps, we were teleported here because the frontier is the most dangerous place at the moment.?

    ?

    The danger comes from the Evil Forest, the Great Dungeon and other dungeons, plus the war.?

    ?

    Two villages already disappeared in the stampede emerging from the Evil Forest.?

    ?

    Right now, the Evil Forest, the Great Dungeon, and the war are not a problem. What remains are other dungeons. If we seal them we should be able to avoid the war. But if we allow an overflow the damage to the frontier will be immeasurable. And if its military power weakens it will surely come under attack, meaning, a war.?

    ?

    No matter how many words I use and how hard I explain they won¡¯t get it. This is something I can do nothing about ever since we came to this world.?

    ?

    No matter what I think about it, those teleportations to the other worlds are the worst. Even in novels, there are no stories where the protagonist got to live in peace without fighting or struggling. Nothing good ever comes of them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Actually, why do you look like you are about to cry? That¡¯s just ominous! It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to die, okay? Or rather, until now, I didn¡¯t die even once, right? Probably? So I¡¯m like, the right person for the job? I¡¯ll do my best until you get stronger, and then have my peaceful retirement, that¡¯s all there is to it, you know? I probably will be nothing but a hindrance when you get over Lv100? So I¡¯ll go for retirement. And for the sake of my comfortable retirement, I have to work until you get stronger. So it¡¯s nothing to make such a fuss about? It¡¯s a safe bet with a vision for the future. I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s gonna be okay! I mean, the most unsafe and not okay I¡¯ve ever been was during that time with Armored Pres-san? And then Slime-san? And yet I¡¯m alright? My food and cloth expenses are not alright though? That¡¯s sort of how it is, so it¡¯s okay. ¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, there is a risk, but the chances are much better compared to everything that happened before. Thinking normally, if I managed to survive all that, there is nothing that can kill me now, is how bad it was.?

    ?

    ¡¸Compared to what happened until now, fighting a level 100 Dungeon Master is a piece of cake, a walk in a park, easy-peasy? I mean, the most dangerous opponents number one and number two are with me now? Number three and below might as well be dismissed with consolation prizes? Seriously.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, there won¡¯t be an easy victory, after all, numbers one and two are greatly weakened from having their levels reset. But I also became a little bit stronger.?

    ?

    And annihilating ¡ºArmored Chameleons Lv49¡»we proceed to the 50th floor.?

    ?

    Looks like this is the last floor.?

    ?

    By the way, Armored Chameleons were all massacred while they were hiding, apparently planning to remain unnoticed, despite all of the girls having ¡ºImproved Detect Presence¡». You were already exposed, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s a promise! We will go back as you told us, but you also must not do anything risky! I¡¯m going to give allowance only to Angelica-san and Slime-san if you lie to me!¡¹?

    ?

    No, wait? Among these three, I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m the most prudent one with money? Those two are avatars of avarice and gluttony? I have only sins of laziness and lust, so it¡¯s not like I¡¯m wasting any money? Moreover, I¡¯m the hardest working slug of this world? Making an order, buying clothes, and then confiscating the money you paid but leaving me without even an allowance? What kind of fiendish shopping is that? That won¡¯t be even a home industry anymore??

    ?

    And so we enter the 50th floor.?

    ?

    Oh my, a hunch can come true.?

    ?

    ¡ºCerberus Lv100¡»?

    ?

    A dungeon master of level 100. The guard dog of the Underworld.?

    ?

    Orthrus-san¡¯s elder brother. It also has one head extra, having a whole three of them.?

    ?

    The past. The little brother Orthrus-san was doing its best trying to cover two of its noses with its front paws. It died though.?

    ?

    The present. The elder brother Cerberus-san couldn¡¯t cover all three of its noses with only two front paws. It died though.?

    ?

    What a stupid hunch that was.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerhm? Retreat?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸And why would we retreat now! Cerberus-san is dead! The middle head couldn¡¯t cover its nose and looked really pitiful! And just how strong is that vinegar! My eyes and nose hurt insanely bad!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The air is so sour. It stings my eyes. My nose hurts too. Ah, it started dripping. Let¡¯s hurry home. Even Slime-san hates it, despite having no eyes or nose.?

    ?

    It might¡¯ve been a level 100 dungeon master, but since it was a doggie it was easy to deal with. It was strong, but that¡¯s all. It would seem that Slime-san was a special dungeon master after all? Well, it is a Slime¡ºEmperor¡». All bouncy and jelly-like??

    ?

    ¡¸I was worried, expecting a battle-ready version of Slime-san class monster to show up, but all this one did was yelp? Yelp, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    Slime-san¡¯s biggest menace was in its complete lack of any weaknesses. A doggie that has its weak points written on its face can be handled with ease. As long as I have vinegar.?

    ?

    ¡¸Just what was that? Shouting at us ¡ºYou must retreat!¡»and then throwing vinegar at the boss out of the blue? That was the famous Cerberus-san, right? And that¡¯s the end of its screen time? The guard of hell seemed to be in a hell of anguish? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But you¡¯re right, if it were us, we would¡¯ve been wiped out. Its stats were amazing. There was no way for us to defeat it. The retreat was the correct idea. The idea itself. There is nothing wrong with the retreat itself, the issue was with the person insisting on it.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I know, in my mind I understand it? But even so? But hearing that pitiful yelping I hardly care about the retreat anymore? ¡¹?

    ?

    With that giant body The Dungeon Master Cerberus had¡ºExtraordinary Strength¡»¡ºGodspeed¡»¡ºLeaping¡»¡ºEvasion¡»¡ºHell Flame Magic¡», a balanced high-speed type. I guess??

    ?

    It also had¡ºSlash Immunity¡»,¡ºSpell Evasion¡»,¡ºPhysical Evasion¡»,¡ºExtreme Heat Magic¡»,¡ºExtreme Cold Magic¡»,¡ºSuper Regeneration¡»and¡ºVorpal Fangs¡». It seems??

    ?

    No idea though. Since it died without doing anything. But they can¡¯t beat that. The retreat was the correct choice. I wasn¡¯t wrong.?

    ?

    ¡¸I think there is probably a giant wall at level 100. That¡¯s why the monsters of Lv100 dungeon master class can¡¯t be beaten without level 100 or higher. Stats of level 100 or higher are needed to get through those immunities. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸But didn¡¯t you just kill it? Crying ¡ºYelp, yelp¡», it lost all three heads?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m pretty good with bugs and dogs after all. Vinegar and insecticide can resolve the problem in most cases? But this vinegar was something else. I think it had the same power as a tear-gas bomb. Everyone¡¯s noses are running.?

    ?

    (Bo~unce, Bo~unce)?

    ?

    Looks like even Slime-san felt the sourness. It¡¯s pouting now. To remove the aftertaste I give it jerky.?

    ?

    Since it had ¡ºSuper Regeneration¡»we finished it off in an instant, with Armored Pres-san, Slime-san, and me jumping in and cutting off all three heads. Even upwind the smell was hard to bear, but around Cerberus-san¡¯s head the sourness was awful! Who the hell made such vicious vinegar! I want to place an order for an additional party! It can be sold at a weapon store, but it won¡¯t be as popular at the general store.?

    ?

    Taking stats alone, it might¡¯ve been only slightly above minotaurs, but in terms of skills, Cerberus was overwhelmingly stronger.?

    ?

    If possible, I¡¯d want the president to ¡ºPlunder¡»them, but for now, it¡¯s too risky to attempt.?

    ?

    As I thought, I can¡¯t allow them to fight such enemies, it is far too dangerous. That¡¯s because the president and others don¡¯t carry vinegar around! How can they be so careless??

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t want to agree, but what you said makes sense, Haruka-kun. We can¡¯t beat that. To be frank, I¡¯m not sure if we can do that even after reaching level 100. That¡¯s why we will withdraw if we encounter such dungeon masters. But you also have to keep the promise! You must not risk!¡¹?

    ?

    We should make the 50th floor banned for the classmates as well. The idiots might forget which floor is that and go in anyway though. Can they even count to 50? This makes me worry. For their intelligence.?

    ?

    Peeking into the 50th floor from the stairs, Cerberus seems to have finally turned into a magic stone.?

    ?

    Since no one was keen on going back, they pressed me with,¡ºThe one who scattered vinegar should take responsibility!¡», and so I return to the sour room.?

    ?

    It¡¯s huge, and the color is very clear, this must be a high-grade magic stone.?

    ?

    And the loot is¡ºMagic Beast Hide Armor ¨C SpE 50% Up, ViT 30% Up, Slash Immunity, Spell Evasion, Physical Evasion, Skill: Clone¡», a jackpot. Two evasions, one immunity, SpE 50% , and ViT 30%, even one of these would¡¯ve made it an amazing item. A ¡ºClone¡»skill. Sounds cool, but there probably won¡¯t be any chances to use it. That¡¯s how it went until now, the cooler it sounds the less use it gets. Trying to raise a flag probably won¡¯t help anyway. Seriously.?

    ?

    And there is a hidden room as well. And it is also sour as heck. With teary eyes, I step into the room, and inside it is also sour. The chest had ¡ºRing of Commander ¨C Command, Leadership, Share Bonuses with the entire group¡», this is going to the president for sure. Command and Leadership are great on their own, but ¡ºShare Bonuses with the entire group¡» must be a super rare effect. It gives the bonuses the leader has to everyone under their command, in other words, if she has 30 allies, then every one of them will get effects of Cheat Skills the president has. It will strengthen the whole party. However, it will also give everyone under her command¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»and ¡ºInsatiable Libido¡».?

    ?

    It¡¯s a shame that it doesn¡¯t work for Special skills. If everyone fought having the president¡¯s ¡ºPlunder¡»they could¡¯ve learned monster skills. Like¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»or¡ºInsatiable Libido¡». Then we all would¡¯ve been comrades.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s leave before the items turn sour too. My eyes hurt.?

    ?

    As a result of the discussion, I got¡ºMagic Beast Hide Armor. In return, each of the ten girls had the debt forgiven for 3 of the rings they bought by agreeing to pay in dungeon items. The debt of 30 rings is not small, but it¡¯s cheap compared to such a great item. Getting two rare evasions is really nice, for real.?

    ?

    ¡ºRing of Commander¡»unanimously went to the president. I mean, I can¡¯t command anyone, and if they got the effects of my skills they¡¯d probably be only troubled? Like¡ºBody Control¡», one has to merely think, and the body will move to execute the action on its own? And¡ºSwift Foot¡»has to be practiced or you¡¯ll end up tripping? I¡¯m pretty sure suddenly getting something like that during combat will be a problem? Seriously.

 CH 160

    Day 51 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon.?

    ?

    Quickly escaping the sour dungeon we get outside and stop for lunch. As expected, it was a shabby dungeon with only one hidden room, but the boss drop and the hidden item were amazing, plus the magic stone was of high grade too. So high that we might not be able to sell it, so I ended up having to buy it out, but thinking that it will become a part of the magic accumulator too, it¡¯s not that bad.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s ready~? It¡¯s only a trial product, but this is its test on human subjects, so it¡¯s alright? Fresh pasta, or rather, Napolitan with handmade pasta? But it¡¯s not quite napoli? Sort of? There are some suspicions that this is Napolitan Udon, but it is undoubtedly noodles?¡¹?

    ?

    The only thing I could get in the frontier is Semolina, no idea if it¡¯s actually from durum wheat, but since they told me in the general store that it¡¯s not fit for making bread, I tried to make pasta with it, and they seem to have turned out okay? Perhaps we have udon here rather than spaghetti, but since it¡¯s delicious, Napolitan Udon might be good too??

    ?

    Frying boiled fresh pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes, bird meat for a bit, and add a finishing touch with ketchup and pepper. The wheat is the super cheap stuff that I got from the general store this morning, so it¡¯s only a trial product, okay? I heard that durum wheat used in pasta isn¡¯t fit for making bread, that¡¯s why I thought this might work. Let¡¯s have fried udon If I accidentally make udon noodles.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Pasta! Napolitan! Kyaa! Let¡¯s dig in.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yup. They turned out to be a bit hard and bland, but that¡¯s not because I went easy on kneading, it is because of the wheat quality. Since the noodles lack in taste, I guess I¡¯ll add eggs next time I knead them.?

    ?

    ¡¸So good! It¡¯s real pasta! Aa~h, I met Napolitan-san again!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We might be able to get carbonara too! I like Peperonchino-san too, but I want to eat Carbonara-san next!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Sadly, carbonara might be the most impossible one. I¡¯m yet to obtain cheese or cream.¡¹?

    ?

    However,¡ºLiving a Country Life¡»had production methods described. We just need the livestock and dairy industry can be set up as well, but that will still have to wait.?

    ?

    ¡¸The harmony of taste produced by Mushrooms and Pasta-san is incredible! Is the way it feels. The mushrooms of this world never disappoint, right?¡¹?

    ?

    What¡¯s with the girls¡¯ love for the mushrooms? No matter what I make, they always ask to add mushrooms? Are they getting addicted too? Well, it¡¯s delicious though.?

    ?

    Well, everyone is alright, so we are good. But as I thought, there are other dungeon masters of level 100. Going past floor 50 is dangerous.?

    ?

    In the case of level 50 floor masters, a raid consisting of 3 groups should be enough to deal with them.?

    ?

    If a Lv50 dungeon master pops up on the 50th floor, then it will require a collective effort of all 29 people.?

    ?

    But if the 50th floor has a Lv100 dungeon master then it is impossible. Even if they manage to win, the damage will be huge. The probability of someone dying is high.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, we will deal with the rest of yesterday¡¯s Medusa? Dungeon. Please help the other groups to get to the 49th floor? Don¡¯t try to challenge the 50th floor? I¡¯m seriously serious?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We got it, but please don¡¯t push yourself! Don¡¯t do anything risky, okay? Today we have Salisbury steak! It¡¯s a promise!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Wha! Somehow, before I knew it, the Salisbury steak also was included in conditions! What terrifying girls¡¯ power, as expected of Avarice-san¡¯s friends. Their negotiation ability cannot be underestimated. They are even trying to hand me papers with even more extra orders for clothes? Such insolent greediness. Looks like they wanted M65 jackets too. Why is everyone trying to go military in a fantasy world??

    ?

    When we just came to the town they were all overjoyed wearing loose tunics. It actually looked like something from a fantasy world. But now their clothes won¡¯t stand out at all were we to go back to the modern era right this moment. But please don¡¯t ask me to copy LV or GG, okay? And nylon is impossible, you know? Or are they telling me to dig up oil and set up a refinement industry? Are they intending to force me to make a gasoline engine as well? Awe-inspiring Girls¡¯ Power (Greed).?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go in? Slime-san, you stick with us too. Don¡¯t just wander off on your own. Then, onwards? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle), (Nod, Nod)?

    ?

    No, Armored Pres-san, unlike Slime-san you can speak? You¡¯ve gotten lazy, and completely stopped even trying to do that lately? You are dealing with everything through nods and gestures now, you know? The most you speak is when you scold me in the morning??

    ?

    And we are on the 50th floor, as expected, I didn¡¯t get to do anything, as always.?

    ?

    I really have absolutely nothing to do. Looks like Slime-san took a liking to Evil Hands, or maybe it is just being competitive, but it fought by stretching countless tentacles from its round body. Or rather, it even ripped off my new move, Wire Cutter. And it¡¯s much better than my version? Slime-san has high defense and magic power, but it seems to be very fond of close combat. Predation attacks seem to be its favorite. I guess it always has room to eat more monsters.?

    ?

    And Armored Pres-san, as usual, was shining in her silver armor all over the place. However, despite having an offensive fighting style, no attack can touch her. Such keen focus on attack, that her offense literally became a defense, cutting apart incoming attacks.?

    ?

    This¡ºTaming¡»skill is probably meant for backliners, like monster tamers, making monsters fight on the frontlines, while attacking with magic or using support skills front behind. Am I a backline spellcaster now? But my frontliners are exterminating everything on their own, ditching the master? They aren¡¯t coming back at all? Yeah, I can¡¯t be a monster tamer, no one listens to me.?

    ?

    In fact, I¡¯m not in a position to say this or that about others fighting styles. After all, I don¡¯t have one, since my abilities make no sense.?

    ?

    My Martial Arts are for close combat hit-and-run, my magic is advanced enough for a full-fledged backliner, yet I keep teleporting and enhancing my physical attacks with it. The skills are stealth and high-speed movement type. Clearly, a sneaky magician specializing in blitz melee attacks? Is there any style to speak of? High-speed close combat stealth magician that fights by cladding himself in magic? I don¡¯t get what that is supposed to be, and I can¡¯t even imagine it.?

    ?

    The only thing I can tell for sure is that this is not suited for fighting in a team. Such a fighting style doesn¡¯t allow any cooperation, so there is no way to command or direct that. It¡¯s a style of ambushing enemies on my own. And it got me the Swordmaster title after all??

    ?

    So even though there are three people, or rather, 3 beings? No, I¡¯m properly a human? Anyway, although we are now a group, we can¡¯t make any coordinated attacks. I can¡¯t.?

    ?

    The only one who can tank is Slime-san. Me and Armored Pres-san are full evasion.?

    ?

    In the first place, since we rely on speed in our fighting style, there is simply no point in any defensive formations.?

    ?

    Everyone rushes in, no plan involved. No fighting style aside from swift attacks.?

    ?

    I was so full of myself talking about the girls¡¯ fighting style, but look at me, all I have is offense. Forget adaptation or improvisation, there is only charge. Basically, adjusting to the opponent is something I get to think about after I kill them.?

    ?

    So for now, I¡¯ll just charge in?¡ºMetalhorn Eland Lv51¡», eland are oxen, that insist on being antelopes, even-toed, ruminating antelopes. Having metal horns, they must be rearing to stab someone. Even the part about charging in a group makes them similar to oxen, but unlike them, they have incredible jumping power, descending at their target from above with those giant bodies. Pointing their horns forward they come smashing down. Plunging into them right in the middle of that leap, I knock them down, while Slime-san, that turned giant for now, is having a meal.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, Metalhorn Elands on the ground are being swept away by the Pres in Silver Armor, who is kindly sending them flying towards Slime-san.?

    ?

    (Jii~ggle Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Looks like they were delicious. Slime-san is jumping around, overjoyed. Maybe it absorbed¡ºLeaping¡»from Metalhorn Elands through Predation? Well, if it can have a tasty meal and also get stronger from that then there is nothing but positives.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s go down.?

    ?

    And on the 52nd floor, we were met with a simultaneous attack.?

    ?

    A hellish storm of surging waves of burning magic projectiles pouring down in a carpet bombing¡­ is the new thing on the menu.?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    See? That¡¯s not enough? Please, kindly shoot more? My, how can I thank them for sparing me so much food expenses??

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is nimbly deflecting stray magic bullets to Slime-san. She is so nice.?

    ?

    Having all their spells absorbed, the horde of¡ºMandrill Magi Lv 52¡»was devoured by a giant jelly body. Until now, I never thought anything of mandrills, but looking at them now, they do sort of look like mages. Like shamans? Even though they are monkeys.?

    ?

    They had numbers, but with mere fire magic from level 52¡¯s, it could only end with it being absorbed through predation. Slime-san just went over level 10, so it might¡¯ve been a bit dangerous if it was Advanced Fire Magic. I have to be more careful with what it eats. It goes for everything if I don¡¯t warn it, you know??

    ?

    If it looks delicious, Slime-san eats it, if not, Armored Pres-san eliminates it. I don¡¯t get to do anything.?

    ?

    It seems that¡ºPhantom Lord Lv 57¡»of the 57th floor didn¡¯t appear tasty, so we chopped it up together. Turns out, slimes can cut ghosts??

    ?

    So I guess it prefers beast types? But didn¡¯t it eat puppets as well??

    ?

    The items are good though? On the 53th floor, we found ¡ºSturdy Gauntlets ¨C PoW 30% Up, DeF 30% Up, +ATT¡»and on the 57th floor¡ºMagic Mail ¨C Magic Resistance (Greater), Physical Resistance (Intermediate) + DEF¡», good enough for me to wear or to auction them. I sort of do want them, but there is not much point in raising my defense, attack power is also nice, but with Dimension Blade it also can be considered useless. It will be better to upgrade my classmates¡¯ equipment through auction after all. Although the girls don¡¯t have money. I mean, they are buying too much clothes? And they made even more requests.

 CH 161

    Day 51 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon.?

    ?

    The 60th floor seems to be the last stop. However, this dungeon is the deepest one after the Great Dungeon. The dungeon master is going to be level 60 at the very least.?

    ?

    Since young dungeons have a low priority due to the low danger of overflow, that means that there are just that many deep dungeons, but there are unexpectedly many dungeons of over 50th floors.?

    ?

    At first, I was sent to a small dungeon, since its proximity to a village posed danger, but flooding it put a quick end to it.?

    ?

    All of the dungeons after that reached the middle stratum. And gradually, we are stopping making progress through them.?

    ?

    In the end, there is no conventional way to reliably beat the middle floors, that¡¯s why it is still too dangerous for the girls to challenge the 50th floor. The boys aren¡¯t going to risk that anyway. They immediately scram at the first sign of trouble, you know? Well, that¡¯s the correct approach. That cowardice before the danger and animal-like instincts is something the girls need too. Although it would be a problem if they turned into geeks or idiots as well. I¡¯d really hate that.?

    ?

    And so, it is the 60th floor, and so, it is the dungeon master ¡ºSand Giant Lv 60¡», simply a giant made from sand. A mere giant who knows nothing but rampage about with its huge body. Looking at this, I guess it could¡¯ve been fine to bring the pres and others along? But well, no, it definitely would¡¯ve led to fatalities. No jokes.?

    ?

    Cutting down the slow-witted sand giant with Dimension Blade, I use magic to burn it, freeze it, splash it, shock it, Hold it and apply pressure, crush it with Gravity, and knock it away with Kyojitsu. Over and over, continuously? Even Armored Pres-san¡¯s storm of slashes and Slime-san¡¯s flurry of blows only scatters it, as the giant turns into a sandstorm and reappears again. Probably even Slime-san¡¯s Predation won¡¯t be enough to consume all of it, and it doesn¡¯t look that tasty as well. It doesn¡¯t die, but it has no¡ºImmortality¡»skill. We simply aren¡¯t dealing a fatal blow.?

    ?

    No matter how hard I search with Rajingan, I can¡¯t spot a core. I also couldn¡¯t find any hidden rooms or anything suspicious at all after scanning the room. It¡¯s a lump of sand, it doesn¡¯t even have a manaflow to it. That¡¯s why there is no way to kill it.?

    ?

    If that was all, we could¡¯ve easily escaped, but sand soldiers also emerge one after another, and no matter how many of them we cut, crush, burn, or destroy through any other method, new ones keep coming and coming. Well, they are also weak and slow. Utter trash mobs, merely puppets, that cannot be killed. However, that last part is the issue.?

    ?

    An endlessly growing army and its commander the Sand Giant, whom we have no idea how to kill or defeat.?

    ?

    And what are we going to do if we escape and they follow? Letting this outside will mean the destruction of the frontier, you know? Since it will be attacked by an enemy that can¡¯t be killed. There is no way we can let an infinitely spawning enemy outside and there is no actual way to escape because we are encircled by a wall of sand.?

    ?

    Forcing our way out through the wall of sand just for them to follow after us would be the worst possible scenario. Armored Pres-san and Slime-san are going around, returning everything around to sand with a torrent of attacks, but the enemy horde just keeps reforming itself. Even though it¡¯s just sand without a core or anything? And I sense no signs of it being controlled from somewhere? Since we can¡¯t figure out the mechanics behind this, we can¡¯t deliver a decisive blow, so we just keep endlessly killing them.?

    ?

    Trying to flush them with Water Magic did nothing, and I couldn¡¯t fully burn them down with Fire Magic? Slash them to pieces along with the space itself, and they return to the original shape soon after? Vibrating them only made them lose shape for a short while? I keep trying every option one after another while reading my abilities, but I still can¡¯t grasp their weakness. I don¡¯t even understand the mechanism behind this yet. Isn¡¯t this quite bad? There is nothing we can do? Wait? Is this a checkmate? Isn¡¯t this impossible? No, seriously! Since there is no other option, I have to take a gamble.?

    ?

    ¡¸There is something I¡¯d like to try? But I kind of suspect I won¡¯t be able to move? Probably? Can I ask you to deal with that? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    I don¡¯t know if I will be able to do this or not, but supposedly there is no telling when a dungeon that grew over 50 floors will overflow? And what¡¯s more important, this one absolutely cannot be allowed outside. Since if it does leave this place, there will be absolutely no way to stop it.?

    ?

    (Bounce Bounce!) (Nod, nod!)?

    ?

    No, Armored Pres-san, please reply with words properly? Well, certainly, talking in the helmet might be difficult, but even so??

    ?

    Well, I got the okay in any case, so it¡¯s alright. After all, they might be former, but I still got the approval from a dungeon emperor and a dungeon master. So such sand toys that have nothing but their immortality to them can be simply ignored. Infinite horde can keep infinitely respawning all it wants, it¡¯s still not enough to even challenge them. After all the greatest and the most excessive war force said Bounce Bounce! and Nod Nod!?

    ?

    Sitting down in the middle of the swarm of sand puppets that keep on coming with no end, I focus and concentrate. I¡ºEmpty Mind¡»and¡ºApex Think¡».?

    ?

    There are now only two possibilities I can think of, the first one is magnetic force. Since there is no flow of magic, perhaps it is some sort of magnetic life form? But there was no reaction from Lightning Magic? So something unrelated to the electromagnetic force.?

    ?

    That leaves only one possibility, the worst one. The sand pieces covering this floor are all core shards, all together forming a singular core. In other words, it can¡¯t be killed unless every single piece of sand is destroyed. That¡¯s the only thing I can think of.?

    ?

    Then, the option of trying it out doesn¡¯t even exist, there is simply no way of killing it. We can cut sand all we want, but it will simply reassemble and make a new core. There is simply no way to destroy all individual grains of sand. After all, they didn¡¯t melt even when I tried to burn them. So there is no means to do that. And since there is none, I don¡¯t have any other choice, I have to create it.?

    ?

    There is a faint hunch, a slim possibility, and an enormous doubt.?

    ?

    This doubt was hanging on my mind for a long time, and after reading a guidebook on this world,¡ºStudy on Magic ¡», I was finally able to turn my suspicions into confidence. This world had no such a thing as Vibration Magic.?

    ?

    And yet, my classmates had no problem learning it. Magic that supposedly doesn¡¯t exist in this world. And as terrifying as it may sound, even the idiots managed to learn! Even though they are idiots! Since even the idiots could do it, then it should be possible for the people of this world, or even goblins and fish. Obtaining magic that doesn¡¯t exist in this world.?

    ?

    Something that doesn¡¯t exist in this world, yet possessed by even the idiots. Yes, as shocking as it may sound, but even the idiots had a tiny bit of modern-day knowledge! That was the most astonishing part!?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they could use it. They were familiar with the phenomenon of vibration. They had an understanding of the physical vibrations and ripples. I mean, both the idiots and the geeks were shouting ¡ºTHIS IS THE POWER OF HAMON!¡»while doing OVERDRIVE, playing around with Vibration Magic? While I was getting scolded? I wanted to do that as well, you know? I got left out of the fun.?

    ?

    But well, we can¡¯t use Hamon in any case, and the vibrations don¡¯t work that way. But this gave me a hint.?

    ?

    There are Fire Magic, Ice Magic, and even their advanced versions, but no ¡ºTemperature¡»magic. Then, it must be a sort of magic not related to heat. And because I had the knowledge of the relation between vibration and heat, I easily got ¡ºVibration Magic¡».?

    ?

    If that is the case, then temperature magic is a vibration-type, and not a heating type, I mean, it can cool things as well? I mean, I¡¯m sure even if I could produce heat through the effect of electromagnetic waves created with Lightning Magic, I probably still couldn¡¯t get Temperature Magic.?

    ?

    Because Packing Magic became Holding Magic, it was a special sort of mana manipulation magic, that¡¯s why I easily learned Magic Control and Mana Wrapping?

    ?

    Because Weight Magic turned into Gravity Magic, it was a special sort of gravity manipulation magic, that¡¯s why I could get techniques such as Air Walk or Rush.?

    ?

    Because Movement Magic became Teleportation Magic. It was a special sort of space manipulation magic, that¡¯s why I could get techniques such as Instantaneous Movement or Extreme Velocity.?

    ?

    In that case, what is Temperature Magic? What will it become? What type of manipulation is it? Since I got Vibration Magic, isn¡¯t it a molecular or atomic vibration??

    ?

    If it was because of my knowledge on gravity and space that I was able to obtain Gravity and Teleportation Magic, then Temperature Magic must also be coming from the knowledge on vibration.?

    ?

    Then, Temperature Magic must be a type of vibration manipulation magic. Then, it must be a sort of atomic molecular manipulation. Then, it should be able to increase and decrease the vibration of atoms and molecules. If I will be able to manipulate a degree of freedom of movement in molecules or their degree of vibration, then ultimately, it will allow me to cause nuclear decay, that¡¯s just unbeatable. However, radiation also will be emitted during decay. Radioactive decay, radioactive disintegration, or nuclear disintegration, in any case, it will become a nuclear attack. That will be too scary to use!?

    ?

    However, not using it is fine, but being unable to use it is the worst. Being unable to use something that an enemy might use is the height of madness. To prevent others from using it, I have to be able to use it myself, and if the Sand Giant gets outside the frontier will perish. There will be no other choice but to completely blockade the frontier, sealing it here. Compared to that, nuking this dungeon would still be better. Surely, a great area of the frontier lands will die, but it will avert a total annihilation. At the very least, it will allow the people of the frontier to escape.?

    ?

    However, that is the last resort. The worst outcome. After all, I¡¯m not that cornered, so I might as well take it easy and approach things calmly??

    ?

    If these two said they can deal with it, then nothing will happen, they won¡¯t allow it, then there is no chance of anything going wrong? So for now, it¡¯s not the time to panic? After all, those two are going to rain utter destruction all the way until the final whistle sounds. Since I asked them, the match will endlessly continue until I give up. For real.?

    ?

    Fragments they may be, but being parts of the core it should be possible to destroy them, I should be able to destroy them. They must eventually disintegrate.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I grasp the sand forming the sand giant with Holding and raise the temperature, vibrate the atoms. It would be great if it causes thermolysis, but in the worst case, I¡¯m fine with a nuclear decay too.?

    ?

    I¡ºEmpty Mind¡»and¡ºApex Think¡». Using¡ºMana Mastery¡»and¡ºVibration Magic¡»I take full control of¡ºTemperature Magic¡»in a fully focused state. After all, even if I sit on the ground without moving a finger nothing can threaten me? The masses of mobs can¡¯t reach me, you know? Because there is nothing but sword flashes all around.?

    ?

    Yes, no matter where I look, there is nothing but sword flashes as far as the eye can see, the whole floor is filled with nothing but an infinite number of afterimages. No enemies in sight at all? But the enemies just don¡¯t die, they simply and purely cannot be killed, and will endlessly keep coming. That¡¯s why she keeps up the perpetual carnage, scattering them. A safety zone that is guaranteed to persist for the rest of eternity.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I slowly but surely keep shaking, slowly, without rushing I vibrate, and wait for the result at leisure. If it can¡¯t be killed, then I just have to disintegrate it.?

    ?

    Too focused, I lost my sense of time, I wonder if it¡¯s a side effect of Empty Mind? I lose perception of the flow of time, the speed of thought and the flow of time desynchronize, stop matching each other. Around me is still the same sandstorm, a sand storm that is minced before it gets to fully take form, scattered back into a storm of sand. Nothing but raging winds carrying sand, scattered by a tempest of steel.?

    ?

    An infinite army of infinite sand soldiers with infinite lives keeps infinitely spawning and gets infinitely crushed by infinite slashes infinitely scattering around. What¡¯s the point of infinite lives and infinite numbers? They will only continue to be infinitely killed? You were too lucky with your opponents, you know? Those two can endlessly keep killing you. Their absolute attack power and absolute defense power draw a line, creating an absolute territory. Ah, which reminds me, let¡¯s make kneesocks when we get back. Make them, and have her wear them, and having her wear them, do my best. The end seems to be near? It began to collapse, so I carefully suppressed it, without rushing, putting the skills of mana control to use.?

    ?

    Until it becomes a simple desert.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yup, looks like the dungeon died, so we are good, I guess? I think I disintegrated pretty much everything? There are no signs of movement too? Or rather, I¡¯m hungry, so let¡¯s go home? I wonder what time it is? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m so hungry. Is it that much past dinner time? Or maybe I used too much mana? I want to eat, but I also have to make Salisbury steaks. Just why did the steaks become the condition for overtime work? Like, the compensation for labor is labor? And the reward for labor is more labor? That sort of thing? An endless cycle of work? Or rather, isn¡¯t it weird that the people who already returned to the inn are just sitting there with empty stomachs doing nothing? I mean, I will cook them, but even so¡­?

 CH 162

    Day 51 ¨C Night, Dungeon.?

    ?

    I killed the greatest menace, the Great Dungeon, I exterminated the most terrifying Evil Forest, I blocked the worst war, the last issue, the dungeons, are slowly being resolved as I go around killing them off. I actually ended up thinking that things are going well. I thought that I somehow have the dangers of the other world under control.?

    ?

    That is conceit. I took things too lightly, thinking that even if I¡¯m weak, if I make the frontier safe, everyone else will become strong in the meantime. However, if I went to that 60th floor with the pres and everyone, someone would¡¯ve most certainly died. And if I tried to protect them we could¡¯ve been completely annihilated. This fantasy world is still the worst thing possible all the same.?

    ?

    It was because the other two were a dungeon emperor and master duo that they managed to obliterate everything in sight and protect me. Because we can¡¯t protect, we had to opt for an endless carnage. They could pull it off because they had only one person to protect.?

    ?

    That thing was dangerous. I still can¡¯t think of any other way to kill it aside from nuclear disintegration. In other words, any other party would¡¯ve been annihilated.?

    ?

    As I thought, exploration should be kept to the first 49 floors. Everything beyond that shouldn¡¯t be dared until taking level 100, otherwise, it is way too impossible. Everyone should get drastically stronger after getting level 100, but even so, it still might be too dangerous to challenge a level 100 dungeon master even with everyone fighting together. And with the possible existence of other special dungeon masters like the sand giant, it is too risky.?

    ?

    I can think of it all I want, but there is no way to counter this at the moment, and I¡¯m also hungry. A strange, extreme feeling of hunger. If it is because of running out of mana, then that atomic vibration is very dangerous. If I managed to exhaust my mana even with the mana accumulator that I thought to have an infinite charge, then it means it was just on the brink of going out of control, and since I kept forcibly suppressing the magic that was about to run amok, restraining it, the mana rapidly depleted. Which means if I did run out of mana it would¡¯ve gone berserk? Let¡¯s seal it, this is way too dangerous.?

    ?

    ¡¸Thank you. You saved me. I¡¯ll have to reward you when we get back to the town, right? Well, it¡¯s gonna be clothes and food again though? Or rather, what time is it? Are stores still open? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Today demands a reward. I mean, usually, having someone completely unmoving in the middle of a monster-filler floor is nothing other than a nuisance. Even so, they protected me to the end. If it was me I¡¯d kick that guy, and undoubtedly proceed to stomp on him, I have full confidence in that. Yes, this calls for a reward.?

    ?

    ¡¸It turned into a proper magic stone. I was worried that it might turn into a sea of sand grain-sized magic stones, you know? I even prepared a shovel already? It nearly turned into a case of public disturbance with a highschool boy playing in the sand with a shovel? Seriously. Yeah, if I saw such a person I might report him myself.¡¹?

    ?

    The magic stone from the level 60 dungeon master. It¡¯s big and transparent. This one is probably too valuable as well and will be refused for purchase, but since it will become a part of the mana accumulator it is fine. I used up almost all reserves today, so it wouldn¡¯t be bad to get such an addition. Magic stones are needed for the creation of magic tools, and revising current equipment requires them as well. At the very least, I have to make equipment that will allow the pres and the others to make an escape in case of anything, or they are in huge trouble. If they tagged along they would¡¯ve been dead by now. Not a joke, with quite a lot of certainty.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wait? It¡¯s a drop item. Since the Sand Giant was a butt-naked giant there is no equipment? Maybe the Sand Giant was an exhibitionist? Thank goodness I didn¡¯t bring Nudist Girl along, we almost got an exhibitionis competition on our hands. Eh? But if it was an exhibitionism competition Nudist Girl could¡¯ve won! So to defeat the Sand Giant we needed the Exhibitionist Power of Nudist Girl! What kind of power is that!? The hell is that Exhibitionism Power?!¡¹?

    ?

    Is this a precious stone? If it is, Avarice-san might want it??

    ?

    ¡¸Uhh?¡ºTreasure of Monster Core ¨C Create and Manipulate Monster Cores¡», why would we want to make more monsters after going through so much effort to exterminate monsters even in dungeons? That¡¯s just counterproductive! There is no point in killing dungeons then! I don¡¯t even know why we came here!¡¹?

    ?

    Anyway, let¡¯s return. I want to eat, and a hungry brigade must be awaiting their Salisbury steaks at the inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back, or rather, the dinner is here! I¡¯m soo hungry, I couldn¡¯t wait so I was making burgers on the way here. I couldn¡¯t endure it and began frying them right as I walked through the town, you know? Seriously fresh-made Salisbury steaks!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome back & Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they really were waiting while hungry all this time. Just why would they sit starving in the inn¡¯s dining hall? Instantly consuming everything, they formed a line for another serving. And why did the Poster Girl join that line with a plate in her hands? An inn employee who makes her guests work! And then, there is also Stalker Girl, casually joining as usual. Everyone is devouring Salisbury steak set meals with an appetite. I¡¯m too busy frying new ones, so I¡¯m having hamburgers. But even they are being snatched one after another right as I fry them??

    ?

    ¡¸A hamburger! I missed this taste! Hamburger was the last thing I had with my pocket money.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, I want to have white rice and bread too! There are not enough Salisbury steaks! Hurry up and fry more! ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This is good too~? Salisbury steak with mushroom is a masterpiece~, if this was sold at a restaurant people would be lining up for it~?¡¹?

    ?

    No, enough of the lines, okay? Your endless queue prevents me from eating anything myself, you know? Actually, just how many times are the idiots going to line up?! They are coming back once per minute! This is too much of a heavy rotation! Since there are 5 of them it¡¯s 1 idiot per 12 seconds! Too much idiocy! I want to eat!?

    ?

    ¡¸How come I get only 1 Salisbury steak after preparing 100 of them? Why is there nothing left? I was working so hard, mincing meat while climbing stairs of the dungeon? Walking home while shaping them? Frying, as I made my way to the inn? And yet there is nothing? Really?¡¹?

    ?

    How did it come to this? Since there were no more Salisbury steaks left I ended up frying fish for myself, you know? Well, it was delicious though??

    ?

    Slime-san also jiggled through eating more than 10 hamburgers. Well, it¡¯s a reward so it¡¯s fine though.?

    ?

    Getting sulky I thought I¡¯d go to the baths with Slime-san, but Poster Girl and Stalker Girl already went in there, taking Slime-san with them. I¡¯m an actual loner? Quite for real.?

    ?

    Now, it¡¯s time for an endless hell known as the home industry. Originally, Hell was meant to be a place where sinners go to atone for their sins and eventually move to Heaven, but the hell known as the home industry has innocent me endlessly receiving additional orders. And since I can¡¯t go to Heaven, I will create Heaven myself! Yes! Kneesocks!?

    ?

    Stockinette stitch. Basically, the same pattern as for jerseys. Jersey stitch. Jersey stitch provides elasticity, but having to knit that was an issue, however, having Evil Hands there is nothing to worry about. It¡¯s a precise ultra-high-speed knitting machine.?

    ?

    ¡¸To think I¡¯d meet Kneesocks in the other world, well, this is my first time actually meeting them though? Come to think of it, that¡¯s Nice to meet you? I already saw you a few times, but I couldn¡¯t afford to take a close look at you since it would¡¯ve been a cause of public concern. Well, although it is enough of a concern for the first kneesocks met by a highschool boy to be knitted by him though?¡¹?

    ?

    As practice, I started with making a school jersey. Armored Pres-san seemed envious looking at everyone. She probably felt left out seeing them on everyone during girls-only meetings. However, I had my doubts that a school jersey would suit her with that super nice body and tall model physique, but it unexpectedly looked quite good on her. She also was overjoyed, leaving for a girls-only gathering wearing it, so it should be good. But there was some kind of lewd aura to her??

    ?

    And as I was making kneesocks, something got hold of me, and I ended up mass producing them as well. And when I noticed it, stockings also joined the mass production line and also were dancing through the air. I can¡¯t help but think that there is no saving a highschool boy sitting in the middle of the room with numerous stockings and kneesocks floating in the air? He seems pretty doomed? Like, in all sorts of ways??

    ?

    ¡¸This is a trap! I keep falling for it every time, but it¡¯s a trap! Do your job¡ºTrap Ring¡»and¡ºTrap Detection¡»! But it¡¯s too late? Ahh, I went and did it! I made it! It is done! No, let¡¯s have her wear them? Since I have them, let¡¯s put them on Armored Pres-san? But today it¡¯s kneesocks.¡¹?

    ?

    The reason for this blunder most likely lies in my attempts to change this and that in the knitting of stockings as I tried to add a pattern to them, and then it was too late. Changing the complexity of the stitch, and increasing and decreasing threads a pattern could be created, so unintentionally, I ended up making a lot of variations? From check pattern to stripe pattern? Chain pattern too? I worked hard for the argyle pattern, you know? And then~? I ended up making these? I mean, I¡¯m a highschool boy, and saving on threads is very eco-friendly? I merely wanted to have Armored Pres-san wear them? Why did I mass-produce these too??

    ?

    And one after another, while making a spiral through the air, fishnet stockings are being knit by Evil Hands, and orbit around me. I repent, but I have no regrets.

 CH 163

    Day 51 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-only Gathering.?

    ?

    The girls-only meeting is in huge turmoil, nowhere near getting to decide on an upcoming day off.?

    ?

    An unkillable monster showed up, a monster that no one can defeat. If even Angelica-san can¡¯t bring it down, then we won¡¯t have any chance even after reaching level 100.?

    ?

    ¡¸Immortal as the Sphinx of the great dungeon, but without any gimmick to kill it? What kind of monstrosity is that? We definitely can¡¯t beat such a thing? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Infinitely spawning monsters became a trauma for me, or actually, even Angelica-san, who swept away those mummies and cut the Sphinx in two couldn¡¯t kill that thing? But she was a dungeon emperor!¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, Haruka-kun spoke of it very casually as he was frying steaks, but it turns out that the dungeon master of the 60th floor was outrageous. The worst kind of monster.?

    ?

    ¡¸But¡ºWeell, we got lucky? Sort of?¡», is that something that can be dismissed as luck? It¡¯s nothing short of a miracle? The fact that we are still alive? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We definitely would¡¯ve died if we tagged along after the previous dungeon.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, fortunately, we survived. We simply got lucky, we might as well send prayers to Haruka-kun¡¯s Epic Luck-san. But I feel if we start worshipping it we might end up getting Tamed? In fact, I suspect everyone is very much on the verge. Really.?

    ?

    But if we kept going back then, descending past the 50th floor, we would¡¯ve died. Us and Haruka-kun as well.?

    ?

    Because we stopped exploring that dungeon on the 50th floor and went to another one, Slime-san joined us, and the book that we found there helped Haruka-kun come up with the way to defeat the boss. And because Slime-san was that strong, we were banned from going past the 49th floor, and all that together resulted in no one dying. The result was great.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s all luck. If the order was off even for one event we would¡¯ve been dead.?

    ?

    If Haruka-kun didn¡¯t feel danger, that dungeon would¡¯ve been the end of us.?

    ?

    But even so, isn¡¯t it wrong to push all of the danger on Haruka-kun??

    ?

    Indeed, none of us reached level 100 yet, and even if we did, there are monsters out there that might be impossible to defeat even with level 100. To begin with, will level 100 even give us such tremendous power? But if we don¡¯t get stronger, Haruka-kun and his group will have to handle everything on their own. Besides, there is nothing we can do at the moment aside from raising our levels. But¡­?

    ?

    (knock-knock)?

    ?

    Looks like Angelica-san came. That¡¯s where the real girls-only talk begins. And I¡¯d also like to get more details on the Sand Giant from her, after all, what Haruka-kun says doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡ºIt kind of didn¡¯t die so I tried to shake it? I mean, just vibrating won¡¯t cut it? I mean like, atom and molecules? That sort of stuff? I mean, it sort of died in somewhat like a particle acceleration way? Excessive radical motions are dangerous, you know? I mean it literally died from that?¡», is what he said. No one tried to seriously listen. Taking his words seriously will only leave one more confused.?

    ?

    And we also wanted to hear more about the excessive radical motions that are being carried out every night. It¡¯s dangerous after all. In more ways than one. For maidens.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaaaah! You got one!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? Angelica-san arrived wearing a jersey assigned by our school? Jersey Girls surrounded her, comparing them side by side, hers looks a bit different? It has more polish and the feel of the material is also different, but above all, it seems brand new and unused? This means, it isn¡¯t borrowed, but it was made specifically for Angelica-san, meaning, Haruka-kun is behind this.?

    ?

    I see, sorry for not noticing, Angelica-san. Everyone has a school jersey, and since it¡¯s comfy, many girls choose to wear them during night gatherings. That must¡¯ve appeared like matching outfits, so she felt lonely and envious, feeling left out, unable to truly join the group, that¡¯s why Haruka-kun made it for her. He made it to tell her that she is also a part of the group, that she is just like everyone. Sorry, for not noticing.?

    ?

    And he seems to be making something again. In the first place, just when he became able to make jerseys? It¡¯s a knitted fabric, so does it means that he learned knitting? No, it must be those tentacles, no Evil Hands! For some reason, Haruka-kun seems to have an incredible compatibility with tentacles? Just what is Haruka-kun trying to accomplish by mastering tentacles??

    ?

    ¡¸Are those tights? Long socks? Short?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What is it, what is it? A new product? What is he making? When will it be available for purchase?¡¹?

    ?

    Hearing that he is making something again everyone is beside themselves with curiosity. But all of the girls are bankrupt, so they have no money on them. The one to blame is of course that villainous merchant.?

    ?

    Angelica-san explains through gestures, long socks, and short tights? Aren¡¯t Angelica-san¡¯s legs simply too long? Eh, up to thighs? GUILTY! Those must be kneesocks, over-the-knee socks! He undoubtedly wanted to put them on Angelica-san! And Undoubtedly wanted to do his best after that!?

    ?

    ¡¸Are those kneesocks?! I need those! I had only black? When is he going to start accepting orders?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Additional order for kneesocks!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone seems fully intending to buy them. Even though they have no money and are already knee-deep in debt??

    ?

    ¡¸Eh. Lacework? Or rather, he is improving the fabric for jerseys? It¡¯s stretching?¡¹?

    ?

    The jerseys¡¯ material is stockinette, and he managed to develop even lacework? So if he arrived with thin fabric, does it mean he is making stockings?! The singular person with a very singular goal in his mind! The guilty among guilty! The culprit before the crime even took place.?

    ?

    However, he was so embarrassed that he refused to take orders for underwear, and yet he is making kneesocks? And there definitely will be orders for stockings too? Isn¡¯t that like strangling his neck with his own hands? Rather, at this rate he might tear off his head altogether??

    ?

    And leaving to get trial goods, Angelica-san is not coming back? Was she attacked when she tried them on? It seems very, very likely, but what Haruka-kun actually wants, to dress her, or to undress her? In any case, they must be busy.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa. Welcome back. Ah, as we thought, it¡¯s kneesocks!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Angelica-san came back with a mountain of kneesocks. They are already in mass production? Or rather, she changed her clothes? She is wearing a new mini dress with¡­ Aaaah! It¡¯s stockings, and they even have a pattern! They look so lovely, yeah, additional order it is.?

    ?

    There are lots of prototype kneesocks and stockings so everyone is trying them on, but in the meantime, Angelica-san gave something to Vice President A-san? A net-like something¡­ Wait.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, it doesn¡¯t seem to have much elasticity, so I¡¯ll have to be very careful when I put them on. Ah, it¡¯s also multicolored. Since mana can be poured into them, they have to be tougher than they look. The size is just perfect as well. But doesn¡¯t this look sort of lewd?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yup, super lewd! Denim shorts are critical here! ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Wearing her favorite denim hotpants and fishnet stockings that reached up to the middle of her thighs Vice President A-san is taking various poses, but she looks incredibly indecent? Like, she absolutely shouldn¡¯t walk the streets looking like that at night? And why does the size match Vice President A-san so perfectly!?

    ?

    Until some moments ago the room was filled with the bare legs of highschool girls¡¯, but for some reason, the lower the bare skin ratio gets, the weirder the mood is getting? The people with patterned stockings and fishnet stockings are especially to blame. Both of them look very lewd??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaa~. The see-through stripes are so erotic! I wanna eat you up!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Lacework stockings look pretty, gorgeous, and overflow with class? They do look sort of lewd though?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸First first time trying kneesocks is in the other world! I was too embarrassed to buy them back home, but in this world, there is no one who knows us? Right?¡¹?

    ?

    Despite being called prototypes, everything looks cute, pretty, and wonderful. They do feel a bit adult-like, but that is a good thing. There is no way we could¡¯ve put on something like that in the previous world. But it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s embarrassing or awkward, after all, there is no one whom we would be worried to be seen by, and no troublesome people who¡¯d frown in disapproval.?

    ?

    And everyone must have completely given up on nice clothes once, completely abandoning all hope of getting their hands on stylish items. No one even thought about fishnet stockings or kneesocks? Even though everyone already went through all of the regrets of not buying this or that thing when they had time, and giving up. Even though no one thought we¡¯d have such a chance again.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why there is such a furor right now. Appearance-wise it¡¯s completely a lewd girls-only gathering, with no guys at the scene the girls are running amok. After all, everyone was sure there won¡¯t ever be a chance to get stylish adult lady-like sexy clothes? They are packed with admirations and memories of the world we will never see again. The memories that we were sure will remain just that, memories.?

    ?

    Back then I also thought of various stuff I¡¯d like to try when I get older, and such lost dreams showed up in the room of the medieval-level inn, moreover in the remote countryside region, and in the other world on top of that, so of course, it will turn into an uproar! After all, we had already given up on all of that, sure that those memories are bound to simply fade away.?

    ?

    Moreover, since Angelica-san is lending everyone her dresses and other adult-like clothes the situation is getting even worse. It¡¯s a swarm of nudists constantly swapping dresses and stockings? This is maidens¡¯ top secret! We will have to erase anyone who sees this secret!?

    ?

    But what do we do with these? We can¡¯t walk through the town wearing this, it¡¯s too lewd. I¡¯ll buy them anyway though.?

    ?

    After all, this frontier town remained poor and desolate for the longest time, poor, and constantly threatened, the people were desperate to simply survive. So this town had no concept of fashion or style.?

    ?

    Until a short while ago.?

    ?

    Suddenly, things got a lot more peaceful, a lot more prosperous, without anyone realizing, leeway appeared in everyday life, and when people noticed, abundance had entered their lives bit by bit.?

    ?

    And suddenly, cute clothes and accessories began appearing in the shops of the town. Things they¡¯ve never seen until now, and couldn¡¯t even dream of buying suddenly were within their reach.?

    ?

    But they still have a hard time figuring it all out.?

    ?

    After all, they had no concept of style until now.?

    ?

    They were too busy trying to survive.?

    ?

    All of the town¡¯s girls and women are bewildered by a dream that they¡¯ve never seen before.?

    ?

    Until now, they were doing their best with what they had, but their understanding can¡¯t catch up to this rapid development!?

    ?

    In the frontier, getting new clothes was like a dream to them.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they don¡¯t know what to do now.?

    ?

    That alone was enough to make them rack their brains, but now it turned to utter chaos.?

    ?

    He brought modern-day fashion into the medieval countryside! They have hundreds of years of catching up ahead of them!?

    ?

    And as a result, we are at the center of attention, especially on our days off. After all, all of the town¡¯s ladies are eyeing us.?

    ?

    Even as common high school girls, we are still modern people, and tried to pay attention to our style and looks despite the little money we had at hand. That¡¯s why we came to be treated as fashionable people in this town.?

    ?

    And Shimazaki-san¡¯s group of five is taking it even further. Doll-like faces, long legs, and being tall already gave them a pretty and adult-like look, but on top of that, they actually have a sense of style.?

    ?

    They have cuteness, beauty, good figures, and impeccable sense, that¡¯s why they were amateur models back in our world, and on top of that, they gained knowledge rivaling that of experts in this field.?

    ?

    And getting much closer than before with everyone, they ended up as everyone¡¯s stylists. We get to have fashion specialists to coordinate our outfits.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why everyone¡¯s eyes are glued to us.?

    ?

    And it seems to have a certain influence??

    ?

    According to what we¡¯ve heard from the receptionists at the guild, there is currently a trend of copying the outfits that we were wearing. The girls are doing their best, saving up money for that purpose.?

    ?

    Working earnestly every day, they save up money bit by bit to someday get the same dream-like beautiful clothes, and for that, they closely observe and study us.?

    ?

    No way we can wear fishnet stockings outside.?

    ?

    I thought that Haruka-kun is destroying everything, but now, following molecular destruction, he is planning to destroy the morals of this world as well.

 CH 164

    Day 51 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    It¡¯s nothing but a guess, but I¡¯m pretty sure that it¡¯s highly likely this most certainly will definitely get me scolded. Kneesocks were probably a bit risky, stockings were alright, but patterned stockings are extremely dangerous, and I daresay, fishnet stockings were probably fatal? Well, a highschool boy making fishnet stockings all on his own in the middle of the night is already fatal in a lot of ways though, yeah.?

    ?

    But since I already made such a large number, I have to sell them, or it will just be working for free, you know? And they will surely sell. After all, all of the girls secretly placed orders for lewd dresses, although it¡¯s a mystery when and where are they planning to wear them? So every single one of them has at least one sexy dress. Thus, they will surely buy sexy stockings and fishnet tights too! And then, they will, for some inexplicable reason, scold me.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san came back, asking for samples, so along with kneesocks, I also handed her some stockings. And also fishnet stockings, made specifically for Vice Pres A-san. It¡¯s a secret that I made them almost reflexively.?

    ?

    However, I suspect it would be a problem if they thought that I spent the whole night making kneesocks, stockings, and tights. Lately, the very probability of the existence of my Affection Rating, which seems to have moved to exist on the molecular level, is at risk. No, on the scale of the elemental particles it still should have ways to go??

    ?

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m going with the smokescreen plan. It is only natural if among the many items I made merely a small portion turned out to be stockings or fishnet tights, nothing but a coincidence, the probability of avoiding a sermon is nil, but at least I will have an excuse. A man has things he has to make, even knowing that he will be scolded for them. Of course, I¡¯m also full of the intention of putting them to good use.?

    ?

    Since I succeeded in mass production of jersey fabric, I might as well make jerseys and jersey long skirts. The elasticity provides a nice silhouette. I also will try to make jersey flared long skirts. They turned out quite cute, being a bit chic and sporty. So I also made a long jersey tight skirt. Naturally, I also made new ones for Armored Pres-san, adding a slit. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll end up stripping her as soon as she puts it on, but I have to have her put it on! It¡¯s so extremely natural that it should go without mentioning, but I made minis too. It¡¯s only natural, is it not? It might even be called an inevitability.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m also making one-piece dresses and hooded parkas. The one-piece dress looked amazing, so it¡¯s exclusive for Armored Pres-san, it really emphasized her body line, you know? It¡¯s all on buttons from the top all the way to the bottom. If unfastened they open a slit, you know? And if they all are unfastened it gets crazy. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll get scolded if I show it to anyone.?

    ?

    Looks like the girls-only gathering is going to take a while. Apparently, they are trying to decide whether they are going to make tomorrow a day off or not. With nothing but girls. Which means, the boys have no right to speak, doesn¡¯t it? During the meals, they approached Armored Pres-san with questions, but no one asked me anything, you know? After that, they even went to ask Slime-san, but no one asked me? And it even replied to them, bouncing? Seriously.?

    ?

    Alright, the general store¡¯s share can wait for later, after all, there is simply no end to it. A short while ago I took a glance, or rather, saw with Rajingan, but the order form had the word ¡ºHouse¡», on it? Just why, and how would one arrive at the idea of asking for a house at a general store? And why is she trying to sell a house at a general store, casually placing an order for it? I¡¯m really going to deliver it right into the store! Definitely!?

    ?

    And so, I got the free time. I ended up getting it. For now.?

    ?

    So I probably have to check. it must¡¯ve gone up.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haaaaah. ¡­¡­¡­Status.¡¹?

    ?

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16?

    ?

    Lv 21 (2Up)

    Job ¡ª?

    ?

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡£³£·£¸¡¡¡¡ £¨£³£¸Up£©

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ £´£²£¹¡¡¡¡ £¨£¶£°Up£©

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£³£¶¡¡¡¡ £¨£²£±Up£©

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£³£³£¹ ¡¡ £¨£²£¶Up£©

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£´£³£± £¨£µ£¹Up£©

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£´£±£¸¡¡¡¡ £¨£µ£¸Up£©

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£´£²£¸¡¡ ¡¡£¨£µ£´Up£©

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡£´£µ£¹¡¡¡¡ £¨£¶£²Up£©

    LuK Max (Limit Break)?

    ?

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ 2,932?

    ?

    Martial Arts:¡¸Path of the Staff Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Uncanny Dodge Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Magic Wrapping Lv 6¡¹(2Up)¡¸Kyojitsu Lv 9¡¹¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 9¡¹¡¸Fluidity Lv 6¡¹(Up) ¡¸D¨­jutsu Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Adamantine Fists Lv 3¡¹(Up)?

    ?

    Magic:¡¸Atomic Manipulation Lv 2¡¹(New Up)¡¸Teleportation Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Gravity Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Holding Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Elemental Sorcery Lv 6¡¹(Up)¡¸Wood Magic Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Ice Magic Lv 9¡¹¡¸Alchemy Lv 4¡¹(3Up) ¡¸Spatial Magic Lv 2¡¹(New Up)?

    ?

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv 9¡¹¡¸Sensitive Lv 9¡¹(Up)¡¸Body Control Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Swift Foot Lv 7¡¹(Up)¡¸Command Lv 9¡¹¡¸Improved Detect Presence Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Mana Mastery Lv 8¡¹(2Up)¡¸Erase Presence Lv 8¡¹¡¸Stealth Lv 9¡¹¡¸Concealment Lv MaX¡¹¡¸Empty Mind Lv 7¡¹(2 Up)¡¸Physical Damage Negation Lv 2¡¹¡¸MP Absorption Lv 5¡¹(Up)¡¸Regeneration Lv 5¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 6¡¹(2 Up)¡¸Rush Lv 8¡¹¡¸Air Walk Lv 7¡¹¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 9¡¹¡¸Rajingan Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸High Sexual Vigor Lv 8¡¹(3 Up)¡¸Insatiable Libido Lv 8¡¹(3 Up)?

    ?

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 8¡¹¡¸NEET Lv 8¡¹¡¸Loner Lv 8¡¹¡¸Grand Mage Lv 4¡¹(Up)¡¸Swordmaster Lv 3¡¹(Up)¡¸Alchemist Lv 4¡¹(3 Up)?

    ?

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 8¡¹(Up)¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 9¡¹¡¸Muppet Lv 9¡¹?

    ?

    Items:¡¸Staff?¡¹¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹¡¸Cloak?¡¹¡¸Rajingan¡¹¡¸Soul Ring¡¹¡¸Item Bag¡¹¡¸Bracelet PoW£«44% SpE +33% ViT +24%¡¹¡¸Black Hat¡¹?

    ?

    It did go up, as I expected, but to think it¡¯s 2 levels at once? Certainly, I do remember when I became level 10 it also took a while, and then, suddenly, I went up several levels at once. Could it be that there is after all some sort of a condition to each 10th level up? In that case, is there a condition to the level 100 for Pres and the others too??

    ?

    And as I expected, it changed, ¡ºAtomic Manipulation Lv 2¡»must¡¯ve shown up because I found the true identity of Temperature Magic. I mean, Vibration Magic disappeared too, getting integrated into that skills. As proof of that¡ºSpatial Magic Lv 1¡»appeared as well, since Teleportation Magic was exposed, it sneakily came out. It stayed hidden until it got found out, you know? Just what the hell are my abilities? Why do I have to use deduction on my own skills? Why coming to the other world I have to contemplate on my stats? I¡¯ve never heard of abilities trying to deceive, trick, or elude their owner! Just what¡¯s with them stealthily showing up like that? It sounds very familiar!?

    ?

    And it looks like it was crazy bad. ¡ºMana Mastery¡»reached level 8, going up 2 levels. The advanced version of Mana Control is already level 8, no matter how I look at it, it¡¯s too much progress in such a short amount of time. This means the reason must be in¡ºTeleportation¡»,¡ºGravity¡»,¡ºHolding¡», and the new ¡ºAtomic Manipulation¡». I¡¯m probably barely keeping them under control, continuously restraining the magic that is about to go berserk with all my power. After all, the advanced version of ¡ºConcentration¡», ¡ºEmpty Mind¡», is level 7 already, and it also went up 2 levels, this means that as I use it, I¡¯m forcibly keeping skills with quite outrageous Magic in check. I was simply somehow managing until now, despite how dangerous the situation is. Especially where it comes to ¡ºTeleportation¡»and¡ºAtomic Manipulation¡», were those two to rampage it would be no laughing matter. Well, ¡ºGravity¡»too, if I managed to cause a gravitational collapse due to some sort of mishap it might doom the planet? That¡¯s the ¡ºYou care, you lose¡»pattern. For real.?

    ?

    The rest makes complete sense though. Yes, a lot of sense, you know?¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor Lv 8¡», up 3 levels, ¡ºInsatiable Libido Lv 8¡»also went up 3 levels, after all, I¡¯m doing my best, going past my limits with the help of Regeneration? I mean ¡ºRegeneration¡»too, reached level 5, going up 2 levels. It makes a whole lot of sense. I mean, Regeneration keeps going up, even though I¡¯m yet to get even one injury? Regeneration-san is doing its best too! For real!?

    ?

    Well, whatever. There is no point in worrying about that. Coming to this world there wasn¡¯t even one time when I actually understood what was going on with my stats. I don¡¯t even know what the conditions for raising other skills aside from High Sexual Vigor and Insatiable Libido are.?

    ?

    And now, the endless orders from the general store. Let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t see the order for a house. I mean, how am I supposed to build a house inside an inn room? I wanted to deliver a house to the general store, but alas. In the first place, is building houses something one does as a part of a home industry? I guess I will have to properly explain to the shopkeeper what the words general store actually mean. I¡¯m pretty sure that lady must be thinking that the general store¡¯s job is accepting orders and handing them over to me? And she is surely thinking that writing URGENT on everything solves every problem. I mean, she wrote it on every order, you know? Her job is simply writing urgently and handing the order to me! That¡¯s it! Over! And since all of the mushroom burgers that I made as a countermeasure to those urgent lunch orders were consumed I have to cook food again. Why are 3 jumbo hamburgers per person still not enough? Why did they even eat my share? If they eat, crying such tears of nostalgia, it¡¯s very awkward for me to stop them.?

    ?

    And¡ºTreasure of Monster Core ¨C Create and Manipulate Monster Cores¡»is currently being investigated by Apex Thinking-san, but this might be our culprit. Perhaps Monster Core Manipulation was actively creating that unbreakable Core? Then, maybe by having such an item, it could¡¯ve been killed more easily? No, to begin with, that boss had to be killed to get this item in the first place? Anyway, it has to be analyzed before I understand what it all means, and at the very least, I¡¯d like to find a countermeasure for it. There is a good chance that there is no other¡ºTreasure of Monster Core¡»out there, so it might be a pointless concern, but that was really dangerous.?

    ?

    But if tomorrow is a day off, then I¡¯d like to make plans for that, however, the girls are still not done? I wonder if they can finish today? If they are going to drag it out until tomorrow, then the day off might end before the girls-only gathering? I wouldn¡¯t be happy to hear that it was a day off after it already ended?

 CH 165

    Day 51 ¨C Nighttime, Local Lord¡¯s Mansion.?

    ?

    ¡¸Send the messenger to the inn first thing in the morning. You must confirm when that boy has time and have him come to the mansion. That must be done politely.¡¹?

    ?

    Dungeons are dying one after another. There is a new announcement from the adventurers guild almost every day. Furthermore, all of those are dungeons that grew past the middle stratum and had a high risk of overflow.?

    ?

    It is that boy and his comrades. Originally, we should be providing them with all the support we can, while hindering them is inexcusable, however, we require his assistance. Our resources can¡¯t keep up with the speed of development. Especially metals, in a few days the reserves will be completely depleted. There is an oversupply of wood.?

    ?

    The Evil Forest is being cleared and felled at an incredible speed, far greater than was expected.?

    ?

    There are reports of giant scythes spinning through the forest, slicing both trees and monsters alike.?

    ?

    He kills dungeons daily, clears the Evil Forest, and in between even manages the fake dungeon, protecting the frontier. Even now he is more than too busy, however, the development plans had the price¡ºTunnel excavation 1,000,000 Ere/Hour¡»listed, so it should be fine, right? There also seems to be an option of payment in mining rights on new deposits? That¡¯s quite favorable. Moreover, the estimated time for laying tunnels for the mine seems to be 3 hours. At 3,000,000 ere it¡¯s a cheap price. Not to forget that usually, such work has the estimated time listed in years, not hours, but there is no such time with our current supplies. So there is no other option but to turn to the boy. We once again will have to burden him.?

    ?

    By now, I¡¯m at a complete loss for words, what can I tell him, pleading for his help this time.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll have to do such a disgraceful act as asking for help from the boy who already shouldered all of the hardships that originally, I, the local lord, should be carrying. There can¡¯t be a more shameless display of ingratitude than this.?

    ?

    Despite already receiving a debt I can¡¯t hope to return no matter how many times I lower this useless head, I have to rely on that boy yet again. I don¡¯t know how I can possibly ask him for help again.?

    ?

    Even so, this is nothing compared to the livelihood of the people.?

    ?

    The happiness that finally came around.?

    ?

    The cheer this frontier has never seen before.?

    ?

    I¡¯d like as many people as possible to learn this happiness, to reach it, even if it¡¯s just one day earlier.?

    ?

    Just like this town, just like its citizens. I want them all to live joyful lives.?

    ?

    If there is anything that I can do, I¡¯m willing to do it all, but the number of things that only that boy can accomplish is far too great.?

    ?

    Originally, that heavy burden had nothing to do with that boy. Originally, he should have had no need to do any of that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even though there is no way to truly repay him? At this rate, we are just forcing sacrifices on the boy for the sake of the people of the frontier, but then, isn¡¯t his happiness nowhere to be seen?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, no, as I mentioned earlier, that boy regularly shows up ¡ºDo you have any work? I¡¯ll make it cheap, you know? For real.¡», looking to make profits.¡¹?

    ?

    Not only did he write a program to bring rebirth to the region, but he also provided us with a large number of manuals on agriculture and even books on herbology, even so, he is probably worried about the progress. Just how much exhausting work is he trying to shoulder? Even so, there is no other way, there is nothing that we can do.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mellotosam-sama. A messenger from the guild has arrived, will you see them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Let them in.¡¹?

    ?

    The messenger from the guild was a female receptionist, and the news she brought was terrifying.?

    ?

    ¡¸Omui-sama. Two more dungeons reportedly died, the guild will start confirmation procedures tomorrow. However, there is an issue with one of the dungeon masters.¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s more than just an issue. An unkillable monster was there. ¡ºSand Giant¡», a monster that will keep creating sand soldiers infinitely, unless it¡¯s killed.?

    ?

    ¡¸Although, it appears to be already resolved, quoting ¡ºI couldn¡¯t kill it so I destroyed it? Sort of? But normally it can¡¯t be killed at all, so be careful, okay?¡». The part about being unkillable seems to be correct, I already confirmed it with the interpreter.¡¹?

    ?

    It seems that boy alone could destroy it. For now, no one else managed to figure out the way to kill that. Once again, we pushed all of the danger on a single boy. By now there is no telling just how much weight is piled upon him.?

    ?

    However, the receptionist, who was very familiar with the boy, confidently stated.?

    ?

    ¡¸If that boy says that he wants work, then he really wants it. He quite simply doesn¡¯t have money, and even if he gets any, it immediately disappears. So it¡¯s fine to just put him to work.¡¹?

    ?

    Just how is it possible for him to have no money? Even though killing a dungeon master, or killing even a single dungeon, should¡¯ve brought him an immense fortune??

    ?

    Moreover, in the past few days, he killed several medium-sized dungeons, and in the first place, if he killed the great dungeon, he should¡¯ve obtained treasures enough to buy a country??

    ?

    The boy is bringing wealth and goods into the town as if scattering them, but does he have nothing left for himself? Everything is going into the town??

    ?

    The current town of Omui can be called a transformed one.?

    ?

    The streets are filled with laughter and smiles.?

    ?

    That very sight itself is a symbol of abundance.?

    ?

    Especially when it comes to women. They can be seen wearing fine quality clothes that can¡¯t be found even in the capital.?

    ?

    They all come from the general store that grew large through that boy¡¯s investments. Bringing abundance to the poor villages by buying up all of their special products and selling a never-seen-before diverse array of goods at affordable prices, that trading company became the heart of this town, and the region itself. Buying out what people couldn¡¯t sell and selling what they couldn¡¯t buy cheaply, a miracle-like trade company bringing fortune and abundance.?

    ?

    ¡¸For that boy, who brought all of this, and poured in such a vast fortune for the prosperity of the frontier to remain broke himself is absolutely intolerable.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please, do not be misled. Despite receiving enormous sums of money every day he is spending it at an equally enormous rate, that is why he has no money. No matter how large the sum we hand over to him in the morning is, by night he is penniless. He can easily squander even inexhaustible riches. You care, you lose, is what interpreters insisted.¡¹?

    ?

    As poor as it is, the frontier still has vast lands with numerous towns and villages scattered through them. Trying to supply each of the settlements with funds and goods is bound to require an absurd amount of money.?

    ?

    ¡¸Certainly, he wouldn¡¯t be trying to provide for all of the frontier from his own pocket? But in practice, the money and goods are circulating in the frontier, bringing it to the verge of establishing a proper circulation of goods. There are also reports of¡ºRevitalization of economic activity¡»happening, which was described in the papers given by the boy. Did he cause all of that alone?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Officials reported that while they understand the mechanism they can¡¯t quite grasp the nature of it, so we tried asking him and¡ºSince their stuff got sold people get money which they now can use on buying stuff? If the stuff doesn¡¯t get sold, then stuff can¡¯t be bought, so even if it¡¯s made, if no one buys it, everyone will remain just as poor. Just think that buying and selling generates wealth.¡», was the reply we received, so isn¡¯t that it?¡¹?

    ?

    So since being unable to sell goods leads to poverty, the boy bought all that was for sale? And is also making wares that the people will be interested in buying? A mere 30 boys and girls are managing all of that, transforming the frontier into the land of prosperity? That¡¯s why they are still living on exhausted funds??

    ?

    Then no matter how great of a reward we pay them from the fief¡¯s tax revenue, it still won¡¯t be nearly enough. Taxes, being levied from the frontier¡¯s riches, amount only to a trivial sum, compared to the colossal fortune poured into the whole region.?

    ?

    Just how can it be, still not repaying them in any fashion, we only keep pushing dire responsibilities upon them. And day by day, it only continues to mount, trying to return the debt, we end up receiving even more of an enormous debt, and trying to repay that, we end up with even more of a colossal debt.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m pretty sure there is another huge misunderstanding, but that boy merely wants to live a happy and carefree life, okay? It¡¯s just inconvenient for him if everyone around is poor and miserable, so he simply improves their lives along the way. That¡¯s how the town ended up so prosperous. And since he doesn¡¯t feel good if the town alone has it good while the rest of the region is still miserable, he is going to improve the rest of it as well. There is no deep meaning to his actions. ¡ºHe is simply going around crushing misery, poverty, and disasters because they are in the way.¡», is what they told me? If one goes around removing misery, poverty, and disasters, it usually results in happiness. There is no meaning to it at all. Thinking is pointless when it comes to that boy.¡¹?

    ?

    She said and left.?

    ?

    Is it possible to bring happiness to the entirety of the frontier without any purpose to it? Is it possible to make the town and the entire region prosperous simply because it¡¯s inconvenient otherwise? However, even if there is really no meaning behind the actions, there is a meaning to the happiness that they brought. There is a meaning, worth, and more than plenty of debt.?

    ?

    Even if he did all of that without any thought, even if he seeks no rewards, I will still bow this useless head to him over and over. Even though I can¡¯t find the words to shamelessly plead for his help, I still have lots of words of gratitude.

 CH 166

    Day 52 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸Having no striped kneesocks is nothing short of blasphemy towards kneesocks!¡¹(Thud!)?

    ?

    ¡¸And it is in combination with the striped panties that they truly¡­¡¹(Clash!)?

    ?

    ¡¸No, animal ears and kneesocks are the true justice!¡¹(Smack!)?

    ?

    ¡¸Just what are you guys talking about? It¡¯s on little girls that kneesocks really¡­¡¹(Badoosh! And reported!)?

    ?

    Aaah. The geeks are so noisy in the morning. Following me around they endlessly geek their kneesocks theories? Well, I guess it¡¯s fine to just burn them already? I¡¯m kicking them, or rather, I¡¯m stuck kicking them since I woke up, but it seems to have no effect? Just why would dudes have any need for kneesocks? Are they going to wear them? If they do they might get convicted before they get reported.?

    ?

    Was the sight of all of the girls wearing kneesocks too much for them in the morning? The sight of Armored Pres-san in kneesocks was too much for me yesterday, so I went too hard on her, which proved to be too much for her, so I got scolded in the morning? Too much in the way life is good and all is good? Well, it can¡¯t be helped? I mean, I¡¯m a highschool boy? With how things are, I don¡¯t see how I can get to graduate anyway??

    ?

    And so currently I¡¯m being pestered by the geeks while at the same time getting scolded by the girls and annoyed by the idiots¡¯ demands for jerseys. Why does my peaceful and refreshing morning always have to be so noisy? No, I did get pretty refreshed last night? Like, I was pushing through the whole night? I mean, the absolute territory was calling for me? And Armored Pres-san¡¯s absolute territory is something else.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haru~ka, make one with a leopard logo. I always wear that brand.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, the leopard logo will be a fake! A knockoff! That¡¯s simply illegal! What you were wearing had the puma logo! Or rather, if you want leopard marks, that would be called a leopard pattern? What kind of delinquent are you? Why would you wear something like that in a different world? Are you planning to hang out in front of convenience stores at night? I don¡¯t think you will find any in this world? In the first place, why don¡¯t you even understand if the logo of your sponsor is a puma, or a panther, or a leopard? How about you get that stupid head chewed by a leopard? I¡¯m pretty sure even leopards wouldn¡¯t want to taste such dumb heads, but I will plead with them too? For real¡¹?

    ?

    Just why do the Idiots like jerseys so much? And yet,¡ºFour stripes are a lifestyle¡», they are complete morons? How come they are so fixated on particular brands yet can¡¯t even remember the number of stripes? Maybe they can¡¯t count past 1? And this one¡ºThat one with shhhh through the logo?¡», is a dumbass who doesn¡¯t know the word slash?¡ºIt¡¯s like the diamond-shaped family crest¡», when did Takeda become an Italian sportswear company? Since when did you have an exclusive deal with Shingen-san? In the first place, why did they sign sponsorships with such idiots? There is no¡ºPigeon Emblem¡»! How were you able to mistake a rooster for a pigeon? Why not a single one of them remember the name of the brands sponsoring them? And to begin with, they can be as particular as they want, talking about their so-called favorite brands, but if I make the clothes, they¡¯re gonna end up fake knockoffs, so there is not a shred of actual care for brands!?

    ?

    Since they were way too persistent I made jersey tops and bottoms with ¡ºI¡¯m Real Idiot¡»written on their front and back, and they actually happily put them on! Which reminds me, when we were deciding on party names they chose to call themselves Idiot Group! They actually liked it! Aah, they are real idiots.?

    ?

    And naturally, I¡¯m not making any kneesocks for the geeks, okay? But no matter how much I kick, kick, and kick them they keep swarming, crying ¡ºStriped kneesocks!¡». It¡¯s a Resident Geek situation. There is no other choice but to burn them by now. Wouldn¡¯t zombies be easier to reason with than them? Seriously.?

    ?

    And I also can¡¯t escape the sermon, even though it¡¯s a day off, I can¡¯t get any rest from the lectures? They lecture the super hard-working me, prepared to work 24 hours a day all year long, could it be that they are friends with Home Industry-san??

    ?

    ¡¸You have to consider the influence on the girls of the town before you make clothes! Everyone is working hard to save up for the new clothes! You can¡¯t make anything other than wholesome cute stuff!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. What are you going to do if all of the town¡¯s girls are going to start wearing fishnet tights with denim shorts? Why would you make the town into such an indecent place?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That¡¯s right! That¡¯s right! That¡¯s too lewd and therefore banned!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, you say influence, but if all of the girls in the town were to wear fishnet tights I¡¯d be pretty happy? Although I¡¯m too scared to say this aloud. And there are also people who get their money confiscated and can¡¯t go shopping at all, despite working very earnestly too, you know? Right here.?

    ?

    And despite them lecturing me right now, Armored Pres-san came back from the meeting with an order form for 20 fishnet stockings. And there were more than 100 orders for stockings with lewd and sexy designs? And yet I¡¯m to be scolded? They even bought up all of the kneesocks? And yet I¡¯m getting lectured? Does it mean that my Affection Rating doesn¡¯t exist even on the molecular level? So the elemental particle level is not enough??

    ?

    However, I have a secret plan to get through this situation, there is no way I¡¯d be foolish enough to take on a sermon without any plan, okay? I don¡¯t diligently get lectured every day without a fail for nothing!?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, no? It¡¯s not like I was making any lewd stuff? I¡¯m insulted that you would think that this is what a good high school boy would be doing all the time? That¡¯s a healthy highschool boy abuse case? I mean, I even have the evidence? That other stuff I made only as an extra to an extra? Probably Evil hands had a hand slip and accidentally made them? Or maybe they were possessed by an evil spirit? Being Evil Hands and all? So I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? I¡¯m the same innocent blameless highschool boy, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    To back up my words I line up new products. Jersey series clothes I made to create an excuse. I hid all of the lewd pieces from it, so it¡¯s alright. Tonight I¡¯m going to present a super stretchy mini dress to Armored Pres-san and ask her! Naturally, I prepared sexy stockings as well! It¡¯s perfect!?

    ?

    ¡¸New items? Stretchy fabric, you know? Brand new skirts and dresses? Advance orders are limited to three per person, two samples per person, so I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? Nothing will come out from fighting for who is getting them first, but since it will prove my innocence you are free to do so~? Sort of~? I guess~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa! It¡¯s miiiine!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That flared skirt is mine! It¡¯s the destiny decided by fate! Ah! This one is destiny too!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please, let me have it! Parkas are my trademark! From today on.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No minis? Didn¡¯t someone just run away with one? Aha, that must be the work of a skill! There is no way I¡¯d let my mini-skirt escape!¡¹?

    ?

    Nice, my innocence was Q.E.D today as well. Also, jerseys are knitted, so they are going to stretch if you play tug of war with them like that? Also, skills are prohibited, okay? You are going to start a bloodbath among everyone? Especially the Librarian-san, she is casually using illusions, but she is being tracked with Presence Detection? Someone is about to snatch that skirt with Shukuchi, you know? Actually, I think everyone is pretty able to kill Sand Giant as well? I mean, if the Sand Giant appeared here it wouldn¡¯t be able to survive? Everyone is way too fierce? Or rather, they actually hid their new techniques for the sake of bargain sale! I just saw someone making clones! Why would you hide that in a dungeon and use it here!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Additional orders! Limiting them to only three per person is unfair! This is clear and cruel abuse of adolescent girls!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why are you starting a protest in a dining hall? When did you make those placards? The demonstrators in kneesocks are marching, holding placards saying¡ºMini-skirts are girls¡¯ right!¡»? Looks like some creatures that were carrying ¡ºStriped Kneesocks are Justice!¡»got trampled in the process though? Well, not like it matters.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m veeeeeeeeeery sorry! But pleeeeeeease listen to me! I¡¯m going to cry, you know? Actually, I¡¯m already on the verge of crying? Why does no one listen to me? Do you know how sad is it to yell all on my own? Also, I want a mini-skirt too!¡¹?

    ?

    Hmm? It¡¯s the Young lady. Looks like she was saying something, but unable to get past the demonstrators she is half-crying. She won¡¯t be able to survive the Girls Bargain War like that? Although I think the Sand Giant also wouldn¡¯t have lasted more than 2 minutes? That is a true hell!?

    ?

    ¡¸And so we would like to ask for the construction of tunnels for a mine. This is the plan. We will pay in mining rights. Once you tell us of when you have an opening in your schedule, Father is planning to come with an official request. When will it be alright? The faster the better, the same goes for the mini-skirt, the faster the better! And I¡¯d also like these long socks too!¡¹?

    ?

    As I expected, their iron supply is not sufficient anymore. Since regular imports have stopped, the shortage would begin with bulky or heavy items. Stalker Girl also mentioned that large quantities of iron or livestock are impossible even for their smuggling squads, so I have to hurry or it will delay the development of the industry! And if the development slows down, my home industry will never end! If Home Industry-san could speak it probably would be whispering ¡ºIt¡¯s my turn forever~¡»? Every night, I basically get hit with Shield Break before I even get to arrange my cards. Lately, I get ¡ºYou Triggered my Trap Card¡»the very moment I step into the room? Home Industry-san is unbeatable in the other world? For real.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm. If that¡¯s all, I will wrap it up today? I have time since it¡¯s a day off, and I want some metal as well? Or rather, Merimeri-san¡¯s father doesn¡¯t have to come for every little thing, his talk always takes too long. For some reason, he is always apologizing? Is he doing something bad? Maybe he can get scolded in my stead? I can trade places? For scolding? There¡¯s 20 people worth of it?¡¹?

    ?

    Skimming through the plan, the workload doesn¡¯t seem that large, so it shouldn¡¯t take that long, and I also wanted to dig through that area myself. There is a certain reaction from the deeper area, and it sort of resembles that of mithril, If the payment will be in mining rights then mithril will be a lot better than iron? That¡¯s like a huge profit? If I find mithril I¡¯ll be able to live like a magnate for the first time in a while!?

    ?

    ¡¸Uhh¡­, he isn¡¯t doing anything bad, so I don¡¯t think he needs any scolding? We would appreciate it if you can finish it today, but do you have enough time to make all the necessary preparations? Also, lately, I obtained complete confidence that you certainly do not remember, but it¡¯s Meriel. Also, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t know, but the name of this town is Omui. So my name is Meriel Shim Omui. Also, since we are at it, the name of my father is not Meripapa, I believe it was Mellotosam, if I remember correctly. Why is Merimeri-san the only thing you refuse to forget? I¡¯m going to cry! I¡¯m going to seriously cry? ¡¹?

    ?

    Aah, looks like today is fine? I¡¯m going to be back around the afternoon, so Armored Pres-san might as well stay with the girls, however, are they going to buy more stuff? Once all of the dungeons are destroyed, won¡¯t the girls get crushed too? Financially? I mean, they are earning 50,000 ere every day, around 100,000 in yen, and yet they are deep in debt? Weren¡¯t you saying in the beginning that your goal is earning 250,000 ere per month? Just yesterday and today with the kneesocks craze and new orders you easily blew more than 250,000 ere? All of those are multicolored so they cost quite a sum? Quite soon you might start getting your money confiscated and end up on the allowance system, you know?

 CH 167

    Day 52 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san left with the girls for shopping. She was all dressed up and I also gave her pocket money, so she should be able to enjoy the day off to the fullest.?

    ?

    Slime-san is apparently going to have a picnic with Poster Girl and Stalker Girl. I gave them tons of food and plenty of sweets so they will have fun.?

    ?

    The geeks are going to be smithing at the blacksmith¡¯s place. We shouldn¡¯t expect anything though. I gave them loads of iron, having probably the best understanding of metallurgy in this world, and an actual blacksmith by their side, they should somehow manage. However, they are so clumsy? Despite being able to make plastic models on the professional level, they suck at crafts? They can draw good enough to call themselves mangakas if they wanted, and yet they can¡¯t do fine arts? Somehow, they can make even a steam engine, but can¡¯t make even a single nail, so they just might screw up somewhere? Seriously.?

    ?

    The idiots ran off wearing those jerseys. Since they are idiots I can¡¯t comprehend what they are doing. I feel like any attempt to understand that might make me an idiot as well? However, they surely are doing something incredibly stupid right about now. In that, I have absolute confidence. That is the truth. I mean, on the previous day off they were doing pro wrestling with goblins, you know? As I thought, they are on the same level as goblins after all. So they must be getting along. Them being together doesn¡¯t feel out of place at all? Even if the goblins were to be wearing those jerseys no one would¡¯ve noticed, they are basically the same thing.?

    ?

    ¡¸So start here and dig all the way to the village, I guess? Or maybe first go to the village and start digging from there? I can¡¯t recommend taking a residence here though?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸E~h, basically, we will leave it up to you, Haruka-san, but are you sure about the place? Also, why would anyone live in a tunnel? Are you sure you know what a mine is?¡¹?

    ?

    I asked Merimeri, as we stood in front of the nearest cliffs to the town. Connecting the tunnel from here is the closest to the town, and if I lead it all the way to the mining village, it will also be convenient for the circulation of goods. I sense plenty of metal that way, so this seems to be the best starting position? I guess? However, since I¡¯m choosing the places with the most iron content, it might reek of rust too much to live there? The walls will end up reddish brown too??

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, isn¡¯t the lord a noble? Is it fine for his daughter to venture into the Evil Forest and even stroll all the way to the mountains? I mean, aren¡¯t you more or less the young lady of the house? Won¡¯t you get scolded for going merimeri into the mountains?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The Evil Forest disappeared before I could take a step inside, didn¡¯t it? Where did those scythes fly from? In the first place, why are scythes flying around? Everything was instantly cut down, along with the monsters? Also, why am I supposed to merimeri into the mountains? Are you going to merimeri through the rocks? Was I some sort of mining instrument? Or rather, my name is Meriel, okay? Why do you have to merimeri all the time? I¡¯m going to cry? Quite seriously?¡¹?

    ?

    Since I had the scythes deforest the place as we walked there is now a road to the town, so starting digging from here would be faster after all. I was asked to take care only of the first stage of the plan, but connecting it from here and taking care of the fifth stage as well would be faster. Rather than going to a remote village, starting digging from there, and stopping midway, this is a lot more efficient. Just why did they split it into five steps? Even though I can dig everything in one go??

    ?

    My MP has recovered, but the mana accumulator in my item bag most likely isn¡¯t fully charged. So I will slowly dig through. Making a tunnel all at once is much faster, but mana consumption greatly grows with the length of the tunnel. Compared to that, the mana required to dig through the rocks right in front of me can be covered with natural regeneration, so it¡¯s a more economical use of energy. Let¡¯s prioritize charging the accumulator, just in case something happens. And it¡¯s not like I have anything better to do? Okay, pour mana in sort of a tunnel shape, Hold it, and activate Earth Magic, for the most part, it¡¯s fine with the arc-shaped tunnels supported by the tension, but since it is a mine, I have to make it alright to dig into the walls, or the place will collapse, so I also reinforce the tunnel with stone pillars and beams. Sort of like this??

    ?

    ¡¸EEEEEEh! Why is there a tunnel? Why is there suddenly a tunnel in the rock? What happened? Eh? But it was a solid rocky mountain? What is this?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? I dug it? Sort of? I mean, what do you mean by what is this? The request was to dig a tunnel, wasn¡¯t it? Aah, I get it, the simple tunnel is too boring, right? Should I add a slide? Yeah, sounds fun? A mining slide? People might pay for this?¡¹?

    ?

    I didn¡¯t think of this! But the problem is that if I add a difference in height, going up will become that much more difficult. Carrying minerals out will become an issue. I see! Why not go for a water pressure system then??

    ?

    ¡¸Heeeeeeeeeey. Please, listen to me. I don¡¯t know what you are thinking about, but pleeeease make it a simple tunnel. Having a slide near during the work, miners might accidentally fall and take serious injuries, pleease don¡¯t play around. You will make even miners cry, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? Looks like the young lady was saying something. Apparently, they aren¡¯t allowed to slide? I guess I will have to give up on the water slide. It probably would¡¯ve made mining extremely difficult. And if during the mining there was water flowing and people slipped because of it, then even miners would¡¯ve come to scold me.?

    ?

    But things are going better than I expected. I mean, nothing fun is happening after all? Merimeri-san seems to be in a good mood though, looks like she likes mini-skirt and kneesocks. But is it alright for a young noble lady to be digging tunnels wearing a mini-skirt and kneesocks? I¡¯m yet to see anyone wearing a mini-skirt in this world? Even though there are so many beautiful ladies, it¡¯s no fun at all? However, I also feel like I will get scolded if I mass-produce them? For some reason, no matter what I do, I ultimately end up getting scolded? Do I have to remind of my innocence 75 times per day or something? Okay, when we get back I¡¯m making placards too.?

    ?

    Even so, I¡¯m bored. I mean, there is nothing fun about normal tunnels? It¡¯s like forcing a carpenter to make nothing but corridors? No, a carpenter will probably be having fun making a never-ending corridor! I wish we could trade places, like, making a corridor leading all the way to the town? Mm??

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, there is iron ore that way. Make sure to write it down, okay? And over there I think is probably copper? Although I¡¯ve never seen lumps of copper, so please write that it¡¯s kinda copper-like? I don¡¯t want to be scolded if it turns out to be silver or something, I think it¡¯s optimal to add¡º-like, sort of¡»? I guess? Write that too, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s a great help that you¡¯d tell locations of ore veins, but everything aside from iron is ¡ºIt¡¯s sort of silver-like something, but don¡¯t blame me if it¡¯s not silver? For real. Seriously?¡»or¡ºLike copper, or more like a copper-like something giving a false copper-like impression but actually sort of a copper? That sort of FEEL?¡», all of the explanations are too long to write them down. No one is going to be angry even if you get it wrong, so please don¡¯t make me write down excuses. I¡¯m spending more time writing excuses than drawing an actual map of the tunnels. The map is beginning to look sort of ugly!¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded. Hmm? Then, turning to the right here, I can make straight for the mining village. I keep digging while looking around with Rajingan, checking with Map skill, and searching for ore veins with Space Perception, sort of? In fact, what I¡¯m doing happens to be no different from the usual remodeling. So when I discover ore veins I have to place arches and make walls thinner, otherwise, it might become a problem when they begin mining. Additionally, with this trajectory, the tunnel is going to pass right through some of the ore veins, so it should be very easy to mine. What remains are ironworks, but I provided the blueprints, so Meripapa-san might already be building them, meanwhile, I can process the ore with alchemy, so I don¡¯t think I require them? The question is what the geeks are doing. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if their attempts in making swords produced a blast furnace? I¡¯ll be surprised if they properly managed to make a sword though. Their clumsiness is on the supernatural level. I mean, coming to this world they managed to put up tents, make a fence, and even created the base, but they can¡¯t make even a single wooden table? Although it seems they managed to somehow produce chairs??

    ?

    And with this and that it¡¯s near the completion. The goal is near, but¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Mind if I dig for my share? Or rather, do we have an agreement for 50%? Did you hear anything?¡¹?

    ?

    Probably, the thing I¡¯m after is right below us. There is a huge vein of iron ore, and below that, there is another response. That is probably the most mithril-like reaction among all of the veins I found until now. I¡¯d like to mithrilify all of my classmates¡¯ equipment, but I don¡¯t have that much stock, that¡¯s why I was searching for it, and this place seems like the most likely candidate. However, if my share is only 10%, then it might not be enough? In that case, I¡¯ll have to buy it out or I will be short on mithril again. This will require tenacious negotiations.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes, I do. In regards to the ratio of payment in mining rights, according to your proposal of 50%, that would¡¯ve been half of the minerals you mined, but as Father said, ¡ºLet him have everything. Hand over to Haruka-kun everything that he mines. We don¡¯t need to take more than that!¡», so it¡¯s all yours. In addition, ¡ºHe can mine whenever he wants, wherever he wants, as much as he wants!¡». The officials agreed to that as well, so there will be no issue.¡¹?

    ?

    Tenacious negotiations weren¡¯t necessary.?

    ?

    Or rather, he is too nice. I actually raised 50%, planning to haggle from there, but it turns out I get 100%. What is he planning to do if I mine everything to the last bit? Making a whole mine level just to have nothing left there? I¡¯ll have to give a stern talking to his aides. Iron is essential to the frontier, but such naive decisions of their lord will bring doom to the frontier.?

    ?

    ¡¸Also, ¡ºEven if Omui-sama hands over everything, he will angrily force it back on us anyway¡»is what the aides said, so they seem to be fine with letting you have what you want, but fully intending to take anything you won¡¯t need.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, he should be fine with such aides. It seems they served as the aides to those lords for generations, so they probably evolved to excellence through excessive hardships. Even though our idiots are regressing into meatheads.?

    ?

    Well, in fact, what I want is mithril, and I don¡¯t need that much iron, meanwhile, what the frontier needs is a large quantity of iron. Below us is a huge amount of iron and a bit of something that might be mithril.?

    ?

    I mean, I get the mithril that I wanted, moreover, all of it. And the frontier will have a mine and tons of iron without doing anything. Maybe they should just let the aides govern the frontier? Neither side will lose from this Well, there is no point comparing people excellent at the time of strife and the people excellent at peace times. They might be a good combination after all. While the aides might be good for discussing regular business with the kingdom, threats and intimidation can be done only by Meripapa-san.?

    ?

    Looks like they still haven¡¯t made any progress on negotiations though, both sides are currently busy arguing their own terms. They are yet to arrive to the search for a compromise and are in the very midst of a clash of wills. The first one to lose to the tension will be the kingdom, being unable to obtain new magic stones, so until then, the frontier will have to establish self-sufficiency while developing and scaling up their economy.?

    ?

    The only danger was an assassination, but with Stalker Girl¡¯s clan now on our side, we can engage in intelligence warfare as well. Although they claim to have no combat power, but high capability in gathering information and espionage is a high combat power in itself. Someone else can take care of actual combat, but it¡¯s hard to find anyone capable of espionage. Even if assassins were sent, if they are discovered and reported, they will simply end up getting caught, unable to do anything. In case a beauty assassin comes, let¡¯s guide her into my room. Battling beauties in an inn room is my lifework, so they can leave it to me, I¡¯m training in that every day. Finally, the time to reveal secret ads made specifically for beauty assassins! I wonder if the 500 copies I printed will be enough?

 CH 168

    Day 52: Late Morning, The Tunnels.?

    ?

    Calling the soldiers that were sent to accompany Merimeri-san we begin the confirmation process. I wish they sent a civil official along as well? While Merimeri-san seems to have studied the current plan in detail, she doesn¡¯t know what is going to follow it??

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see¡­ If I remember correctly, 100 crates of iron were required yearly~? One crate was around 640kg, so that¡¯s 64,000kg, which is 64 tons? The stuff I mined and currently have in my item bag is probably around 600 crates? So it¡¯s 6 years¡¯ worth of iron, but half of the vein is still remaining, what do we do? Should I mine it? Do you have a place to store it? Just the stuff I already have is already close to 400 tons? The rest is probably close to that as well? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    For starters, I mined half of the iron vein and stored it into the item bag. I had to mine at least half of it to reach the vein-of-what-might-be-mithril beneath it. I can mine the remaining half as well, but that raises the question of storage. It¡¯s quite a weight, so it might even collapse the storehouse. Well, I can also mine everything and have it for safekeeping.?

    ?

    ¡¸6 years worth? The iron that will take six years to use? You said 400 tons, you are asking about the storage for 400,000kg of iron? Ueh? 600 crates of iron ore? EEEEEeh!¡¹?

    ?

    Even if it¡¯s 6 years according to the plan, it tends to still not be enough in the end? Even if at the moment it seems like an unimaginable amount, with the production growing day by day the amount used will also grow? It probably will last only 3 years at most? Since the frontier is still developing there are plenty of factors that might lead to an increase in demand, it¡¯s merely that the manufacturing still hasn¡¯t caught up. If ironworks become operational this amount might not last even a year? That¡¯s all the plans amount to, you know??

    ?

    Since I, the person with experience in that regard, say that, that is for sure? No matter how much I prepare, it¡¯s always not enough? Naturally, the data comes from a certain group of 20 highschool girls. By the way, the calculation method is the following, in case a plentiful number, 60 stockings, were prepared for 20 girls, there will be more than 100 additional orders? Or rather, there were? For kneesocks and fishnet tights separately? Since it is multicolor, capable of receiving mana, they are sturdy and should last a while. Despite no chance of wearing them down, they claim that each of them requires at the very least 8 pairs. I think if I release stockings with new patterns they will buy those as well? No matter how much margin I leave in my calculations, I always end up with more night shift work? While dungeon exploration is off for today, the home industry is very much on??

    ?

    It seems they don¡¯t even have a place to store such an amount of ore, so that¡¯s enough iron for now. I also took like 30 tons, if it turns out to be not enough I can always come back. The veins near the town are still untouched, so 2,000 tons can be mined within a day. And so, it¡¯s time for that mithril-like metal. Pouring mana to the metal lying in the earth¡¯s depths I then grasp it with Holding, then, using Gravity Magic, slowly carry it out. I¡¯m not going to risk using Teleportation. While purging impurities with Alchemy I slowly lift it up.?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay, here it is? Hmmm, it¡¯s mithrilish? The color seems to be similar, but it¡¯s kinda muddy?¡¹?

    ?

    Is it because it wasn¡¯t processed yet? Even Appraisal says ¡ºMetal¡», probably too many impurities to identify it as a single metal. But this is probably it. The way mana passes through it is completely different, and it¡¯s able to take any amount of it. And the more mana I pour, the brighter it shines, this is silvered steel, mithril.?

    ?

    Okay, let¡¯s mine every last bit of it. I¡¯m sure no matter how much of it I get it still won¡¯t be enough in the end. After I upgrade all of the equipment with mithril, I will have to mithrilify it further. I will need as much of it as required to upgrade the equipment to the highest grade, when it will not be possible to improve it with mithril anymore. And I¡¯m not sure the day when we will be able to get a full set of highest grade equipment for 30 people will ever come. That¡¯s why even if I deplete the vein it surely won¡¯t be enough.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm~m? I guess this is all of it? Is there really nothing left? I¡¯m also hungry, so I¡¯d like to have lunch already? I¡¯m going to wrap this up, okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you talking to the ore vein? Are you actually friends or something? It is indeed lunchtime soon, but how come you are finished with several months of construction work before lunch?¡¹?

    ?

    I wouldn¡¯t have the title of Loner if I had friends, you know? However, the ore vein was buried deep underground, therefore, isn¡¯t there a possibility that it is actually friends with my Affection Rating? If it is friends with my Affection Rating then we might get along, but truth be told, I myself, never met my own Affection Rating? We can¡¯t become friends without getting past even the first meeting. So it¡¯s probably impossible, and well, I already depleted it. And, doesn¡¯t ¡ºI¡¯m a friend with an ore vein¡», sound way too sad? Seriously??

    ?

    What¡¯s left is to just connect the tunnel to the mining village. I already found the tunnel leading there, so I have to simply unite them, connect, go home, and jambalaya! Thanks to the lectures and protests I couldn¡¯t eat my breakfast in peace, you know? It¡¯s impossible to relax and enjoy the morning in such conditions! And it goes without saying that the situation was extremely risky in a highschool boy sort of way too. I¡¯m sure if those were fishnet stockings I wouldn¡¯t have been able to avoid additional orders.?

    ?

    We are almost there. I slow down the process of remodeling, or rather, tunnel creation since I don¡¯t know how sturdy the tunnel is on the other side, and I don¡¯t want to needlessly shake the foundations. There is also the matter of Merimeri-san¡¯s stamping, shaking the ground but the tunnel I made is sturdy, so that shouldn¡¯t pose a problem, Merimeri-san¡¯s miniskirt and kneesocks are sending other sorts of trembles too, but that has nothing to do with the ground, although her guards also seem to have a hard time with where to look??

    ?

    ¡¸Phew, seems like I managed to connect them? Sort of? While I¡¯m at it I¡¯ll also reinforce the tunnels? I don¡¯t want to come back and dig it out again if they collapse? My free days are already endangered species, so they have to be handled with care. I¡¯m serious. ¡¹?

    ?

    And so, passing the tunnel and exiting at the mining village shall conclude the job. Since the payment was in mining rights there won¡¯t be any money, but getting mithril is far more beneficial. It¡¯s a huge profit, not like I can sell this though¡­ And while Merimeri-san went to talk to the Village Chief I checked the village¡¯s small store.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are there any specialties, maybe curiosities, or just the stuff that¡¯s in excess in this village? Iron only? Are you eating it or something? It¡¯s bad for your teeth, you know? Even if you properly chew, it¡¯s still bad? Or actually, even worse?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Who the hell would eat it! Much less chew it! We have deficits, but nothing in excess aside from iron and rocks. The specialty wares are some unusual paperweights. Wanna take a look?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they aren¡¯t eating it. The mountain range is equally far away from rivers and the Evil Forest, so the place is not fit for agriculture. However, it was on my mind ever since coming to this world, but today, I¡¯m going to say it aloud! It¡¯s a middle-aged man again! Isn¡¯t the middle-aged men-ratio too high in my vicinity? For the most part, everyone I meet is an old man? Isn¡¯t there anything more different-world-like? Like encounters with beautiful girls?! Usually, in such cases, the shop assistant would turn out to be a cute girl, or the village chief would be a beautiful lady, or maybe a random encounter with a cute village girl, there are lots of possible scenarios? But everyone is middle-aged instead? I¡¯m yet to see anyone but middle-aged men in this village? Is it this village¡¯s special product? Who¡¯d want that!??

    ?

    And so we return to the town while giving a tour to the Village Chief and others. Since we are going to walk through the mine it¡¯s not going to take that long, but it¡¯s a tunnel again. No beautiful sceneries, novel discoveries, or unusual incidents. A tunnel with old men, okay? Not a place where I¡¯d like to have new encounters? However, there was a discovery back in the village. Or rather, I bought all of these so-called unusual paperweights. A wholesale purchase. I mean, they had lots of mithril or whatever that is just lying around? The furnace couldn¡¯t melt them, so they were treated as unusual paperweights, but they actually were a rare metal. Since the furnace couldn¡¯t melt them, it must have a high melting point, so we can expect high strength and resistance from it. Just in case I made a contract for purchasing all of that mysterious metal, so there should be more of it later. As payment and a deposit, I gave them wheat, cooking oil, buckets and baskets, that I for some reason made earlier, and covered the rest of the sum by cash. Obtaining the valuable metal I once again ended up penniless. Let¡¯s ask the president for allowance when I get back. I don¡¯t have money to pay even for the inn or food. Even though in the morning I enjoyed being a magnate after I took all the money from the Adventurers¡¯ Guild, the general store, and the weapon store, I¡¯m broke again? I remember making a lot of orders. And then blowing it all on the rare metal. Or rather, there is a need to buy up something every day? If not for the funds that the president confiscated from me, I might¡¯ve had trouble even paying for the inn? But if I deposit money with her I won¡¯t be able to make huge purchases??

    ?

    The girls¡¯ payment of their tab is being confiscated and managed by the president, so every morning, Armored Pres-san, Slime-san, and I line up to get our allowance. But I get cash from the general store¡¯s lady, the weapon¡¯s store¡¯s old man, and installment payments from Adventurers¡¯ Guild. That¡¯s why every morning I¡¯m a rich man. But by nighttime I don¡¯t have enough to pay for the inn, you know? I don¡¯t, but despite everyone most likely forgetting, I¡¯m still a Master, so I want to avoid borrowing money from Armored Pres-san or Slime-san? That¡¯s why I demand a raise in allowance! Most likely, it will be met with a counter-proposal of extra orders, and steamroller voting will overturn my initiative! And so every time I go for my allowance, the night shift work increases, and as it increases, the girls¡¯ debts keep growing, but debt repayments get confiscated, and so I end up going to ask for more allowance again, a mysterious poverty spiral from which everyone can¡¯t break out.?

    ?

    The other day, I ended up without money after putting an order for a large number of eggs and got scolded, but a lack of eggs will negatively impact our delicious meals? Supporting the modern lifestyle in the medieval world takes money. And without additional investments, there won¡¯t be an abundance of goods or food. That is the cause of this poverty spiral. The return of investments won¡¯t happen until the frontier develops and becomes wealthy, but it won¡¯t happen without additional investments. And the amount of cash can be increased only gradually. Though the amount of currency grows through selling magic stones and mushrooms to the kingdom¡¯s merchants that come passing through the fake dungeon, the increase in coinage doesn¡¯t catch up to the speed of economic development. Even so, were the frontier to issue its own currency, it would create an exchange rate, which will become a hindrance to commerce. That can wait until a complete separation from the kingdom.?

    ?

    Looks like there is no other choice but to take all of the kingdom¡¯s money.?

    ?

    According to Merimeri-san, the frontier has exceeded even the capital by now, in other words, the production level of the capital is lower than my home industry. If we have the advantage of quality and prices, then we can pluck them off freely. If I rake off all of the capital¡¯s coin, it will solve the cash deficit in the frontier. But if the capital then decides to issue more coin the kingdom itself might collapse? Hmmm? I mean, there is no way a high school student can control the monetary economy? It¡¯s impossible for an ordinary high school student, you know??

    ?

    If only that Whatever-kun was still alive, it might¡¯ve been possible.?

    ?

    But Whatever-kun chose to kill his friends to become the strongest.?

    ?

    And there is no more Whatever-kun since I killed him.?

    ?

    So the 30 of us can¡¯t do an advanced monetary economy on our own? I¡¯m not sure if the Idiots understand even the concept of bartering??

    ?

    ¡¸We are like sort of arrived, but can we split here? Meripapa-san¡¯s talk always takes so long with him continuously apologizing for doing bad stuff, so it¡¯s a real pain? Can I just deposit the iron in the storage and leave?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It will be a great help if you carry it to the storage, I don¡¯t want to transport 400 tons of iron. There is no need to meet father, but he is not doing anything bad, alright? He is not apologizing, but expressing his gratitude, you know? He is bowing in gratitude!¡¹?

    ?

    Now, the work is finally over, let¡¯s go into the town. I don¡¯t have any money though. Okay, let¡¯s negotiate for pocket money with the president!

 CH 169

    Day 52 ¨C Daytime, The Town of Omui.?

    ?

    What I beheld there was a terrifying sight that shocked me to the point of robbing me of all words. I can¡¯t take it anymore.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s Haruka-kun! That¡¯s great timing, we can¡¯t bring this thing out of the workshop? It¡¯s too huge.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Can you put it into the item bag? We want to place it on the river.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How do you go to make katanas and end up making a steamboat? Making a table and ending up with a chair is one thing? But why would a katana need a steam engine?! No matter at which stage you screw up, there is no way for a katana to become a steamboat? On the contrary, it¡¯s quite amazing if by hitting an iron with a hammer you got a steamboat as the result! But you definitely did this on purpose, right? This is a premeditated crime, right? Why would you go out of your way to make a steam engine, if we can easily power things with mana!¡¹?

    ?

    A steamboat as big as the size of the forge allowed. Makes sense that they would have no way to transport it out. Okay, let¡¯s leave it there.?

    ?

    ¡¸C¡¯mon lad. It¡¯s a huge pain if you just ditch it here! I already have manufacture orders from Omui-sama, so I need the forge, don¡¯t just leave that here!¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s a medium-sized wooden paddle-steamer. How come they managed to make a boat despite being unable to make even a table? What if they tried to make a chair? Would that have ended up as a ship too? It¡¯s an iron-reinforced ship with iron covering the hull and important structural points? Well, the steam engine is surely made from iron too. If it was wooden I would¡¯ve found a certain respect for the geeks.?

    ?

    And why were you just looking, old man, instead of stopping them? I¡¯m sure you helped them too? I mean, it looks too polished on finishing touches, without experience the hull would be full of holes, right? You definitely helped them, right? You are pretending that you are unrelated to this, but you are definitely an accomplice, aren¡¯t you??

    ?

    It goes without saying that after dumping the boat into the river and putting the geeks on it, I poured lots of meteors on it from above. I was trying so hard to conserve mana, and ended up using up all of it? And yet I couldn¡¯t sink it? Those bastards equipped it with a barrier device!?

    ?

    Working on safety measures, they infused a magic stone with the guardian¡¯s Barrier Magic, attempting to create a simplistic barrier device, but couldn¡¯t bring it to a practically usable level, and yet they put that on the ship, they were fully intending to get hit by a meteor. Should I just go for atomic disintegration already??

    ?

    During that time, when I dashed up into the air, I spotted the idiots playing tag with kobolds, but I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t see that. It seems instead of adapting to the other worlds, they instead adapted to the Evil Forest. Their jobs most likely changed by now to something like Savages.?

    ?

    I also thought about creating a cargo ship for timber or iron, but an iron-reinforced boat? Just what are they planning to fight? And what pisses me off is their effort to prevent it from burning? Moreover, it was actually a good idea to put a barrier device, that was too huge for practical use, on the ship, but their attempts at coming up with countermeasures irritate me even more! They are really pissing me off!?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah~. I feel drained? Mentally? Aren¡¯t days off meant to give relief to the heart and soul? I wonder if Armored Pres-san and others are still at the general store? They are probably swarming all over the new bags despite having no money for them. Why do I work every night to provide the general store with new goods, but they keep bringing them back to the inn? What¡¯s the point of delivering that to the general store in the first place?¡¹?

    ?

    They are complete shopping addicts by now. As if they are chasing after the everyday life they had in the previous world, as if trying to become happier than they were in the previous world, as if trying to get back what they lost coming to this world. But clothes and meals are probably the limit of what I can do for them. At the moment they can¡¯t do anything aside from desperately trying to distract themselves with fun, so they keep pestering for new dishes, and buying up cute clothes. Almost two months have passed already since the days we spent in the original world.?

    ?

    There is actually something tragic about their desperate attempts at finding enjoyment.?

    ?

    When one is near the limit, they can¡¯t think of anything but survival.?

    ?

    But when leeway appears, it allows all sorts of thoughts to surface.?

    ?

    Unlike us, they lost too much.?

    ?

    Boys have it nice, you know? I mean, the geeks spent all their time in the original world, dreaming of going to a different one, if anything, this world is more real to them. That¡¯s why they don¡¯t have a problem with it. Rather, being in the original world was an issue for them. Coming to a different world they are finally getting serious.?

    ?

    And it¡¯s even less of an issue for the idiots. They are dwellers of this world. Staying in the forest suits them just fine. It¡¯s only because they were in the previous world that they did sports and became excellent athletes. If they remained there, they surely would¡¯ve had all the money and fame they¡¯d wanted. But that is why they feel no need to go back. They are finally where they belong. They don¡¯t have to fight safely, abiding by the rules all the time. They finally can give it their all, running a thin line between life and death, trying every trick they can. A warrior folk that was dying from boredom in the previous world can finally fight seriously.?

    ?

    And I don¡¯t have anything in that world. The only lingering attachment I have might be to bookstores. That alone I loath to part with and dearly miss.?

    ?

    But here I have Armored Pres-san. I brought her out. That¡¯s why I want her to be happy, live a joyous life with lots of nice stuff. In the previous world, I didn¡¯t have anyone important to me, no one whom I wanted to be happy, no one whom I wanted to see laugh, and no one I didn¡¯t want to lose. I¡¯m fine with this world. Slime-san also decided to tag along, so I have tons of attachments to this world.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s different for the girls.?

    ?

    There is nothing nice about being in this world for them. They were brought here with everything to lose and nothing they wanted from this world.?

    ?

    Them being hopeless shopping addicts and unmanageable selfish spoiled brats is enough. That is a valiant effort already, being able to still remain of sound mind? It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if they threw a violent fit, raging, wailing, snapping at everyone around. Since they managed not to go insane unlike Whatever-kun, 30 of us survived. Going insane surely would¡¯ve been easier, but they are holding out. The friendship power of girls-only gatherings is supernatural.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why today it¡¯s home industry time again. The food that they thought they¡¯d never taste again, clothes they thought they¡¯d never get a chance to wear anymore, although it is obvious that there is no way to bury the weight of sentiments accumulated over 16 years in a mere two months, making them forget about everyone they held dear in the previous world. It most likely would¡¯ve been a lot easier for them to just perish in that forest back then, consumed by the despair, but I saved them because I didn¡¯t want that to happen, however, there is little I can do except make things that might make them feel a little bit better? If that can keep their smiles then working at night is¡­ Actually, can something be done about that??

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaaa! I remember seeing this bag at the shop! I wanted it so much!¡¹?

    ?

    If Daniel-san and Bob-san find out I¡¯ll apologize. I mean I also wanted it? But I have the cloth bag as equipment? Come to think of it, no matter what kind of fancy stuff I make, it won¡¯t go along with the black cloak! And on top of that, I can¡¯t part with the stick and a cloth bag! So I¡¯m not fashionable at all! orz?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm? It¡¯s a bit too large as well? There is no good size at all! Call the manufacturer!¡¹?

    ?

    Please don¡¯t, instead of calling me for every little thing just tell me about that in the inn. Also, it¡¯s not that the bag is too big, it¡¯s just that you are too small. You are a shrimp, what is such a little thing doing in the adult department??

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah~ a sporty storage? A cute pouch that will be suitable for a party? Although I never was invited to one? Despite being a part of one!¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, I never got called too? But I¡¯m also not a part of one? But I also don¡¯t want to go ¡ºLET¡¯S PARTY¡»with gobs too? Although the geeks and the idiots are probably doing that. [1]?

    ?

    They are having fun, or rather, having a lot of purchases? The reason for the scarcity of days off probably lies in earnings being unable to catch up. They might exterminate all of the monsters for the sake of cute clothes. Are they actually very suited for this world too? Or maybe they are adapting? Eh? Could it be that mental strain has nothing to do with this and they are just Avarice-san and comrades? On the contrary, they seem to be mentally unstable when it comes to clothes.

 CH 170

    Day 52 ¨C Daytime, The Town of Omui.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is also having fun shopping at the general store. Looks like she is having a hard time choosing a handkerchief? Is it for wiping her armor??

    ?

    ¡¸Heey, Armored Pres-san, I¡¯m back. I¡¯m hungry, so let¡¯s jambalaya. Although I don¡¯t have shrimp, so I¡¯m going to use mysterious bird meat instead? If I added eggs it probably would be indistinguishable from omurice? I¡¯m saying this as the one making it, you know? Is it any different from chicken with rice? Wait? Eh?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, as long as I claim strongly enough that it is jambalaya, everyone probably won¡¯t catch up on what is going on.?

    ?

    Going where Slime-san and others are having a picnic and having a late lunch there, we would still have plenty of time left, so how about remodeling the Fake Dungeon after that? Or maybe it would be better to bring Slime-san to My Home in the cave? These two lie in opposite directions, so it¡¯s a bit of a pickle. If we seriously run at high speed, then making it there and back is possible, but do I have to desperately run around like an idiot on my day off? Well, there are some Idiots that seem to enjoy chasing kobolds around on a day off, but who cares about them.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in (Jiggle Ji~ggle)¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The weather and the view are great. It feels like a picnic, although with jambalaya.?

    ?

    According to Poster Girl, with the surrounding of the town now being safe, a picnic boom has begun. Alright, time to develop picnic goods! I smell profit!?

    ?

    Indeed, until now, with the proximity of Evil Forest, it was far too dangerous to have picnics. But now, deforestation has progressed a great deal, and since it is also accompanied by demonsterization, it is safe outside. Not even mentioning that all of the townsfolk are equipped with clubs now. A town of carnage, ready to exchange blows with goblins! Rather than it being safe, it probably became a source of fear, so the gobs don¡¯t dare to get near.?

    ?

    As expected, it might be too dangerous to have a picnic with girls only, but since Slime-san is with them it¡¯s alright. If something can be threatening even with Slime-san, then town walls will be of no help either. I mean, if a monster that can¡¯t be defeated even by the dungeon master, that likely was extremely close to becoming dungeon emperor, then it¡¯s the same danger level as the deepest dungeon floors? That¡¯s not the place for a town to be? Even I gave up on making a hot spring on the last floor of the great dungeon? Although I still regret it a bit??

    ?

    The scythe squad must be patrolling nearby, Stalker Girl has a high level ¡ºDetect Presence¡», and with Slime-san around even Orc King would have no chance to join the picnic. However, I asked Demon Scythes to fell Evil Forest, but their levels keep steadily growing? They are definitely playing around, hunting gobs and the lot as well? But if they keep playing with gobs and kobolds they might turn into idiots? The Idiots must still be at it? And the Geeks escaped on their ship? The ambush totally failed.?

    ?

    I considered experimenting with monster creation at the Fake Dungeon by using¡ºTreasure of Monster Core ¨C Create and Manipulate Monster Cores¡», but the analysis was still not over, and unusually, instead of the Avatar of Avarice-san, it was the Avatar of Gluttony-san who wanted it, so I ended up giving¡ºTreasure of Monster Core¡»to Slime-san. I wonder if it¡¯s delicious??

    ?

    It seems the girls are going to join the picnic later, so I left snacks and sweets for them. No idea if they can hold themselves back until 3 o¡¯clock, but considering how hard Poster Girl and Stalker Girl are staring at the sweets it¡¯s just a matter of time before they give in.?

    ?

    And it looks like Armored Pres-san and Slime-san are going to come with me. I told them that they can do as they please since it¡¯s a day off, but they went ¡ºJiggle Jiggle¡»and¡ºShake Shake¡»in response? Lately, Armored Pres-san began to resemble Slime-san? Although her morning scoldings seem to be improving at a terrific rate? It seems she is learning from the sermons the girls are giving every day. She supposedly got a lot better at talking during the girls-only meetings, but when I asked what they were talking about there, all I got is that it¡¯s apparently a maidens¡¯ top secret??

    ?

    Then, passing through the Fake Dungeon, while also remodeling on the way, I intrude into the neighboring town. Stealthily jumping over the town wall is nothing for me, but since someone from Stalker Girl¡¯s clan was nearby, I had them guide us inside. And upon collecting information at the local Adventurers¡¯ Guild found out that quite a great number of adventurers challenged the Fake Dungeon and had a very bad time there, so by now, no one takes any quests for it. And here I went out of my way to add new traps. Such unmotivated adventurers. Well, with weapons and equipment destroyed or melted they must be deep in the red. In addition, there are even rumors that if you go there as a couple you will end up breaking up. Just what did those couples do after their clothes melted? Or rather, dungeons are not dating spots, you know? Makes sense they will get dumped after bringing a girlfriend to such a place! The dungeon did nothing wrong!?

    ?

    By the way, the current record holder almost managed to get through the pond of dissolving liquid, making three successful jumps on the rocks placed there but ended up slipping on the oil smeared on the third stone. It seems the people of this world just don¡¯t get how these things go? If you are required to jump through three platforms, there definitely will be some sort of a trap on the third one, right? Why do they fall for every little trick??

    ?

    And it seems the same goes for the local armed forces, who gave up, losing most of their weapons and armor. Can they still be considered armed forces if they have no arms? With nothing but clothes and wooden sticks, they would have matching equipment with me? Of which I¡¯m not happy at all, it¡¯s a bunch of middle-aged dudes anyway.?

    ?

    However, with pretty much the entirety of the population moving to the frontier the place is resembling a ghost town? Nothing but vacant houses, with almost no people on the streets, and since Stalker Girl¡¯s clan continues their effort of sending people who are interested in moving to the frontier, the decline in the population just doesn¡¯t stop. Well, since the frontier has a boom of labor shortage, of course, everyone will move there? It¡¯s only natural this place will lose in popularity, I mean, they have an orc for the lord??

    ?

    Because most of the stores are permanently closed, the wares are also scarce. I bought up everything even remotely notable, so there is nothing to do here. I just received an allowance, but I¡¯m completely broke again? I¡¯m probably about to get scolded again when I get back. Well, I can think about that when I return. Since a while ago, Slime-san, who turned small and was hiding inside the cloak, seems to be bored, continuously rustling around? I was really surprised when my lower half suddenly swelled up some moments ago! And for some reason Armored Pres-san was scared??

    ?

    ¡¸It seems that the sticky trap that I made won¡¯t see its turn? ¡ºBait them with a pitfall, and as they try to avoid it, jumping to the walls, a sticky trap¡», was such a marvelous idea, so I used it, but it looks like there won¡¯t be any challengers? I also tried that ¡ºPaint a monster on the ceiling, which will collapse if attacked¡», but compared to the sticky trap the impact is lacking?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Yeah, Slime-san also seems dissatisfied? As I thought, we need a tentacle monster there, but for now, it seems I¡¯m the only one around with tentacles? Were I to use tentacles to attack female adventurers, that had their clothes dissolved, it would become an incident, you know? And also, I¡¯m not a monster, okay??

    ?

    I made the basic check of the Fake Dungeon but it looks like it is maintained just fine, and all of the traps also function properly. It seems the manager golem is working diligently. As a reward let¡¯s load it with extra mana.?

    ?

    Royal envoys seem to be visiting a nearby town, but I don¡¯t think there is a need to check on them. I mean, the moment I simply thought about going to see them, as the leader of the delegation is supposed to be a female knight, I sensed such a sharp Flat Gaze on me that I felt it physically prickling me? Looks like Armored Pres-san¡¯s Flat Gaze is also improving day by day. Is the problem in the overlap of Female Knight archetype? Is it the precious ¡ºGuh¡­ Just kill me!¡» -type? All of the girls around me are¡ºGuh! I¡¯ll kill you!¡»-type, the nuance is quite different? And if they are going for a kill that ¡ºGuh!¡»is unnecessary, you know? Also, don¡¯t try to kill me just because I refuse to take extra orders? What kind of Oda Nobunaga-san are you!? Why can¡¯t you be Ieyasu-san? And also, president, stop with those Hideyoshi-like plans? At this rate, you¡¯ll make me cry before you¡¯ll make me sing? [1][2]?

    ?

    I don¡¯t want to miss that, but since the prickling doesn¡¯t stop, let¡¯s go back. No, who wouldn¡¯t be curious after hearing the words female knight? I mean, be it the miners¡¯ village or this town, I didn¡¯t meet anyone but middle-aged men today? There is just no room for any events flags to raise up? Or rather, if any flags with old men were to pop up I¡¯ll burn them to ash! I¡¯ll cry if that happens, you know? It seems this world is filled with tears. Okaay, the tingling hurts so let¡¯s go back.?

    ?

    ¡¸All that¡¯s left for today is to return, so how about taking a detour? If there is a village they might have some sort of ingredients, well, since I have no money I¡¯ll have to barter, but wheat or mushrooms seem to work in most of the cases? How about just making shrooms the currency already? I¡¯m the only one who can gather them as I please.¡¹?

    ?

    And since it¡¯s apparently is ¡ºJiggle Jiggle¡»and¡ºNod, Nod¡», we take a detour. However, I can¡¯t help but feel like I¡¯m just talking on my own, so please, do reply properly? You aren¡¯t wearing a helmet right now, right? Aren¡¯t you getting too influenced by Slime-san? Aren¡¯t you the senior here? Or Ex-Superior even??

    ?

    But Slime-san seems to have gotten better at fast travel? Even though it didn¡¯t level up or anything? Did it perhaps enter a growing phase? Is it going to eat even more from now on? As I thought, there is no avoiding the home industry. Avarice-san seems to have spent all of her allowance too. If I made that handkerchief it definitely would¡¯ve been cheaper than buying it at the general store, but I won¡¯t mention that. Everyone must be enjoying the shopping itself. I have to earn more!?

    ?

    The rest is way too short??

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Kukkoro (¥¯¥Ã¥³¥í), short for ¡°Guh¡­ just kill me!¡±, points to a popular cliche? A trope? of proud female knights that allegedly would rather choose death than the humiliation of defeat, with the phrase in question becoming signature.?

    ?

    [2] This is a reference to a famous Zen parable about a fictional account of a Zen master asking the three most powerful warlords of the Sengoku or Warring states period (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu) what they would do if a cuckoo didn¡¯t sing. It was a parable that illustrates the character of each of these three different types of leaders.

    Oda Nobunaga was known for his fierceness and cruelty and thus would answer, ¡°Kill it.¡±

    Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the most cunning and would therefore coyly say, ¡°Make it.¡±

    Tokugawa Ieyasu was the most diplomatic and patient so he would most likely say, ¡°Wait for it.¡±

    ]

 CH 171

    Chapter 171: As I thought, Halloween doesn¡¯t suit the other world.?

    ?

    Day 52 ¨C Daytime, Picnic.?

    ?

    Everyone is extremely energetic when Haruka-kun is around. But seem lonely when he leaves. Having friends around, we are fine, but everyone is hard-pressed. Haruka-kun is the only one with whom they can act spoiled, so they can¡¯t help but act spoiled with that Haruka-kun, who all on his own managed to survive, all on his own he fought his way through everything, all on his own he came to our rescue. That power makes them yearn, depending on it.?

    ?

    Separated from the parents and families that were spoiling them from childhood, they ended up overlapping those feelings on Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    ¡¸He went and left? Even though it¡¯s a day off? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. And he said that he also finished with the excavation.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Since he handed stockings to us in the morning, he was also working at night?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, he went there to dig more mithril because he is busy with upgrading equipment too?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaa~h. Today it¡¯s my robe¡¯s turn for a mithril upgrade~? It was too tight in the chest area~, so maybe I should ask to fix that as well~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh, really, what, a, nightmare.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun left to set new traps in the Fake Dungeon. Getting a day off he is off to do even more work, trying to take care of him we end up getting taken care of, and he isn¡¯t sleeping at all. All this time.?

    ?

    He is claiming that it is the effect of his titles, and that is probably true. But he stopped sleeping a long time ago.?

    ?

    Tonight he is probably going to spend the whole night working again, while grumbling how busy or sleepy he is. And when we are feeling down, and about to cry, he is going to say¡ºNew products? Come, my profits!¡», again, cheering us up.?

    ?

    And apparently, he barely ever sleeps.?

    ?

    Ever since he killed Tanaka-kun.?

    ?

    Ever since those two villages were destroyed.?

    ?

    He acts cheerful when everyone is smiling.?

    ?

    He also seems to be having fun fooling around with Oda-kun, Kakizaki-kun, and others.?

    ?

    Angelica-san and Slime-san are always staying by his side.?

    ?

    Time might be able to solve this.?

    ?

    But as time goes, the number of things Haruka-kun wants to protect is also growing. By now he is trying to protect even the frontier itself.?

    ?

    Haruka-kun, who lost one family member after another since he was just a child, can¡¯t endure someone else dying.?

    ?

    It¡¯s painful for him unless everyone is smiling, so he chose not to make friends at all.?

    ?

    These days he seems to be happy, surrounded by everyone, but because of that, he works extra hard to make everyone smile.?

    ?

    Unable to endure others dying, he ended up having to kill someone, and as a result, he reverted to the way he was when he lost the entire family.?

    ?

    He is torturing himself with reckless abandon, just like back then, trying to save everybody and solve everything.?

    ?

    It¡¯s good that Haruka-kun, who was all alone until now, managed to find something to protect, but he is willing to do anything to accomplish that, so he has no hesitation about throwing away his own life.?

    ?

    Even if it is something that can be fixed with time, there is not enough of that time. This world has too many things that can cost one their life.?

    ?

    The girls, who act spoiled with him as they did with their family, and Haruka-kun, for whom that overlaps with his own lost family, is driven too far to protect them.?

    ?

    There is probably no other way to resolve this but to become stronger and protect Haruka-kun, but there is too little time. Too much happened in just two months.?

    ?

    Most likely, when he returns to the inn, he again will go¡ºIt¡¯s dinner time~¡», trying to make everyone happy, while pretending that it¡¯s nothing but a bother.?

    ?

    And to avoid being thanked, he will try to paint himself as a bad guy, acting as if he is making a great profit from that.?

    ?

    He is adamantly against being thanked. He simply wouldn¡¯t permit that, telling himself that he is not deserving of gratitude, probably, still unable to forgive himself for his powerlessness.?

    ?

    So that must be why. He was able to prevail over everything despite his weak stats and skill. He is using all means necessary to protect what he wants, using every method available to continue struggling. He absolutely wouldn¡¯t forgive his own powerlessness.?

    ?

    It might be best not to allow him to fight any further, but if someone loses their life as a result, Haruka-kun will break.?

    ?

    But if Haruka-kun loses his life, then the girls will break, I will break.?

    ?

    ¡¸When he comes back we must pass a resolution to increase the amount of sweets. I wonder what¡¯s for the dinner?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I wonder what¡¯s the next new product? Let¡¯s ask Angelica-san to investigate!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Why is he fine with making stocking but can¡¯t make underwear?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I have to be able to protect them. That¡¯s why I have to get stronger, as Haruka-kun showed us. Being weaker than everyone, he still managed to save anything and everything.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to say, but for a while, equipment is going to take precedence. Mifrilification of everyone¡¯s equipment is the number one priority, got it? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Eeeeeh~? How cruel!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Slowly, but everyone is recovering. They aren¡¯t resigning to fate, they are beginning to resolve themselves.?

    ?

    Little by little they gain the resolution to live in this world. Because Haruka-kun managed to protect us, this time, we will protect him.?

    ?

    But I don¡¯t think this spoiledness will go away any time soon? These sweets and clothes are way too tempting!?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m baack. Sort of? Or rather, I¡¯m back for dinner? I found pumpkins in the village on the way back, so it¡¯s pumpkin festival? Trick or Trident!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome back. What are you going to make with these pumpkins?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why is the choice between getting pranked or stabbed? Being stabbed would make it just a combat? And also, if you go around distributing sweets while asking if it¡¯s alright to play a trick on them, you might get reported? Everything is just wrong, as always. In the first place, why ¡ºI¡¯m back¡»is followed by ¡ºSort of?¡»with a question mark? Couldn¡¯t you apply that question mark to ¡ºTrident!¡»and answer it yourself? He just can¡¯t wait to stab someone.?

    ?

    He is back. Everyone is in a huge uproar again, teased by the girls Haruka-kun is running around the place. He is the same Haruka-kun as always.?

    ?

    With the picnic over everyone is returning to the inn, walking through the town noisily and clamorously.?

    ?

    The pumpkin festival started when we got to the inn. Looks like he bought a whole load of them for mushrooms. Which means he spent all of the allowance. A lecture is in order.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Pumpkin pie~! A Pumpkin Festival~!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    He must¡¯ve heard everything from Angelica-san and is trying to cheer us up. After all, pumpkins are Vice President C-san¡¯s favorite.?

    ?

    Today we had fun shopping, as usual, Vice President C-san also was enjoying it, humming a song as she was going through clothes. Yes, humming a song.?

    ?

    A song about loved ones far away, she ended up humming it to herself. That¡¯s why I remembered them as well, I couldn¡¯t stop myself.?

    ?

    Others who heard it sobbed, enduring, holding the smiles as best as they could.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why this pumpkin festival happened, although he is trying to pass it as a coincidence,¡ºOne slice 500 Ere, ooh, my profits!¡», is what he is saying.?

    ?

    He must¡¯ve heard everything from Angelica-san, and went to search for pumpkins. Though he will never admit that in his stubborn pretense of evil. But this is certain, he is always the culprit, and always does it with full knowledge.?

    ?

    ¡¸There is also boiled pumpkin? I sort of think it doesn¡¯t go well with pumpkin pie, but I have it? Well, I was the one who made it, but don¡¯t blame me? I don¡¯t know anything about the complex antagonism of pumpkin pie and boiled pumpkin, okay? So I¡¯m innocent.¡¹?

    ?

    It was delicious, but we were unable to resolve the complex antagonism of pumpkin pie and boiled pumpkin. However, pumpkin chips were a huge hit! Pumpkin soup and pumpkin cake also were very popular and completely sold out. But according to Haruka, without cheese, cream, or mirin, or red wine, he is troubled with the menu. Even though everything is so delicious??

    ?

    Vice President C-san was eating boiled pumpkin with tears in her eyes.

 CH 172

    Chapter 172: For my scientific skill test I opted to use monsters since animal experiments would be too cruel, yet there are no monsters?

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Today I had another refreshing awakening followed by a sermon. I guess the 5th round was a bit too much? Or maybe the morning return match was an issue??

    ?

    And in the dining hall I received another sermon, from the girls. It looks like they found out that I had no money to pay for the inn and stayed on the tab. It seems the next payment from the Adventurers¡¯ Guild is going to be confiscated? But it¡¯s only been two days? I, again, won¡¯t be able to live like a rich man, well, the pres paid for my stay, and she is also managing everyone¡¯s finances, so I can¡¯t really complain? But even so, delicious meals are important, you know? Doesn¡¯t she always eat plenty every time? Or rather, is she going to be alright, eating so much pumpkin pie? Weight-wise? I¡¯m not going to actually say that though, that¡¯s too scary. No, I didn¡¯t think of anything? And I totally wasn¡¯t looking at the belly? Honestly??

    ?

    I happen to be on the run. No, wrong, I¡¯m just heading to a dungeon! Yes, no doubt! Let¡¯s go with that. I mean, she is basically looking over the finances of 30 people, so I can¡¯t argue with her? She is our great Ministry of Finances President? She¡¯d scold us if we spend too much even if it¡¯s on ingredients or materials? However, lecturing me after eating it with such pleasure is despotism, she probably learned that I bought up all of the extra pumpkins from the villages. But what can I do? I¡¯m at that age when one wants to make bulk purchases? And in the item bag they are safe and won¡¯t spoil? I mean, didn¡¯t she order to make extra pumpkin chips? But they have lots of calories? However, without her money management, most of the girls would¡¯ve gone bankrupt too? They are shopping too much? Aren¡¯t they just like me? How are they in a position to lecture me? Could it be that the rip-off price for multicolor goods was exposed from the pres¡¯ account book? Hmm, let¡¯s lower the price. But there is a very real labor cost involved? The person making all of that needs a very high salary? After all, he is penniless even with such ripoff prices? Let¡¯s quietly take all of the money from the weapon store. Actually, the income from the scythes doing deforestation is yet to be discovered! And a bit of profit coming from the Fake Dungeon is a secret too!?

    ?

    If I remember correctly, the dungeon scheduled for today was the one from which the athletic girls escaped on the 48th floor. The reason seems to be that enemies don¡¯t die no matter how much they hit them. So they are meatheads too, as I thought.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, here we go~¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod nod) (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    Today I also intend to run some experiments. Spatial Magic popped up, but I have no idea how to use it, so today, following a scientific method, I¡¯m going to use a highly technical method of wrapping it and clubbing monsters. Since it is a different skill from Teleportation, it should also produce some sort of a different effect. But wrapping myself in it is a bit scary, so for now I¡¯ll wrap it on the Staff, and then hit something. Running tests on animals would be cruel, so it¡¯s monster tests. I already learned my lesson on doing things without rehearsal with atomic disintegration.?

    ?

    I ran through the first floors, hitting things as I go, but was unable to spot any differences. No idea if it¡¯s because I can¡¯t properly wrap it, or because there is no actual effect.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to experiment, got it?¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod, nod) (Jiggle, Jiggle)?

    ?

    That¡¯s a good reply. But monsters are annihilated before I get to do any experiments? Eh? Could it be that we aren¡¯t communicating at all? But they come running at the first word about snacks or food? In the first place, Armored Pres-san does understand human speech, so she¡¯s definitely doing this on purpose? Is this a payback for the morning? Or perhaps payback for the previous night? No way, could it be that this is payback for that time when she just came out of the bath?!?

    ?

    As such, I charge towards the monsters. I won¡¯t get to land a single hit unless I hurry as much as I can.?

    ?

    It might be a problem if awkward attempts at slashing produced a Dimension Blade-like effect, so I stick to hitting. Looks like I returned to the origins, huh. One should not forget one¡¯s humble beginnings. I even screamed ¡ºHyaaha~!¡»just now. I wonder if that also counts as my origins? That¡¯s some unpleasant origins, let¡¯s forget them after all.?

    ?

    We make it to the middle floors in one go. Somehow, Slime-san seems to be getting stronger, or rather, something is different about the way it fights, or rather, it¡¯s somehow more smooth? Armored Pres-san never fought seriously until now, I probably haven¡¯t seen her make a serious effort until now, so I don¡¯t know her true strength or her limits. But now I don¡¯t get Slime-san either, and it¡¯s not because of the irregular fighting style or movements? It seems to have become something different. Although its true potential seems unfathomable, it is still far from fighting seriously, I can¡¯t help but see another Dungeon Emperor class individual here.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the experiment isn¡¯t progressing at all. I barely get to hit any mobs!?

    ?

    And isn¡¯t Armored Pres-san sort of trying to compete with Slime-san too? Aren¡¯t both of them going way too hard??

    ?

    And we are already on the 48th floor. The monsters from here on aren¡¯t culled, so it is a real middle floor. Not a place for tests or experiments. Real combat.?

    ?

    Or maybe not.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good job, but what about me? I just took a cool stance, and there are no enemies in sight anymore? Completely wiped out? What do I do with this stance? Isn¡¯t it pretty cool? Seriously?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle) (Shake, Shake)?

    ?

    Apparently ¨C no. Looks like the other world still can¡¯t comprehend the aesthetics of chuuni. The ineffectiveness of this stance is the good part, you know? Seriously??

    ?

    The¡ºGluttony Wraiths Lv 48¡», gluttonous ghosts, that the athletic girls ran away from, disappeared, getting no time for binge eating at all. Really disappearing. They just vanished from a simple stroke of Armored Pres-san sword, and the rest was devoured. Looks like Slime-san was the bigger big eater here. I wonder if they are tasty??

    ?

    The two of them seem so overly motivated today??

    ?

    Just what¡¯s going on??

    ?

    Are they worried about me or something? After the fight with the Sand Giant, I had a nosebleed, dizziness, and the need to make salisbury steaks on the way, so it had my head spinning. Is that why they are working so hard now? But it¡¯s alright, you know? Because today we aren¡¯t having any hamburgers? I wonder, what should I make today? They didn¡¯t have them in the morning, but maybe eggs already arrived? Let¡¯s check on the way back.?

    ?

    For now, we found¡ºDual Robe ¨C Int 50% Up, Dual Cast¡»on the 44th floor, and then¡ºAnklet of Magic Defence ¨C Magic Resistance Increase (Intermediate)¡»was in the hidden room of this floor. Not bad at all.?

    ?

    But the jackpot is definitely¡ºDual Robe ¨C InT 50% Up, Dual Cast¡», 50% buff to InT alone already makes it a great item, but it also has¡ºDual Cast¡». That must have the same effect as ¡ºParallel Thinking¡»that I used before. A single spell will be cast twice, any person with a caster-type job will want it. It will increase MP consumption rate, but it will also allow firing the spell in two different directions simultaneously, and a simple twofold increase in firepower is enough of an amazing enhancement.?

    ?

    I have a bad premonition? So yesterday I worked through the night to upgrade Vice President B-san¡¯s robe with mithril. And since she was saying that it¡¯s tight in the chest I also adjusted it. Adjusting equipment is not easy. I had to take new measurements for that, you know? It was pretty hard? The jiggle of these measurements was something else. Naturally, I got scolded after that.?

    ?

    But MP consumption with this¡ºDual Robe¡»is probably going to be quite heavy. Because although Parallel Casting provided me with high destructive power and rapid-fire capabilities, it was very inefficient in terms of mana consumption. It devoured tremendous amounts of MP when I went for all-out bombardments. And curiously enough, the one with the highest amount of MP seems to be Vice President B-san. Even though I¡¯ve never seen her use magic, she seems to be head and shoulders above others in that regard. Is it stored in her chest? Then she must have a colossal voooooooooooooolume! (Cough, Cough)?

    ?

    Aah, as I thought, this Flat Gaze is so calming.?

    ?

    And effects of¡ºAnklet of Magic Defence ¨C Magic Resistance Increase (Intermediate)¡»are more or less alright. But this is a huge discovery!?

    ?

    Until now, there wasn¡¯t a single anklet item! In other words, no one is wearing anything on their ankles, because we didn¡¯t encounter any items that can be equipped on ankles. See? Isn¡¯t it a huge discovery? And it has nothing to do with my tastes? Well, I¡¯m going to make them, though. Yeah, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m making such a fuss about this because of my tastes, even though it is? It¡¯s quite to my liking, so much so that I can hardly contain the desire to rip the armor off Armored Pres-san right this instant and put the anklet on those beautiful ankles of hers? I¡¯m not going to do that though, because I¡¯m sure things won¡¯t stop at just putting an anklet on her.?

    ?

    Well, that aside, having one extra equipment slot is extremely advantageous, you know? And since it is legs, a total of two items can be equipped? I prefer when an anklet is on one leg only, but sure enough, equipping them on both legs is possible, this is an amazing discovery! Every moment spent on making them is going to be worth it! This is something that concerns everyone¡¯s safety and can also boost combat potential. But most importantly, I must put those on Armored Pres-san! With my honor as a high school boy on the line, I will definitely put those on her! Her! Her! (In utter confusion)?

    ?

    Aaah, but I sort of really don¡¯t want to make any for the Geeks or the Idiots. I wonder if it would be alright to add chains with iron balls to anklets? That might suit them. I can even add striped clothes that the Geeks seem to like so much.?

    ?

    Aah, as I thought, this Flat Gaze calms my very soul.?

    ?

    We had an unexpected delay, but naturally, I don¡¯t regret it at all. Now, onwards to the 49th floor.?

    ?

    My level is still 21, so the 49th floor is a danger zone. We have to proceed slowly and carefully¡­ Or so I pretend and dash right in! Wha-! Slime-san, that¡¯s a false start! You went too early! And Armored Pres-san too, why are you using skills for fast movement even though I said that we must go slow? Why does no one listen to me despite being supposedly tamed? Which reminds me, I told ¡ºDemon Scythes¡»to deforest the area, but they are somehow leveling up. They are definitely hunting monsters for experience, aren¡¯t they? Why does no one listen to what I say? Are they ignoring the master? What¡¯s the point of such taming then? Paying for food expenses is all that the master gets to do??

    ?

    I dashed in, even wrapping the magic, but¡ºDark Panther Lv 49¡»already vanished into the darkness. Well, they did have skills to blend with the darkness, but the darkness with which they just blended is the one from which no one ever returns? I waited, maintaining the stance, hoping that maybe at least one would come out, but they remained in the darkness. Why do panthers capable of diving into shadows get cut and eaten along with those shadows? It¡¯s the second floor in the row when I do nothing except striking cool poses? This time I went for a bit of an exaggerated one, so holding it is pretty tough? My leg is about to cramp? AAAgh!?

    ?

    After having Armored Pres-san and Slime-san massage my legs, we proceed to the 50th floor. Being the only one who gets the massage feels a bit awkward, so I wanted to massage too, but she is in armor? Maybe I can somehow massage her by utilizing Spatial Magic? T-There was such an option! Looks like I am a genius after all, let¡¯s practice after we get back! I will definitely get through Space and that armor! Definitely!?

    ?

    And thus we reached the 50th floor, where the Floor Master awaits. I felt like I¡¯m not taking it seriously enough, but this is where the real fight begins. This time it certainly must be the case!?

    ?

    ¡¸There will be a boss fight on the 50th floor, so prepare yourself, like, seriously prepare yourself, prepare yourself so hard that it starts feeling good? Sort of? That¡¯s how hard you should prepare yourself? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    As a master, I have to properly give out instructions. Even though I¡¯m sure no one is going to listen, I still have to say that, okay? Or rather, don¡¯t leave me behind? Wait, I said, why are you leaving when I¡¯m talking? No, it¡¯s really important, you know??

    ?

    I¡¯m just talking about how one might prepare so well, that they feel good about what¡¯s gonna come? Are you listening? They aren¡¯t.?

    ?

    Yeah, let¡¯s go already. They aren¡¯t going to wait anyway.

 CH 173

    Chapter 173: Monsters were annihilated before they could bring photos?

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon, 50th Floors underground.?

    ?

    Aah~, this is that pattern again. This is hopeless, only the horse is left.?

    ?

    By now, the Floor Master of the 50th floor¡ºDullahan Lv 50¡»has already been cut to pieces and the said pieces are currently being cut into even smaller pieces. The head that it dropped was eaten by Slime-san.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the horse and I are staring at each other, taken aback by the situation. Ah! It ate the horse too! Damn it, I was careless, thinking that they¡¯d at least leave me the horse. That¡¯s right, there is no way the Avarice and Gluttony duo can show any lenience? I mean, it ate the horse the very moment I raised my weapon? It definitely was on purpose, wasn¡¯t it? There is a very real problem of the tamer being bullied. I¡¯m pretty sure if I go to a bullying counseling office, it will get eaten too? Bullying of anti-bullying centers.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well done, or rather, I¡¯m so salty about wanting to have something to do too, or rather, do anything at all, but not getting to do a thing, that I might as well express these feelings through a song? Dungeon Karaoke is about to begin? But if monsters were to start collapsing when I begin singing it would leave a deep wound on both my heart and Affection Rating, so I¡¯m not going to do that? Do tha~t? Sort o~f?? (Opera-like?)¡¹?

    ?

    I tried to sing. Kind of??

    ?

    Slime-san brought me the drop item and the magic stone. ¡ºBrought¡» sounds nice, but in reality, it spat them out before me. Are those leftovers? Does it have preferences when it comes to eating? Well, I¡¯m glad that it didn¡¯t eat them though. And so, it brought me the drops. Naturally, my song is completely ignored.?

    ?

    Looks like the drop is an armor, but Armored Pres-san seems to have no interest in it. Apparently, equipment from a mere 50th floor is not enough for her. But wasn¡¯t she a Dullahan before? Although it was her side job, and she was doing three at the same time. No attachment to her previous work, it seems. And no mercy too, it seems. She decided not to listen to my song, it seems. Can I cry??

    ?

    ¡¸This one seems quite deep? Well, the deeper they go the better the drop and items, but dungeon diving eats a lot of time, right? And yet we are yet to stumble upon a good property? Yesterday, the inn payment ultimately became a debt? And the new installment from the guild was confiscated too, while I managed to get all the money from the general store, it only made me a little rich. The road to a magnate is long.¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    While asking for life advice from Slime-san and getting consoled, we descend to the 51th floor.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san sticks to ignoring me. Is she angry? But why is she angry? There is such a mountainous mountain of reasons that determining the cause among them makes finding a specific grain of sand on a sand planet sound like a piece of cake, but if I were to guess, is it because she is still embarrassed about the fishnet bodysuit? Whoooooa!?

    ?

    ¡¸No! I wasn¡¯t recalling anything! Please sheathe your sword? Well, since it¡¯s a dungeon, you actually shouldn¡¯t, but please don¡¯t cut at me out of nowhere? Do you know that this is the actual reason why the level of my Teleportation keeps rising? I don¡¯t have any other options for evasion aside from teleportation left, so at least give me a warning before you slash at me? However, I don¡¯t like the idea of getting cut after being told that you are going to cut me as well! That being said, I didn¡¯t do anything? I mean, it¡¯s not like I was recalling anything, so I¡¯m innocent. ¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, I¡¯m guiltless. No matter how much you look at me with that flat gaze, my innocence is not going to change. After all, that image is burned into my eyes, so there wasn¡¯t a single moment when I forgot it, thus I was not remembering it! I am innocent! But maan, Rajingan is really convenient, it even has a permanent storage function.?

    ?

    So, as I thought, the return match after 5 rounds that followed that bodysuit was a problem? But please, consider the following, after Armored Pres-san went down, I spent the rest of the night lonely, working all by myself? And there, a back in fishnet bodysuit was inviting me? Even so, I endured the best I could until the morning, fighting with the worldly desires in a hurricane of passion! And then even the buttocks in fishnet bodysuit showed from under the covers! For a highschool boy the word impossible is nothing but a misprint! And then there are even omitted characters! At that point, I made up with Worldly Desires-san, found a mutual understanding, reached new heights by helping each other to better ourselves, and then charged in together! Because there was something truly marvelous! Tender voluptuous roundness, jiggling, captured by the net¡­ Whooua! As I said, at least warn me! I was concentrating so it was really close! I was about to get stabbed. Let¡¯s stab her back tonight. And this is a circle of desire and revenge, which gets repeated every night.?

    ?

    Despite acting all embarrassed, she was very much into it but were I to say this an inescapable slash will come my way, so let¡¯s keep silent. I can already feel her aiming at me from behind! What¡¯s really scary in dungeons are your own allies.?

    ?

    As usual, thanks to Space Perception and Map-san it doesn¡¯t feel like a dungeon exploration at all. Listening to others back at the inn makes it sound sort of fun and exciting? Like ¡ºThere was a dead end¡»or¡ºIt was so confusing with lots of three-forked paths¡»? And there I noticed, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san never get lost too? They are acting as if they have a map? Well, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising for those two to have the skill, but ¡ºDemon Scythes¡»also fly around the forest as if they are aware of the exact location of the cave? Is Map shared with everyone??

    ?

    What originally gave rise to those suspicions was ¡ºSwordmaster¡». I don¡¯t have any swordsmanship skills, and yet the title is Swordmaster? Isn¡¯t that weird? Well, I¡¯m cutting things, but even so? And the tamed silver knight has ¡ºSword God¡», and likely has the highest title of ¡ºHeaven¡¯s Sword¡». so it flowed back to me? Until now, I thought that it is the same as with the normal party, with only my experience points being shared with the tamed, but if they can see the map then it must mean that information is shared too? Then the skills are also shared??

    ?

    Regardless of how much I ponder on it, there is no way to check that. However, even when it comes to presence detection, the Bitches were the fastest to learn it, but Vibration Magic was learned pretty fast by everyone else too? Do the girls suffer from shoulder pains after all? But then why did a few people, that have absolutely nothing to cause them stiff shoulders, also raise Vibration Magic levels at an incredible speed? No matter how many times I ask they keep getting angry at me? There are too many puzzling things. But leaving puzzling things unsolved is a problem. My skills already have a previous record of hiding, bluffing, and then secretly coming out. I have to realize, suspect, and solve, or they won¡¯t emerge.?

    ?

    But if I were to start doubting, they all look suspicious. Since there are no decent skills, they all appear dodgy. I mean the predecessor of¡ºBody Control¡», which is likely an advanced subskill of body control, is ¡ºGymnastics¡»! Fooled by that I ended up doing radio gymnastics every morning! It was good for the health! Well, that¡¯s alright??

    ?

    But even ¡ºHealth¡»that stopped at level 9 is very suspicious. Falling to the lowest floors of the Great Dungeon and having countless fights with¡­ No, I don¡¯t remember actually fighting there, but encountering many monsters there I remained healthy. Encountering monsters, attacks of which I definitely would¡¯ve failed to resist with my level 10 because the Level Wall, I still was healthy. Taking ¡ºInstant Death¡» attacks of Whatever-kun, for which he fully calculated the probability, I still remained healthy. And I¡¯m the only one who is yet to get any poisoning since we came to this world? Well, since I¡¯m weak it would kill me if I get one, but I very healthily walked through the pollen or venomous secretions of Venom Moth Lv97 and Venom Crawler Lv96? Isn¡¯t that just too healthy? Is that the effect of doing radio gymnastics? Did those exercises work against poison??

    ?

    Everything is suspicious, so suspicious that I wonder if this is a plot by Christie-san or Ellery-san? And I definitely remember that old geezer (god) saying that one must understand the skills to fully utilize them. I have to comprehend their meaning and their path. The meaning of the souls that turned into those weird skills. I don¡¯t need souls of people cornered to the edge of the cliffs? I personally took a dive into a hole so I had enough of that? Were the development to get any hotter it might lead to atomic disintegration, so no thanks.?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, why can¡¯t I meet any monsters in a dungeon? There is nothing but magic stones? Is It Wrong to Try to Seek Monsters in a Dungeon? I think the dungeon without monsters is the wrong one though? I mean, that¡¯s just a cave, isn¡¯t it? Also, I don¡¯t need encounters with old men, okay? I already encountered enough of those, that¡¯s pretty much all I meet in this world! Such encounters are wrong! What will you do if one of them raises an event flag! Maybe it¡¯s better to cull them a bit? Flag-wise. ¡¹?

    ?

    No matter how deep you delve into thoughts, you will end up slowly walking through the place, that¡¯s the sort of tranquil dungeon this is. Is this an advertisement? Who¡¯s selling that? Why am I the only one who wasn¡¯t notified? Am I banned from inspecting it? Is it because I arbitrarily remodeled one of the previous properties??

    ?

    Since we reached floor 55 without any encounters, there is no floor master. Back in the Great Dungeon, there was a floor master every 5 floors from the 75th one. I also remember that boss floors were sort of easier than the regular ones, but maybe it was some kind of a bonus? Well, this one shouldn¡¯t have 100 floors, it doesn¡¯t have the same oppressive feeling like the Great Dungeon. And it probably doesn¡¯t have a cute girl on the lowest floor as well. No, wait, Armored Pres-san also was a skeleton at first? Hm? Before killing skeletons, should I investigate whether they are beauties or not? I don¡¯t think I can rely on their personal statements for that? Even if the surrounding skeletons are saying that they are very cute, one shouldn¡¯t be deceived! Those will call anyone cute! Photos from photo booths also shouldn¡¯t be trusted! It¡¯s an even more dangerous trap than edited photos! Well, I won¡¯t be tricked even if a skeleton were to bring a printed photo? I mean, they are all bones? Or rather, they get annihilated before they get a chance to get a photo? Looks like there are no encounters in dungeons after all? Encounter crushers are left running free after all. With all encounters killed, your master is bound to remain a loner forever, you know?

 CH 174

    Chapter 174: Slime-san¡¯s jiggling is cute, but Armored Pres-san¡¯s jiggle is exquisite?

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon, 59th floor underground.?

    ?

    It¡¯s deeper than I expected. I thought about introducing Slime-san to our cave house if we were done by noon, but it looks like the exploration is going to take a while. The chance to return to the forest cave seems quite hard to come by? It¡¯s a secret that I have a liquid soap developed specifically for bubble baths in the jacuzzi. For that curvaceous figure, that smooth skin, being covered in bubbles and¡­¡­ Crap! I feel a bloodthirst. Even though there are no monsters around!?

    ?

    ¡¸Wouldn¡¯t this place be perfect for the president and the others? While high level, the enemies aren¡¯t too strong and quite orthodoxal? Did I screw up? Was Slime-san actually a unique specimen? ¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod Nod, Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    As I thought, it looks like opponents here are easier, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san think so as well. But Armored Pres-san¡¯s replies are slimifying? They are kind of treated as one at this point? I wonder if eventually, she is going to start jiggling too? Well, she is already, every night, oh, that spectacular jiggle is¡­ She is raising her sword, so let¡¯s move on, she must be raring to fight monsters. Although she is pointing it at me.?

    ?

    But was it a waste after all? The dullahan, that kept repeating charging attacks, vanishing, and then reappearing to charge again, was strong, but the affinity was probably too bad. If anything, Dark Panthers of the 49th floor were more dangerous with their shadow walking, but if the shadows were erased with light magic, they¡¯ll end up as merely tough panthers. Not hard to beat at all. So in the end, I was too cautious, Slime-san was a special specimen, Sand Giant user the power of ¡ºTreasure of Monster Core¡», is that how it is? Reaching the 60th floor is not hard with 3 parties? However, from Lv50 the strength goes up a notch, one should only fight the enemies that one is assured to easily beat, if there is a possibility of defeat then one shouldn¡¯t fight. If there is a chance of something going wrong, then one should run back to the inn, lock the door, and pick up from the previous night! That is the correct technique! Speaking of technique, I suspect it¡¯s about time I end up acquiring ¡ºSexual Technique¡»skill! I¡¯ll probably get scolded if it ends up getting shared.?

    ?

    We keep getting great items from hidden rooms¡¯ chests. To be honest, they are so good that I¡¯d prefer to keep the dungeon alive and frequent it regularly? If it also had a suspicious establishment on the lower floors I¡¯d frequent it too! However, once opened, treasure chests from the hidden rooms don¡¯t get restocked. Or, at the very least, it takes more than a while, and dungeons that grew past 50 floors pose a serious danger of overflow. If, for example, Dark Panthers from the 49th floor went outside, fighting them at night would be way too dangerous.?

    ?

    However, isn¡¯t¡ºSpatial Cloak ¨C Evasion (Intermediate), Physical and Magic Attack Absorption, Storage¡» just amazing? I found it on the 57th floor, it¡¯s probably enchanted with spatial magic, which allows it to absorb spells and attacks, and it even has spatial-based evasion. I reeally want it, but it has ¡ºStorage¡», the color is black, but on the other side of that abyss-like jet black, there is a brilliant deep crimson, or rather, it¡¯s reversible? It¡¯s cool, so she definitely will want it. And it suits her too. I see! She didn¡¯t plunder anything lately, so that¡¯s why she was getting sulky. Ah, that explains why she slashes at me so much lately? That must be it, as I thought, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong after all. Let¡¯s present it to her, for tonight¡¯s sake.?

    ?

    ¡¸Here. This one will suit you better? It also has Storage, and it¡¯s reversible, so it¡¯s like two for the price of one? From the feel of the material this one also seems of a higher quality? Wait? From the feeling of the material, mine seems like the cheapest one? Are we in a stratified society? Well, this world has nobles, and it is feudal¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san strongly encouraged me to have it, but if I fuse it with my¡ºCloak?¡»it will end up as just a black cloak? The high-grade feel will be all wasted? However, trying on and comparing both high-grade jet-black cloak and my cheap black cloak, it somehow seems that only the cheap one suits me? Why is it? What does it mean? Does this world have something to tell me? No, wasn¡¯t it sort of like this even in the original world¡­??

    ?

    And so Armored Pres-san is boasting her new cloak before Slime-san. That¡¯s immature, you know??

    ?

    I can use the old¡ºMantle of Storage ¨C Item Storage, Evasion 10% UP, Magic Defence 10% UP, Slashing Resistance, Piercing Resistance, Blunt Damage Reduction¡»but it will probably be better to put it on auction for the classmates. It¡¯s hard to get items for everyone if you have as many as 30 people, and I also hoard most of the good stuff. ¡ºFaerie Ring ¨C Dazzle Effect (Intermediate), Evasion (Intermediate), SpE 20% Up¡»that I got the other day is more than enough, just today I evaded 17 slashes! Naturally, none of them were from monsters? The danger accompanying my ordinary life must be the reason why monsters can¡¯t hit me at all? There is no attack more dangerous than the strongest and the fastest embarrassment concealment of this world? I¡¯m extremely serious??

    ?

    And here is the 60th floor. Still not the last floor, it¡¯s deep, huh??

    ?

    A sudden lightning strike. Lightning can¡¯t be dodged, even if I read the future with Mind¡¯s Eye, I still won¡¯t make it in time. So I strike it. Well, I mean, if I know the course and the timing? Since the staff has ¡ºSpell Absorption¡», hitting with it solves the problem? In the first place, most of the problems in this world can be solved by hitting the problem until it stops being a problem? The trick is to keep hitting until it stops moving, okay? Look? ¡ºThunderbolt Bull Lv60¡»already stopped moving, so I must be right? On top of that, it is being eaten while mooing? Dona, Dona??

    ?

    A lightning-clad bull of giant stature, covered in thick dark red muscles, and possessing enormously long twisted horns, had its legs cut off by Armored Pres-san as it was charging at us while scattering lightning bolts around, caught by Slime-san, and passed away after being knocked on the head a few times.?

    ?

    Looks like Armored Pres-san really likes the new cloak after all. She is definitely trying to show off, making the cloak flutter around. I mean, she usually doesn¡¯t move like that? She is making lots of attacks involving pointless turning around? Even though that bull should¡¯ve been pretty tough? But it vanished just like that, crying moomoo? Was it tasty? That¡¯s nice, it will save me some food expenses.?

    ?

    And then there is the magic stone and the equipment that Slime-san spat out. Why would a bull carry items around?¡ºStone of Lightning Beast -¡¡Thunderbolt, Lightning (Greater), Magic Absorption¡», a stone? That bull had stones? So that¡¯s why it had so little screen time? Because it was ill? That¡¯s why it was there only for a split second? The first strong-looking magical beast-like monster that I¡¯ve seen in a while, but it turns out that it had stones? Get well? No, it¡¯s a bit too late for that, it was already devoured.?

    ?

    (Jiiiiiiiiiiigle, Jiiiiiiiiiiiiigle)?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh, you want this?! Isn¡¯t it dirty? Won¡¯t you get ill? I mean, won¡¯t stones cause a problem? You are a slime, so no way they would! So there is no issue! Your entire body is a liquid, so there are no worries about stones getting stuck anywhere!¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s healthy, it seems. But¡ºStone of Lightning Beast¡», is Slime-san considered a beast too? This only adds new questions, but since it seems happy, it¡¯s fine, I guess. Surely, when we first met, it was clad in electricity when it turned yellow and was trying to ram people, so the item should be of use to it. It also has Magic Absorption, so it might reduce food costs. However, it keeps going for tasty stuff, so there is a chance that this and that are treated differently. Even its size is under its full control, as it sometimes turns giant and sometimes small. The girls were giving it really envious looks, you know? They all eat way too much. Naturally, I¡¯m not going to say that, since it¡¯s too scary? Absolutely? I mean, it¡¯s seriously scary??

    ?

    ¡¸As I thought, this place is a big hit! A jackpot? A return to magnate? This will sell. It¡¯s auction time? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    It just keeps on giving. The hidden chests here tend to have amazing items. Maybe I should just remodel the first floor and settle there until it grows to 100 floors? Aah, but the arrangement of rooms was pretty inconvenient.?

    ?

    The chest on the 63rd floor had¡ºMorning Star of Weight Alteration ¨C Weight Alteration, PoW 30% Up, +ATT¡», finally, a new weapon. A morning star, everyone carries a lot of weapons, but no one has a morning star. And there is a good chance a regular high bidder, Shield Girl, might want it, so there is a hope it will be very profitable merchandise! Eh? Am I back to being a magnate? Am I? Let¡¯s hand out candies to the peasants when we get back. That is my Magnate Oblige!?

    ?

    I guess it¡¯s about time for Pudding-san. The issue here is that the supply of eggs increases only bit by bit. Does it require a large investment? I want to make ice cream too, you know? But first, pudding! This much I won¡¯t yield! I want to feed a nice jiggly pudding to Armored Pres-san and then jiggle jiggle with her all night! Yes, jiggle, and for that jiggle, two people are¡­ Daaah! No, wait! Not the morning star, okay? It¡¯s sort of difficult to dodge? Moreover, this attack just now was with the weight increased to the maximum? I mean, it cracked the floor, making a web-like pattern? It probably would¡¯ve cracked me the same way? It¡¯s really dangerous, okay?¡­ (Followed by a lecture)?

    ?

    I got scolded. But I received an important hint from this! Yes, a spider web! A spider web pattern! Alright, let¡¯s make web pattern stocking and tights! Then make a special web pattern full body fishnet suit and¡­ Whoooa! As I said, not the morning star? The timing to dodge this thing is really hard to grasp? ¡­Yes, I¡¯m sorry.?

    ?

    She got mad at me? Like, seriously mad? But how did she find out? Eh, could it be that this also gets shared? All of my fantasies? Yeah, that is bound to make her very angry. This is seriously bad, those are super outrageous adult images. Looks like sharing 18+ content with an eternal seventeen will get me in trouble. Not like I¡¯m going to stop though. Yeah, I¡¯m not.

 CH 175

    Chapter 175: It seems that heading off while apologizing is called running away in some places?

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon, 68th floor underground.?

    ?

    It feels vain to work hard and get nothing in return, you know? It does nothing to heal the wounds of my soul? Let¡¯s at least jiggle Slime-san¡­ I¡¯d like to jiggle Armored Pres-san, but it¡¯s life-threatening, so I¡¯d rather not. I mean, a mere thought is enough to fill the entire floor with bloodthirst??

    ?

    ¡¸Hmm, it¡¯s sort of meh? No, it¡¯s just that the items until now were too good? But finding something better than too good is the great and giant expectation from the lower floors? I¡¯ve never been to Tokyo Dome so I can¡¯t say how many Tokyo Dome¡¯s that expectation is, but my expectation was very big? I¡¯m sure Tokyo Dome is quite huge as well? Probably? No, I mean, I¡¯ve never been there, so how would I know? But, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    So meh, that I couldn¡¯t help but grumble aloud. I mean, enemies of the 68th floor were very formidable! The very staple of formidable enemies, ¡ºDoppelganger Lv 68¡»! Since they looked the same and had the same strength they were extremely tough! That has to be the case. I mean, There were numerous doppels that looked just like Armored Pres-san? Isn¡¯t that unbeatable? isn¡¯t that amazing? Yeah, they died in one swing though? Extremely tough enemies of the same strength died with just one swing of her sword? And here I was getting excited all on my own? Saying¡ºWhooa, no way! Doppelgangers?!¡», and getting all hyped up??

    ?

    And when I checked if Slime-san is alright, it was busy with a meal. Well, the doppels did their best, you know? Like, they tried really hard to ¡ºMimicry¡»? But how do you mimic something with an irregular form like Slime-san? And while they were busy, doing their utmost to adapt, they got eaten. The doppels didn¡¯t get even one chance? Were they tasty??

    ?

    Meanwhile, I¡¯m¡­.?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t screw with me, Don¡¯t screw with me, Don¡¯t screw with me, Don¡¯t screw with me, Don¡¯t screw with me, Don¡¯t screw with me! Haah, haah, haaah.¡¹?

    ?

    Surrounded by people in black robes that were supposed to look exactly like me, but for some reason have incredibly wicked and fiendish eyes akin to the very depths of the abyss itself. Who the hell is that! There is no such a person! If there was such a person walking around, all of the passersby would be getting heart attacks! How can it be? I definitely don¡¯t have such a look? This is just too cruel! I mean, it¡¯s not even human eyes! That¡¯s not how I look, right? Such eyes are too much? Having such eyes will forever prevent one from making any friends, you know? Wait, I don¡¯t have any, don¡¯t I?! Yeah, that reminds me, I¡¯m a loner. No, that¡¯s not true? That¡¯s definitely wrong. Really? It¡¯s really not like this? Like, seriously??

    ?

    For some reason, there is someone patting me on the back? Slime-san is also nearby? Did they prepare for this? Ah, then, I¡¯ll be in your care. (Pat, Pat, Pat, Pat, Pat, Pat¡­)?

    ?

    And despite going through such a nightmare, all I got from the treasure chest was ¡ºEstoc of Destruction ¨C PoW SpE DeX 30% Up, Weapon and Equipment Destruction¡»the potential is good, 30% buff to three stats. However, the effect of destroying weapons and equipment is really dubious? After all, most of the monsters are comrades of Nudist Girl, strolling around completely naked? No equipment on them at all. Well, in that respect, Nudist Girl is wearing equipment, she just takes it off? Well, anyway, it¡¯s questionable. And what makes it even more questionable is that it is an estoc, a thin sword made almost exclusively for stabbing. A thrusting sword meant to attack gaps in defenses, an antipersonnel weapon unfit for blocking or cutting? And speaking of antipersonnel, the geeks are probably the only people around asking to be stabbed? Well, since it¡¯s a rare opportunity I might as well use it on them when I get back.?

    ?

    If the effect was ¡ºClothes Destruction¡»I might¡¯ve wanted it, how regrettable, however, all of my antipersonnel fights until now were against middle-aged men? It would¡¯ve gotten very bad if their clothes ended up destroyed? For me? Assured destruction of my mind? Just why on earth do I have to fight naked middle-aged men? It¡¯s a fantasy world, so why is it swarming with middle-aged dudes? Teleported to another world but every character is a middle-aged man? It¡¯s fine to just destroy such a world without bothering teleportation, you know? Yeah, total annihilation works just fine? Should I go for it??

    ?

    ¡¸Aagh~ it pisses me off! What the hell are those repulsive eyes that look like pits to the void? Such a person doesn¡¯t exist! If he did, he would be wearing eyepatches over both eyes! But that¡¯s a blindfold! Hmmm, a blindfold play¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing, so don¡¯t even think about stabbing me? Also, with the morning star in the right hand and the estoc in the left hand evasion is impossible, you know? Like, literally not possible? Don¡¯t even try? Seriously. I¡¯m not kidding or pretending? So please, spare me from this!¡¹?

    ?

    I tried to apologize. It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m good at apologizing! I mean, that¡¯s what I pretty much always do! I¡¯m so good that I end up abusing it, apologizing even for misunderstandings? I¡¯m quite serious??

    ?

    Gracefully evading all of the continuous stabs I proceed to the 69th floor, while apologizing. In some regions, such behavior is apparently called ¡ºrunning away¡», but by no means that is true, I¡¯m pressing forward, running ahead if you will! Onwards to glory at full speed! I have to, or I¡¯ll be in real trouble! I mean, can I be blamed for this? Turns out, the impact of yesterday¡¯s full-body fishnet suit turned out to be a hazardous mix with a high school boy! Really dangerous? Absolutely not to be mixed together? Oh yeah, if we take that, and add a blindfold play to the mix, it will become even riskier and stirring! eh, Guaah! (Undergoing medical treatment)?

    ?

    That time I thought I was about to get stabbed, but it turned out to be an iron ball? It really hurt, you know? I got blown away, even though it only grazed me? And I even negated the attack with the left Gauntlet of Contradiction? So it was an item for protection from Armored Pres-san¡¯s attacks? I see! Come to think of it, all of the items that I found in the Great Dungeon were meant for fighting Armored Pres-san, so there is nothing wrong, that is the correct approach? It hurts, you know? Is she going to keep attacking me? Then, I¡¯ll counterattack tonight! We are doing this every day, but it¡¯s a counterattack anyway! I¡¯m going to mix them all! And then I¡¯m going to¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing? Now, let¡¯s go? Our fight has just begun? Sort of??

    ?

    Wrap and slash. Wrap the magic in one breath, step forward, and by the time the step is completed, slash, I mean, Kyojitsu is the only thing I can use? After all, monsters close to level 70 refuse to roll over and die after taking a few hits? Oh, again doing nothing but that, well, that¡¯s the only thing I can use? Actually, since I got level 20, I can now use ¡ºSlash¡», I actually can, you know? I also should be able to use that Whatever Stab or something weapon skill as well, but I can¡¯t remember the name? It won¡¯t activate unless I declare the attack, but I don¡¯t know the name, so I can¡¯t activate it, but it can be used too? Well, it can¡¯t be used though? But not because of that? I can use Weapon Skills, but I can¡¯t use them? No, wrong, I can use them. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ll die if I try? But I can use them??

    ?

    I can¡¯t use Weapon Skills. I can activate them, but I can¡¯t activate them??

    ?

    No, that¡¯s the same as before! Eehm, upon the use of Weapon Skills, the user¡¯s body moves on its own. Weapon Skills would forcibly move it, preventing one from making any other movement, and for a moment, the user will freeze in place. Weapon Skills are basically meant for exchanging hits with the opponents, but if taking one hit is all that it takes one to die, they are too dangerous to be used. So I can¡¯t use them, I¡¯ll die if I do. I seriously can¡¯t be using them!?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I step forward as I dodge the incoming attack and at the same time, finish a cut.?

    ?

    After all, that¡¯s the only thing I can do, I have to kill my opponent with this first, or I¡¯ll be the one to get killed.?

    ?

    Therefore, I advance, swinging the staff, step by step.?

    ?

    Since it¡¯s the only thing I can do, I stick to it, since I¡¯ll be killed unless I kill first, I keep at it.?

    ?

    A step, followed by another step, I keep on killing. Omitting, chipping off all of the unnecessary motions, precisely, accurately.?

    ?

    Since this is the only thing I can do, I perfect it, one step at a time, I press forward. Because stopping will mean death.?

    ?

    ¡¸We are done? At level 69 things get quite scary, their stats were near 700? Twice as fast, strong, and sturdy as me? And on top of that, they are monsters, isn¡¯t that crazy? Monsters are stronger than humans with the same stats, you know? Since humans are frail to begin with? Moreover, ¡ºFlame Cougar¡»is too much! Fights between cougars and humans don¡¯t happen, okay? That¡¯s just a human being attacked. And yet they are burning and also have twice my stats? How am I supposed to fight that? If they were burning cute and twice as soothing, it would be another story? Yeah, let¡¯s post posters for that!¡¹?

    ?

    I wonder if healing-type monsters will see the posters? As of now, the only source of solace is Slime-san? What¡¯s left is the girls, the scythes, and the rocks? I think finding emotional support with scythes or rocks might be a problem? A highschool boy smiling while gently stroking a scythe would look nothing short of insane to others? This leaves only Armored Pres-san, but she is in charge of the other sort of consolation, and she is doing quite well at it¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing? Now, everyone, let us move forward? (Stick)?

    ?

    As expected, or maybe it should be said, naturally, but the lower floors are tough. ¡ºFlame Cougar Lv69¡»were big burning cougars, possessing extraordinary speed and agility, they exploited their powerful muscles in their attacks with sharp claws and teeth to the fullest. Yup, they are strong but compared to the person staring at me from behind while spinning the morning star, they are much more manageable? It keeps making that whooshing noise with every spin? Did she like it that much? No, I¡¯m really not thinking of anything! Really! Only a tiny bit? No, I meant, isn¡¯t lotion a fine addition too? To the fishnet suit? There is a blindfold as well? Yup, I already made it. When did I manage??

    ?

    (Jiggle! Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Yes. Yes, I¡¯m coming right away, yes, I¡¯m sorry. It got mad too? Eh? Just where is my heart¡¯s solace? Is it somewhere in the cliffs? Let¡¯s try petting rocks next time, I wonder if it will soothe me?

 CH 176

    Chapter 176: Shopkeeper¡¯s girl days ended a veeery long time a¡­¡­No, it¡¯s nothing!?

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    He got away. As I thought, he was throwing money to the wind again. Even though it is obvious that it will be exposed since Angelica-san is with him. Or rather, we are staying in the same inn, isn¡¯t it obvious that we will instantly learn that he hadn¡¯t paid for the stay??

    ?

    He found a village, but it seemed like pumpkins were the only thing they had, all other crops died from a disease. And he again bought up everything, including even their future harvests, he reserved and bought it all¡­ Going for forward trading in another world, just what is he thinking! Making deals on trust in a village that he¡¯s visiting for the first time. Using a large amount of wheat, mushrooms for medical use, and various different foodstuffs in addition to all the money he had on hand, he made an advance order for pumpkins for who knows how many years ahead. And that¡¯s why he had nothing to pay for the inn, coming back without a penny again.?

    ?

    How many villages does that make already? It went over a two-digit number a long time ago. He keeps doing absurd things without any thought, but I can¡¯t get angry at him, after all, that village had nothing to eat aside from pumpkins as well. It seems they were as poor as that potato village, lacking even basic remedies. And the same goes for that village with nothing but cabbage, there is no circulation of goods, so many villages end up poor and desolate, then he buys up goods in large quantities, parting with enormous amounts of money each time. And another reason why I can¡¯t get angry with him is that it brings enormous profits. Haruka-kun¡¯s bulk purchases are beginning to create goods circulation centered around the general store. But even that enormous profit all ends up being used as well, just as the local lord worried. He is trying to enrich the frontier on his own. That¡¯s why he remains broke. He again was staying on the tab! He wanted to avoid confiscation, so he tried to keep it a secret, how come he gets millions of ere every day, but can¡¯t find 10,000 ere to pay for the inn? It¡¯s a special price for all 3 of them? And yet the recidivist did it again, that¡¯s why I have to confiscate his money for safekeeping¡­ He works so hard, and yet never has any cash on hand.?

    ?

    At first, I was collecting 20% of everyone¡¯s profits from magic stones selling to cover for living expenses and emergency funds. Then, Vice Pres B-san, Vice Pres C-san, and Haruka-kun went bankrupt. On the very first day.?

    ?

    So for the three of them, it was raised to 30%. Even so, on the next day, Vice Pres B-san and Haruka-kun went bankrupt. They didn¡¯t learn their lesson. So it became 40%.?

    ?

    After that, every single day, without exception, Haruka-kun comes back completely broke. I keep confiscating money from him when I find that he is concealing his income, but he keeps repeating it over and over.?

    ?

    Food expenses are covered for everyone equally, but deserts are sold separately by Haruka-kun, then, he also sells clothes, weapons, and armor, most likely, all of the money earned by the girls flow to Haruka-kun, after all, even the general store is Haruka-kun¡¯s source of income too.?

    ?

    The boys are getting ripped off quite mercilessly as well, according to the information from the Stalker Girl, striped kneesocks were sold to them at 10 times increased price. What are you doing, Oda-kun!?

    ?

    He is receiving a terrific sum every morning. Taking even dungeons alone, since he is faring ahead of everyone, he should be earning several million daily at the very least¡­ And on the days of the auction, it is very possible that another zero is added to the end of that¡­ And yet, he is broke.?

    ?

    He comes back broke every day and pays for the inn either with morning allowance or with confiscated funds. He also seems to pay through barter from time to time. Just what is a ¡ºBucket Pay¡»??

    ?

    Earning big he spends even bigger, a colossal profit is followed by infinite spending.?

    ?

    He probably buys up a lot of other stuff as well. The weapon store must have a similar situation as well. It suddenly became so large after all. But he uses up even that.?

    ?

    After all, the frontier is vast, and until very recently it was also very poor. So even though there is no way it could get rich and wealthy overnight, it became so.?

    ?

    Looking through the account book, one way or another, all of the girls¡¯ earnings are flowing to Haruka-kun. A natural result since he currently holds the monopoly on clothes and good food. To be frank, by now, our earnings are also reaching an enormous sum, after all, we are diving up to the middle floors of the dungeons, which no one else can reach. And yet, even that is not enough, he probably didn¡¯t buy anything for his own sake.?

    ?

    When someone is feeling down, he gets delicious food ready, if there is a village in trouble, he doesn¡¯t mind spending all of the money he has on hand. If someone is sad, brand new clothes will pop out, if the town where he went to buy fabric for that was in trouble, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to invest his entire fortune again. No matter how much he profits, he remains without a penny. No matter how hard he works, there is no way that will be enough, the frontier is too big and its population is too numerous for that¡­ Although it¡¯s being enriched at an amazing pace, there is no way its effect will instantly reach every corner of the region, but that is not something he should shoulder all on his own! That definitely will crush a person.?

    ?

    The money I confiscated from Haruka-kun is slowly accumulating, but if I were to give it back to him, he¡¯ll spend it all in an instant. Including the funds that should cover his food expenses and the inn.?

    ?

    Well, he probably carries enough foodstuff to last him a lifetime, and if he goes back to the cavern there is no need to pay for the inn. That¡¯s what he¡¯s probably thinking, he doesn¡¯t care about money at all! He simply keeps scattering it. As soon as he sees something he wants he throws it to the wind.?

    ?

    And he doesn¡¯t care no matter how much we scold him.?

    ?

    Were he to find a poor village or someone secretly crying he probably would do the same thing again. He won¡¯t skimp on money or hard effort to fix that. Is he planning to forgo sleep until all of the girls stop crying and the entire frontier becomes wealthy? Is that what he is planning to do? That definitely will ruin his health! There is no way that can be good for him? But no matter how much I tell him off, he just ignores it.?

    ?

    And in the end, he will go¡ºI did nothing wrong?¡», refusing to listen. We know that! Everybody knows that! As much as he can keep pretending, saying stuff like¡ºRipped them off¡»or¡ºProfits¡», everyone knows it anyway? That there is nothing wrong with what he is doing. But why does he keep saving and helping everyone and everything but neglecting himself like that? Why is that??

    ?

    We are fine, it doesn¡¯t matter if we spend all our money to buy clothes and delicious food from Haruka-kun. We are paying to Haruka-kun after all, and even if we spend all of the money we got from the dungeons, we still gain levels from that. That is the greatest asset of any adventurer. It allows one to earn even more. So that¡¯s fine¡­ it is? Wait, aren¡¯t we spending too much??

    ?

    But Haruka-kun¡¯s level barely grew at all, he didn¡¯t even become an adventurer. Even after fighting so recklessly he barely reached level 20, so registering as an adventurer is possible. But since he can¡¯t join a party, he won¡¯t be able to take up commissions. In truth, he doesn¡¯t actually even have the permission to enter dungeons.?

    ?

    And yet, he doesn¡¯t have a single coin left from the vast fortune he earned from dungeons and the Evil Forest. Even though he doesn¡¯t enjoy the benefit of raising his level from that.?

    ?

    He is continuing deforestation of the Evil Forest for the sake of the frontier. However, that should also mean destroying his greatest source of income, mushrooms. After that, he really won¡¯t have anything left. And yet, he doesn¡¯t stock up on anything.?

    ?

    In fact, the girls have no goal and no objective. The only reason why we keep diving into dangerous dungeons and earnestly raising levels is to become stronger and make money. Haruka-kun is trying to make everyone raise their levels out of consideration for their safety, but that is nothing but a bonus. Everyone is working hard to get stronger and earn more, because everyone is full of intentions to provide? Nothing has changed since the time in the cave, everyone wants to support him, even if it will end up giving him the title of ¡ºKept Man¡». We want to repay the kindness we received.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s still going to take a while, it¡¯s going to take a very long time to exceed level 100 and get strong enough to protect Haruka-kun. There will be a lot of time needed even until the frontier can become truly wealthy, the lord and his associates are desperately doing their best for that too! Everyone is working hard to not burden Haruka-kun any further, but no matter how much they rush, they can¡¯t catch up. They can¡¯t keep up with his terrific speed, vast budget, and explosive production ability.?

    ?

    After all, internal administration and finance of the entire domain can¡¯t catch up with the home industry and bulk purchases of one person. Even taking the whole revenue of the domain, it still completely loses in the budget by comparison. The financial scale is so different that there is no hope of catching up, and the administration can¡¯t keep up with an abnormal development speed.?

    ?

    Quoting Oda-kun¡ºHaruka-kun is basically a one-man nation? His military power, and production and trading capabilities long since exceeded an individual level?¡», like it doesn¡¯t concern him at all, even so, he made a ship and is preparing for something.?

    ?

    And Kakizaki-kun said¡ºChasing after Haruka-kun is useless, you¡¯ll end up tripping, better just pull him back¡», despite spending all his time on combat training.?

    ?

    The girls are attempting crafting via alchemy and sorcery, but for now, a handkerchief is the best they can manage, mass production is a pipe dream. However, lately, a textile workshop, or rather, a factory, seems to have popped up? Who? Who was that person that started an industrial revolution as they pleased??

    ?

    The general store¡¯s lady and Haruka-kun are way too dangerous of a duo, after all, they are much too similar.?

    ?

    This is the story I heard from the local lord.?

    ?

    ¡¸A long time ago, there was a sickly girl in this town, prone to illness and with a poor family she spent most of her time confined to bed.?

    ?

    But she was saved by a band of adventurers that brought mushrooms. The family couldn¡¯t possibly pay them, but the party gave them expensive mushrooms, saying that she can pay back when she gets ahead in life.?

    ?

    And so, the girl recovered and did all sorts of things in order to become able to pay them back.?

    ?

    She performed grueling training, as if to torment her frail body on purpose, and sought knowledge like she was possessed.?

    ?

    And became an adventurer. Saying that she wanted to be of help to the people that saved her, that it¡¯s now her turn to save someone.?

    ?

    Then, the girl joined the party that saved her and quickly began distinguishing herself.?

    ?

    Gathering mushrooms in the dangerous Evil Forest, she handed them out to the poor.?

    ?

    Then, one day, that party was wiped out.?

    ?

    That girl was the only one who survived.?

    ?

    She was only accidentally found and rescued at the edge of the forest by another party of adventurers, unconscious and more dead than alive.?

    ?

    No one else returned.?

    ?

    To save that girl, the people to whom she handed out the mushrooms gathered the little mushrooms that they still had.?

    ?

    And she barely managed to regain consciousness.?

    ?

    By then, the people that brought their last remaining mushrooms to her, were already dead.?

    ?

    Using the last mushrooms the town still had to save the girl, the town was left without any.?

    ?

    She trained as if to torture the body that was yet to fully recover, and like she was crazed, began dangerous peddling.?

    ?

    Selling all of her equipment, she used the money she got to open a small store, starting a business.?

    ?

    And handed out food and medicine to the poor.?

    ?

    And even after becoming impaired, she continued training, as if to be able to go into the Evil Forest again, even with a body that can no longer move freely.?

    ?

    Even though everyone was trying to stop her, she ignored it all and continued with preparations, gathering equipment. By then, she wasn¡¯t a girl anymore.?

    ?

    She couldn¡¯t tolerate getting saved over and over and yet saving no one in turn. She was unable to forgive herself for that.?

    ?

    Then, one day, a black-haired boy visited her store.?

    ?

    The boy with mushrooms appeared in front of her.?

    ?

    She ended up meeting him.?

    ?

    The boy with such a colossal volume of mushrooms she has never seen before in her entire life.?

    ?

    And she bought mushrooms from him, using up all of the money she had. A vast volume of mushrooms, seemingly enough to save all of the townsfolk or even the entire frontier.?

    ?

    And then, that boy apparently said. ¡ºIf you hand them out that¡¯s it, you know? But if you can properly bring profit, I can give you even a hundredfold this many shrooms.¡»?

    ?

    There was no lie to these words. Handing profits to him every day, she received even more mushrooms after that. So many mushrooms, that there was no hope to pay for them all no matter how much she earned.?

    ?

    And, the girl, that long since turned into a woman by now, once again sold her equipment. She no longer had any need for it.?

    ?

    She finally managed to save someone, she finally was able to compensate for the favors she received. She finally didn¡¯t need it anymore.?

    ?

    And that lady is still working like crazy for the sake of profits, and still keeps sharing with the poor.¡¹?

    ?

    That lady is the general store¡¯s shopkeeper.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why the duo of her and Haruka-kun is so dangerous, they have too much in common.?

    ?

    A person that can¡¯t tolerate not saving everyone and the person who can¡¯t calm down unless everyone is smiling have met each other.?

    ?

    That lady must be broke as well. That is obvious without asking. She has become the manager of the biggest trading company in this town, no, possibly, in the entire country.?

    ?

    But she is definitely broke. I mean, she orders food from Haruka-kun on the tab every day. They are way too similar.?

    ?

    And the local lord who is so earnestly worried about them is also suspicious¡­ He is supposed to be the count of the frontier, but there is not a shred of gaudiness about him.?

    ?

    He isn¡¯t just down to earth and sincere, going that far it should be called simple and frugal. And that onslaught of problematic statements like ¡ºEven if it costs my life¡»or¡ºWith my life at stake¡», really bothers me. However, he also comes from the noble house that has almost a tradition for the successive heads of the family to be killed by monsters in the evil forest¡­ So he also has too much in common, making it dangerous as well!?

    ?

    But, the people of the count¡¯s household aren¡¯t leaving his side even for a moment, bent on protecting him.?

    ?

    And all of the townsfolk were trying to stop the general store¡¯s shopkeeper.?

    ?

    So today, we are heading off again, to become stronger as well. Strong enough to protect and keep Haruka-kun in check. Strong enough to stay by his side.?

    ?

    We probably will end up getting spoiled by him again, but we certainly will catch up to him. And eventually, overtake him as well.?

    ?

    If we get strong enough to surpass him, we will be able to protect Haruka-kun and provide for him! We made a promise with Angelica-san, and she also promised that she will definitely protect him until then.?

    ?

    So today we are exploring dungeons again. Earn a whole lot and have Haruka-kun make clothes and sweets. And eventually, get him to completely devote himself to the safe role of full-time househusband! If we can gain enough power to protect him and make him happy, there will be no reason for him to fight anymore.?

    ?

    The question is, what will happen first, will we become able to provide for Haruka-kun first, or will we have to sell ourselves to him for our debts¡­ The most dangerous thing is getting Tamed! Everyone is actually checking for it every morning. After all, Angelica-san and Slime-san seem to be very happy, so everyone is a bit envious of that. We have to get stronger to wake up from the dreamlike days and properly face reality. That is my real dream.

 CH 177

    Chapter 177: No idea who that was, but it must¡¯ve been some spellcaster with common sense.?

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Evening, the White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    The lowest floor of the dungeon held mortal danger, that peril and horror had to be properly explained during the dinner meeting. Because it was that scary.?

    ?

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san is really scary! And Morningstar-san was crazy! I was running for my life, desperately evading, and frantically teleporting, you know? And then, the Dungeon Master-san got caught up in that, and became a casualty! Combining Armored Pres-san and a morning star leads to enormous damage! The passing-by dungeon master, who accidentally happened to be on the lowest floor, got caught up? And passed away? Yeah, I was about to appraise it, but it already became a magic stone? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Why is it? Flat Gazes are coming at me from everywhere??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm? So while you were having a lovers¡¯ quarrel, the passing-by dungeon master, who accidentally happened to be on the lowest floor, got caught up?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerr? I¡¯m pretty sure dungeon masters always stay on the lowest floor, without passing by? So there is nothing accidental about that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. More like, isn¡¯t the fact that a passing-by dumb couple¡¯s quarrel was dangerous enough to instakill a dungeon master the main danger here?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That, and ¡ºPassed away?¡», you are the culprit, that was the original objective. Don¡¯t tell me that you went there only to mess with each other?¡¹?

    ?

    Just why is it? Is this some sort of Flat Gaze Armageddon??

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? I fought with my life at stake, you know? With the steel ball that was coming at me with a thunderous roar? Running around with instantaneous movement and clones was really tough, you heard that? Yeah, I did say that. And since I said it, that¡¯s definitely what happened? For real? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In other words, there was a dungeon master on the 70 floor, but it passed away from an unfortunate accident, so you have no idea what it was? This again?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Or rather, they went from the 50th floor to the 70th in one day and killed the dungeon master? A dungeon dying from the metal ball play of a stupid couple?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. Another one dead, moreover, they went specifically to kill the dungeon, but the dungeon master became collateral damage.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yu~p. The dungeon master probably~ was about to say~¡ºExplode~ you normies¡», but got exploded instead~.¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, the dungeon spanned 70 floors. Aside from the dungeon master it had two floor masters, and 70 floors worth of monsters. Overflow from such a dungeon would¡¯ve been ruinous, the frontier would¡¯ve been completely destroyed before the monsters could be fully exterminated.?

    ?

    While stampedes from the Evil Forest occasionally happen, they usually have a small scale. Apparently, an orc king is considered a huge disaster, let¡¯s keep it a secret that in the depths there was also a goblin emperor.?

    ?

    And dungeon overflow is an extremely rare event. But when it happens, the entire region is obliterated. And the great dungeon would have destroyed the entire continent. The duo of ex-biggest suspects for that is nodding along as if it has nothing to do with them, but let¡¯s not mention that as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸No idea who it was, but since the drop was¡ºRare Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 30% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Intermediate), Mana Control Increase¡», it probably was a person with some sort of magic-related job? It probably was casting spells with this staff, I mean, monsters, unexpectedly, have common sense? A lot more than a certain someone swinging that giant thing around?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aah, a spellcaster can¡¯t survive a direct hit from a morning star, even being a Lv70 dungeon master.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The loot this time,¡ºRare Treant Cane¡», seems to be the lower rank version of¡ºElder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Mana Control Increase¡», it¡¯s pretty good for a drop from a level 70 enemy, but after the comparison, it doesn¡¯t look as good, even so, it¡¯s a great find, you know? ¡ºElder Treant Cane¡»is just too good, additional evidence of how incredible the Great Dungeon was. I¡¯m pretty sure even a tank wouldn¡¯t be able to survive a hit with a steel ball from someone who was the dungeon emperor of such an incredible place. Speaking of incredible, the same can be said about her figure as well? It¡¯s so incredible that I always end up overdoing it??

    ?

    ¡¸Now. The Magnate-sama is going to give handouts to the poor pleb masses of riffraff students, sort of? Or rather, it¡¯s pudding? It might be my Rich Man Oblige, but it¡¯s a limited charity event, one portion per person only? Any additional pudding is 1,000 ere per serving? It¡¯s a secret that by eating your second portion you make the magnate even richer? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸PUDDING! Or rather, we aren¡¯t masses, we have names! When are you going to remember them!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Just in case, I made 180 portions. Three extra-large portions are meant for Slime-san, who is now jiggling together with it? Did they reach a mutual understanding? Deepening bonds far beyond those of strangers? Eh? Slime-san is turning yellow, but the top part is black? Did it absorb ¡ºMimicry¡»from doppels? There are now two giant puddings jiggling together. But I don¡¯t think there is any use in mimicking a pudding? The girls might munch on you? The bitches might actually even bite??

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s better than the one I had in the original world? Harmony of taste brought by the ingredients of this world?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes. The taste is somehow rich, but not overwhelming?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s delicious. It¡¯s really good! Aaah, and it¡¯s so jiggly~!¡¹?

    ?

    A favorable reception. Looks like the deep taste born from the mix of all kinds of mysterious eggs and all kinds of mysterious milk captured their hearts. Some already went for the third serving. It¡¯s a secret that sweets have an extremely high profit ratio, okay? They are also extremely high in calories, but everyone knows that, and even so, they are going to make a fuss after eating up everything anyway??

    ?

    And after ripping off all of their pocket money with pudding, it¡¯s time for an auction to rip off all of their savings too.?

    ?

    Everyone is lining up to the president. They are making loan applications. I tried to queue as well, but got scolded? Is this some sort of discrimination??

    ?

    As expected, or rather, does she have a hobby of collecting weapons? But Shield Girl outbid everyone for¡ºMorning Star of Weight Alteration¡», spending a hefty sum.?

    ?

    Looks like the girls found some items as well, so they were having fun as well, putting them on auction they sold them off, and those that won the bid now put their old items for sale. With 30 people exploring dungeons every day they find quite a number of items, but for some reason, there is not a single¡ºPheromone Ring¡», or any other impression-improving item??

    ?

    My lots all sold out. All of them were in high demand, even the estoc went for a good price. But what¡¯s most important, I was able to part with the morning star! It¡¯s too dangerous. Armored Pres-san is too good at handling it despite being a genius of the sword? Yeah, it¡¯s too risky to let her have it.?

    ?

    Indeed, thinking about lewd stuff inside a dungeon might be dangerous by itself, but if Lewd was taken from a male highschool student, there probably will be nothing left but a student handbook. And the danger of thinking lewd thoughts is far safer than a steel ball? That thing is the Ultimate Weapon (Sermon), that absolutely shouldn¡¯t be given to Armored Pres-san!?

    ?

    Now, getting out of the bath with Slime-san, it¡¯s time for the home industry, anklet manufacture! First, Armored Pres-san¡¯s share! I have to hurry, this is the Ultimate Weapon (Fetish) of tonight¡¯s showdown! But I¡¯d also like to give it some sort of enchantment? Going for an anklet made of magic stone is a safe option. Just imagine an anklet on those toned slender alluring ankles? The design is also important! Yeah, a prototype comes first.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm, a chain or a string would be prudent, but considering the effects, maybe a spiral anklet would work better? All of those would fit her, so perhaps I should make them in different versions, for casual wear, and as gear pieces? But increasing the variety is bound to summon a tide of extra orders. By now, my home industry is as dangerous as a boat in a storm, the danger is so big that I¡¯m basically left to wonder, didn¡¯t that boat sink and convert to a submarine? I mean, by now, the general store¡¯s orders look like a dictionary, a special unabridged issue? Just how many pages are there? I¡¯m actually amazed that she managed to write all that in just one day! Merely reading this can take an entire day! There will be no time left for work by the moment I read to the end of the list? And as expected, roasted mushrooms on skewers are on the first page! And once again with an Urgent mark! Did she make a stamp for this? If she has time for that, how about working instead?¡¹?

    ?

    Quickly lining up some prototypes, I add finishing touches. The one with a chime is nice, but the multilayered version is also great! These are good!?

    ?

    There are already more than 100 anklets, but there might be other marvelous designs that I didn¡¯t think of yet, the chain and the T-strap also look nice!?

    ?

    Having Armored Pres-san try on all of them first will help to visualize things, but if she tries on any of them, it will raise more pressing issues than work. Yeah, we will be too busy for that? It probably will turn into something absolutely amazing! These are just marvelous!?

    ?

    (Jiggle! Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Sorry. Looks like I was too noisy? Wait? Was I saying that aloud? But at which point did I begin speaking? Was it from ¡ºLick all over~¡»? Or maybe ¡ºIsn¡¯t that fine, isn¡¯t that fine~¡»? No way, was it from ¡ºI know, you like it here~¡»?! Yeah, these are banned from selling.

 CH 178

    Chapter 178: Getting vivid and detailed descriptions of girls¡¯ gatherings at the bath every single day is pretty tough for a high school boy too??

    ?

    Day 53 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn, Backyard.?

    ?

    Surrounded by the darkness the silver armor faintly shone, illuminated by the dim light of the night sky. The person in the armor remained completely still, without even the slightest movement, silently lording over the surroundings. We have her completely surrounded, including blind spots. And yet, it¡¯s not enough, the moment the formation gets broken, we will be defeated.?

    ?

    ¡¸Six strikes a-, EH! Kyaaa! (clap)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kuuh, six sword style! Aagh! (whop)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸An opening! As if- (thud)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Flame Jail, eh, wait? (bam)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸HA~A~w? Eeeeeeeh~? (jiggle?)¡¹?

    ?

    We got demolished. But what was that ¡ºjiggle¡»? Really? Jiggle? Was there Slime-san hiding somewhere? Or rather, two of them??

    ?

    ¡¸ORARARARARARARRA, eh, waiwaiwaiwait? (smack)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Try to withstand the power of my skill¡­ Eh, she just did? Ughe! (bang)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Acceleration! But I can¡¯t keep up with her anyway! Wait! Guh. (crack!)¡¹?

    ?

    The boys are doing their best too, but¡­ Try to work together? We are trying to make this into a continuous onslaught, so don¡¯t bring ultimate killer techniques here??

    ?

    Alright, now!¡ºShukuchi¡», eh? Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. (bonk)?

    ?

    It¡¯s a total annihilation in any case, all 5 fights ended in crushing defeats. The fights last longer with each passing day, but that¡¯s it. She is still far beyond our reach.?

    ?

    ¡¸How about stopping at this and taking bath?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed! We are beat.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The backline seems to be out of mana too. We were totally wiped out, weren¡¯t we¡­ We can¡¯t hold out even fighting as a group, our individual abilities are still not there.?

    ?

    And we also can¡¯t maintain the continuous attack, it seems that there are gaps in our coordination? Since we can¡¯t stop her simply by defending, it can¡¯t be helped that we end up at a disadvantage, this is still too much for us.?

    ?

    However, it¡¯s fatal that we can¡¯t push her back through offense even by sacrificing some of the defense. The formation gets broken too quickly. The strength is losing to speed.?

    ?

    ¡¸Angelica-san, did we do something wrong? I don¡¯t understand the reason why the formation crumbled. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸After¡­ going in, you get in each other¡¯s way, cause you are too slow¡­ on pulling back? Shimazaki and the others, did good.¡¹?

    ?

    Gesturing, she explains formations. Ah, so she aimed for the timing of switching! Aside from Shimazaki-san¡¯s group, who has working coordination, everyone else has pauses if they overlap.?

    ?

    ¡¸Attacks. Number¡­ over power? Is needed.¡¹?

    ?

    Since there are many pauses in our combo attack, we get defeated one by one. Since we lack either the number of people or attacks, we can¡¯t hold her off. Techniques or weapons, we need something to compensate for that.?

    ?

    Two spots were targeted, Oda-kun¡¯s group, and Cultural Clubs girls with Librarian-san.?

    ?

    Both groups are middle guard, meant to fill in, linking the attacking together, especially the cultural clubs¡¯ girls, who are entrusted with jamming and interference. Were we to put them at the front, Angelica-san will be completely free to do as she pleases.?

    ?

    Oda-kun¡¯s group is almost perfect at weaving big attacks together, and yet, they were targeted precisely during one of those big attacks! Is there still an opening to exploit?!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyuuuu!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    We went back, carrying the girls that were out cold. Meanwhile, Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group seems to be overjoyed after getting beaten up? Did they have such inclinations??

    ?

    Jokes aside, they must be starving for an opponent stronger than them. They were starving for strong enemies. That¡¯s how it is, right? It¡¯s just a joke, right??

    ?

    ¡¸The move not working is one thing, but why do I get countered?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice Pres C-san seems to be dissatisfied. She doesn¡¯t¡¯ approve that after spinning into battle with 2 axes, following by throwing them, and continuing by jumping at Angelica-san with 2 short swords, she was splendidly swatted to the ground as if the opponent was waiting for her to do that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Step in, attack, don¡¯t, falter¡­¡­ At the same, time, everyone.¡¹?

    ?

    Techniques that have nothing to do with skills, both Angelica-san and Haruka-kun have them.?

    ?

    Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group seems to be getting at least the basics, but we can¡¯t help but rely on skills for our moves.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, Oda-kun¡¯s group is fully relying on skills, completely abandoning any semblance of technique. An exemplary case of giving up.?

    ?

    The athletic girls¡¯ offense and defense are fused in one, so they don¡¯t crumble¡­ But they are too slow when pulling back. That must be where the coordination gets broken.?

    ?

    So the only way to make this work, seems like either we, the committee, must dive in earlier, or Shimazaki-san¡¯s group has to switch in to relieve others??

    ?

    But in that case, the one who is going to jump in first, the walking bulwark, the Shield Girl, will be at risk, maybe I should buy a shield too? I wonder if I can get a skill for it??

    ?

    ¡¸See, the four-layered barrier won¡¯t last, can¡¯t we add two more layers?¡¹?

    ?

    Oda-kun¡¯s group is putting the Guardian at the front, trying to defend with barriers, aiming to follow up with counter-attacks, but small-scale skills get smashed too easily. And they seem to be vexed about getting caught while trying to use stronger skills as they were adjusting. Even so, they are still aiming for a combo by piling up their skills, so they are making a plan for skill layering.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you for today!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Ending the training we head for the bath. We needed to have a review session during the girls-only meeting. The boys have highly specialized fighting styles, so it¡¯s up to the girls to link it all together.?

    ?

    And the only all-rounders available are us, the committee, and Shimazaki-san¡¯s Tamed group.?

    ?

    But in that case, Shimazaki-san¡¯s group already got a passing grade, so either we should change our fighting style or add something.?

    ?

    Talking in the bath in a relaxed manner, we discuss problem points and the ways to reform them. To become stronger, to create meaning to our existence.?

    ?

    Deciding on the next formation, making required adjustments to each part. We have to pile up the experience and master new skills and techniques, one by one. After that, the talk continued into a real girl-only gathering.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wha! But that¡¯s! No waaaaay (*blub blub*)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Fifth time! Five rounds! And then more! (*bubble bubble bubble*)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Bi-biting such a place!! (*glub glub glub*)¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No good! At this rate we are going to be wiped out, a third of the girls already sank underwater! We must swiftly retreat to the rooms!?

    ?

    We are yet to recover enough magic power for mana manipulation training, at this rate we will go down before the mana control course!?

    ?

    Well, we are to blame for asking too? Despite having teary eyes, speaking of how terrific and terrifying it was, how she felt as if she was about to go crazy, she seems VERY happy about it??

    ?

    But the most dangerous part is when she gets dreamy eyes midway into the story, and suddenly, the descriptions get a lot more detailed and vivid? Even as a girl, I find that enraptured expression, as if she is remembering the events, captivating.?

    ?

    And after telling it all with much joy, she hurriedly dressed up, and went back to the room, as everyone was lying flat on the floor. Actually, she is definitely a lewd girl!?

    ?

    And what sort of a terrifying thing did Haruka-kun make for such a lewd girl¡­ Full body fishnet suit?! No, there is no way I¡¯m buying that, okay?

 CH 179

    Chapter 179: Looks the treatment of middle-aged men who were fired is just as cold in this world as well.?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    I got a summon. Well, today I was supposed to go with some random party, and it¡¯s not like I have anything to do while I¡¯m tagging along? I mean, everyone is around 30th floor at the moment, so there is no danger, and nothing for me to do anyway, so there is indeed no problem with me not coming at all, but I¡¯m absolutely sure that they are planning to gather lots of magic stones and make a ton of money on their own to rub it in my face? This must be it, the revolution is finally coming, the magnate is about to be replaced! However, the previous night, I succeeded in mass production of anklets, so the would-be-magnates are about to be ripped off instead!?

    ?

    Now, fast travel to the fake dungeon, I just went there the day before yesterday, and now I have to waste my time going there again. I¡¯m pretty sure that by now there is nothing to buy up from the neighboring town? There should be a shortage of all goods by now.?

    ?

    Meripapa-san seems to be waiting there, so I thought I¡¯d have the Dungeon Rulers Duo go with the pres and the others, but they refused, so they are currently following me. We are passing them as a skeleton and a slime that were tamed by me, so this shouldn¡¯t be a problem, but during days off she sometimes goes out in casual clothes, so there is a chance that she was seen. Is there some sort of report one has to submit in case of a change from skeleton to a human of unknown race??

    ?

    Well, it should be fine anyway. For some reason, it seems like I¡¯m getting a pretty favorable treatment? The adventurers don¡¯t have to pay taxes since the money they receive from selling magic stones comes with taxes withheld, but I got a ¡ºTax-free trading permit?¡» even though I¡¯m not even an adventurer. That¡¯s why 10% is taken by the adventurers guild, but my dividends from the general store and the weapon store are not taxed at all. That¡¯s why it should work out somehow even if Armored Pres-san is a human now, and it¡¯s not like we are lying about her being tamed? Wait, in that case, are the Bitches under the tax exemptions as well? They are the Bitches, you know? They might even bite??

    ?

    But even so, people still might get mad if I were to say ¡ºHere is a dungeon master, and here is the dungeon emperor¡», they are ex anyway, so let¡¯s just keep quiet about this. The guards at the gates also didn¡¯t say anything, patting Slime-san as if it¡¯s nothing, so there is no problem, in other words, I did nothing wrong. Alright, if they say something let¡¯s blame the guards.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ooh, Haruka-kun. Sorry for calling you all the way out here. I¡¯ll say this beforehand, but it¡¯s Mellotosam Shim Omui, Lord of Omui, alright? Not Meripapa-san? You might even call me simply Mellotosam, but please remember it already. Also, the place where you are currently residing is the city of Omui, okay? There is the sign for it as well, I ordered them to make it bigger, didn¡¯t you see it?¡¹?

    ?

    Meripapa-san came to greet me. In other words, another geezer, isn¡¯t this amazing?! The terrifying middle-aged-man ratio of this world? I¡¯m sure if checked, 80% of this world¡¯s population would turn out to be middle-aged men. I mean, 80% of the people I meet are middle-aged men, so that must be the case? There is a problem of puzzling birthrates and unexplainable advancement in age? Could it be that they are actually simply spawning somewhere? Alright, let¡¯s destroy that spawn spot. There is probably a Geezer King sitting at the lowest floor as well. Can¡¯t expect a decent drop though, it probably will be something like ¡ºRing of Elderly¡¯s Body Odor¡», can¡¯t blame my Affection Rating if it decides to run away, I mean, I¡¯ll do the same.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerhm? I came since I was called, are we going to destroy the neighboring town? Or the kingdom? Or maybe middle-aged men? Yeah, I also agree that it might be better to annihilate middle-aged men? Burn to ashes? Crush to dust? I hope there won¡¯t be any cloth destruction involved? I really do?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t go too far with bullying middle-aged men? Even our troops are afraid. Also, don¡¯t look my way when talking about burning middle-aged men, okay? And there is no need to crush anyone. And we are also not destroying the neighbors, and please don¡¯t casually destroy the kingdom along the way?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like that¡¯s not the case? Then why was I called? Did they get the wrong person? Which reminds me, as I have heard from pres and the others, the lord of this region greeted them with ¡ºI¡¯d like to express my gratitude to the benefactor of our city, nice to meet you~¡»? He was also waving his hand, shouting ¡ºHeey, Haruka-kun!¡», could it be that Meripapa-san got fired? Downsized? Corporate restructuring? Which means that we are now fellow unemployed? No, I don¡¯t need any fellowship with geezers. And it seems they are about to be obliterated anyway??

    ?

    That person, it¡¯s that aide. This aide most likely wasn¡¯t affected by downsizing. I mean, I¡¯ve never seen anyone else do any work around here??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-sama, thank you for coming, we are sorry for calling you despite how busy you are. This way, please.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? I went to pick him up, but you aren¡¯t going to invite me as well? You are just going to leave, abandoning your lord here? If any of the retainers saw this, they¡¯d cry, so stop with this, or rather, aren¡¯t you a retainer as well?!¡¹?

    ?

    So he did get fired, after all, even the aide seems to have abandoned him. Good grief, this world is also filled with monsters. Wait, but this is still way more peaceful than a drama between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law! Simply beating monsters is way more wholesome! Really, if they are so worried about keeping things family-friendly, then instead of censoring murder scenes in manga and games they should¡¯ve started with removing them from suspense dramas in the public broadcast? How about a detective where a maid stops a murder from happening instead of becoming a witness? Isn¡¯t that nice? A peerless maid??

    ?

    ¡¸Please, have a seat.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What about me? What about a seat for me? Aren¡¯t you my retainer?¡¹?

    ?

    Is this it? Since he was fired there is now no place for him to sit? Couldn¡¯t they leave him at least a place by the window? Let¡¯s introduce a side job to Merimeri-san.?

    ?

    And the reason I was called seems to be that the kingdom¡¯s envoy, who came to the neighboring town, is gathering numerous adventurers. I guess she wants to challenge the fake dungeon before the talks.?

    ?

    As long as the fake dungeon exists the negotiations are bound to go overwhelmingly in the frontier¡¯s favor. Were they to enter talks as things are at this moment, the kingdom might not be able to push through any of its own conditions. However, if the fake dungeon is gone then military power also will become a part of the conversation. For the kingdom to invade they first will have to get rid of the fake dungeon.?

    ?

    However, a conventional army is not suited for fighting in dungeons. Taking formations with large numbers and moving under orders in a confined space of dungeons will turn soldiers into mere targets. Adventurers, capable of adapting and improvising, are much better suited for challenging dungeons.?

    ?

    In the first place, armies specialize in fighting people, while adventurers in fighting monsters, being suddenly forced into combat in a dungeon without any previous experience or knowledge is way too tough.?

    ?

    Wait, why did I alone have to have a dungeon emperor as an opponent for my first dungeon battle despite having no knowledge or experience as well? I didn¡¯t have even a chance to get any of that and started immediately from the final battle? Yeah, they are clearly too soft on the soldiers, they should throw them into some hole! Although I suspect they won¡¯t be able to come back after being thrown into a 100 floors deep hole, but it¡¯s unfair that I¡¯m the only one who had to go through that. They are middle-aged dudes anyway, so who cares, throw them in, throw them in! Just throw them until the Geezer King on the 100th floor gets crushed? Well, no, since it¡¯s a fake dungeon, there are no floors and no boss of middle-aged men as well? I mean, I don¡¯t want to tame any old-timers, so that¡¯s to be expected.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey! Are you listening? I know you never listen, but I want you to at least acknowledge my existence. Can I at least get a seat? Why is the lord the only one who has to keep standing? I¡¯m not going to wander off on my own again, so can¡¯t you get a seat for me as well? Standing all on my own feels pretty depressing, you know? ¡¹?

    ?

    So high-ranking adventurers and bands of mercs are being gathered in that town.?

    ?

    Rather than trying to defend, burning it down will be a lot faster? I mean, I¡¯m pretty sure every single one of them is a smelly dude? I do think that purging them with fire would be better, but apparently, I can¡¯t do that? No, I don¡¯t need any Flat Gaze from old men, okay? I¡¯ll burn your eyes out? No one asked for that, seriously!?

    ?

    ¡¸Actually, I don¡¯t think anything will come out of it? That fake dungeon is not a dungeon, so it can¡¯t be killed, and there is no point in a bunch of adventurers managing to pass through it? I don¡¯t think soldiers, or rather, an army, can get through it? It will be pretty graphic, in a different sort of way. There is no demand for old men¡¯s nudity, you know? Now that I think of it, maybe I should burn them after all? Before it¡¯s too late?¡¹?

    ?

    There shouldn¡¯t be a single civilian left in the neighboring town by now. Can¡¯t say for sure until Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen return with a report, but everyday goods are completely gone from that town. Since I bought up everything left as the stores left the town which progressively turns into ruins there is no way anyone can live there. The town has fallen.?

    ?

    The Stalker clan moved people to the frontier, while the town and all of its neighboring settlements had all of the supplies and goods completely bought up, that is in addition to active obstruction of long-distance transportation, which delays supply even more. Even officials and soldiers have fled, it can¡¯t even be called a town anymore.?

    ?

    I mean, if I were to burn the town, or attack their lord, or kill soldiers, it would lead to problems with the kingdom¡¯s law, which will lead to unfavorable conditions for the frontier if they try to cover up for me. That¡¯s why I did none of that? However, no one told me that I can¡¯t kill the economy and logistics, and there is not a word on it in the kingdom¡¯s laws. I can¡¯t kill the townsfolk, which is natural, but I also can¡¯t kill soldiers or even the lord, so I chose to kill the town itself. That place is already dead.?

    ?

    Since it was only a question of sooner or later, this is not an issue. After all, that town doesn¡¯t have any other sources of income aside from imposing taxes on the magic stone¡¯s traffic. The ones to suffer from its slow death would¡¯ve been the ones at the bottom, weak and poor, that¡¯s why by killing it right away we could take all of them into the frontier. After all, we severely lack manpower.?

    ?

    Besides, it¡¯s not like even high-ranking adventurers have any chance of passing through that fake dungeon. That place is too much? Who the hell came up with such a thing! Just when you¡¯d think you found an exit, there is a slide, which will send you all the way back to the entrance. Their spirit of adventure is going to break even before their hearts! If an adventurer were to lose their spirit of adventure, how are they supposed to adventure? They¡¯ll end up as simple unemployed? I properly waxed the slides before leaving, so they are incredibly slippery. Armored Pres-san and Slime-san really liked it, sliding sixteen times, so it was already quite late when we went back. Well, they seemed to have fun, so it¡¯s fine though.

 CH 180

    Chapter 180: The people of this world should try to act with a better understanding of the flow.?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Morning, Fake Dungeon.?

    ?

    The orders given to me were to kill the dungeon blocking the way to the frontier and to deliver the ultimatum to the count of the frontier, who is hiding there. The Kingdom has no time left to spare anymore.?

    ?

    However, the Kingdom is taking the frontier and its count way too lightly. If this won¡¯t be enough to bring them to the negotiation table, the Kingdom will be ruined.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I will first kill this dungeon.?

    ?

    Leading a group of dungeon experts with A rank adventurers forming the core I step into the dungeon, with numerous B rank adventurers filling supporting roles. It¡¯s quite a grand expedition.?

    ?

    However, what awaited there was neither fierce fighting nor desperate life or death struggle. To be frank, one had to do their best to avoid laughing there.?

    ?

    At the Kingdom¡¯s request, free high-ranking adventurers were gathered. Promising a large reward, the Kingdom gathered everyone it could.?

    ?

    That¡¯s how pressing an issue it is to take down this dungeon. This is an exceedingly serious matter that can decide the fate of the Kingdom. The kingdom is holding back on nothing, be it adventurers, military personnel, or the war force.?

    ?

    And yet, those cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me elites are¡­ No! I mustn¡¯t laugh! They are doing the best they can to fulfill the Kingdom¡¯s mission¡­ Bhahaha!?

    ?

    A narrow path hanging over a seemingly bottomless hole, a steep mountain path bending and twisting at many points.?

    ?

    A large army cannot pass here, they¡¯d be simply knocked down by the boulders shot from the walls on both sides. That¡¯s why stopping all of the traps and devices by killing the dungeon is the duty of the vanguard.?

    ?

    There, gracefully dodging the incoming rocks, an adventurer nimbly made his way forward¡­ slipping and falling into the chasm.?

    ?

    Another one grasped a boulder on the ceiling to avoid the slippery pathway¡­ And fell down along with the boulder.?

    ?

    Another one, trying to save his comrades, halted in place, extending his hand to them, and was shot down by a boulder, and if one isn¡¯t paying attention, they can also be caught by stones that at some rare occasions fall from above as well.?

    ?

    Regardless of their skill with the sword or their magic prowess, the adventurers keep slipping, falling, and tumbling away. Another one, almost making it, buffed himself to take a long leap to the rock on the other side and¡­ Got caught by an invisible wire and fell down as well.?

    ?

    Sounds of water can be heard from the hole, so there must be no danger to their lives, but the splashes are also accompanied by the shouts ¡ºThe gear, the clothes, they are melting!!¡», and agonized cries.?

    ?

    In the hall that was lying ahead, I gathered those capable of magic to attack spider-type monsters on the ceiling, only for it to collapse immediately after that, burying a mercenary band beneath. Moreover, the spider monsters on the ceiling turned out to be just a drawing on the ceiling.?

    ?

    Before that too, trying to get over a pitfall, the adventurers jumped collectively to the other side, and ended up crashing into what turned out to be a wall. Taking a gallant leap with an approach run only to find out that the passage was a painting. After which, everyone disappeared into the pitfall.?

    ?

    Avoiding combat with golems, that for some reason act in groups akin to military units, we made it through with a small group, but we can¡¯t break through normal corridors. Rather, it is the ordinary passages that are the most terrifying.?

    ?

    And speaking of what exactly is terrifying, it¡¯s that more than half of the remaining members had their weapons and equipment destroyed, clothes melted, and were close to being completely naked. They can¡¯t be counted as a fighting force anymore.?

    ?

    Challenging the dungeon master in such a state is impossible, all of the female adventurers have already run away. Hey, wait a bit¡­ bit, bit, bit. They safely made it back.?

    ?

    ¡¸Retreating is prohibited, but proceeding like this is simply heading towards annihilation. There is no other choice but to let the adventurers escape and take on the dungeon master by ourselves. Take weapons and armor from the young soldiers and send them back. We don¡¯t need meaningless deaths.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Without weapons or equipment, one cannot be counted as a combat force, even if I were to send them back, they won¡¯t be held responsible.?

    ?

    ¡¸Is that really alright? At this rate¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As long as I remain there is no problem. If the commander doesn¡¯t come back it will be seen as the force being wiped out.¡¹?

    ?

    The Kingdom has no choice but to face its destruction. Considering what the Kingdom, what the nobles of the Kingdom did to the frontier, there is no doubt that the frontier¡¯s count will not forgive that. Rather, that is only natural.?

    ?

    It won¡¯t be surprising even if he demanded the heads of every noble in the kingdom, after all, we, the Kingdom, ordered the frontier to die. Instead of helping them, the Kingdom was tormenting and exploiting the frontier, surely, even an attempt at an apology would not be accepted. However, even with the Kingdom hanging on the verge of destruction, there is no way the scum, that are the nobles of the midlands, would consider presenting their lives or wealth. Now, the only path left for the Kingdom leads to ruin.?

    ?

    We advance with the few remaining soldiers, but there are only traps, no monsters, or even stairs to the lower floor. Is this some sort of a unique passageway-type dungeon? In that case, the dungeon master must be somewhere ahead¡­ Only 8 people left.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t expect that we can defeat them with this force at all, not even the slightest bit, but were I to perish here to a trap, without even laying my eyes on the dungeon master, I¡¯d be unable to face the troops that fell protecting me. Still, there are only 5 of us left.?

    ?

    Despite being fully prepared, the soldier that opened the door was gone from my sight. The door¡¯s handle itself was a trap, unable to remove his hand from the handle he was then dragged underground by the door.?

    ?

    And now, only I remain.?

    ?

    But my luck has run out. I¡¯m already unable to move, on all fours, with both hands and legs glued to the floor, groveling on the ground like some sort of a beast, not only can¡¯t I advance, fight, or retreat, I can¡¯t even stand, left to await my fate in such an unsightly state.?

    ?

    It¡¯s impossible for me to wield a sword now, and my armor was completely destroyed by corrosion.?

    ?

    Then, all at once, the stone walls began to move, one after another, puppets of stone ¡ºStone Golems¡» tore themselves off the solid rock!?

    ?

    To meet my end in such a miserable state, unable to put up any resistance at all, is humiliating, but dying here, I at least won¡¯t have to see the downfall of the Kingdom, so that might be a blessing of its own.?

    ?

    Completely unaware of my turmoil, the stone golems lifted the floor, to which I was stuck over their heads along with myself??

    ?

    I thought that they were going to slam me into the ground, but they only kept lifting me up and down, not dropping me, nor making any attempts to attack??

    ?

    They simply marched on, continuously swinging the floor with me up and down, are they perhaps going to sacrifice me to the dungeon master? Unable to put up a fight, I¡¯m going to be devoured alive by a monster? But regardless of what I think, there is nothing I can do to resist at this point.?

    ?

    Endlessly swung up and down, slowly spun around, I¡¯m being carried onwards. Is this some sort of a ritual? I¡¯ve never met a dungeon master, nor have I any experience of being caught and eaten by monsters, so there is no way for me to guess.?

    ?

    A glimpse of light. Is that the destination??

    ?

    Stone golems continued walking, and as if to show off, raised me higher, exposing the sight of me cowering on the floor on all fours.?

    ?

    The light blinded me for a moment, but even if I¡¯m to be devoured, unable to give them a single cut with my sword, I at least will give them the best death stare I can.?

    ?

    The outside??

    ?

    At a distance stood a rampart, surrounding the area, and in front of it the frontier¡¯s army was deployed, the one feared as the strongest in the Kingdom. Leading it was the current head of the House Omui, which through the numerous legends it created came to be hailed as the clan of heroes. Called the King of the frontier by the people of the Kingdom, universally feared as a god of war by the foreign armies, known as the undefeated swordsman in the capital, the legendary hero, Mellotosam Shim Omui.?

    ?

    Everyone¡¯s stares fell on me, eh? I¡¯m half-naked right now¡­ Or rather, the scraps of clothes are barely hanging on me, and I¡¯m being lifted up for everyone to see as I stand on all fours??

    ?

    ¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Ku, ka, KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!¡¹

 CH 181

    Chapter 181: Telling them it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine, over and over while feeding sweets sounds like nothing but a cause for concern?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Evening, In front of the Fake Dungeon.?

    ?

    This Flat gaze is different. I mean, the eyes are like bottomless chasms, like a void, completely filled with darkness? But according to the geeks¡¯ idea, there wouldn¡¯t have been a scrap of clothes left? And there would¡¯ve been tentacles too? If by some unlikely chance they were activated it would¡¯ve been a problem, and since most likely, or rather, most definitely, it would¡¯ve been some middle-aged dude, I set the traps to only half-nude mode? All of the important bits were okay? Just barely, but it was alright for a late-night broadcast! But her eyes are dead. The Hurrah from the stone golems was the problem. See? Her eyes are totally dead.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm¡­ Are you alright? Well, you look so not alright that not even a single tiniest speck of alrightness can be felt, but by some freak chance, you are alright anyway, right? Probably? The important parts weren¡¯t seen? Sort of? ¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, she is looking at me while hiding behind Armored Pres-san, who put some clothes on her? Aah, she is looking, but her eyes are empty.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Please, don¡¯t do anything cruel to me. Please, be merciful. I beg your forgiveness. Please, don¡¯t do anything cruel to me. Please forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Please, don¡¯t do anything lewd to me as well. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like she is broken? They are going to be very mad about this, so mad that it will probably end up as the first 20 people relay 48 hour endurance sermon. Well, around 46 hours 52 minutes of that are the geeks¡¯ fault, so let¡¯s leave it to them. My fault is worth around 7 minutes of it? The rest of the numbers that don¡¯t add up are the idiots¡¯ share of scolding for their enthusiastic approval of the hurrah trap. Yup, I did nothing wrong??

    ?

    In addition, the one you are hiding behind is the dungeon emperor, and I¡¯m a normal nice human male high school student, you know? Normally, she is the one you should be scared of? Even if she is consoling you right now, she is the one to be feared the most? I¡¯m a normal nice totally not scary human male high school student, okay? Probably??

    ?

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m not going to do anything? Everything will be alright, that was like, a malfunction of a certain trap? Well, it actually functioned as intended, but it¡¯s a malfunction! I mean, it¡¯s a misunderstanding? I mean, with 120% probability it should¡¯ve gotten some dude? I mean, aren¡¯t middle-aged men like 250% of this world¡¯s population? So the misfire activated a misunderstanding, this is a mistaken arrest, and I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, okay? Even though I didn¡¯t do anything, I keep getting judged as guilty all the time, but I¡¯m an innocent guiltless high school student, so it¡¯s alright? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­ You won¡¯t do anything mean?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Mean? I¡¯ve never done anything mean to anyone, rather, I¡¯m the one who is being bullied day after day non-stop! The most I¡¯ve done is daily burning the heads of the geeks that in their cruelty got poor me in a psychological trap, so it¡¯s alright! Want a piece of candy?¡¹?

    ?

    She is eating them. Great, problem solved! Most of the problems can be solved by giving sweets? The trick is repeatedly saying that everything is alright while she is eating! It might sound creepy, but it¡¯s alright, no idea which part of this is right and which is all, but it¡¯s definitely alright. And looks like she liked the sweets??

    ?

    She seems to be about the same as Armored Pres-san, or even better? Now and then I get to see blond hair in this world, but hers seems to be more of a platinum blonde. She is very beautiful, but sadly, her eyes are still dead, even though she is stuffing herself with sweets with a great appetite? Will the light return to her eyes if I give her another one? Let¡¯s try it.?

    ?

    ¡¸My deepest apologies, if only you had sent us a messenger, I would have come to welcome you. We are very honored that you would come with a visit to such a remote place. This Mellotosam Shim Omui is overjoyed to be granted an opportunity to meet you again. Your Royal Highness Princess Shariceres.¡¹?

    ?

    Meripapa-san is doing some sort of exaggerated greeting, looks like she is a princess? It was a hurrah with a half-naked princess it seems, yup, the geeks are certain to get hanged. Let¡¯s catch and hand them over when we get back. Might as well strangle them on the spot too. Yeah, let¡¯s do that.?

    ?

    ¡¸I came here under military orders. And I¡¯m also a captured commander, there is no need for such politeness. And being no longer able to fulfill my duties as an envoy, I¡¯m in no position to have anyone bow before me as a princess. Please raise your head, Omui-sama. It¡¯s good to see you again.¡¹?

    ?

    They seem to know each other, but with their current delicate positions, the conversation is not going well? Can I go home already? The Fake Dungeon probably picked up quite a few weapons, so I should¡¯ve profited from this, they¡¯d probably be overjoyed if I sell them at rip-off prices at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. The weapon store is fully stocked, and they are too shabby for the classmates. Most of the weapons must¡¯ve been destroyed or melted, but with that many customers, I can hope for a good haul. Can¡¯t I take an entrance fee? Since there are prizes, shouldn¡¯t it be fine? Ah, which reminds me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eem, Royal Girl is the first person to get through the dungeon, so there is a prize for that, do you need a year¡¯s supply of scrubbing brushes? You seem to like sweets, so maybe go with that? But a year worth of sweets is impossible? Sweets consumption rate is close to infinity, the demand is so excessive that the supplier is crying every day during the night shift? It¡¯s very profitable, but also very pitiful? It¡¯s a very mysterious state of affairs where profits immediately disappear, but work remains. Also, if you keep eating them all year long you¡¯ll get fat, you know? Don¡¯t be mad at me when you do? So you better choose brushes?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like she prefers sweets. Even though scrubbing brushes are very popular in the town? You have to have a scrubbing brush or you will be out of trend? Although I don¡¯t need that either.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerrr, Haruka-kun. I¡¯m one thing, but this person here is this country¡¯s princess, so¡­ If you could~, well, it¡¯s fine if only to the extent that wouldn¡¯t trouble you, but couldn¡¯t you act with some semblance of politeness? No, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m trying to force you, it¡¯s only if you can? If you could put just a little bit of respect into your words it would be nice¡­ Not happening, right?¡¹?

    ?

    How rude. Even though there is no one who can surpass me in politeness and manners? It is out of that excessive politeness that I¡¯m saving on politeness, actually not resorting to it even once until now? I must¡¯ve accumulated tons of politeness by now, so even interest on it should be enough to make me super polite. I got it perfectly covered.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m awfully sorry for my manners. Since I gave you the sweets unaware of the fact that I¡¯m dealing with a princess, perhaps I can play a trick on you? No, that was a Trick or Try, so I¡¯ll play numerous tricks? I¡¯m a farawaylander that hails from a faraway land. I¡¯m profusely over delighted over the honor to meet you? Royal Girl-sama, or rather, Sharishari-san? I surmise it sort of to be?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No tricks. Numerous tricks even more no. Please forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t do anything cruel. Please don¡¯t do anything cruel. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. And no lewd stuff too, please. And no lewd pranks too. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? Her eyes turned empty again, looking as if they have a direct connection with nothingness now? I feel like I can peek into the abyss through them??

    ?

    I got scolded??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun¡­ Nevermind¡­¡­ I surmise it sort of to be?¡­¡­ Sorry for being unreasonable, your usual cryptic way of speaking seems to be more normal. ¡¹?

    ?

    Oh my? It seems that they are dissatisfied with my politeness, that in its excessiveness was even said to be a threat to public peace??

    ?

    The aide isolated me? No, no, no, those two that are going ¡ºGood Grief¡», right now are the dungeon emperor and a dungeon master, you know? Why do I, a human, have to be isolated, but they are fine? It is I who should be dissatisfied here??

    ?

    Royal Girl, Sharishari-san, is a princess, but also a general, and apparently Meripapa-san¡¯s pupil, who was taught by him? But during the bandits¡¯ attack back then, he was being held down by his aides? That person was trying to charge at the bandits instead of even trying to command? You shouldn¡¯t learn from such a person, I don¡¯t think he will do anything aside from charging in??

    ?

    And the issue of the hurrah with a half-naked princess was dismissed, treated as an unfortunate defense accident. I¡¯m pretty sure if the trap removed all clothes and also came with tentacles it wouldn¡¯t have been overlooked. As I thought, I should strangle the geeks, and turn them in after frying them a bit. They are the true culprit this time, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸Since we are here, why don¡¯t we talk in the castle? Keeping Royal Girl-sama outside is rude beyond the limits of politeness that I¡¯m saving back for the worth just spent, so inevitably, the entrance is this way? That one is a trap.¡¹?

    ?

    Why is everyone chatting outside even though we have a castle right here??

    ?

    ¡¸Eerm? Haruka-kun, is it really fine to go there?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Omui-sama, what are you saying? Isn¡¯t this magnificent fortress your castle? Why are you asking for confirmation?¡¹?

    ?

    Let¡¯s hurry up and go in already. We can¡¯t go home unless we go through the castle, and it will be dinner time soon, okay??

    ?

    ¡¸The audience room is this way, that path leads to the passage for passing through, so you¡¯ll end up outside again? Drawing the map is too much of a hassle, so be kind and explore it on your own, but careful with the traps? Here they¡¯d leave you butt naked.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Butt¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Please, don¡¯t do anything cruel to me. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Not completely naked, please spare me. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded for simply trying to show the way? Like, just why? Sort of?

 CH 182

    Chapter 182: Were it a beautiful female assassin I might¡¯ve gotten away even with melting everything and getting tentacles involved?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Evening, the Castle at the Fake Dungeon.?

    ?

    I thought I¡¯d go home after guiding them to the audience room, but the aide stopped me? Eh? Isn¡¯t my work here over after repelling the invaders? No one is coming, you know? You can get your hopes up, but you won¡¯t get even a naked middle-aged man now? Are you actually hoping for that? And here I thought that this aide is just like me, one of the sane people here, but turns out he was the most dangerous one! Let¡¯s run away, the danger is real!?

    ?

    ¡¸Your Royal Highness Princess Shariceres. Here is the audience room. It¡¯s a shabby place, but¡­ No, it¡¯s actually not! It¡¯s a splendid audience room, without any faults to it. Thank you very much, it¡¯s amazing! I don¡¯t have a single complaint about the audience room that Haruka-kun made, okay? Okay?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m not mad or anything. I just thought about modifying it a bit if you had complaints? Why are a count and a princess shaking in their boots together? If you have any requests I¡¯ll listen? Want to add traps? ¡¹?

    ?

    Indeed, that might¡¯ve been careless. If there is a place where the enemy spy might slip through, this is it, countermeasures against assassins are also needed, and naturally, traps for beautiful female assassins are undoubtedly needed too. And most likely, if it¡¯s a beautiful female assassin no one will get angry even if everything gets melted, even tentacles might get a pass. As for dudes, a pitfall should be more than enough. It¡¯s fine if they stay there forever as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you going to put traps here?! Are my clothes going to be dissolved again? Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t do anything cruel. Please don¡¯t dissolve them. I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t do anything cruel. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t do anything lewd as well. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded??

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    And told off??

    ?

    Eh? Asking for requests on modifications results in a scared princess and me getting scolded? Is she perhaps against any renovations? No way, was she sent by a new building faction?! No, wait? This is a new building? Yeah, I just erected it? A brand new, freshly constructed property. No idea what the problem is, but I think it¡¯s not my fault. I mean, there wasn¡¯t a single case when it was my fault??

    ?

    ¡¸I already asked earlier, but this splendid fortress is Omui-sama¡¯s castle, right? Why are you asking this¡­ Person from a faraway land, for his opinions? And the way you talk is incredibly and utterly casual? Is this Haruka-sama really that eminent? I¡¯m sorry if that¡¯s indecent instead. Please don¡¯t do anything indecent to me. Please, forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You are trying to make it look as if you are apologizing, but you are calling me indecent? It is because I found you with Rajingan, had Armored Pres-san deliver clothes, and Slime-san became a wall to cover for you that you weren¡¯t seen by anyone, you know? I sent her your way immediately, so you shouldn¡¯t be bothered by how lewd the dress looks, okay? Well, indeed, that dress was supposed to help us enjoy a lewd night, all night long, all through the night, but that¡¯s a secret. Like, FEVER, sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I thought, I was put in this lewd dress because you were planning to do indecent things to me all night long, all through the night? From whom was that supposed to be a secret? I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t do anything indecent to me. Please spare me the all-night-long lewding with this dress. I¡¯m sorry. Nothing lewd, please. Are you going to FEVER me? I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry.¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san is giving me a Flat Gaze while patting Royal Girl on the back. No, I didn¡¯t say anything wrong, did I? I gave a proper explanation, right? And Meripapa-san, can you stop sighing and do something too? I¡¯ll get one hell of a scolding if anyone sees this? I¡¯ll be branded a criminal under false charges.?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t need this nameless castle in the middle of nameless nowhere, so I decided to gift it to the nameless Meripapa-san? Or rather, force it onto him? Like, it¡¯s a handy thing to have? With a name, it might be even more convenient? How about leaving it to Merimeri-san and naming it Merimeri castle? But it sounds like Merry Merry castle, which is sort of weird, might get merrily taken over? How about giving it to her mommy, and naming it Murimuri castle? Oh, that sounds strong! Like it¡¯s impossible to take, impregnable even in family quarrels!

    ¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    ¡¸Stop. I¡¯m losing all of the quarrels with her as it is, can you not give her a castle on top of that? If she holes up in this castle, I¡¯d perish along with the entire frontier¡¯s army when I¡¯d try to reach her with an apology. Please, don¡¯t? Also, I do have a name, so please remember it already. After hearing it so many times, the only two words you remember are Meri and Muri, right? My name is not on the list, is it? I do have a name, alright?¡¹?

    ?

    A short while ago Royal Girl was calling Meripapa-san an undefeated knight or something, but is the undefeated knight who is always losing to his wife really fit to be a knight? Or could it be that the frustration from always getting whipped by his wife made him into the undefeated knight? Yeah, I get how that feels.?

    ?

    ¡¸Now that I think of it, suppose Meripapa-san can¡¯t stand, but there is no place for us to sit in the audience room? There is a conference room right there, so let¡¯s sit there and talk. No idea why I can¡¯t go home, but since I can¡¯t leave I¡¯ll be making dinner here, meanwhile you can have a chat. I¡¯m sure it must be because I¡¯m not making dinner that Slime-san is angry with me. This way.¡¹?

    ?

    With everyone finally getting to sit down, it looks like they are going to start talking. It seems in this world they have a hard time moving the conversation along, getting things tangled up at every turn. Perhaps there is a problem with the syntax of this world¡¯s language? I mean, everyone keeps trying to get my words translated through the pres??

    ?

    ¡¸¡­Eh?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­This is?¡¹?

    ?

    As I thought, the audience room should have an open and friendly feel to it, while the neighboring conference room should be the place to apply pressure. In negotiations, words are a weapon. That¡¯s why the opponents should be shut down, and put under stress. High ceiling, precisely lined up columns, and the round table standing right in the center of it. All of this creates an illusion of being surrounded, the design meant to put tension on the other side. It turned out pretty good, you know? Since no one would praise me, I have to describe and react myself? Since no one would praise me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, well, well, welcome to the distant place, sort of? Like, Have a seat and make yourself comfortable~? As I said, don¡¯t just stand there and sit down? I worked very hard on this? Probably? Thought it¡¯s my first time seeing this too?¡¹?

    ?

    And finally the conference, or rather, negotiations, or rather, information extraction, or rather, the circle of getting apologized and scolded, began.?

    ?

    In the end, it seems that the kingdom, or rather, the midland nobles, or rather, the central part of the kingdom, still thinks that they can simply threaten the frontier into submission. It seems she knew that the military is useless here, yet was planning to perish while doing what she could. What an idiot, there was an even bigger idiot than idiots. Does this world have no one but middle-aged men and idiots? Why would she obey an order knowing full well that she cannot win? I can understand if that was a fight for the sake of protecting something, and thus impossible to avoid. But attacking for the sake of losing is pointless, at the very least, not worth losing your life over. We found the biggest idiot yet. Even our idiots are not this dumb. There is no dumbass among them who would die just for the hell of it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun. Her Royal Highness Princess Shariceres is about to cry, or rather, is actually crying, so please, don¡¯t glare at her like that? Even I¡¯m scared, so don¡¯t glare at me as well? The princess¡­ Her Royal Highness Shariceres was trying to protect the frontier by meeting a defeat here with the force of the best elites. She was trying to stop the war using her own life. So I ask you, can you please forgive her? Haruka-kun, please.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Omui-sama!¡¹?

    ?

    Meripapa-san kneeled and lowered his head. To the angry me and the crying princess.?

    ?

    By showing the dumb nobles the utter failure of the handpicked elites led by the princess she wanted to make them realize that victory is impossible. They are all idiots. If she is going to lose an unwinnable fight, she might as well have challenged those stupid nobles. Going to the frontier to self-destruct is nothing but a loss for the kingdom. That¡¯s what the idiots would¡¯ve done, and that is the right thing to do. It¡¯s still stupid though.?

    ?

    ¡¸You don¡¯t have to ask me, and you also don¡¯t need to apologize, it isn¡¯t like I¡¯m going to do anything? I¡¯m just fuming, looking down on her in the amazement and disgust of this stupidity, so don¡¯t mind me? I have no intention of doing anything at all, or rather, I see no point in even moving a finger? There is no meaning in doing anything with a person that seeks death? If the person is trying to survive I can rescue, assist, and give sweets, but there is nothing that can be done with a person that wants to die? So, since I can¡¯t care less, can I go home? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As foolish as it may be, this is the only way! There was nothing else I could do! Conflict among nobles will split a country and might split even the royal family, so this was the best thing I could do for the kingdom. What else would you say I should¡¯ve done? There is nothing! There is no person who would want to die on their own!¡¹?

    ?

    Oh my, looks like I was wrong? Let¡¯s give her a candy then. After all, only living can enjoy nice sweets.?

    ?

    ¡¸Things that can be helped can¡¯t be helped? Do whatever, there is nothing that can be done about them? Who cares if a country or royals that can¡¯t be helped were to split? I mean, they are like that because you can¡¯t get them in order because you can¡¯t get them together, so who cares if they were to split at this point? If they don¡¯t want to split, if they don¡¯t want to break, then they shouldn¡¯t do things that will result in that? What¡¯s the point in protecting something like that? That¡¯s just dying in vain? You will be in the right if you choose to kill instead of dying. After all, you¡¯ll be dead if you die? You won¡¯t be able to have any more sweets? Here, have another one. This is Sweet Potato-san, quoting Stalker Girl, it¡¯s ¡ºtastilicious¡»? Stalker Girl also went off to die, but since she didn¡¯t, she still eats sweets and laughs every day. You won¡¯t be able to do that if you die. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t die. Throwing your life away, putting your life on the line, sacrificing yourself for the kingdom, all of that is whatever, if you die it¡¯s all over. Although there are cases of coming back to life here and there?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes. Usually, with death comes the end, and nothing can be done about that, but the person nodding beside me became Skeleton-san after death, but now she is back to life and is enjoying her every day. She didn¡¯t die even after dying, that is an example to follow. Even though everyone is saying that they don¡¯t want to die, even though in the underground depths of the frontier there was a person that kept fighting without giving up even through death, I wish people would not be so casual about dying.

    [TL Notes:

    [1] ¥à¥ê (ŸoÀí) ¨C Impossible. So basically, impossible castle.

 CH 183

    Chapter 183: If in the distant future this world undergoes modernization and also gets its own high school boys, they won¡¯t be able to concentrate on their lessons?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Evening, the Castle at the Fake Dungeon.?

    ?

    The crying princess, the ex-dungeon emperor patting her on the back, the ex-dungeon master jiggling in consolation, and me who is making dinner, total chaos??

    ?

    Well, it seems the rest has nothing to do with me, if there is anything they¡¯d surely call me. I mean, I¡¯m not a person from the kingdom, and I¡¯m yet to hear even the kingdom¡¯s name, so I have no idea??

    ?

    Besides, Meripapa told me this.?

    ?

    ¡¸Can you please leave the rest of this to us? The frontier¡¯s army and I might appear unreliable to you, even so, I¡¯m the ruler of this domain and a noble of this kingdom. The responsibility to set things right lies with me, the lord of the frontier, not the princess. That is what it means to reign over a domain. I might be an incompetent ruler who could neither save nor enrich the frontier, but I can¡¯t leave this issue to anyone else. Please understand, Haruka-kun.¡¹?

    ?

    In that case, there is no room for me to butt in, or rather, I only came because I was called, this has nothing to do with me, to begin with? Like, I came for the Fake Dungeon maintenance? Like the rest of this or the rest of that, I don¡¯t even know the rest of which kingdom is lying beyond the mountain range? In the first place, where is this??

    ?

    Moreover, were I to awkwardly get involved with the war effort, the girls will pop up as well. They are definitely training to fight against humans. Training for war.?

    ?

    Unlike monsters, humans possess a wide range of skills and utilize them intelligently.?

    ?

    Fighting in groups versus other humans is the type of combat that I have the worst affinity with. In other words, war. So they must¡¯ve been training all this time anticipating that.?

    ?

    And they also probably feel indebted to me for killing Whatever-kun, so they are trying to get their hands dirty as well. Trying to become murderers, just like myself.?

    ?

    The geeks are getting ready for naval combat, and the idiots are practicing jungle warfare techniques.?

    ?

    In that case, there must be a person, who is actively preparing for the events of which even I am yet unaware. If so, it must be the Librarian!?

    ?

    How could she! I even made ten bags for her in secret, but she went and betrayed me! Making me use the leather of the finest quality, she was acting behind my back all this time.?

    ?

    With this, I cannot participate in the war. If I do, I¡¯ll end up dragging them into it. I¡¯m checkmated, they shut me down before I could make my move. The bags will cost them a lot more from now on!?

    ?

    And I also was told this.?

    ?

    ¡¸I know full well that you are strong, even so, I don¡¯t want to get you involved in the war. You are not suited for it, you are hopelessly not suited for the war. No matter how strong you may be, I won¡¯t invite you to my army. You aren¡¯t suited for it. You are trying to save everything and everyone, you indiscriminately reach out even to complete strangers, that¡¯s why you desperately aren¡¯t fit for killing strangers. The more you kill the more you¡¯ll end up hurting yourself, the stronger you are, the stronger you end up hurting yourself. And the same goes for your comrades, they are way too kind. No matter how strong you are, you aren¡¯t suited for carnage, you are way too gentle for living in this cruel world. You possess the dream-like hope, that we long since lost, and we can¡¯t be thankful enough that it saved the frontier. But at the same time, that hope you carry is not fitting for humans killing each other. That would be too cruel to you. That¡¯s why I want you to leave this to us, and want you to keep that dream-like hope that we have lost. Because it was that hope that saved us, the frontier, and allowed us to dream again.¡¹?

    ?

    He is totally overthinking it? While most of the girls indeed aren¡¯t suited, the guys are alright. The idiots are especially unstoppable when it comes to fighting humans, even large groups are nothing but a prey for them. Going to Hell would allow one to spend time much more pleasantly and peacefully than if they were to fight them in a forest, even demons aren¡¯t that savage. And if their opponent is an enemy, they wouldn¡¯t care no matter how many they buried.?

    ?

    The Geeks will fight even crying, and they aren¡¯t going to break down. They didn¡¯t spend their lives being constantly bullied for nothing. There is no one more paranoid yet more trusting than them. They won¡¯t yield before anything if it¡¯s for the sake of someone they deemed worthy, the only way to stop them would be to kill them.?

    ?

    But the girls are just normal girls.?

    ?

    They are doing their best to keep up a strong front, but they miss their families, they hide their tears, but their thoughts go to their friends, they are only acting tough, trying not to cause others any worry. Acting tough means they are not actually tough, inside, they are soft.?

    ?

    But the guys don¡¯t care about families and friends left in the original world, after all, they are off in the head. The previous world is a concluded chapter to them.?

    ?

    Resolving oneself is not an easy thing to do.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s a different story for the outcasts of the previous world, who have no need to resolve themselves in the first place.?

    ?

    The worst would be the Geeks and the Idiots getting into the war while I¡¯m sitting it out in the frontier trying to avoid dragging the girls into this. They can¡¯t beat real monsters yet. They can¡¯t kill them.?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    Yeah, let¡¯s focus on cooking.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s finished. Those are cutlet burgers, so please pass them to the guards too? Or rather, I¡¯ll just put those in the dining hall so they can swarm, struggle, and fight for them? Among fellow smelly dudes?¡¹?

    ?

    First, let¡¯s guide the soldiers to the dining hall. It¡¯s a bit inconvenient since no one has a map.?

    ?

    ¡¸Royal Girl, Meripapa-san, where are they going to eat? You can eat those even here, you know? But since it¡¯s a standing meal Meripapa-san might also eat it on the top of the castle on his own? The view from there is amazing, but accidentally falling from there is painful? Just falling alone really hurts, but hitting something on the way to the ground hurts a lot? Speaking from experience.¡¹?

    ?

    They are giving me wry smiles. That¡¯s good, just keep that bitter smile, seriously tackling a merciless world with a serious face will only tire you out. Even taking it half-seriously is too much for this world. It¡¯s ridiculous after all.?

    ?

    However, if speaking of the frontier alone, then simply sticking to defense is more than enough. Taking this castle after passing through the fake dungeon is too much of a reckless adventure, and what¡¯s even more important, the profits won¡¯t make up for that.?

    ?

    Suppose they managed to subjugate the frontier by using the entire army, without farming monsters they won¡¯t get any new magic stones. If they were interested in that, they could¡¯ve come to the frontier and hunted monsters here.?

    ?

    Were they to beat the frontier forces, they will have to fight monsters on their own, even though they never even tried to come here for that. They want to get money by doing nothing, and yet they will have to do something, the profit doesn¡¯t match the effort.?

    ?

    It¡¯s already a checkmate for them, yet they won¡¯t give up. And now there is also a probability of Meripapa-san taking action if Royal Girl were to act, I didn¡¯t account for this at all. I didn¡¯t even think that Half-Naked Hooray Incident will lead to something like this. Now, if a civil war were to break out, the cause would ultimately be the half-naked hooray? It will be named the War of the Half-Naked Hooray too, you know? Victim of the War of the Half-Naked Hooray or casualty of the War of the Half-Naked Hooray sounds way too pitiful! But I also hate the idea of the victor of the War of the Half-Naked Hooray or the Champion of the War of the Half-Naked Hooray! Crap, this war has to be stopped, or certain outrageous details will make their way into the annals of history! And if in the distant future, the high school boys appeared in this world after it underwent modernization, they will be taught about the War of the Half-Naked Hooray! They definitely won¡¯t be able to concentrate on lessons, I mean, they are high school boys after all? Their minds will be too preoccupied by¡ºHalf-Naked Hooray¡»in their textbooks?

 CH 184

    Chapter 184: The head of Something Something King of Something Kingdom can go only up 180 degrees, going full 360 will become an international issue?

    ?

    Day 54: Night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    At times, the speed takes preference over the accuracy or the amount of the information. The one who grasped the intel faster wins. And the one who spreads the info first has an overwhelming advantage.?

    ?

    She¡¯s gone and done it, that Stalker Girl! The news of the half-naked hurrah incident was instantly brought back home.?

    ?

    And both the accuracy and contents were outrageously off.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You stripped a princess and went around throwing her into the air?! Just what have you done! Turn yourself in, we will be visiting you in jail!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That wasn¡¯t me! The golems were carrying her, you got it wrong. Look? Even Slime-san is jiggling, so I¡¯m innocent? See?¡¹?

    ?

    Stalker Girl is munching with appetite on the sweets she got as the payment for providing information. It was I who made those though??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Slime-san is always jiggling! What did you do after putting her on all fours! What did you do after sealing her ability to move! Did you, did you do that?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Like I said, you got it wrong? It wasn¡¯t something I did, she just ended up like that, and then the golems did hoorah with her? Or rather, Armored Pres-san, you say something too, tell them that I didn¡¯t do anything. ¡¹?

    ?

    Ah, she averted her eyes! The witness is refusing to testify, can¡¯t you see that it makes it look like I¡¯ve done something??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We heard that the princess was crying, saying¡ºPlease don¡¯t do anything lewd to me¡»! And what is that Lewd Night FEVER until the dawn supposed to mean?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you¡­ Well, I did say that! I did, but it¡¯s not what you think? I mean, I didn¡¯t do anything lewd to her, so you got it wrong. I gave her sweets, so everything should be fine? In most cases, all wrongs become rights, when you give her sweets and she stops crying, you know? Seriously!¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, calm down, me!?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m the one who saved her, so I¡¯m innocent. It was because I managed to spot Royal Girl who fell into the trap with Rajingan, immediately send Armored Pres-san to deliver clothes, and had Slime-san become a cover for her, that no one was able to see her in that half-naked state? Since I immediately sent Armored Pres-san, you shouldn¡¯t give too much thought to the dress being lewd? I mean, no one saw her, so it¡¯s all good.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You found her with Rajingan, so you saw her!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Exposed.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸And who was the one who made that trap in the first place?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    And scolded.?

    ?

    ¡¸But the idea and the design belong to the Geeks, and the Idiots gave their approval? Moreover, if their design was implemented without any changes, she would¡¯ve been completely naked and then attacked by tentacle monsters, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Guuuys! Ah, they ran away? Chase them!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They escaped. But a pursuing party was also sent, have fun getting hunted.?

    ?

    I¡¯d like to join the hunt as well, but I¡¯m still kneeling? Despite being totally innocent and the real culprits on the run? That trap cannot be activated unless numerous conditions are met. Simply triggering it is challenging, as it requires a complex sequence of events.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s all because you were saying that I can¡¯t treat the girls that had their clothes melted the same as men, so I was unable to send her back to the entrance? After all, everyone else is dudes, who got caught up in traps, but the last person standing was Royal Girl, so the trap, which usually would never get triggered, was activated, it¡¯s a force majeure. The chance of that happening is lower than winning first prize in a lottery? At this point, it¡¯s a miracle that happened by the will of fate, an ultimate half-naked hoorah! In other words, it¡¯s not my fault.¡¹?

    ?

    One has to go through complex arrangements and open doors in an absurd order, moreover, unless the last door is opened by a woman, while all of the men were taken out by the traps, it won¡¯t even get activated at all. On top of that, only the commander will get the hooray treatment. The chances of everything coming together like that is next to none? Is Royal Girl that lucky? In triggering ero events? Let¡¯s keep the distance with her, I mean, I¡¯ll definitely end up getting scolded after being caught up in that??

    ?

    And after reporting on the current state of the kingdom we move to discuss the ways to deal with it.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m not going to do anything? It has nothing to do with us? We are simply passersby who happened to stay at the local inn for a prolonged period of time? No matter what Lord Something of the frontier and Something Something King of Something Kingdom are saying, we are completely unrelated to this, but I¡¯ll twist Douche King¡¯s head a bit. I mean, head only, so it¡¯s okay? If I rotate it a full 360 degrees, it will be back to how it was originally, so no one will notice anything? Yeah, the King is going for a spin tonight! And that¡¯s exactly because he is doing such silly things that the country is in discord. Alright, let¡¯s twist, and then spin it! Problem solved!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You can¡¯t! I don¡¯t know what kind of a person the King is, but don¡¯t just resolve things by simply declaring him a douche King and then twisting his head off!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right! If you are going to twist it, at least stop at 180 degrees? 360 will become an international problem!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why would you go to twist their King¡¯s head when war is looming on the horizon? What sort of solution is that? Just because he is Something Something King doesn¡¯t mean that he is a douche, so you first have to make sure, and only then kill him. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But what if after talking he turns out to be a chill King, saying something like ¡ºDu~de, like, the hell is this war~¡»?¡­ Yeah, let¡¯s twist his head off after all!¡¹?

    ?

    As I thought, Douche King is the source of all problems! This must be the reason for our summoning here.?

    ?

    ¡¸I wonder if killing Douche King will stop douchebags from spawning? In that case, diving to the lowest floor of the palace and killing Douche King there will kill the palace, and stop douchebags from appearing, solving everything, I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It sounds right, but it¡¯s so wrong!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, don¡¯t you understand the difference between a palace and a dungeon? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t it because he can¡¯t see the difference between a dungeon and a mansion as well?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It seems he also didn¡¯t get the difference between the lord of the nearby town being orc-like and them having an orc for a lord.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I think you should start from explaining to him the difference between termination and negotiation. How can he be so well-read yet be this bad with words? There is nothing we can possibly do without any information, we first should prioritize gathering information from the princess, figure out allied, neutral, and hostile nobles, and after singling out the hostile nobles, get to the negotiations, right? Talking right now is useless.¡¹?

    ?

    Those are some good words, but the problem is that they come from the treacherous Librarian, who made the girls do combat training! I bribed her with 10 bags, but she betrayed me anyway! However, there is nothing wrong with what she is saying. The question is just what is the Librarian thinking? How was she able to predict the war that I was sure wouldn¡¯t happen? And she was even preparing for it.?

    ?

    Well, Meripapa-san also told me to stay put.?

    ?

    So I guess it¡¯s fine to act as usual. No matter how we spin it, we still have to kill dungeons that grew past 50 floors, as well as develop the economy of the region to a level where it can stand on its own. Otherwise, no matter how the war goes, they still will end up getting demolished in an economic struggle. They are still not on the same level.?

    ?

    They need an economy and self-sufficiency great enough to make the other side think that they can go independent. And also, the military. If in addition to all that we also got rid of the risk of a dungeon overflow, they will finally be on equal standing, they will finally be able to carry out negotiations to their advantage.?

    ?

    Hearing about today¡¯s dungeon exploration, we then make plans for tomorrow.?

    ?

    Howling and shrieks of captured Geeks can be heard coming from far away. Such a noisy bunch?

 CH 185

    Chapter 185: They say that eating before sleeping will make you fat, but it¡¯s not a problem since it¡¯s already so round?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸The intel will be provided bit by bit by Stalker Girl¡¯s clan, a short while ago a squad focused on gathering info on the capital and the aristocracy was formed, and will soon commence action. There is not enough basis to dismiss the possibility of war. Regardless of how useless or impossible it may seem, when it happens it happens. If you think back on it, since ancient times, the main cause of the destruction of the country with feudal aristocracy was their own stupidity? Getting involved in a war due to their incompetence, losing, and perishing, but the main reason, in the end, is their foolishness. Running out of options they will probably summon the count to the frontier and will try to kill him without considering the consequences. Sometimes, trying to avoid the war only worsens things, stupidity continues until the fool meets their end, dragging everyone along with them. You are taking things too lightly. The reason why I made the girls train for war, is because the most dangerous thing is them getting targeted right away. Someone is bound to see an opportunity if all you do is try to protect them all the time.¡¹?

    ?

    She came to pick up her bags. Despite betraying me, she nonchalantly showed up, asking if they were ready? And as soon as I raised a complaint, she replied with this. She is so right it¡¯s almost infuriating. And if that is truly so, then were Meripapa-san to be called to the capital he will answer that summon. Be it the very heart of the enemy territory, if he was told to come alone, he will do just that. And he won¡¯t be subdued even if threatened.?

    ?

    ¡¸Also, just so you know, even if I didn¡¯t do anything, the girls¡¯ combat training would¡¯ve started sooner or later? Certainly, it was with the war in consideration that I put so much emphasis on anti-human group combat, but guarding and anti-human combat training is what they originally wanted themselves? Regardless of how much you spoil and shelter them, everyone wants to fight. And to begin with, their only goal was to protect you. Is it obvious that they will try to get stronger if you stop them from doing anything since they lack strength? After all, they have only one goal, and the more you try to protect them, the more they will try to protect you in turn? Indeed, we are still only acting tough and crying in secret, but you are taking us way too lightly. Everyone has an unwavering resolve, you know? That¡¯s why Angelica-san is helping with the training too, as a like-minded comrade. You underestimated us too much, while crying, we are still struggling to get stronger. For your sake.¡¹?

    ?

    Having said that, she took the best one of the newly made bags and left. That explains why they were so strong, they began training a long time ago. Noticing my weak point a long time ago, they began specializing in anti-human combat. even in dungeons, they stuck to a fighting style centered around defense and anti-human warfare. Even though they had a hard time dealing with monsters like that, they still kept at it. Indeed, I probably was taking the girls too lightly, but Armored Pres-san earned her punishment anyway. I indeed was taking her lightly at times, but I will punish her by taking her hard. And then even harder, again and again, making her go crazy until she fully repents. Can¡¯t wait for it.?

    ?

    Even now, they are about to start another training session in the backyard, probably planning to combine it with the punishment for the geeks and the idiots, making it into boys versus girls plus Armored Pres-san. Running away will only make your punishment heavier? Speaking from experience, so that¡¯s for sure.?

    ?

    However, they might say that I¡¯m taking them lightly, but naive is still naive, while that training is effective, it tends to create various peculiar habits. Definitely, it¡¯s extremely effective versus humans or humanoids, but it is also the very reason why they are struggling with unique or special opponents.?

    ?

    ¡¸Slime-san, can you join as an instructor? The reward is 10 sweets before sleep. They say that eating before sleep will make you fat, but you are spherical anyway, so it¡¯s not an issue. Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    Looks like it¡¯s a deal. Now we will have an intrusion of Instructor Slime, a master of extremely irregular and transformative style. the ultimate unique encounter, However, why are they trying to get stronger despite all their tears? There is no way a normal person can recover in just two months. They are trying too hard. Let¡¯s have another bargain sale to weaken their resolve. Humans are not that strong, they break if they exert themselves too much.?

    ?

    Quickly finishing my side job, I go for loose and soft knit clothes, all sorts of cardigans, simple socks, long and short, and the featured product is faux fur accessories. With this, they¡¯ll be too busy for training tomorrow. It¡¯s too soon for them to find their resolve.?

    ?

    Going to the backyard to invite Slime-san to the bath, I also check on the girls, and they are still at it. The geeks and the idiots turned into corpses. Let¡¯s step on them.?

    ?

    ¡¸Endure it! Vanguard, defend.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They are trying to contain the chaos created by the Slime-san attack with the skill ¡ºClone¡», which also comes with a nice extra of lightning. Even the pres is carrying a shield, and it seems she got¡ºShield Mastery¡»as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸Scatter!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Backline, fall back!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Encircle!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Thoroughly guarding the rearguard they are completely preventing attacks from reaching them, allowing the rear to concentrate on offense in safety. Defensive combat, they are able to keep the rear protected with Slime-san as their opponent. I¡¯ll say this just in case, but Slime-san strength is not a dungeon master level? They are able to defend from an ever-changing, infinitely versatile opponent with limitless adaptability??

    ?

    ¡¸Deploying Decoy! Illusion!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m next. Mirage!¡¹?

    ?

    Trying to confuse Slime-san is reckless, but it seems they have no intentions to let this melee state continue. An attempt to distract it to buy time. Having no hesitation to run away they are chased around by Slime-san, who ultimately has an unlimited range.?

    ?

    ¡¸Fiiiiiiiire!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Ja!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Why german? Showering Slime-san with a barrage they reorganize the formation. This fighting style will prevent them from losing, even if they can¡¯t win. A fighting style centered around protecting someone. A fighting style impossible for both me and Armored Pres-san. Not simply take the brunt of the attack, trying to endure it, but truly defensive combat, a fighting style aimed to prevent taking any losses.?

    ?

    ¡¸Backline, healing.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ja.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Amazing, so this is the level. Vice Pres B-san¡¯s healing magic patches up allies in a blink of an eye, followed by Attack Magic, strong enough to keep even Slime-san in check. That is the great sage.?

    ?

    ¡¸Shooot! Fire!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Great Flame!¡¹¡¸Fire Missile!¡¹¡¸Fire Arrow.¡¹¡¸Come forth, Flames!¡¹¡¸Pyro.¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯d have to increase the amount of sweets I¡¯ll give to Slime-san. And also increase the number of bargain sale items. Since Armored Pres-san spectating the fight is also nodding, this must be a passing grade even from the Dungeon Emperor¡¯s point of view.?

    ?

    Looks like I really was underestimating them. This means that even if they can¡¯t win, they will be able to protect me from a Slime-san class enemy. As expected of Cheat owners.?

    ?

    But, they also seem to be making light of things??

    ?

    ¡¸Slime-san. Please go a bit serious for the finisher. I¡¯ll add 5 sweets, okay? And also, the bath is waiting~. So~, destroy~? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiiggle Jiggle~!)?

    ?

    This looks like a total wipe. Well, there is no way anyone aside from Armored Pres-san can take the serious Slime-san? If they could stop that, the deepest floors would¡¯ve been too easy? For your information, such Slime-san is far more dangerous than Sphinx or Sand Giant? There is no way I can beat that? Like, really impossible.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyuu!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They are out cold. I feel a bit sorry for them, but this is Librarian¡¯s punishment. You don¡¯t have to force yourself so much, after all, I have Slime-san with me as well? See? You were underestimating Slime-san, right? Silly worrywarts, getting your butts handed to you by Slime-san serves you right. Now, it¡¯s bath time.?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, have one go with us before the bath too.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s do it.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I had a go. One. Now, it¡¯s bath time, this time for real. The unconscious girls won¡¯t be able to move on their own, so I use Evil Hands to transport them. You still have a long way to go before I¡¯d let you protect me, you know? Be it a bluff, cheating, or trickery, a win is a win.?

    ?

    But as a reward, I¡¯ll make frill panties that appear among requests day after day. But I won¡¯t take any measurements! I¡¯ll make them a side tie, so they can adjust them on their own. Some might say that adding side ties makes them even riskier, but taking measurements is too much for me in a high school boy sort of way. Please, adjust them yourself. I can¡¯t take those measurements. Bras are also impossible? Please spare me that, I¡¯m a high school boy after all. Well, those are rewards for overlyhardworkers. Rewards. However, Librarian gets a thong.

 CH 186

    Chapter 186: Supposed annoyance was extremely well received, turning into a torrent of extra orders for thongs.?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Finally recovering, everyone heads to the bath.?

    ?

    Demolished by Angelica-san, wiped out by a surprise participant Slime-san, we then tried to challenge Haruka-kun to what we thought would be a spar, but were instantly destroyed. It was already over by the time we noticed it.?

    ?

    There is still such a gap between us. Even though we could see him move, we couldn¡¯t react in time, despite him not being that fast. It¡¯s like everything happened frame by frame, like in slow motion. That is Kyojitsu.?

    ?

    20 people were defeated simultaneously, unable to do anything. The chain of weakest attacks focused entirely on their instantaneous execution,?

    ?

    ¡¸Here I thought that we caught up with him a bit, but he is that strong?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸How come that I can¡¯t do anything despite having twice his SpE? I¡¯m sure I clearly saw everything.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It somehow felt as if I was fighting underwater. And while I could barely move, he took me out? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s not about movements being smooth or refined anymore, is it? It¡¯s more like the flow of time was distorted?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes. Since we can¡¯t react in time despite the slowness of movements, it warps the perception of time. One moment you think ¡ºEh?¡», and it¡¯s too late. Despite being faster than him, we can¡¯t keep up.?

    ?

    Despite seeing it numerous times and being well aware of it, when it happens right in front of your own eyes it is still confusing. That is kill before you get killed or as how he calls it¡ºGap strategy¡». Apparently, he just uses a bit of a gap in defenses, to a little bit kill the enemy a slight bit faster? That¡¯s why gap strategy. He kills the enemy without any exchange of blows.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸In the end, he is strong! His stats are a total scam!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    But his stats are despairing. And since he could be killed any moment with those depressing stats, he kept going for killing the enemy first. The culmination of that is that technique.?

    ?

    However, it¡¯s all a sham. Everyone knew about the difference in our stats, so they held back, letting their guard down, and he exploited that opening. We lost before the fight even began. That¡¯s why he instantly took us out, acting at leisure as he did so.?

    ?

    So we are holding a meeting in the bath, a review session.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Phaah~. Did we get stronger~? At least a bit~?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    Slime-san is praising us? It went into the bath with Haruka-kun a short while ago, but it decided to come with us as well. It seems like it likes bathing. It also baths with the Stalker Girl and the Poster Girl as well. Jiggling, it floats in the water, wait? Why are there three of them??

    ?

    Looks like Vice Pres B-san took it with her. But Slime-san, those two are not your kind? Rather, they are enemies of the other girls!?

    ?

    ¡¸Slime-san was strong~. Terrific~. So you could use weapons too~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But unlike human opponents, I couldn¡¯t read its movements or its intentions.¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    The girls that faced Slime-san for the first time were surprised, but those that already fought it in the dungeon were utterly shocked. It¡¯s too strong.?

    ?

    ¡¸I heard that Slime-san can be amazing if it gets serious, but it felt like its strength underwent a huge change since then. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. Haruka-kun also said that he is worried that Slime-san might¡¯ve reached dungeon emperor class strength. Even though he is the culprit behind all of the trouble anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    However, this also gave defensive options to Haruka-kun and Angelica-san, who previously could defend only through attack. Well, them being able to defend themselves through sheer offense was already abnormal, but at the very least, it¡¯s one less worst-case scenario to worry about now.?

    ?

    And no idea if it was because he confirmed Slime-san¡¯s defensive capabilities or because our strength was acknowledged, but we can now go to 50th floors.?

    ?

    He gave approval for us challenging 50th floors as long as someone from his group is tagging along. We were able to properly fight on the 50th floor of the Great Dungeon, so we should be able to manage. But the gap isn¡¯t closing at all.?

    ?

    While the level gap keeps growing, in terms of proficiency and technique he is still far ahead, so far that we can¡¯t even see his back.?

    ?

    ¡¸So that is the technique he created to win without level and skills.¡¹?

    ?

    Even if that is a forced strength, he is still too far.?

    ?

    Even if that technique is a patchwork of somehow glued together elements, it¡¯s still strong.?

    ?

    Even if he is the weakest, nobody can beat that.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸He instantly obliterated us~!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    We were still nowhere near good enough at all. We worked so hard, training in secret we gained a bit of confidence but turns out he still was way out of our reach. Still so far.?

    ?

    ¡¸He was saying¡ºIf you are vulnerable, you just have to make the enemy even more vulnerable¡».¡¹?

    ?

    And in addition to that, he can ignore enemy defense with the divine sword and Dimension Blade, teleportation makes him impossible to hit, and then there are evil hands, Holding, and all sorts of hidden abilities and tricks. He gained that much strength at a mere Lv21. And he also has Angelica-san and Slime-san.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he can¡¯t be killed, despite walking so close to death. That¡¯s why he won¡¯t die, despite being so easy to kill, he definitely can be killed, but everyone dies first.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Even so, we will protect him. I don¡¯t want to go through that again.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The days we spent waiting for Haruka-kun were long. Those days, when he went off to die on his own, lasted what felt like an eternity. I don¡¯t want the repetition of that.?

    ?

    By now we don¡¯t care about the previous or this world. We surely will cry again and there is no way we can ever forget about our families, but we understand that nothing can be done about that. However, we can¡¯t endure being without Haruka-kun. Nothing felt as bitter and agonizing. That can kill our souls, back then, we didn¡¯t even have tears left to cry anymore.?

    ?

    Shimazaki-san and others probably feel the most impatient. While Angelica-san and Slime-san protected Haruka-kun from the Sand Giant, they couldn¡¯t do anything to help him, which greatly pains them. They are worried about the fact that they only keep getting protected by him, despite getting tamed earlier. Even we feel the same.?

    ?

    Although he came back, acting as if nothing happened, he seems to have collapsed back there, with blood coming out of his nose. And yet, to us he showed calm composure, even making burgers for everyone.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we want to be able to protect him.?

    ?

    Returning to our rooms after the bath we discovered presents there. It seems that Haruka-kun asked the Poster Girl to bring them here, saying that it¡¯s the reward for today. Inside were frilly panties, that he so fervently refused to make until now. With side-ties. By the way, he apparently won¡¯t take any additional requests for those.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaaa, it¡¯s panties!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Although it is in part due to how cute they look, everyone is extremely overjoyed due to the overall grave deficit of underwear. I guess this time we better not ask him how he is so knowledgeable about the design of female underwear. But this world has no bras? This is what we¡¯d really like to order from him? We are attempting to make something on our own, but we aren¡¯t even close to succeeding. But it also comes with the problem of taking measurements¡­?

    ?

    And the Librarian-chan got a thong¡­ See? You shouldn¡¯t have provoked him? Since you did it out of concern, he will exchange them for another pair if you apologize¡­ eh, you are going to wear that?! It seems she is fine with that.?

    ?

    A beautiful Yamato Nadeshiko-type girl in a thong was too much. And I thought her to be an extremely serious person¡­ And he probably isn¡¯t going to take any request for thongs too. [1] [TL Note:

    [1] Yamato Nadeshiko is a Japanese term meaning the ¡°personification of an idealized Japanese woman¡±, poised, decorous, kind, gentle, graceful, humble, patient, virtuous, respectful, benevolent, honest, charitable, faithful. Although by now it¡¯s mostly used to describe simply a demure young woman.

 CH 187

    Chapter 187: We had a good time after I explained the wonderfulness of tube bras, boxers, and combinations.?

    ?

    Day 54 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    The contents are extensively researched and well put together. It¡¯s an amazing book. With the exception of it¡¯s¡ºLet¡¯s Magic Tools!¡»title.?

    ?

    ¡¸Mana molding? Altering material¡¯s elasticity? If the size itself can be changed¡­ Then there is no need for measurements? Suppose nothing can be done about the necessity of various skin coverage, but as long as the balance with the form is preserved it¡¯s not a problem? And is there any effect of my actions on my Affection Rating? Or was it already done for when I made side-tie panties? And why isn¡¯t the person with the thong coming to apologize? No way, did she put them on? Was she actually such a lewd girl?¡¹?

    ?

    This seems like another application of the same technology as multicolor, or rather, its advanced version? While the Alchemic process is complicated, the materials and manufacturing steps are the same. It might require magic stones of a slightly higher level, but I guess it depends on the mastery of alchemy.?

    ?

    As I thought, they have no underwear, and that is exactly why I placed orders of the highest priority to the town¡¯s workshops to make them. But it seems that the town¡¯s sewing workshops still can¡¯t make a product of satisfactory quality when it comes to underwear. They can handle spitting and weaving, but underwear is still too difficult? It seems the technique required for draping is still not there. Instead, the clothes made based on pattern papers turned out a lot better.?

    ?

    Knitted items are also about to enter the manufacturing stage, so townsfolk should soon have a plentiful choice of clothing.?

    ?

    There are also first successes with magic stone dust coating at the filature stage, so while expensive, multicolor also should become available soon. Rather than the ability to change color, the best selling points it has for the frontier come from its ability to pass mana through, improving its durability, stain prevention, defensive power, and abnormal effects resistance. Even if it¡¯s expensive I¡¯d like to get the production going, and if we use scraps from magic stones it shouldn¡¯t cost that much. They are also easy to turn into dust, so the diffusion should be easy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even though the highschool boy placed an order, going as far as to attach pattern papers for bras with it, working through the night all on his own to design it, sacrificing his own Affection Rating just to escape taking measurements. But now requests for underwear evolved into a petition? Their attempts to explain to a high school boy how they get itchy in sarashi from stuffiness trouble me. The image just pops up in my mind! So underwear also needs breathability, huh¡­ If I use mana casting I can make a combined model, parts of which they should be able to adjust individually. Although a few people may require their very own custom models, but you lose if you worry about that. And one person will definitely need a custom-tailored model, but I shouldn¡¯t think about that. Earlier, Slime-san used Mimicry to show that they took a bath together, but I shouldn¡¯t be recalling that, and also, no one should ask what exactly did it mimic! Asking did I rub them or not is forbidden too!¡¹?

    ?

    In any case, since I¡¯ll be using expensive magic stones for my classmates, I will have to do everything manually. Besides, since I already have all of the measurements, I can now easily make items fully tailored for each girl as well. Not my problem if they get fatter.?

    ?

    And after I made some for Armored Pres, they persuaded me to make everyone¡¯s share too, apparently, it impacts movement? It hurts if it doesn¡¯t properly fit, or so they say. And no matter how I think about this, it is going to require the creation and processing of highly charged high-ranking magic stones, and there is no one who can handle that through magic or alchemy. The calculations for handling mana absorbing or mana repelling materials have to be done with ¡ºApex Thinking¡»or the effects will not show and the processing will inevitably fail. And¡ºEvil Hands¡»should be able to craft them instantly, all while measuring and fitting at the same time. However, those sensations come through feedback to me, you know? Seriously.?

    ?

    For a highschool boy, merely knowing approximate sizes makes it awkward, and looking her in the eyes the next day makes it even more embarrassingly awkward, but I¡¯m supposed to go with proper measurements, stuffing and checking, shaking and adjusting, I¡¯ll die at this rate, you know? It will be a flood of nosebleed? And most likely, Armored Pres-san will be the one to get into an awkward situation as a result, over and over.?

    ?

    As I thought, if going for a compromise, then it¡¯s sports bras. I should be able to make them using the mana casting method described in ¡ºLet¡¯s Magic Tools!¡». Well, there¡¯s no point in simply agonizing over it, so after Armored Pres-san comes back let¡¯s make a prototype, fitting it on her as we go. They will surely need matching sports panties as well. Putting them on her will most definitely lead to some huge consequences, so they will immediately end up getting stripped. That¡¯s what¡¯s happening every time, so there is no doubt about that.?

    ?

    Excitedly, I make sports panties, and also boxers too. My Affection Rating is most likely doomed by now. There is no way a highschool boy who makes panties at night can have any Affection Rating. It¡¯s just generally creepy, and he is fully intending to put them on someone.?

    ?

    I¡¯ll make my share as well. It¡¯s boxers for me though, okay? I¡¯m in the boxers faction, to begin with? Yeah, not like anyone cares. And if anyone does I¡¯d be running away.?

    ?

    And here comes an attempt at the experimental trial piece. I overlay fabric with temporary sewing, straps are so annoying. But cross back is hard to pass!?

    ?

    Ah! Tube bras would be much easier to make.?

    ?

    I wonder which is better? I never wore one, so I have no idea, and I probably still won¡¯t understand anything even if I tried. No, there is no way I¡¯ll ever try them on! Why would a high school boy, who excitedly makes tube bras at night, try it on? That won¡¯t be about something so trivial as Affection Rating anymore! The one to wear these will be Armored Pres-san! If I said I¡¯ll put this on her, I will! Definitely.?

    ?

    ¡¸Tights are nice too. Yeah.¡¹?

    ?

    Damn it, I can¡¯t help but feel that I look like nothing but a pervert thinking of his fetishes aloud? Just why is it??

    ?

    ¡¸The Geeks will probably say that they won¡¯t accept anything besides stripes, but since no one is going to show them this it doesn¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t want to make anything for men? It¡¯s boring, wait, no, it¡¯s not like I was having fun here! Well, naturally, I do look forward to putting these on Armored Pres-san? I look forward to that a lot. Let¡¯s give this my best. I wonder what is the higher rank version of ¡ºRegeneration¡»called?¡¹?

    ?

    While I can¡¯t progress with the work, until she comes back, when she comes back things will progress in a way that I won¡¯t have time for work. They will likely progress so much we won¡¯t be able to go back on track, but I will not hesitate to progress them even further! Even deeper!?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t it amazing for a bra to have 10 ViT 10% buff and Impact Resistance (Lesser)? And just what kind of impact does the bra intend to lessen? As for breathability, it can¡¯t be tested without putting this on~. So that is what we will have to do!¡¹?

    ?

    Mithrilified equipment is also being steadily produced, so we are about to reach the point when everyone is sufficiently equipped. If even underwear is coming with enchantments now it should pad their stats quite a bit. But stats only, that other sort of padding is not allowed. That padding is the enemy of boys¡¯ hopes, dreams, and fantasies! I demand an apology for all the pure boys who were cheering, deceived by that! I¡¯m serious!?

    ?

    Well, can¡¯t say that their itemization is perfect, but if we were going for that there¡¯s no end to it, and above all else, the very fact that there are 29 people with cheat skills is their biggest weapon. Perhaps the biggest advantage the teleported ones have lies in the group combat, utilizing their numbers.?

    ?

    Probably, with their current proficiency, they should be able to beat 50th floors¡¯ floor masters if they bring enough people. Even dungeon masters might be beatable??

    ?

    As long as there are no broken monsters.?

    ?

    Well, they shouldn¡¯t be that common, however, we have two of them right here. So we can¡¯t be sure that there won¡¯t be any others.?

    ?

    But the girls¡¯ levels are beginning to freeze at 99. As long as the existence of some kind of requirement for the breakthrough is a possibility, the safe approach could be detrimental to their growth.?

    ?

    There is no reason for them to force themselves to fight, but even so, they are trying to become stronger. Even though they don¡¯t have to work so hard??

    ?

    So the only thing I can do now is help them raise their stats. Trying to raise my Affection Rating is pointless anyway since it went so deep down that there is no helping it. I wonder, at which floor it is at the moment??

    ?

    Also orders from the general store can finally be handled by others. It¡¯s not like there are less of them, but at the very least buckets and baskets can be handled by newly operational workshops. I even made magic-powered steam and magic-powered drying machines, so that should cover the town¡¯s demand.?

    ?

    Iron manufacturers are doing fine too, with the seeming increase in the number of apprentices the blacksmith got. However, with the region currently being isolated from the rest of the country, the weapon sales are not doing that well. There is an option of smuggling weapons to the other side, but to be frank, right now is not the time when I¡¯d like to supply the kingdom with weapons, so he will have to prioritize domestic demand. Lately, I gained a considerable amount of free time, so I thought about learning how to make weapons, but this seems like a trigger for another avalanche for my side work, so it¡¯s scary. Why are those the only triggers that no one tries to block? For real??

    ?

    However, I still have urgent requests. They seem to have taken a liking to fried rice with mushrooms¡­ Then make it yourself! It¡¯s not a big deal, you can handle cooking for 3 people! Meanwhile, I have to cook on a scale where even 100 portions aren¡¯t enough, you know? Should I just cook it all at once? Do I have enough eggs though??

    ?

    (Knock-Knock)?

    ?

    ¡¸I am ba-¡­ Back. ¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like she¡¯s returned. Now, shall we begin, but before that, we have to talk, okay? After all, today she came back looking very happy, beaming with a radiant smile. She must have tons of stuff that she wants to tell. She must¡¯ve had lots of fun today.?

    ?

    So I¡¯m going to listen to her. About the stuff she liked, about the stuff that made her smile, about the day that she enjoyed. After all, she couldn¡¯t even do such trivial things all this time.?

    ?

    But we are going to do That anyway? I¡¯ve already prepared everything? Tops, bottoms, full sets, 6 types? We can go for 6 rounds.

 CH 188

    Chapter 188: They won¡¯t notice even if they get caught up, so I recommend letting them jump in and then blast from behind with AOE attacks? Or rather, hit them on purpose.?

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Today we are challenging the 50th floor with everyone. After that we are going to have a day off, so let¡¯s get done with this quickly. This time, I¡¯m coming as a spectating instructor plus a hidden room spotter plus support in case of emergency. That¡¯s a very busy NEET for ya!?

    ?

    ¡¸This dungeon had lots of flying monsters, so look out for airborne enemies! Bird-types were the main! Most of them were weak to either physical or magic attacks, so don¡¯t rush to blindly attack them, and properly discern their weakness!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It seems that here, they already explored all the way to the 49th floor, with the Bitches clearing the way. However, with the sword users being the core of the party, flying monsters should¡¯ve been difficult to deal with. Just how did they beat them? Did they perhaps bite them??

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s expected that I¡¯ll have nothing to do with 32 people present since I had nothing to do even with just 3 people, but why do I get busier hour by hour despite not getting to do anything? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod, nod) (Jiggle, jiggle)?

    ?

    Even Armored Pres-san, whose conversation ability devolved to the level of Slime-san, agreed by nodding. However, chasing canaries in a cave like this might get animal activists pissed off. They look cute. With their fluffy round bodies they look like small chicks, I¡¯d like to have some as pets, but they also happen to have ¡ºDeadly Poison¡». They¡¯ll peck at you, making you go¡ºAww, how cute~¡», and the next moment you are dead, it¡¯s a trap! I almost grabbed one myself!?

    ?

    And since they have ¡ºCooperation¡»and attack in groups, they are quite a trouble. They fly away, hide, and shoot poison spears out of their mouths from behind at their victims. There is nothing cute about what they do, but they look adorable. Still, pecking canaries are much better than crazy biting bitches! Isn¡¯t there ¡ºSwap¡»skill somewhere? Not going to say that aloud though. Since they¡¯ll bite me.?

    ?

    Acting as a spearhead, the Bitches charge ahead, scattering the enemies with mid-ranged magic. Shooting¡ºWind Blades¡»randomly and obstructing the flight with wind magic, they go around, cutting the birdies down. It¡¯s not terribly inventive, but it¡¯s effective nonetheless. All 5 are elite Lv 99 by now. At the same time, they aren¡¯t pressing too far ahead, minding their distance with the rearguard.?

    ?

    And compared to that, the Idiots simply keep endlessly chasing the enemies all over the place? They are again running on the walls, chasing the bird into the ceiling and generally leaping through the place. Are they actually mobs? How are they so stupid? Why are they like this right after being told to be careful about flying enemies? Didn¡¯t they do the same thing when they fought the bugs? Why do they keep running after them despite having Lightning and other skills? Are they dogs? Is this perhaps an instinct? Let¡¯s try throwing them a bone next time.?

    ?

    And the Great Sage-san, who was wielding large-scale extermination spells during the practice is currently bludgeoning the enemies? The swings from that giant thing she claims to be a staff, which looks like nothing but a huge hammer, merge into one tempest of pain. And her other stuff is swinging around too!?

    ?

    The pres seems to have either changed to a tank, or it¡¯s anything goes for her, but at the moment she is fighting with a great shield and a sword. Is she trying to perfect the all-rounder style? Is she wearing side-tie frills after all? No, I didn¡¯t say anything? Please, fight looking forward? You are going to get pecked??

    ?

    The¡ºSpear Canaries Lv23¡» of the 23th floor perished looking cute and lovely.?

    ?

    But it was so wicked. From beginning to the end, the spear canaries were under the effect of illusions meddling with their sense of balance, and with their ability for flight hindered they were mercilessly hunted down. This is the expertise area of the culture clubs¡¯ girls. It¡¯s extremely troublesome if one fails to resist this. Is she wearing a thong right now? I heard she actually put it on? Is this for real??

    ?

    Proceeding smoothly is nice, but there is too much of a contrast between whether they get to have things go their way or not.?

    ?

    However, they are moving in the right direction. Go hard on those weaker than you, grind, raise levels, and strike. This is a simple and easy approach, so it comes free of mistakes.?

    ?

    The problem is Lv 100 breakthrough. if the condition was to beat a floor master, it should¡¯ve been cleared back at the great dungeon. Or do they need to beat more than one? Or maybe the issue is in the fact that they beat it all together? Well, the only way to verify it is to keep beating bosses. After all, I have no means to confirm any of that myself. I have to level up 78 more times to catch up with them. There is no chance for me to reach Lv 100 unless I destroy this entire world, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go check the hidden room, okay? I¡¯ll be done while you are picking magic stones, it¡¯s totally not like I¡¯m going to slack off? Honestly. Definitely not. I mean, I¡¯m beginning to think so, then it must be the case? Probably? Soo, there are treasure chests awaiting me! Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Numerous magic stones are scattered all over the place, so gathering all of them should be a pain. But since there are 29 of them, they should be done in no time. That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to the hidden room! Absolutely not to skip work! This can be called a rational and efficient course of action, I mean, the more I repeat this, the more it seems that way, so it¡¯s probably true.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aah~. He ran away~.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It seems there was¡ºBig Canary Lv23¡»in the hidden room. I wonder if it was tasty? Can¡¯t say since I didn¡¯t get to catch even a glimpse of it. Well, I guess it¡¯s fine since it didn¡¯t eat the treasure chest too.?

    ?

    ¡¸Here I am, sort of? Behold, the item that was hidden in this dungeon¡ºFloating Stone ¨C Floats¡»! Well, I tried to hype it up a bit, but I have no idea where to use it? Since it¡¯s so useless, should we pass it to the geeks?¡¹?

    ?

    But Slime-san is staring at it. Does it want it? Is it going to float? Is jiggle jiggle going to turn into boyon boyon? It apparently was going boyon boyon in the baths, but there were 3 of them? Where did the other 2 come from? Are they staying at the inn as well? Were there Slime customers at that inn??

    ?

    In the end, I got the floating stone under the condition that I will treat everyone to a mysterious bird stew, which I then gave to Slime-san. Does it have a thing for stones? I tried offering it mithril and it ate that as well? But it has no interest in normal rocks, it¡¯s not cheap being a gourmet.

    However, is it really fine to sit around a hot pot with everyone in a dungeon? Well, the dungeon emperor and the dungeon master are excited by the idea, so it should be alright. Which reminds me, we didn¡¯t have any bird stew until now.?

    ?

    Nothing seems to be respawning aside from the canaries, which are being taken care of by the vanguard. Out of boredom, Slime-san also joined the leading party. But you are going to get bitten if you sit on the head of the Bitch Leader like that? Even kobolds got bitten, you know? Wait? Did they? Or were they biting each other? Sort of??

    ?

    Well, whatever. Let¡¯s quickly check hidden rooms and pick up items. I can have a rest after we are done! So let¡¯s hurry.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hhmm, didn¡¯t we have something like this already? ¡ºGrand Wall ¨C ViT, PoW 30% Up, +Def¡»¡ºGigantic Spear ¨C PoW 30% Up, +ATT¡», wasn¡¯t someone using this? Who was it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you remember? We sold it because it was too heavy. And the size also made them hard to use.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We have a deficit of bows and mantles, but they don¡¯t pop up at all.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We don¡¯t have enough enchanted boots and gloves as well~.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t there too few axes and morning stars?¡¹?

    ?

    Not popular goods. It¡¯s decided, this goes to the weapon store and will be converted into everyone¡¯s pocket money there. Which I will then rip off. Today I have anklets, sports bras, panties, and faux fur accessories. This is bound to make me a rich man.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun. How about going to the forge when we return? We think crafted composite bows should be usable if we add effects to them?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah~, you sly geeks, aren¡¯t you quite crafty as well~? Making bows to rip off the money from the girls? I like the idea! Let¡¯s do this! Let¡¯s rip them off!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Stoop it! We are going to sell them at a fair and reasonable price! It¡¯s only for promotional purposes! We aren¡¯t going to rip anyone off, okay? Look, they are glaring at us! And we aren¡¯t sly.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Indeed, if there were bows for everyone they could use them to fire in volleys before moving to other sorts of attacks. Being able to land the first hit is also advantageous in terms of tactic. It also will allow to conserve mana.?

    ?

    However, I have no trust in them. The geeks must have a composite bow¡¯s crafting method memorized, but there is no telling what will come out if they try to make one! There is no guarantee that that bow won¡¯t have a steam engine attached! Will it end up flying this time? Or maybe it will be a chair-type composite bow? It¡¯ll launch you if you sit on it? Exploring dungeons with everyone carrying chairs around? If one gets tired they will have something to sit down on. Sounds convenient.?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, if I make paid massage chairs and place them here and there I¡¯ll have a small fortune! A relatively rich man! And if I merge that title with the magnate, I¡¯ll get Great Magnate! Alright, time to get working! I just have to embed chairs with magic stones with vibration magic and properly tune them. So the guild will need one, the inn, and¡­ The general store. Oh, and let¡¯s put another one in the lord¡¯s mansion! It has tons of tired middle-aged men. Every time I come there I see exhausted middle-aged men running around with documents? That¡¯s definitely a profitable spot!?

    ?

    ¡¸The 50th floor is almost there~. Are you re~ady? Did you decide on the battle plan? The boss might be flying, so it might be an air battle? The idiots are going to charge anyway, so I recommend letting them jump at the boss and then blast it from behind with AOE attacks? They are idiots, so they wouldn¡¯t notice even if they get caught in the attack? Or rather, how about blasting them on purpose?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Heeey! Don¡¯t target us! We are going to notice, we already did since you said everything beforehand!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They noticed? They might be smarter than I thought, perhaps they are even smarter than water fleas? But then why did they completely forget about the existence of the boomerang that they pestered me so much to make? What was my hard work for? Why did it completely disappear from their minds as soon as they were done playing with it? It was made to perform ranged attacks! Throw it before charging in! And then earlier, you actually threw it, and then chased after it! Why?! Are you dogs? Even though you can¡¯t perform even the most basic commands? Even though you are dumber than kobolds?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaaah, right, we had that!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I can¡¯t take this anymore! They are too stupid! They really forgot about it. They messed around with it a bit and that¡¯s it! They simply wanted to play with a boomerang!?

    ?

    On top of that, throwing and chasing the boomerang in the forest they were calling it a training? Even though it¡¯s a boomerang? And when the boomerang flew back to them, they were going¡ºWhoooooa!¡»and went chasing after it again. It¡¯s an ancient tribal weapon, but since they don¡¯t have as much wits to them as aborigines, they end up chasing after it. What¡¯s the point of having a boomerang then?! And as I thought, they damn forgot about it! And it¡¯s probably only now, after hearing about it here, they first realized that it is a ranged weapon! How could they not get it after throwing it so many times? That ¡ºAaaah¡»is definitely ¡ºwe totally didn¡¯t know that¡»type of ¡ºAaaah¡». Definitely!

 CH 189

    Chapter 189: Looks like Pres-sama is going to whip them into shape, changing Job to Mistress?

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon, 50 floors underground.?

    ?

    The giant boomerang is flying through the room, tearing through the air with a thunderous roar, the massive blunt weapon draws an irregular elliptical trajectory. The one commanding the battle is our glorious leader, Pres-sama. Should I perhaps make a whip for her? Eh? Somehow, it feels like it might suit her? I wonder if a leather outfit will look good on her? Is Pres-sama going to change Job to Mistress? A rank above Royal Girl??

    ?

    ¡¸Heel!¡¹?

    ?

    Alright. She stopped the idiots from chasing after the giant boomerang. Or rather, stop chasing everything you see! It¡¯s a boomerang, so it will come back anyway! Why do they run off chasing the boomerang they just threw themselves and then return running after it as it flies back?! Just throwing you guys instead will be faster! In the first place, if you are going to chase it, the point of using it as a ranged weapon is completely lost, isn¡¯t it? Why are they chasing it all the way to the enemy, which actually happens to be flying? You might as well fight it in close combat at that point??

    ?

    Moreover, we told them not to get near that thing since it¡¯s hot, but they are chasing it anyway, just why is it? Can¡¯t they get the hint by looking at that? I mean, it¡¯s ¡ºPhoenix Lv 50¡», it¡¯s definitely very hot! It¡¯s burning, why do they notice only after they get themselves burned?! It¡¯s literally a firebird! It¡¯s burning hot!?

    ?

    Defending from the fireballs that keep endlessly pouring from above they are gradually getting closer, using ranged attacks in the meantime. A solid approach.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san, Slime-san, and I are prohibited from doing or even saying anything? It¡¯s boring, you know? Well, Slime-san can¡¯t speak, so it isn¡¯t going to run its mouth, but in a way, it seems very keen on doing exactly that, or rather, on swallowing up this bird? The bird seems hot to me, won¡¯t it get a burn? Even so, we are spectating.?

    ?

    It keeps evading the giant boomerang, but being unable to focus on offense due to continuous incoming attacks seems to be pissing it off. That must be because it doesn¡¯t eat enough fish. You wouldn¡¯t be so irritable if you had enough calcium, you know? And it¡¯s also very tasty? Well, I doubt it has soy sauce, so¡­?

    ?

    The charge attack it performs from time to time with that giant body is being repelled by the geeks, simply being on fire is not enough to break through that barrier. Even I couldn¡¯t do that! However, fried chicken sounds great.?

    ?

    Because it keeps resisting debuffs from the culture clubs¡¯ girls, they can¡¯t deliver a decisive blow. This is a battle of attrition. The culture clubs¡¯ girls also shifted to attacking with bows. Composite bows are a good idea, but it might be nice to add enchanted arrows to the mix as well. Fire rate and accuracy are great, but the destructive power is lacking. After all, the enemy is ¡ºRegenerating¡». Is this bird actually a lewd bird? Is it regenerating all night long working hard, just like me? It has ¡ºRegeneration Lv 8¡»after all? But looks like it has no ¡ºInsatiable Libido¡»or ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡». It¡¯s not one of my people.?

    ?

    (They have to get it to the ground, right? Long range attrition battle puts them at too much of a disadvantage? Armored Pres-san, don¡¯t you think so as well?)?

    ?

    (Nod, Nod) (Jiggle, Jiggle.)?

    ?

    As I thought, they are of the same opinion. Or rather, it will be all over if we simply slam dunk the bird with Slime-san. Regeneration or whatever, it will be devoured right then and there. I mean, Slime-san looks like it¡¯s about to eat it any moment now? But we happen to be prohibited from interfering.?

    ?

    ¡¸Focus fire on the base of its wings!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger that!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they are trying to shoot it down, but it¡¯s difficult to concentrate fire on a target that flies around. They have to slow it first. But Wire Cutter can only be used by Slime-san and me, ¡ºAir Walk¡»also can be used only by me, the only skills that can get it at this range are my¡ºDimension Blade¡»and Armored Pres-san¡¯s¡ºSword Flash¡». Since they had no means to quickly finish it off this turned into a prolonged battle, and in prolonged battles ¡ºRegeneration¡»gives one an overwhelming advantage, but no one has it besides Slime-san, Pres, and me. Actually, Pres-san has a full set of ¡ºRegeneration¡»,¡ºInsatiable Libido¡»and¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡», but since she is glaring at me I¡¯m not going to say anything. Focus on commanding, okay? Don¡¯t get distracted? I¡¯m not saying anything at all? We are of one kind, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming~! Here we go~. Take this~¡ºFreeze Line¡»~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Everyone, charge!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Countless arcs of ice appeared in the air, trapping the phoenix and creating the path to it. Indeed, with this, there is no need to force it to the ground. Everyone runs up the ice arcs, rushing towards the phoenix. If they manage to bring it down here the victory is assured.?

    ?

    So that was their aim, as I thought, while everyone can use magic, they lack specialized backline mages. However, ¡ºGreat Sage¡»alone has excessive magic firepower. There wouldn¡¯t be any problem if she was using it on the usual basis, but for some reason, she is specializing in close combat.?

    ?

    As expected, the geeks¡¯ mage specializing in protection is the reason for the lack of offensive power, however, it is also true that we don¡¯t have enough defensive options as well. There were too many spellcasters among the 13 dead.?

    ?

    ¡¸Strike its wings!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll take the right one!¡¹¡¸I¡¯ll help~.¡¹¡¸Same~!¡¹¡¸Leave it to us!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We¡¯ll take the left one!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The head is suppressed by the geeks and the committee members. Hmmm, will they make it in time? The Numerous interconnected ice arcs are about to melt. Sliding on them probably would be a lot of fun, but I think they¡¯ll be angry if during the combat someone goes¡ºICE SLIDE, YAHOOOO!¡»behind them. Let¡¯s control ourselves? (Jiggle jiggle) Yes, looks like we can¡¯t??

    ?

    The idiots on the left ice bridge are about to get rid of the right wing, but for what reason do they keep hitting it with boomerangs? And yet it somehow suits them? Are they aborigines? Barbarians? Just what did they think a boomerang was when they asked me to craft it? You can use swoooords! However, it seems to be very effective.?

    ?

    The right side struggling with attacks from the legs, hindering the progress? The athletic girls move to suppress the legs, while the bitches are targeting the wings. But the ice won¡¯t hold much longer??

    ?

    Wouldn¡¯t it have been better to focus on one of the wings or the head? Well, as a failsafe plan, this one might be better, but fighting against someone with ¡ºRegeneration¡»they have to swiftly finish them off, or they will keep fighting back? Moreover, currently trapped in ice, the fire is suppressed, but as soon as it melts down ¡ºEpic Flame¡»will be back at full force. When that happens they won¡¯t be able to get close.?

    ?

    Well, Vice Pres B-san seems to be doing all of this on purpose, so let¡¯s leave it be. There is probably some kind of meaning to it. Librarian also doesn¡¯t use her last resort skills.?

    ?

    While it¡¯s only level 50, a monster who is both a floor master and a dungeon master can¡¯t be beaten that easily. The enemy also has a trump card. Upon appraisal, one of the skills showed as¡º?¡». It¡¯s probably either This or That.?

    ?

    ¡¸We are finishing it when it falls down!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Preparations complete!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ready at any moment! ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like they are planning to finish it in one go, so it¡¯s about time we get moving as well.?

    ?

    *DOGODADAGAGAGOOOOOOOOOOUUUUU.*?

    ?

    Losing its wings the phoenix falls to the ground along with the prison of ice, which everyone follows by plunging at the phoenix from above, they are planning to finish it off with big attacks. Must be nice, being able to pull off such cheater moves.?

    ?

    ¡¸Sevenfold Slash!¡¹¡¸Bomb Thrust!¡¹¡¸Ice Spear!¡¹¡¸Gravity EX!¡¹¡¸Disentegration!¡¹¡¸Rupture!¡¹¡¸Hee~yaa~¡¹¡¸¡­Hail EX.¡¹¡¸Lightning Cut¡¹¡­?

    ?

    With repeated heavy attacks from the cheaters the phoenix¡¯s HP rapidly vanished, and it turned into a pile of ash.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We did it! We beat the dungeon master!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We won! We did it!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The job is done, it seems. They went all out to kill it. They must¡¯ve kept pummeling it until they ran out of mana. Some of the girls are so tired that they lay down on the floor. But a few people seem to have noticed??

    ?

    ¡¸Good job? We are going to have a bird stew so gather up? Take a seat at whichever table you like~. We are going to need that area, okay? Move along, move along? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Making everyone sit at the tables that I created at the side of the floor, I pull out a pot. Cooked bird meat with vegetables. It¡¯s just the right time to eat it. If only we had kombu, glass noodles, and tofu. Bird meat, cabbage, and mushrooms are all we have.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Being hungry due to running out of mana they are wolfing it down. They must be physically exhausted too. They don¡¯t seem to be injured, and the stew also has healing mushrooms in it, so they should recover in no time.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, today all of you failed, so the next time you are going to fight on the 50th floor under the surveillance of the instructors again, okay? Dungeon masters are a real pain, you know? Seriously.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Eeeh~? Whyy~? (*Booooo!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle, Jiggle-Jiggle)?

    ?

    Slime-san is busy having its own meal over there. Thank goodness the phoenix remained. After all, Slime-san was looking at it with such an appetite, waiting for the fight to end this whole time? This was bound to happen one way or another. I mean, for the phoenix, the firebird, to return to ashes is basically a flag for an event? Well, it got eaten before it got a chance to revive? Slime-san seems to be in a good mood, so it must be delicious.?

    ?

    ¡¸What? Why is Slime-san eating it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It came back to life!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? It was dead.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But it¡¯s a phoenix¡­¡¹?

    ?

    (Kuuuueeee¡­¡­¡­)?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they don¡¯t get a passing grade today. There was no problem with the combat itself, rather, they are extremely strong if things can be handled in an orthodox way. They fight with certainty. That¡¯s why they failed on the Sphinx¡¯s floor as well. Their offense is fueled by their suspicions too much. Specializing in anti-human combat their approach to monster combat became too honest, too upfront. The more they try to handle things in a certain and surefire way, being suspicious of human wickedness, the bigger the weakness to the monsters to exploit becomes. Monsters don¡¯t lie or deceive, unlike humans, they can be trusted. That¡¯s why being too suspicious they end up overlooking it. That was not an attempt to deceive them.?

    ?

    ¡¸The phoenix had one¡º?¡»skill in its status. I mean, it¡¯s a phoenix, but it had only¡ºRegeneration¡»and no¡ºImmortality¡»? Which means that it must be either ¡ºImmortality¡»or¡ºResurrection¡»? It was painfully obvious, and yet you jumped on the bird stew! So you fail! You should¡¯ve kept your guard and endured it with rice balls! Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸So we failed because of a bird stew?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle~ Jiggle~)?

    ?

    Looks like Slime-san liked it. And it must¡¯ve eaten the skills as well. Will it save us some of the food expenses? It seems it won¡¯t. Slime-san is already eating the stew. It learned how to use chopsticks by now, you know? Armored Pres-san looks so vexed by that? It¡¯s eating the stew, slightly floating in the air? The effect of the Floating Stone? Can you imagine that? Eating while floating through the room? How is it in terms of manners? I don¡¯t remember books on manners saying anything about levitating during mealtime? And it seems to like the food.?

    ?

    Well, let¡¯s go home.

 CH 190

    Chapter 190: Looks like the princess is skeptical about the chair experience?

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Daytime, The Town of Omui.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ehh, the quests haven¡¯t changed since the morning? No way, what a surprise? (monotone)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you here again? Haaah. You came here in the morning, didn¡¯t you? Why are you coming to check the bulletin board knowing full well that nothing changed on it? And just how much time has to pass before you learn to keep a low profile? Why is the person who isn¡¯t even an adventurer the one who comes to the guild most regularly and acts most brazenly?! Come quietly, check what you came for, and leave. Nothing changed anyway.¡¹?

    ?

    Weell, I felt that I didn¡¯t get enough Flat Gaze today? Sort of? Why I came here? That¡¯s because Flat Gaze Receptionist Pres-san¡¯s flat gaze is outstanding. She undoubtedly will easily get a certificate from the Flat Gaze Association of this world. I¡¯d like to join that association as well? I wonder how much the admission fee is??

    ?

    We are here to report that we killed a dungeon, but since I¡¯m not an adventurer, I¡¯m not coming for the report, and instead, secretly checking the bulletin board, but looks like I can¡¯t do that? After all, I¡¯ll end up doing the same thing as usual if I see the board? Because nothing ever changes on it? Isn¡¯t it amazing by itself? For real.?

    ?

    ¡¸We are done with the repo-, he is at it again! You specially visited the guild in the morning just for the sake of this alone, and you are at it again? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s probably because he wants to keep doing this that he won¡¯t register as an adventurer! Because he wants to do this every morning!¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s important to maintain a well-regulated life rhythm, but society is yet to understand me. Radio calisthenics and the guild¡¯s bulletin board check are the obligatory parts of my daily routine. Kind of??

    ?

    No, I mean, even if registered at level 20, I will still be barred from entering dungeons? Registering only to completely disregard the rules would be an issue, the guild has its reputation to uphold. And since they will buy magic stones from me anyway, there is no merit to joining. Also, the tutorial is a pain? Even though it lasts only a day, one apparently has to complete a quest under the guidance of some adventurers. The pres and others were coached by the beautiful ladies from the party of the sword dude. In that case, I¡¯d like to try that as well! But one shouldn¡¯t be deceived. If I were to apply I¡¯d undoubtedly get legions of middle-aged men instead! There are so many middle-aged men around that it might be more effective to farm them instead of monsters. I mean, even since I came to this world that¡¯s all I keep encountering? I absolutely refuse to try that.?

    ?

    Hm? The old man guild master came out. Here I thought that the place has an unusually high female ratio today, and this guy had to show up. In this world, if one middle-aged man appears, it will soon be followed by 300 other middle-aged men! Is there no other choice but to eradicate them after all??

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun. His Lordship wanted to see you. But why might His Lordship be seeking a meeting? They want you to either contact or visit them at the mansion. Can you do that?¡¹?

    ?

    Meripapa-san? Did something happen again? Maybe Royal Girl melted again? What could it be, such a bother. And I¡¯m yet to finish the massage chair too, so I¡¯ll have to visit that place twice.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, maybe, if by some sort of unlikely mistake I¡¯d want to go, there might be a chance for the existence of a minuscule possibility that I will show my face there for a bit? Kind of? Will that do? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m asking you, can¡¯t you please consider it with more discretion? You sound like you really don¡¯t want to go. Please?¡¹?

    ?

    Such a drag. I mean, no matter what the occasion, it¡¯s still going to be some kind of trouble. I can¡¯t think of anything aside from some kingdom-related entanglement. If I were to get entangled, I¡¯d prefer to do that with Armored Pres-san, which as a high school boy I find a lot more worthwhile! I mean, tube bras turned out to be far more wonderful than I expected! Yup, those were nice. I instinctively ended up mass producing them. Those were great.?

    ?

    We didn¡¯t do anything today, so I¡¯m having a light practice with cranky Armored Pres-san at the guild¡¯s training grounds. Of course, it¡¯s written¡ºLight Practice¡», read as ¡ºHellish Drill¡», and translated as ¡ºVicious bullying¡». Well, if one were to put it in modern language, it would be ¡ºGetting the crap beaten out of me¡». Now, let¡¯s visit the lord¡¯s mansion.?

    ?

    ¡¸Your Excellency Princess, I¡¯m extremely delighted to have the honor of being able to bask in Your Excellency¡¯s presence, it makes even that punishing drilling just ¡ºOne More Set¡»? Kind of? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Am I about to be drilled? Is punishing drilling something lewd? It¡¯s something indecent again? I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t drill me. Please don¡¯t melt my clothes too. Please forgive me. I¡¯m sorry. Nothing lewd, please. I¡¯m sorry. Please forgive me. ¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Royal Girl still seems to be broken? Looks like healing mushrooms couldn¡¯t fix her. And she is once again being consoled by Armored Pres-san, who is giving me a Flat Gaze in the meantime? But she is the real culprit behind the punishing drilling, you know? That was the testimony from the usual victim, the master, so there is no mistake? And tonight again, there will be revenge? That alone is set in stone and absolutely cannot be changed! After all, for some reason, I finished a leotard! One more set!?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey! Haaruukaa-kuun! Please, notice me! Welcome, or rather, it was nice of you to come, or rather sorry for calling you, anyway, please, listen to me!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-sama, I apologize for the sudden call. Actually, we invited you because the princess wanted to talk with you, so please don¡¯t break the princess. This person is Her Royal Highness the Princess, so you shouldn¡¯t bully her. Why did you melt the princess¡¯ clothes? How much did you bully her for her to become like this?! She is famous in the Kingdom as the Knight Princess, you know? The Sword Princess, you know? She is very popular with the girls! Gallant, noble, brave, ah, how dreamy, is what they say, but she is now broken, shaking in fear?! Unbending Princess General that won¡¯t falter before anyone is bent out of shape, begging for forgiveness. You¡¯ll get stabbed by her female fans, you know? Fangirls of that kind can be quite scary.¡¹?

    ?

    Oh my? It¡¯s Meripapa¡¯s daughter. It seems she was saying something? But those fangirls sound scary! Perhaps even scarier than wights!? That seems dangerous.?

    ?

    And apparently, the Royal Girl is a Knight Princess, a Princess General, and a Sword Princess. Well, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth caring about aliases or nicknames in this world. Just the other day I met an undefeated knight who hasn¡¯t won a single fight with his wife, a god of war who only knows how to charge, and the king of the frontier who is scolded by his aides every day? Or rather, he is right here? Is the frontier going to be alright like this? Somehow I feel like he might hit it off with our Idiots? This makes me worry for the future of the frontier.?

    ?

    ¡¸My apologies. I¡¯m sorry for summoning Haruka-sama like this. I¡¯m the commander of the defeated army, Shariceres, other titles are unnecessary. First of all, allow me to express my gratitude for saving¡­ But wasn¡¯t I forced into a risky display? Eehm, I¡¯m sorry for making such a shameful¡­ But wasn¡¯t I put to even more shame? Even lending me a dress¡­ but wasn¡¯t it a lewd dress for going FEVER all night¡­ Eh¡­ Am I going to be FEVERed? Since I called you here, you are going to FEVER! me tonight? Am I going to LET¡¯S DANCE! a FEVER! night in that lewd indecent revealing dress that seems to have no intentions of hiding anything? I thought it was strange that even though I borrowed that dress because my clothes were melted, yet it felt like even the melted clothes hid more skin, but your goal was my FEVER! right?! Going LET¡¯S DANCE! through FEVER! night until the dawn I¡¯m going to have this and that done to me, things so shameless that they can¡¯t even be mentioned aloud, and then UNBELIBABLE! is that what it is?!¡­(Rampaging about)¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    No? Is this kingdom alright? The gallant and noble Knight Princess is apparently the ¡ºLET¡¯S DANCE!¡»-type? They are doomed. Even Slime-san went to calm her down. But apparently, tonight is ¡ºUNBELIEVABLE!¡»? Is it about experiencing a miracle? Just what did they call me for??

    ?

    ¡¸There is something that I want to ask you about. For what reason are you helping the frontier, saving it in its need? Why are you willing to go that far for the sake of the region that has nothing to do with you? Even turning the kingdom into your enemy?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh? Saving? If asked for a helping hand I see no problem with offering one, as long as it¡¯s not some smelly middle-aged dude, but I don¡¯t remember saving anyone? Rather, I¡¯d like someone to save me? Spending my days under the torment of abuse in the guise of lecturing, the violence in the guise of training, and the geekery and idiocy in the guise of geeks and idiots I run around, seeking salvation while ripping off whom I can? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, God doesn¡¯t help those who help themselves. Even scriptures don¡¯t have anything on that. The ones that helped themselves, were saved by their own effort. That much is obvious, neither gods nor other people have anything to do with that? Everyone did their best to find happiness, and thus it happened? There is no way anyone can do anything about that. If everyone is busy trying to help themselves and others that usually will end up with everyone saved? I¡¯m totally unrelated? All I did was beating gobs and selling magic stones? Everyone did the rest on their own, so it¡¯s not my fault??

    ?

    ¡¸Then for what reason were you exterminating the monsters of the evil forest?! What need did you have to step into the dangerous forest of monsters?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well? My house is in that forest? Isn¡¯t it annoying to have that around your house? If there were goblins loitering in front of it, wouldn¡¯t you normally club them? Seriously?¡¹?

    ?

    Yup. That¡¯s what you¡¯d normally do. I mean, they are so noisy? And even if I annihilate them they immediately come back??

    ?

    ¡¸You have a house? In the evil forest? You lived there?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Some time ago I went back, cleaned the yard and made a garden?¡¹?

    ?

    Even though I went through the effort of making a garden, I didn¡¯t return since then. I¡¯m yet to show it to Slime-san as well? Even though I¡¯m a hikikomori.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eh! But? However? Yes, didn¡¯t you stop a huge stampede?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As I said, wouldn¡¯t you club a gob if you encounter one? Normally? They kept popping up one after another, and I kept clubbing them? ¡¹?

    ?

    Even if they call it a stampede, they kept popping up one mob at a time? Well, with a 0,01-second interval? But it was one mob at a time??

    ?

    ¡¸¡­I also heard that you traversed the great dungeon¡­ So I was told?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Traversed, or more like the floor cracked under my feet and I fell all the way down there? And then climbed up? Can it be called traversed? I was going in the opposite direction?¡¹?

    ?

    Yup. But I have no regrets! I had the most wonderful encounter on the last floor! After all, even after doing encounters with her every night, it¡¯s still amazing! Let¡¯s have another rendezvous tonight! Dress her up, strip her down, and meet up!?

    ?

    ¡¸Then why did you separate this domain from the kingdom? Even creating the dungeon and the fortress?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t separate anything? They were chasing so I set up a trap? I mean, without it they just keep coming? Those middle-aged men?¡¹?

    ?

    Was it no good? There was nothing on that in the law? Like, you can¡¯t make dungeons or whatever? Moreover, it¡¯s not a real one anyway? And it has nothing to do with the neighbors since it¡¯s legally within the frontier¡¯s domain? So if the count says it¡¯s cool then it¡¯s cool? Well, he didn¡¯t actually say that, but I wasn¡¯t listening as well. Since he isn¡¯t saying anything about that, it should be fine? Probably??

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­In that case, you aren¡¯t opposing the kingdom or anything?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You need an opponent for the opposition? But if there is no opponent then there is no way to oppose? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    That sounds impossible, if the other side is not opposite, then it doesn¡¯t become an opposition. What would it be then? Side-position? Same-position? Supposition? What¡¯s that even supposed to mean??

    ?

    ¡¸Then are you¡­Really not an enemy? But then why?¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯d like to visit the capital, And I¡¯d like to tour the cities, I have to search for new ingredients, and I¡¯m also curious about their local specialties and famous products. But that¡¯s it. I don¡¯t care who or what is its ruler? After all, it doesn¡¯t concern me at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Princess Shariceres. That is the answer, if you are unconvinced, that is your own issue. Haruka-kun has no malice, but he will destroy what gets in the way. It has nothing to do with the desire to destroy the Kingdom or the opposition to the Royal Family. He has no interest in the King, as long as he doesn¡¯t hinder him, but if something gets in his way, he cares not if it¡¯s a dungeon or a country, he will simply eliminate it. Monsters and dungeon masters perished for the sake of his safe and comfortable living. Nobles or Royalty will be no different. That¡¯s why people of this city can live happily. The frontier doesn¡¯t have any obstacles to safe and comfortable living anymore. This is a pet theory of a certain former noble lady, ¡ºFor the most part, one only has to eliminate tragedies, threats, destitutions, and calamities of this world and it will be filled with happiness¡», is what she said? Just like it happened to this town and region¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Let¡¯s finish the prototype while Meripapa-san is chatting. Make the chair out of wood, then cover it with leather, making it work on a magic stone with¡ºVibration Magic¡»is fairly simple, what¡¯s left is to calibrate it. The problem is the payment box, it has to identify coins and allow mana from magic stones to pass only for a limited period of time. Even though the mechanism is simple, the magic formula is a pain. Well, I¡¯ll be able to reuse it once I manage to make one, so only copying will be required after that. Engraving a mana circuit into the magic stone I then adjust it. Is 1 minute for 1 copper a rip-off? One copper coin is 100 ere, so it¡¯s about 100-200 yen, 2 minutes, I guess then? Well, let¡¯s go with two minutes, and if there aren¡¯t enough customers, cut it to one and a half, and if that won¡¯t be enough, to one minute then. Rewriting the circuit is a pain, but for the device to bring a long-term profit it needs continuous customers. That¡¯s about it. Ooh, it¡¯s vibrating! And it¡¯s pretty good!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­In the end, it¡¯s the Kingdom¡¯s issue. This means what the nobles and the Royal Family chose will come right back at them with a terrifying force. It¡¯s a fairly simple story, if they want to take the riches of the ones who can kill a dungeon, they might as well kill dungeons on their own, since the dungeons are less dangerous than those people who are stronger than dungeons? Picking a fight with such people will spell one¡¯s ruin. Obviously. Which means that¡­ umm Haruka-kun, what are you doing there? I was aware that you weren¡¯t listening to me, but where did that chair come from? It¡¯s pretty nice.¡¹?

    ?

    Explaining it was too much of a bother, so I made him sit in it first, and he immediately liked it. As expected, old men are weak to massage chairs! I¡¯ll be able to get lots of money from this. And I got permission to place it here. Or rather, a plea. A line from people waiting their turn to use the chair has begun forming. It can earn around 3,000 per hour. If it operates for 10 hours it¡¯s 30,000 ere, easily covering my lodging, bath, and food expenses. This is quite profitable, let¡¯s make another one! No, might as well put 3 of them? The lord¡¯s mansion is full of middle-aged men after all.?

    ?

    Royal Girl is also trying it out, and seems to be liking it, she was even yelling¡ºUUNBELIBABLEEEE!¡»? So she probably had a very good experience. Well, she seems to be enjoying it, so it¡¯s fine I guess.?

    ?

    However, just what did they call me for? Well, I was able to install massage chairs, and it looks like they will bring profits, so it¡¯s fine.

 CH 191

    Chapter 191: Why did I expect anything from them, despite knowing it will be like this??

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Late Afternoon. The Town of Omui.?

    ?

    Now, this is an extremely rare case of the Geeks making a good suggestion. A composite bow is a highly efficient weapon by itself, but there is also a chance that each combined part can be enchanted separately. Those guys are knowledgeable about weapon crafting and municipal administration, but it¡¯s pointless because they are awkward, uncooperative, can¡¯t read the room, and generally off in the head. Wait? Doesn¡¯t that make their entire existence meaningless? With uneasiness in my heart, I go down the stairs to the forge of the weapon store, which is quickly blown away by insufferable incompetent inhumans that I find there. Yes, the geeks.?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, animal ears and a composite bow is Justice!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kuh! Indeed, a female elf with a composite bow does sound like heresy!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Foolish. A little girl with an oversized composite bow is the true beauty.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸You remember that this is a world of sword and magic? Composite bows should be used by magic girls!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No. Everyone is a magical girl by default here? Even before being asked¡ºBecome a magical girl!¡», everyone is a magical girl.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Just why did I allow this lot to get my hopes up even a tiny bit? That¡¯s right, that was the same as expecting anything from goblins. Or rather, gobs should be able to do simple woodworking. Clubs are probably the only thing they can make, but they are still better than the geeks.?

    ?

    ¡¸What happened to composite bows? I have no hesitation in the handling of fools!(geeks) Or rather, there is not much to hesitate since Inferno is the only option?¡¹?

    ?

    Lumber and iron plates. They are yet to even begin processing the wood or casting the iron, let alone assembling bows, with materials lying around completely untouched. In other words, they aren¡¯t doing anything.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You are wrong. The concept is important, so we began discussing it, but couldn¡¯t reach a consensus!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like picking between animal ears and little girls is a concept. We are yet to meet anyone with animal ears! Instead of making stuff for someone you have never seen, make something for your classmates! Wouldn¡¯t you normally make your share first?! Why are they starting from designing a concept for girls with animal ears?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Neglecting your classmates and trying to pick between making composite bows for elves, beastfolk girls, or little girls? What a concept?! All you have are delusions and obsessions! Should I find a wraith to possess those heads of yours?! Seriously.¡¹?

    ?

    Eh? The Geeks are looking at me with wide-open eyes? Don¡¯t look at me? What¡¯s going on??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸That¡¯s right! There also was an option of ¡ºLittle Girls with Animal Ears¡»! As expected of Haruka-kun!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I can¡¯t stand this anymore! I¡¯m going home. They can¡¯t fit even in a fantasy world, after all! Just go and get summoned to some world of magical beasts! As animals.¡¹?

    ?

    For starters, I now understand that conversation is impossible, so kicking, stomping, and trampling on them I make them draw blueprints while also stepping on them. A very hectic process.?

    ?

    ¡¸Storing energy, recoil energy¡­ Do we need pulleys? On a bow? Why are you giving me blueprints for a compound bow all of a sudden?! Like hell anyone can do that out of blue!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s cool, and since the strength required to ¡ºhold¡»the arrow is halved it has good accuracy, and it¡¯s also cool.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Our girls have PoW over 900, I don¡¯t think there is any need to halve the power required for holding? Let¡¯s instead halve my workload! And you also mentioned cool twice, that¡¯s definitely the only reason!¡¹?

    ?

    One after another I review the blueprints that I made them draw. Was this drawing of a girl with animal ears necessary? Put that effort into drawing the bow! The only designs that might work are a Yumi and a Turkish bow. There is bamboo but first comes a Turkish bow. It¡¯s a composite bow that uses a hard and strong compression material for the belly, the inner side, and an elastic material for the outer side. Its streamlined W-shape that¡¯s called the recurve shape apparently provides greater power because the form allows it to store more energy and deliver it more efficiently. [1]?

    ?

    ¡¸Aah, so the outer part works as a rubber and the inner part as a spring? Is this perhaps hi-tech?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But this design was around since 2000 BC, and because it used animal tendons and glue, it would be ruined if hit by rain?¡¹?

    ?

    So uselessly knowledgeable. They learned this in case they were summoned to another world, but it¡¯s all in vain? I mean, which part of that is a bow? Why would you make a bow, but leave out wood? They made a string-like something out of metal and leather, and now are staring at it in marvel. No matter how you look at it, it¡¯s a whip. Can¡¯t they take it to the Pres-sama and get punished by her? I can¡¯t even be bothered to retort anymore. How can it possibly happen that one would forget to use wood while making a bow, and will end up with a whip? What was all of that bow knowledge for??

    ?

    And going through the repeated trial and error, prototyping, test firing at the geeks, remodeling, and new test firing, we still couldn¡¯t produce any fatalities. Tch, so that is the ¡ºMultilayer Barrier¡», huh. Arrows can¡¯t fully penetrate it.?

    ?

    Even with spares in mind, we should have more than enough. There are clearly more than 200 bows by now. Lately, my home industry tends to get out of control? That¡¯s why the leotard is not my fault as well? Such things can happen at times, you know? Probably.?

    ?

    Performance and the enchantments considered, items available on the market cannot compare at all. Even dungeon items from the middle floors aren¡¯t that powerful. In the end, I had to make everything on my own, so it¡¯s a praise to my own ware, which are also currently on sale.?

    ?

    And the item with the strongest abilities, that was made today, is the geeks¡¯ whip, which really pissed me off. PoW, SpE, DeX, all had 50% UP? Without a magic stone assigned.?

    ?

    They tried to mass-produce whips after that, but seem to have ended up with tables? Steel tables with a leather-covered surface. Since the geeks were staring at them in disbelief I left them be. Why did I expect anything from them? I should¡¯ve known better.?

    ?

    By the way, the steel tables were sold for a high price the very moment they were put up for sale at the general store. And the geeks kept staring in wonder at the tables that were being bought. I mean, those aren¡¯t whips, so they can¡¯t be sold at the weapon store, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m baack? When everyone gathers a bow sale will begin, you probably will want to do test shooting as well, so come to the backyard? The targets are the geeks, so there is no problem even if you shoot them dead? I¡¯d like to make some barrier-breaking arrows too. With that, it should be possible to kill them!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ah! The geeks are running away!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Should I provide everyone with bows and open a Geek Hunt? It should be good training. It could even be called a live practice, but for some reason, they got angry at me when I suggested that? Is it because chasing them is too much of a bother? Well, indeed, an ambush should be more efficient.?

    ?

    ¡¸Those are bows? They have a strange shape though?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. And there are many variations and different sizes too.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I have a hard time choosing since there are multiple colors too~¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I think small fast and mobile frontliners should take smaller bows, and backline archers should pick large models? Also, I¡¯d recommend large bows for power types and small ones for rapid fire? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Since the targets (the geeks) escaped, they are testing the bows by firing at targets (targets), the arrows can go a very long distance and the initial velocity is also amazing. Let¡¯s avoid giving this to Armored Pres-san, I feel like it would be far more dangerous than a morning star. Or rather, I will be in danger! I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯ll be able to dodge that at all!?

    ?

    And it seems that the issue that worried me the most was just an absurd fear. As it turned out, the idiots aren¡¯t going to chase the arrows that they themselves shot. That¡¯s a relief.?

    ?

    And as we were eating the dinner provided by the inn and discussing dungeon exploration plans and training schedules, a person from Stalker Girl¡¯s clan came and announced the following.?

    ?

    ¡¸It looks like the Kingdom is going to start a war. The target is the frontier domain of Omui. The army seems to be a coalition of forces of multiple nobles. We are currently making the same report to Omui-sama. It should take them at the very least two weeks to march here.¡¹?

    ?

    A war, it seems? I don¡¯t think anything will come of it though?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Yumi (¹­) is the Japanese term for a bow. As used in English, ¡®yumi¡¯ refers more specifically to traditional Japanese asymmetrical bows (ºÍ¹­). Traditionally, they are made by laminating bamboo, wood, and leather.

 CH 192

    Chapter 192: How is it fiendish if there is no malice, contempt, disdain, greed, or any wicked sentiments involved??

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-Only Gathering.?

    ?

    Tattered and utterly exhausted, everyone dragged themselves to the bath, washed off the sweat and dirt, and sunk into the water. We were at the end of our strength. That fight pushed us past our limit. Girls War Bargain Sale. Although it¡¯s a sporty type, but that was underwear, and there were bras too!?

    ?

    We are all fellow comrades in arms that made it through that hell with spoils of war now in our hands. Although until a short while ago we were scrambling for the loot, screaming, shouting, and pushing each other, we are comrades. Everyone is going to show off before each other when we return to the rooms, even though everyone got the same stuff we are going to do that anyway. After all, being this happy makes you want to flaunt it before others.?

    ?

    While in the bath, we listen to countless secret production episodes from Angelica-san. Each fitting session was followed by an examination. Naturally, it was only called that, but in fact it was a stampede of Haruka-kun¡¯s desire. A supposed secret production episode turned out to be a tragic fitting episode, although it was a story that can¡¯t be told to others too.?

    ?

    Each time Angelica-san tried one of the 6 types of underwear prepared for her the ¡ºTest¡»followed. Apparently, there was no problem with the underwear, but the one who made her try it was a big problem. She was ravaged over and over.?

    ?

    Since we bought bows we lost all of the money we earned today and then some more. I¡¯ll have to tap into the reserve fund again. Even so, those are absurdly good bows. Enchanted and with an effective range of almost 1km. And it seems arrows with special effects are also going to be produced. This is what our ranged attack lacked in the battle with the phoenix today, suppression power and damage. This will greatly impact our tactic itself. However, since arrows are pretty much disposable it¡¯s also a highly dangerous weapon in financial terms.?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheew, looks like the Geeks screwed up again and were getting bullied?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s their hobby by now. They keep poking Haruka-kun for fun.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Even though they always get bullied for that in the end? Such a mystery?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As Haruka-kun said, because the geeks lived being continuously bullied and harassed, they got a sharp eye for judging others¡¯ character. That¡¯s why Haruka-kun and Kakizaki-kun with the boys tend to say¡ºIf the geeks said it¡¯s fine then it¡¯s fine¡», isn¡¯t that a sign of trust? I don¡¯t quite get it thought.¡¹?

    ?

    Yes, the only thing he had to say about my ¡ºPlunder¡»was ¡ºIf the geeks said it¡¯s fine, then it¡¯s fine¡», the four who are most sensitive to malice and ill will. Because Oda-kun and the others decided to stay here, Haruka-kun felt it was fine for the rest of us to stay here. They came to like him after looking at him with those eyes that see through people.?

    ?

    ¡¸More violent and fiendish than anyone and menacingly mean but since he has no ill-will at all, they sort of got attached to him? Looking from the side, they are like puppies playing around?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, when ten boys gather and do something together it reminds me of kids who are up to some mischief. Even Haruka-kun seems childlike at such moments, doesn¡¯t he?¡¹?

    ?

    Well, although what he does is fiendish and atrocious, there is no malice, contempt, disdain, greed, or any wickedness involved, that¡¯s why even at school Oda-kun and the others were close to Haruka-kun. And now, coming to another world together, they poke Haruka-kun every day, getting bullied in turn. Just like us.?

    ?

    ¡¸Kakizaki-kun and the others have changed though~. Previously, they had a cool feel to them, but now they are treated like doggies.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They get shouted at, called barbarians and Neanderthals, and then come for more banter, right? On top of that, if they get Haruka-kun to make something, they keep using nothing but that? Is that BL?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Can you imagine that they were getting fan letters from all over Japan? And now they are being constantly called idiots by Haruka-kun, and are overjoyed about the ¡ºI¡¯m Idiot¡»jerseys made by him.¡¹?

    ?

    Previously unsociable, blunt, and with some sort of a wall between them and others, Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group transformed into completely different people. They are the same as before in being weirdly sharp at times despite seemingly not thinking about anything, but there is none of that sagacious or callous atmosphere that could be felt from time to time previously. And they look like dogs when together with Haruka-kun. Dogs that happily wag their tails.?

    ?

    ¡¸Didn¡¯t Haruka-kun¡¯s persona crumble as well? In the past, he spoke bit by bit, like¡­ in short lines only? And now he is spitting excuses like a machine gun, with ¡ºSort of, kind of?¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun¡¯s change is the most surprising one!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Not getting involved with anyone, not talking, not making friends, but because that Haruka-kun, who is so afraid of loss, got involved with us, he turned into an extremely overprotective worrywart. And on top of that, it was also exposed that he tried to hide it, being too embarrassed about it. That¡¯s why everyone got so attached to him.?

    ?

    Angelica-san is enjoying stories about Haruka-kun¡¯s past with laughter. She is probably the one who became attached to him the most. It is because she knows the eternal solitude that she understands the warmth of that king of jeer better than anyone. Even Slime-san is glued to him.?

    ?

    ¡¸But we failed. To think it could revive. And the correct answer was rice balls. ¡ºI¡¯d like to have some rice balls.¡» If only we said that we could¡¯ve passed~.¡¹?

    ?

    No, what he meant to say is that you should stay alert, rice balls have nothing to do with it. Well, I thought that eating bird stew in the dungeon was a dubious idea, but I failed to Resist the Lure attack from the stew. I lost to those honeyed words, Full of collagen, Low on calories.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸But the stew was delicious! We don¡¯t have a shred of regret about that!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Ponzu sauce caught me off-guard there. It completely destroyed all the remaining wariness. When did he make that? And it seems that gyoza lunches are going to be on sale tomorrow. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to see monsters as anything other than a salary from now on. After all, he can even make fur accessories now! And Angelica-san already got a fur hat from him. It will probably be on sale soon as well.?

    ?

    The recommendation seems to be fur bags that are currently in development, this sounds amazing, I really want to see them! Hmm, it would be a problem if they go on sale at the same time as underwear, but I also don¡¯t want to wait? Currently, we have the no-intruding-into-his-room agreement, preventing anyone from getting a head start, after all, we are in a very dangerous situation at the moment, with everyone being in possession of lewd dresses for seduction purposes and fishnet stockings? But well, if everyone tried to barge into his room in the middle of the night wearing lewd dresses and stockings he will undoubtedly ¡ºTeleport¡»away. He definitely will escape.?

    ?

    ¡¸The next 50th floor is one of the two that got to 48 floors? I hope it¡¯s not bugs.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Please don¡¯t mention bugs! Noo! Not bugs!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Luckily, we are yet to encounter any roaches. The biggest terror until now were giant water bugs from the great dungeon. After all, they looked like huge roaches. They also were pretty fast and busy. By the way, Haruka-kun said that he will be running away if we encounter roaches, which means a certain and total collapse if that actually happens. Yeah, roaches are too much.?

    ?

    ¡¸We got bows so we should train with them, but we also need to make money or we¡¯ll go bankrupt? There is going to be a large sale of anklets, and they are coming with buffs too!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Today¡¯s underwear had pretty meager buffs, but it had them, while the bows¡¯ abilities were simply amazing. Couldn¡¯t he become an artisan with those skills?¡¹?

    ?

    In addition to processing magic stones, he finally got into weapon manufacture as well. And top-quality wares are being mass-produced. He is covering a regional demand with his home industry. Since he keeps investing he is still making a fuss about having no money, but he long since passed the point of being a rich man, and is currently moving national budget level funds.?

    ?

    People can¡¯t do what they can¡¯t compute. That¡¯s why magic and cheats have their limits. There is no way mass production of tens of thousands of wares can be done with the processing ability of one individual. One wouldn¡¯t be able to make a castle out of nowhere even if they were good at Earth Magic and had an unlimited supply of mana. While he has the assistance of¡ºApex Thinking¡», this is far too removed from what one human can process. There seems to be something else involved, that can¡¯t be explained by a manufacture-type cheat.?

    ?

    In fact, everyone attempted crafting and cooking like that, but doing things by hand was faster, and they couldn¡¯t do with magic what they couldn¡¯t do manually. That¡¯s all that magic amounts to, if it requires 10 minutes on medium fire, then it will take 10 minutes with magic as well. It would be strange if one could make 100 or 200 portions in less than 5 minutes. However, today as well, the stew popped out of nowhere, with dining tables added.?

    ?

    Who exactly is processing, computing, and managing that enormous amount of information??

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Ah, Slime-san burst into the bath. Perhaps angry because it wasn¡¯t invited, but it is going around, ramming at everyone, it is actually a dungeon emperor-class monster, but it¡¯s acting completely like a pet. It¡¯s bouncing happily, being fawned on by everyone.?

    ?

    And returning to the rooms we begin the girls-only gathering, but as expected, it turned into an underwear demonstration. As I thought, it has a sporty feel to it. But there was one miscalculation. I actually secured one pair, but upon seeing them on others, boxers turned out to be a lot cuter than I expected! I didn¡¯t see this coming. Everyone is charmed by them, and the quantity is nowhere near sufficient. This will definitely become another additional order panic. After all, I knew they would look good, but they are also fit as loungewear! But he must¡¯ve gone for sports bras because he didn¡¯t want to take measurements. Made to order is still far.?

    ?

    With silly clamor and chitchat, we lose track of time talking. 21 girls and a slime. And with the conference, and this and that the night went on.?

    ?

    No one mentioned the war. Not because we were scared or because we were running away, we long since resolved ourselves. That¡¯s why we spoke nothing of it. Because one can¡¯t talk casually about killing other humans.

 CH 193

    Chapter 193: The sight was burned into my eyes, so I¡¯ll make a new one to cover things up before they get angry with me.?

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Night, White Weirdo Inn, Backyard.?

    ?

    Covering in mana and then wrapping it, activating skills and wrapping them as well, overlapping magic and wrapping it as well, controlling activation and invocation as I do that, the further I keep going the greater the disarray becomes, wrapping all possible combinations of skills and magic I possess, and finally, the limit, it all unravels.?

    ?

    It¡¯s too much to handle, even before I take a single step. The moment I move it all will either come untied, or my body will get destroyed.?

    ?

    ¡¸FFFuuuuuuuuh.¡¹?

    ?

    I instantly apply it all. Nothing is fully activated, and the magic is not invoked as well.?

    ?

    ¡¸So difficult! As expected, I can¡¯t fully process Teleportation, and the same goes for Gravity. Does it mean that ¡ºGravity¡»is deceiving me too? No, it¡¯s hiding something? Or am I yet to fully comprehend it? And I also managed to wrap Alchemy. Which means that someone related to Alchemy is there. Hmm, the mystery thickens, but since the level doesn¡¯t grow I have no means to verify it. No, even if it did level up, evolved versions of skills tend to add to the confusion.¡¹?

    ?

    Slowly and gently, as if basking in the waves of mana, I reapply everything, then, grasping both my body and the mana with Holding and enveloping it, I use Muppet to puppeteer it. Slowly taking a few steps I swing the staff a few times, then stop.?

    ?

    ¡¸As I thought, my body is getting obliterated. Since it¡¯s being destroyed even while being repaired by the regeneration that I applied, then something must be wrong? Is it something about the way I¡¯m using this? What do I do if my life itself is wrong?! I¡¯m only sixteen, but things already went wrong on the life level for me? Seriously! How strange, how can it be that I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, but my life itself is wrong? And my Affection Rating is on the verge of dissipating too? How puzzling?¡¹?

    ?

    I¡¯m still far from mastering this, or rather, it¡¯s so difficult that I doubt I ever will. It may sound greedy, but it is only when I apply all of my skills simultaneously and manage to control them that things finally get to a viable level, if I can¡¯t use Kyojitsu in that condition then it¡¯s all pointless. I¡¯ll end up as a normal low-level human. I might need to level up and raise my stats after all, but I wouldn¡¯t be going through all this trouble if I could do that. It doesn¡¯t grow! The level growth is painfully slow! That¡¯s why I have no other choice but to become able to do this. In the end, the only usable technique I have is to apply skills through Magic Wrapping and then cut with Kyojitsu.?

    ?

    Quickly apply everything and hit with it. This shortened version is Magic Wrap plus Kyojitsu. Since that¡¯s the only thing I could manage, that¡¯s the way to go.?

    ?

    ¡¸Experience is the best teacher, or so they say, but I¡¯m destroying myself before I get to experience anything? It¡¯s like a slow suicide, or easy-going self-destruction, or casual self-annihilation? Although I have Health and never miss radio calisthenics, my body can¡¯t keep up? Well, that¡¯s only expected with the stats lagging behind the skill growth, that¡¯s what Magic Wrapping is for, but the body can¡¯t withstand even that. I wonder if raising basic physical strengths holds any meaning? Even if it doesn¡¯t, I have to try everything I can, so I¡¯m going to do anything, but¡­? Never expected that athletics will be required in a fantasy world? Seriously.¡¹?

    ?

    Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and what else? Well, the way to build muscles is obvious, but what should I do about the bones? Can they be tempered? Should I drink milk? I¡¯m pretty sure I eat enough fish as it is. I feel that if I don¡¯t eat it I might get scolded by Fish Girl, so I eat it all the time.?

    ?

    I asked Armored Pres-san to spar with me at the guild, and my speed, or rather, the instantaneous velocity is rather high, probably the influence of Teleportation, from time to time there are instances of ultra-high-speed. So I got stronger, but in turn, became more vulnerable. My attacks changed towards becoming sharp, hard to read, irregular, high-speed strikes, but as a result, there are more gaps in my defenses. Since my evasion maneuvers are also turned into instantaneous movements it¡¯s somehow working for now, but I completely lost any fine control there. This is a huge issue.?

    ?

    My entire body is probably going through a repeated circle of destruction and Regeneration. After the training, I¡¯m full of bruises from internal bleeding. This obviously can¡¯t continue for long, which means that I¡¯m completely unfit for prolonged battles. The speed of self-destruction is way higher than that of Regeneration. The skills grew in level and also evolved into their improved versions, but since my own stats can¡¯t keep up, it means that the burden they put on me has greatly increased.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good grief, with issues piling up and only a few problems finding solutions. I can¡¯t help but worry about the uncertain uncertainty of the future. If something goes well, then things might go unexpectedly fine, but it is also because nothing goes well that I¡¯m in this situation? Well, let¡¯s ponder about it at ease in the bath. It¡¯s deeply regrettable that it¡¯s not a bath for highschool boy-like tastes. Even though there is a jacuzzi, bubbling bath water additives, body lotion, and the amazing sexy body, I¡¯m stuck with the inn¡¯s bath.¡¹?

    ?

    Lately, Slime-san goes to the bath like it¡¯s work, and won¡¯t play with me at all? And as it turned out, this world and this inn had stratified society! The highschool boys were discriminated against! The girls¡¯ bath is a huge bathhouse! The men¡¯s section is much smaller. Isn¡¯t that unfair??

    ?

    But in a way, it¡¯s good that it¡¯s so small, since I can¡¯t afford others to see this bruised body, but what¡¯s even more important, there is nothing fun in taking baths with other dudes! Nothing at all! In that case, taking the bath alone and soaking there at ease is better.?

    ?

    I¡¯ve never been to Heaven, but it feels like one? Sort of? How should I put it, in a fantasy town the streets of which are filled with stone, being able to soak in a wooden bath is bliss? It must be engraved somewhere into the soul! Although I made a stone jacuzzi myself? Was it actually not engraved? I mean, as a highschool boy, one does want to someday try the bubbly experience? So they¡¯ll end up making one? Even without a partner to do that? And I accomplished my goal, and then again, and again, utterly accomplishing all over!?

    ?

    But a wooden bath is soothing. It¡¯s so comfortable that it makes me question why it is soothing even though I usually never went to wooden baths. Let¡¯s expand the next time I get home, jacuzzi is nice, but it¡¯s not soothing, there is no time for that there! With that seductive irresistible someone in front of me! That¡¯s not a time for relaxing!?

    ?

    We have 2 weeks for preparations. But I also feel that everything will end with the preparations.?

    ?

    There is no chance of victory for them, so what are they trying to do here? Is it really plain stupidity? The true stupidity would be to write that off as stupidity and make no preparations. Worthy of the king of fools. Doesn¡¯t that sound like something that might pop up in the titles??

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle!)?

    ?

    Oh, a ramming attack from Slime-san. It bumped at me with a characteristic jiggle. So cute. It wasn¡¯t around until just now, so it was probably taking a bath with the girls. And it was probably getting jiggly with them there¡­ Let¡¯s pet it.?

    ?

    Now, where should I start with my night job? By now I can make bows even without going to the forge, but we have a huge stock of them. I¡¯d probably be able to make swords as well but to make a good quality product I¡¯d have to properly make one first. I need to learn sword-making from someone, but I feel uneasy learning from the geeks because it likely will result in the creation of something insanely outrageous. Just why is it that there are so few decent people among the ones I¡¯m decently acquainted with? Such a mystery??

    ?

    The pending issue of the girls¡¯ underwear was also resolved, so I can breathe a sigh of relief now. Although making them was not a relieving experience at all? It is because I had such an experience making then I then had that experience with Armored Pres-san later. Yeah, I did nothing wrong.?

    ?

    However, there is a chance that even those mighty sports bras¡¯ with all their bountiful elasticity and even the ability to change shape, won¡¯t be able to support that. There is probably no avoiding extra orders. Those are massive weapons that surpass the capabilities of even enchanted materials! It¡¯s like they might pop out any minute.?

    ?

    And I also should be making some war preparations. Even if nothing happens, the equipment will not go to waste. And if it does, it¡¯s for the better. Because it would mean that it is that peaceful.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t do business without checking how things balance with the mass-produced weapons from the weapon store, since it¡¯s a war, I probably should think about the equipment for the common troops. Even more so since the equipment of the frontier troops is meant for fighting monsters. Abandoning defensive power for mobility must be for the sake of being able to respond to a monster raid in time, they are too lightly equipped for going against an army that is, in all likelihood, sufficiently trained.?

    ?

    Both Merimeri-san and Meripapa-san were in real danger when they came under attack. Despite that vast difference in strength. Poison, having no equipment with resistance is incredibly naive of them. Well, they were very poor back then, and they probably were putting financial and economic priority on the citizens, but waging war like that is far too risky. Well, on top of getting mining rights my share was set to 100%, so I have a huge plus, and I still have the iron left over from back then. I also installed 8 massage chairs for them, which are working at full potential. Since I¡¯m profiting so much from them, I guess it¡¯s fine to call them valued clients. If I give equipment to the troops I might get permission to install massage chairs in the barracks. Abandoning loyal clients is the same as abandoning profit. Let¡¯s make some.?

    ?

    ¡¸Would focusing on debuff resistance and DEF plus ViT work? Iron alone can¡¯t produce that great of effects, so I¡¯ll mix magic stone dust there and knead it, aaah, why am I kneading equipment for some middle-aged men? I¡¯d like to knead something more lovely! Yes, let¡¯s knead them today, knead, and knead again! There is also a leotard waiting. But yeah, first comes the equipment. Equipment.¡¹?

    ?

    As expected, I lose all motivation the moment I think that this equipment is meant for middle-aged men. Can¡¯t they show a bit more consideration for me and for a pretty girl corps or something? Which reminds me, I melted the princess¡¯ equipment, so let¡¯s make a new one and cover things up before they get angry at me. That sight was perfectly burned into my eyes, so there is no need for measurements! Even 1cm of measurement error is unlikely, I have it saved, stored, and preserved into my memory. Yup, I saved it.?

    ?

    ¡¸However, I can¡¯t take the general store¡¯s shopkeeper lightly, she constantly keeps bringing new surprises, which is why I keep a paper fan on me. Why would she accept an order for ¡ºVillage¡»? I had to build a house just a short while ago, and now it¡¯s a village! Why are people coming to a general store to order houses or villages? And why does she accept that? And why does she funnel them to me? Haah~, but I can¡¯t refuse that! After all¡­ After all, it¡¯s for that destroyed village. ¡­They want to make a new one after going through that? Even though it got destroyed? Is it really fine for me to make it¡­ Even though it¡¯s my fault?¡­ I can¡¯t refuse this¡­ Damn it¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡¹

 CH 194

    Chapter 194: There is nothing I can say, and I am not the one to write that, but the option of not doing that disappeared so I will properly carve it.?

    ?

    Day 55 ¨C Late at Night, Destroyed Village.?

    ?

    Gather all the magic power I can muster, wrestling it under control as soon as it begins rampaging I pour in as much of it as possible.?

    ?

    I mean, they want me to rebuild it at the same spot? Then the only thing I can do is to make it so it would never be destroyed again.?

    ?

    It¡¯s not like I think that this will earn me atonement. However, if the village made by me was destroyed it would not only be unforgivable but then there really will be no saving??

    ?

    Well, in any case, there is nothing else that I can do¡­ The people that lived here are dead already, this much is the most I can do for those that will return here. I can¡¯t save them, I can¡¯t protect them, there is nothing I can do. Aside from this.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you sleepy? You didn¡¯t have to come with me. I¡¯m not going to do anything dangerous, only construct a village, so it¡¯s going to be boring to watch, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    (Shake, Shake) (Jiggle. Jiggle.)?

    ?

    The two are accompanying me. The Evil Forest was already cut down so it¡¯s safe, and even if it wasn¡¯t, the only things that can be encountered at the edge of the forest are gobs, kobs, and idiots, so it would¡¯ve been fine? Well, I do feel that encountering the Idiots in the middle of the night at such a place is not fine, but it is, in all aspects, apart from their brains. They are beyond treatment.?

    ?

    Enclosing the area with a rampart, I make watchtowers and connect them together. If they had this they would¡¯ve had enough time, they could¡¯ve survived if they had this back then. But it¡¯s too late for everything now, so at the very least I¡¯ll build it strong and sturdy.?

    ?

    There is most likely no point to that anymore, and it¡¯s a meaningless action that can¡¯t bring even self-satisfaction, but even so, I want to at the very least make the fortifications strong and sturdy, capable of protecting them. As stupid as it may be now.?

    ?

    Create the gates, lay the road, concentrate the dwellings, and make space for the barn and workshops. It might be an annoyance to have the village become bigger after they lost more than half of the people, but if they are going to live here again, they¡¯d probably want the place to become richer and bigger? After all, they are going to rebuild it, the ones who lost everything here? After losing families, houses, property? Usually, it wouldn¡¯t be strange to lose the will to live as well, they are amazing.?

    ?

    ¡¸I installed a mill plant, so they should do fine. The walls should be able to stop even an orc king. I also buried many magic stones for counter attacking into the walls¡­ And monster warding stones too¡­ This time¡­ This time, for sure¡­¡¹?

    ?

    I have a little mana remaining, but am I not forgetting something? Am I not overlooking something? Is this really good? Is this truly all good¡­? Will this village be able to live safely and happily like this? Is there nothing I can do anymore¡­? Nothing. Nothing at all.?

    ?

    Before going back I head to the monument that I made at the edge of the village. It might just be penance, but this is probably needed by the villagers. With me making it it¡¯s probably not much of a memorial monument, but this memorial is probably needed for the people of this village.?

    ?

    I carve the names on the monument. All of them, names of all villagers that died. I took the register of names at the lord¡¯s mansion and carved all of them, just engraving them, name after name.?

    ?

    ¡¸Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Before I became aware of it, the sun had already begun rising. Even so, I kept carving the names.?

    ?

    I carve 79 names. Etch 79 names into the stone.?

    ?

    79 people have died, so the only thing I can do for them now is to carve their names.?

    ?

    The sky has completely brightened up by now, but this is something that I have to do with my own hands.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I keep carving the names, one by one.?

    ?

    I can¡¯t write the memorial message, I don¡¯t have that right.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I carve the names, one letter after another, etching them into the stone.?

    ?

    And¡­ (Bonk!)?

    ?

    I was hit from behind! No, I knew she was there, but why would she hit me?! I finished the job! Or rather, handing me the order in the middle of the night and then coming to check in the morning, isn¡¯t that way too fast? I actually worked through the night without any time for sleep¡­ Good grief.?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you crying?! Why are YOU crying?!! Why are you apologizing?!! Didn¡¯t you kill the monsters?! It¡¯s because you stopped the monsters there that the people who survived were able to hide inside the city! And you even got them their revenge by killing every single monster! Why are you crying and apologizing?!!¡¹?

    ?

    The general store¡¯s shopkeeper is one hasty lady. She already brought the villagers, who placed that order to rebuild the village. What made her think that it would be done so soon? Normally, there is no way it would be finished by the morning of the next day, you know? Damn, just what is going on inside her head??

    ?

    ¡¸I kne~w that you¡¯d finish it by now. That¡¯s why I gave you the request yesterday evening when they finished all of the preparations. You were going to run away as soon as you finished, weren¡¯t you? You were planning to escape, Didn¡¯t you?! From the villagers, from the people that survived! Everyone was trying to thank you so many times, but you kept running away over and over and over, the work, the housing, the huge sums of money sent by His Lordship, it all was your doing, is it not?! And yet you keep on running away again and again.¡¹?

    ?

    I can¡¯t accept that gratitude. How can I? All I¡¯ve done is kill some monsters, and didn¡¯t actually save anybody? Can¡¯t you see a grave for 79 people here? They are dead, gone, I was the only one who knew of the signs of what was to come, and yet I didn¡¯t notice¡­ I was too busy fighting to the death with classmates.?

    ?

    So I can¡¯t have them thanking me. If they wanted to curse me that¡¯s one thing, but gratitude is certainly unacceptable.?

    ?

    ¡¸Who the hell are you taking the people of the frontier for?! Who would hate or begrudge you? There is no such scum here! The frontier is indeed poor and worn, lacking even basic defenses, full of people who can¡¯t protect themselves for the lack of strength or tools. Unlike you, far from battling the Evil Forest itself, they can¡¯t beat even one monster on their own. A poor and weak region full of poor and feeble people that await its ruin. But there is not a single person that you can look down on like that! Not in the frontier! And not among 79 resting there!¡¹?

    ?

    What is she talking about? I don¡¯t get what she is trying to say at all. Meanwhile, the villagers keep staring at me in silence.?

    ?

    ¡¸The 79 there are heroes. From your point of view, they might be weak victims of monsters, but all of them are heroes of this village! They remained here to allow others to escape, having nothing but their farming tools they staked their lives to buy time, knowing that mere moments are the best they can hope for! The elderly, saying that they will only slow others down, remained with kitchen knives in their hands, saying that they will drag at least one of the monsters to the grave with them! They are heroes! Don¡¯t you dare look down on them!! They are grateful to you for saving the others, but none of them wants apologies from you! Everyone in the frontier lives prepared for death. There is no one here who hates or blames you!!!¡¹?

    ?

    Even so, it¡¯s not like they died because they wanted to die? Even if all of that is true, they definitely wanted to live. And those heroes are dead now.?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s why you have an obligation to stand proud and accept their gratitude! If you, the one who saved everyone, aren¡¯t going to be thanked, then what did the people that lie there die for?! They entrusted this to you, abandoning their own lives, they must¡¯ve been hoping that someone will save the others. If you are not going to accept any gratitude, then what about the people that died for this!? You, the one who granted their last wish for which they threw their lives away, can¡¯t be apologizing! So stand tall and get thanked! It¡¯s your duty and responsibility as the one who saved them! So you absolutely cannot apologize! You haven¡¯t done anything worth apologizing for, and no one is blaming you. Everyone is thankful to you from the very bottom of their heart, got it?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you very much!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I have nothing to respond with. There is no way I can stand proudly, but now I also can¡¯t apologize. This is apparently a duty and a responsibility.?

    ?

    And although I have no right to write the memorial text, I still carve into the stone.¡ºThe Tomb of Valiant Warriors. With deep respect and gratitude from the living¡»?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle.)?

    ?

    Yeah, right? The village was turned over to the clients, so we might as well go home? Everyone must be waiting.?

    ?

    I used up my magic power, and I¡¯m also hungry¡­ I wonder what I should make today?

 CH 195

    Chapter 195: Such is fate¡¯s predetermined causality, or to put it simply, I don¡¯t have money so hand them over??

    ?

    Day 56 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome back. You haven¡¯t slept, right? The pres said that you should take a rest today.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We are going to wander around the middle floors with several parties, so it will be alright. We¡¯ll make a buck~, and we¡¯ll buy lunch boxes too~.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome back.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Which reminds me, there was supposed to be a lunchbox sale. Well, I already finished all of the preparations, what¡¯s left is only to fry and cook. It¡¯s fatty, but having high-calorie food is not a problem if they are going to wander around in dungeons. Yes, definitely not an issue. It¡¯s not my fault that it¡¯s so greasy and fatty? In the first place, I announced beforehand that today¡¯s lunch boxes are ¡ºGyoza and fried rice¡». They should be fully resolved for what is awaiting them inside. Those daring and brave challengers. But they are probably going to lose. At the very least limit yourself to 3 boxes??

    ?

    ¡¸I also prepared breakfast. A set meal of fried fish, mushroom rice, and an omelet? Come and get it, it¡¯s cheap? It¡¯s actually not, but if you believe that it¡¯s cheap it most likely will be?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We¡¯ll have it!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The day started with me obtaining a small fortune. The general store¡¯s shopkeeper won¡¯t be back for a while, so maybe I should check on the old man from the weapon store? I¡¯d like to gather money from him, but I also would like to start mass production of weapons and armor. War or whatever, the soldiers are going to be ripped off by me through the massage chairs scheme, so I¡¯m not letting them die? The enemy is probably thinking of winning through high-grade gear. I can¡¯t think of any paths to victory for them aside from inducing poison and abnormal status effects. I wonder what are they going to do if their high-grade equipment gets destroyed and debuffs won¡¯t work? And how the heck are they planning to get an army through the Fake Dungeon? Well, I have no intentions of letting them pass, and no reason to let them fight a war too. I guess the problem is Royal Girl? She is strong, but her leadership ability poses an even bigger threat. In battle, she would be a troublesome enemy, but in all other aspects, she is pretty frail. Well, she is broken in quite a few ways already, so this shouldn¡¯t be an issue. If the whole army goes ¡ºFEEEVER!¡», it¡¯ll be over in an instant.?

    ?

    After dropping by the textile manufactory to check how it¡¯s running and making some small improvements I head to the weapon store.?

    ?

    ¡¸Old man, show me the money? Or rather, give me everything you¡¯ve got? To be frank, I¡¯ll take every penny even if you don¡¯t cooperate? Such is fate¡¯s predetermined causality, or to put it in simpler terms, I don¡¯t have money so like hand it over? Even if you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯m taking it anyway? It was destined to be? Sort of? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you sound worse than a robber now? For now, I prepared the payment, be it in installments or whatever I still have to pay for the building, right? So just take it and go, if plunder is what you came for. Also, I¡¯ll buy the bows you made the other day? Enchanted accessories are also about to sell out.¡¹?

    ?

    The old man is just as old, bald and man as always, but he is properly working as a blacksmith today! Well, a blacksmith busy polishing clubs was an abnormality, to begin with, but this is an unusual sight anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wait for a moment. I finally got a supply of decent iron, so I¡¯m buried with orders. Well, I¡¯ll finally get to call myself a blacksmith. ¡¹?

    ?

    His spirit was smoldering all this time. Denied of iron in the frontier he had nothing to do nor any weapons to sell, so he at the very least tried to purchase clubs to provide adventurers with something. And that blacksmith finally got a supply of iron. The smoldering spirit burst into flames.?

    ?

    The old man has the same sour mug for a face as always, but somehow, his eyes look different, and hints of a smile can be seen in his expression. After all, he finally called himself a blacksmith. Since he had no iron he used wood and iron scraps that he was able to get to make usable weapons. It must¡¯ve been vexing, being unable to make anything better than such makeshift weapons, since this also must¡¯ve been a reason for the deaths of adventurers and soldiers. And now he can make weapons. Real weapons. He was finally released from the powerlessness of being unable to do anything.?

    ?

    Even so, he kept his spirit smoldering, even when he was unable to make a single sword, he kept his fire burning, not letting it die even once, not giving up even when he had no metal available at all, and now, he was finally set free, so such a devilish grin is only natural. After all, having all that skill and talent and keeping motivation up this whole time he finally had his long-cherished desire granted.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well then, I have weapons too, but you prefer this, right? I have tons of it, and can pick as much as I want for free? Also, if there is anything that you want, then make a list, I¡¯ll look for it.¡¹?

    ?

    He used up almost all of the iron that I¡¯d given him earlier, just how long has he been smithing already? So I left a mountain of iron, silver, copper, and coal. And also some¡ºGyoza and fried rice set¡»lunch boxes. He also has apprentices, they are likely to eat 3 boxes each, but 40 boxes should be enough. Plus some already enchanted magic stones and dust, I think he should be able to make good use of them. This old man has Alchemy and his Smithing is Lv Max. Being unable to use them was quite an extreme waste of talent, so he is probably dying to fully utilize them. And this will also help with getting rid of some of my home industry work.?

    ?

    Now that it¡¯s finally time for rest, there is nothing to do.?

    ?

    There are lots of things I¡¯d like to do, but Armored Pres-san left as an observer. In other words, I have no one to do!?

    ?

    Slime-san also left as an instructor. Since they split into two groups, both left with them. Nothing would happen in a dungeon. Since they are already on the middle floors there is nothing to worry about. And the bigger the group gets the stronger they become. If it¡¯s a raid group then even unlikely worst-case scenarios can be ruled out. But the war is near, which means, if Stalker Girl¡¯s clan had time to bring information back, then the enemy also had time to send in someone. Is a beautiful female assassin finally coming? This is getting hot! No, wait, it might be a beautiful female spy as well? I have to prepare a welcome! Or maybe a beautiful female agent? This gets my hopes up! Well, as long as it¡¯s a ¡ºBeautiful Female¡», anything goes? Maybe with the exception of Beautiful Female Preacher, I already have enough of that. Beautiful Female Flat Gazers are good in any numbers! I wonder if I can get 100 of them??

    ?

    Since I promised that I won¡¯t go anywhere too far away on my own, going to the Fake Dungeon would be a problem, and returning to the cave alone isn¡¯t fun. Why am I being treated as some sort of a little child that is bound to get lost on their own? Are they underestimating the homing instinct of Hikikomori plus NEET? I even have ¡ºMap¡»in my skills, you know??

    ?

    Sleeping at the inn alone feels lonely, and I¡¯d probably have a hard time trying to fall asleep without any prior exercise. Well, there is an argument to be made that there is no time for sleep left with the exercises, but I¡¯m convinced that a well-regulated lifestyle and sufficient exercise are extremely important! That¡¯s why I¡¯m regularly doing my best at night! I¡¯m a high school boy after all!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm. As I thought, catching a Beautiful Female Intelligence Agent would be the best. After all, lacking information can be not only disadvantageous but outright fatal. But what¡¯s more important, it¡¯s a beautiful female agent! A sexy spy! Surely they would rank somewhere in the top of ¡ºWhat Boys Want To Catch Ranking¡». After all, capturing anyone else would lead to getting captured by police. Probably a close contest with a beautiful female thief, but there are plenty of winning chances. Will they come??

    ?

    ¡¸And as such, didn¡¯t any Beautiful Female Agents come? Up to 100 people can come it seems? Or rather, I want them to come? Like, To Ride this Big Wave? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Guess what? It is because no one can get through that the army decided to hire adventurers? By what means do you think a beautiful female agent would be able to safely get through that dungeon? Any female agent will run away the very moment she hears the order to enter that place. And in the first place, if their arrival was known, Omui-sama would¡¯ve caught them already. As long as that dungeon exists no women will come. Ever! ¡¹?

    ?

    Royal Girl shot down the idea. At this rate, I¡¯ll have to install treasure chests with dresses or jewels to appeal to female customers, or any chance of getting them will be lost. Wait, could it become a popular spot if I went for a reverse approach and the place gave out new clothes for every dissolved piece of clothing? But by the time they leave it they¡¯d probably be in full body fishnet suits. That one is great after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah, I almost forgot. This is the replacement for the broken equipment, and this is an apology for the dissolved clothes? Or rather, a sort of compensation dress? Since it can endure combat, a combat outfit? A battle dress, or rather¡­ A lewd dress? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Is it alright for me to take such splendid equipment?! These items¡­ Are the Kingdom¡¯s national treasure-class? They are worthy of being a king¡¯s personal equipment, even a general wouldn¡¯t be able to wear such gear, can I really take something this amazing? And even such wonderful¡­ Clothes¡­ Lewd? Eh? What is the purpose of them being so transparent and open? Fighting in this is¡­ +DeF and bonus to all resistances! Moreover 20% bonus to PoW, SpE, ViT, and even MiN! This might be above the national treasure class? But, am I going to put this on? It¡¯s see-through here and there? And there are openings in various places? It¡¯s like they are trying to hide, but have no intentions to conceal? If I fought wearing this, it would show¡­ things? It¡¯s very risky with so many see-through and open parts? Am I going to wear this? As I thought, you are planning to FEEVER! me through the night in this lewd dress! I¡¯m going to be FEEVER¡¯d! through this hole! Right? I¡¯m going to have a FEEEVER! night in this shameless revealing lewd see-through dress, going LET¡¯S DANCE! all night long? As I thought, giving me such a lewd dress as a present, your goal must be to FEEVER me! Having FEEEVER night going LET¡¯S DANCE! until the sun comes! Shamelessly revealing this place, and opening that place and UNBELIIIEVABLE! that place! Right?! (Roaring wildly)¡¹?

    ?

    Getting information out of her seems impossible. She tried to protect the frontier despite being unable to go against the kingdom¡¯s orders, and now she is trying to protect the kingdom as well. That¡¯s dangerous, that¡¯s picking a fight with too many people. She might turn everyone around into an enemy, and then there is even a chance of having no allies too. Let¡¯s add accessories to the equipment too. Her strength is quite adequate, as long as she is armed, and with the dress and accessories, she should be able to fight even in ordinary clothes. Since I made it precisely for her size, no one else should be able to use these. And with this design, one word of ¡ºFever!¡»is enough to completely break her, so there should be no issue even if she becomes our enemy. Rather, I¡¯d be more worried if she was on our side? Seriously.?

    ?

    The old man blacksmith can deal with the equipment for soldiers. He is excessively skilled. What such a skilled blacksmith was even doing in the frontier, which couldn¡¯t provide him with basic iron until now? I already made weapons and armor for Meripapa-san and Merimeri-san, so let¡¯s leave it here. They seem to be out for inspection, but I¡¯m prohibited from leaving the town, and well, it¡¯s not like any of this requires any special explanation.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t think that this guarantees their safety, but it should cover a bare minimum? Now only classmates and I remain, but¡­ I want loot from dungeons after all. At the moment, items found in dungeons which then were upgraded with mithril are outperforming everything else, many of them have special effects, so there are plenty of useful items among them. And I¡¯d also like some, well, I won¡¯t say a trump card, but at least some unexpected attack or something that can force a stalemate. Tentacles are enough for that, but I can¡¯t use them on middle-aged men! Absolutely no! I mean, there is nothing fun about that, and all of the sensations go to me through feedback. This is a big No for me.?

    ?

    I want information. What did they come up with? No matter how I look at it, they are checkmated, yet they launched an offense? Are they really this stupid, or do they have something on their mind? Are they planning to get through without passing through the Fake Dungeon, or do they have the means to safely get through it? If they have no secret weapon, did they find some sort of backdoor? There is no way they have the leeway to play with a stalemate.?

    ?

    ¡¸If the estimate is at least two weeks, then how long is it at most? Well, that is in case they can even make it here. After all, I¡¯m obviously going to hinder them. I¡¯m not going to entertain uninvited guests. Although I will receive them, I will gladly welcome them. After all, coming for killing they can¡¯t complain about the welcome? Obviously.¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s right. They are coming to kill, right? Then, a very warm welcome is necessary. Raging fire and scorching heat will provide a jubilant welcome. Trying to kill someone means this kind of thing.

 CH 196

    Chapter 196: Unmatched even in this world, their PoW can¡¯t be measured in stats.?

    ?

    Day 56 ¨C Daytime.?

    ?

    This is the worst! I was completely unprepared, even though I¡¯m all on my own today, without any allies around, I was totally off guard and careless. Having a day off from the dungeon exploration and with the blacksmith beginning to smith too I was finally released from work and was taking it easy, completely unaware of what was coming.?

    ?

    They already surrounded me, blocking all escape routes, and there is not enough distance from them to get away with Air Walk. It¡¯s a checkmate.?

    ?

    But the worst part is the weapons in their hands.?

    ?

    I never thought that I¡¯d encounter this. I was negligent. I was sure they are a thing of the past.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I let my guard down. I removed them from the list of the enemies I tracked with Detect Presence. Because I thought they were no more. Because I thought that no one had these anymore.?

    ?

    That is¡­ Without a doubt the worst weapon. That¡¯s right, order forms!?

    ?

    ¡¸I was working through the night to construct the village? I kept working, despite how horny I felt? I was working basically locked in a fierce battle with the horniness that burned akin to the raging flames of eros? I was pretty sure I¡¯d get scolded if we started doing it in the fields, so I held back? Doing my best until the morning, fighting off the 108 spirits of worldly desires, all 108 of which turned out to be Lust. And the 109th immediately popped up as well? Lust-san was really stacked on those spirits? Like, even if the purifying bell was rung every 0,00001 seconds, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough to purge them all! Or rather, if it was rung that much it¡¯d be an annoyance! Like, anyone would be saying¡ºwho the hell is ringing that bell, stop it?!¡»!¡¹?

    ?

    Why do orders still remain? That is the biggest question, but the key to that mystery is right here! That¡¯s right, I was so caught up in making that village that I forgot about other orders, or rather, there is no way I could¡¯ve done them! Making 1 village is bound to eat up all of the available time! If a night shift took more than 24 hours, then it has nothing to do with the night anymore. It¡¯s just an around-the-clock operation! I don¡¯t do such services, but a lewd midnight room service sounds nice? Very nice. But it has nothing to do with my side job. I like the rewards, but it¡¯s not like I like the labor itself.?

    ?

    ¡¸Look at this! There is Urgent written here. The women of the town are awaiting new dresses! Flare skirts and blouses too! And I also marked mushrooms lunches as extra urgent!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are you ordering food from me?! And every day on top of that! Didn¡¯t they open an eating place right next to your store?! And also ¡ºThere is urgent written here¡», there is urgent written everywhere, on every order! If you write it on everything, then the entire point of writing ¡ºurgent¡»is lost. And why do lunches get extra urgent every time?!!¡¹?

    ?

    Speaking of which, I now remember that there was an order for an insane amount of women¡¯s clothing. However, it was for long skirts, long flare skirts, and just ordinary blouses. If that order was for miniskirts, sexy dresses, or fishnet stockings, I would¡¯ve made them right away, instantly, and delivered them the first thing in the morning! And then I would¡¯ve sat down in the middle of the street to spectate the fruits of my labor! But since the order was for long skirts it could not set my soul ablaze, you know? There is nothing to get passionate about. Can¡¯t I at the very least add a slit? Like, 1 meter long??

    ?

    I see, so this encirclement was accomplished by the aunties of the town? That explains how they managed to block even the smallest of the alleyways, showing their thorough knowledge of the town. A flawless encirclement. As expected, their PoW can¡¯t be measured in stats, most likely, they have enough ability to participate in Maidens¡¯ Bargain War with our girls, each of which has cheat skills, what a fearsome Auntie Power! So Aunties are Unmatched even in this world, huh.?

    ?

    I got caught.?

    ?

    Rather than working at the inn or the general store let¡¯s do it here.?

    ?

    Going to the textile workshop I begin the production. If I¡¯m going to do this, I might as well use the chance to show a finished product, this should help them with production. Moreover, the articles mass-produced here will cost about half price. Aunties will surely prefer to buy there. Drawing out the pattern paper at once, I cut the cloth according to it, and immediately get to sewing, well, Evil Hands do. Since it¡¯s a simple model I quickly finish it. The frontier is still going to have a preference for simple and chic models¡­ Well, those are aunties after all.?

    ?

    Additionally, gathering people from the workshop we get to mass-production, as I coach them along the way. A kind, gentle and attentive coaching. After all, there are so many young girls here! If I managed to boost my Affection Rating here, it just might recover from elementary particles level all the way up to the atomic level? With a strong heart, I conduct cordial no-touch coaching. The worldly desires that I couldn¡¯t let out tomorrow are whirling akin to a centrifuge, but this is the critical point from my Affection Rating!?

    ?

    ¡¸Not like this? Don¡¯t stab with the needle, pass it through instead? Also, you shouldn¡¯t pull the thread here, you must spin it to align the seam. Yes, like that, and when you pull you have to pull the cloth too. The same force as the thread, ah, this is too loose. Sort of? Properly sewn it is less likely to end up with wrinkles and won¡¯t come undone that easily. Yes, like that, the threads and the cloth have to become one, then it¡¯s perfect. Yes, that¡¯s really good. If you manage to make a set like that it will be the best dress possible. ¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, coaching beauties is fun. Back in the days, I thought about becoming a librarian, spending time reading books, but becoming a school teacher and teaching only cute girls might be nice too. Well, no chance for that anymore.?

    ?

    It¡¯s becoming possible for aunties to buy new clothes, but it¡¯s still tough for young girls, therefore, workshops. Textile workshops and sewing workshops provide employee discounts, which are pretty huge on their own, but the number of items one can buy also increases based on the output, moreover there are bonuses and salary raises depending on productivity, so naturally, young girls, who don¡¯t have much money, tend to gather there. I¡¯d like to apply too! Why do they refuse to hire me even though I was the one who established that place??

    ?

    While coaching, I continue the production with Evil Hands and Holding. I already crafted more than enough, and if I make too much, it will take away work from the workshops, so limiting the stockpile to 1,000 for each article should be alright. But rather than that, it¡¯s a chance to coach cute girls! I bet I¡¯d get scolded if I used my hands, so it¡¯s instructions only! Regrettably!?

    ?

    ¡¸This amount should cover both the stock and the orders, right? Or rather, why are the clothes selling so well all of a sudden? Did you have an invasion of a naked tribe or something? I wonder where are they, this calls for a thorough investigation!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸As if! Why would a naked tribe come to the city? To buy clothes? My, that would be a jackpot! But where would they be carrying wallets?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like that¡¯s not the case. And thus, the general store¡¯s shopkeeper returned to the store, carrying clothes. Naturally, she didn¡¯t forget the lunchboxes as well. Even though she almost forgot the clothes!?

    ?

    Now then, this settles it for the time being? The bucket workshop definitely doesn¡¯t need any coaching, after all, there is nothing but dudes working there. And it seems they are managing just fine. The foundry has only middle-aged men. So this place is the only solace for me, but apparently, they won¡¯t accept my job application. Even though I¡¯m an investor??

    ?

    Well, let¡¯s go back and make equipment and dinner? Although it¡¯s a bit troubling since it¡¯s still too early, even more troubling is Armored Pres-san¡¯s figure, it won¡¯t leave my mind so it¡¯s a big trouble? Sort of? But since she is still not back, it¡¯s not a fun sort of trouble??

    ?

    Having things I want to do but nothing I need to do, I head back to the forge and borrow some space there to try my hand at smithing. The stuff I made as a practice I gave to Royal Girl and Meri family. That family has the highest probability of getting targeted, in fact, they already were attacked in the past. They probably wanted to get hostages and threaten Meripapa-san. Even Royal Girl is in quite the danger. Since I used good materials, even though it was only a practice, it turned out like that. It¡¯s better than what¡¯s available on the market and it also has bonus effects.?

    ?

    ¡¸Old maan. Why do you have to hammer your swords? Don¡¯t you have Alchemy? Can¡¯t you mass-produce an item with Alchemy once you make one manually? Is it because you are bald? Or is it because the only hair you have is your beard? Wanna transplant them?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t transplant people¡¯s beards on their heads as you please! I can¡¯t mass produce anything with Alchemy, magic stones fusion, bestowing enchantments, and then refinement is the most I can do. And when it comes to transmutation then just doing things by hand will be faster and give better quality. Your Alchemy is the weird one. Even alchemists can¡¯t do that. Good grief, just what do you think my precious beard is¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    After all, I should learn the katana manufacturing method from the Geeks. Most likely, if trained, this old man should be able to make some amazing stuff. However, the result of allowing them to work on katanas was a steamship, and what is really irritating, it now does an awfully good job at transporting. Let¡¯s make a torpedo next time.?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s kind of meh? It somehow feels lacking? Why do I have this ¡ºThis isn¡¯t it¡»feeling? Am I doing something wrong? But can I even spot a mistake without sufficient knowledge? But it somehow feels off anyway? Just what is this? Hmmm, is it because regardless of my understanding, I have read about this before and seen real articles?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸What is this fancy talk! You are definitely the only person in the whole world who can mass-produce items of this quality! If something like this were made in large quantities every single blacksmith would go out of business. Man, this is outrageous.¡¹?

    ?

    The quality won¡¯t improve from mass production, you know? Hmm, well, if I enchant and mithrilify them, it should be about the same level as the items found on dungeons¡¯ middle floors. However, if I mithrilified items from the middle floors they would turn even better. It¡¯s a bit questionable, but it should cover the shortage of classmates¡¯ equipment. This is a very important point, gearing 30 people was a problem, but this should solve it, and this can also be used as a base standard for gear. And an even more important point, is that the ones with the most cash in this remote region are my classmates, who are raiding dungeons¡¯ middle floors! Let¡¯s rip them off!

 CH 197

    Chapter 197: Being unable to get used to this no matter how many times you see it might be the first sign of impending senility??

    ?

    Day 56 ¨C Evening, Lord¡¯s Mansion.?

    ?

    Lying there was a magnificent sword and armor, the likes of which might be unobtainable for kings, much less even great nobles. ¡ºHere you go¡», is all he had to say about this. This, apparently, was gifted to us.?

    ?

    ¡¸So even more things were given to us. Then I, at the very least, have to live in a way worthy of this sword and armor.¡«¡«¡«But, this thing called massage chair is so addicting~~~~ah~. Mhmhm. This is the sword and armor that was bestowed upon us by that boy, we ought to make it a family relic, passing it down from heir to heir. And we will also have to cultivate heirs befitting of this blade. Let¡¯s create a family motto as well. How about¡ºDo bad stuff and get stabbed with this sword.¡»?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even I was gifted equipment, including fine quality dresses with effects as well. As for dresses, he left some for mother too. But when did he get to make measurements? They are an incredibly perfect fit.¡¹?

    ?

    The boy had given weapons and armor to our family, ¡ºThanks for the mining right¡», is what he said. What is there to be thankful for? All of those were unknown ore veins that he discovered all on his own, tunneling where no one dug before all by himself, he then single-handedly mined all of that. If he kept silent he could easily hog it all, and even if we were told about the ore veins concealed somewhere there, it would¡¯ve taken us years to obtain all that ore. That¡¯s how extensive the tunnel was and enormous the volume of the materials.?

    ?

    Saying only¡ºit was in the way, I don¡¯t need it so you can have it¡», he had given a massive amount of iron ore to the frontier. It had taken us dozens of years to mine the same amount in the past, and he just gave it to us, without asking for anything in return.?

    ?

    The frontier, which was so poor that it lacked even the basic materials, was provided with a large amount of lumber and iron, so naturally, the whole region is in an uproar. Buildings and tools are being made one after another, lining the streets and markets of the city. Previously scarce in wares or even those capable of buying them, the frontier now has a thriving trade. Although I saw it countless times already, I can¡¯t stop myself from crying every time I witness that miracle.?

    ?

    No matter how many times one sees a miracle, it¡¯s impossible to get used to it. No matter how many times I see it, there is no way for me to become used to seeing the city rich and peaceful, with citizens smiling on the streets. There is no way for me to become accustomed to seeing a scene that none of my ancestors could see.?

    ?

    And the flames of the forge were finally kindled as well.?

    ?

    The man who kept supporting the frontier all this time despite being crushed by its poverty, until now, found no reward for his hardships in this city, but he was finally able to start smithing. Finally, the flame of the furnace is burning. The man that helped everyone, but helped by none, was finally saved by the boy.?

    ?

    As the region was unable to provide him with a decent iron, the man kept gathering scrap iron and by mixing it with iron sand, created weapons good enough for combating monsters, unable to obtain decent wood, he processed scrap wood, making it into spears, arrows, continuously supporting the army and the adventurers of the frontier.?

    ?

    He even managed to make a name for himself in the capital, hailed as the best blacksmith of the best forge, when he previously went there to study, and even was nominated to succeed it, but despite that talent, he stated that the frontier needs weapons, and went back here. The frontier was unable to provide even a meager amount of iron to the man of such caliber, and yet he stayed, desperately making weapons with sparse materials available, but his efforts finally paid off. By now, he won¡¯t stop until he collapses. At this very moment, he must be striking iron, trying to exceed the best, aiming for even greater heights.?

    ?

    It seems that the boy left him mountains of iron, wood, coal, and even leather, saying¡ºPay me back in double if you make profit¡». He must be hammering away like a possessed. There is no way that he will repay by just paying in double. Putting his life and pride on the line he is going to smith using all of the skills he previously had no chance to employ.?

    ?

    He was finally able to go back to smithing. The best smith in the kingdom, so he must be hammering, trying to go beyond the best. After all, to repay that boy the best is just too halfhearted.?

    ?

    Abiding the shame I went to personally bow my head to him, and for the first time, was able to make a proper commission to that man. And what he told me at the time was the following.?

    ?

    ¡¸Unable to prepare worthy weapons or armor, I wasted the lives of countless heroes, but now, I will make weapons with which one can fight, and armor, capable of protecting one¡¯s life. Forgive me.¡¹?

    ?

    Of those that died, just who would¡¯ve been able to find it in themselves to raise a single complaint. Everyone was grateful, as he conjured the tools for battle out of nothing. Even so, it must¡¯ve been vexing to him. That¡¯s why he referred to himself simply as a weapon store owner and eventually stopped calling himself a blacksmith. We made it impossible for him to do so.?

    ?

    The mine is currently operating at several times the pace that we originally estimated. Since the tunnel is five times more extensive than what was ordered, things are going more than smoothly. On top of that, not only did it not cost us extra, but we also ended up receiving¡ºThanks for the mining rights¡». Then, I have to put this sword and armor to the best of use and protect the people with them. With this sword and armor, it might be just possible to resolve everything with a full-frontal attack. They are that much of a masterpiece.?

    ?

    Moreover, the best smith in the kingdom is working on the weapons and armor for our troops, is there a greater luxury than this? If despite all of this, there still would be those willing to shamelessly run away, abandoning the people, I¡¯d personally strangle them myself. I won¡¯t allow any shameless ingrates to even breathe the air of the frontier! Alright, this calls for practice. A training. A frontal assault!?

    ?

    ¡¸Father? Didn¡¯t Haruka-san tell you ¡ºStay put? Or rather, listen to your aides, okay? Seriously.¡»? Why are you preparing your combat attire? If you leave right now, the frontier army will reach the capital before the royal troops. Forget negotiations, that¡¯s just a blitzkrieg, with the declaration of war and the attack happening at the same time? That¡¯s not ¡ºProtecting the people¡», that¡¯s going straight for the enemies¡¯ heads? You¡¯ll get scolded, you know? For real.¡¹?

    ?

    For real, apparently. Just why is everyone telling me in unison to listen to my aides? Aren¡¯t I the lord here? And the aides reject all my proposals of attacking??

    ?

    ¡¸If I can die for my people, protecting the frontier, then so be it. I don¡¯t ask for more, for generations such was the way of life of my ancestors. Even if I was told to value my life, I know nothing of such a way of life. Moreover, I got to witness a peaceful and prosperous frontier, something that my ancestors couldn¡¯t even dream of. I¡¯m so fortunate that there is nothing left for me to regret. While I cannot afford to die without repaying this debt, it only keeps growing day by day, turning even more colossal as time goes. By now it must be impossible to even grasp the total extent of it, much less repaying it. And yet, that boy won¡¯t accept any gratitude. Every time one tries to thank him, that boy either runs away or jumbles things up. Aside from that, I¡¯m so fortunate that I don¡¯t have a single regret, and I can¡¯t imagine a greater blessing happening in my remaining lifetime.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even I, the enemy, got a splendid set of armor and sword. And a lewd dress too. A very lewd one. For what reason does that boy, Haruka-sama, go to such lengths to protect the frontier and those that are related to it? And why does Omui-sama¡¯s way of speaking change so drastically when talking to Haruka-sama? And is he really that strong? With that Level?¡¹?

    ?

    Princess Shariceres received a sword and armor too, ¡ºAn apology for breaking your stuff¡», is what it seems, but she appears to be quite bewildered, as she surely never heard of anyone apologizing for destroying an enemy¡¯s weapons.?

    ?

    ¡¸While he was infuriated by your attempt of self-annihilation, he acknowledged that you were trying to protect the frontier and the kingdom. That¡¯s why he made a sword and armor for you, as for the dress¡­ His hobby?¡­ Well, that¡¯s how it goes. And it doesn¡¯t matter how big one tries to act, showing greatness as a noble or a lord, it wouldn¡¯t leave any impression on that boy. It¡¯s pointless for a troublesome lord to sound classy or dignified. Therefore, it¡¯s better to talk casually with him. After all, there is nothing that I have that could demand courtesy from that boy. Being simply grateful is all I can do. Even if the boy hates it, even if he runs around to avoid it, being grateful is the only thing I can do. And¡­ Yes, he is strong. Certainly, he can be considered weak both in terms of level and stats, weaker than even beginning adventurers, on par with apprentices at most. When he first appeared here, his abilities were on par with a common villager. His stats were that low, and they still remain quite low to this day. But he is strong. With those meager stats he killed an orc king, dungeon masters, and even now, continues killing the evil forest and dungeons. Is there anything more terrifying? A level 20 that even level 100 can¡¯t rival. Strength is all about the result, the one who destroyed their opponent and survived is strong. If one is killed, it doesn¡¯t matter how high their level was. And that boy survived and killed everything that challenged him. That is the strength.¡¹?

    ?

    There is no meaning in strength. Strength doesn¡¯t bear any significance by itself. Grasp victory, kill the enemy, survive, that¡¯s the only strength that matters.?

    ?

    Everyone doesn¡¯t realize how scary that boy is. The meaning behind his continuous victories and survival despite that perceived weakness. Even though that is what the strength is.?

    ?

    And it is because there are ignorant fools that don¡¯t understand this that they are able to do something as foolish as start a war with the frontier, where that boy resides.?

    ?

    As their foolishness is great enough to make them blind to something so obvious.?

    ?

    To the horror of that strength.?

    ?

    The scariness of turning the impossible possible.

 CH 198

    Chapter 198: You can rip them off for longer if instead of bringing everything at once you tease things bit by bit.?

    ?

    Day 56: Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Angelica-san is smiling with a very delighted look on her face. This must have been worrying her all this time.?

    ?

    It seems that when she came back to the inn, Haruka-kun was sleeping in the room, which I think is only expected after spending a whole night building a village¡­ But in any case, he was sleeping.?

    ?

    He never slept or slept very restlessly. If he had nothing to do late at night he¡¯d just sit, pondering on something with a vacant gaze, and if he did fall asleep he¡¯d seem like he is having nightmares.?

    ?

    However, this time he was soundly asleep.?

    ?

    Going to that destroyed village he built a new one, made a grave, and was thanked by the villagers.?

    ?

    Then, Haruka-kun, who was so afraid of gratitude, appeared a bit more mature this morning. Instead of the usual forced smile, he looked somewhat sad even, but his expression looked more genuine.?

    ?

    But it didn¡¯t seem to be due to a resignation or getting over it. But more like he reached some sort of compromise in his heart. That¡¯s why he might¡¯ve appeared a bit sorrowful, but is properly looking forward.?

    ?

    I didn¡¯t see Haruka-kun like that in a long time, and he also appeared a bit more grown-up.?

    ?

    Well, he is actually dashing up the stairs to adulthood every night at quite a speed, skipping 500 steps at once, long since passing the stratosphere.?

    ?

    Even so, smiling naturally, Haruka-kun appeared just a little bit more mature.?

    ?

    All this time, the girls were envious of the boys. Whenever they were doing something stupid on their own like some kids, or secretly having guilty conversations like schoolboys, or when he was shouting at the boys, such times, when he was appearing lively and emotional made us a bit envious.?

    ?

    When everyone was throwing tantrums with extra orders or whatever, he¡¯d always say¡ºThat¡¯s tyranny! Oppression!¡», but looked a little happy anyway. Only at such times, he would acknowledge his worth, only at such times, we¡¯d see him smile.?

    ?

    And then, this morning, he suddenly was smiling naturally, going ¡ºI¡¯m back¡», with a bit more mature feel to his expression, making everyone¡¯s hearts skip a beat. It was a surprise, but a pleasant one.?

    ?

    Because it¡¯s been that long since we last saw that.?

    ?

    Because we didn¡¯t see it in such a long, long time.?

    ?

    Even Angelica-san, who was with him all the time, looked overjoyed.?

    ?

    That was probably the first time she saw his sleeping face, she didn¡¯t have such a chance until now.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We want to see his sleeping face!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No way! He was finally able to fall asleep. Absolutely no way!¡¹?

    ?

    But it must¡¯ve been vexing for him too, that¡¯s why he seemed sad.?

    ?

    After all, that¡¯s how Haruka-kun is, so there is no helping it. If he was a person capable of forgetting or just not caring, saying that it¡¯s not his fault or that it can¡¯t be helped, then such a person wouldn¡¯t try to save anyone. Not like they¡¯d be able to even if they tried.?

    ?

    It is because he is the type of person to desperately regret even things that couldn¡¯t be helped, that he ends up saving everyone.?

    ?

    A person that would dismiss things as impossible, bad luck, or inevitable, would only save those that can be saved, they wouldn¡¯t try to save those out of their reach. They wouldn¡¯t be able to win the unwinnable.?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    But Slime-san seems to be dissatisfied since there is no one to play with. It got completely spoiled.?

    ?

    The shopkeeper knew that there is no redemption, and the only way out is to force a compromise. That he needs to arrive at this compromise one way or another.?

    ?

    It is because she herself suffered the same in the past, that she was able to see this, that she was able to understand his suffering.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why she shoved it at him like that. That there is no redemption, no salvation, but even if there is none, everyone is still struggling, doing the best they can.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why he appeared a bit sad, a bit more mature, and stronger.?

    ?

    Nothing changed about his stats, but he became a lot stronger, sharper.?

    ?

    Reaching that internal compromise, he must¡¯ve realized that there is no salvation, and thus, the boy that once lamented that killing is the only thing he can do, gained a resolve to kill. If there is nothing else he can do, then he shall do it. Thus, he returned a bit more grown-up.?

    ?

    ¡¸He somehow looked more impressive, didn¡¯t he?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But wasn¡¯t his smile kinda nice?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The dinner¡­ It¡¯s tonkatsu today.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh, right!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    No one is suggesting waking him up, but holding to the hope, no one touches the inn¡¯s food as well. By the way, it seems he couldn¡¯t do anything about tonkatsu sauce.?

    ?

    ¡¸Moorning, or rather, welcome back? I guess? Then, would you like dinner? A bath? Or~may~be, a Geek Hunt?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Dinner! We were dying to have tonkatsu! And we aren¡¯t going to hunt anyone!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    He woke up. He must¡¯ve spotted us with Presence Detection a while ago, but slept well enough to be still half awake.?

    ?

    Although he is going down the stairs with a vacant look on his face, he is manipulating mana that he already has wrapped around him, complete battle readiness!?

    ?

    Thus, a tonkatsu feast has started. Tonkatsu, which were prepared beforehand, are spinning through the air around Haruka-kun, drawing a combination of several complex spiral trajectories, making a sizzling sound, fried one after another, as the girls¡¯ stomachs also make a grumbling sound, waiting for them to be done.?

    ?

    Then, they are put on top of the flying plates, that one after another are pulled from the item bag, and then joined there by the cabbage, that was finely cut with ultra-high-speed wire cutter by evil hands, and then with the sauce added, they gracefully glide through the air onto the tables. Then, they are closely followed by bowls of freshly cooked rice with steam rising from them. Moreover, even mushroom soup is accompanying them, gliding through the air after them!?

    ?

    If the time was properly measured, it probably would turn out that it didn¡¯t take even 3 minutes, but those sounds and smells were extremely delicious on their own. Since it felt delicious even before we tried it, the time we spent waiting felt like an eternity! Unable to get our hands on those, all we could do is wait, which made it all feel even longer. After all, who can resist tonkatsu making such alluring sounds??

    ?

    ¡¸Here we go~, bon appetit~? There are additional servings too~? But they come at the usual marvelous rip-off price, a special offer at 800 ere, available only now~!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Pre-order for a second helping!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The room is filled with happiness and the sounds of chewing and munching. Another memory that we considered all but lost came back, he must have no intention of losing anything at all, be it another world or whatever, he intends to get it all back. This is definitely impossible, but he is trying to get back as many things as he can. Doesn¡¯t that make him the greediest one here? After all, he is refusing to give up on anything.?

    ?

    While we lost everything, being dragged into this world, today, we regained another thing. Re:Tonkatsu in another world was Justice.?

    ?

    Kakizaki-san and others went to get another helping with tonkatsu in their mouths, and are getting scolded by Haruka-kun. The girls are also busy with confirming the remaining stock with sidelong glances. We can¡¯t eat Haruka-kun¡¯s share again! Or he will start another rip-off festival, leaving us without a penny. And leave some for me too? I can easily go for 3 more portions!?

    ?

    Oh no! It was a trap, why does grated daikon come out after I already had 2 additional helpings?! Moreover, he is charging extra for it! So evil, but I want it anyway!?

    ?

    ¡­Why are there desserts too?! And why out of all things did it have to be several types of fruit mousses?! It¡¯s my favorite! There is no girl that doesn¡¯t like it. And for him to pull it out after tonkatsu¡­ Moreover, there are 4 different kinds¡­?

    ?

    And after we are done with the meal we have training before the bath! Practice and exercise! The total amount of calories must be insane! Let¡¯s enlist to Captain Angelica¡¯s bootcamp. One More Set?

 CH 199

    Chapter 199: They were empty air before, but with the recent decrease in concentration they might become a virtual vacuum.?

    ?

    Day 56 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    The dungeon groups all reached 49th floor without any issues. Armored Pres-san and Slime-san gave them passing marks, so it must¡¯ve been an unquestionably overwhelming victory. Overpower without getting into tough fights, this is the most orthodox approach.?

    ?

    However, most of the classmates are now stuck at Level 99. The requirements for level up are too steep, is there no other option but to challenge a dungeon master after all? The guild had no information either, and there is no way to investigate this, but since there are those with levels above 100, there has to be some way.?

    ?

    And even now they are spending all their time on training. Well, this is a daily occurrence, so there is no need to come up with assignments. They must be worried about the calories. Why would they eat every type of fruit mousse right after having tonkatsu? And after going through every type, they then even went for 5th serving??

    ?

    And since I¡¯m going to introduce an okay equipment made by myself into Get Rich System of seizing most of the dungeon items through ¡ºPayment with Dungeon Loot¡», selling back good items through auction after upgrading them with mithril, and as they end up buying them, parting with all the money they had, getting even more ¡ºPayment with Dungeon Loot¡», nothing can stop me on my way to becoming a magnate! And yet, why am I so broke? Oh well, anyway, mithrilification it is.?

    ?

    The bargain sale can wait until they come out of the bath, let¡¯s go with only gear today. I mean, if I bring out clothes and accessories they will likely go mainly for that? Well, getting a set of enchanted casual clothes is important for personal security too, but they are getting way too secure! At this point, their outing clothes are powerful enough to clear upper dungeon floors! Let¡¯s make hidden weapons too, just in case, and fancy item bags too. I finally became able to create Item Bags, both ¡ºSpatial Magic¡»and ¡ºAlchemy¡»were required for it so I couldn¡¯t do it until now, but since the crafting method was described in ¡ºMagic Tools¡»I practiced for it. Since they would like to carry around fashionable-looking item bags, it would be the same as always carrying weapons. After all, they are refusing to carry paper bags, you know? The Bitches are rejecting them. Well, a little bit more and I should be able to add ¡ºStorage¡»to clothes themselves, so it should resolve the issue of self-defense, or rather, they might end up raiding dungeons in their casual clothes. What kind of picnic is that? Sounds fun.?

    ?

    Physical protection through mana is about to become possible too, is it finally the time for bikini armor? The boys¡¯ combat power might drastically decrease. All of them are schoolboys after all. That¡¯s too much.?

    ?

    And I¡¯m also prepared for the night, the problem is, I¡¯m too prepared. This might be the greatest challenge a highschool boy can face. I mean, the leotard was awaiting its turn all this time, and then cheongsam also showed up? The spinning mill finally succeeded at trial manufacture of gold and silver threads, so I made cheongsams to commemorate that¡­ 18 types, what do we do with this? She definitely will be mad if I go for 19 rounds, but each and every outfit is hard to give up, how troubling. And if put on her it definitely would lead to something even more troubling. Even so, all this time I believed that cheongsam minis are heresy, but they are actually good, so it¡¯s even more troubling and seductive. Yup, it¡¯s marvelous. But with minis included as well, it would mean¡­ 31 rounds? Is it even possible to accomplish in one night??

    ?

    Putting chinese dresses on sale will definitely bring huge profits, but can they go out wearing those? Even fishnet stockings ended up being restricted to the inn area only? Well, if they could, it will bring its own problems, but they will buy them anyway. But Armored Pres-san will definitely go to show off her cheongsam, so it will be immediately exposed! She is a quite immature eternal 17, you know? I mean, she flaunts new things even to Slime-san? And after her showing off I get assaulted by an avalanche of sermons and new orders. However, if I said that I don¡¯t want to see that, it would be a lie. That definitely would be a nice sight. After all, 20 highschool girls in traditional chinese dresses should have immense destructive power.?

    ?

    And if the boys were to see the girls wearing that, they¡¯d blend with the air even further. Moreover, they are already air, but lately, their concentration is decreasing. If the girls wore cheongsam, the boy¡¯s existence wouldn¡¯t amount even to air anymore, more like a vacuum? They might even acquire a new skill. Something like Vacuum Cutter? The other day, the boys went completely mute with mini one-piece dresses. This time they might merge with the walls. Let¡¯s paint them over if they do.?

    ?

    ¡¸Alright! I narrowed it down. Picking only a select few outfits, I narrowed it down to leotard-san and 16 china dresses! What a hard fight it was, the regrets that I had to abandon still won¡¯t leave me, but there is tomorrow! And there must be new cheongsams waiting tomorrow! After all, those made today are only prototypes? The real deal comes tomorrow, I¡¯ll do my best. But by then there probably will be even more outfits. An unending battle, the battle I refuse to end?¡¹?

    ?

    Before I noticed, I had 8 leotards on my hands, what do I do? Even though I definitely preferred the black ones! Why would I even have the old nemesis, the white leotard as well¡­ But it is nice too, very nice. Yeah, let¡¯s reconcile with the white leotard faction. But the black ones are still the best, I won¡¯t yield on that! No matter what. Well, it would seem I need to reconcile with the light blue faction too??

    ?

    Before the bath, I went to check the training, and they seem to be in the middle of freestyle training, one after another they attack the Armored Pres-san, get evaded, avoided, parried, and beaten up. The aim must be improving individual skills and getting experience at fighting human opponents, as well as burning unnecessary jiggle, in other words, ONE MORE SET. Sword Fighting, which combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise seems to be highly effective and thus, quite popular.?

    ?

    They¡¯ll likely kill me if I were to tell them that those hardships could¡¯ve been avoided if they ate less. They will definitely try to kill me with their stares alone! I mean, I only thought about this, and they are already glaring at me. Like, I prepared 200 portions of mousse for 31 people, how come it¡¯s not enough! Slime-san got its own share in a bucket, so it is innocent. The culprits are the people doing ONE MORE SET over there! On top of that, they seem to be aware of this. The passion they are putting into the training is quite different from usual. They are serious.?

    ?

    As I keep observing, the number of unconscious girls keeps increasing, piling up into a heap. Soon, all of them were out cold, stacked up in the backyard. It might soon become a special attribute of this inn.?

    ?

    And now she is beckoning me? Did Armored Pres-san overeat as well? Is she trying to burn calories? You don¡¯t have to worry about it, you know? We are going to burn lots of them tonight anyway? Seriously. I¡¯m going to do this for real, you know??

    ?

    As said by a certain someone, ¡ºNothing ventured, nothing gained¡»? Well, no idea though? Risking my own life I plunge into the storm of swords, grasping onto the faint chances to stay afloat, and once again diving into the depths of carnage, and just drowning there! I¡¯m managing to somehow slip through the gaps in incoming slashes, sticking my sword somewhere in between evasion and incoming attacks, but there is no chance for me to really get my head up. The venture seems like an ultimate failure. I ought to be more prudent with my investments, especially if I¡¯m putting my own body on the line??

    ?

    The swift and sharp steps have not an ounce of disorder, fusing into a beautiful and elegant gait, as if she is flying around me, so I¡¯m assaulted at every step from all directions.?

    ?

    While it¡¯s an extremely peaceful exercise, with both of us slashing at each other with wooden sticks, a moment of negligence can lead to being cut down by a stick.?

    ?

    Constantly keeping the weapon wrapped in mana, maintaining a steady supply, I continue my flurry of blows, with my mind processing things at an incredibly high speed, the world around decelerating into slow motion, and yet I¡¯m barely able to match her attacks.?

    ?

    Applying even Teleportation and Gravity I swing the stick in instantaneous movements, stepping in as if not affected by gravity at all, dishing out irregular attacks that could come only from some sort of a crazed marionette, and yet even those are being evaded.?

    ?

    A boisterous sword dance at ultra high speed born from the combination of magic and various physical stats enhancements from skills. The whole view is filled with nothing but glittering flashes of silver. To put it simply, this is just impossible??

    ?

    I had the hell beaten out of me.?

    ?

    However, my vengeance shall come tonight! And so will I! I shall reign the retribution with china dresses, and then exact my revenge with leotards! I have enough prepared for 38 rounds!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Good job. Really, are levels just a number? Do they mean anything?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The unconscious gang seems to have revived, I wonder if they burned up everything they wanted to? The fact that there was a mousse, also means that jelly also can be made, you know? There will be no end to ONE MORE SET, after all, they are going to eat that as well, right??

    ?

    ¡¸Phew? Level? Endurance, defense, destructive power, are the level. Even SpE, the linear speed, is a part of offensive ability. In this world, if you are outdone in exchange of blows you are done for.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But we can¡¯t get a single hit in? Or even graze? Level 99¡¯s speed is rendered meaningless. ¡¹?

    ?

    You can¡¯t call someone strong, who might die from even a graze. After all, it¡¯s impossible to dodge and evade everything. For it to work one has to be something completely extraordinary like Armored Pres-san or have epic luck that broke through its limit. Otherwise, it¡¯s absolutely not possible. In that case, sudden death would be completely unsurprising, and one day it will come. The real strength is being able to take a hit and crush the enemy.?

    ?

    ¡¸If you were to go for a simultaneous KO, you¡¯d win, so there is no need for you to go try to parry and evade that much? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    Since level is endurance, defense, and destructive power, they have to effectively use charging and simply hurling themselves at the opponent, otherwise, not only will they have no chance to beat Armored Pres who is surpassing them in aptitude, but it simply won¡¯t even be a fight. She is an extraordinary existence that breaks every law and rule of this world through her technique alone, you know? You can¡¯t take that as an example.?

    ?

    And now this extraordinaire looks greatly relieved. She followed them as an observer, so she must¡¯ve been bored, getting no action for herself. So she beat her master out of boredom¡­ Vengeance (Eros) is awaiting later! I¡¯m going to feel good too!?

    ?

    Alright, time for a bath.?

    ?

    Then, let¡¯s get every penny from the equipment bargain sale. It¡¯s about time I make some money or the reserves of rice and soy sauce won¡¯t last much longer. I probably should consider making another bulk purchase soon. Since they have soy sauce, there also might be miso as well. Kombu and Katsuobushi might be somewhere out there too, I¡¯d like to check things out there, but there are too many dungeon expeditions, and the kingdom¡¯s army should arrive in the near future. Even female assassins might come. I¡¯m pretty sure being a good boy won¡¯t get me a visit from Santa in this world, but there is still home for a visit from female assassins! I mean, I¡¯m being a super good boy? No, wait, I feel like being a good boy won¡¯t earn one a visit from beautiful female assassins? I wonder why??

    ?

    I made money from the bargain sale, and also managed to bring everyone¡¯s equipment to the minimum acceptable level.?

    ?

    Unfortunately, Armored Pres-san went to sleep after only 5 cheongsams and 2 leotards. Even though the next one was my favorite, red cheongsam. How regrettable.?

    ?

    And no one wants a visit from middle-aged men in black in the middle of the night, okay? Getting dudes after raising so many flags for female assassins, dammit, they are really useless! Change, please. I mean, I don¡¯t need dudes?

 CH 200

    Chapter 200: Middle-aged men came to the inn. Surprisingly, no matter how many flags I trigger, only middle-aged men come my way.?

    ?

    Day 56 ¨C Late at night, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    I have no business with middle-aged men in black appearing in the middle of the night. The likely main force that stormed through the main entrance was probably eaten by Slime-san. They don¡¯t seem that tasty, so it might spit them out, even so, there is no chance for them to escape. The guys that jumped in through the windows are all dead. I mean, that¡¯s what you get for jumping into windows blocked by wires? That¡¯s just common sense? This must¡¯ve been divine punishment for sending in useless dudes instead of hot female assassins despite the numerous flags I raised!?

    ?

    They must¡¯ve tried to cover 8 rooms at once with 8 people, but the crime prevention measures were flawless. Trying to leap through a wire with that much momentum, it¡¯s only natural they¡¯d get dismembered? They were probably planning to use poison, but almost every single one of them died instantly. Only one person, who is currently on the verge of death, was an exception.?

    ?

    It seems everyone noticed what¡¯s going on through Detect Presence, so they already were in full battle readiness. The existence of an idiot who is gripping a giant boomerang, seemingly intending to use it indoors, should be ignored. If I were to retort to that it will definitely drag on! This is the time where my ability to ignore things is put to the test! Don¡¯t test it! Why do they have to do that! It¡¯s not the time for that!?

    ?

    Then, we should bring the survivor and the old men caught by Slime-san to the lord¡¯s mansion. Something must¡¯ve happened over there as well. Even if nothing happened there, I have no need for old men.?

    ?

    Leaving the transportation of middle-aged assassins to pres and the others I hurry to the mansion.?

    ?

    Despite the late hour, the fires are burning and the guards are on the alert, but everything seems to be over.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good evening~? Wait, nothing happened here? Some middle-aged men came to the inn, and shockingly, every single one of them was a middle-aged man! Just how many flags do they think I raised? Why didn¡¯t they bring even one hot female assassin with them? Why are old men all I get? Were your intruders all middle-aged men as well? I won¡¯t let it pass if you somehow got beautiful female assassins instead! I demand a swap! This is discrimination! No more smelly dudes! ¡¹?

    ?

    The lord¡¯s aide came to welcome me at the gates, but why do I get to come and go as I please here? Not even once have the gatekeepers stopped me or asked for my business or even name. I¡¯m just passing freely, is there a meaning to the gates being there in the first place??

    ?

    ¡¸Apologies for the disturbance at such an hour. Over here, the attack resulted in one of the guards coming down with a light ailment. The enemy used poison, but thanks to the mushroom potion antidote provided by you no serious damage was done. However, without the resistances on the equipment, it would¡¯ve led to either instant death or wouldn¡¯t have allowed us enough time for effective treatment. The poison appears to be quite deadly. We didn¡¯t manage to capture the attackers alive, but all of them were male, however, it is still unconfirmed whether they were middle-aged or not.¡¹?

    ?

    No casualties it seems. Well, I did think that they should be able to handle that much. But the puzzling part is that none of the attackers was that good, so how did they get through the fake dungeon? I doubt it is possible for the likes of them.?

    ?

    And as I was talking with Meripapa, pres and the others brought the middle-aged assassins, while Stalker Girl arrived with information. A bit late, but she managed to get hold of some news. She looks so smug.?

    ?

    ¡¸It seems they began sending in people through the air by using monsters known as ¡ºBalloon Bats¡». We think that aside from assassins they also sent regular spies. Investigations and capture will begin in the morning, so please be careful until then. We are yet to get a proper grasp of their numbers, but there shouldn¡¯t be that many. About 20 or 30 I¡¯d say. All should be lightly equipped.¡¹?

    ?

    Apparently, a monster akin to an air balloon, which is constantly floating in the air. I didn¡¯t expect that they have means of air transportation, but it seems to be a pretty rare monster, so the number they possess is quite limited. In that case, we just have to blow them up in the air. Balloons are basically just a free target practice, we should be able to take them down. We have the floating slime on our side, and I have Air Walk, plus I¡¯m fairly used to charging at enemies through the air. I¡¯m yet to grasp a method for landing, but it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call me an expert when it comes to flying and crashing into the enemies. Flying like a jet, landing like a meteorite, that¡¯s me.?

    ?

    ¡¸How about we stay at the castle of the fake dungeon at night for a while? We will be able to immediately intercept enemies from Murimuri Castle, so we won¡¯t be giving the enemy an unnecessary forestart, and it¡¯s also about time someone should try to invade through the land?¡¹?

    ?

    There are plenty of untouched dungeons over there, so this shouldn¡¯t be an issue for moving there, the general store has more than enough stock at the moment, the real problem at that place is the shopkeeper that simply keeps taking every order she can or can¡¯t. It should be alright to just leave her be. Or rather, she will definitely bombard me with new orders if I don¡¯t get away from the inn. What else can come after a village? I don¡¯t want to even think about it.?

    ?

    The pres, apparently finished with the handover of the middle-aged assassins, approached us and bowed? Huh??

    ?

    ¡¸Omui-sama, excuse us for bothering you at this hour. Assassins appeared at the inn, so we brought those that we managed to capture. Have you heard the details? If so, was it possible to understand them? Are you sure? I think Slime-san over here would be able to provide a more comprehensible explanation? If it suits you, we can isolate Haruka-kun?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Bother? Not at all. By all means, it is us who should be protecting the city and its people, so we are the ones who should be apologizing. Quite the contrary, I¡¯m at an utter loss for how to thank you for sparing our city from this threat most loathsome. Allow me to express my gratitude as the lord of this domain. ¡¹?

    ?

    Why is Meripapa talking like a weido? He was going¡ºHey, hey, the queue for the massage chairs is getting too long, can¡¯t you make another one? Pretty please?¡»a short while ago? Is he trying to stand out? Indeed, no one would notice that he is a local lord unless he goes at least that far. I mean, he is dressed like a common soldier, if anything, his aide looks more respectable.?

    ?

    However, why would such small fries attempt an assassination? Didn¡¯t they just make things harder for the other spies? Could it be that there was some reason why they would want to make an attempt despite the demerits? Is it perhaps a diversion? But both the lord and I are here, what other goals could they have??

    ?

    ¡¸Aah! What happened to Royal Girl? And Merimeri-san and the others?¡¹?

    ?

    The other people that could be targeted are the Meri Family, for their value as hostages, and Royal Girl, who is both a member of the royal family and also a general. In that case, one of them should be their real target. A target with enough value to throw away middle-aged weakling assassins as sacrificial pawns. We must confirm whether they came to abduct or to kill Royal Girl. If to abduct,, then there is a good chance that this was a rescue operation. Then it should be safe to give her back. There is also a risk she might be considered a traitor if she remains.?

    ?

    ¡¸They are waiting inside the mansion, fully armed. For your information, Meriel is a top-class fighter even among the frontier¡¯s knights. And the Knight Princess is one of the best fencers in the nation. There is little reason to worry about an attack on them. Plus I have soldiers guarding them as well.¡¹?

    ?

    Neither Detect Presence nor Search pick up anything.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll check on them, but can someone tag along in case ¡ºKyaaa, pervert¡»scenario happens, I left cheongsam back at the inn so it won¡¯t get out of hand, but leotards are still a threat? Wait, what are the idiots and the geeks raising their hands for¡ºKyaaa, pervert¡»? If dudes showed up after¡ºKyaaa, pervert¡»it won¡¯t help at all! It will only make things way worse! Or rather, you aren¡¯t doing crap usually, what are you getting so motivated for here? Just how much hopes and dreams do you hold for¡ºKyaaa, pervert¡»? There is no way I don¡¯t have any expectations for it myself, but all my expectations until now always ended with a middle-aged man, you know? No matter what you expect from this world, it mostly gives you middle-aged men. Speaking from experience makes me want to cry. If I barged into a room and found a middle-aged man going¡ºKyaaa, pervert¡»there, I¡¯ll burn him. Yup, I¡¯ll turn him to ashes along with the mansion¡ª!!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸DON¡¯T BURN THE MANSION!!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Since the conversation wasn¡¯t going anywhere I sent in Armored Pres-san, to whom Royal Girl seems to have taken a liking. Slime-san remained at the inn, just in case.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s try to bait them??

    ?

    The dawn is near. Making a round through the town I head to the fortress walls. Nobody is following me, and I can¡¯t get any reaction from both Detect Presence or Search. Stalker Girl must¡¯ve also done this, but I can¡¯t spot anything with Space Perception as well. Am I too cautious? Or do they have a different aim? With 29 classmates and Armored Pres-san around, the defenses of the mansion are on par with a fortress. Even if their real aim is Royal Girl or Meripapa-san, there is no way for them to do anything. And since a dreadful beat-them-up pres is there, the defenses are also well fit for exercise.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I tried to lure them out, but no one is coming. Is it the Affection Rating issue after all? Even though I jumped out alone, completely defenseless, no one is coming after me. I ended up being just a weirdo that runs around alone before dawn break. I try to move even further away from the town, but maybe it¡¯s time to go back??

    ?

    Still nothing on Detect Presence and Search. But I¡¯ve already seen something like this??

    ?

    A sword emerged from my shadow? I took it, but it doesn¡¯t seem that great of a sword, although it comes with skills attached, so it might earn me some pocket money if I pawn it off to the weapon store.?

    ?

    The hand that gave me the sword froze? Looks like it isn¡¯t going to give me another one. In the first place, aside from the pocket money, every coin is disappearing at a shocking speed? I¡¯m merely making sensible bulk purchases, but somehow I always end up broke? And if I don¡¯t have enough pocket money to pay for the inn, I get another confiscation, so I end up without any money again. That¡¯s why even if it amounts only to small change, it is still a valuable source of income, so I¡¯m waiting for the hand from the shadow to give me another one, but it is still frozen??

    ?

    ¡¸Eehm, are there more weapons coming? If possible, can I have a hammer next? There is sort of a deficit of them, so it might sell for a hefty sum? I¡¯m not hurrying you, but can¡¯t you hurry up? You actually got my hopes up, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s still unmoving, nothing then, I guess? If it doesn¡¯t have hammers, how about a morning star? It¡¯s pretty rare so it should be quite expensive??

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind another sword too? Or rather, cash will do as well? Yeah, anything valuable is fine. No need to think strain yourself, just bring out everything you got.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    In the end, a sad lady that emerged from the shadow was not a hot female assassin but Royal Girl¡¯s personal maid, who is actually a hot female intelligence agent specializing in secret information and security and also is a maid. I went through all the trouble of luring her all the way to the vicinity of the cave, but I¡¯ll probably get in trouble if I take her home. And she spilled everything before I got anywhere near interrogation? Even though I was already pulling out bubbly soap??

    ?

    The maid-san¡¯s goal is the recovery of the princess. Hiring assassins she set up a diversion, during which she was planning to rescue Royal Girl. Other spies are personnel required to set up an escape route.?

    ?

    ¡¸We would¡¯ve returned Royal Girl if you just asked?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Princess Shariceres isn¡¯t held as a hostage? Is the princess safe? Hearing that the princess was captured I was beside myself with worry, the thought of what if she is being forced to do something indecent in captivity wouldn¡¯t leave my mind¡­ Eh, why are you looking away? Look at me! What did you do! What did you do to the princess! What lewd things were done to the princess?! What have you done to the princess?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, you got it wrong, being stripped half-naked might sound indecent, but it was barely contained to R-18, so it¡¯s alright, don¡¯t mind the fact that since I¡¯m 16 it¡¯s totally out, it¡¯s absolutely not my fault, and she wasn¡¯t completely nude, so it¡¯s okay? Plus I immediately put a lewd dress on her, so it¡¯s fine, although it can be argued that in terms of skin exposure it was totally not fine and made things even worse, but I did nothing wrong?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Like hell you did nothing wrong, stripping a nation¡¯s princess half-naked! It¡¯s the worst of the worst! Moreover, how dare you put a lewd dress on her after that! It¡¯s a crime against the dignity of the state! You deserve capital punishment for this!¡­(Followed further by abusive language)¡¹?

    ?

    Ended up getting scolded. Scolded over the half-naked hoorah and told-off for the lewd dress. But the half-naked hooray is not my fault, and the old lewd dress was given out of urgency, while the current lewd dress has great defensive stats paired with lethal visuals, and yet she is unsatisfied. Well, it is lewd though.?

    ?

    ¡¸I had no such intention? To be frank, I was underestimating Royal Girl, not expecting such destructive power from her. No, she truly possesses the impressiveness of the most splendid Dynamite Body? Like, in all truthfulness?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why do you show not a hint of politeness toward the princess but speak with such reverence about Dynamite Body?! You insolent brute! You deserve to be executed! (Continued by the verbal abuse)¡¹?

    ?

    Rather than reverence, that Sexy Dynamite Body is a super dangerous explosive, got me caught up in a blast of uncontrollable Highschool Boy-like feelings. I saved the image with my Rajingan without even thinking about it. It might end up getting renamed to the ¡ºThe Eyes of Nakedness¡»at this rate.?

    ?

    But this much has to be said. Maid-san¡¯s Flat Gaze was amazing! Let¡¯s save it!

 CH 201

    Chapter 201: Apparently, Crane Wings is Jiggle Jiggle, while V formation is Bounce Bounce. Part 1?

    ?

    Day 57 ¨C Early Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    After that, Royal Girl and Maid Girl had a touching reunion, but since it has nothing to do with me I went home. No, it really has nothing to do with me??

    ?

    They were saying something and hugging each other, but I just ignored it and went back. It¡¯s totally not because I couldn¡¯t comprehend all of that something aristocratic, something something to the something king of kingdom somewhere, so something is something and something went to something and because someone suggested something it¡¯s now something. Yup, I just didn¡¯t hear any of that.?

    ?

    And we are currently holding a meeting. There is a heated debate between the Take-A-Rest Camp, the Dungeon Exploration Camp, and the Fake Dungeon Defence and Reconnaissance Camp, meanwhile, I, Cheongsam Return Match Camp, is in a minority, and thus, completely ignored. I mean, the red dress is still remaining? Since we couldn¡¯t continue in the morning, it is lying all lonely and abandoned back in the room? And it was the one I really wanted to try¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸There are 4 boss battles waiting, and we still didn¡¯t pass the test.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But wouldn¡¯t our concentration be crap, after so much happening in the morning? I also feel like I didn¡¯t have enough sleep.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Rather than that, did the general store already receive china dresses? Where are they?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Since they managed to invade once, they will come again unless we do something about the air defense.¡¹?

    ?

    Indeed, I didn¡¯t expect an invasion through the air at all. However, ¡ºBalloon Bat¡»is a rare monster, so they don¡¯t possess that many of them, and some were already seized by the frontier army. The kingdom hardly has any means to fly without serious obstructions. But it¡¯s not like they have none at all. There is no guarantee that it¡¯s totally safe.?

    ?

    ¡¸They will give us info on the state of things in the kingdom anyway, so shouldn¡¯t we do dungeons or training?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But they sent assassins, trying to kill us by poisoning, even if it all was caused by a misunderstanding, isn¡¯t it pretty bad?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸They seemed to be sincerely apologizing, so I think it will be left to the lord¡¯s judgment, they were just desperate to rescue the princess, right?¡¹?

    ?

    Even though it¡¯s impossible to make any plans with the current complicated situation in the kingdom, Meripapa-san is raring to march on them, so the whole place was in a state of uproar, which is why I chose to run away. The kingdom seems to be splendidly divided. The royalty, nobles, and even the army have broken into factions, making it impossible to tell who is friend and who is foe, but the masses, or rather the citizens, for the most part, seem to be on our side. The tragedy of the frontier appears to be well known, so many are sympathetic and grateful to its people, who are living there while fighting off the monsters.?

    ?

    And among all that mess, the only sure enemy is the church. And the one that church worships is something-something elderly god, in other words, the old man, that geezer. Alright, this is certainly an enemy! Let¡¯s destroy it! It¡¯s decided! As I thought, that old fart is the cause of all problems. They can¡¯t be anything decent if they are worshipping something like that. Let¡¯s burn them to ashes. A week of purifying blaze, seven days of fire, alright, let¡¯s do it, let¡¯s do it right now, let¡¯s kill them this instant!?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey! You got a really evil grin on your face. So wicked that a demon king would cry? That¡¯s definitely a smile of someone plotting to destroy the world. It goes beyond wicked so much that it surpasses a villainous grin, making a round turn ending up just an evil look. I have no idea what you are planning to do, but you are banned from genocide, annihilation, wholesale slaughter, or mass murder, okay? It¡¯s generally forbidden without us having to explicitly ban it, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like I¡¯m forbidden from annihilating the geezer and his friends. But in that case, the only remaining options are extermination, eradication, obliteration, liquidation, elimination, massacre, destruction, erasure, and perhaps a purge? I wonder which is better? Each of them sounds fantastic. But extermination is such a nice-sounding word. Surely, they wouldn¡¯t say that they are against being strangled to death after starting a war with the frontier. After all, the war is just the act of killing each other, so they have to be included in that ¡ºEach other¡»part to make it work. So I won¡¯t let them refuse, and even if they try, I have no intentions of accepting that whatsoever.?

    ?

    ¡¸No, I mean, wouldn¡¯t it be faster to just destroy the church? They are devotees of that geezer anyway, so they¡¯d probably be overjoyed, ending up in that white room after getting slaughtered? They are just a bunch of old men lovers anyway, a club united by a common fetish?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No, it¡¯s a religion! Not a fetish group!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    What is going on? I was banned from voicing my opinion. They are asking even for Slime-san¡¯s opinion, to which it is replying by jiggling, but I¡¯m prohibited from speaking up at all? But why would they need Slime-san¡¯s opinion on battle formations in defensive warfare? By the way, Crane Wings are apparently ¡ºJiggle-Jiggle¡»while V Formation is ¡ºBounce Bounce¡»??

    ?

    A majority vote.?

    ?

    It was decided that we will rest until noon, and then challenge one or two dungeon bosses, or rather, we are just waiting for any new developments until lunch.?

    ?

    And yet my cheongsam return match idea was rejected. Not even one round. Well, I sort of expected that, it seems she doesn¡¯t want to do it in the morning.?

    ?

    And so, I¡¯m loitering around the town, dropping by the weapon store and the general store while I¡¯m at it. When we just came, the town was full of buildings made of rough grey stone, but lately, it is going through a white wall boom, so lime and limestone are selling pretty well. Actually, it¡¯s my secret source of income. As expected, the remodeling of the weapon store and the general store caused a steep rise in sales, making me good money. There are also more stores now, although at the moment they only amount to small stalls. It¡¯s already an improvement to the look of the town. And it seems like there is more reconstruction work being done on houses as well.?

    ?

    And since the place became wealthier and money began properly circulating there are now also more facilities. The first thing Meripapa-san started working on was an orphanage. He made providing a proper facility for the children of adventurers and those that came from destroyed villages his top priority. This must be for the sake of the future of children and atonement before those that were protecting the frontier, and those that the frontier could not protect. Although the mechanism through which Meripapa-san placed the order for the orphanage to the general store which the shopkeeper then redirected to me as an order for ¡ºa house¡»still remains a mystery, I made it anyway. A pure white chapel-like building, since it resulted in a boost of lime sales it brought me great profit, despite the orphanage itself being pretty cheap. Well, after a house came a village, can¡¯t underestimate that shopkeeper at all!?

    ?

    And as I was wondering what we should do, suggesting that maybe we should do That and getting jiggled at in reply, a soldier approached me, stating that there is a problem at the lord¡¯s mansion, so they are asking me to drop by. They say drop by, but I just returned from there, and they are calling me back again? Why can¡¯t they say everything on the spot? Well, I did run away since it smelled like trouble.?

    ?

    And it seems the problem is with the Maid-san that gave me the sword. While it didn¡¯t result in any deaths or serious injuries, sending in assassins was a problem. But I don¡¯t get what they want me to do about that? I already sold the sword, so it¡¯s not like I¡¯m in possession of evidence? And I used up the money, so I totally have nothing? Now, I also used up the money I needed to pay for the inn, so I suspect I¡¯ll get scolded again, I wonder where I should snatch the coin to cover that? I already got the daily Flat Gaze from the guild and used up the money from there too. I mean, I had to purchase a huge load of sauce-like something and tomatoes, you know? If only I had this back then I could¡¯ve attempted to make a tonkatsu sauce¡­ Let¡¯s rip them off again later. In addition, the price of sugar is also going up. The effect of national isolation might be beginning to show up. Looks like we¡¯ll have to work a bit harder on smuggling.

 CH 202

    Chapter 202: I¡¯m worried about where this line is going.?

    ?

    Day 57 ¨C Late Morning, The Town of Omui.?

    ?

    It looks like Royal Girl and Maid Girl are also childhood friends, so she must¡¯ve been beside herself with worry. The two are now hugging in tears. I¡¯d like to join them, but they¡¯d probably get angry if I do. I mean, I didn¡¯t say anything, but Armored Pres-san is drilling me with Flat Gaze from behind. How did she know??

    ?

    As I¡¯m told, Maid Girl is of low social status, were she to cause harm to someone of high standing, she would be given the death penalty without any room for consideration unless the other party is willing to let it slide. That¡¯s why she was in tears, unable to bear the thought of her childhood friend being executed for coming to her help. She looked so anxious, biting her lips because she was intending to put her own body on the line if push came to shove. It¡¯s a bit of a waste, but a girl crying isn¡¯t something I want to see, and I also wouldn¡¯t be able to bring myself to do anything lewd to her. Doing lewd stuff to the point of tears is a different story, but on the next day, I always get one hell of a beating during practice (Revenge), and on the following night, I become an Avenger (Erorist)! Thus, a spiral of revenge (Lewd) sees no end.?

    ?

    However, I¡¯m neither of high status or low status? More like, I¡¯m of no status at all. I mean, I¡¯m not even a citizen or an adventurer, I¡¯m just a jobless? How come I have the decisive say in this? Well, that would explain her concern, having a jobless NEET have the last say in the fate of her friend must¡¯ve been very worrying. This sounds like a typical beginning of some doujinshi. And I¡¯m most definitely not against lewd development, especially considering that this one has Royal Girl coming in a set with Maid Girl, an incredible superior offer, with which I wouldn¡¯t mind preparing another erotic dress, but while I might be skilled at making them cry, I hate them weeping on me? This one seems like a happy ending as well, so it works too.?

    ?

    But it¡¯s a secret that Maid Girl, who was hugging the princess in tears, looked very sexy from behind. I mean, the entire back of the dress is see-through, exposing everything up to the upper bit of the buttocks, a fantastic design. Moreover, since they are hugging on their knees, it emphasizes the butt, meanwhile, her thighs are in plain view through the deep slit below it. Thank you very much.?

    ?

    Since Royal Girl seems to be having an emotional moment with Maid Girl, I waved my hand to Meripapa-san and turned to leave. However, the lord who is waving both of his hands with all he¡¯s got, isn¡¯t there a problem in terms of dignity? Well, if I were to call out to him it probably would devolve into another long conversation, so whatever.?

    ?

    Leaving through the front gates of the mansion I walk through the town.?

    ?

    There are more shops and more stalls now. But what¡¯s more important, there are more shoppers. Not enough to create a big crowd, but the town looks noticeably different with the increased pedestrian traffic.?

    ?

    Among them, there is a particularly conspicuous black-haired group raiding the stalls (Buying and eating stuff on the spot). The female meat brain team, in other words, Athletic Girls are busy storming the stores. Even though they had breakfast and we are about to have lunch? But in their hands, they are currently holding croquettes. It¡¯s as good as decided that they are going to have a boot camp today. Your trainer is going ¡ºGood grief¡» right next to me, you know??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ooh. Haruka-kun, welcome back, going to the inn?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s about time for lunch after all. Actually, why are you stuffing yourself right before a meal? Are you trying to become Giant Meathead Girls? Are you going to do a gattai with the five of you? Then fight among yourself over who is going to be Yellow, and split due to the differences in musical directions, start solo careers and end up all alone? Well, to be blunt, you¡¯ll gain weight, you know? If I were to shade it off a bit, putting it more softly, you¡¯ll get fat?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t say it! That¡¯s a taboo word for girls!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Noisily making our way towards the inn, we next stumbled upon the bitches busy with something. They were in the company of local girls.?

    ?

    ¡¸Bitches? Bitches and Bitch Queen? Hey! Don¡¯t bite town girls, okay? Even if your gums aren¡¯t bleeding, it still doesn¡¯t mean that you won¡¯t infect them with something? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You still don¡¯t remember our names?!¡¹¡¹And when did I evolve into a bitch queen?! No, I told you, I¡¯m not a monster, so I¡¯m not going to evolve! *haah, haah, haah*¡¹?

    ?

    Wow, it¡¯s been a while since the last shouting from the bitches. These are pretty good Flat Gazes as well, but the overall noisiness and their attempts to bite are a big flaw.?

    ?

    ¡¸You got it wrong? Lately, the town girls began asking Shimazaki-chan and the others for fashion advice.¡¹?

    ?

    Which reminds me, the general store¡¯s shopkeeper once told me that the clothes worn by the bitches are selling the best. Lately, the clothes I make are split between the general store line and the stylish line for extra orders, but certainly, Bitch Series is a selling line. However, their demands are peculiarly specific, so making them is a bother. After all, they won¡¯t permit even a 2-3cm measurement error. Apparently, it¡¯s not about the length or breadth, but all about the balance? Even though their own mental balance is all out of order, they care about it a great deal. However, it¡¯s a secret that their look is actually ¡ºPure and Innocent-type Bitch in Cool and Refreshing Marine Theme with a side of crunch¡»and has quite a bit of imbalance. They¡¯ll probably bite at me if I actually tell them that.?

    ?

    The attention of the town girls seems to be on the bitch leader¡¯s navy blue mini one-piece and white Sabrina pants, mules are blue, creating a fresh and innocent bitch line? I wonder where that line is going? I¡¯m worried about the destination. However, it is indeed eye-catching, without feeling forced at the same time. Naturally cool.?

    ?

    This should sell. This should be a profitable line. Let¡¯s make more of it. Also, Bitch B¡¯s fur belt also seems to be gathering attention, let¡¯s make more of those tonight.?

    ?

    Returning to the inn in a crowd we find everyone lazing around, it¡¯s too soon for preparations but too late to go out to play. And they must be awaiting today¡¯s lunch. The reason is that I received a request, so we are having omusoba. Well, I just have to wrap fried noodles in egg, but that¡¯s omusoba. I already made the mayonnaise, and there is plenty in stock. I also managed to obtain mustard, cabbage, bean sprouts, and pig-like something? It¡¯s a bit sad that there is no kamaboko or chikuwa but there are some that don¡¯t approve of their use, calling it heresy, so whatever. There is also red pepper, and a sauce-like something entered the organized manufacturing stage, so the volume of supply is increasing. As for the noodles, I already prepared them yesterday, the only thing left is to fry them. The preparations are flawless. [1][2][3]?

    ?

    Stretching iron ore with Alchemy, I shape it into a giant hemisphere, heating it up add in oil, and shaking it like an oversized wok with ¡ºHolding¡»fry everything at once. That¡¯s probably more than 60 portions here. Might be even 80, but it still won¡¯t be enough. Let¡¯s make some riceballs too. Those days make me desire to have some pickled plums.?

    ?

    Now, I¡¯d like to prepare for dungeon exploration, leaving the cleaning up to the others, but my equipment is my casual clothes. Armored Pres-san is also clad in armor, and Slime-san is a slime-san. Hm? Isn¡¯t there nothing to prepare? But even so, they never let me clean up? Even though it would take me only an instant? Why is it? Well, might as well reward them with sweets later. Poster Girl and Stalker Girl who always show up to eat are helping with cleaning up too. And yet, compared to that the geeks and idiots are¡­ No, they shouldn¡¯t be allowed to wash plates! They either will throw and chase after them, or the plates will be transformed into something completely different!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are done. Are you ready?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Okay.¡¹¡¸Any time.¡¹¡¸Perfectly?¡¹¡¸Let¡¯s make some money!¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeees.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Following the pres¡¯ lead, we go ahead with the fast traveling group into the upper floors. Being once again banned from speaking up and interfering, Armored Pres-san is bound to go wild during the boot camp today. Speaking of which, lately, there seems to be an improvement in the girls¡¯ figures, especially around the waist. Gaining a moderate amount of muscularity did wonders. From time to time the geeks and idiots are also troubled about where to look, but naturally, being high school boys, they are still sneaking glancing looks. It goes without saying that they lack the guts to stare at them openly.?

    ?

    Hidden rooms are a rarity on those floors, so we are advancing at a quick pace. After all, we¡¯ve been to quite a few dungeons already. This one shouldn¡¯t be that deep. It¡¯s the type to have a Dungeon Master on the 50th floor. I mean, the design of this dungeon is pretty weak and sloppy. In this regard, the great dungeon was beautiful, even the walls gave off an atmosphere, the uniformity and feel were so refined that such a cheap dungeon can¡¯t even serve as a comparison. As expected, the better the article the deeper and more spacious it is, which means, there probably won¡¯t be any dungeon lots as nice as the great dungeon.?

    ?

    The sweep up is going well, but there is something so fitting about this that it¡¯s scary. Why does the pres-san looks so natural with a whip? The previous time she was trying to be a tank, and now she switched to a whip master. Why is she annihilating a swarm of ¡ºSilent Bee Lv 16¡»all on her own? Is she unbeatable in middle-distance fights? It fits her so well, that I expect her to go ¡ºCall me pres-sama!¡»any time now. Bondage gear is probably going to suit her as well, but she¡¯ll punish me were I to make that. It would be a problem if I awakened to some weird fetish from that, so I¡¯ll pass on it. She is glaring at me already. Oh no, my sexual inclinations are in danger!?

    ?

    I tried upgrading the whip, that resulted from the geeks¡¯ attempt at making a bow, by infusing it with magic stones and mithilifying it, and ended up with the monster of¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning ¨C ALL 70% UP, +ATT, Grand Lightning, Whirlwind, Hundred Strikes, Seal of Raging Skies, Shape and Length manipulation¡». And since the only person who had¡ºWhip Mastery¡»was the pres, we quickly reached an agreement, and it was sold at a low price. It¡¯s a secret that everyone thought that she is the most suitable owner for this weapon.?

    ?

    Apparently, she plundered¡ºWhip Mastery¡»from some sort of a plant monster. And it had¡ºEnsnare¡»too. Was it that sort of plant? A plant monster shouting¡ºCall me Mistress Plant!¡», while whipping a restrained target? Yeah, there is no chance of getting any weird fetishes from that. Rather, I have no such intentions? Well, GJ on getting the pres to plunder your skills.?

    ?

    By the way, the point is that the pres got really angry when she was asked if she has this kind of a hobby since she had ¡ºWhip Mastery¡», and even began a sermon while giving a flat gaze, Naturally, I was the one getting scolded.?

    ?

    ¡¸Man, doesn¡¯t it suit her too well?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to properly listen to her from now on. That¡¯s scary.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No idea if that¡¯s¡ºWhirlwind¡»or¡ºHundred Strikes¡»or¡ºSeal of Raging Skies¡», but it¡¯s completely one-sided.¡¹?

    ?

    Countless bees are scattered away in the blink of an eye. A whip is a crazy weapon, to begin with, I mean, imagine breaking the speed of sound with human strength? And in this world, it is swung by level 99, enhanced by skills. The effect is overwhelming. And with a flash of ¡ºGrand Lightning¡»they are completely destroyed. She was unstoppable. A total Mistress Pres.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you for your hard work, Pres-sama?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why am I suddenly being addressed with ¡ºsama¡»? Why is everyone vaguely afraid? I¡¯m going to cry, you know?¡¹?

    ?

    Pres-sama is on the verge of crying. But this is truly amazing. Not only does it work, but it also suits her, this is what¡¯s called a calling. No idea if the calling is handling a whip or being Pres-sama, but this is her calling. She is simply, and purely, strong.?

    ?

    If she had this back at that time, then even if she couldn¡¯t kill the sphinx, she still could¡¯ve broken through the ocean of mummies, she should¡¯ve protected them. The powerlessness she felt back then is the reason the pres strives for strength so much.?

    ?

    But with this, she is unbeatable when facing trash mobs, free to do whatever she pleases with them. In truth, endless hordes of weak monsters are scary. Being unable to handle the enemies with just the big attacks alone and getting swarmed as a result is dangerous. That¡¯s the terror of numbers. But this Pres-sama can slaughter them unchallenged, today she tried it in a real battle for the first time, and all of a sudden, there is such an overbearing strength. And Armored Pres-san seems to be overjoyed over that excessive strength, she is clearly brimming with the intention of training. My condolences, Pres-sama? I mean, she is a hard opponent for sparring, and she is in the mood to get carried away? She acted just like this when I got ¡ºRajingan¡». It goes without saying that I got badly beaten. Even so, it still would be the best training possible. Even though you¡¯ll end up beaten up by the end of it. Like, speaking from experience?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Omusoba ¨C Omelette (omuretsu) + stir-fried noodles (yakisoba) = Omusoba.

    [2] Kamaboko ¨C Steamed seasoned fish paste.

    [3] Chikuwa ¨C Tube-shaped fish-paste cake.

 CH 203

    Chapter 203: Rain of arrows should be effective against things wall-running without skills.?

    ?

    Day 57 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon.?

    ?

    Well, I¡¯ve already given up on this, but as expected, the idiots keep using boomerangs for clubbing monsters with all their strength. Throw them, damn it!?

    ?

    After all the trouble I went to make giant 2-meter boomerangs they are reduced to blunt weapons. Well, even if they do throw them, they end up chasing after it? Should I make a frisbee next? At this point, they look like they might chase after a bone if one was thrown to them, so maybe a giant bone? That¡¯s not even a weapon anymore. While the idiots running around with giant bones seem very fitting and natural, how would that be different from primitive men? Well, considering that the primitive men made their weapons by themselves, they were definitely smarter. This much is unmistakably clear.?

    ?

    Grouping up with everyone we head to the middle floors. As expected, the difference in movement speed began to show up. Numerous issues emerge when it comes to mobile warfare, but Pres-sama will resolve that somehow, I mean, there is no one who can disobey Pres-sama when she wields ¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡». After all, the name Pres-sama has stuck by now, although she herself is on the verge of crying, it can¡¯t be helped since it fits so well. Her reign is so firm that we might as well go ahead and destroy the kingdom to replace it with Presidencipality? Pres-sama is definitely greater than a douche king.?

    ?

    Everyone is close to level 99, calling them strong would be an understatement. It seems that appropriate enemies for a level 99 human party would be monsters of around level 50. But with 29 people working together with proper coordination, the middle floors are nothing. It¡¯s an overwhelming massacre. That person with the whip is especially crazy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Things are going pretty well. Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, we ought to have an easy time until reaching bosses or it wouldn¡¯t be funny, but they are dropping like flies merely from Pres-sama¡¯s spanking alone?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Where does that spanking come from! And why are you calling me with ¡ºsama¡»now? I¡¯m going to cry? I really will? I can¡¯t take this?¡¹?

    ?

    She is beginning to master Chain Whip of Savage Lightning. Right now she is capable of taking down even formidable opponents in one attack, and on top of that, she can use the whip with ¡ºBind¡», truly making her Pres-sama. Next time, let¡¯s make enamel boots for her. Naturally, with high heels. Wearing high heels in a dungeon might be an issue, but since it suits her it¡¯s fine. However, when I let my imagination run wild, teary-eyed Pres-sama would turn my way, staring at me with a flat gaze, brandishing a whip. Pipe down? Aye, Miss, so I shall do. No, don¡¯t even think of using¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡»for this? Weren¡¯t you blasting monsters with it some moments ago? Yup, I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t do this anymore, so please lower the whip? Seriously.?

    ?

    Teary-eyes, glare, and flat gaze, the trio united in a marvelous harmony was truly lovely, but the whip was too scary.?

    ?

    But this proves that powerful equipment for which they have high aptitude is capable of drastically improving their combat capabilities. We need dungeon items. As expected, raiding dungeons might be a shortcut to increasing our strength. On the other hand, I feel like my brain will rot if I spare any more thought to the idiots who are for some reason fighting with giant boomerangs, despite having no aptitude for it whatsoever, so let¡¯s ignore them. Yup, I saw nothing. That scene of someone surrounding monsters and beating them up with boomerangs is a hallucination. So I decided.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, the guardian geek changed his weapon to a halberd, which proved to have immense destructive power as well, so I tried asking where he bought it and turns out that this is the result of their attempt to craft a giant ballista¡­ Am I already too corrupted by them if my first thought was that this is their most decent failure? Well, let¡¯s infuse it with magic stones and mithrilify it when we get back. It¡¯s quite strong. And what pisses me off the most is that the geeks¡¯ failures are always better than what I make. It really gets me.?

    ?

    We keep advancing while continuously repeating what would be more accurate to call an onslaught and carnage rather than combat. Encountering no hidden rooms on the way, we reached the 34th floor, then, suddenly, it came!?

    ?

    Afternoon tea time.?

    ?

    I mean, I¡¯m bored out of my mind? Like, really unreally bored? And even if we were to hurry, we likely will be done for the day after this dungeon. The Sun will probably set by the time we get outside. That being the case, there should be no issue with taking a break. And since there were quite a lot of magic stones, everyone has a small fortune! Hyaaha~??

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s take a break? Even NASA perhaps said that rest is important unrest? Pretty sure they didn¡¯t. That¡¯s why it¡¯s definitely about time for us to take a break and rest? Even though I might think about ripping everyone off with the sweets, you can¡¯t blame me since no one caught up on that? It¡¯s jelly by the way? Wouldn¡¯t you be jelly not to jelly? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    For starters, I gave some to Slime-san, and it¡¯s eating while jiggling together with jelly. How cute.?

    ?

    (Jiggly~Jiggle)?

    ?

    Looks like Slime-san liked it. Slime-san spent a long time starving in a dungeon, therefore, it only makes sense that eating sweets in a dungeon would make for the best revenge! In other words, sweets are justice! And money! I mean, if I don¡¯t earn anything here, they¡¯ll find out that I spent the lodging money as well? I¡¯ll do whatever it takes for the sake of my peace (sermon evasion).?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸I want jelly! I¡¯ll pay with magic stones! But you aren¡¯t getting out of the sermon. You spent all of your money again, didn¡¯t you!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    They knew! It¡¯s probably the quote¡ºIf you have no lodging money, then let them eat cake? And rip them off. By Marie-san who desired to remain anonymous.¡»from the last time that exposed me. It¡¯s all Marie-san¡¯s fault. Impressive, Marie-san, to think her problematic statements can get me in trouble with completely false accusations even in the other world? But it looks like they are going to eat jelly anyway.?

    ?

    Wrapping the whip around her waist and equipping sword and shield, Pres-sama went back to the usual pres. That thing steals the chance to do anything from the other girls, ruining the opportunity for practice, and even other committee members can¡¯t coordinate their attacks with her whip yet. There are a lot of issues to resolve, but it undoubtedly carries a massive combat potential.?

    ?

    The Guardian Geek should be fine, the Geeks can handle anything in their own clumsy way. During the practice they are unimpressive, but when things come to the actual combat they are fighting masterfully utilizing skills. In other words, they suck at basics but are insane with skills. The unshaken resolution of relying purely on Cheat skills, and not their own ability, and their utter lack of faith in their own physical capabilities is what makes them amazing. Which reminds me, they were doing all sorts of preparations for another world, but they didn¡¯t try martial arts or any type of physical training at all. An amazing dependence on cheats.?

    ?

    In terms of overall combat ability, the committee is the strongest but if viewed as a party, then the Bitches, who have no weak points, are considerably strong. They are so well-rounded that they have no field in which they are particularly good, but as a magic swordsmen unit they are capable of fighting in vanguard and middle guard, proficient with several weapons, possess a wide array of magic at their disposal, and are way better than everyone else when it comes to teamwork, skillfully supporting their allies.?

    ?

    Idiots have the highest offensive ability, Athletic Girls the defense, and cultural clubs girls are middle and rear guard specialists. Making it all work together is a headache, and the fact that they are all halfway all-rounders makes it even more annoying. Commanding is absolutely impossible for me, but what¡¯s even more important, Pres-sama is the most suitable for disciplining the Idiots. The sharpness of their movement was extraordinary when she had the whip. Did they get conditioned already??

    ?

    And finally, on the 39th floor, a hidden room appeared, but the fight is taking a while. It¡¯s a live practice for composite bows. They first shower the enemy with a rain of arrows, without using enchanted arrows, and after the enemy crumbles, charge in. The coordination here is even more complicated. I, however, can¡¯t join the alliance, there is no way I can remember such a complicated strategy. And at the same time, I don¡¯t want to be disciplined along with the Idiots.?

    ?

    Crawling¡ºSalamanders Lv39¡»are stopped dead in their tracks with the rain of arrows, halting their charge, then rushed at and rent into pieces, by now, their proficiency is enough to call them a military unit. At this rate, were they to have a mock battle with the frontier army they¡¯ll end up winning. Well, not like the other party will do anything aside from charging? How come that is considered ¡ºGod of War¡»? Did they mix it up with ¡ºGod of Silly¡»? Or maybe War Addict? If it¡¯s actually Silly Addict then there is no hope for them, is there??

    ?

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll check on the hidden room, there are three salamanders still left, but you are taking too long so I¡¯ll be taking them? Armored Pres-san and Slime-san began playing cat¡¯s cradle out of boredom, you know? But why would ¡ºTokyo Tower¡»pop up in another world? If anything, I would¡¯ve expected to see Skytree here? Or rather, doesn¡¯t an actual Sky Tree sound super cool? For real?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Sure. Also,¡ºTokyo Tower¡»figure is called¡ºEiffel Tower¡»too, so the names are all over the place.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡ºEiffel Tower¡»? In Cat¡¯s cradle? Do french people even know the game? Then, if I claim that it¡¯s ¡ºSky Tree¡»strong enough, it might work out? No, no chance, that can show up only in some Elven Village at best? Speaking of which, a beautiful female elf-san playing Cat¡¯s cradle sounds nice. I mean, most things are nice if ¡ºbeautiful¡»is involved. But more importantly, isn¡¯t it dangerous to play Cat¡¯s cradle with Wire Cutter??

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle~!)?

    ?

    It¡¯s overjoyed. Were they that tasty? It seemed like it wanted to eat them this whole time, so I got us 3 mobs, but it looks like it liked them. Maybe it wanted ¡ºBody of Fire¡»? But it already got or more like, ate ¡ºGrand Flame¡»from the phoenix, which I feel is a higher tier skill? Well, maybe it was simply bored, or the salamanders looked tasty, anyway, it seems to be happy about this, so no problem. It¡¯s jiggling energetically after all.?

    ?

    ¡¸A hidden room discovered! Well, I noticed it several floors earlier, but it is a discovery? And inside was ¡ºKing Salamander Lv39¡»¡­was it good? Okay, if it was tasty then it¡¯s all fine. It is, getting no part in the action is not a big deal. Lately, I kind of got used to this? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    It seems that by striking a cool pose I end up missing my timing. It¡¯s such a rare thing for me to get anything to do, so I¡¯d like to make it count, but as a result, I miss out even on that. But thinking in highschool boy terms, isn¡¯t it sad that my highlight scene is just beating an enemy with a stick? As expected, I have to start off with a cool pose? Well, the king salamander is no more, so it¡¯s too late to start? And lately, I just end up left standing like that every single time? Since everything is over while I¡¯m striking the pose, I miss my chance to break it? This time, I tried to go for something the Three Kingdoms style, how is it? Isn¡¯t it pretty good? Seriously? It wasn¡¯t! Doesn¡¯t swinging a long stick overhead look cool? I might be swinging it more than usual??

    ?

    (Bounce Bounce) (Shake Shake)?

    ?

    Nope, huh. Was this Koumei Trap? A dungeon trap? What if it¡¯s a relapse of the eighth-grader syndrome? [1]?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m ba~ck. It had ¡ºWall Boots ¨C ViT SpE 30% Up, Wall Walk¡», an undoubtedly highly desired item for any mobile fighter, or a bow user, but it will also lead to arguments with loot sharing, so it¡¯s a highly profitable item that will definitely skyrocket in price. Yup, we might expect some good loot from this dungeon? A subtle attempt to raise a flag? Sort of? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸I want it~. I want to walk on the walls!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, the Idiots are running on the walls through momentum and spirit alone, without any skills though, but that can¡¯t be imitated. I think if anyone could do it, they¡¯d have ¡ºHuman¡»erased from their status page. Quite seriously?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Zhuge Liang, or Kongming (courtesy name), known to Japanese as Koumei, the meme came from an old three kingdom manga, where his enemies were so afraid of him, that every time they see a suspicious thing, they always think: ¡®Wait, is this Koumei¡¯s trap?¡¯ and then ¡®No wait, Koumei must be waiting for me to think that way.¡¯ Sending them into an endless loop of guessing. A similar troupe to Kaizo Trap.

 CH 204

    Day 57 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon, 44F?

    ?

    Having no way to escape the rain of arrows, enemies are riddled with arrows and shot down. This is a one-sided carnage.?

    ?

    Bows are scarier than I thought. A hail of arrows created by firing in a volley leaves no escape. And repeated fire turns into a continuous torrent of death, which stops only for the enemy to be then charged and completely overrun. Since the attack comes from above, it makes defending from it that much harder, and while one tries to protect oneself from attack from above, they are charged from the front, making it extra nasty. As expected, humans are the ones to look out for.?

    ?

    Aiming the spears, charging in at high speed with their shields, sending the enemies flying, the others follow into the breach and shred the enemies to pieces, turning it into a melee, annihilating them. Bows are crazy, enemies are getting simply destroyed. A high-speed ranged attack is dangerous on its own, but with numbers and a proper command, it becomes a tactical-grade weapon. A one-sided offensive with no room for retaliation at all.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t bows amazing?! We can attack as much as we want with the initiative always on our side!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Volley fire is amazing, right~? I finally understand what ¡ºRain of Arrows¡»was about.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even knowing that they¡¯ll become defenseless from the front, they still try to defend themselves from the arrows.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Charge as you please, do what you want? Enemies are completely at our mercy? Isn¡¯t it unbeatable when it works?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t let your guard down. Since our accuracy is still low the arrows end up scattering, and in repeated shooting, it¡¯s not even a volley anymore from the third shot? We must practice!¡¹?

    ?

    Pres-sama seems to be dissatisfied, but level 40 monsters are obliterated, unable to do anything. Simply destroyed, without putting up a fight. And this is still only a practice for a real fight.?

    ?

    ¡¸The switch to charging is a bit slow though? I can¡¯t bring myself to just throw the bow to the ground? Also, mixing magic in is impossible for now.¡¹?

    ?

    This might be a problem for swift or sturdy enemies, but it should be overwhelming versus normal packs of monsters or human armies. She has gone and done it again. Back then, the geeks suggested making ¡ºComposite Bows¡», and today, they mentioned trying to make¡ºLarge Ballista¡», They are totally militarizing. In that case, the librarian is definitely behind this. She understood that Armored Pres and I aren¡¯t suited for group anti-human battles. That¡¯s why she is trying to specialize the classmates for war. She might be doing this to protect me, but this is war, in other words, people killing each other.?

    ?

    Well, she is surely acting with full awareness of this. I don¡¯t think the pres and the others don¡¯t understand. Is this something they have to go this far to prepare themselves for? The girls that some 2 months ago were just normal high-school students??

    ?

    The idiots are fine. They have an instinctive understanding of killing and betting one¡¯s life on the line, and it is also what they¡¯ve been longing for for so long. They don¡¯t even need to resolve themselves, it¡¯s dubious if they understand the concept in the first place. The only thing that is clear is that they have no understanding of how to use a boomerang! Why after shooting with a bow, do they have to switch to boomerangs and rush to club the enemies?! That is a ranged weapon! Throow it, dammit!?

    ?

    However, the pres, who obtained all sorts of skills through¡ºPlunder¡»is one thing, but what is going on with the bitches¡¯ outstanding adaptability? By now they are proficient with sword, spear, shield, offensive magic, protective magic, and healing, and now on top of that, they have mastered bows. They are also using some simple techniques for debuffing, how? If it was simply due to skill sharing from me, they wouldn¡¯t have learned so many techniques? And yet, they can use it all. Even things for which they don¡¯t have skills??

    ?

    The 44th floor was also quick. While it¡¯s a tactic meant for swarms of monsters, when it works, it¡¯s overwhelming. In fact, while a huge pack of¡ºBlue Wolves Lv44¡»was trying to throw them off by sprinting around, they were still annihilated by inescapable volley fire. If the ceiling was a bit higher, it should¡¯ve been possible to annihilate enemies from over 1km range. They have a firm hold on the initiative now. If it¡¯s not an open area with numerous enemies it tends to get wasteful, but since they can one-sidedly pick off enemies from long range there is still an advantage to it. It would be perfect if we also had That thing.?

    ?

    Now, here comes another hidden room. They only need to clean up the blue wolves that managed to run away, so it¡¯s fine to leave them be.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll check the hidden room while you are at it? I¡¯m totally not running away because I can¡¯t be bothered to gather magic stones~. I have a date with Treasure Chest-san, so I must go. Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Good luck. But damn you for running away!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Since blue wolves kept running around like crazy, picking up magic stones seems like a huge hassle, plus, there is a monster in the hidden room. I mean, Armored Pres-san is at her limit with the frustration, and I¡¯m willing to help her relieve it any time of the day as many times as necessary, but it¡¯s not that sort of frustration, it¡¯s another, more violent one, so it¡¯s about time I give her some piece of action? Of course, it is obvious and natural that my type of frustration is of a non-violent and very wonderful type. That¡¯s because all of the world¡¯s highschool boys are anguished with that type of frustration non-stop. No, seriously.?

    ?

    Oh my, how strong, the Big Blue Wolf turned out to be a lot stronger than expected. Its name reminded me of the wolf representative of the green victims of that freak accident, so I took it lightly, but it¡¯s pretty strong. Truly fitting to be called a demon beast.?

    ?

    The previous one died on impact before it noticed anything, so I had an easy victory but fought properly, it is quite tough. With the agility of a wild beast paired with its SpE, it displays swiftness and sharpness exceeding its stats. Indeed, with this strength, it might be impossible for adventurers under Lv100 to even grasp its movements. But well, with Armored Pres-san as its opponent all of this is pointless.?

    ?

    And perhaps she was just that bored, but she is currently enjoying her needlessly long high-paced combat with the big blue wolf. I also would like to enjoy my time with Armored Pres-san, but I doubt it¡¯s possible until the evening. I get a flat gaze from her the very moment I think of something lewd? Repeatedly? Well, which is expected, since I don¡¯t stop thinking about it. Or rather, if you have time to glare at me, then hurry up and finish already? Even I am doing my best, enduring in expectant anticipation the moment when we can enjoy our private time? I mean, there is a huge issue with how sexy she looks in the armor, in some particular light the curves look so sensual that it would¡¯ve been enough to get banned from broadcasting, making me want to start the action right then and there while still in that armor? I¡¯m very serious? I want to do this.?

    ?

    And so, while handling the big blue wolf¡¯s swipes and dashes she keeps glaring at me with a flat gaze, flat gazing at me as she is slashing the wolf apart in a deadly dance. It looks like she might be angry later, so I¡¯ll try to keep my fantasies in moderation, that¡¯s the best I can do, after all, there is no stopping them? After all, the highschool boys¡¯ drive for ERO is eternal and perpetual.?

    ?

    Now, under a close flat gaze, I open the chest and find another pair of boots? Is this a shoe dungeon? Well, we do have a deficit of gloves and boots, so it¡¯s alright, but unless 30 pairs drop at the same time it¡¯s hardly enough to cover everyone¡¯s needs. In that regard, isn¡¯t it lucky to get full plate armor all in one piece? Or maybe it¡¯s a detriment since you won¡¯t be able to equip quite as many items? Well, it¡¯s probably not something I should be worrying about in my Villager Set, but I probably should give more priority to infusing and mithilifying full-body blade armor.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s another pair of boots, this time¡ºKicking Boots ¨C PoW SpE ViT 30% Up, Kick Attack, +ATT ¡», so, for kicking? Is this for Pres-sama? But they are not high heels, they are not for trampling? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aah~, they aren¡¯t high heels~.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Why are my boots set to be high heels?! I¡¯m not going to wear that! What are you going ¡ºAah~¡»for? What is that¡ºAah~¡»supposed to mean? Why would you do that?¡¹?

    ?

    This one is also going to be either voted or auctioned when we get back. It has PoW, SpE, ViT 30% Up and +ATT as well, so it¡¯s good enough even without kicking. But I wonder if¡ºKick Attack¡»will affect trampling and crushing? If so, maybe I should add heels? Crushing under a hell while swinging a whip, why does it suit her so much?! No, it¡¯s nothing. I didn¡¯t say anything? Well, I did imagine it a little bit, but I didn¡¯t say anything? I¡¯m really innocent? Well, I did think that I should make a bondage dress, but I only thought about it? No, don¡¯t touch the whip? No heels too? If I get any more new doors open, the closed ones will become the minority? Yes, I apologize. I¡¯m sorry, please no whip. ¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡»is really too much. I¡¯ll go into eternal sleep before I get a chance to awaken to any new fetishes. Flat Gaze is more than enough, I won¡¯t do it again. Probably??

    ?

    I got scolded & Flat gazed.?

    ?

    But a long-coat style leather bondage dress should have high defensive power, even more so since I¡¯ll put additional straps. In that case, I should lace it up, adding gaps and see-through parts that would give glimpses of the pres¡¯ beautiful snow-white skin, go full eroist, utilizing the eroticism of bondage¡­ No, it¡¯s a misunderstanding! I was merely thinking of a draft for new equipment! Eh? Really? I was muttering that aloud? From which part? Aah, from ¡ºThe tightness of this area is a sensual violence~¡»? Then I said¡ºThat corset-like waist is such a delight~!¡»too? Aah~, that¡¯ll get me scolded~.?

    ?

    Naturally, I got scolded and flat stared at in tears.?

    ?

    Well, our dungeon has just begun? No, I¡¯m really sorry? Alright, let¡¯s pat her on the head. And if I give her sweets it¡¯ll definitely solve everything. In the previous world patting on the head and giving sweets also solved the problem or the police were called, so it should work just fine. Of course, it goes without saying that she quietly took and munched a sweet potato. See, I did nothing wrong after all? She is eating it with such a bright smile? Sort of?

 CH 205

    Day 57 ¨C Dungeon, 50F?

    ?

    While it wasn¡¯t as much as I imagined it to be due to its fame, it¡¯s not like it wasn¡¯t amazing, but it also wasn¡¯t that bad. Well, the smell was insanely bad.?

    ?

    But all of the classmates already have the equipment to resist debuffs from level 50 dungeon master. Or rather, I sold tons of it to them until now. And that stench must be applying ¡ºConfusion¡»and¡ºFaint¡». For now, they are perfectly resisting all of the ailments, but it stinks really bad. I¡¯m looking from afar, trying to keep my distance from it, but can still feel the stench. I wish they could finish it faster, but the enemy is quite tough, still refusing to go down. That is a difficult foe.?

    ?

    The opponent is¡ºRafflesia Lv50¡», which appears like a giant ugly flower, but that is one rebellious plant, the part that looks like a flower is a calyx, while the real flower should be blooming inside, but since it¡¯s a monster in a fantasy world, it also comes with a nice little bonus, tentacles. The Geeks seem to want to take this thing home but were banned from doing so due to its foul smell. Like, even I don¡¯t want to Tame such a fetid thing? Certainly, the romance overflowing romantic R18 developments with tentacles might be wonderful, but that stench is no good. It ruins everything. Explaining in detail just how many things it ruins would lead to Flat Gazes from all sides, so I¡¯ll omit it, but well, even though we finally encountered romance-overflowing tentacles, them coming with a bad odor is disappointing, so they are getting exterminated. I mean, even Slime-san doesn¡¯t want to eat that? The smell is that bad.?

    ?

    The concentrated arrow fire with which they opened the fight had no effect, their next move, an attack with fire also didn¡¯t produce the desired effect, and with the tentacles wriggling around they couldn¡¯t get into close combat. Not only are they wriggling and twisting, but they are also slimy, slippery. Yeah, the movements, the shape, all of it inspires expectations of an indecent development. The girls can¡¯t get near that. I mean, their faces are bright red??

    ?

    However, this lewd flower has ¡ºSpell Absorption¡»and¡ºMP Absorption¡», so getting caught by that would be quite bad. Moreover, it has ¡ºEnsnare¡», so once caught, escape would not be easy. The damage isn¡¯t quite getting to this thick and meaty plant. Most likely, slashing attacks are the most effective against it, but close-quarters are off-limits, or rather, it¡¯s too risky, or rather, risque, threatening to turn very lewd were tentacles to get a hold of them. How should I put it, this is a tough fight.?

    ?

    ¡¸Noo! That tip, that form, noo! Why is it wriggling like that!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That wriggling is crazy. It¡¯s clearly dying to catch one of us? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Getting caught by that, it might be over for us as maidens? It¡¯s completely out in terms of visuals?¡¹?

    ?

    And it also has¡ºRegeneration¡», so no matter how many tentacles they cut, they keep returning, preventing them from getting near. Well, it might be possible to beat it with a whipping from the pres, but she probably doesn¡¯t want to beat it with just an individual strength. And since blunt damage doesn¡¯t work on it, Vice President B-san or the idiots, who rely on beating their enemies to death can¡¯t do much¡­ Wait, the idiots? Aren¡¯t you swordsmen? Put away your boomerangs! Or rather, throw them!?

    ?

    The cultural clubs¡¯ girls from the rear guard had already begun working on the ground. Looks like they noticed. It¡¯s absorbing mana from the ground with its roots, that¡¯s why it keeps regenerating without running out of mana. And so they are striking at the problem at its root.?

    ?

    If it goes well, they should be able to interfere with the Rafflesia¡¯s regeneration, and burning enemies HP faster than it can recover is a firm and steady conventional approach. But the roots are tentacles too, you know? They were moving underground.?

    ?

    And with wriggling tentacles, or rather, roots? emerging from the ground here and there, a great panic began, completely destroying the formation. While some were running around, others were frantically slashing at the tentacles, a hectic struggle began. Armored Pres-san is also going ¡ºGood Grief¡», so I guess this is a failure? Why is their thinking so rigid? Actually, I already mentioned countermeasures of this sort, but they are too caught up in the fixed ideas of this world. I mean, they had no magic before coming to this world, and yet met with the combo of ¡ºSpell Absorption¡»and¡ºMP Absorption¡»they forgot even about conventional ways of dealing with this. So they have a hard time doing what should be obvious and natural. And now the group is fully covered with roots, leaving nowhere to hide.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-ku~n. Could you help us just a bit?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind, but that will be ¡ºFailure¡»for you, are you cool with that? And it will be over in a second? Probably?¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah, this is the same pattern, so I think, if I assist them a bit, it will all be over right there? And I told them about this earlier? When I was telling them about the great dungeon, I also mentioned all of the countermeasures? Well, my opponent was not a rafflesia, but it was pretty much the same thing¡­ No, they probably don¡¯t have time to think while dealing with tentacles, so their train of thought came to a screeching halt? Or rather, they got caught? Whoooa.?

    ?

    Ah? Another one? Oh, my, my, my, my~. But considering that it¡¯s grabbing only girls, this flower gets it. As a fellow tentacle user, I feel that we might¡¯ve gotten along, but with that stink, I don¡¯t want to. It¡¯s a real pity, if only it didn¡¯t have ¡ºBad Stench¡»among its skills, we could¡¯ve spent hours talking away until the dawn comes, truly regrettable. However, if killing this plant the pres ¡ºPlunders¡»its skills, then will Pres-sama have tentacles? Did she seal away her whip for this fight because ¡ºBad Stench¡»would also come as a free bonus? Certainly, this smell is bound to get you complaints from the inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸KYAAAAAA! Stop watching and help us! Or rather, don¡¯t loook! Or rather, saaave mee~!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Oh, nyo~. Why is it so slippery? I can¡¯t cut it? Wait, that¡¯s, HEY!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Let me go! You creep! Whoa, what! Don¡¯t touch there! I¡¯m a girl!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, no, nononono, why do you have to go there, that area is prohibited for invasion!¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s total pandemonium, and the geeks are of no use either, totally confused, not only do they have a hard time with where to look, but the voices are bothering them too, and as they ended up averting their eyes from the rafflesia as the result, they are forced into purely defensive combat.?

    ?

    Twining around and binding them, it invades inside their armor, that marvelous attack is what creates this uproar. Holding them in the air by coiling around their legs, such an amazing plant. Too cultured to leave it as mere vegetation. Or rather, its ideas can be called way too predatory for a mere plant. Well, it¡¯s a carnivorous plant after all, so it might be leaning that way??

    ?

    The idiots are busy running around and clearing away the tentacles with their boomerangs. I wonder how many centuries will pass before they remember that they can throw them? Looks like it will take a long while for them to evolve. I mean, they definitely devolved after coming to this world. They seem to have forgotten what civilization is. If only this weren¡¯t the middle ages but the stone age, then they would¡¯ve fit right in. But they seem to be dumber than primitive men? Maybe the Cretaceous Period would do??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kuuun! We give up! Or rather, our maidenhood is in danger! This is bad, bad, bad!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s bad, it seems. Yeah, it¡¯s on the verge of turning R-18. How regrettable, if only Rafflesia-san wasn¡¯t so stinky, we might¡¯ve gotten along. I would¡¯ve gladly recruited such an amazing tentacle monster for the fake dungeon, it, how should I put it, gets it? Understands what¡¯s important? Covers all the bases? Snakes around crazy spots? Yup, it gets it. That¡¯s why it¡¯s so regrettable.?

    ?

    Well, let¡¯s burn it.?

    ?

    Burn it to ashes like a modern person would. Armored Pres-san already rescued the girls, cutting the tentacles holding them.?

    ?

    Getting above the rafflesia with ¡ºAir Walk¡», where no tentacles will get in my way, I spray oil and ignite it. This is the end.?

    ?

    It has ¡ºMP Absorption¡»and ¡ºSpell Absorption¡». It doesn¡¯t possess fire resistance. Magic Resistances should function on the same principle as the skills that the treants from the great dungeon had.?

    ?

    Since we came from the world without magic, pouring oil and toasting it should¡¯ve been one of their first thoughts. And that¡¯s it.?

    ?

    And yet, just because they learned a bit of magic and skills in this world, they saw ¡ºMP Absorption¡»and ¡ºSpell Absorption¡»and assumed that they can¡¯t burn it because they can¡¯t use fire magic on it. It is this inflexibility and fixation on conventions of this world that gets you caught by the tentacles, exposing an unbecoming, or rather, indecent¡­ Well, to put it bluntly, lewd sight. If it also had ¡ºDissolve¡»then it would go straight past R18 into BANNED territory. We lost a valuable monster. a foul-smelling one though.?

    ?

    The girls, freed from the now writhing in agony Rafflesia as it is burning, sunk to the floor, breathing heavily. Looks like they are tired. But if I were to praise them here, I feel I¡¯ll get scolded? But they are clearly exhausted, giving it their all, their faces are all red.?

    ?

    ¡¸Alright~, you failed. As a consolation prize, you get a special invitation to Armored Pres-san¡¯s boot camp? In other words? You are in for a beating? Please enjoy your wonderful luxurious trip to the world of pain? Especially Pres-sama? Looks like you are getting a private course? No way, could it be that we are getting a yuri route? A lily route going non-stop forever and into eternity? I¡¯d like to book a special seat to observe the training! Seriously!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No~, she¡¯ll work us to the bones~, there¡¯ll be no yuri though!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like there is no ¡ºAh, Onee-sama¡»like development. Well, since she is an eternal seventeen they are beginning to catch up to her, so she isn¡¯t much of an onee-sama, and then next year she is going to be younger than them? This world is full of mysteries but looks like the biggest mystery is the forever seventeen problem. Well, not really a problem, and it surely won¡¯t see a resolution. The reason being ¨C you care, you lose. Seriously.

 CH 206

    Day 57 ¨C Dungeon, 50F?

    ?

    Covered in slimy liquid, the schoolgirls stood up with empty eyes, so I used Temperature Magic and prepared a bath for them, a giant hot water ball. Taking turns, the girls wash off the slime with the warm water of this quasi-shower, but since they are wearing armor, the scene has 0 lewdness? Yup, there is nothing interesting about watching that? Well, it can¡¯t be helped that there is a Big Bang of unlimited fantasies in boys¡¯ heads.?

    ?

    Do they look so down because they are tired, because they lost, because they failed, or because they are all slimy? They should¡¯ve targeted each core in an all-out attack right away, but they instead went for half-measures, sticking to attacking with the bows, since they were so impressed with them earlier, putting themselves into an overwhelmingly disadvantageous position, and getting cornered as a result. If they went for a blitz, they could¡¯ve overwhelmed and defeated it. The variety of attacks available to them increased, but it gave way to hesitation, and trying a safe approach resulted in losing the initiative. This is the commander¡¯s error, and it is also the pres¡¯ error, who decided against using the whip, thinking that they have leeway here, and attempted to win through numbers and strategy, trying to pass the test. That¡¯s why she is super sad, down, and depressed. And her eyes are wet with tears? If possible, can I have that with Flat Gaze, please??

    ?

    But somehow, it seems they have incredibly bad compatibility with dungeon masters.?

    ?

    Suppose they let their guard down with the phoenix, even if Slime-san and the Sand Giant are out of the question, they have difficulty dealing with unique monsters. It¡¯s all because the librarian specialized them for anti-human warfare, that they lost their edge for the fights that demand adaptability. Their caution backfires, forcing them into a prolonged fight while still at a disadvantage.?

    ?

    The mood seems heavy? Kind of??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, looks like this plan was a mistake. Standing in place and shooting at it with bows was an error. I¡¯m sorry.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Eeh~, it¡¯s alright~. We agreed to this as well. We also thought that this was a good plan. ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸After all, we had a blast with bows earlier~, but if it doesn¡¯t work, then we are just standing for nothing. This is a point of reflection.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But we also can get the first strike with them, so it¡¯s too good to give up? It might depend on the opponent, but it was overwhelming for anything aside from the rafflesia?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. I also thought that bows are the best, not using them is such a waste.¡¹?

    ?

    £¨Blah blah blah, and so on£©?

    ?

    A review meeting has begun. Needless to say, but the boys contribute nothing.?

    ?

    Even without any review, if they immediately went for an all-out attack from all directions they could¡¯ve won, but even so, the affinity was not in their favor. Were they to fail to take it down in one swoop, a tough fight would¡¯ve been unavoidable.?

    ?

    If the Great Sage switched from using direct magic attacks to indirect magic attacks, they also wouldn¡¯t have gotten cornered. Even if direct magic attacks are absorbed, once soil or a fire is created it is not magic anymore. If it has to be supported and maintained, it is magic, but if it is simply a flying boulder, then there is nothing to resist. Moreover, the dungeon master was level 50, with the level 99¡¯s magic they should¡¯ve been able to overpower it.?

    ?

    Even so, she held back, obstinately so, despite having the biggest MP pool among all of the classmates, she doesn¡¯t use any magic unless it¡¯s sure to succeed.?

    ?

    The reason why she is conserving on MP so much must be in her desire to have¡ºResurrect¡»ready. While injuries and poison can be managed one way or another, only ¡ºResurrect¡»can bring one back to life from instant death or fatal injuries. And if enough time passes, revival becomes impossible. That¡¯s why she is holding back for the sake of the worst-case scenario. For the sake of the worst happening to the classmates¡­ or Armored Pres-san and me, who have the highest chance of dying on the spot.?

    ?

    Such a grand spell as¡ºResurrect¡»likely can¡¯t be used by anyone aside from the Great Sage, and it consumes an outrageous amount of MP. Enough to prevent her from using any offensive magic at all if she wants to have it ready.?

    ?

    After all, that is the only way to save one from the clutches of death.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t get the principle, but mana batteries seem to be unable to cover for that. Although I handed her more than enough, she is still holding back. Are there some Holy Magic-related restrictions? Well, if it was possible to somehow resolve this, she would¡¯ve already placed an order. Since she isn¡¯t saying anything, there must be no solution at the moment.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why despite her low stats for physical combat, and all of the equipment boosting her magic capabilities, she keeps fighting in melee¡­ Well, there is probably a bit of her preferences involved as well. I mean, she is bludgeoning things to death with a refreshing smile. Naturally, it doesn¡¯t even have to be mentioned, they were shaking, I have the image saved, so there is no mistake about it.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well now, through the power of a refreshing shower, slimy and slippery schoolgirls became wet and dripping, so let¡¯s go back? I guess? I mean, I burned that thing, but the stench is still in the air? No one wants that to stick to their equipment, right? Since you are not slimy anymore and just drenched, let¡¯s go back? For real.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We will, but can you not call girls drenching, wet, or dripping?!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Preparations for the retreat had begun. Since we are still waiting for the magic stone to appear, it only amounts to getting our equipment in order and resting.?

    ?

    If the geeks managed to complete the giant ballista then they would¡¯ve had a destructive power even with only ranged weapons, but somehow, it became a halberd, which was a great addition too.?

    ?

    A halberd. Also called a glaive, axe-spear, poleaxe, a combination of an axe on a long handle and a spear with a claw. Slash with the blade, stab with the spear, smash with the axe, grab with the hook, and bash. Adaptable for any combat situation, but unwieldy due to its size and weight. And due to its versatility, skilfully utilizing each part to the fullest is a challenging task, not many can accomplish, thus limiting the number of people that can handle it, but with the classmates¡¯ high PoW and DeX they should be able to use it. And if mastered, it is a terrifyingly effective weapon. It should be valid in collective warfare too. It would require quick, precise, and adaptable judgment, but since our commander is talented it will be fine, even though she is still depressed.?

    ?

    And I want that large ballista too. But the only ones who would be able to move it around without setting it up are the Idiots. Crap, they definitely will try to charge at the enemy and hit them with a ballista. Or do the opposite, instead of hitting with it, they might try to throw it. If we can make it operate on magic stones and make it self-reloading and capable of repeating fire it can be truly weaponized. And if it¡¯s possible to enchant it to produce great destructive power even in small size, it can be turned portable. I¡¯ll have to start from the drafting board, but the Geeks should know the blueprints for a large ballista. Although the result of their work is a halberd, their blueprints are perfect.?

    ?

    Reliable slashing attacks can be gotten with weapon enhancement, but increasing their number would require relying on skills. In the end, we still hit the level 100 wall. And there is no more certain power-up than raising the level.?

    ?

    But no one was able to reach level 100 this time. Since there are people with levels over 100, if conditions were met it should be possible to break through, but why does it not raise? I¡¯m pretty sure there is more than enough exp points by now? What could it be??

    ?

    Finally, the dungeon master turned into a magic stone. And the item that dropped was ¡ºRafflesia Flower ¨C Create, Control, Command Rafflesias¡». I was choking on tears, how much I wanted to tame that one, but it seems I had no reason for it, and the Geeks are staring really hard. They look as if they are gazing at something stuffed with hopes and dreams, but there is nothing but ero and lust? Actually, is there anything inside your heads besides tentacles? No, if poked out of curiosity, something far more dangerous might pop out of there! We shouldn¡¯t ask them, their brains are a legit DANGER ZONE!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It has been decided that the item should go to Haruka-kun, under the condition of exchange, sale, barter, present, or any other form of transfer being prohibited~. Yaay~, clap clap clap? Got it?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It has been decided? Am I supposed to go back to the cave and start a rafflesia garden after retirement? Can the stench problem be solved with Control? And why does everyone keep pushing it on me when tentacles are involved? Was I selected as ¡ºThe man who looks good with tentacles¡»? Was it the Number 1 Readers Choice? Well, before the question of looking good with tentacles or not even comes, there isn¡¯t any other man with tentacles around, so getting the number 1 spot is inevitable. But what¡¯s up with being number 1 if I¡¯m Only 1? I mean, there are no other options??

    ?

    For starters, it seems that ¡ºRafflesia Flower¡»is not smelly, so let¡¯s make it a potted plant. Yellowish and covered in thorns it isn¡¯t very flower-like, but more of an alien plant, I wonder if it can still be soothing? But it¡¯ll end up as a rafflesia if it grows? What do we do if we get attached to it? In the near future, I might get kicked out of the inn over the stench issue??

    ?

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go home?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Well, the girls must want to return as soon as possible and take a proper bath. They ended up quite sticky after being covered in goo all over. But if we had several weapons of the¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡»-class, it wouldn¡¯t have been that hard to sweep away the tentacles. Let¡¯s make strengthening the geek guardian¡¯s halberd the top priority. But it¡¯s still not enough, I¡¯d like every party to have at least one such weapon. I mean, in most cases, brute force ends up being the solution? Simple, safe, reliable tactic. It will also serve as insurance in case things go wrong.?

    ?

    Suppose among the current 7 parties the committee and the Geeks are fine, I have a holy sword, and also Dimension Slash, so it¡¯s enough. Or rather, as long as Armored Pres-san and Slime-san are with me I¡¯m so safe that I might as well not need any weapons at all. If we have 4 more such weapons the sense of safety will be completely different for everyone. Well, if we could arm everyone there¡¯d be no complaints, but can we get 27 such weapons? Won¡¯t we have to rummage through every dungeon in the world? I sense if we make the Geeks do some more of their weird crafting they will eventually make another amazing weapon, but that pisses me off in its own way. Well, maybe I¡¯ll think of something while working, like equipment with goo resistance?

 CH 207

    Chapter 207: Isn¡¯t it thoughtless to just go on rambling when no one can even tell who is speaking??

    ?

    Day 57 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    When I left the bath, I saw Haruka-kun having a very evil smile on his face.?

    ?

    The girls always go bankrupt after that smile.?

    ?

    After all, that evil smile is the smile of an evil baron.?

    ?

    It¡¯s a very evil smile that he makes when he is brimming with the intention to rip us off.?

    ?

    And until now, there hasn¡¯t been a single case when anyone managed to escape that smile.?

    ?

    Our hard-earned money is snatched away from us, and we end up happy.?

    ?

    That happiness is forcibly brought upon us with no chance to refuse.?

    ?

    After all, that evil smile, that evil tender smile is the reason for our survival in this world.?

    ?

    It was when we just came to this fantasy world.?

    ?

    We thought that we were all but dead.?

    ?

    That being in such a world is no different from death.?

    ?

    So living in fear of death, we awaited its arrival.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t think I was alone in this, after all, everyone had the same look back then.?

    ?

    The look of tired resignation, simply living on because we were too scared of death, awaiting the end.?

    ?

    Until the end came for us in that dark forest.?

    ?

    Surrounded by numerous monsters with no way to escape, I realized that this is it.?

    ?

    Even so, since president-san and the others were trying to protect us, putting their lives on the line, I also gave my all fighting.?

    ?

    No matter how scary, sad, painful, or bitter I felt, I kept fighting, even while crying.?

    ?

    But in truth, I already gave up. Because I understood that it¡¯s impossible.?

    ?

    But because everyone kept fighting on, trying to protect me and the others, I also did what I could, and kept fighting on.?

    ?

    But after all, it was the end. I saw that even if everyone fought to the point of complete exhaustion, there still would be lots of monsters left.?

    ?

    Scared, terrified, vexed, and utterly miserable, wondering, just why we have to go through this.?

    ?

    After all, there is nothing good about living in such a world.?

    ?

    Dressed in rags, with nothing but tasteless fish for meals, spending every day trembling in fear of monsters.?

    ?

    The happy me must¡¯ve died back in the previous world, and this world is completely different, is what I thought.?

    ?

    But even so, I didn¡¯t want to see the others get injured or killed, so I kept fighting.?

    ?

    From the very beginning, I didn¡¯t think that we could win or survive.?

    ?

    Until that red rain began.?

    ?

    Until the storm of red lights swept over.?

    ?

    It was so beautiful.?

    ?

    And so cruel.?

    ?

    The monsters collapsed in heaps, burned by the rain of bright red lights.?

    ?

    Scary, frightening, but so beautiful, that I ended up crying.?

    ?

    And so, all of the monsters were annihilated.?

    ?

    Even though there were so many of them, not a single one survived.?

    ?

    Then, a pitch-black figure approached us through the mountains of monster corpses.?

    ?

    For a moment, I couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡ºAh, so this is my death¡».?

    ?

    ¡¸HP potion, you will recover if you drink it¡­¡­ It¡¯s mushroom-flavored though.¡¹?

    ?

    He blurted out, with a slightly troubled look.?

    ?

    That was Haruka-kun.?

    ?

    A classmate, but he was always alone and never spoke with anyone.?

    ?

    After that, the world was turned upside down.?

    ?

    The dull monochrome world where we could only wait for death, completely changed.?

    ?

    It¡¯s almost as if it was suddenly reborn, painted in new radiant colors.?

    ?

    After all, everyone was smiling. And I was the same.?

    ?

    Eating delicious food, sleeping in a fancy house, relaxing in a lovely bath, everyone around was smiling.?

    ?

    Because until then, everyone thought that nothing but bad things were awaiting us in the future, that our happiest days were over.?

    ?

    The room was unlike anything I¡¯ve seen, the bath was the likes of which I thought I¡¯d never get a chance to try, while the food was incredibly delicious, unlike anything I¡¯ve eaten before.?

    ?

    The happiness that I thought I lost with the previous world turned into even more amazing happiness in this world and was awaiting us in such a place.?

    ?

    It was like a super high-class hotel, in which I probably could never stay in our world. A super high-class resort.?

    ?

    Something way more amazing than the things that I had given up on was shoved into my face. I was made to realize that I can be happy even in this world.?

    ?

    That day, I was able to soundly fall asleep without crying for the first time since coming to this world.?

    ?

    A lot happened since then, but every day was now filled with happiness, where everyone could smile.?

    ?

    Although we¡¯d still cry remembering our families, we at least no longer cried from despair.?

    ?

    I was smiling and happy every day. And the resolve to live on began forming within me.?

    ?

    Until the day Haruka-kun disappeared.?

    ?

    He left, saying that it¡¯s dangerous for everyone. Left all on his own.?

    ?

    He might be in danger because of us, he might die because of us, he might already be dead. Then, what¡¯s the point to keep living??

    ?

    The world returned to its previous monochrome state. I returned to the days of crying from despair. Terrified, I waited, while the thought ¡ºwhat if¡­¡»wouldn¡¯t leave my mind.?

    ?

    But he came back to us, looking completely nonchalant.?

    ?

    I was relieved, thank goodness, I thought.?

    ?

    But then, I happened to overhear Kakizaki-kun and the others.?

    ?

    ¡ºHow can he look so unfazed with that body?¡»?

    ?

    I heard that he must¡¯ve had an arm torn off.?

    ?

    That he must¡¯ve had his stomach gouged out.?

    ?

    That he must¡¯ve had a leg cut off.?

    ?

    That he must¡¯ve had half of his face burnt away.?

    ?

    That he must¡¯ve been stabbed all over.?

    ?

    That he must be simply faking it and is actually going insane from pain.?

    ?

    That his whole body was wrecked so badly that merely breathing should be agony.?

    ?

    It is because Kakizaki-kun and the others went through the same, trying to protect everyone, that they were able to notice it.?

    ?

    He fully regenerated only on the outside and only appears unhurt.?

    ?

    I shouldn¡¯t have felt relieved.?

    ?

    But it is because he wanted us to feel that relief that he acted like nothing happened, laughing with everyone.?

    ?

    He must¡¯ve been enduring the pain and the agony all on his own, smiling in front of everyone.?

    ?

    And with that body, he fought on the next day again. All alone, without telling anyone anything.?

    ?

    So badly tattered that he couldn¡¯t even regenerate mana, and yet he fought anyway. And we were once again protected by him.?

    ?

    Then after that, he went missing in a dungeon, taming a dungeon master and doing other enormously risky things.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why everyone is smiling, smiling while struggling, trying to become stronger.?

    ?

    Since everyone has only combat skills, fighting is the only thing we can do.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we decided to protect, and if it doesn¡¯t work, get stronger, and try again, and if that doesn¡¯t work too, it eventually must work out as long as we don¡¯t give up.?

    ?

    But we failed again. This is depressing.?

    ?

    But he is smiling with a very evil look. This is an evil smile that is praising us, the evil smile saying¡ºYou did your best, right¡».?

    ?

    That¡¯s why everyone will surely go bankrupt with a smile again. The meanest reward in the world.?

    ?

    Everyone will have happiness brought to them tonight. This is the evil smile saying that he is preparing something.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why even if I feel down today, I can still do my best tomorrow. I can¡¯t give up after all.?

    ?

    I absolutely, definitely, have to protect him. After all, there is no one else who can make such an evil smile.?

    ?

    War is very scary. I¡¯m afraid of fighting fellow humans. But time and time again I was forced to realize that failing to protect is much more terrifying.?

    ?

    ¡¸Welcome back, Shield Girl? I have some good stuff today? Or rather, I¡¯ve got it? Kind of? Well, anyway, it¡¯s good stuff, I think? Probably? Actually, it¡¯s a great offer, so great that I¡¯ll get much richer as a result, well, a great deal for me. Yeah, so great that it¡¯s laughably profitable? I guess? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    A very wicked smile.?

    ?

    But I decided that I¡¯ll protect it, and so I will. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s just my ego speaking, I will protect him for my own sake. So we definitely won¡¯t lose him anymore.?

    ?

    It¡¯s for that sake I became a shield girl. This time it¡¯s my turn to protect everyone.?

    ?

    That¡¯s what I decided. He told me¡ºHow about becoming a shield pres?¡», so this time I¡¯ll make sure that no one gets hurt, I don¡¯t want to just wait anymore, this time I want to protect them for sure.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why I became a shield girl. That¡¯s why I will definitely protect everyone.?

    ?

    Even if we failed today, I will fight again tomorrow, I will keep fighting until I can protect everyone. After all, I¡¯m the shield girl, so I must protect.?

    ?

    But it seems that today, I¡¯m going bankrupt. There is no escape from this evil smile. After all, this is the smile that keeps us safe, so I¡¯m still no match for it. So happily laughing, I¡¯ll go bankrupt again with a smile.

    [TL Note: I thought about putting a note, stating whose POV this is at the beginning, but looking at the title decided to leave it as it is.]

 CH 208

    Chapter 208: Bubbling girls who are going kya-kya-kya all covered in foam don¡¯t know that it¡¯s actually mushroom juice. ?

    ?

    Day 57 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-Only Gathering.?

    ?

    Everyone rushed into the bath without waiting for dinner. Although we¡¯ll have to take a bath again after the training, we need to take it right now anyway.?

    ?

    ¡¸On top of stinking like crazy it also was all slippery and trying to ensnare us, can it get any worse? Not only am I all sticky but all of my gear and clothes are covered in goo too?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Aa~h, I saw Haruka-kun making a sign¡ºEquipment cleaning service, only now for a special rip-off price of 2000 ere!¡»with a very sly smile.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸He is totally coming to rip us off! But I¡¯m going to ask him anyway.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    After all, no one wants to touch that viscous liquid. But Haruka-kun can quickly wash it without touching it. And the result is perfect too. However, the usual price is 1,000 ere. It¡¯s really a very special, very rip-off price, but everyone probably will request it anyway. He must have a very evil-looking grin right now, I can almost see that.?

    ?

    We were reviewing the fight on our way back, and while there were a lot of issues, the reason for our defeat lies in the fact that no one was monitoring underground activity. We were too naive.?

    ?

    ¡¸To think we¡¯d get attacked by tentacles from the ground? And there were way too many of them!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Forgive me, it didn¡¯t even occur to me that roots might counterattack.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t worry about it, no one could¡¯ve guessed that! It¡¯s amazing that you even realized that roots were there!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It was replenishing its magic power through the roots spread underground, supporting its regeneration, that¡¯s why we tried to cut off the roots, but they emerged from the ground, surrounding and scattering us through that attack.?

    ?

    The unforeseen and utterly unpredictable attack was so unexpected that the formation immediately collapsed. We failed again.?

    ?

    ¡¸But he burned it, right? When you think about it, we just had to use non-magic fire?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, his way of thinking is different, after all, he was saying¡ºIf you can¡¯t burn it through magic, then pour oil on it? by M-san¡».¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah~, M-san¡¯s idea, huh~, never thought of it!¡¹?

    ?

    No, no, M-san never said such a thing, okay? That¡¯s just Haruka-kun making things up. But I definitely didn¡¯t consider that, or rather, I was convinced that since it can absorb magic, then fire magic won¡¯t work on it, hence it can¡¯t be burned. Despite hearing of that method, it didn¡¯t occur to me at all, even though we didn¡¯t know any magic before coming here.?

    ?

    So when told¡ºObviously, burn it with oil¡», everyone was shocked, that there was such a way, and that they forgot such an obvious thing.?

    ?

    But even though we failed, it seems our performance was rated rather high, after all, we got rewards! However, additional supplies are not ready for sale so we can¡¯t use it more than 2 or 3 times, but this is the best thing we could get today, this is probably the first one in this world. The thing that we were handed before entering the bath was ¡ºBubbly and Foamy Body Soap¡», everyone was overjoyed.?

    ?

    Everyone is going wild, shouting and giggling, covered in foam from head to toes. It¡¯s foaming very well, and the skin is turning softer and smoother after it. It¡¯s better than premium brands from our world! The smell is nice too, but the things it does to the skin are stunning, it¡¯s almost as if it is regenerating it, as if I was born anew¡­ It¡¯s probably packed with fantasy world ingredients, it must have super high-quality mushrooms in the mix too! And he so unreservedly turned that into body soap? It turned out to be a luxury item, unavailable for general sale.?

    ?

    Everyone else received one body brush per person with it, so it¡¯s a happy bubbly paradise of the girls all covered in foam washing each other. Angelica-san is also taking part in that, giggling with everyone, but considering that she was not surprised by this body soap, she must¡¯ve already had first-hand experience with it. She must¡¯ve gone all bubbly in the jacuzzi! And undoubtedly not alone.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wo~w, so this is what silky smooth skin means~? It¡¯s the first time I actually felt it~. ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This is an amazing premium item, probably the ingredients alone would make it a luxury item, but they were also combined through Alchemy.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ah, heaven be praised.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    That¡¯s right, even the hair is silky and glossy after it, while the skin got a smooth and velvety feel, getting a youthful gloss. Amazing instant effectiveness.?

    ?

    And while we were depressed after the review meeting just a short while ago, right now it¡¯s a huge and noisy uproar. We were once again made happy without being asked.?

    ?

    ¡¸Wow, the hair is so smooth and shiny? Even though it was so dry and damaged after I got hit by a lightning attack from a monster the other day.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸The skin feels like it¡¯s not my own, what is this pleasantness to touch? So this is the true silk skin! Is this a soap that grants you beautiful skin or something?¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone looks way prettier, so good skin makes this much of a difference. Now instead of just cute, they look like actual beautiful girls??

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸I¡¯m buying this body soap! I don¡¯t care how much I¡¯ll be ripped off, I¡¯m buying it! I can¡¯t live without it anymore!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Now, originally we planned to train after the bath, but getting dirty and sweaty after washing with this soap felt like a waste, so we decided to hold a meeting, the topic is me. I¡¯m the commander, so should I pull back, and observe the battle from the position befitting a commander, focusing on analyzing information and searching for the enemy, or should I remain on the frontlines, leaving information analysis and observation to the middle guard. This is the issue we want to decide on during this meeting. If the latter, there is an option of splitting the chain of command, but I¡¯m worried about making operation way too complicated.?

    ?

    Still unable to reach a conclusion, we decided to end the meeting and head to the dining hall, which was transformed into a bargain sale venue! This is a trap more dangerous than the rafflesia! After all, the man behind it all has a smile more sinister than a dungeon master, I¡¯m confident that after witnessing that smile most of the dungeon masters would appear like good people. After all, he has a very evil smile.?

    ?

    ¡¸Here comes the long-awaited anklet sale? There are cheap ones for everyday wear, but there are also equipment versions with various effects like¡ºFast Movement¡»or¡ºEvasion¡». And today¡¯s featured product¡ºFancy Item Bag¡», with this you¡¯ll be able to carry around your weapons even in casual clothes, and if you ¡ºStore¡» your gear in it, there¡¯ll be nothing to fear? I guess? I mean, Bitch Leader was rejecting plain bags? This time it¡¯s mostly messenger-types and orthodox shoulder-types, but each of them is a fine article, so struggle and fight, first come first serveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee¡­¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Haruka-kun was swallowed by the girls¡¯ onslaught, but he was asking for it with that talk about fine articles and first come first served. He probably prepared a whole lot, so he let his guard down, thinking that it will be alright, but no matter how much stock he has, there will be a bloodbath for each noteworthy item? He shouldn¡¯t have uttered that in front of the girls, the thing already turned into a full-blown stampede. And thus, Haruka-kun disappeared in it, while he managed to fight off the monsters¡¯ stampede all on his own, it looks like he was no match for the girls¡¯ stampede. SpE stat is on full display, aided by PoW. We could¡¯ve won if we were able to do the same during our battle with the rafflesia, as I thought, an all-out blitz was necessary! But this is mine! I was the one who took it first! I won¡¯t hand it over! ¡ºProtect¡»!?

    ?

    ¡¸And also, this and that are mine, don¡¯t touch them! I¡¯m calling dibs on it!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I can¡¯t decide which one I should take, but the moment I let go of either one I won¡¯t see it again! But I ca~n¡¯t decide.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Give me that blue one! No, don¡¯t steal it! Nooo! Aah~¡ºLeap¡»!¡¹?

    ?

    The struggle escalated to using skills! But if it comes to using magic as well I¡¯ll be at a disadvantage, I¡¯d like to reach the register (Haruka-kun), but the register (Haruka-kun) is buried under the swarm of schoolgirls.?

    ?

    From time to time the register (Haruka-kun) would poke out his hand or face, as if in absolute horror, and then sink again, squashed and crushed under the human tsunami.?

    ?

    And since the register (Haruka-kun) is nowhere to be seen, there is no way to stop the stampede on the venue. The fighting is intensifying, pushing the register (Haruka-kun) even further away. Just how far is he going to drift away??

    ?

    While his HP is still fine being squashed by schoolgirls like that must¡¯ve given him mental damage. Losing his composure he can¡¯t get away and is being crushed and swallowed by the crowd just like that, disappearing from sight. Hm, he isn¡¯t coming up? Was he downed??

    ?

    Ah, he emerged again? He is struggling? Looks like he has no calm to make that evil smile anymore.?

    ?

    But please process my purchases quicker? If the register (Haruka-kun) gets carried away, there will be no stopping schoolgirls¡¯ stampede for eternity?

 CH 209

    Chapter 209: I wonder why they are discussing rehabilitation instead of Resurrection when they have an unconscious person in front of them.?

    ?

    Day 57 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    At the very least, I should¡¯ve equipped ¡ºCloak?¡», and if I had ¡ºBoots?¡»I could¡¯ve handled this with ease.?

    ?

    But being swallowed up by a great stampede in an utterly defenseless state, wearing nothing but completely casual clothes, I have no means to break out at all.?

    ?

    No, this is seriously bad? While I¡¯m at the very center of the schoolgirls¡¯ stampede, tossed about like a toy, I¡¯m also being pressed by something soft? And squishy? I¡¯m completely surrounded and being crushed by something soft. The crowd is so tight that I have no room to escape with ¡ºAir Walk¡», have no room to make my way out with ¡ºKyojitsu¡»I¡¯m being jostled, squashed, crushed, and just trapped! I feel some amazing sensations from here and there, but this is too much for a high school boy to take! This is bad! I mean, they are just out of the bath and wearing light clothes, so this is seriously bad! This is probably the effect from the bubbly and foamy body soap, but the skin is smooth and nice, and they also smell great and feel great to the touch, and soft and this is really bad! Do I have no other choice but to take a gamble and escape with ¡ºTeleport¡»?! Damn it, I can¡¯t concentrate at all! What is this jiggling bounciness in front of my face? Should I suffer being crushed or should I rejoice? No, I must escape! But even with ¡ºUncanny Dodge Lv6¡»I can¡¯t dodge them, I¡¯m getting bounced back! What was that ¡ºboing~¡»right now? What was it? Given no time to think I¡¯m being surrounded by soft meat walls, and sandwiched in between them squashed and crushed, this is too much! At this point my ¡ºSensitive Lv9¡»will level up and reach MaX and following it I will also MaX! Isn¡¯t there any skill that I can use? Certainly not¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡¡Lv8¡»and¡ºInsatiable Libido Lv8¡», absolutely not these! This won¡¯t be just a threat to the public, or rather, I¡¯m already being assaulted here before I could make any move! Escape is an Illusion, a trick! That¡¯s right, this is the time to use ¡ºMuppet¡»! But I¡¯m already tossed like a doll! I might be done for¡­¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, he is out? He still has HP left so there is no need for ¡ºResurrect¡», but he might need ¡ºRehabilitation¡»? After all, his unconscious expression looks incredibly happy?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have Rehabilitation magic~, but he went out cold with such a happy face~? Well~, he got caught in a schoolgirls¡¯ bodypile~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And since this schoolgirls¡¯ bodypile was Lv 99 he couldn¡¯t resist PoW due to the Level Wall. In the end, he is only level 20 after all. And he had no equipment as well.¡¹?

    ?

    What a terrible thing to say. I¡¯m just a pitiful rip-off merchant who happened to be passing by and became a victim of this unfortunate incident, but for some reason, I¡¯m being treated like the loser of some sort of shoving tournament? I¡¯m not taking part in that? Because I¡¯m a highschool boy. I was only caught up in this, okay? A poor poor boy who got squashed and crushed, thrown around like a toy? I was in a very risky state, being sandwiched in between all those soft things, but not a single soul is showing any concern for me? Even though I was in a seriously risky condition, in a highschool boy sort of way, like, intensively risky condition??

    ?

    Well, I was merely sandwiched by soft and bouncy things, so I have no injuries, but I was totally overwhelmed. If things get like that, I¡¯ll end up crushed with the Level Wall and PoW difference. That is my weakness, but I didn¡¯t expect a bargain sale for schoolgirls to devolve into such a terrible stampede. But as I thought, Librarian definitely knew about this, I even suspect that she controlled the schoolgirls and caused this on purpose. And it surely wasn¡¯t to give me a schoolgirls sandwich service, but to expose my weakness and highlight the existing issue. And she must¡¯ve been planning to reveal to everyone that in fact, I didn¡¯t get stronger at all. My fatal weakness as a level 20.?

    ?

    After all, she is not wrong. I actually can easily be trampled down by the soft bodies of scantily dressed women. If they had weapons or armor I would¡¯ve easily died. And she demonstrated that to everyone! By manipulating the scantily dressed schoolgirls into squashing me in a body pile! Thank you very much? Well, it was a fantastic experience, but she set me up! She trapped me! And as a result, I was crushed to death! That¡¯s a nice way to go! Thank you very much? Hm??

    ?

    Well, everyone must¡¯ve known how fragile a level 20 is. That¡¯s why they were so impatient to protect, to get stronger.?

    ?

    But being presented with it this clearly, all of them should¡¯ve realized it now, that I¡¯m actually still this hopelessly weak. She got me good.?

    ?

    They clearly saw that caught in the most disadvantageous situation I can be easily killed, that humans are the danger, that traps and schemes devised with human intelligence are the way to kill me, that they might have a better chance to protect me if they specialize in it, that¡¯s what she must¡¯ve wanted to accomplish. That¡¯s what she managed to pull off.?

    ?

    While I tried to foil her secret plans, she went and exposed me directly.?

    ?

    Now the worrywarts will force themselves to work even harder due to their worry. Even though we came to this world less than two months ago, losing everything, even though a human¡¯s heart is not that strong, even though it¡¯s fragile enough to easily break from a bit of pressure, she went and applied the pressure. ¡­Are things that bad??

    ?

    And this way it is also possible to bring down Armored Pres-san, despite her ultimate destructive power, evasion, and countering ability. If the volume of forces thrown at her exceeds the speed at which she can eliminate them she can be easily overwhelmed and crushed. Regardless of how ultimate her power is, the weak point, me, is fragile. If she tries to protect me she will meet her limit. As long as she tries to defend me, it will end up with her going down with me.?

    ?

    However, does she think there is a threat that Armored Pres and I won¡¯t be able to exterminate quickly enough? No, she already found the way. Human shield. Our friends or acquaintances could be used as meat shields, crushing us by preventing us from killing the enemy. The Librarian was the only one who managed to think of this worst strategy, she probably also read about it before. That¡¯s why she was the first one to realize this possibility and begin working on countermeasures for it. Not just to prevent this from happening, but to become an actual shield to protect us from death. In the end, she is another worrywart and having too much foresight, she is even more unnecessarily prone to worrying.?

    ?

    She is fanning their sense of crisis for the war. Since that is the biggest danger, it¡¯s rushing them. As a result, everyone around is beginning to look exhausted, the limit is clearly near? Normal people can¡¯t live while fighting monsters every day, and there is no way they can be cool with making preparations for killing other humans. For normal people, different from the likes of the idiots or the geeks, that is asking too much.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good grief, you keep going maidens this and maidens that, but how about learning some shyness for it? My embarrassing part was embarrassingly going in an embarrassing fashion, making me embarrassed due to the extreme embarrassment, or putting it simply, it was lewd? That was an unexpected stampede of perverted schoolgirls. It was great, thank you? Is sort of how it felt, or rather, it felt great, the sensation was amazing? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa, sekuhara! A maiden¡¯s soft and fair skin is UNTOUCHABLE! Hands off! ¡¹¡¹¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    No, no, I¡¯m pretty sure that touching maidens¡¯ fair skin was a compulsory part of being overrun by a maidens¡¯ stampede? If anything, it can be counted as coerced touching? Also, who the hell is Sekuhara-san? Did we have someone like that in our class? Is this a new character? In any case, Sekuhara-san is the culprit, so I¡¯m not to blame? Yeah, what a nasty fellow? No idea who that is though.?

    ?

    Finishing with the payment, the girls, one after another, began trying on anklets, some are even trying them together with stockings or fishnet tights. A truly marvelous sight, naturally, the boys were silent throughout the entire thing, blending with the air, I can almost see the walls through them. Say something!?

    ?

    But well, can¡¯t blame the boys here, I mean, the girls sitting on chairs with one knee up, are trying on anklets, showing off before each other, and then trying new ones. A paradise of legs and thighs, from time to time there are girls raising their legs up high to show off, truly a sight to behold. This is going into my heart¡¯s storage folder. And so inevitably naturally obvious that it doesn¡¯t have to be mentioned, I¡¯m recording this with Rajingan as well. I made a very good thing. So good that enhancements and effects might as well be a pointless extra.?

    ?

    This was a good night, and it probably will become a very long one. I mean, the excitement is too much, the soul of a highschool boy (passion) sealed within me is roaring, rampaging around, and thus tonight I¡¯m definitely going to rampage as well, so there won¡¯t be time for sleep? Or rather, we are doing this. I mean, red cheongsam is still waiting! Naturally, anklets are going on her too! And so I¡¯m going to do it like crazy, going crazy all night long!?

    ?

    While I made a great number of fancy item bags, excessively so, they were completely sold out. Well, they must¡¯ve not wanted to use cloth bags even for dungeon exploration. Saying that it¡¯s for dungeon-use, messenger bags were sold out too. Sword, armor, cloak, and messenger bag, is it really an alright combination for a fantasy world? Well, it¡¯s a secret that they are about to be ripped-off again after I enchant cloaks with ¡ºStorage¡»too. A magnate will never miss a chance for profit!

    [TL Notes: Sekuhara (¥»¥¯¥Ï¥é) ¨C short for sexual harassment.]

 CH 210

    Chapter 210: No hassle, no waste, simple, swift, and very ecological?

    ?

    Day 58 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    We received a message from the lord¡¯s mansion the first thing in the morning, they were finally able to get the details out of Royal Girl¡¯s Maid-san, and after comparing them with the information Stalker Girl¡¯s clan was able to gather, began to understand the rotten war currently ongoing in the capital.?

    ?

    In the end, it was the same usual clich¨¦ that is constantly repeating itself somewhere, tireless strife of foolish incompetent idiots also called power struggle, extremely dim-witted and dumb infighting.?

    ?

    ¡¸Alright, let¡¯s kidnap every single aristocrat and royal, arm them with swords, and force them into a death game! Problem solved. This way they can resolve their squabbles among themselves with no unnecessary casualties, a very ecologic, simple, and swift deathmatch, and if all of them manage to die it¡¯s even better? It¡¯s the douche king and douche nobles we are talking about anyway, even butchering them all is not enough. We should wait until they are weakened from killing each other and then throw Bitch Queen into the arena to bite them to death! They should have a taste of true horror! Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m not biting anyone and they don¡¯t need any taste either! In the first place, why are you trying to throw me into the arena? Why am I being treated as a true horror?! And also, I told you that I¡¯m not evolving into Bitch Queen! Wait, in the first place, I¡¯m not even a Bitch Leader or even a bitch! How many times do I have to tell you that before you finally understand?! Remember my name already! Why do I still have Bitch in my status?! Why do you refuse to memorize my name and keep trying to evolve me into Bitch Queen? Why are you not even trying to remember my name, but trying to throw me to bite someone¡¯s head or evolve me into bitch queen!!? *Pant, pant, pant*¡¹?

    ?

    So after all, she can¡¯t evolve without getting level 100? Are there other sorts of walls aside from Level Wall? Like Race Wall or Evolution Wall? Well, if it¡¯s just a Bitch Wall she should be able to bite her way through it. I mean, she is looking at me with the face as if she is about to jump me any moment now? It¡¯s very scary? Even though it¡¯s the nobles and royalty who are to blame and I¡¯m totally innocent??

    ?

    ¡¸The war is a bit that, but nobles and royalty must have their own viewpoints too? Don¡¯t you think that gathering them up to have a death game and then slaughtering the survivors is too much?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Power struggle, temper struggle, or whatever they are having, if they want a fight to the death they should do it on their own without involving other people. If they aren¡¯t dragging others into their crap then they are free to kill each other as much as they want, and they drop dead on their own too, no one will stop them. Quite the contrary, I strongly endorse that, and if they encounter a miserable end, I¡¯ll even laugh in ridicule? Be it royalty or nobles, as long as they are not dragging other people into their fights, they can kill each other to their heart¡¯s content. And that resolves it, simple and easy?¡¹?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t matter if those that want to kill each other do it on their own, but turning it into a war and dragging many unrelated people into it greatly changes things turning into a royal pain in the ass. There is no issue at all with them killing each other by themselves.?

    ?

    ¡¸The church faction, nobles¡¯ armies, and the first prince¡¯s loyalists of the royal army formed an allied force, naming it ¡ºFrontier Subjugation Force ¡». Their goal is to take the head of Omui-sama for his opposition towards the kingdom, deliver the dungeon master¡¯s treasures to the kingdom and the church, and make the frontier supply the royal family, the church, and the nobles with magic stones pretty much free of charge. Currently, more than one-third of the kingdom¡¯s military is part of this faction, plus numerous small nobles from various regions.¡¹?

    ?

    That was all information that they gave us, nothing particularly crucial it seems. Well, even so, we now know their objectives, looks like they want Meripapa-san¡¯s head, the dungeon master¡¯s riches, and enslavement of the frontier. Since we have regeneration mushrooms Meripapa-san¡¯s head is not a big deal, but they also want to take the dungeon master¡¯s treasures, that¡¯s very bold of them.?

    ?

    They might be idiotic, ignorant, and incompetent fools, but their courage is worthy of praise. Going this far, it can¡¯t even be called foolhardiness, but one can¡¯t help but be impressed since they willingly want to experience horrors so great that even thinking about them is revolting.?

    ?

    I mean, the dungeon master in question is no dungeon master but dungeon emperor, or rather, that¡¯s Armored Pres-san, moreover, if we are talking about dungeon masters we also can¡¯t forget Slime-san. And they want to deliver that to the church and the kingdom. The world is going to perish in an instant. Everything will be destroyed the instant they receive such a donation, be it a capital, a kingdom, or a church. They are happily eating hamburgers for breakfast right now, but they are the scariest, the strongest, and the most destructive duo of weapons of mass annihilation in this world, and they want to present that? Even if one has the desire to end their life, they¡¯d still run away crying from that, and they want to send this in? Could it be that their aim is the downfall of humanity? When they have no weak point in the form of myself around they can be so terrifyingly strong that even thinking about it is a bit scary, you know? So much so that I¡¯m impressed that humanity and the continent managed to survive to this day? It¡¯s not a joke at all. I¡¯m absolutely serious about this.?

    ?

    ¡¸Such recklessness~, and such incompetence~? And if on top of that they also have no plan, it¡¯s gonna be GRAND SLAM at this rate? After all, Angelica-san and Slime-san are a danger to this world on their own but were they to try to make a move on them, the worst and the strongest unreasonable master will massacre them with a sinister smile~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Right? Were it Angelica-san and Slime-san alone, they might¡¯ve gotten off with only their armies and country destroyed, but if their master gets involved, then even their common sense and minds will be shattered?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, I read epics from the Theocracy, but the best I could find was how a god-chosen hero, shielded from Instant Death by Divine Protection, finally defeated an Evil Eye after 3 days of battle? If that¡¯s all they have, why would they even think about challenging the guy who made that god kneel, lecturing him, and then instantly killed an Evil Eye by glaring at it? ¡¹?

    ?

    Hm? They were supposed to be worried about me, but at some point, they began simply dissing me? I mean, they are clearly dissing me super hard! They even began referencing some religious epics, and ended with badmouthing me! I mean, back then, ¡ºInstant Death¡»just got Reflected, probably! I didn¡¯t kill it by glaring at it! I mean, it died the very moment our eyes met, I didn¡¯t glare at it at all? So I¡¯m innocent??

    ?

    Looks like they already began preparing for the march, while all organizational and expeditionary preparations were completed. But it seems they weren¡¯t given the plan, the army apparently was not informed of the strategy? Are they keeping it secret fearing that the information might leak? Or perhaps a different top-secret plan is currently being carried out at some other place. But neither Stalker Girl¡¯s clan nor Maid Girl have any information, nor did they hear of any sort of secret weapon. Maybe they got some sort of big shots on their side? If they have Lv200 adventurers, breaking through the fake dungeon should be possible¡­ Probably? Ability-wise it should be enough. Well, hang in there? I guess??

    ?

    I was sure that they would try to cross the mountains on a flying ship or something and was actually looking forward to that, but apparently, there is no such thing. I already began preparing, fully intending to capture it, but apparently, there is no such thing? I mean, what boy wouldn¡¯t want to get a flying ship??

    ?

    And so, receiving the latest information we were trying to discuss it, but talking about plans or countermeasures is difficult when it all makes no sense, just what the hell are they coming for? No, I mean, I heard their goals? I remember them, there is no way I can forget something that I heard some moments ago? Yeah, I definitely remember hearing something. But I don¡¯t get the meaning behind the actions of their army. At all.?

    ?

    They are simply marching with a great force? That¡¯s it??

    ?

    Alright, okay, but I don¡¯t understand what their countermeasures for the fake dungeon and guerilla warfare are. It seems that nothing could be found no matter how much they investigated. What are they coming for??

    ?

    Well, let¡¯s scout things out with my new weapon, heavily armored remote-control reconnaissance-in-force-type golem-kun num.1, when they get closer. Since it¡¯s not a monster I¡¯ll have to remotely control it, but it¡¯s just a disposable lump of stones. It¡¯s a slightly fortified dirt cheap weapon operating on cheap magic stones. It being wire-controlled is the weakness, but it wouldn¡¯t trouble me at all if it got destroyed or captured.?

    ?

    But on the other hand, it also means that there is nothing to do until then. I mean, it¡¯s just an army walking from afar, there is nothing to counterplan or countermove. Since they are walking from a distant place, their shoes might get damaged, so maybe I can profit by opening a shoe store? No, wait, they are coming to visit us from so far away, so selling souvenirs might be even more profitable. How about a pennant with ¡ºFrontier¡»written on it? For the shape, I guess, triangular is the best? Good grief, coming up with adequate measures is not easy.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hmmm, it doesn¡¯t seem like there is anything we can do at the moment. No matter how much we ponder on it, there is no information that we can build countermeasures upon, so let¡¯s wrap the meeting and go raid some dungeons?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This time we will get the passing mark!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, down with the dungeon masters.¡¹?

    ?

    Putting that futile thinking aside still doesn¡¯t mean that we are getting to rest, huh. Is she trying to become a hardworking workaholic girl? At the very least, it seems that no one is trying to become a neet. Well, I became one even before I got any ideas of becoming one, but despite that, I don¡¯t seem to get any days off. What an unwelcome title. Fighting three 50F bosses today is impossible, two boss fights might be possible, but regardless of whether they pass or not, if there are floors below 50 I¡¯ll be taking over. Dungeon items are a shortcut to strengthening. Since we have no idea how to break through the level 100 wall, there is no other option but to try to complete our equipment while fighting and earning experience. There is nothing bad about being over prepared. As they say, have a walking stick ready before you stumble, and if you beat the obstacle to death with it, there is no need to worry about stumbling anymore.

 CH 211

    Day 58 ¨C Morning, Dungeon, 40F?

    ?

    With their sword and weapons shining and glittering, they clatter their shields and armor, producing that characteristic metallic noise. Even though they are just monkeys. Well, we can¡¯t take them lightly, we have to keep our guard up. I mean, on our side we have idiots who are clearly dumber than monkeys. I¡¯m certain that they¡¯d lose if it came to the battle of wits. Even versus goblins, their chances of winning are dubious.?

    ?

    ¡¸Shoot! Three volleys!¡¹?

    ?

    The rain of arrows is getting denser, and with increased impact strength its suppression power also grew. The monkeys are squeaking in panic, but it¡¯s too late. There was a crowd of them, but it wasn¡¯t an army.?

    ?

    Spending less time on observation they now switch attack patterns quicker. Even if arrows prove effective, they give up on the continued ranged attack and proceed to charge the enemy. By swiftly putting an end to the fight they are getting rid of stalling. By the point the monkey became disorganized it was already decided. They were too late to act.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hyaaa!¡¹?

    ?

    As everyone now has item bags, they can switch weapons on the fly. and since they can carry weapons around, they have plenty of arms at hand too.?

    ?

    The vanguard center already prepared shields and halberds. Naturally, it goes without saying that I spent the previous evening crafting and ripped them off in the morning. There is no rest for the rich. Every opportunity has to be exploited.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hyaa. Sequential assault!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    With the vanguard¡¯s full speed charge followed by wavelike assault from the second and the third group they immediately settle the battle. While close combat carries its own risks, since there was no delay in execution, they were able to keep the initiative and immediately carry the fight into the extermination phase. And above all, the battles are short, so we have the momentum from that. Since they gave the enemy no time to think, they are able to hit them with one preemptive move after another, throwing the enemy into disarray before they can take any action.?

    ?

    ¡¸Scatter and sweep up the remnants, in groups!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    As soon as they clashed with the enemy they forcibly turned the fight into annihilation. A brute force strategy that cares nothing for what the opponents do. It seems decisiveness and discretion came together, assessing the situation with calm discretion and making decisions without fearing a failure. That is the Pres-sama, we don¡¯t need a commander in the rear. After all, this bunch is a combat class led by Pres-sama.?

    ?

    However, while¡ºArmored Monkeys Lv 40¡»dropped weapons, they are not very good, well, we can¡¯t use them, but they can be sold for a hefty sum. The girls, who went deep in debt yesterday are overjoyed, but they are too naive! They are getting ripped off tonight too, I actually went too hard on mass production, and ended up with a huge stockpile of cheongsams. Even if I don¡¯t count those that Armored Pres-san has already tried, I still have more than 60 dresses. Well, about half of them are mini or lewd versions, but whatever. They might complain, but lewd stuff still sells well. Even though they can¡¯t walk outside wearing that, it always somehow ends up completely sold out. In the end, one-pieces with open shoulders sold out, and those very tight figure-revealing minis sold out too. Cheongsams will sell as well.?

    ?

    While armed, the opponents were still monkeys, they had no comprehensive army-like command, and were destroyed without any planned response. There is an old saying that an army of sheep, led by a lion, is better than an army of lions, led by a sheep, allegedly by a claimer famous for his claim about the lack of the word impossible in the dictionary. In that case, monkeys led by a monkey have no way of beating high school students led by the Pres-sama. Even idiots are not a problem for her, let alone sheep. Even if those idiots are using boomerangs for beating monkeys up, it¡¯s still fine, well, there is probably a lot that is not right with their heads, but it¡¯s still alright. I wish we could trade them for actual sheep though.?

    ?

    ¡¸Gather up after you collect all of the magic stones. Haruka-kun, are there any hidden rooms?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Nope, nothing again. In the end, there is nothing since 37F. It seems 41F below us doesn¡¯t have one either. There is nothing to rip-off if we won¡¯t profit, so this is a threat to my way of the rich and bulk purchases?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you buying in bulk again? Do you need another lecture? Why are you trying to buy up the frontier? They are all good people, so it¡¯s alright, but normally, you shouldn¡¯t make credit transactions with strangers.¡¹?

    ?

    That happens to be the biggest mystery. Usually, one wouldn¡¯t loan money to strangers without any guarantees, but investments are about taking risks. That¡¯s why, taking risks into consideration, I¡¯m going around making investment contracts under such a high-interest rate. High enough to break even if at least 30% of investments go well. And yet I get the return on my investments in ten cases out of ten. Even if things don¡¯t go as well as was expected, they still scrape the sum together and come to pay up. And despite being ripped off they keep endlessly thanking me, trying to bring more money than was discussed in the contract. All of them. And since they are hardworking, they work more land than was discussed, operate workshops, and contribute to the local economy. And so when I come with another investment they desperately work and try to return more than was agreed per contract. I don¡¯t get this at all? The region finally has abundance, so surely they should have plenty of things they¡¯d like to have or buy? And that¡¯s why there is no end to this, that¡¯s why the growth sees no end. After all, even their lord is like that.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why we need dungeon items, the more weapons we have to protect this region full of silly softhearted fools, the better. It¡¯s fine even if it gets excessive.?

    ?

    The frontier that repaid beyond the estimated risks, and the people that live there, have the right to receive even more in return. Then let¡¯s take all of the risks that come our way, after all, I received that much to justify that. They showed that much worth to them. Enough to risk my own life for.?

    ?

    ¡¸We are leaving, check for forgotten belongings~? Haruka-kun is here, right~? Then, let¡¯s go.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeees.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    A departure order was given by Pres-sama, but why are they checking if I¡¯m here every single time? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m dropping into random holes all the time, so of course, I¡¯m here? Well, if I¡¯m not, it means I did fall into a hole, but since I didn¡¯t I¡¯m obviously here. And why do I get this feeling that I¡¯m being treated the same as forgotten belongings? Is it because I don¡¯t stand out and I¡¯m forgettable? Does my character lack impact, so I have to work harder to make an impression? I mean, I¡¯m pretty normal, so there is nothing to impress with? For real??

    ?

    And now they are sweeping up the 48th floor too. Since there is nothing to do I¡¯m attempting a challenging feat with Armored Pres-san and Slime-san of transition from large-scale¡ºTokyo Tower¡»to¡ºGreat Pyramid¡»with 3 people. Naturally, it¡¯s about a cat¡¯s cradle. I tried it too, and it turned out a bit fun? It looks like it was a hidden boom during girls¡¯ meetings. I wish I could¡¯ve seen the president ending up tightly bound after the string got tangled up, but that is a secret. Is she actually a clumsy character? It apparently was a disaster with her getting tied up, untying, then ending up bound again, and then being freed. I really wish I could¡¯ve seen that. Just when I thought she is going to become a mistress-like character, she turns out to be an M girl. She has quite a depth to her character.?

    ?

    ¡¸Annihilated. We are having a short break after gathering all of the magic stones.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaaay.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    She is valiantly giving out orders. Even though she had so much trouble yesterday, getting tied up, with this place ending up like that and even that place getting like that, with the string biting into outrageous places in an outrageous fashion becoming an outrageous sight, she is valiantly giving out orders today. And also glaring at me with a flat gaze! So she noticed! I mean, Armored Pres-san gave me a super explicit description in the most vivid details? As a highschool boy I¡¯m also having it tough, with the image inevitably coming to my mind? However, just how did she manage to get into turtle shell bondage while playing a cat¡¯s cradle? Such a mystery??

    ?

    Imagining it any further is dangerous. I mean, the pres pulled out the whip and seems to have changed Job to Pres-sama. Even though she engaged in solo M-Girl play yesterday, what a colorful variety of jobs she has. And yet I¡¯m still stuck as jobless here? No, I¡¯m not thinking about that anymore, so please put that away? Honestly? Well, I did want to see that, but since I didn¡¯t see it, I only imagined how it went? So I¡¯m innocent and totally blameless? I mean, for a highschool boy such a thrilling and exciting cat¡¯s cradle with bondage before/after involving highschool class president is¡­ No, you got me wrong! That¡¯s dangerous! That whip is real bad news! I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t do that anymore. So please spare me whip attacks with a teary flat gaze. This is an uber dangerous weapon on par with Armored Pres-san, it¡¯s so crazy that I can¡¯t dodge it without ¡ºTeleport¡»! Yes, I¡¯m sorry.?

    ?

    Giving in to the thrill might lead to my untimely demise, so I¡¯ll stay put, or rather, we were just playing a cat¡¯s cradle, but since they were doing lewd stuff while playing the conversation turned weird, which is not my fault at all, so I¡¯m totally and absolutely innocent, but since this seems to be a DANGER ZONE lets just turn the other way. I mean, she is looking my way with the whip in her hands? It seems that part was poking out, and was very soft and plumpy, but if I let it bother me any further I¡¯ll be killed with that whip!

 CH 212

    Chapter 212: Using whispers to incite fantasies, and then switching from offense to defense, lately, she is quite a technician?

    ?

    Day 58 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon, 50F?

    ?

    In the end, there were only two hidden rooms. While the items were quite good, they were nothing especially impressive. Even so, while they can¡¯t become a decisive element, improved with mithril they might become a sufficient increase in battle potential.?

    ?

    That¡¯s because the other two items are too outstanding. They keep displaying an overwhelming might, completely outclassing every other item.?

    ?

    The chain whip wielded by the Pres-sama ¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡»creates a wall of offense with its overwhelming storm of destructive force. ¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning ¨C ALL 70% UP, +ATT, Grand Lightning, Whirlwind, Hundred Strikes, Seal of Raging Skies, Shape and Length Manipulation.¡», at that point, that¡¯s a suppression weapon. And when wielded with the pres¡¯ Whip Mastery it can overpower even a dungeon master.?

    ?

    And then the halberd used by the Geek Guardian, last night I mithrilified and infused it with magic stones, turning it into an exceptional weapon,¡ºGreat Sweeping Blade ¨C ALL 50% Up, +ATT +DEF, Slashing/Blunt/Thrust Attack Bonus (Greater), Sweeping Wind¡». Sweep, stab around, cut enemies to pieces storming through the battlefield, an all-purpose polearm weapon. He tears through enemies by chaining together weapon skills. With his keen focus, he keeps the combo up, forcibly turning it into a multi-hit attack. A perfect reliance on cheats.?

    ?

    The difficulty of that devastating combo is so ultra-high that it makes one wonder why not use that concentration on practicing his basics? He forcibly merged several moves with full-automatic execution into one consecutive attack.?

    ?

    An amazing combo that has not a shred of confidence in his own ability behind it. He didn¡¯t insert even a single attack made with his own power to fill the gaps!?

    ?

    The Pres-sama and the Geek Guardian are going back and forth, switching positions, alternating offense and defense.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why they are consistently able to receive his attack when their defenses are ready, and at the same time, as much as the opponent might wish to break that formation since the onslaught of attacks never stop the enemy is forced into defensive combat, gradually being pushed back.?

    ?

    A giant that spits fire from its three heads. ¡ºCacus Lv100¡», since it was an unexpected Lv100 dungeon master, I was about to take him on, but that was put on hold, so I¡¯m currently on standby. Well, I tried to scan around, but it seems his little sister¡ºCacia¡»is not around, so it should be alright, however, they seem to be well-matched in terms of strength, so it¡¯s an undoubtedly dangerous fight. They are simply misleading and dominating him through strategy, so there is no room for negligence.?

    ?

    But Cacus is a son of the god of fire Vulcan that appears in Roman mythology, and a giant who does mischief together with his little sister Cacia until he is eventually exterminated by Hercules. The nature of his offense is cattle thievery, a very odd monster.?

    ?

    But with his sister not around, were they unable to keep good family relations in this world? Wait, speaking of not going well, there was a version that Cacia betrayed Cacus and revealed the location of his cave to Heracles. Them not being on good terms is very likely. This world is a tough one too.?

    ?

    And I can¡¯t let my guard down here too! To think that Armored Pres-san would come with ¡º8-step Ladder¡»from ¡ºGreat Pyramid¡»! Taking it under the assumption that she was going for ¡ºHelicopter¡»was a mistake. Escaping to ¡ºFishnet¡»I tried to progress from there, but just when I relaxed thinking that it¡¯s safe now, she began progressing towards¡º8-step Ladder¡». Slime-san even began bouncing from the excessive shock. How fearsome is ex-dungeon emperor scheming! This is the true stratagem! In fact, even ¡ºGreat Pyramid¡»was nothing but bait, a mere part of a grand cat¡¯s cradle scheme!?

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)?

    ?

    Slime-san seems to be having a hard time too, but you can¡¯t use more than 10 tentacles, okay? If we go that way it¡¯ll become a never-ending cat¡¯s cradle story since we all can do that? It¡¯s banned.?

    ?

    Actually, Armored Pres-san can use Evil Hands as well. When I tried the 20-sword style with Evil Hands, she countered it with the 10-sword style! By the way, she could counter it with just one sword, so the result is the same in the end. Naturally, while I say countered, I mean beat the hell out of me.?

    ?

    Generally, I end up having a bad time if I¡¯m trying to hold out through small gimmicks, but when I fight through sheer ability, I still end up having a bad time. For now, I¡¯ve never seen any conclusion aside from having a bad time. I¡¯m pretty sure that the latest popular understanding is supposed to be that while the word is written as ¡ºpractice¡», it is to be read as ¡ºsuffering¡» and understood as ¡ºgetting beaten up¡».?

    ?

    At this rate, my name will soon be followed by ¡ºPunching Bag¡»in parenthesis. Yesterday, I felt that somehow I was referred to as a register, I wonder if it was just my imagination??

    ?

    ¡¸Right flank, attack! Defensive formation forward!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    At last, the second head fell to the floor. Soon, his left hand will be chopped off as well. And then it will be checkmate. ¡ºRegeneration¡»of level 100 dungeon master can¡¯t keep up at all anymore. With his ¡ºGrand Blaze¡»being blown away by the Pres-sama¡¯s chain whip, he is reduced to a normal giant. Unable to do anything he is being simply destroyed while helplessly raging around. Roaring in rage, Cacus is gradually being whittled down.?

    ?

    He is distracted by the Pres-sama and the Geek Guardian who seem like the biggest threat. But the real source of damage is the saturation attack by the other 27 people. They seem to be slowly wearing him down, but it is them who took 80% of his HP while he was preoccupied with the two that seemed like the biggest threat.?

    ?

    This is a total tactical victory. By the point he got caught into their tactic there is nothing a level 100 dungeon master can do except go down. A complete victory.?

    ?

    And here we have Armored Pres-san¡¯s complete victory too. If it was a 4 step ladder I could¡¯ve handled it, but 8-step is too much. It¡¯s my utter defeat.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m really moved that we finally defeated a level 100 dungeon master¡­ But the cat¡¯s cradle is really bothering me!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Until¡ºGreat Pyramid¡»both offense and defense were amazing, watching it was really worthwhile. However, 8-step was impossible, huh?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun¡¯s defeat was already sealed when he chickened out and tried to return it to Fishnet. His lack of heart brought defeat.¡¹?

    ?

    For some reason, a review session for our string game has begun. Moreover, I¡¯m currently being dissed? Well, I did chicken out. But why was everyone watching that?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Enough about cat¡¯s cradle, let¡¯s begin the review session! Gather up, but why is there a cat¡¯s cradle tournament being held right when we are desperately fighting a boss? Moreover, it¡¯s like the boss is just a sideshow, with everyone being focused on that passionate battle?!¡¹?

    ?

    The Pres-sama is infuriated. She must¡¯ve gotten emotional damage (Trauma) from her previous experience with cat¡¯s cradle. And while it seems she is very dissatisfied with the cat¡¯s cradle tournament, it¡¯s not because she didn¡¯t feel anything. For example, last night, during that turtle shell bondage incident, she kept writhing around, making the cord burrow deeper, clearly showing that she is feeling it in a very sensual and sensitive way.?

    ?

    Or rather, why is the Armored Pres-san whispering to me about dangerous incidents of the girls-only meetings right in the middle of our nighttime showdown? Isn¡¯t it rude if I¡¯ll think about some different girl when we are doing it? And right when I thought that, the Armored Pres switched from defense to offense! The exquisite use of whispers for both offense and defense.?

    ?

    And while going hard on offense she kept whispering into my ear about where the cord was wedging in, how her breasts were, where they accidentally rubbed when trying to free her and what happened because of that? As a result, yesterday I ended up in an unusual unfavorable position, and had to endure numerous attacks until I was able to finally turn the situation around! It was a fearsome trap of the dungeon emperor. And since she has become quite a technician lately, I can¡¯t take her lightly! She is truly a worthy opponent, tonight we are going to have another showdown!?

    ?

    And then I ended up repeatedly apologizing to the Pres-sama who was glaring at me with a teary-eyed flat gaze while brandishing her whip. And of course, despite repeatedly apologizing, I was still made to kneel and scolded. Regrettably, it seems she had no such similar incidents with the whip, no wedging in or twining around. Truly regrettable.?

    ?

    And while they called it a review meeting, they were beaming with smiles, that¡¯s delight and confidence that came from beating a level 100 dungeon master with their own strength.?

    ?

    And they reached level 100 themselves. Finally, around half of the classmates managed to break through the level 100 wall and gained new power.?

    ?

    I mean, passing or not passing is not that important now, since they obtained the strength to truly contend with dungeon masters. Gathering a whole raid group to challenge those on the 50th floor might be an overkill now.?

    ?

    So the condition is defeating a level 100 dungeon master? And if there are level 100 adventurers, it means that there are people out there who are capable of that. Isn¡¯t it a bit of a tall task though?

 CH 213

    Chapter 213: Not only their present but their existence itself dissipated into the air, at that point, that is just air.?

    ?

    Day 58 ¨C Late Morning, Dungeon, 50F?

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle. Jiggle, Jiggle.)?

    ?

    Dungeon Master Cacus in a giant-like fashion left a giant magic stone of high purity after his death, plus some drop items too. ¡ºScorching Stone ¨C Flame Affinity Increase (EX), Blaze, Searing Flame, Hell Fire¡», another rock. Well, it was a fire-breathing giant, so the item is fire-related too.?

    ?

    And as expected, Slime-san wants to have it. For some unknown reason, it is very fond of stones. Since it¡¯s not a precious stone, Avarice Pres-san showed no interest.?

    ?

    ¡¸But we might be able to infuse weapons with it? Should we try that first? And we might find some uses for it later if we just keep it? Preparing your equipment in advance is important, like, remember how the saying goes ¡ºKill before you stumble¡»? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Why are you so determined to kill before stumbling?! Isn¡¯t that just killing random passersby? This isn¡¯t a saying, this is just an advance notice for a crime!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Everyone seems to want to give it to Slime-san. Certainly, at the moment it has no clear use, and making or infusing items with it doesn¡¯t seem possible for now, but being a drop from a level 100 dungeon master it has a possibility to turn out to be an amazing item. But the begging has begun.?

    ?

    ¡¸Slime-san is helping us with training lately, so it¡¯s like a tuition fee? Should that be fine? Slime-san seems to want it.¡¹?

    ?

    (Ji~ggle, Ji~ggle!)?

    ?

    It¡¯s dancing. Does that mean that Slime-san fully understands our speech then? I knew that it is clever, and there was no doubt that it is sentient, but having such learning ability is not something that can be dismissed as mere cleverness. Because it means that it is at the very least on par with humans.?

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, if you can¡¯t make use of it, then it¡¯s just a waste, letting it stay unused? And look at how cute Slime-san is bouncing? Slime-san seems to want it?¡¹?

    ?

    It is asking to be spoiled! Slime-san clearly knows what it is doing. It is appearing cute on purpose so others would pamper it! It¡¯s begging for it! Rather than being clever, it is plain sly! It¡¯s a sentient gooey lifeform that is pretending to be a pet slime.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah, plus if Slime-san gets stronger it is a perfectly good boost to our combat strength as well. There is no problem? And look at how it¡¯s dancing?¡¹?

    ?

    Lately, it was conversing with the poster girl through the mysterious dance whenever it got the free time. A slime capable of understanding human speech is a mystery, but the Poster Girl, who is capable of a mysterious dance that allows her to converse with the gooey lifeform through its gestures is a mystery too? Moreover, yesterday, she was talking with it through breakdancing. I wonder, what was the topic??

    ?

    In the end, Slime-san received¡ºScorching Stone¡», and is going around thanking everyone through the dance of joy. Well, I¡¯m actually the one paying for that, though it will be offset with ¡ºDungeon Item Payment¡», so that is fine, but does Slime-san who is already on a dungeon emperor level, still wants new abilities? It is also absorbing skills through eating, just how much stronger does it want to become??

    ?

    ¡¸Now, let¡¯s hit another dungeon or two after having a meal outside.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The 50th floor is the last one and there are no hidden rooms, so there is nothing to do in this dungeon anymore. Using Gate we return straight to the surface. Well, even with the monsters respawning, it¡¯s just weaklings on the upper floors, the guild will clean them up when they come to confirm the kill.?

    ?

    This is a reopening of the omuraisu festival that was so well-received the last time, finishing the table setting, following the supreme command, we proceed to the meal. This was the most popular request, the oyakodon that was pushing it, was defeated.?

    ?

    Creating tables and chairs on a grass-covered plain I cover the tables with tablecloths, decorate them with flowers, and preparations are over. All of that took only a moment. And on top of them the lunch is lined up. A minute later the time has finally come, quick, tasty, and rip-off!?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Omuraisu has returned! Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The touching reunion mass-produced schoolgirls with ketchup smeared mouths. The annoying idiots that keep coming for additional servings over and over every time we sit down to eat were given extra-large portions in the same extra-large bucket-type tableware as Slime-san. Well, although I say bucket-type tableware, those are just buckets, but that is a secret. They seem to be happy with that, so whatever.?

    ?

    The now fully stuffed girls are rolling around in the grass, Slime-san is also doing the same. Looks like they are satisfied.?

    ?

    Since it¡¯s a break, Armored Pres-san removed her armor and is relaxing too. With numerous leggings and tank top girls rolling around, the idiots, who were so noisy just a short while ago, seem to have dispersed into the air. Not only traces of their presence but their entire existence itself has disappeared! But since they can still be seen it probably won¡¯t count as a skill.?

    ?

    Walking along the river, in part as an after-meal walk, we head to the next dungeon.?

    ?

    The river¡¯s upstream? Never been there. While not far from the town, this area has no villages or anything at all, and it¡¯s only recently that deforestation has begun here, so it¡¯s still an unknown area.?

    ?

    There was a dungeon.?

    ?

    ¡¸A natural scenery overflowing with vibrant greenery basking in bountiful sunlight under a murmur of a nearby river, a comfortable haven to soothe your soul, a tranquil sanctuary with plentiful mana, and a rich variety of monsters to choose from in the surroundings, accompanied by an optimal and comfortable tough dungeon to support the lifestyle of your dreams. Popular, currently on sale? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Crap, he likes it!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s a good dungeon, you know? Certainly, compared to the Great Dungeon it¡¯s a bit of a downgrade, but that being the case, it also doesn¡¯t have that feeling of excessive spaciousness? The structure also doesn¡¯t compare in its favor but compared to any other dungeon aside from the Great Dungeon, it¡¯s outstandingly well-made. The just-right distance from the town, and proximity to the Evil Forest, plus, since it¡¯s a riverside, it comes with pick as much fish as you want service, and only now, it also comes with a special bonus of a dungeon master¡¯s magic stone! Kind of!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸He is totally planning to kill the dungeon master and overtake the dungeon! Dungeon Master-san, run! Escape! Wait, we can¡¯t let them escape!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    With no villages or anything at all in this direction, it required no checks. The location has nothing to fault, and the structure, while having the basics covered also had some sort of a clever feature for each floor. A very thought-out dungeon. This has to be the work of quite a skilled dungeon master.?

    ?

    ¡¸And what¡¯s most important, the arch of this entrance and the pillars are arousing my passion for design! I¡¯m going to let it run wild here! Pouring all of it into those halls!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸And he already began remodeling it! Wait, we haven¡¯t killed the dungeon master yet, so even if you tamper with it, things will soon turn back to how they originally were.¡¹?

    ?

    Yeah. Well, this is like a trial remodeling? Since things will turn back the way they were I can just make random tweaks and see how they work out, this is like an amazing showroom. As I thought, the dungeon entrance is the important point. The dungeon master from here gets it. The layout of the space inside is nicely supported by the entrance, and the way it is designed to spread from there in a radial fashion is simply marvelous! The feel of the depth is also excellent! We can expect a lot from this property!?

    ?

    But speaking about this atmosphere, the texture, the quality, measured planning, and the dignified feel of it all, this place is unmistakably deep.?

    ?

    Definitely over 60 floors. I have a hunch that it has more than even 70 floors. This is bad. Like, monsters on 80+ floors are crazy. It¡¯s basically floor master-level monsters but in groups. Well, there shouldn¡¯t be any danger up until the 50th floor. Things here should be stronger than in other dungeons, but it shouldn¡¯t be a problem for those over level 100.?

    ?

    The aura changes after going over level 100, it takes only one look to recognize that the person is strong. Even in the case of the bitches. By the way, they overshoot level 100 so hard that they seem to be level 104 now. Looks like they had lots of experience points saved up. Even so, there was no evolution into Bitch Queen. Bitches A ¨C D also remained the same. I wonder if there are evolutionary conditions? Like, chomping down a whole level 100 dungeon master starting from the head? Yeah, they might evolve from that! But if I keep at those thoughts, I might be the one to be chomped down, I mean, they are glaring at me! Those eyes are the eyes of those intending to bite!?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, we gotta check the arrangements of the rooms. Starting from 1F entrance and the living room, I guess? While there aren¡¯t many rooms~, they are spacious~, and I can make a parlor here~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh no. He is so into it, he even began singing.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    So this is the entrance area, huh~, looking good. If only they had mirrors in this world, I could install some here and it would¡¯ve been perfect. Sadly, it seems they have not arrived to mirror manufacture yet. They should sell well if I make some¡­ But, it¡¯s such a pain? But this wall surface would shine with a mirror! And the bedroom needs them too! On all surfaces!

 CH 214

    Day 58- Afternoon, Dungeon, 1F.?

    ?

    ¡¸On the one hand I¡¯d like to make a display corner with wall racks, but on the other, maybe it would be better to leave the wall untouched to produce a sense of spaciousness? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle) (Nod, Nod)?

    ?

    As I thought, huh. Then, putting a bookshelf on the opposite side and¡­ I don¡¯t have any books. While I am gathering them, I only have 20 issues. On top of that, more than half of them appear to be forbidden literature. Putting some nice chairs here might be interesting as well, but then might as well add a counter, and why would I make an entrance this cozy? There would be no way to reach the living room like that!?

    ?

    ¡¸Would be nice to make the ceiling higher since it¡¯s the first floor~? Judging by the rocky formation, 20 meters should be no problem? I¡¯d also like to add a skylight, which would also give access to sunlight. Wouldn¡¯t it look fancy if I also added a catwalk? It also would be convenient during cleaning?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle) (Nod, Nod)?

    ?

    Yeah~, right. Dungeons tend to get dark no matter what, so I¡¯d like to add some variety by making the first floor bright, giving it a soothing atmosphere, and then going more chic on the lower floors. Illumination through indirect lighting should be started on lower floors. First, the upper floors themselves should be uniform with a brighter color, while the design should cover the lighting with¡­?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey. We are in combat~? We are about to wrap things up, but we are still in combat~? Why are the three of you just sitting, drawing blueprints~? We are exploring a dungeon~, did you forget~?¡¹?

    ?

    I mean, a pack of ¡ºGhouls Lv1¡»can be instantly obliterated solo??

    ?

    The stat growth of level 100 is absurd. The strength is a completely different thing. They surpassed the limits of humanity. Well, a portion of them also gave up on being humans altogether. Don¡¯t run on the walls without skills for that! The ghouls aren¡¯t flying, so stick to walking on the floor! Don¡¯t run on the ceiling as well! Stop dirtying the walls! Aaah~, how annoying.?

    ?

    A level 100 wouldn¡¯t need even casual clothes to deal with a pack of level 1 monsters, they can do it butt-naked without any problem. Even weapons are unnecessary. It would be a naked girls¡¯ rampage.?

    ?

    That girl might actually try that. I should ban her from the living room on 1F, which is meant for welcoming guests.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s make a pool or a huge bath on the lower floors and throw her there together with the Fish Girl. They¡¯ll be overjoyed.?

    ?

    They must want to swim. They were swimming every day, so I¡¯m sure they still want to continue.?

    ?

    After all, back at school, they spent so much time swimming that them being in the water was their default state. They must¡¯ve thought that it would stay that way.?

    ?

    Nudist Girl, who performed at an international tournament and was chosen for the Olympic training program, and an unknown regular swimmer Fish girl. But Fish Girl is the actual authority.?

    ?

    It¡¯s simply that Nudist Girl, who was born with the physique of an athlete, was faster, but Fish Girl is the one who was truly amazing. While she lacked physical abilities, she happened to be the one who was truly good at swimming and in love with it.?

    ?

    That is why Nudist Girl took her as an example, admiring and chasing after Fish Girl¡¯s beautiful swimming form, and was coached by her. That¡¯s how a school that had no trainer, suddenly, got an outstanding athlete like Nudist Girl. And even now, after becoming a representative athlete, she still admires Fish Girl and is chasing after her.?

    ?

    They must¡¯ve been swimming all the time together, and they surely would¡¯ve been doing that even now if they could.?

    ?

    I definitely should make a pool for them someday! And rip them off on the entrance fees! No, I mean, making one is not a big deal? But the requests for swimsuits are definitely going to come my way? Or rather, I already got a request for two school swimsuits from Nudist Girl. However, why not competitive swimsuits and school swimsuits instead? Is that a trap for my Affection Rating? I mean, isn¡¯t a high school boy who makes school swimsuits all alone at night just plain creepy? Isn¡¯t that pretty bad? Especially in terms of public image??

    ?

    But well, thinking about those two, it might be fine to make some? Although I don¡¯t think that things will end with just that. Rather, I have confidence that they won¡¯t. Well, I¡¯ll make one for Armored Pres-san too, of course, I will, obviously. The problem is the raging tide of orders that will come after Armored Pres-san shows it off. Well, the orders themselves are fine. The true hell for a highschool boy is the measurements! The feeling of elaborate torture is unreal, the lust is going wild in a raging whirlwind of desire, endlessly spinning and threatening to spill out, driving me insane, this is too much for a highschool boy. For real??

    ?

    That is what the true hell is like.?

    ?

    Even rough measurements taken the last time had me in anguish for three days after them! Even Armored Pres-san had it rough, although now that I think of it, wasn¡¯t she provoking me for some reason too? In any case, underwear and swimsuits are bad, because measurements for them can¡¯t be taken over the clothes, and it probably would require some adjustments after trying them on. It¡¯s impossible, I¡¯ll die, it¡¯ll be¡ºA murder case of a steaming high school boy fainting in agony! A mystery concealed by female underwear and swimsuits, the culprit was the high school boy himself!¡»It¡¯s so bad that it won¡¯t even make for a mystery since the name of the culprit would be written in the title. It¡¯s impossible. I mean, I¡¯m a highschool boy after all??

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey, we are leaving, okay? We are going down. I have no idea why you¡¯d be muttering ¡ºSchool swimsuits, huh~¡»with such a troubled face while remodeling the dungeon, but we are going to the next floor, so tag along. You¡¯ll have a lecture when we get back~. ¡¹?

    ?

    I was muttering, it seems. Once again, in order to avoid a sermon, I will have to explain my innocence. I already have not only placards, but even hanging banners, stating ¡ºI did nothing wrong¡», but it seems that they still didn¡¯t get the message. Oh, how vain and powerless can the words be. Even though I didn¡¯t do anything.?

    ?

    (Finally, the manufacture of swimsuits!)?

    ?

    (I don¡¯t have the courage for the bikini¡­ or rather, a chest¡­)?

    ?

    (When will he start accepting advance orders? What about the price? The types? Is made-to-order possible?)?

    ?

    (Let¡¯s ask Angelica-san during the meeting.)?

    ?

    (But where are we going to swim? Wouldn¡¯t the river be dangerous?)?

    ?

    The girls are murmuring about something? Good grief, they are too relaxed for being in a dungeon. One has to be vigilant at all times, always conducting oneself as if being on a battlefield, only then is there a meaning to it? The high school girls are such JK those days, well, logically thinking, they are actually JK, and good thing it is JK and not JFK, we need no assassinations here. [1]?

    ?

    The second floor came with a different charm to it. It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call the dungeon master of this place an artisan.?

    ?

    ¡¸While spacious it is encircling you with smooth curves, a big oblong room, or rather, a hall? Big enough to receive over 100 people if made into a dining hall, and can also be used as a conference room, meanwhile, small private rooms adjacent to it can be turned into waiting rooms or into some sort of workshops. A marvelous, well-thought-through unity of amenity and flow gives birth to this masterwork of simple and elegant design. The rooms that have both the size and the ease of use and the beauty of form that comes with it. This is a good dungeon!¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle) (Nod Nod)?

    ?

    ¡¸Didn¡¯t you hear? We are busy fighting, so leave your criticism for later. Or rather, at least stop remodeling the floor while we are fighting! Even the monsters are freaking out!¡¹?

    ?

    It will be all over soon enough anyway. I mean, they are really strong. I¡¯m sure today¡¯s training session with Armored Pres-san will be worth seeing. After all, being fast and hitting hard are the two biggest threats. They are simply strong and move very fast, that is the power of high stats. Simple and pure strength is what is truly scary, technique is nothing but a way to cope for those that don¡¯t have that. Technique, equipment, skills, and all other such conditions can be easily overcome with sheer strength. Move faster than the enemy, hit harder than their defense can withstand, if one can win with that alone then that is the strongest. I dare say, the modification effects got stronger after level 100, I can¡¯t help but feel that they became stronger than the numbers in their stats would suggest? There is now a real risk of my death if I end up in another school girl body pile! Or rather, that was risky regardless of the level. It had the destructive power that a highschool boy can¡¯t oppose. Well, not like I tried??

    ?

    ¡¸You can¡¯t do this~? If you keep putting fancy furniture all over the dungeon, the monsters will become corrupted with a fashionable lifestyle~?¡¹?

    ?

    Vice President B-san seems to be against corrupting the monsters? Does it mean that she prefers wholesome monsters? Although I do feel that instead of engaging in wholesome assaults, it would be better for the world if they got corrupted and ate sitting at the tables? But it seems she doesn¡¯t approve? And they are shaking? (Cough, Cough) Oh no! Where was that bloodlust from? I¡¯m sure I felt at least 20 bloodthirsty gazes??

    ?

    However, some things can¡¯t be understood from blueprints alone without trying the layout on the site. At times, adding furniture can suddenly make the place appear smaller. Being unable to grasp the actual situation without putting things in place no matter how meticulous the calculations were is not that rare. Would monsters use a counter table though? Moreover, those are rabbits? It would be a pity if they ended up crushed under one.?

    ?

    But lovely¡ºSpike Rabbits Lv2¡»ended up butchered by evil girls. Well, we can¡¯t extract ingredients from monsters that were spawned from mana by places like evil forests or dungeons. Even overhunting them won¡¯t get us any fur. And even though they are attacking us, they are still cute? I¡¯d prefer to tame them instead of the bitches. Where should I file a request for the exchange? Although someone might end up getting bitten if they discover it. Namely ¨C me.?

    ?

    Now, I wonder what the layout of the 3rd floor looks like. I can expect things from it. Although it¡¯s slightly too spacious, it¡¯s not as excessively so as the Great Dungeon. Although it does lose in quality.?

    ?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind simple private rooms from the 5th floor and on, but I think that for 3-5 it would be more convenient if they were centered around a hall of some kind? Although the lower floors need their own stuff, like training grounds, a forge, a workshop would be nice as well, and I can¡¯t give up on a large bath¡­ But the floors below the middle ones will probably end up being storage, right? Going down there feels like such a bother.¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle) (Nod Nod)?

    ?

    However, it is rare to find such a nice property that is close to both the town and my sweet cave home in the forest and also located right near the river. For starters, I¡¯d like to see at least the entirety of the upper floors. Even if I can¡¯t settle here right away, it is still worth taking.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] The abbreviation JK stands for Å®×Ó¸ßÉú (joshi k¨­sei), high school girl(s)

 CH 215.1

    Chapter 215: Sadly, the stat boost seems to have had no influence on the intelligence ¨C Part 1?

    ?

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±?

    ?

    Day 58 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon, 38F?

    ?

    Hmm, since I¡¯m going to eventually remodel the place anyway, this is good enough to give it a passing mark, but the ceiling is too low. It might be because there are only a few large monsters, but lack of height creates a feeling of oppression? For private rooms that might be fine too¡­ But I can¡¯t help but compare it to the Great Dungeon. To that degree of perfection and its refined architecture. And then all the rough parts end up standing out, and the layout doesn¡¯t appear that great as well. However, location-wise this place is better.?

    ?

    ¡¸Vanguard, get ready, charge at the same time with the arrow volley! Release! Also, the trio in the back, stop remodeling!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger! Moving out!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    Level 38 Bears are losing to them in strength and go flying. The heavyweight-class equipment combined with a high-speed charge scatters enemies with a terrible clash, the collision alone eliminating most of their HP.?

    ?

    This is the level wall, the irresistible overwhelming power.?

    ?

    It¡¯s unfortunate, but it seems it did not reflect on their intelligence. Why would they go out of their way to bring boomerangs to a high-speed heavy infantry charge? Since when did this become a charge weapon? And just when are you going to throw it? Why would you switch to boomerangs without a hint of hesitation after I went through the trouble of making halberds and arming every frontliner with them? And they actually went and wiped them out with boomerangs. Just what are boomerangs supposed to be??

    ?

    In this case, the boss fight on the 50th floor also shouldn¡¯t pose much of a risk. As they are right now, they¡¯d be able to overwhelm even the rafflesia, and even break through the sea of mummies. Well, Slime-san shouldn¡¯t be viewed as the same category as other dungeon masters anymore, and even if they happen to encounter something like the Sand Giant, with their current strength they should be able to retreat.?

    ?

    They can withdraw while defending together, and that is the most important thing. Running away is perfectly fine in order to make it home alive.?

    ?

    And since I put simple barrier devices inside the fancy item bags, they should be able to buy them some time. It¡¯s just that they are too large and can only last for a short amount of time, but they can help in an emergency. Meanwhile, there is no hope at the moment for the emergency escape devices. After all, I¡¯m the only person who has ¡ºTeleportation¡», and even I can¡¯t control it at all, which makes it too unreliable to assign to items.?

    ?

    It¡¯s amazing that I managed to teleport to Stalker Girl back then. Since then there has been no successful mid-range jump, let alone long-range ones. Maybe it works better if there is a target??

    ?

    But as I thought, this dungeon is deep, nowhere near 50 floors. How far should I take them? Yes, they are stronger than me, but eventually, they are going to be pushed back. Aside from the level difference, humans and monsters also have a difference in resilience and physical build, so eventually, they definitely will face pushback.?

    ?

    While they are on their way to becoming the greatest of heroes, they aren¡¯t killers, if they can¡¯t overpower the enemy, they lose. They can¡¯t eliminate the enemy before the enemy resists. Because that¡¯s cheating.?

    ?

    It¡¯s possible if it¡¯s us alone. Here I have Armored Pres-san with her unfair technique and Slime-san whose entire existence is like cheating. And then there is me, praised by the girls day and night as the winner of the triple crown of sneakiness, scumminess, and underhandedness. I¡¯m exceedingly good at it. Wait, a moment? Now that I think of it, it¡¯s not a praise at all!.. Let¡¯s rip them off again tonight. And I was getting happy like a fool.?

    ?

    With this and that, we finally encountered the first hidden room on the 43rd floor. The monsters were already routed, battered, torn, shredded, and scattered to the wind. Everything is being resolved through an arrow volley followed by a charge. They are unrecognizably stronger. This is level 100, anyone would call them the strongest, this is the realm of strength that can be called transcendent.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m ba~ack? The treasure was ¡ºWindstorm Mace ¨C PoW MiN InT 30% Up, +ATT, Windstorm, Shattering Impact, Weapons and Armor Internal Destruction¡», isn¡¯t this nasty? It probably won¡¯t only destroy the armor but will also turn what¡¯s inside it into a mashed ground meat hamburger or dumpling. This is harsh! What do you want for dinner today? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Apologize to Hamburgers and Dumplings! And don¡¯t bring up dinner after drawing such a scene! No ground meat today!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    With the deficit of hammers and maces this is a precious weapon, plus, since it came from a dungeon, it has good bonuses as well. I¡¯d like an axe next, but we still need more gear too. The amount of swords is adequate, and armor or light armor is so-so. Gloves, boots, cloaks, are all in shortage, there were a few accessories, but that¡¯s not enough. Even assuming that Armored Pres-san who already has ultimate equipment doesn¡¯t need anything new, I still would like to fuse new items into my equipment if I find anything nice, so we need to gear more than 30 people. We might never have enough. Even so, there is no other choice but to gradually keep strengthening the equipment. As there is no such thing as absolute safety, there is no other choice but to keep going towards even greater safety. Therefore, dungeons.?

    ?

    And on the 48th floor was an axe, did I set a flag? Should I decide beforehand on what I want to find? However, to this day, no matter how hard I desired, there wasn¡¯t a single Affection Rating boosting item! Did I block this flag somewhere??

    ?

    But, conveniently, or perhaps this is the specialty of this dungeon, this is the second weapon in a row that comes with Weapons and Armor Destruction attached. I shouldn¡¯t let that Internal Destruction part bother me. These weapons could be considered extremely useful in anti-human fights, or a war. Basically, if one can render the opponent powerless or weaken them by destroying their equipment, then it would allow carrying the fight in a favorable direction. Well, if insides get destroyed along the way too it¡¯s a bit ¡°that¡±, but these are still unmistakably strong weapons. And it seems there is a need for protection items for the lower half of the body, that Inside Destruction is scary! Actually, can the lower part properly Regenerate if crushed through the Internal Destruction? I don¡¯t want to test that! Not only as a highschool boy, any man would be against that! That place is off-limits.?

    ?

    But well, even if we found some useful equipment, I have no intention whatsoever to let them go to war, but they became too strong. They aren¡¯t going to obediently stay behind anymore. It felt long because they were stuck at level 99 for a while, but it¡¯s been less than 2 months, the growth speed of Cheat owners greatly surpassed expectations. This was a miscalculation.?

    ?

    And this is another great find¡ºShattering Long Axe ¨C ViT PoW DeX 30% Up, Physical Resistance (Greater), + ATT, Fracture, Weapons And Armor Destruction¡», not only does it have good stats but also resistances, a skill, and on top of it weapon and armor destruction. This dungeon seems to be a jackpot in quite a few ways. That¡¯s why it might be dangerous.?

    ?

    Now, the most efficient option would probably be to give the gear destruction weapons to Rhythm Gymnastics Girl, who can be seen as specializing in anti-personnel fighting, but she already has some sort of a weird personal weapon, which also had pretty good stats after being upgraded with mithril. And what¡¯s more important, it goes well with her fighting style. A weird weapon that can freely change form. From a ball to a club, from a ribbon to a hoop, a Rhythm Gymnastics weapon. The hoop was the only form that I haven¡¯t seen in use, so I thought that maybe she can¡¯t fight with it, but as it turned out, it was the most vicious one. Even during sparring she was trying to catch the neck with it and then break it by throwing the opponent to the ground, or trying to catch an incoming sword or a spear to trap the arm so she could break it or the neck, it was really terrifying! That¡¯s scary, the ribbon was crazy too, but when dealing with other humans the scariest one is the hoop. It was so brutal that it even got a nod of approval from Armored Pres-san. It didn¡¯t even occur to me that a mere hoop can be this scary when handled with mastery.

 CH 215.2

    Chapter 215: Sadly, the stat boost seems to have had no influence on the intelligence ¨C Part 2?

    ?

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±?

    ?

    Free-form, both her weapon and her fighting style are irregular, impossible to grasp, since she is bending backward, spinning around, leaping, and rolling, she is impossible to read, leading to the opponent being captured by her transforming weapon instead. As if in dance she is moving around killing enemies, toying with them, hypnotizing them with her unpredictable movements. If one engages her in combat, thinking that she is a human, they will immediately be hit with an attack from an unexpected position, from an unpredictable stance, and if one tries to attack her, she would bend and twist her body escaping the attack, following it with a counter of her own, luring the opponent into a trap, so it¡¯s also impossible to apply pressure on her. If anything, her fighting style is the most similar to Slime-san. It¡¯s truly terrifying for human opponents.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why it¡¯s better for her to stick with her current weapon. That combination of attacks leaves no room to even change weapons. She has a bow and a sword, but usually fights with the club form. Actually, should I make anti-monster weapons for her? She should be strong enough to handle swords, and a shotel or a khopesh would suit her. She also should be able to put¡ºWindstorm Mace¡»to a good use, but is it a good idea. She is probably the only person who has a good understanding of her fighting style, so it would be better to directly ask her later. But for some reason, she gets angry when I call her Febreze? Even though that is supposed to be her nickname? I mean, Rhythm Gymnastic Girl is a pretty big mouthful to address someone??

    ?

    As she got stronger her individuality got stronger too. An assassin-type, more fit for fighting other humans, this makes her unable to keep up with the vanguard lately. That being the case, the vanguard is also getting stronger, but it can also be said that all of this makes coordination with middle guard and mobile units that much more difficult.?

    ?

    There also might be a need to reorganize parties, but forming new ones is a very complicated challenge since for their power they also have strong individualities.?

    ?

    However, the 49th floor is being conquered at a blinding speed. Since this dungeon has many grouping monsters it is possible to turn this into mass warfare and annihilate them in an instant. Seeing that ¡ºMetal Worm Lv 49¡»are physically resistant, they immediately readied fire magic and purged the place with a single ¡ºIncinerate them!¡». But isn¡¯t it an ill omen to make such an order while wearing armor? It¡¯s fine since they won¡­ But there is quite a bad pattern for that? Although it does suit her. [1]?

    ?

    And upon finally reaching the 50th floor, what we found there was, as expected, a floor master, a huge elephant. Well, elephants tend to be huge, but even so, the size of this one makes one think¡ºisn¡¯t this a bit too big?¡» Naturally, it also has a very long trunk. No visuals of the mother elephant were confirmed, but it is quite probable that the mamma elephant has a long trunk as well. If the father elephant is the only one with a short trunk it would likely lead to a very heavy and serious family council. Is it where the secret of its birth would be revealed? But it might pass away before the birth secret comes to light. Ah, it went down.?

    ?

    ¡¸Encircle! Vanguard, hold it back with shields! Melees to the rear! Ranged at its stomach!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Taking the front!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We¡¯re taking the back!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Belly group~ Gather up~¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s decided. But why do the idiots feel so natural hunting that¡ºBlizzard Mammoth Lv50¡»? It doesn¡¯t feel out of place at all. And I hate myself for not being surprised anymore by the way they pinned the enemy down by throwing spears and then went melee on it with boomerangs. In the first place, those are not javelins, those are halberds, weapons that should be used to directly attack the enemy! And the ones that you are clubbing the elephant-san with are ranged weapons! Also, you lot are swordsmen! Or rather, where did your swords go? I don¡¯t remember seeing them even once lately? You surely wouldn¡¯t tell me that you sold them, right?!?

    ?

    ¡¸Nice, way to mammoth~? Actually, this mammoth is really on its way now. Although the reason for it leaving us is a group assault and abuse, is it really the place to mammoth? Like, the way the mammoth went leads to eternal sleep? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are so beat. It was so huge, 2,000 HP is against the rules. And yes, being this much of a mammoth task, this is definitely the way to mammoth.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    It wasn¡¯t wrong it seems. So the words ¡ºmammoth task¡» were about killing a mammoth. To think that the secret of the words ¡ºmammoth task¡»would be revealed here, Or was it? Just who came up with that? Primitive man? Neanderthals? When is one supposed to use that? Still a mystery.?

    ?

    ¡¸What are you gonna do? I won¡¯t stop you if you want to keep going, but if things get dangerous I¡¯m going to step in, or rather, Armored Pres-san is on the verge of going berserk, this is rather serious? If you won¡¯t let her join in on the fun, you¡¯ll be at a real risk of eternal ONE MORE SET during today¡¯s practice? But if you let her participate, the middle floors will be totally slaughtered leaving nothing for anyone, to which I, personally, am pretty used by now, having a rather lonely time in dungeons, so what will you do?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Continue. We think we can handle it.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    You think, huh. Unless they end up in a very bad matchup, beating monsters on 50-60 floors should be a breeze, but since they received a sudden drastic boost to their strength, their cooperation is in a bit of a disarray. It didn¡¯t completely fall apart for now, but adjustments have to be made. I think that practicing versus levels 50 might be a bit tough, but they seem to be very motivated.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, from here on it¡¯s a race to the lower floors, the one who reaches, kills, and gets it first wins and gets it? Kind of? Well¡­ Readysetgo!¡¹?

    ?

    51F, 52F, 53F, 54F, 55F, 56F, and we reach 57F. Instakilling only enemies that blocked my way I make my breakthrough. Still going at high speed, making no effort to decelerate at all, I cut up the nearby monsters as I pass through them. The president and the others must still be on the 51st floor. I thought I¡¯d just go ahead and take the boss on the 60th floor for myself, but finding a hidden room on the 57th floor, decided to check it out. The Appraisal can wait for later. Let¡¯s hurry ahead.?

    ?

    Rush through 58F, pass 59F, and there is the 60th floor. Meanwhile, the president and the others must still be busy with their extermination work on the 51st floor. If it¡¯s about passing through without farming every single monster then it takes only a short while. I mean, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san are even faster than me where it comes to stealing a good part.?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, should we leave it for them? I mean, they seem to be good with such monsters, and it has appropriate strength? It also doesn¡¯t seem to have anything of value, so how about we go back and pick up the pres and the others? Or rather, I don¡¯t want to charge at that! And the way it moves is so irritating! But it also has such a perfectly adequate level of strength, that instantly killing it seems like a waste? Alright, let¡¯s get everyone, and then push it onto them!¡¹?

    ?

    It was a huge fly. It¡¯s probably going to fight in high-speed air combat. An evasion-based build, susceptible to physical and magical attacks without any special skills, so it¡¯s optimal for the president and the others! We totally aren¡¯t pushing it on others because Armored Pres-san and I are grossed out by the fly and Slime-san is shaking, refusing to eat it! This is the beauty of humility, the spirit of give and take, so we give, give, give, and push it onto them! Alright, let¡¯s go back!?

    ?

    (Nod, nod) (Jiggle, Jiggle)?

    ?

    Yup, unanimous. Oh, just how considerate is everyone? They are brimming with care for others. Definitely. That¡¯s what I decided to think! I mean, flies aren¡¯t going to get hit by Wire Cutter, and insecticides have little effect on them, the second place in ¡ºI want nothing to do with them, ever¡»ranking, right after cockroaches. And it¡¯s so big and gross! We probably can kill it in one hit, but it¡¯s going to spit juices everyone, I don¡¯t want to cut that. Armored Pres-san already escaped as well. Yes, we are retreating for the sake of our comrades!?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] A wild Nausicaa reference, Kushana, an Imperial Princess of Torumekia, ordered a beam attack with those words to burn incoming insects, but things didn¡¯t go as planned¡­

    ]

 CH 216

    Chapter 216: Giving up on experience points and enemies for comrades¡¯ sake is definitely done out of friendly sentiments, so there is no problem. ?

    ?

    Day 58 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon, 59F?

    ?

    From the 59th floor we are climbing back to pres and the others, exterminating monsters along the way.?

    ?

    Just like back then in the Great Dungeon, but now Armored Pres-san¡¯s and Slime-san¡¯s all-out rampage solves everything. The monsters are wiped out without being able to lift a limb, let alone get in a hit.?

    ?

    I too would also like to go all out, but I¡¯m still unable to locate a single nighttime establishment. The high level of alert at night, preventing me from sneaking out of the inn is also fatal. Just how much are they using Presence Detection? Every time I quietly change my clothes and open the door of my room in the middle of the night I¡¯m bombarded with Midnight Flat Gaze Crossfire! Occasionally Flat Gaze Focused Fire is also supported by Covering Flat Gaze Fire from Poster Girl and Stalker Girl! Let¡¯s sleep properly at night? It¡¯s very late??

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m back?? Or rather, are you still on the 52th floor? And on top of that, at the entrance? Could it be that you decided to ditch us and go LETS PARTY in a dungeon, having fun in our absence? And that¡¯s while we were earnestly, diligently, single mindedly even, scattering monsters with sincere devotion, you were LET¡¯S PARTY on your own? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We were properly fighting! It¡¯s not even been 5 minutes! Moreover, we picked up magic stones from the monsters that you say you scattered!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    We could¡¯ve picked them on the way back, but it looks like they picked them up for us, and for some reason, Flat Gazes! What¡¯s the issue? Is it because I didn¡¯t prepare food for LET¡¯S PARTY? Eh! Am I a miserable boy who is supposed to make the food for the party that I wasn¡¯t invited to?! Did the bullying in this world finally progress to this stage? Forget being ostracized, this is worse than being an errand boy. As I thought, having no Affection Rating gets you a horrible treatment in this world, although I wonder why it was absent in the previous world too? To which world was my Affection Rating summoned??

    ?

    ¡¸Well, that aside, we encountered a fantastic floor master on the 60th floor, or rather, the impact of that sight carried a shocking punch, so we¡¯d like to introduce you to each other, and thus came back to invite you. It¡¯s a serious and diligent Floor Master that¡¯s currently creating a lot of buzz, so we thought we¡¯d just leave it to the young folks, while we will cheer for your success from the shadows. Well, to put it frankly and straight to the point, good luck? I guess?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Suspicious!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸In the first place, why would a floor master be creating a buzz? Is it some sort of a celeb?!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No way! There is no way there would be a celeb floor master! Come to your senses, you shouldn¡¯t be led astray by Haruka-kun¡¯s words.¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This is a betrayal! Angelica-san is averting her eyes! Moreover, with such a clich¨¦ ¡ºTehepero¡»look!¡¹[1]?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Even Slime-san is averting its gaze! How is Slime-san doing it?! Even though it has no eyes, it¡¯s somehow looking away!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    With this and that, we head to the 60th floor accompanied by doubts and bewilderment. Magic Stones were responsibly picked up by the staff (classmates). Kind of.?

    ?

    And curtains to the boss fight opened, which I immediately closed. I¡¯m just sending my thoughts and prayers from the rear while playing with the living slimeform (Slime-san).?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­Eh, defend!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Got it, or actually, NOOO~¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The giant fly that comes striking down at them, its strange gloss makes it look even more gross and disgusting. Even the sound of its wings is sort of gross? Well, everyone seems to hate it. The giant fly is gross enough that even the idiots are hesitating to charge at it. And with the experience, that everyone gathered through fights with countless monsters of this world, they clearly understood, that thing is going to spit juices no matter if they cut or hit it. It¡¯s going to scatter those insect fluids everywhere!?

    ?

    The giant fly that repeatedly attacks by moving in ever-changing abnormal unreadable trajectory, ¡ºGigantic Fly Lv 60¡», specialized in evasion it seems capable of dodging even spells, it can be easily handled if one can hit it, and capturing it would result in an easy victory. But no one is attempting that, no one is trying to even touch that.?

    ?

    Making a defensive formation they are raining arrows on it, but it is easily evading them with its high speed. Looks like firing one by one isn¡¯t going to cut it. Magic is also being dodged.?

    ?

    There is no other choice but to take it down in close combat. My Dimensional Slash can cut it down even from afar, but the fly is flying above us, moreover, it¡¯s making lots of minute movements, in other words, if I cut it, I¡¯ll be splashed with bug juices! Even ¡ºFuture Sight¡»can only see the future when I¡¯m splattered with insect liquids!?

    ?

    And while it¡¯s only gross and disgusting, it¡¯s still impossible to beat it with only ¡ºAir Walk¡», mid-air combat against those movements is too unfavorable.?

    ?

    In other words, no matter how hard one tries, getting splattered with bug juices and ending up all smeared in them is the only possible outcome. And on top of insecticides not being highly effective against flies anyway, the 60th floor is also spacious and has a high ceiling. Insecticides are not cheap to begin with, so it would be just a huge waste.?

    ?

    And suppressing its movements with¡ºHolding¡»would also be a challenge. Probably too much to do during the fight.?

    ?

    And this is a perfect opponent. While strong, it¡¯s not that dangerous, being it is difficult, but there is no chance of them losing to it. It¡¯s perfect both in terms of training and experience, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san are both nodding, so there is no issue. So we should leave this to them, giving up on this monster for them was the right thing to do. A boss fight on floor 60 will be a nice boost to both experience points and confidence. So leaving it to them was the right thing to do! I mean, after all, I don¡¯t want to be splattered with bug juice? Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸Use wide-area attacks, simply hitting it is enough!¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Windstorm!¡¹

    ¡¸Hellfire¡¹

    ¡¸Seal of Storms, I can¡¯t hit it!¡¹

    ¡¸Extreme Air Slash~? Eh?¡¹?

    ?

    They can¡¯t hit it. As I thought, it can see mana, it doesn¡¯t look at spells and then dodge, it looks at the flow of magic power, and moves to evade before the attack happens. And since it has compound eyes it has no dead angles. Compared to Rajingan it¡¯s nothing special, but it is still hard to hit. That is why it is a good practice opponent. Yes, definitely.?

    ?

    ¡¸What do we do? It¡¯s taking longer than I expected, should we at least provide them with support? I mean, just waiting is a pain, and there is nothing else to do? Just leave the gross and disgusting parts to the others?¡¹?

    ?

    £¨Nod, nod£©£¨Jiggle, bounce.£©?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We heard you! We don¡¯t need gross parts either!¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    First spread mana through the entirety of the space above, then grasp it with ¡ºHolding¡»and suppress the Gigantic Fly¡¯s movements along with the space around it itself. If it¡¯s distracted by combat, then I can grasp this fly with Holding despite it¡¯s quick and agile movements. I could end this in an instant by using Evil Hands, but the sensations from them come back to me through feedback, and I totally don¡¯t need a feeling of touching a fly? Just thinking about it gives me the creeps!?

    ?

    But it can¡¯t be brought to the ground with¡ºGravity¡», it¡¯s original mass isn¡¯t that great despite the giant size. And since it still zooms all over the place, I can¡¯t hit the fly pinpoint with it. But unusually, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san are providing support with magic attacks. Looks like they absolutely don¡¯t want to touch or even approach that thing.?

    ?

    Suppressing it, we forced it down to the floor, which was then followed by a simultaneous attack. A simultaneous attack from a mid-range distance. Everyone is completely avoiding any close combat.?

    ?

    Meanwhile, we evacuated, and when we retreated all the way to a small room beside the stairs that happened.?

    ?

    £¨SPLAT!£©?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    As I expected. The biggest reason why we couldn¡¯t bring down the Gigantic Fly, while it didn¡¯t have the same destructive power as ¡ºExplode Self¡»suicide attack¡­ The bug juice explosion would not only mean being splashed in bug fluids but also covered in a sea of maggots? Nope, that¡¯s too much.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoOOOOOOOOOOOOO!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    The floor is being actively incinerated with Grand Blaze! The endless swarm of maggots is being incinerated in the blink of an eye, or rather, a barrier erected by the geeks is about to crack from that excessive firepower.?

    ?

    That¡¯s caused by the Great Sage snapping. She must¡¯ve taken a bug fluids shower with a generous share of maggots.This is bad, at this rate the floor itself might soon collapse? How do we stop that though? She completely lost sense of reason, rampaging in a berserk state. And as I thought, she is covered in that liquid from head to toe.?

    ?

    ¡¸Guuuwaaaaaaaaa~!¡¹?

    ?

    This is really bad? She is totally broken, she can¡¯t hear anything. A complete berserk state.?

    ?

    In that case, it¡¯s time for the sealed forbidden magic words. There is not a moment to waste and no other way out.?

    ?

    (Mumble-mumble)?

    ?

    She calmed down. Vice Pres B-san seems to have shut down. While the crisis was averted, the floor is close to collapsing, so let¡¯s reinforce it for now. Aaah, the aftermath is going to kill me¡­?

    ?

    Everyone is alright, but the Geek Saint and the Geek Guardian, and even Shinobi¡­ Ah, the mage is also done for~, all out of MP. While they managed to protect everyone from the hell of flames, they reached their limits. Right now, I can burn their heads as I please, but since they did their best, I guess I¡¯ll spare them. After all, they managed to protect everyone from the Great Sage-san¡¯s rampage with the Saint¡¯s barrier. Looks like they weren¡¯t protecting their heads from Inferno time after time for nothing.?

    ?

    But with the geeks all out of mana everyone else is¡­are all covered in that gross and filthy insect and maggot fluids, looking incredibly gross? Yeah, while it¡¯s still early we should head back. After all, those are not Flat Gazes, those are Empty Eyes. They look completely hollow. As if painted completely black, there is not a shred of luster to them.?

    ?

    Yup, can¡¯t continue today. Everyone being silent feels somehow scary?

 CH 217

    Day 58 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon 66F.?

    ?

    Although I washed away the sticky bug juices from everyone with a simple shower, they went back still having the same empty eyes. I wonder if they can make it back safely? Well, even if they were to be attacked on the way, it¡¯s the monsters who would end up pitiful? They might take their anger out on poor monsters!?

    ?

    ¡¸Hasn¡¯t it been a while since we explored a dungeon with just the three of us~? But why do you have to rush in at top speed as soon as I strike a cool pose? How should I put it, isn¡¯t being beaten up by Armored Pres-san my only combat scenes lately? How come I don¡¯t get any action scenes despite diving into dungeons every day? Like, those days I feel like even if I forgot my weapons back at the inn, I would spend the entire day without noticing? ¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    I¡¯m being consoled! The sheer consolation power was so strong that I almost buried my head into Slime-san¡¯s chest and began crying, but since it has no chest there is no need for that, I mean, it¡¯s a slime after all? But if the chest was a bust, then I would¡¯ve gladly buried my face into it, over and over, but since I myself might get buried after she gets angry at me, I¡¯d better not.I mean, Armored Pres-san is casually pulling out her sword, I better stop right here before she casually cuts me to pieces. We shall continue at night!?

    ?

    As expected, with 20 girls around the mind is flooded with worldly thoughts, but since there is only Armored Pres-san around, my imagination is very sharp, hence, there is a high chance of a sharp slash coming my way. She has been giving me unchanging Flat Gaze since 61F. Well, compared to the Empty Eyes from 20 people, Flat Gaze from Armored Pres-san alone is better! Or rather, those eyes are too spooky? Being splashed with insect fluids must¡¯ve been too much for the girls. Conflicts create nothing but sorrows.?

    ?

    While Armored Pres-san was comforting everyone after the incident, she also predicted what would happen and had taken refuge beforehand, so she wasn¡¯t splashed with the bug juice. By the way, all of the comforting happened only after I gave the girls a shower? Well, I also did run away¡­ I mean, juices from a giant fly, that also come with a large number of worms? That¡¯s a hard pass from me. But they¡¯ll probably be very angry when I come back!?

    ?

    ¡ºAssassin Ghosts Lv66¡»of the 66th floor are swiftly annihilated, but rather than that, it seems that Slime-san can eat ghosts too. Although it was running away from the fly together with us? Well, it¡¯s true that one shouldn¡¯t eat something like that.?

    ?

    Assassin Ghosts, who appear out of thin air to slash at the enemy, are quite dangerous opponents, I¡¯m sure even pres and the others would have struggled here.?

    ?

    A momentary lapse in concentration may result in getting stabbed from behind, an attack of a monster from middle floors would be dangerous even with level 100¡¯s ViT and HP. Well, it all bears no meaning if one can see them.?

    ?

    No idea if that is mana or spiritual energy, but even if they disappear, I can still see that energy with Rajingan, so I can tell exactly where they are. And while Assassin Ghosts are unassumingly trying to get closer, confident of their invisibility, they can¡¯t attack unless they materialize first. And there they get one-sidedly cut and devoured. At this point it would¡¯ve been better if they just fought openly??

    ?

    In the first place, ghosts are bound to be vulnerable to divine swords and such? Even if they disappear, We can still see and cut them? I mean, since they are plainly visible and can be attacked as normal, it definitely would¡¯ve been better if they just attacked head-on? And yet they are still trying to be sneaky? Is it their professional ethic as Assassins? Or maybe their pride as ghosts? They are getting cut down either way.?

    ?

    We already found two items in hidden rooms, and both had weapons and equipment destruction on them, so it must be the specialty of this dungeon. They are unexpectedly useless against monsters, but they also have special effects and a 40% bonus to stats. Do deeper dungeons actually have better items after all??

    ?

    Assassin Ghosts are extremely considerate, kindly turning into magic stones immediately after being slashed. I mean, gathering magic stones can be more of a pain than the fight itself? But it¡¯s such plain everyday effort that paves the road to becoming a magnate, it sort of has lots of dead-ends, but it¡¯s definitely leading there!?

    ?

    ¡¸Now, we¡¯ve gotten into the lower floors by now, so let¡¯s cooperate, even if just for a little bit? If put frankly, plainly and bluntly, let me in on the action? Like, isn¡¯t a high school boy who makes cool poses in the back without fighting just cringe? Dios mio, the pain, the humiliation, even though my HP is still full, I feel like I am taking damage? Speaking of which, I¡¯d like to have some Italian food? Having tomatoes and olive oil is nice, but having no cheese is an issue? Actually, I want pizza. And we can¡¯t even have a vongole since there is no fish industry? But generally, everything looks sort of italian if you make it with olive oil and then sprinkle some basil on it?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle~?)?

    ?

    It replied with a doubt! For some reason, this otherworldly living slimeform has an issue with my ersatz-Italian cuisine, but it¡¯s definitely going to eat it anyway? For now, it seems to have no pickiness in food, consuming everything aside from sand, rocks, and flies. Well, the last one is only expected.?

    ?

    We swiftly pass the 67th floor as well.¡ºSword Weasel Lv67¡», mustelids entirely covered in cutlery? If they are weasels they are supposed to be mustelids, right? I mean, I never met one, so I can¡¯t say for sure, but they look very mustelid-like, so that should be the case. And they are hella cool, so calling them weasels almost seems like a waste??

    ?

    Those are Assault Weasels with¡ºMagic Immunity¡», all covered in blades charge at me in large numbers, doing their best, but in the end, none makes it to me, who is waiting for them in a cool stance. Fine, I¡¯ll go to them on my own. And the very moment I tried to go to the frontline, the frontline began running away from me! Hey! My turn! I¡¯m not getting any action at all! At this rate my only participation is gonna end up at picking magic stones, the same plain activity, hardly any different from picking up mushrooms, or rather, this is not a participation at all! I told you, stop! You can¡¯t eat all of them!?

    ?

    Working really hard I somehow managed to secure two kills. Out of the enormous pack of probably nearly a thousand weasels I barely managed to beat two.?

    ?

    And it really was only barely, just barely, that I didn¡¯t miss those two as well! Pressed this far, I resolved to poking my staff through the wall of slashing attacks that Armored Pres-san so enthusiastically created, and was able to take down two weasels. At the very last moment, just barely, narrowly ahead, I managed to strike them before her! As I thought, she seems to have been bored with her role as an instructor, even so, she still chose to run away from the fly with me. Looks like she obtained strength that can¡¯t be taken lightly. Just who did she take after? What a bind.?

    ?

    And after picking up all of the magic stones, which felt like it took an eternity, we go down to the next floor, a nice property right next to a floor master, and it even comes with a hidden room. But here again, the ceiling is low, and the rooms are all jumbled up like a maze. Probably, only the upper floors are usable in this dungeon.?

    ?

    Well, things got pretty tough around this area. I would¡¯ve definitely died if the sword weasels from the previous floors managed to swarm me. Barely fending them off thanks to the equipment is the best I might¡¯ve managed, but I would¡¯ve been chopped to pieces anyway, and that is why real combat is the best training, but the overprotective worrywarts keep sheltering me from any harm. Why is there nothing but worrywarts around me? Even though there should be a reliable assurance and trust coming from the fact that even though I come close to death I manage to come back alive every single time, but for some reason they still don¡¯t trust me at all? Is it the Affection Rating after all??

    ?

    And here are more bugs. But this time it¡¯s lots of small ones. I also remember hearing about those from the Idiots.?

    ?

    Spear-shaped locusts that pour down in swarms like rain¡ºSpear Hoppers Lv 68¡», their numbers should be counted in tens of thousands, or rather, if we tried to actually count them we¡¯d end up staying here for the night. Having an adult wrestling session with Armored Pres-san while surrounded by the sea of hopper corpses is way too bizarre. Well, at the very least there is no insect fluids issue since we aren¡¯t cutting them. Fighting such numbers head on without insecticides is what only an idiot would do. Well, apparently this is exactly what the Idiots did. Isn¡¯t it amazing that they managed to win that? It¡¯s plainly impossible for a modern person, or rather, no one would even try that.?

    ?

    Burning the insecticide herbs I gather the fumes with¡ºHolding¡»and send them forward, then, use ¡ºHolding¡»to grasp hoppers along with the space that they occupy, and lock them in with the smoke. A super ecological solution? Saving up on insecticides plus getting all magic stones in one lump, thus saving on labor too. And since ¡ºSpatial Magic¡»popped up I guess the effects of ¡ºHolding¡»changed. The more I use skills the more mysteries multiply, making their use more and more difficult. Isn¡¯t it supposed to be the other way around? How is a hurdle that keeps on raising any different from a punishment game? But with new effects there are also new ways to use them, and they also get more powerful. But handling them gets just as much more difficult too. Well, this time it was very ecological, so whatever, after all, Spear Hoppers aren¡¯t good even as emergency rations.?

    ?

    And the 69th floor turned into melee too. So it is as I thought? Since there are only a few large monsters the ceiling is low and the rooms are quite small? Taking a step forward I evade the incoming attack and slash the opponent, cut in a sweeping motion, cut while striking down, cut while weaving my way through, I can¡¯t fight them head on to begin with, so I¡¯m not even going to try. I will simply one-sidedly exploit gaps in their defenses to cut them down.?

    ?

    Even nameless villagers risked their lives to protect someone, even the elderly sacrificed their lives to hold enemies back. Many troops and adventurers fought even without proper weapons or armor, losing their lives to protect someone. And such a miserable and pitiful region is filled with nothing but stupidly nice people, that lost desparingly many things, and even so, they keep trying to help others with a smile. The edge of the world, filled with the biggest idiots it had to offer.?

    ?

    I have no hesitation to step forward left, fear and death don¡¯t matter anymore. I¡¯m just purely going for a kill.?

    ?

    Meripapa-san¡¯s misunderstandings couldn¡¯t be more extreme. I have saved nothing. Not only am I not fit for that, I can¡¯t do anything aside from killing? The miracle of the frontier was in the frontier since the very beginning. In the first place, the frontier itself is a miracle. It¡¯s because the people of the frontier believed that they could grasp happiness and kept walking towards it that they were able to find it. Considering the price they paid for it, it¡¯s only natural that they¡¯ll get happiness in return. And they still have overpaid so much that they have all rights to file a claim to compensate for that.?

    ?

    Slash, rip, tear, chop, cleave, cut, slice, hack, rend, and repeat¡­ Slash to death, slash to pieces, slash until not even pieces remain.?

    ?

    ¡¸Pheew. Kept you waiting? I guess? Actually, am I the last one? Even though my passage had the smallest number of puppets, I¡¯m still the last one? Even though it felt like I took them down a few times quicker than usual~, or rather, I didn¡¯t set them on fire, spraying them with oil, since it won¡¯t serve as practice, but it turns out, beating them normally is even faster~? Unexpectedly?¡¹?

    ?

    However¡ºSoldier Puppets Lv 69¡»is an anti-human group battle, in other words, a perfect opponent to practice for war situation. But I don¡¯t get it, how a¡ºWar Puppet¡»from the great dungeon are different from a¡ºSoldier Puppet¡»? If my memory serves me right, War Puppets attacked in phalanx, so I dropped them in a pitfall and then burned them to a crisp. ¡ºSoldier Puppets¡»tried to use elastic defense to encircle me, but the formation crumbled in melee. In terms of equipment, ¡ºWar Puppets¡»were better? Their greatshields and pikes brought me good money. ¡ºSoldier Puppets Lv 69¡»had swords, spears, hammers, shields, and great shields, they had armor too, but compared to the great dungeon it¡¯s a step down in quality. This is to be sold to the general public. But since it¡¯s still a fortune I¡¯ll make sure to gather it all. This much should become good war funds.?

    ?

    And the 70th floor underground. Here comes a floor master.?

    ?

    Looks like this is not the last floor. It¡¯s deep.

 CH 218

    Chapter 218: I¡¯m sure we are on the same wavelength, but somehow not on the same page?

    ?

    Day 58 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon 70F?

    ?

    ¡ºJotun Lv70¡», a frost giant from the Norse mythology. A spirit of nature and an ice giant of extraordinary strength, who also happens to be the boss or the ancestor of trolls as some theories say. And he is apparently delicious.?

    ?

    No, the legends had nothing on the taste? Frost Giants are usually not for eating? Well, even though it is being devoured right now¡­ Seems to be delicious??

    ?

    (Jiggle Ji~~ggle~)?

    ?

    Oooh? It¡¯s in high spirits, and bouncing in delight. Seems very happy.?

    ?

    I was surprised when it froze the floor with a wave of cold air, but I can walk on air with ¡ºAir Walk¡», Armored Pres-san can just slice through, wave of cold included, and naturally, Slime-san devoured that chill without being picky.?

    ?

    Then, the giant that wielded a spear of ice had the hell beaten out of him. His physical ability is surpassing that of the pres and the others whose level is over 100. His strong, fast, and tough physique is wrapped in mana producing an oppressive cold aura, and clad in armor of ice. His ability is easily rivaling that of a level 100 dungeon master, and if taking only strength in consideration, his terrifying might could even be eclipsing it. But that¡¯s all.?

    ?

    No, he¡¯s really strong? But, look, even if he can rival and surpass a Lv 100 dungeon master? Dealing with two Lv 100 Dungeon Emperor Class opponents is too much. Yeah, that¡¯s just impossible??

    ?

    She must be an envoy of beating that brings beatings to all people, an angel of beating. Even though she is an angel, she¡¯ll probably bring equal beatings to gods as well, the evangelist of beatings. To put it simply, she¡¯ll beat the hell out of anything, to put it in a more complicated way, her existence itself is the Beating? Well, in either way the beating is inevitable. One might even say that she is a goddess of beatings. While at night she is the goddess of beauty and eros, I worship her every night so there is no mistake about that. I¡¯m also sucking and licking her too, so it¡¯s certain.?

    ?

    But I finally feel like I was able to ¡ºMagic Wrap¡»properly, I might¡¯ve even been moving normally in the previous fight? HP also hardly decreased. Previously, my body couldn¡¯t withstand being forcibly moved with ¡ºMagic Wrap¡», so I was constantly losing HP. But it felt like it went smoothly this time. I finally grasped the form??

    ?

    Well, evening after evening I was enduring beatings called ¡ºPractice¡», and at night, was taking my revenge, even going as far as to use ¡ºMagic Wrap¡». Finally, the effects of that might¡¯ve begun showing. Or maybe it¡¯s the effect of me evading Armored Pres-san¡¯s attack for some time now? I mean, I might¡¯ve touched her butt, but it¡¯s only an armor? But that armor is so lewd! For a highschool boy this is a trap! I mean, the hipline is so sexy¡­ Whooooa! Yeah, I definitely can keep the wrapping up. No, that¡¯s not what I meant! How should I put it, a sudden impulse, or maybe a highschool boy-like sincerity, or maybe a highschool boy spirit? So it couldn¡¯t be helped? Wait. Yes, I¡¯m sorry. Why do you have a morning star? Eh? I left new goods lying around, aaah~, I forgot about that~, wait, ah, that¡¯s my bad!?

    ?

    We were acting as a group a lot, so in a way it couldn¡¯t be helped. As expected, there is no way I can do that in front of the girls, that¡¯ll definitely send me on an extra-large sermon course with a side of trial for sexual harassment, a luxurious and gorgeous scolding spiral away. For some reason, I¡¯m always Away, regardless if it¡¯s in our world, or in this world, just where is my Home??

    ?

    Just as I thought of going down, Slime-san brought magic stones, those are pretty good.?

    ?

    High-grade magic stones are too expensive, so selling them is difficult, but if turned into items they can produce nice results, hence they are a great part of equipment manufacture, and if I have a surplus, they can serve as mana batteries inside the Item Bag, so no matter how many we¡¯d find they will be put to a good use. As I thought, dungeons seem highly profitable after all. No matter how I think about it, a war is a highly unlucrative endeavor. If you have that much combat potential then go and hit dungeons. Good grief.?

    ?

    Oh, a spear.?

    ?

    Even though it¡¯s a drop from the frost giant, it¡¯s of a normal size, how nice. Moreover, ¡ºSpear of Eternal Ice ¨C PoW SpE DeX 50% Up, Ice Attribute Affinity Increase (EX), Ice Spear, Ice Shroud, Freezing Cold Seal, +ATT¡», it¡¯s on the level of gear that the geeks make on freak accidents, and this is even before I upgraded it with mithril. On top of that, it seems easy to use, while it¡¯s a spear, it has a blade of about the same length as a halberd, so in a way it¡¯s close to a halberd too. Slash, stab, cleave, strike, any form of attack will work, I should pick a buyer for this one myself. The candidates are either Bitch Leader or the girl with braids from the librarian¡¯s group? Errm, she is from the handicrafts club.?

    ?

    I got taught quite a bit by the Handicrafts Girl about lace, knitting, and sewing, so I¡¯d like to favor her, but Bitch Leader clearly has a greater aptitude for it. Well, any bitch would be able to master it, but her name is Bitch Leader, so she has to be the top dog.?

    ?

    Now, let¡¯s actually go down this time, and test ¡ºMagic Wrap¡», if I can¡¯t raise my level then improving the technique is the only way. I knew that I would be overtaken by my classmates, but becoming a burden is not something I¡¯d want, you know? Well, even though I was cheating from the very beginning since there was no chance I could keep up with them, in this case, I have to make something even more crafty.?

    ?

    That¡¯s why after ¡ºMagic Wrap¡»comes ¡ºKyojitsu¡», and I need something beyond that too. There is no end to this, but I have no intention of giving up. I mean, were I to give up I¡¯d definitely get ¡ºKept Man¡»in my titles! The current three are enough to bring me to the point of tears, if I get that fourth one there is a real possibility that I will cry for real, I might stop ever checking my status after that? Seriously??

    ?

    Went down.?

    ?

    The 71st floor had snakes. I¡¯m pretty good with snakes, but these are ¡ºFlare Snake Lv71¡», I doubt they¡¯ll go into hibernation if I freeze them, so this is a perfect opportunity to practice ¡ºMagic Wrap¡». With the floor entirely covered in snakes and even the air filled with them as they threw themselves at us, creating a world of nothing but snakes, I tread through it, where I had no room, I created it by cutting my way through. Finding a gap of about one foot size, I step there with a sweep, annihilating the surrounding enemies with a simultaneous swing.?

    ?

    The result. While the wrapping is working, I don¡¯t have a mastery of it. It¡¯s somehow somewhat working with all of the skills wrapped in a disarray. In this case, there is less worrying about self-destructing, however, since I can¡¯t manipulate each individual skill, my movements are unpredictable even to my own self. Control is still far out the reach, but well, if I can manage to control¡ºTeleportation¡»and¡ºGravity¡»even for an instant it can exhibit Cheat-like performance. It might be too much, but I have no other choice but to keep trying.?

    ?

    But¡ºKyojitsu¡»while using¡ºMagic Wrap¡»is still terrible, a single mistake and I can easily lose an arm! Well, it¡¯s fine since it will¡ºRegenerate¡», I¡¯d rather bear pain than become a burden.?

    ?

    ¡­I finally began to slightly understand why pres and the others are so desperate, indeed, being protected all the time while unable to do anything yourself is unpleasant. And it would be even worse if those protecting ended up dying on top of that. There is nothing more aggravating than sitting in a safe place while others are exposed to danger. I finally got it.?

    ?

    Well, they won¡¯t be able to do anything more today though, their eyes were dead.?

    ?

    Even so, they managed to defeat a floor master on the 60th floor, so they¡¯ll have to be content with that. That¡¯s why I sent them back. ¡ºJotun Lv 70¡» is too dangerous. If stopped by the initial¡ºIce Bound¡», they will be in trouble. I won¡¯t say that they couldn¡¯t beat it, but it would be far from just difficult, and the worst could easily have happened. It¡¯s better if we handle this. And we don¡¯t want to deal with flies. Seriously.?

    ?

    ¡¸Hidden Room-san, where are you~? Well, I know the exact location but I¡¯m at the age when one sometimes wants to explore? Probably? I¡¯m doing lots of experiencing and exploring, enjoying deep dives into the mysteries of Armored Pres-san at night, but I also want to explore dungeons too, of course, I¡¯m still doing night time dungeon dives (eros), going in and out, in and out, but¡­ Really? I¡¯m in trouble?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle Jiggle¡­)?

    ?

    Looks like I¡¯m in trouble. I seem to have stepped over the line, and there is a demon with a morning star behind me. I mean, Slime-san is terrified, time to run! ¡ºTeleportation!¡»?

    ?

    I got beaten up.?

    ?

    A repeated super short distance teleportation with Magic Wrap. Appearing for a split second only to immediately blink away, but even with this instantaneous high speed movement method I still couldn¡¯t escape the beating? As I thought, she is none other than the Goddess of Beating. This calls for another night of worship and ecstasy.?

    ?

    While getting beaten up, I reached the hidden room, and thanks to the¡ºFlare King Snake Lv 71¡»that was there I was saved from the Armored Pres-san beating, that was now directed at the Flare King Snake. I lock eyes with the Flare King Snake as it is being destroyed by the vicious morning star pounding. I¡¯m sure that at this moment we are on the same wavelength with our hearts united by the same thought. That¡¯s scary!?

    ?

    ¡¸As expected, this is another one from the equipment destruction series, huh? It¡¯s a shield though.¡ºMirror Greatshield ¨C ViT PoW SpE DeX 50% Up, All Resistance Up, Physical and Magic Reflect And Absorption, Weapon and Equipment Destruction, Absolute Boundary, Super Shield Bash, +ATT + DEF¡», isn¡¯t that amazing? That¡¯s already a weapon. This is reserved for tanks~.¡¹?

    ?

    (Nod Nod) (Jiggle Jiggle)?

    ?

    The Geek Guardian has¡ºGreat Sweeping Blade¡», so he can wait, plus he is a geek anyway.?

    ?

    The Pres who was in the middle of changing to a tank is now an admirable Pres-sama with a pinch of M thanks to obtaining¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡».?

    ?

    Well, it should go to either Shield Girl or to the Twin Lightpoles duo. The culture girls want something with InT bonus, so vanguard is preferable. Let¡¯s mithrilify it first, and then think if anything changes. If we can¡¯t move faster we might return pretty late¡­ This one is quite deep? Sending everyone back was the right call.?

    ?

    After that I continued with swift attacks, reckless attacks and poor attacks, just Wrap the skills as fast as possible and charge, then think of what comes next. Oh now, I might¡¯ve gotten infected with the idiocy! But I won¡¯t make it in time otherwise, Armored Pres and Slime-san probably leveled up with the enemies on the lower floors being stronger than expected. The speed of annihilation is crazy! I wasn¡¯t able to keep up with their outrageously high specs and stats, and yet with just a bit of a level up their abilities receive a major boost. And since they are in very high spirits their momentum is unstoppable. And as per usual, they completely ignore the pleas of their master!?

    ?

    I mean, every time I say¡ºLeave some for me? Please, share?¡», they do (Nod-nod, Jiggle-jiggle), and then continue to obliterate everything in sight? And when I ask again¡ºPlease give me some too?¡»they go (Nod-nod, Jiggle-Jiggle), and proceed with a brutal wholesale slaughter? What were those nods and jiggles about??

    ?

    With this and that we reached the 80th floor, and it¡¯s still not the last one. It¡¯s deep.

 CH 219

    Day 58 ¨C Early Evening, Dungeon 80F?

    ?

    A floor master of the 80th floor can be stronger or more troublesome than a random dungeon master. This is truly troublesome. In other words, this one is of a troublesome kind. Like, ungraspable-type??

    ?

    ¡¸We will whittle it down, so don¡¯t overdo it. Just don¡¯t try to eat it before we weaken it, okay? It¡¯s bad for your stomach, although you don¡¯t have a stomach, but it¡¯s bad for digestion, or rather, it¡¯s hard to dissolve, or rather it would be a problem if it begins struggling inside you, so don¡¯t eat it for now? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)?

    ?

    Looks like Slime-san got it? Sort of? I guess??

    ?

    The boss of the 80th floor is ¡ºGround Cloud Lv 80¡», no, not the one with a sword, an actual cloud. Since it even has ¡ºGround¡»in the name it¡¯s a non-flying cloud. A cloud that cannot fly is just a cloud? No, if it cannot fly or even float, then it isn¡¯t even a cloud, but apparently, it is. A thunder cloud.?

    ?

    Shrouded in raging winds, and surrounded by ¡ºWindstorm¡», it¡¯s dancing with thunderbolts produced by ¡ºLightning¡», a floor master Ground Cloud! Slime-san is looking at it with a great appetite. I wonder if it¡¯s tasty? Ground Cloud seems to have picked up on the hints of this overwhelming desire to consume it, and appears shaken by that.?

    ?

    A threat capable of frightening a floor master. And the name of that glottoniuous predator is Slime-san! Or rather, what do we do if it eventually begins going ¡ºThis one still doesn¡¯t have a name¡»??

    ?

    Well, the idea of getting eaten usually is a terrifying one, even more so for a Lv 80 floor master, who probably never thought that it might one day be devoured.?

    ?

    Scanning Ground Cloud with ¡ºRajingan¡», it¡¯s core seems to be surrounded in mana and some sort of energy. Eating it should be easy if we remove that. Let¡¯s peel it off.?

    ?

    So using¡ºSpell Absorption¡»of¡ºStaff?¡»I shave off mana and that energy of sorts, along with ¡ºWindstorm¡»and¡ºLightning¡»surrounding it.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san already slashed away about half of the Ground Cloud, while Slime-san became a shield against Ground Clouds attacks, devouring both¡ºWindstorm¡»and¡ºLightning¡», keeping it suppressed. A clean sweep.?

    ?

    ¡¸Was it good? It¡¯s another rock, so you can have it, but can you at least show it to us first?¡¹?

    ?

    Looks like it devoured¡ºWindstorm¡»and¡ºLightning¡»with¡ºGluttony¡».The earth element is now the last one to consume? It ate Jotun too, so it should¡¯ve devoured ¡ºIce Bound¡», and it might¡¯ve eaten ¡ºIce Spear¡», ¡ºIce Shroud¡», and¡ºFreezing Cold Seal¡»too. And Slime-san can digest skills. It¡¯s using something new every time I look at it, so I can¡¯t remember everything at all, but Slime-san already acquired an outrageous number of skills of every type and strength except for the earth element.?

    ?

    At this rate it might soon rival Armored Pres-san? Since both of them aren¡¯t exerting themselves to the limit of their abilities, they have too many hidden cards, so I can¡¯t gauge their strength, however, if such amazing Dungeon Masters or Dungeon Emperors are this common, then this world should¡¯ve perished a long time ago, what is going on here? A mystery.?

    ?

    And since lower floors have many enemies with rare skills Slime-san is overjoyed. But you know, Fly-san had rare skills too? Weren¡¯t you running away from it? Well, I was running away too, so whatever, but did it give up on eating it just from seeing it? Well, it would be a problem if it developed a taste for flies, so we shouldn¡¯t feed them to Slime-san. And I also don¡¯t want it to get ¡ºInsect Fluids¡»or any similar skill? It might be the strongest skill versus humans, but it¡¯s still a big nope.?

    ?

    And so the menacing lower floors are being penetrated by the biggest menace around. Checking the hidden room on the 86th floor we head to the 87th. Is it going to have more than 90 floors??

    ?

    Attacks causing Abnormal Status Effects are commonplace on the lower floors. The vicious design, where failing to resist even one attack can lead to a checkmate.?

    ?

    Well, not going to happen though??

    ?

    But I wonder how effective the resistances of my classmates will be on the lower floors? My debuff resists are boosted by the effects of a mysterious skill ¡ºHealth¡», but how much can be resisted with items alone? I wouldn¡¯t have gone as far as to call it a trash skill, but I didn¡¯t think of it anything more than ¡ºOh, not having to worry about getting sick in another world is nice¡», for it to have such a hidden effect. I didn¡¯t get afflicted by a negative status effect even once, and I even got a skill that probably doesn¡¯t belong on humans, ¡ºRegeneration¡». Puzzling, but good for health.?

    ?

    But did I get¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»or¡ºInsatiable Libido¡»out of overflowing health too? That¡¯s indeed healthy, but not very wholesome, however, as far as rumors go, it seems that those two are the most useful and usable skills in another world. Since they already became objects of rumors and it¡¯s not been 75 days since we came here, there is wild gossip around them. And I¡¯m tirelessly working night after night on the source of those rumors, investigating every inch and opening, feeling and tasting, that sigh of her moaning in pleasure is¡­ There is also a saying¡ºSpeak of the devil and they should appear¡», which seems to be true? I can see a shadow of a morning star¡¯s iron ball? Naturally, I can see the morning star itself too? Looks, isn¡¯t that¡ª(BAAAANG!) [1]?

    ?

    (Currently undergoing treatment, please wait for a while.)?

    ?

    Since the ancient times it was said¡ºRumors blow everything twice out of proportions¡», but that attack power was triple that? It¡¯s fine to call it a beautiful rondo with an unavoidable iron ball. Yeah, so now I¡¯m a bit busy kneeling? Currently undergoing medical treatment (a lecture). Seriously. In addition ¡ºRumors always come from afar¡», but this one came from point blank distance.?

    ?

    As I thought, lower floors were full of dangers, or rather, they are, presently, and it hurts a lot??

    ?

    But I still don¡¯t get the principle behind her ability to show blush with the helmet on? The only thing I learned for sure is that red means danger. It was carved into my body and branded into my soul that this signals DANGER! How do I take the morning star from her? It¡¯s enchanted with ¡ºAcceleration¡», so it¡¯s seriously undodgeable, demanding constant alert and speedy recovery.?

    ?

    And with the Iron Ball Rampage Express we reach the 90th floor. The next floor is the 90th, since it is us who will have to go down, so I¡¯m not going to forget about that? There is an actual risk of forgetting, so I have to be careful.?

    ?

    But there is something I¡¯d like to check before we go down. Perhaps, I might even be able to do a bit of an experiment.?

    ?

    It¡¯s¡ºEntwined Tree Branch ? ? ? ? ¡­¡»that we found on the 88th floor. An item with a whole bunch of ¡º?¡»that I haven¡¯t seen in a while.?

    ?

    With no clues for even its possible use, an All ¡º?¡»item, but the part I¡¯m curious about is that it¡¯s¡ºLiving Tree Branch¡». That is a very interesting part, after all ¡ºWooden Stick?¡»turned into¡ºLiving Wood Stick¡»and fused with¡ºParasitic Vine ¨C Strengthen Wooden Sticks and Staffs, Magic Absorption ? ? ?¡» And now it¡¯s an unexpectedly overpowered weapon. Well, there is an issue of it still looking like a stick despite having¡ºHeavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds¡»slotted, but I shouldn¡¯t let it bother me.?

    ?

    I especially shouldn¡¯t compare with the person in shining armor right next to me. I¡¯ve seen a vast number of weapons and armor since then, but there was nothing as outrageous as that ¡ºFull Silver Armor¡ºComplete Immunity¡»¡ºEnhance All¡»¡ºSkill: Guardian¡»? ? ?¡». And those 10 living swords are likely extremely OP as well. That¡¯s why I shouldn¡¯t compare their appearance with my wooden stick? I¡¯ll cry? For real.?

    ?

    Wiping away the tears, I investigate¡ºEntwined Tree¡¯s Branch ? ? ? ? ¡», that¡¯s a branch. But it came from the lowest dungeon floors, moreover, it¡¯s ¡ºLiving Tree Branch¡». Slightly nervous, I hold it together with ¡ºWooden Stick?¡» ¡­¡­Was I overthinking it? Nothing seems to be happening¡­ Is this for real??

    ?

    Certainly,¡ºParasitic Vine¡»also merged with it without slotting it, are they the same? And the number of¡º?¡»increased¡­¡­This¡ºSeven-Branched Sword¡», is it that Seven-Branched Sword, the sword of seven scabbards? [2]?

    ?

    But entwined trees are the trees that had their branches tangled up with the branches of another tree to the point of merging, and becoming one, thus coming to be used as a metaphor for married couples, but with the involvement of¡ºParasitic Vine¡»it immediately became an unsightly love triangle, from which emerged¡ºSeven-Branched Sword¡», suspect of 6 timing, becoming a weapon with a soap opera-like love and hate relationships??

    ?

    That is certainly an incredibly terrifying weapon.?

    ?

    I can already see¡ºNTR¡»or¡ºInappropriate Relationship¡»popping up among the skills! I will run sooner than the enemies! Such offensive power is too heavy for a highschool boy, and what is more importantly, I don¡¯t want to awaken to any fetish of that sort! Absolutely!?

    ?

    ¡ºStaff?¡»-san that keeps turning into something more and more inexplicable turned out to be¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»¡­¡­¡­¡­So not only were the skills lying to me, but equipment too! All this time it was only pretending to be a simple wooden stick, hiding in plain sight! How come all of my status is nothing but lies? What¡¯s the point of looking at it then? It¡¯s the root cause of all this confusion to begin with!¡¡Well, I was suspecting it all this time, but it actually was deceiving me! Moreover, this deepened Villager A¡¯s mystery even further. Then that ¡ºDiary¡»is actually¡­?

    ?

    Well, let¡¯s try it out, I probably won¡¯t learn what I wanted to, but it might reveal something else.?

    ?

    But if even the 90th floor is not the last one, it¡¯s pretty bad? This dungeon shouldn¡¯t be that old.?

    ?

    [TL Note:

    [1] As the saying goes, Totally unfounded rumors tend to die in 75 days, or less than three months.

    [2] The Seven-Branched Sword is a sword of continental manufacture believed to be identical with the artifact of that name, a present of the king of Baekje that was granted upon a Yamato ruler as a present, which is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki in the fifty-second year of the reign of the semi-mythical Empress Jing¨±. Often pops up in fiction as a very powerful weapon, but its real life counterpart is likely a purely ceremonial weapon.

 CH 220

    Day 58 ¨C Early Evening, Dungeon, 90F?

    ?

    There are things that better be voiced. Even if one is constantly getting scolded for saying unnecessary stuff, some things can¡¯t be understood without speaking out¡­ So I tried that??

    ?

    ¡¸Pierce through, Mistilteinn! Kind OooOOooOoF? WHAAAT?¡¹?

    ?

    While having an acute attack of previously serious 8th-grader syndrome, I manage to make it out alive. And here we have Mistilteinn (Mistletoe) that every person currently ravaged by that disease would be overjoyed to see. [1]?

    ?

    No, I was simply wondering if maybe it¡¯s hiding, so I tried to provoke it, and it actually activated¡­ As I thought, some of them were still hiding! Yeah, I hate this, what¡¯s up with this world?!?

    ?

    Yes, another one was hiding, disguising itself.?

    ?

    Realizing that¡ºStaff?¡»was¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡», and if the world tree is Yggdrasil, then it¡¯s Norse mythology, in that case¡ºParasitic Vine¡»(Mistletoe) is uber suspicious? Well, I thought that I might be overthinking it, but when I put it to the test, it turned out that it really was hiding! This Mistletoe was the spear Mistilteinn from Norse mythology.?

    ?

    According to the Norse mythology, Mistilteinn is that Mistletoe that pierced through and killed the god of light Baldr, who was invulnerable to all things in existence. It¡¯s unclear if that is the name of the weapon or the mistletoe, myths seem to have a description of Baldr being pierced through by Mistilteinn spear, but there seem to be various opinions in that regard. So I tried to shout that??

    ?

    But man, I only tried saying it as a test and the floor master of the 90th floor ¡ºGreater Guardian¡»vanished? The giant armored Guardian with unexpected¡ºComplete Immunity¡» , was instantly annihilated. There is also a giant hole in the dungeon, and I only tried saying it??

    ?

    £¨¡­¡­£©£¨¡­¡­£©?

    ?

    Looks like even Slime-san finally mastered Flat Gaze. How is it even doing that? Even though it has no eyes? Well, in the old days, Armored Pres-san managed to do that in a helmet while having only a skull for a face, so I guess that¡¯s how things work.?

    ?

    And I also lost tons of MP and feel completely exhausted. This is the bad one! It¡¯s that type of certain kill attack that a hero would use, do or die, if it fails I¡¯m screwed. There is no way I can use something like that. I¡¯m so beat that were I to be assaulted right now I¡¯d die without being able to provide any resistance.?

    ?

    I take a rest while munching on MP and stamina mushrooms. I almost fainted there. Going unconscious after one shot is a sure way to end up dead in this world, this is a suicide weapon. I also don¡¯t feel like it can be used with restraint, so it¡¯s getting sealed. Well, merely discovering it is good enough. and thanks to that, the wooden staff, revised¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡», likely became even more of an uncontrollable weapon.?

    ?

    By the way, what remained from¡ºGreater Guardian Lv 90¡»was responsibly eaten by the staff, or rather, by Slime-san.?

    ?

    By the time I was finally able to get up, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san came back, carrying magic stones.?

    ?

    As I wasn¡¯t completely immobile anymore thanks to mushroom doping, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san seem to have gone to have some fun, leaving my protection to three scythes. Well, since they went to play on the lower floors, it likely was either a game of tag, or a death game of tag. Although I told them not to wander too far away since it¡¯s dangerous, they brought quite a few magic stones with them. Looks like it¡¯s the monsters who were in danger.?

    ?

    Recently I pretty much finished clearing out the Evil Forest, and should talk with Meripapa-san to decide on the further deforestation plans, but talks with him always drag out, plus it turns chaotic when the Royal Girl and Maid Girl duo with Merimeri-san join, so I keep postponing it, which lead to bringing the scythes with me, great that it wasn¡¯t for nothing. It¡¯s a secret that I totally forgot about them being stashed away in ¡ºDemon Ring¡».?

    ?

    ¡¸Did you find any tasty monsters? Or rather, you definitely ate some of them, didn¡¯t you? I mean, that jubilant jiggly dance and bouncy dance combination is brimming with desire to express the joy over the plentiful meal and bountiful skill harvest? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Jii~ggle, Jii~ggle.)?

    ?

    Slime-san seems to be in a very good mood. Well, it looks like they were tasty and it¡¯s happy, so it¡¯s fine.?

    ?

    I also managed to restore some of my MP, only a bit though. However, an attack so mana consuming that it completely exhausted batteries that easily provided enough power for structural alteration of mountain ranges or creation of castles and fortified villages, shouldn¡¯t even be possible to activate under normal circumstances. There was a huge chance that it would have remained hidden and unnoticed. And would it have remained hidden forever if I didn¡¯t bait it out? Just what¡¯s up with this lying equipment? Well, me trying to bluff my own items is a good one too, but since it did fall for it, it¡¯s fine. Rather, what¡¯s up with weapons falling up for a bluff and activating??

    ?

    And while Armored Pres-san and Slime-san told me that they are going to check things out on the lower floors, I fully anticipated that they would hunt down every mob in there, and I also didn¡¯t doubt for a moment that they would go to the next floor as well. But there are too many magic stones. Going down while checking for hidden rooms, and turns out, the 94th floor was wiped out as well. Looks like they had four floors worth of fun.?

    ?

    Picking up items from the hidden room on the 93th floor, I promptly head back, appraisal can wait until we return. Let¡¯s use Gate and go back from the 94th floor. Fighting is still too dangerous, and with scarce MP ¡ºLifesaving¡»of¡ºSoul Ring¡»won¡¯t activate. I don¡¯t want to challenge lower floors without insurance, plus it¡¯s getting very late, my MP is exhausted, and I¡¯m hungry, so if I said I¡¯m going home, I¡¯m going home. No matter how many times I end up like this, the feeling of exhausted MP is very dull.?

    ?

    ¡¸Well, we are going back through Gate, so we will continue the exploration from the 95th floor next time, or rather, a game of tag? A meal? Speaking of which, it was decided that we are having pseudo-Italian style cutlets today, so let¡¯s hurry back and have dinner? I¡¯m seriously hungry.¡¹?

    ?

    Since the dungeon is near the town, we are holding back from snacking before dinner, and limiting ourselves to just tasting, making our way home. With an unobstructed view of the surroundings, having Evil Forest cleared out, the town appears to be rather close.?

    ?

    Moreover, in this world, the speed of travel changes with leveling up and obtaining new skills, no wonder I rarely see any horses around. Well, in part it is surely due to the region being poor, but even so, even though this is a fantasy world, I¡¯m yet to have a single horseback or stagecoach ride.?

    ?

    Yes, all of my traveling is done by walking, and sometimes by flying and crashing. Looks like the only place where the fantasy part of the fantasy world is playing out is the bedroom. Yeah, that¡¯s surely something amazing that didn¡¯t exist in our original world! Well, she is the Dungeon Emperor after all? No one else can possess such a luxurious feel of peerless beauty. That¡¯s amazing, seriously!?

    ?

    Now, when we reach the inn I¡¯d likely have Berserk Great Sage Vice B-san waiting for me. The trial is awaiting. That is surely an ordeal of ultimate difficulty for any highschool boy. Well, I made a promise, so I¡¯m going to do it? You know??

    ?

    Lately, I¡¯m passing through the gates while completely ignored by the guards. I doubt there are that many towns where dungeon emperors and dungeon masters pass freely everyday by simply being well known? At this point it makes me wonder, from whom are they guarding the place exactly??

    ?

    Dropping by the general store and then the weapons store on the way, I also visit the Adventurers¡¯ Guild, just in case, replenishing on Flat Gazium by complaining about the bulletin board, and then head to the inn.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯m home~? Kinda? Or rather¡­ Why are you glaring at me? Well, I¡¯ve already said everything that there is to say on this, outlining a clear path to the truth, which is, I did nothing wrong? I have no idea why you are even glaring at me, but no matter what the reason you may have, I most likely did nothing wrong anyway? Even if you unravel the providence of continual change of all things in creation, I still seem to not be the one at fault anyway? Kinda?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    I got scolded? Getting scolded with 40 dead eyes staring at me was scary. Eyes look terrifying without light to them? It¡¯s not like I was the one who splashed juices on them, but I got scolded anyway. Those were Fly-san¡¯s fly juices, but they scolded me. Meanwhile, Armored Pres-san and Slime-san did a fade away, looking as if they were completely unrelated to this! Every time I glance at them they are getting further and further away! Eh? Weren¡¯t we in this together??

    ?

    But those dead, void-like eyes were seriously terrifying! They must be lying on the exactly opposite vector from the flat gaze. Forcibly ending the long sermon by reviving what¡¯s dead through the power of ¡ºpseudo-Italian cutlets¡», I was finally freed. As expected, everyone already took a bath, so Armored Pres-san went there together with Slime-san, looking a bit lonesome.?

    ?

    Now, it¡¯s time for the trial.?

    ?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Mistilteinn (¡°Mistletoe¡±), is Hr¨®mundr Gripsson¡¯s sword in Hr¨®mundar saga Gripssonar, a legendary saga from Iceland and also the name of a certain spear. Mistletoe or Mistilteinn is also what was used to kill Baldr in Gesta Danorum. Curiously, MC of Hr¨®mundar saga eventually literally ¡°dropped¡± the sword in favor of a club to finish a certain opponent and later stuck with it.

 CH 221

    Day 58 ¨C Royal Capital, Royal Castle?

    ?

    There will be a civil war. An internal strife under a decline so heavy that sustaining national power will not be possible. That is in case it can be called internal. The great nobles. They already turned traitors, becoming puppets of foreign states. And now they began swarming for the magic stones of the frontier, the last bastion of loyalty. That¡¯s the last thing left for the kingdom. And they want to plunder even that.?

    ?

    ¡¸Your Excellency, here is the result of our investigation of the current information. We can¡¯t assure its reliability, but this is the result of our analysis and filtering of all the information that we obtained so far. The time won¡¯t allow us to do more.¡¹?

    ?

    If only my older brother, the king, regained consciousness, we could break this deadlock, but there is no time left. To think that I¡¯ll have to meet sir Mellotosam as an enemy¡­ No, that is precisely what I cannot allow the brother to do. I can¡¯t bear even the thought of the brother and count Mellotosam opposing each other. If only this could¡¯ve been resolved with my, the Royal Prince¡¯s defeat, if only it would have brought peace to the country, I would¡¯ve gladly gone to die in battle, but the cause is so deep and circumstances are so complicated that it won¡¯t solve anything. This issue was bound to come up one day, but we have no solution ready even now.?

    ?

    And I have no excuse to give sir Mellotosam. He simply kept enduring it all for the King¡¯s sake, enduring hardships for the royal family, resigning himself to humiliation. And as soon as the King collapsed with the illness, the great nobles began doing as they please, and finally, even sir Mellotosam¡¯s life became a target of those nobles. But even those transgressions they managed to cover up by sacrificing some small nobles under them.?

    ?

    ¡¸So you are saying, that a brat aspiring to become an adventurer, who is yet to reach even level 20, had an accident in the great dungeon, and fell to the lowest floor. The brat, that miraculously survived, returned with the treasures of the dungeon master, that died in the cave-in, and is using that money to buy up and monopolize the frontier?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸This is merely a deduction from connecting pieces of information that had credibility to them, but I reckon this version is the closest one to the truth. The rest of it are absurd tall stories, no different from fairytales, or some heroic epics overdramatized for fun, utterly lacking in authenticity. According to the latest information, he is surrounded by 20 beautiful maidens, guarded by 10 brawny A-class adventurers, renting an entire inn all for himself has luxurious meals there every day, and wastes fortunes playing around in the town.¡¹?

    ?

    As an attempt to compromise, I tried sending an envoy to have that adventurer and the treasures delivered to the capital, but they couldn¡¯t accept that. I even heard that sir Mellotosam flew into a fit of rage over the request to hand over a mere adventurer.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then why is that frontier¡¯s count Mellotosam Shim Omui protecting such a frivolous brat? Isn¡¯t there no possible reason to refuse the handover to the point of going to the war with the kingdom?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸He isn¡¯t protecting that youngster, he is defying the will of the kingdom. Using the breach of the old covenant as an excuse and the kid as a pretense, he is trying to threaten the kingdom by cutting the supply of magic stones. As proof of that, we have information that a giant fortress was built at the entrance to the frontier, which suggests that he was preparing for this for a long time. Judging from the scale of the castle, it¡¯s not something that began just some 5 years ago. I can¡¯t tell if his goal is a rebellion or the frontier¡¯s independence, he is likely evaluating information coming from here.¡¹?

    ?

    The frontier should¡¯ve long since reached its limit. Located in the most dangerous area, the domain of Omui, that served as the protection of the continent was driven into poverty by the great nobles. They kept fighting monsters of the Evil Forest without the ability to obtain adequate equipment. The fact that they still haven¡¯t perished under such conditions is a miracle in itself. And the foolishness of the great nobles that think of nothing but plundering it for magic stones and stuffing their pockets despite the fall of Omui meaning the destruction of the kingdom itself, is not just appalling but outright revolting!?

    ?

    But he managed to create a fortress in such circumstances? Moreover, working on it for many years. It¡¯s hard to believe, but if he really went that far in his preparations, then it makes sense that negotiations would be fruitless.?

    ?

    ¡¸But is it possible to gain victory over the frontier army led by that Mellotosam Shim Omui? And he even built a fortress, so he must be ready for war.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸But we can¡¯t falter. If we pull back here, the kingdom will split, and become unable to operate as a country. It would be great if the matter was resolved peacefully, the kingdom won¡¯t be able to withstand a war that would follow a break up. We have no time. The treasury is empty, even repayment of our foreign debts is under question.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Even the royal guard led by Shariceres was annihilated! Who is going to accomplish that? Our best elites couldn¡¯t even take a step into the frontier, beating it in battle aside, can we even reach the frontier?¡¹?

    ?

    I held a faint hope that Shariceres could bring things to negotiations, but¡­ She clearly went there to die. And even if she did her best for the sake of the kingdom, and reached the frontier, there is no way she could point her sword at sir Mellotosam. She was planning to die there to stop the great nobles. She was planning to use her own life to drive a wedge into the matter.?

    ?

    But even that ended in nothing. However, Shariceres was sheltered by sir Mellotosam. This might be for the best.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is no other choice but to replace young nobles that did nothing but watch borders previously, and attack with the entire army. An army that is nothing but private troops of several great nobles bunched together won¡¯t be much of a challenge. But the first prince Gvaday seems to be in full support of the great nobles. It could become a source of problems in the future if we abandon them here.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Abandon them. Who cares about the future problems. Thanks to those shameless greedy bastards we have to clash with the frontier! I can¡¯t possibly entrust the country to idiots who are still going along with that.¡¹?

    ?

    This is too foolish.?

    ?

    But the second prince is making no moves despite the situation. The others are just children, and are too far down the line of succession to be considered. But someone has to take over the royal family. When my brother recovers it won¡¯t be a distant issue anymore. But Shariceres is not going to engage in a bloody cutthroat struggle for succession. In that case, it might be an unexpected stroke of luck that she is in Count Mellotosam¡¯s care. The possibility of her being assassinated if she remained here is too high. She is popular with both the military and the people, meanwhile, the first prince only has a bad reputation in excess and not a shred of popularity, so the royal castle is the most dangerous place for her.?

    ?

    ¡¸I will not be ordering the royal army into action. Summon one small unit from nearby. Even if negotiations are pointless, I have to meet sir Mellotosam one last time. Even more so since my brother cannot go himself. At least I should go out¡­ Even if everything is too late, I still must go.¡¹?

    ?

    Is there nothing for us but inevitable ruin? It¡¯s almost comical that the best thing that can happen for us is, ironically, Count Mellotosam rebelling and taking over the kingdom. There is no other hope for us. But I also know that sir Mellotosam will never rebel.?

    ?

    If the kingdom, the throne, was what they desired, then any head of Omui house throughout the ages could¡¯ve taken it. Even so, the successive heads of Omui house always remained the most loyal to the kingdom and royal family.?

    ?

    The successive kings all gave their gratitude to Omui house, and shed tears for the Omui counts that perished in the Evil Forest. Without seeking power or influence, they simply kept fighting for the sake of the people, the heroic house, Omui.?

    ?

    Who else would be more fit to rule the kingdom. We, Diorer Royal family, are no more that foolish and incompetent decorations, that were continuously helped and saved by Omui house, but all we paid them with was resentment.?

    ?

    But now, the kingdom is doomed. Corrupt and rotting from the inside, ending up with the money-crazed nobles selling out the country to the neighbors.?

    ?

    And they are trying to turn the only bargaining chip we have for dealing with the outside, magic stones, into gold for the nobles, even putting pressure on the frontier to rip them off. It came to the point where it would¡¯ve only been natural if we were killed a long time ago. We went that far.?

    ?

    My last act would be meeting Count Mellotosam in my brother¡¯s stead. There is nothing I can possibly say to him, but at the very least, I want to apologize as a member of the royal family. Even that might be presumptuous but there is nothing else I can do.?

    ?

    ¡¸What¡¯s the current situation and the plan of the noble¡¯s army? If the kingdom is going to fall anyway, then pincering them together with the frontier¡¯s army and massacring them right there could be amusing too? ¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸T-that is too much even for a joke! If such divisive words were to leak outside it would undoubtedly become a large issue. If Your Excellency intends on supporting the frontier, they might brand even Your Excellency a traitor. ¡¹?

    ?

    There is no way that I can stop the worst outcome that even my brother, that even the King couldn¡¯t stop.?

    ?

    And while the King is unable to act, the worst is turning even worse. It¡¯s getting worse than the worst situation we could¡¯ve anticipated.?

    ?

    By now, the troops of the nobles are far more numerous than the royal army. And the royal army itself is split, with part of it allying with the nobles. It won¡¯t even be a fight.?

    ?

    That weird kid and his treasures is the only condition which might allow for a compromise. Without that there is nothing to bring things to negotiations with the nobles and the church that is backing them.?

    ?

    If Count Omui wasn¡¯t protecting him, it might¡¯ve been possible to take him into custody and crush the nobles¡¯ just cause. Even though protecting all of the people is Omui, he is being way too obstinate.?

    ?

    Since the nobles won¡¯t pull back unless some concessions are made, that is the only available compromise. And if that can¡¯t be achieved, then civil war is the only path left.?

    ?

    But does that lot really think that the royal family and noble riffraff can beat the frontier¡¯s army just because they bunched up? Does it mean that garbage hasn¡¯t even seen the frontier? Do they really think that troops of the nobles, who can¡¯t squash even a small dungeon, will be able to contend with the warriors of the frontier, who continuously fight in the monster-dominated forest of demons??

    ?

    ¡¸It seems the rescue of Shariceres has failed, but that was nothing more than an assassination under the guise of rescue anyway. Now even the pretext for negotiations is eliminated. In the first place, we are not in a position to negotiate, neither do we have anything to offer.¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸We have no means left but to crush the frontier. There is no way to avoid the war. Please, I beg you understand¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Are you saying we should kill Count Omui? The hero of the kingdom and its great benefactor? And you think the people will tolerate that?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Otherwise, the kingdom will fall, and the people will become vagrants without a country to call home. And¡­ The continent will fall into chaos. It¡¯s not about should we or should we not, we have no other option. Even if we are talking about that Omui.¡¹?

    ?

    Fall by our own folly. The situation progressed to the stage where offering the heads of the princes along with my own still won¡¯t be enough to settle things. I have to go. To Omui.?

    ?

    If possible, I¡¯d like to shut the noble rabble up by handing them that adventurer brat, and then move to negotiations with Count Omui. Apologize, even if it requires offering him a few royal heads. As for the nobles, there is no other option but to compromise by giving them that kid. This is the last path left for me. Even if I have to hand over my own head. If it comes to a civil war¡­ The kingdom will fall.

 CH 222

    Day 58 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    The time of trial has come. The time has cometh, the ordeal is upon me.?

    ?

    ¡ºEmpty your mind.¡»?

    ?

    Seek Zen. Seek emptiness. Lao-tzu also said ¡ºIf I empty my mind and stay calm, I can see that all things are produced and they return to the roots.¡».?

    ?

    If I completely empty my mind.?

    ?

    And carefully protect the stillness of my heart.?

    ?

    Even if a great many things were to happen at once.?

    ?

    I would see how all of them return to the root.?

    ?

    A heart of steel that would not be moved by any shockingly astonishing threat no matter how immense it is.?

    ?

    Well? I mean, it is a shockingly astonishing threat? How should I put it, a cataclysm of some kind? Sort of??

    ?

    ¡ºClean as polished mirror. Serene as still water¡»?

    ?

    Cast one¡¯s heart upon the water and watch it closely, if done so, the water will halt along with the progress of time, and reflect one¡¯s heart clearly akin to a spotless mirror.?

    ?

    Yes, cast everything aside and accept things as they are.?

    ?

    I don¡¯t think I can take it though? Are you telling me this is still not enough?!?

    ?

    No, I can¡¯t be tempted, I can¡¯t be tempted, I can¡¯t be tempted. I have to empty my mind!?

    ?

    If everything is to be accepted with a calm mind, then so it shall be, even if this is too much to fit.?

    ?

    No, if I keep my mind in check and look at things as they are naturally, I¡¯ll probably go crazy. There is danger of an explosion if I move before my heart moves??

    ?

    Touch them as they are, wrap and also measure, or rather, they are so heavy, big, and soft, no, look into the heart, I can¡¯t look there!?

    ?

    So that¡¯s about it? This should be appropriate, appropriate as in proper for the measure, no more, no less, the best condition. About this, right??

    ?

    (Jiggle)?

    ?

    There was a reply, but I have no idea what it means, after all, it¡¯s not Slime-san talking right now.?

    ?

    Wrap up while lifting up without pressing down, then disperse and spread that vector, that¡¯s a bit tight??

    ?

    (Bounce)?

    ?

    No, I have no idea what you are saying? Or rather, that would be crazy if I did! After all, it¡¯s not like they are trying to say anything! Yeah, but I also replied involuntarily anyway.?

    ?

    The issue is movement, since there is no fixed center of mass, there is a need to estimate the range of motion itself and suppress it.?

    ?

    But there is no way I can do something as insane as shaking those dangerous goods. So the only way is to suspend them from above and then lift up while pushing in from the sides.?

    ?

    Then compressing, modifying, overlapping without fusing, securing while making sure it can support and contain this much too enormous weight and volume.?

    ?

    (Squish?)?

    ?

    Eh? Was it a question? No way, I can¡¯t go there, if I start communicating with them it¡¯ll be over in all sorts of ways! Empty my mind, throw away worldly thoughts, cleanse the soul, and make oneself free from ties and desires.?

    ?

    £¨Purri~ng!£©?

    ?

    Eh? No, there is no way that they want to eat pudding! It¡¯s not Slime-san, so there is no way they are going to eat anything! Rather, it would be more than just shocking if they did! It would be a huge issue! Ah, but putting pudding on top could be¡­?

    ?

    No. Clear your mind, the thoughts weigh as a heavy burden on one¡¯s heart. Well, those are heavy, that¡¯s why she is having trouble, but I must banish all thoughts and return to innocence. But were I to innocently play with them, something very not innocent will end up happening!?

    ?

    But the last voice was nice, so maybe that¡¯s the way? It might be¡­ But it¡¯s risky! I¡¯m beginning to converse with them! It¡¯s not like this is the inner voice or anything! If I begin a dialogue with them I¡¯ll end up being an insane weido pervert.?

    ?

    ¡¸I kind of want to ask you to move to see if this will do, but I also sort of do not, the motion brings risk, but an unmoving heart is precious here? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Bounce, Bo~unce!)?

    ?

    This is good it seems¡­ Wait right there! Who was that that replied right now! Please answer properly! Wait, could it be that it is the main body? Which one? No, wait, the main body, or rather, the person in question, is still checking. With whom am I talking then??

    ?

    ¡¸Yeah. This is great~, it¡¯s a lot more comfortable, and easy to move~. It¡¯s more comfortable than custom-made stuff from the original world! The only thing left is design~.¡¹?

    ?

    Is this for real? I¡¯m going to spend the night working alone on this already worn bra? A highschool boy is going to keep a used raw Brassiere-san? What sort of fantasy is that? No matter how you spin it, this is a fantasy far more fantastic than a teleportation to another world? So fantastic that a highschool boy might depart to a fantasy world all alone with this worn bra in hand! Well, this is already a fantasy world though??

    ?

    But well, certainly, everything in the world is going through the conflict of functionality and form, fusing and becoming one in the process, thus finally obtaining their proper form. Well, to put it bluntly, she wants a highschool boy to spend the night adding lace to her already worn bra? But this destructive power can¡¯t be contained with half cups, straps also would require quite a bit of minimal width. There is also an option of going cross on the back, but I¡¯ll die from another session of measurements. I¡¯m sure my soul will leave me before the thoughts. In that case, I should do what I can with design, and compensate for the rest with lace. Well, let¡¯s do this.?

    ?

    The last resort measure that I used in order to stop the frenzied rampage of Vice Pres B-san. That is the sealed magic words *mumble-mumble*.?

    ?

    ¡¸Even if I asked you to calm down, it actually would be way scarier if you could stay calm with insect fluids dripping from your face and all over your body, but the geeks are about to get roasted, so please calm down? Well, burning geeks is not a big deal, but if they burn the barrier will break and everyone will be swallowed by a sea of flames, summer here is scorching hot by itself, so calm down? Kind of?¡¹?

    ?

    There was no time to spare. Being pressed to the limit, some sacrifices had to be made to make it out of that situation.?

    ?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll make a bra when we get back, so let¡¯s go home~? It¡¯s a custom-made bra with lace~? So let¡¯s go back~? But before that, let¡¯s wash away the insect juices? Or rather, it¡¯s dripping from your face? It¡¯s dripping in threads, which looks all sorts of bad, so let¡¯s wash your face? Here, hot water, sort of~.¡¹?

    ?

    Well, it seems she has been having troubles with bras since we came to this world. And even the clothing workshop that I went out of my way to make couldn¡¯t resolve the issue.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san also repeatedly told me to make them. It seems to be a big issue for the girls, but it¡¯s agonizing for the boys too, you know? And even the mana molded sports bra that I developed as a desperate measure, couldn¡¯t hold them. They apparently are going wild, moving inside¡­ But it¡¯s quite troubling to hear such a thing, in many ways, quite very seriously.?

    ?

    That line back then¡ºI¡¯ll make a bra when we get back, so let¡¯s go home~?¡»could indeed be seen as problematic, but just as I expected,¡ºAaah, the aftermath is going to kill me¡», I really had a hard time, doing a very hard job. I had it very hard as a highschool boy. And currently, I¡¯m still in a very tough situation for a highschool boy, a state of emergency of sorts.?

    ?

    However, I had no idea that the design is this complicated, normally, there would be no technique to fixate something with moving contents and center of mass without suppressing it. Moreover, while dispersing the mass, the fulcrum point remains mobile, so there is nothing I can do by design. I didn¡¯t expect that even ¡ºApex Thinking¡»won¡¯t be able to calculate that, so it was a real struggle!?

    ?

    I¡¯ll say this just in case, but all of this was performed under the watchful gaze of Armored Pres-san and Slime-san, alright? I have nothing to feel guilty about? Of course, were I to say that I had no lewd thoughts that would be a fantastic fantasy highschool boy adventure-grade fairytale, but I diligently did the job.?

    ?

    I was properly blindfolded and operated with¡ºEvil Hands¡», so I haven¡¯t touched anything, so it¡¯s safe. Evil Hands had a few episodes of playfulness with accidental rubs, strokes, and pokes, but we got through it all and the work was completed! Also, it would be great if Armored Pres-san, who was covering my eyes with her hand, could stop spreading her fingers apart? And also if Vice Pres B-san would stop smiling when our eyes met through the opening? And no¡ºAaa~n¡»too? Also, Slime-san was just sleeping, but whatever.?

    ?

    ¡¸Then, please make the matching bottoms too~, if there is anything you aren¡¯t sure about, call me for measurement~. I¡¯m looking forward to it~, thank you, Haruka-kun.¡¹?

    ?

    £¨Slam£©?

    ?

    She left with a bounce in her step. A bounce.?

    ?

    And it seems I¡¯m going to make the bottoms too. Bottom, means, bottom, right? I feel like my soul might turn to ashes were I measure the bottom too, I mean, it already all burned out to white? At this rate I might get¡ºSelf-Resurrection¡»soon? But coupled with ¡ºRegeneration¡»that¡¯s totally not a human¡¯s abilities anymore??

    ?

    And before long, this incident will be exposed by the girls, I mean, the girls are doing girls-only gatherings at the bath every evening, and all of the committee members share the same room? And I already made some for Armored Pres-san since she would want it too, but she, being a habitual offender in this regard, is definitely going to brag before others. ¡­¡­¡­So I need to make them for 19 more people.?

    ?

    Night shift it is. And I did my best, after all, there is finally matching sexy lingerie for Armored Pres-san, with garter and stockings! Of course, I¡¯m going to work hard?

 CH 223

    Day 59 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    Stalker Girl¡¯s report came in the morning.?

    ?

    It seems that an army led by this kingdom¡¯s prince was assembled and departed for the frontier. Royal Girl tried to leave to stop that, so the lord¡¯s mansion is in a huge uproar. I actually wanted to collect coins from massage chairs, but it looks like it would be better not to get near that place. Well, if she was wearing that marvelous lewd dress I¡¯d be willing to visit them everyday to gaze at it, but regrettably, she bought ordinary clothes at the general store.?

    ?

    But they are sluggish. Well, they seem to be moving with a force, in addition, consisting of low level soldiers without quick movement skills, so their slowness is understandable, but it seems like it is still going to take more than 10 days. Like, it¡¯s so slow that it makes me want to ask them to notify us 3 days before the arrival? At this pace I might forget all about them while making preparations, or rather, I actually did forget.?

    ?

    To begin with, the messages are moving through relay, but Stalker Girl¡¯s clan¡¯s information takes less than 3 days to reach, 5 days tops at worst. And yet there is still about 2 weeks until their arrival? Are they perhaps coming with a tour? Like sightseeing or something? I want to participate as well! I wonder if the bus guide-san is cute?! No, it is because there are no buses that they need more than two weeks to walk here, in other words, there is a high probability that bus guides don¡¯t exist in this world! Alright, let¡¯s make a uniform for Armored Pres-san and have her guide us on the trip into the world of ecstasy on the nighttime tour named lust on a bus named desire!?

    ?

    ¡¸Heeey? Haruka-kun. Why are you triumphantly shouting¡ºDoing this and that in a bus tour guide uniform~.¡»when we are listening to a report on military movements of the kingdom¡¯s army? Would you be inclined to give us a detailed 1-hour explanation of what sort of a military strategy that is while kneeling over there? Also, this world has no buses, so what are you trying to do by creating bus guides? Well, it¡¯s obvious what exactly you wanted to do, that¡¯s GUILTY, so take a seat over there.¡¹?

    ?

    There is a saying from the olden times, that The enemy of my enemy is my friend, but what if the friends are enemies, and I¡¯m surrounded and isolated on all sides, bombarded with a concentrated Flat Gaze for annihilation, where should I go to meet my allies? As I thought, if I¡¯m looking for encounters, I need guidance from the bus guide-san! But what if the bus only makes a regular trip around the town? Isn¡¯t there nothing to see besides the bus guide-san then? Well, I¡¯m still going to look though.?

    ?

    I got scolded.?

    ?

    Today, pres and the others are planning on beating the boss of the 50th floor and then heading for the 59th floor. That should be alright, they were able to beat the floor master of the 60th floor yesterday, so handling middle floors should be easy. Well, the bug juice incident was the only problem yesterday, so they should be fine. As long as they don¡¯t get splashed with anything.?

    ?

    We also thought about continuing where we stopped yesterday, but I¡¯m slightly anxious to jump into real combat like this.?

    ?

    The problem is ¡ºWooden Staff?¡»that finally revealed it¡¯s true form as¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡».?

    ?

    The wooden stick that already has¡ºHeavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds (Sword of Kusanagi) ¨C Divine Sword, Eradicates Evil, PoW SpE DeX LuK 30% Up ? ?¡». I was too scared to mithrilify the divine sword, but now my worries became meaningless.?

    ?

    Plus¡ºDimension Blade ¨C Cutting Power and Cutting Range can be changed with mana, Dimension Slash, Level 100 Required¡», ¡ºElder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Mana Control Increase¡», and¡ºSpatial Staff ¨C Greatly Effective for people capable of using space magic¡», are the four items that it is slotted with. Well, if I could effectively use it, then it already would¡¯ve been more than a cheat-grade weapon.?

    ?

    The vine twined around¡ºWooden Staff?¡»is¡ºParasitic Vine ¨C Strengthen Wooden Sticks and Staffs Magic Absorption ? ? ?¡», which in fact was the Spear Mistilteinn from Norse Myths. It was hiding, deceiving me.?

    ?

    And when I combined that with¡ºEntwined Tree¡¯s Branch¡», among the effects appeared¡ºThe Seven-Branched Sword¡»¡­¡­It¡¯s beyond being even a monstrous weapon by now, no matter how you think about it, it¡¯s totally on the route to¡ºThe strongest weapon I came up with~¡», what¡¯s left is to slap Excalibur and Longinus on it??

    ?

    And the natural problem is the control and mana cost. I almost fainted from using it just once yesterday, if I can¡¯t control it then I¡¯ll end up collapsing during combat right in front of monsters. If I were facing kobolds or bitches they¡¯d gnaw on my head, I don¡¯t want that at all.?

    ?

    And the biggest concern is the skill¡ºMagic Wrap¡», I was able to wing it with this ability until now, which takes skills, mana, spells, techniques, and even abilities of equipment and shrouding oneself in them forcibly converting them all into physical abilities. Wouldn¡¯t it be dangerous if I tried to move around while wrapping myself in the abilities of ¡ºThe Stro~ngest weapon that I thought of~¡», a monstrous item that I can¡¯t even handle properly? In fact, I already took self-inflicted damage by trying to force¡ºKyojitsu¡»with my current abilities, which threatened to tear away my arms at times.?

    ?

    First comes practice, and before practice, testing.?

    ?

    Even though I have no other weapons I can use, why did it turn into¡ºThe strongest weapon I came up with~¡»? Or rather, who the hell was that person that came up with this weapon? The strongest damage from it is hitting me as well, so please kindly stop coming up with anything else??

    ?

    And it even kept the name and itself hidden until now, just what was it trying to do??

    ?

    I¡¯m sure this is the only weapon that got tricked by a bluff and carelessly revealed itself??

    ?

    Leaving the town I look for an empty area. This one will likely be very dangerous if it gets out of control.?

    ?

    A plain as far as the eye can see. Nothing all around, and I also had Armored Pres-san and Slime-san move away.?

    ?

    Begin the experiment? Or rather, doesn¡¯t this count as human experimentation with myself as a test subject? Crap, I should¡¯ve lent this one to the geeks? Well, it would be a problem if pres and the others got struck by this, so I¡¯m not doing that, and I don¡¯t think anyone else can use this. It can¡¯t be activated with skills, full-manual operation, as inconvenient as it can possibly get.?

    ?

    Taking a deep breath I take ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»into my left hand, everything is alright. And now the main part, controlling it with¡ºMana Mastery¡», I begin pouring in mana bit by bit, everything is alright??

    ?

    Although it was supposed to be supplied with only a minimal amount of mana,¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»began weakly pulsating? Nothing out of the ordinary??

    ?

    I tried swinging and waving it, but there is nothing out of place or otherwise suspicious.?

    ?

    I gradually increase the quantity of magic I¡¯m pouring in, but there are still no abnormalities. In this case, as long as I can keep it under control, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems with running out of mana.?

    ?

    Now, the biggest issue,¡ºMagic Wrap¡».?

    ?

    Slowly, without rushing, I nonchalantly clad myself in it. Ah~ this might be bad? If I move carelessly I¡¯ll probably end up wrecking my body.?

    ?

    Slowly, I undo ¡ºMagic Wrap¡» That was pretty bad, I¡¯m all drenched in sweat.?

    ?

    I think were I to try to use¡ºKyojitsu¡»with¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»with active¡ºMagic Wrap¡»I would¡¯ve at least lost an arm in the best case scenario, and died instantly at worst.?

    ?

    Currently, I feel nothing from¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡», but that pulsating sensation, is it perhaps growing? I can¡¯t control it as it is, if it grows even further it wouldn¡¯t be a laughing matter.?

    ?

    For starters, I¡¯ll move with ¡ºMagic Wrap¡», and accustom myself to the level that can be used in combat. Ah, I broke a bone!¡­?

    ?

    Looks like before turning Armored Pres-san into a bus guide, there will be a need for her to become a nurse. Yes, there is a need, so I¡¯ll make it! Well, both outfits are going to be made anyway, I mean, there is an overflowing desire to make them?. According to my own personal testimony??

    ?

    But while the damage to the body is great, the ¡ºRegeneration¡»is also fast, not sure if it¡¯s an effect of skill synergy or something else.?

    ?

    But it gets immediately wrecked again. Looks like my muscles snapped, and speaking of snapping, I think my bones also crumbled a bit? That¡¯s the sort of pain I¡¯m getting here? GUAH!?

    ?

    In the end, while it took me until lunch, with lots of trial and error and subsequent self-destruction, I was finally able to get it under control. Even with ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san¡¯s full management I still can¡¯t prevent occasional self-inflicted damage, but there is no other choice but to keep going and cover that with ¡ºRegeneration¡».?

    ?

    Even with the effects suppressed, the destructive power still went up a notch, but the biggest effect has to be coming from ¡ºMP Absorption¡», MP is recovering at an outrageous speed. The mana battery that was completely drained yesterday has almost completely recharged as well. ¡ºRegeneration¡»is swift too, and I think even¡ºApex Thinking¡»received a buff? Since my control also rapidly increased, I managed to somehow become able to use it, so perhaps there is some sort of synergy effect??

    ?

    I tried it a bit on the gobs inside the forest, but the gobs, that drastically dropped in levels recently, can¡¯t even serve as practice anymore, I mean, gobs in this area are all of level 5 or even lower? They disappear in one hit, first their heads or limbs are blown away, and then they vanish out of existence. A clumsy attempt at slashing could cut a wide area of the forest too, without proper control I can easily hit allies.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san or Slime-san should be fine, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to team up with Pres-san and the others for a while.?

    ?

    Armored Pres-san¡¯s¡ºFull Silver Armor¡»has a cheat skill ¡ºComplete Immunity¡», and Slime-san should¡¯ve eaten Greater Guardian¡¯s ¡ºComplete Immunity¡»yesterday. It also ate Phoenix¡¯s ¡ºSelf-Resurrection¡»so it should be alright. In the first place, I can¡¯t land an attack on Armored Pres-san even when I try, so there is no worry about accidentally hitting her, although there is no end to worries about getting beaten myself. Yup, no end at all??

    ?

    I¡¯m not sure if I should go back to the inn and make items with bonus to ViT first or should I search through dungeons instead, but for now I guess I¡¯ll start by checking the general store and the weapon store for ViT-related items.?

    ?

    ¡¸However, for a skill that was originally meant to strengthen the user¡¯s body to become so strong that it was now breaking it, just why are all of my skills so weird? Isn¡¯t the buff meant to prevent taking damage? Isn¡¯t that putting the cart before the horse? Sort of?¡¹?

    ?

    (Spring Spring)?

    ?

    I see~. That¡¯s deep, quite a profound thought.?

    ?

    In the end, the only thing I could find was ¡ºTough Boots ¨C ViT 10% UP¡», but they were pretty cheap, so might as well slot them, even as a mere consolation. I¡¯m quite sure that this was pawned off by one of the classmates since they didn¡¯t need it anymore, so I can¡¯t get rid of the feeling that this is a big waste, but it can¡¯t be helped. There also were iron helmets, but the head being the only armored part while I¡¯m wearing full cloth would¡¯ve looked weird, and in any case, metal equipment requires level 30 at the very least to equip. At times like this having limited options becomes a problem.?

    ?

    And in an attempt to get ViT stat, I also decided to mithrilify a dubious piece of equipment that I was hesitating to upgrade previously¡ºBlack Hat ¨C Defense + 30, Erase Presence, Stealth Up¡».?

    ?

    ¡¸Aaah, as I thought, crappy equipment is easy to do, but it has no room for growth. But it seems there is a room to apply new effects, and it won¡¯t take that much mithril, so it might be more convenient this way? And while I was saying that it¡¯s already done. What¡¯s left is to find a suitable magic stone to enchant, there is no way I can use anything good on it, so probably upper F tier should be enough? ¡¹?

    ?

    Infusing a magic stone with +ViT, I apply it to ¡ºBlack Hat¡». While it¡¯s twice the hassle, but since the magic stone dust is going to infuse the material itself, the effect is also going to be high, and easy to load it with mana. Considering the effects, it¡¯s well worth the effort. Alright, ¡ºBlack Hat ¨C ViT 20% Up, Erase Presence, Stealth, + DEF¡», with the boost to the base stats it can be considered a profit.?

    ?

    And now¡ºTough Boots¡», basically a disposable stopgap item, using mithril on it would be a waste, so I¡¯ll just slot them as it is. I can just replace them if I find something better.?

    ?

    The only thing left is live practice, or rather, live combat.?

    ?

    However, should I really be going to the 90th floor all of a sudden? Maybe it would be better to find some easy dungeon out there? Or maybe I should proceed with the mithrilification of equipment that was halted due to the raw bra panic? But as slow as it may be, the way is inching closer too, I have to get my priorities straight. As difficult as the choice may be, I guess choosing between nurse and bus guide can be left until the night. So classmates¡¯ equipment? Or my own combat potential? Well, both are essential, but which one is more urgent? Nurse?

 CH 224

    Chapter 224: Jumping from a touchdown made from a jump is weird.?

    ?

    Day 59 ¨C Daytime, White Weirdo Inn.?

    ?

    I¡¯m currently in the middle of having the hell beaten out of me, but I have no complaints.?

    ?

    A simple wooden stick in my hands, ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»hanging on my waist. And while I¡¯m getting beaten clad in¡ºMagic Wrap¡», there is a meaning to it!?

    ?

    It doesn¡¯t change the fact that I¡¯m in an overwhelmingly unfavorable position, unable to move freely, but there is no need for me to go on offense.?

    ?

    Simply observing, reading, avoiding, and fending off is enough, there is a meaning to the very fact of being able to see and read what is coming.?

    ?

    Holding a wooden stick I evade and ward off attacks from Armored Pres-san in mini-skirt nurse uniform.?

    ?

    Thighs visible through the opening that is the absolute territory created by fishnet stockings held up by a garter are dazzling, that, I observe!?

    ?

    No matter how hard, painful, and tough the training (beating) is, I will overcome it! The bus guide-san in mini-skirt is awaiting meeee!?

    ?

    Thus, we are having a marvelous training in the backyard of the inn, this is the best order of priorities after all.?

    ?

    First I get beaten until I cannot move, and after I¡¯m done with training, I can move equipment for the classmates. An order of priorities without useless elements. Kuh, I can almost see it, but I can¡¯t!?

    ?

    My own speed is greatly amplified by skill synergy of¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡», making it impossible to control. It¡¯s not just the SpE stat itself, but even the speed of reaction and thought are accelerated.?

    ?

    The world around me is decelerating with the time itself seemingly stretching, and in that slow motion I control my every movement, suppressing or putting each part into motion, trying to chain it into an optimal move.?

    ?

    The body is destroyed and regenerated, strengthened, and broken by the strength of the buffs. And I¡¯m to adapt that as my own.?

    ?

    I observe everything of the miniskirt-nurse pres-san standing in this decelerated world. Her movements, stance, breath, reach, presence, mana, and absolute territory!¡ºThud!¡», GuAh!?

    ?

    It would appear the thighs were a trap, if I¡¯m focusing on seeing something that might be visible, but isn¡¯t, it means I¡¯m not actually looking.?

    ?

    If I don¡¯t look I can¡¯t grasp her movements, but if I don¡¯t observe, I can¡¯t read them either. Looking at everything in entirety, I¡¯m observing the details.?

    ?

    I mustn¡¯t fix my gaze upon the ultimate territory (thighs), I¡¯ll end up entranced. It¡¯s a trap capable of sucking in my very soul! Even though I was the one who made her wear that.?

    ?

    Can I manage somehow? Attack power, destructive power, speed, all grew a great deal. Meanwhile, technique and endurance are all in tatters. The complete opposite state of¡ºKyojitsu¡»which is supposed to cut off all unnecessary movements.?

    ?

    Being thrown off by the buffed abilities I can¡¯t unify them into technique, although my stats are unable to keep up with this to begin with. That¡¯s a regular occurrence by now, but I can¡¯t keep up with adjusting, and since I can¡¯t keep up, the body is taking damage, but if I can¡¯t make it, I¡¯ll end up lagging behind the classmates. I¡¯d rather take on risk, than become a burden.?

    ?

    After that I also got beaten up by a sexy bus guide-san in a miniskirt until dusk, but I have no regrets. I burned that magnificent and spectacular sight into my eyes! Naturally, I recorded it with Rajingan! That curve from buttocks to thighs is the truth, and that absolute territory of pure white skin peeking from there, followed by legs wrapped in fishnet stockings is a divine mystery! Tonight, I¡¯m going to thoroughly study the truth and dive into the depths of the mystery! I¡¯m gonna do my best.?

    ?

    It¡¯s getting dark already, the rest can be tested tomorrow in combat. I mean, most of the time real combat is safer. I can handle lower floors by now, and middle floors should be alright too. But continuing that dungeon from the 90th floor is still impossible. There is no meaning to taking such a gamble. Since we culled it that hard in one go there is no danger of overflow happening any time soon.?

    ?

    Let¡¯s look for an appropriate dungeon somewhere. Everyone seems to be back, so let¡¯s plunder their earnings from today with dinner.?

    ?

    And upon entering the dining hall I was met with numerous placards flooding the place??

    ?

    ¡ºNO TO BRA DISCRIMINATION! IT¡¯S UNFAIR AND IT MAKES ME ENVIOUS!¡»¡ºLACE BRAS BELONG TO EVERYONE!¡»¡ºRESOLUTE EXTRA ORDER FOR FULL UNDERWEAR SETS!¡»¡ºI¡¯m in chemise faction!¡»¡­¡­¡­¡­?

    ?

    A demonstration. But why in cheongsams? Well, it was I, who sold those to them.?

    ?

    But they found out way too fast! Scan with Rajingan¡­ Got it! Stalker Girl is munching sweets over there, she noticed everything and sold information for sweets! A fearsome investigation ability, or rather, put it to use to investigate the capital! Why would you investigate brassiere production secrets?! Actually, I was the one who made those sweets, you know? I¡¯ll pay for your silence, so come to me first? 38 eyes staring at me, in other words, I have to make 19 sets? So you¡¯re telling me to 19 girls?¡­ Eh? Among the demonstrants there are a few girls that totally wouldn¡¯t be troubled without bras, and also a few for which sports bras are more than enough¡­ No, it¡¯s nothing. I didn¡¯t think anything and I totally didn¡¯t see anything? No, do they really need.. No, don¡¯t mind me? It¡¯s not a discrimination or anything? Eh? Sexual harrasement? It¡¯s more like the measurements are sexual harassement, or more like reverse sexual harassment¡­ Really?! 100,000 ere for each set? Chemises are paid for separately? Wait, am I going to make chemises too? Well, I get that, but why do you even need negligee? Just what are you¡­ Aah~, Armored Pres-san was going around showing off~, wait, so you are having girls-only gatherings in negligee?! Just what are you going for with those gatherings? Eeeh? Another maiden¡¯s secret? [1]?

    ?

    (Negotiations in process)?

    ?

    Deciding on the order with rock, paper, scissors by each party, it was decided on custom-made for everyone. It seems I¡¯m going to make them one by one. I ended up agreeing, surrounded by cheongsams.?

    ?

    As expected, taking measurements for 19 people is tough in more ways than one. I mean, even yesterday, I had a lot of risky and risque things to go through? Evil Hands had to have a tantalizing good feel, from which Apex Thinking had to painstakingly make calculations from! Repeat that process 19 more times¡­¡­?

    ?

    And a terrifying bunch showed up, their name is¡ºHip-Up Shorts Alliance! Lift up!¡»! And receiving overwhelming support they rose up to become a prominent force of 20 people, well, in other words, literally everyone? And so¡­ It seems I¡¯m measuring the bottoms too, moreover, they are apparently supposed to wrap up and raise. In the end, it¡¯s 20 people??

    ?

    Well, thinking about it now will only make me hungry.?

    ?

    For dinner we are having a beef bowl. But is this beef? Well, by the taste it is, then was that animal at the butcher¡¯s place a cow? Anyway, beef bowl it is.?

    ?

    ¡¸Extra large with extra meat and extra sauce!¡¹¡¡¡¸A generously big serving?¡¹¡¡¡¸¡¸¡¸Extra large bucket!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¡¡¸Put more onion too.¡¹¡¡¡¸How many extra helping are allowed?¡¹¡¡¡¸Anyway, just give me a large serving asap!¡¹¡¡¡¸Another one!¡¹¡¡¡¸And more rice please~¡¹¡¡¡¸Make it a big one! A huge one!¡¹¡¡¡¸And egg, another egg.¡¹¡¡¡¸Pour extra sauce, like, all over it!¡¹¡¡¡¸¡¸¡¸Another large bucket serving!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¡¡¸Another serving here too~¡¹¡¡¡¸Meat! Meat, meat, meat!¡¹¡¡¡¸Aaah, it¡¯s mine~, that bowl is mine~¡¹¡­¡­¡­¡­?

    ?

    I made a killing. I made a killing, but it became a scene, all because the line turned into a circle, ¡ºBeef bowl¡úMove¡úTouchdown¡úMove¡úBeef bowl¡», a perpetual cycle, an endless loop. Or rather, the touchdown is just them finishing eating the moment they sit down, so they immediately get up! That¡¯s way too fast! What sort of skill is that? Four cauldrons were already emptied, with only 2 remaining! However, coming this far, all eggs were sold out, so the pace dropped a bit, but the idiots are standing there, waiting with buckets in their hands! The buckets suit them so well that I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they stopped using chopsticks too. That¡¯s like, ¡ºmy personal bucket¡»??

    ?

    And after the queue finally ended, my portion just barely remained at the bottom of the cauldron. Slime-san is intently staring here, but it is mine, okay? Let me have at least one portion? I wish I could have an additional serving too, you know??

    ?

    Girls, so stuffed that their bellies are poking out, are rolling around the dining hall, Slime-san is also rolling around with them. Seems fun.?

    ?

    But is it alright to eat so much before having underwear custom made for them? When asked, they said that a boot camp is about to start, is it something that can have such an immediate effect? That boot camp? ONE MORE SET??

    ?

    Finishing here, I head to the bath. Even without boot camps, I¡¯m having beat camps every day, successfully getting beaten every time. It even feels like my muscles have become more toned since coming to this world? I¡¯ll probably get glared at if I say that aloud, so I¡¯m not going to. I¡¯m already getting glared at? By 40 eyes? It¡¯s scary, you know??

    ?

    Soaking in the bath, I checked the surroundings with Detect Presence, which revealed that they seem to be working very passionately at boot camp.?

    ?

    All of them were strengthened by going past level 100, on top of which, they now have more skills, some of which evolved into higher versions, so their current performance is quite a lot better. They are going hard on offense with the pres¡¯ ¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡»while geek guardian is sticking to defense with¡ºGreat Sweeping Blade¡».?

    ?

    Geek Guardian, who is relying on skill combos for attack can be easily duped by Armored Pres-san, that¡¯s why they split responsibilities, with him doing nothing but defense, while the unpredictable and elusive whip is used to demolish her defenses.?

    ?

    They are probably trying to destroy her footing, feigning an attack targeting her legs, they are making repeated attacks at the ground in an attempt to hinder her movements, but she makes no attempts to avoid it at all, moving in a dance-like way she is fluttering around, confusing them with her graceful footwork and setting them up for a trap instead.?

    ?

    And so they went (X_X).?

    ?

    A total annihilation it seems. Well, Instructor Slime is on stand-by as well, so they are probably going to kiss the ground one more time before the bath.?

    ?

    And since Armored Pres-san is in a good mood, that must¡¯ve been a passing mark. I¡¯d also prefer going (X_X) instead of getting beaten up mercilessly. Alright, let¡¯s practice for that¡­ Hmm? It¡¯s quite difficult!

    [TL Note:

    [1] For those who forgot the exchange rate, this seems to be around 500-1000 USD.

 CH 225

    Day 59 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-only Gathering.?

    ?

    That was a blunder, that was a failure, that was a bad lapse of memory.?

    ?

    Happily taking part in a beef bowl festival and losing to that amazing taste, we gave in to our appetites and ate until we couldn¡¯t eat anymore, ending up on the ground, rolling with our stomachs bulging out, but measurements were awaiting us! We have to burn that bulge, convert those calories into heat, and burn the enemy (fat) into the hellish flames, turning it into embers! That¡¯s right, we are going to enlist into the BOOT CAMP! Let¡¯s ask Angelica-san.?

    ?

    I had a bit of confidence, but it instantly vanished.?

    ?

    We got stronger, I actually felt that. That¡¯s why I decided to challenge her with a wooden stick, the same way Angelica-san and Haruka-kun fought, but my excessive self-consciousness that was bloated by recent successes into ignorant arrogance was instantly chopped and minced to pieces. I didn¡¯t get any closer at all. I didn¡¯t think that I could catch up, but the gap didn¡¯t shorten even one bit. After all, the gap is still too vast for me to comprehend. The only thing I understand is that she is still very far.?

    ?

    Then, I challenged her again, in full equipment, not a shred of arrogance or haughtiness. Simply shooting for the heights far beyond, putting up own insignificance for a measure, exhausting everything our small and meager selves had to offer and realizing the unreachable height of that peak, everyone keeps striking, rushing, and slashing only to be scattered like petals by the wind, to end up lying on the ground, gazing up at the sky.?

    ?

    And receiving Instructor Slime¡¯s tyrannous coaching, that was akin to a violent tempest, we burned out. Psychologically so, but in terms of fat, there is still room for work. But this is the limit, everyone is already (X_X)?

    ?

    In the end, level 100 was only the entry stage, I finally understood that.?

    ?

    I will grow stronger from now on, that¡¯s the realization that I obtained. We finally gained enough stats to fight, this is where the real training begins. That¡¯s why Angelica-san was smiling so happily.?

    ?

    Slime-san was a despot though. Didn¡¯t they get even stronger??

    ?

    Now, we will continue our resistance in the bath, the enemy (fat) that fortified its positions at the stomach must be squeezed out! Deal a finishing blow to the weakened enemy (fat) with a hot bath, and annihilate it!?

    ?

    Submerging the cleaned body into the warm bath, I attack the enemy (fat) with water. What pleasant warfare.?

    ?

    That bubbly soap is amazing, my skin has been shiningly smooth and silky since the morning! The effects of it are so great, that touching one¡¯s own skin becomes a sort of pleasure. If girls were offered to go to another world under the condition that they¡¯d get such a supreme luxury item, they¡¯d jump in without any hesitation. After all, beautiful skin is the best and strongest equipment for a girl.?

    ?

    And it has a miraculous cleaning power, even those sticky insect fluids were washed off in the blink of an eye, leaving not a hint of that smell.?

    ?

    Because of that, a sort of silky-skin-feel-and-touch-festival has begun, turning the bath scene very yuri-like. But the skin is so nice and smooth that it¡¯s impossible to stop.?

    ?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you want to see her wearing the actual thing before you make up your mind? Is it that amazing?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸It¡¯s so exquisite that I can¡¯t even think of a more superb piece~. It¡¯s impossible to go back after trying it once, is how good it feels~.¡¹?

    ?

    It seems she is going to have it ready when she gets out of the bath. A lingerie so exceptional that Vice Pres B-san went as far as to say that she was willing to pay any money for it..?

    ?

    Angelica-san is also nodding along, so it seems to be good enough to get the Dungeon Emperor¡¯s seal of approval.?

    ?

    How come Haruka-kun is so good at making bras??

    ?

    The hopes for new bras and nervousness before the measurements are showing in everyone¡¯s worried expressions. The biggest issue is the order after all. Everyone wants their stuff as soon as possible, but everyone is embarrassed to go through measurements, adjustments, and revisions first. In the end, everyone will go through that, but no one has the courage to take the first turn.?

    ?

    But everyone is thrilled to see the results. At the very least, Haruka-kun should have a general idea of modern bras and cups, so it should be fine to get our hopes up. Is it something that should be expected from a highschool boy though??

    ?

    And leaving the bath, two people tried new underwear.?

    ?

    Everyone is enthralled by the luxurious and gorgeous beauty, looking in a silent trance at that captivating sensual beauty of bodylines emphasized by that lingerie. Wrapped in that splendor the gorgeousness of their figures and silkiness of their skin is even more prominent.?

    ?

    Erotic richness of design and sexiness of ornament are enhancing their beauty, elegant, and bewithching, to the point of even being inviting¡­ The sex appeal is steaming out of them.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Uwaaa, so lewd! Or rather, slutty!? ¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    An allure so dangerous that even women feel tempted, stirring their carnal desire. The magnetism of refinement and decadence blending together and augmenting each other. And finally the gorgeousness of decoration and risque delicacy of design are promoting the already beautiful figures into the realm of art, manifesting here two peerless beauties equal to the greatest works of art.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Isn¡¯t this crazy? Am I getting drawn into the yuri side? Why can¡¯t I take my eyes off you? Onee-sama?¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    We really had issues with underwear, even if anything on the level of modern stuff was impossible, we wanted at least something with proper cups, that doesn¡¯t bite into the skin, and doesn¡¯t rub, but asking him, got something on the level of ultimate work of art¡­?

    ?

    Moreover, with models being the duo of Angelica-san and Vice Pres B-san, their curvy bodies add an additional dimension to this, making a sensual artistic splendor brim with seductiveness.?

    ?

    ¡¸So~, who is going first~? Measurements take a pretty long time~, and there also fitting and adjustments~?¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹?

    ?

    We want him to make it, but it¡¯s embarrassing. We wanted it bad enough to force the orders to Haruka-kun, and those are also much needed essential items, nevertheless, it is still embarrassing. To be honest, terribly so.?

    ?

    Thus, no one is rushing ahead of everyone, everyone wants to get the finished thing first, but everyone is embarrassed to go through measurements, fittings, and adjustments. I mean, that¡¯s getting completely wrapped, rubbed, pushed, and then¡­ £¨Pshhhh£©?

    ?

    (Overheat reached. Please wait, cooling down in process.)?

    ?

    Thus, we are having a rock, paper, scissors tournament.?

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­So rubbed here and there¡«, will make you go¡ºNmmnhah~¡»¡«But it¡¯s pretty refreshing¡«But then he¡¯ll also go there and here¡«£¿And then¡«And after that¡«¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Thanks to the explanation from a certain someone, it¡¯s even harder to go first! What was that¡ºNmmnhah~¡»supposed to mean! What were you doing! Eh? You are giving him the already worn bra to add decorations? A bra that you already tried on?¡­ And you gave it to him.?

    ?

    But despite all his embarrassment, Haruka-kun made something outrageous. Vice Pres B-san had troubles with underwear even in the original world, trying all sorts of brands, even going for made-to-order stuff, and yet she wept at the lack of a bra that she would be content with. For that Vice Pres B-san to give it such high praise, just what sort of bra artisan is he?! Is he trying to become a master of bras? Even so, he¡¯ll make the best bras for us, custom made, although it would require us to submit for measurements? And getting rubbed and something else??

    ?

    And according to information received from Angelica-san, he devised a new manufacturing method, which would disperse the weight on the straps, and is even trying out new approaches that could relieve the tightness in the belt. Trial products also seem to be so good that they almost give an impression of a bust suddenly becoming lighter, and yet not creating any discomfort at all, apparently not rubbing or slipping even during violent combat. But measurements and adjustments for it seem to be amazing¡­ Rubbed, lifted, raised, sandwiched, shaken? Wait, what is the need for sandwiching there??

    ?

    And also countermeasures for heat rash¡­ Haruka-kun, just what is he trying to become? He probably already became the most supreme bra artisan in the universe. Wouldn¡¯t he be able to live on that alone even without any adventures? The demand is never going to die out.?

    ?

    That being the case, rock, paper, scissors tournament.

 CH 226

    Chapter 226: With different softness, bounciness, and elasticity each is one of a kind, well, they do come in pairs though? So maybe two??

    ?

    Day 59 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Her face is bright red. No, if you act so bashful it will be embarrassing for me too, so please don¡¯t? And Armored Pres-san, don¡¯t try to leave with your face saying¡ºEnjoy yourselves¡»? Stay here? This one is the real bad news? Or rather, Armored Pres-san, aren¡¯t you in charge of covering my eyes, what are we going to do if you just walk away??

    ?

    And now the red-faced and lightly dressed pres is looking at me with a flat gaze. She seems to have lost in rock, paper, scissors, and also seems to have wimped out£¿?

    ?

    ¡¸Hang in there~. Now, strip~, get your tits out¡«¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Nooo! Don¡¯t say tits! I¡¯ll undress, just wait a bit.¡¹?

    ?

    She is accompanied by Vice Pres B-san, but she doesn¡¯t seem to be on her side. Did she come as a part of Big Duo? Then, tomorrow it¡¯s going to be Vice Pres A-san and C-san? Actually, do they even need bras? Well, I suspect that Vice Pres A-san will do just fine with a sports bra, but maybe she does need it, I¡¯m pretty sure if I said¡ºYou don¡¯t need it, right?¡», it¡¯d result in a war. But that Shrimp definitely doesn¡¯t need one! There is no need to support or lift anything, or rather, there is no mass for that in the first place, I mean, the subject matter is absent.?

    ?

    But well, the big two here do need it, both the volume and the substance are undisputedly demanding it. Armored Pres-san is around too, so probably 3 out of top 5 are gathered here. Or at the very least top 10.?

    ?

    Having Armored Pres-san cover my eyes I begin measurement, but there is something that bothered me since the previous time with Vice Pres B-san. Why use hands to cover my eyes? Wouldn¡¯t a common blindfold do? I mean, Armored Pres-san tends to move her fingers apart from time to time? And at such perfect timing too??

    ?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹?

    ?

    Our eyes met. A flat gaze, that¡¯s why I said that you shouldn¡¯t open your fingers!?

    ?

    Deploying Evil Hands I activate Apex Thinking. I already gained a complete comprehension from yesterday, starting form formulation to the manufacturing process itself. Or rather, if I could make something capable of supporting That, it would work for pretty much anything else. Tackling the most difficult problem first, I tried all sorts of approaches through trial and error. By now it wouldn¡¯t be an understatement to say that there is no bra that I cannot make! But a highschool boy shouting¡ºThere is no bra I cannot make!¡»would probably be reported, and for a good reason, so I¡¯ll just keep quiet.?

    ?

    I¡¯m taking measurements in 3D, in other words, I have a complete grasp of the shape and form.?

    ?

    Then, I also investigate the mass distribution and tensile strength, in other words, rub and shake them a bit.?

    ?

    Based on that I make a theoretical model and make adjustments while doing fitting, fixing and revising on the way.?

    ?

    Are there any gaps? Is the stress evenly distributed? Is the mass being properly dispersed? Won¡¯t areas with more weight rub? Confirming everything one by one I make minute adjustments, at times remaking everything along with the model. The current sample size is only 3 examples, so I can¡¯t fully analyze the differences unless I confirm things on the fly. Well, 3, but actually 6!?

    ?

    Yeah, in the current sample pool of 3 cases, those have the highest elasticity, so it might be fine to go a little tighter, the world has too many things I don¡¯t get, how come everyone in the current sample pool is so different? The information I accumulated thus far is completely unhelpful in dealing with this. Each one has different softness, bounciness, and elasticity! Each is unique!?

    ?

    ¡¸NmuUum¡­¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Sorry. Was it too tight? Did it hurt? Maybe loosening it up a bit will provide for a more comfortable and pleasant experience? Or so it looks to me? Eh, no I¡¯m not looking! Honestly! Even my inner eye is keeping itself shut, so it¡¯s alright? It seems~? I mean, it is?¡¹?

    ?

    Envelop without pressuring, yet permitting no unnecessary sway, and at the same time, allowing the weight to be unnoticed, logically it¡¯s all in contradiction. And that¡¯s why it¡¯s difficult, this is one of those problems with no ¡ºcorrect¡» answer. That¡¯s why I seek the optimal. Harmonizing merits and demerits I look for the point of the best ratio. Seeking that one perfect state I keep making trial attempts, errors, and prototypes, groping blindly in search of the only one for the only one. ¡ºApex Thinking¡»is tracing the unlimited divergence of possibilities, picking up the optimal ones out there, and then by combining them creates an infinite number of possible combinations, testing one after another. I feel like the skill might even evolve from bra making??

    ?

    If ¡ºBrassiere Artisan¡»appears among my titles, I¡¯ll likely never take another look at my status.?

    ?

    ¡¸Ah. Don¡¯t mind that, okay? This one was nice, or rather good¡­ EVERYTHINGISALRIGHT.¡¹?

    ?

    Everything is alright it seems? Going from this pressure to lift it up without constraining, bring them closer, creating the center of mass at the cleavage line. However, I can¡¯t forget about breathability, to create the optimum one has to strive for perfection, moderation can become a demerit too if it goes too far.?

    ?

    ¡¸Eerrr, can you try to move them, I mean, to move around a bit? Is there any place that is slipping, rubbing or maybe too tight? This is going to become a baseline design, so if there is any problem please list them all? Like, is it alright to shake them? No, I mean, do it yourself! Did you really think of letting a highschooler do that? That¡¯s a super dangerous substance shaking which will definitely lead to lots of trouble! There will be riots? But even the even-surfaced girls placed orders. To¡ºWrap¡»the¡ºNothingness¡»? Is this some sort of koan?¡¹ [1]?

    ?

    She is shaking them. There is a jiggling in the space that I have within the grasp of¡ºSpace Perception¡», ¡ºEvil Hands¡»are making adjustments while confirming the sensation. Naturally, the sensation is fed to ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san through feedback, which then enters recalculation and correction mode. Meanwhile, I¡¯m anguishing over the sensations that came through feedback and the jiggling.?

    ?

    Whoooa! Vice Pres B-san began groping pres-san¡¯s chest from behind! The change in shape of meaty globes that occurs every time she digs her fingers in is sent via feedback, even trembling, shaking, and the jiggle is converted into information and sent to me. And ¡ºApex Thinking¡»begun even totally unnecessary bounciness and elasticity calculations¡­ Well, ¡ºRajingan¡»has the power to see through everything in existence, so the rumors have it that being blindfolded is no different from staring directly? Even so, I¡¯m making a commendable effort of keeping my eyes shut, so please stop with such stimulating images? Also, Slime-san, those are not your comrades, so don¡¯t even think about joining in??

    ?

    (Bounce) (Squish) (Jiggle-Jiggle)?

    ?

    I wonder whose reply was that right now? There are two extra lines now. But even without Sense Presence I¡¯m sure they are right in front of me.?

    ?

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t this fine~, isn¡¯t this fine~? Wow~, such a beautiful pink color. (poke)¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Why are you groping me? Why are you shaking and swinging my breasts? Why are you so unceremoniously grabbing them?! Stooop!¡¡And don¡¯t look, Haruka-kuun! ¡¹?

    ?

    Sounds fun. Were pres-san and Vice Pres B-san Yuri Girls all along? But even if so, don¡¯t start entangling and moaning here? This is the room of a healthy highschool boy, for a boy this is an ordeal than can even be called torture! I¡¯ll surely get scolded if I were to join.?

    ?

    And then this pink mess of a scene moved down, that¡¯s right, those two were also members of¡ºHip-Up Shorts Alliance! Lift up!¡»! Well, all of the girls joined them, so I guess all of them will need bottoms too. Just how many hardships do the girls want to put upon a healthy highschool boy??

    ?

    ¡¸Kya~, such a cute~ bottom~. A beautiful butt~. Rub rub~¡¹?

    ?

    ¡¸Kyaaaaaaa! Don¡¯t say anything unnecessary, also, stop fondling me!¡¹?

    ?

    Sounds fun. From here on I¡¯ll have to seriously empty my mind, or I¡¯ll probably die.?

    ?

    However, even if I completely empty my mind, the skill¡ºEmpty Mind¡»becomes a problem, I mean, it¡¯s an evolved version of¡ºConcentration¡»? So even if I¡ºEmpty Mind¡», I¡¯m still hyper focused? I¡¯m probably going to die here. This is the end.?

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    ??

    ?

    I died. It was a wonderland greater than the paradise itself, the heaven was here all along! Well, the measurements are done, or like, I¡¯m done, anyway, it¡¯s done. Yeah, I did all of the so-called measurements with Evil Hands, but in fact, I totally and utterly enjoyed the all-you-can-touch-wonderland! Tonight, I won¡¯t be able to sleep. I¡¯m going to do my best.?

    ?

    While the damage from the work on the upper part only put me on the verge of death, the bottom part, as expected, somehow resulted in merely a fatal wound? Yeah, even if I¡¯m blindfolded, merely having naked girls around is too much for a highschool boy? I¡¯m at my limit in highschool boy sort of way from the sound of rustling clothes alone! The lower part was especially bad! When I focused with¡ºEmpty Mind¡», the time sort of slowed down, and the slow motion stripping that resulted didn¡¯t help here at all. That was a terrifying experience!?

    ?

    ¡¸And they left two sets of just worn still warm underwear, and now a highschool boy is supposed to spend the night sewing lace on them¡­ Thank you very much? Wait? This is work and not a reward, it¡¯s not like those were gifted to me? ¡¹?

    ?

    The red-faced pres-san, who collapsed, completely exhausted, was carried away by Vice Pres B-san.?

    ?

    As expected, the stimulation from ¡ºEvil Hands¡»was too much. After all, they hide enough destructive force to down even that Dungeon Emperor. Rather, the puzzling part is how Vice Pres B-san was unfazed? But are we really going to do this every evening with different girls??

    ?

    Anyway, equipment comes first, the frost giant¡¯s drop¡ºSpear of Eternal Ice¡»and¡ºMirror Greatshield¡»from the hidden room are essential for increasing and expanding our combat potential. And then there is the item that I found in the hidden room on the 93th floor but didn¡¯t even identify back then, ¡ºRipple Necklace ¨C MiN InT 50% Up, Anti-Resistance, Ripple¡», the decisive something that I was looking for. This makes the dungeon item hunt worth it. This one has the potential of becoming a trump card. The underwear is bothering me a bit, but it¡¯s time for equipment now!?

    ?

    Now, even if the kingdom has something up their sleeve, I¡¯ll still be able to crush them with a laugh. As long as this is a war, the trump card is in my hand.?

    ?

    Naturally, I don¡¯t mean underwear. Like, what sort of a trump card would be throwing underwear in a fight? Well, I do feel that were I to throw the pres-sama¡¯s underwear into the middle of the enemy forces they¡¯ll be instantly massacred by her, but let¡¯s not. It¡¯s unlikely that I¡¯ll get away with a mere scolding. That whip is scary!

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Koan ¨C a story, dialogue, question, or statement which is used in Zen practice to provoke the ¡°great doubt¡± and to practice or test a student¡¯s progress in Zen.

 CH 227

    Day 60 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn?

    ?

    Although I had to work through the night, I managed to finish new equipment, naturally, that includes underwear too.?

    ?

    The drop item from the front giant ¡ºSpear of Eternal Ice ¨C PoW SpE DeX 50% Up, Ice Attribute Affinity Increase (EX), Ice Spear, Ice Shroud, Freezing Cold Seal, +ATT¡», received only a minimal improvement¡ºALL 50% Up, Ice Attribute Affinity Increase (EX), Ice Spear, Ice Sword, Adv. Ice Shroud, Freezing Cold Seal, +ATT¡», but for the Bitches, being magical swordsman-type, MiN and InT are needed too.?

    ?

    Then, the hidden room¡¯s¡ºMirror Greatshield ¨C ViT PoW SpE DeX 50% Up, All Resistance Up, Physical and Magic Reflect And Absorption, Weapon and Equipment Destruction, Absolute Boundary, Super Shield Bash, +ATT + DEF¡»on top of all of that also gained ¡ºDeF Enhancement (EX)¡»,¡ºAuto Heal¡»,¡ºAcceleration¡», I wonder whom should I give it to.?

    ?

    And lastly¡ºRipple Necklace ¨C MiN InT 50% Up, Anti-Resistance, Ripple Effect¡»also gained¡ºAll Attributes Affinity Up (EX)¡», becoming a special grade weapon. Negating immunities with Antiresist it then can spread the effect of the skill with Ripple, an item capable of forcing Abnormal Status Effects on entire groups of enemies. I¡¯ll have to discuss this with the librarian, but this one should go to one of the culture clubs¡¯ girls. Well, if it¡¯s about combat, then it¡¯s definitely for the librarian.?

    ?

    While there is no need to think about whom the underwear are going to, let¡¯s consult with the pres-sama about equipment distribution. The commander might have the commander¡¯s considerations in mind, and I can also hand over underwear to her along the way? While getting a flat gaze??

    ?

    While eating the inn¡¯s breakfast we are having a morning meeting. First, comes the most dangerous equipment ¡ºUnderwear ¨C Recently Worn, Already Used, Penalty to My Affection Rating ¡».?

    ?

    It¡¯s an early morning but she is already bright red, staring at me with teary eyes. Did last night¡¯s measurements by Evil Hands become a psychological trauma? I mean, she was bending backwards, twitching??

    ?

    ¡¸Good morning, Pres, you are pres today too. I touched up on recently worn already used underwear, correcting, adjusting, and ornamenting it, so try them on, okay? I also used laces to reinforce those, boosting hip-up effect? Tell me if there is any discomfort? But there is also a limit to how much it can stretch, so it might become a problem when you hit your horizontal growth phase? Seriously.¡¹?

    ?

    It¡¯s a secret that those are actually brand new freshly finished shorts based on those that she tried yesterday, remade from scratch with all new adjustments and improvements, they turned out great, but I¡¯ll have to omit this part to avoid issues concerning my old creations.?

    ?

    ¡¸Good mor¡ª could you not say recently worn, already used underwear first thing in the morning?! Also, the horizontal growth phase is not a growth period, it¡¯s an enemy of all girls. And as the things are, I think I will remain class president forever, what should I make of that?¡¹?

    ?

    What should she make of that? She already fully assumed the role of pres-sama (dominatrix), with a whip as her main weapon, so maybe she now needs an enamel bondage dress? If there is an issue, it¡¯s that she also has some M Girl to her, so her character setting is all over the place, but it¡¯s hard to say which side is better.?

    ?

    Giving a brief explanation on the new equipment I asked for advice on whom it should be given, but in the end, decided to leave everything except the shield to the bitches and the culture clubs girls.?

    ?

    Now, for the shield.?

    ?

    ¡¸Heey, Shield Giirl. I have a serious question, do you want to become Shield Pres? Or rather, you have my endorsement for the position, so that¡¯s as good as decided?¡¹?

    ?

    Roughly explaining the situation to Shield Girl I then raised two conditions, since after seeing¡ºMirror Greatshield¡»she was startled and started trying to refuse it out of reservation.?

    ?

    The first condition is that she must not die. If the tank dies then there won¡¯t be anyone to protect the others, so this is a must.?

    ?

    The second one is that she has to protect, but even without me saying this, that¡¯s something that she has been doing all this time.?

    ?

    And lastly, the priority, the conditions should always remain in that order. In other words, she shouldn¡¯t die to protect others, she has to prioritize her own life.?

    ?

    And that¡¯s why I chose Shield Girl for this.?

    ?

    Just how many times have I seen Shield Girl becoming a shield herself, jumping in to protect comrades and being blown away as a result. Just how many times was everyone saved by Shield Girl. She is the reason why none of the 20 girls died or got seriously injured through all of their fights until now.?

    ?

    If anyone is in danger, she¡¯d jump in with her shield to meet the monster¡¯s attack head on, and no matter how many times she is blown away, she still jumps in with her shield raised without any hesitation.?

    ?

    When the topic of equipment comes up, all of the classmates speak in unison¡ºPrioritize Shield Girl-chan¡». No matter who¡¯s asked, the answer is always the same. Even during auctions she ends up successively bidding a large sum every time. Everyone is very nonchalantly yielding to her.This is the combination of gratitude for the protection, trust in her protection, and worry about her being able to hold out until the end.?

    ?

    So those are the absolute conditions that come along with our currently strongest shield. The shield and conditions meant to protect Shield Girl, the one leaping into the danger the most.?

    ?

    And when told that those conditions are everyone¡¯s opinion, she finally nodded, and raised her eyes.?

    ?

    ¡¸Yes. I will become Shield Pres, and I will definitely protect everyone.¡¹?

    ?

    She assumed the post of the shield president. Well, since this settles it, I gave her ¡ºMirror Greatshield¡»with words of warning¡ºBe careful? You shouldn¡¯t make everyone worry, okay?¡», but for some reason it was followed by a flat gaze from 42 eyes! Ah, what a great morning.?

    ?

    Naturally, I also take my daily dose of flat gaze from the receptionist prez with the bulletin board, and borrow the training grounds.?

    ?

    A silver armor, not unlike a marvelous work of art in its brilliance, proudly stood at the center of the training grounds, domineering over the surroundings with its presence. She seems to be in a good mood.?

    ?

    And among the complete stillness the only thing resounding through the soundless world is beating. (Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud¡­), it hurts!?

    ?

    I¡¯m managing to keep it in check, stability control is also on the right track, but I¡¯m far from full control.?

    ?

    There are too many motions going faster or stronger than I see them in my head, creating needlessness in my movements and just throwing it all into disarray, which is a glaring weakness. Regardless of how strong or fast the move is, if it¡¯s not controlled it¡¯s useless. Written as ¡ºpointless¡», read as ¡ºgetting beaten up¡»!¡¡(Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud¡­), I told you it hurts!?

    ?

    The training is the usual one too, written as ¡ºPractice¡»read as¡ºDrilling¡»pronounced as¡ºBeating¡».?

    ?

    A super-short distance¡ºTeleportation¡»is occurring way more often than I expect, so I can¡¯t even predict my own movements, let alone control them. For this I¡¯ll have to roughly grasp the movements of my entire body as a unified flow, and then make minute adjustments to them as I go, but I can¡¯t read my own movements.?

    ?

    Usually, such peculiar movements should be incredibly difficult for the opponent to grasp as well, but she is firmly reading them, following with clubbing. The beatings today are especially harsh. Well, I do know the reason, thanks to the blindfolded measurements session with undressing, feeling and groping, the frenzied highschool boy that was sleeping inside me was awakened, rampaging through the night. Naturally, he thoroughly violated that sexy lingerie girl, and that mini-skirt nurse-san, and sexy bus guide-san too, but since they all were the same Armored Pres-san she is furious.?

    ?

    Especially by the end it became sort of totally that, edging to the verge of that character destruction sort of stuff, so when she returned to her senses she was incredibly angry. Well, as expected, that must¡¯ve been embarrassing. But she was pleased, so whatever.?

    ?

    Even so, I¡¯m getting beaten today.?

    ?

    And weaving together complicated dance-like footwork with instantaneous movement I¡¯m fighting back, (Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud¡­), alright, I¡¯m having my revenge tonight!?

    ?

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)?

    ?

    Looks like it¡¯s time. Slime-san that was doted upon by female receptionists upstairs came down to us. I¡¯d also like to get showered with affection like that, and do the same in return¡­ No, I was talking about Slime-san! Honestly? Well, of course, I also like mature elder sister-types too, so I won¡¯t be against them as well, but that¡¯s not what I meant? (THUD THUD!)?

    ?

    Alright, remaining here is dangerous, let¡¯s go for some peaceful dungeon exploration.

 CH 228

    Day 60 ¨C Morning, Dungeon.

    I got a dungeon that was already explored up to the 37th floor, and was abandoned like that, waiting for its turn for a clear. The geeks were busy with it, but ever since they were called to join others with the raids the place is untouched.

    Since it was nearby, we had the geeks send us to the 37th floor with Gate, and parted ways with them after. We are going with the usual ¡ºNod-Nod, Jiggle-Jiggle¡»group.

    Today I¡¯m going for middle floors only, so I would¡¯ve been fine even without the two, but they are going to ¡ºaccompany¡»me it seems, not sure if this is an effect from¡ºTaming¡»but they are quite keen on following me? Come to think of it, even at the inn, there is always a group of the bitches behind me, was that Taming¡¯s effect? Well, I can¡¯t dismiss any of them on my own, for some reason, they won¡¯t allow me. According to rumors, it¡¯s only until they repay the favor, but ¡ºBitches¡¯ Gratitude¡»has little prospect of getting animated or becoming a movie, although it sounds like a fitting title for a lewd book.

    Even only the middle floors, if the monsters lack in speed or numbers they can¡¯t serve even as practice, but right now, the very use of¡ºMagic Wrap¡»is important. Things should become a lot easier as soon as¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san gives me calculations based on the data that I¡¯m feeding it.

    Unlike the safe automatically operating¡ºCheat Skills¡»what I have is a bunch of fully manual¡ºJunk Skills¡»forcibly merged and weaved together, that I¡¯m manipulating and controlling all at once, which comes with a high probability of failure, and even if everything goes well, if they exceed my ability for control, I will take damage.

    ¡¸Well, self-destruction and self-regeneration are in a closed loop now, like a compound fracture of every bone in the body and snapped muscles? The Estimated time for full recovery is about one second? Kind of?¡¹

    Since even the speed of regeneration received a massive boost, I¡¯m perfectly fine regenerating in the middle of combat, as long as I watch out for fatal wounds I can fight without any issues. Well, it can get really bad if I break my legs, suddenly being stuck in the middle of a swarm of monsters isn¡¯t just dangerous, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising to have one of them bite off my head at any moment.

    But well, isn¡¯t¡ºBound Dog Lv 38¡»just the strongest?¡¡Are they going to woof an unyielding loyalty? Well, those are actually just jumping puppies, so let¡¯s steel our hearts and knock them out, I¡¯m actually hitting them with¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡», but it should be alright if I hit them really, really, hard. Since they will vanish on the spot?

    (Jiggle Jiggle!)

    Slime-san turned red, and clad in flames, is currently having a meal, do those count as hot dogs? And after eating tons of¡ºLeap¡»skill it¡¯s now jumping around in high spirits, but with the dungeon being too narrow, it¡¯s bouncing off the walls like a pinball? It looks fun, but the dogs are desperately running around, trying to get away from its odd, baffling and just bizarre trajectory, but whatever, I guess?

    ¡¸Armored Pres-saaaan, moving still feels weird, but is it actually fine? I sort of feel like were I to get used to this I¡¯ll become something else entirely? Is this really fine? It just feels all sorts of wrong, like, doesn¡¯t it bring out a sense of wickedness, making it seem totally viciously evil?¡¹

    (Nod, Nod!)

    It¡¯s fine, it seems, I hope that nodding wasn¡¯t to the viciously evil part, I really want to think it wasn¡¯t. I have an inkling that this points to certain events unfolding every night, but it shouldn¡¯t be that.

    Was that perhaps an example? That Slime-san¡¯s pinball-like bizarre and irregular attack, with the way I¡¯m now randomly ¡ºTeleporting¡»all over the place, while constantly accelerating with ¡ºExtreme Velocity¡»and¡ºRush¡»replicating the previous precise flow-like movements refined of uselessness and controlling them is not possible. Then how about abandoning the process and going about in reverse, merely patching it up and controlling it just enough to make it match the result, that approach should be the simplest and most optimal. Cutting while abandoning the precision of movements in the process, going from the future where I cut the enemy, and forcing everything to sum up to result in that ¡ºSlash¡». Can I do that?

    I tried, but I don¡¯t get it at all?

    Why would the monster be slashed horizontally if I went for a very straightforward downward swing from overhead? Are the slashes being ¡ºTeleported¡»too? And my own positioning is weird too, here I take a step forward, and now I¡¯m looking at the enemy from behind. Aside from the end result, that is a cut enemy, everything else is a mess, and I¡¯m also passing through enemy attacks.

    Is this the same effect as ¡ºVanish¡»that Vanish Wolves were using? Am I passing through by instantaneous super short range teleportation? Am I disappearing for a moment? Jumping through space? It¡¯s way too incomprehensible for me. Since I¡¯m fully entrusting this to¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san, ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san probably knows what it¡¯s doing, but my own mind can¡¯t keep up with it. That¡¯s what I¡¯m fighting with no idea of what is going on, cutting enemies without understanding what is happening.

    In the end, the pack of¡ºBlade Swallows Lv 40¡»of the 40th floor was slashed to pieces and disappeared without me understanding anything. A puzzling battle, which I won without knowing how.

    I mean, a diagonal slash at a blade swallow somehow cut it perfectly vertically from overhead, like, what the hell? Was it Swallow Counter, just for swallows? [1] Ganryu Island is impossible for me? I¡¯d attack the boat before he can give me that ¡ºKept you waiting¡», you know? [2] I mean, the one who arrived first is at clear advantage? I definitely would¡¯ve made traps instead of waiting. Rather, forget Swallow Counter, I¡¯m far too busy with Midnight Counter every day?

    But Armored Pres-san, who was observing, is nodding along, does it mean that it¡¯s good?

    Slime-san is going bounce-bounce, it definitely wasn¡¯t looking. Swallows seems to be delicious too, but what¡¯s the point for a slime to learn¡ºAir Maneuverability¡»?

    Currently on standby.

    The 44th floor we were greeted by old acquaintances ¡ºMithril Golems Lv 44¡», an awkward attack with ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»might erase them from existence, which would be a huge waste. So Armored Pres-san is in the process of dismantling them with precise cuts. Slime-san is also snatching some bites, but it¡¯s fine if it¡¯s just a bit.

    From time to time Slime-san would pull out a mithril sword or spear to fight with it, but I haven¡¯t given any mithril weapons to it. In that case, it¡¯s making them inside its body. Slime-san is creating and producing weapons from mithril which it then uses in combat. In that case it¡¯s fine to allow Slime-san to eat more.

    From time to time Slime-san would also change color to silver, deflecting incoming attacks, but that might actually be a form of mithrilification, so since it¡¯s put to a good use and seemingly delicious on top of that, it¡¯s fine to let it have more. I still have plenty of mithril left too.

    ¡¸Well, there might be no other choice but to learn to control bizarre and irregular attacks coming from those strange and abnormal movements born from this twisted mash-up of skills which I¡¯m not even sure could be called a technique, while struggling not to get my mind blown, but like hell I can do that! In this case, as close to impossible as it may be, it would still be better to pursue ¡ºKyojitsu¡»than this. This is, how should I put it, I have no idea what I am doing myself. Wait a moment, now that I think of it, I often ask myself just what the hell am I doing in day-to-day life too, so maybe there is no issue? Is it really fine for combat to be like that too?¡¹

    ¡¸Need¡­¡­Both¡­Are¡­Require-red?¡¹

    Is she saying that both are required? Or that she requires Red (blood)? I don¡¯t think she is a yandere, so I¡¯m sure she means that I need those bizarre attacks and ¡ºKyojitsu¡», or perhaps that I must practice both, but that¡¯s tough. Well, still better than getting stained in Red. Since it¡¯s not about ¡ºBeating¡», I¡¯d like to think that it should be alright. [3]

    There also was a hidden room so I checked it on the way and found ¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander ¨C PoW 60% Up, Recklessness +ATT -INT¡», the first item with 60% bonus, although it¡¯s a muscle-brain¡¯s weapon. What do we do, such a meatheaded weapon would fit only the idiots, but they might become unable to understand speech if they were to become even dumber. Well, they are idiots anyway, so whatever, even now, they might appear to understand human speech, but they definitely don¡¯t understand the meaning of the words.

    But it¡¯s huge, a zweihander is a large sword the size of a person, it was supposed to be about 1,8 meters but this one is about 2 meters. The skill ¡ºRecklessness¡»on this sword is way too meatheaded, but I do feel that this is still better than having them clubbing enemies with boomerangs. In the first place, they have jobs like swordsman or knight, so they get no bonuses while using boomerangs, and no skills for them too, so this one is definitely better. I wonder if they still remember how to use swords though? How worrisome.

    ¡¸Then, shall we go down? We are about to enter the middle floors so¡­ Well, you are playing around even on the lowest floors, so it doesn¡¯t really matter, I guess? Or is it? But judging from the experience so far it¡¯s going to end up with the usual ¡ºThey were very delicious¡». Well, if there won¡¯t be any tasty monsters then we will take a snack break. Now, let¡¯s go down.¡¹

    (Jiggle~Jiggle)

    Eating both snacks and monsters, its gluttonous appetite is a good match for Avarice-san in her lack of restraint. But for some reason, when it¡¯s inside dungeons, I always end up spoiling Slime-san? It¡¯s all because it reminds me of the first time we met, when it was so hungry that it couldn¡¯t use magic power properly and could barely muster any of its strength, yet kept desperately fighting¡­ Well, if it was in top form then pres and the others would¡¯ve been eaten, which is a problem too, I guess feeding it until Slime-san is full isn¡¯t a big deal. It seems to be enjoying every day, after all.

    Now, let¡¯s go back and first have monsters, and then stop for snacks.

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Tsubame Gaeshi ¨C (lit ¡°Swallow Counter¡±) a reference to the famous technique of the legendary Japanese swordsman Sasaki Kojir¨­. It was an overhead katana (or, in Sasaki¡¯s case, a nodachi) stroke that was performed so swiftly it resembled the flight of a sparrow, hence the name.

    [2] Ganryu Island is the site of the famous duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. According to the tale, Musashi kept Sasaki waiting for hours, which as some claim was a clever ploy to screw with Sasaki.

    [3] Just kidding, there won¡¯t be a footnote for yandere XD

 CH 229

    Day 60 ¨C Morning, Dungeon, 45F

    As I thought, when I try to take complete control with¡ºMagic Wrap¡»being active, my body suddenly stops moving, something is probably rejecting my orders, canceling them. Such an utterly annoying skill! I mean, I¡¯m being rejected, okay? By my own skill! Well, it might be stopping me because it¡¯s too dangerous, but what about completely stopping me from moving?

    Well, merging together all sorts of magic, martial arts, skills, Unknown and whatnot, plus even titles, then adding the skills of outrageous equipment, mixing it all up, and then trying to activate it all at the same time, might have some issue like bad synergy, compatibility problems, poor interpersonal relationship, but skills are not people, they don¡¯t get interpersonal! And even if you get interskill relationship issues, I can¡¯t moderate for that! Also, even if you are on bad terms, don¡¯t fight. It would be a problem if you start getting all lovey-dovey, but can you at least get along? You are skills after all¡­

    And while I was immobilized,¡ºCarnivorous Moles Lv 45¡»that hid in the hole riddled floor of the 45th layer were devoured while still in their tunnels. I mean, trying to hide while they were already invaded by Slime-san, bon appetit is all they could expect, you know? Those seemed to be moles on a meat diet, but they all got eaten while they were making their way underground.

    I couldn¡¯t even Appraise them properly, but Slime-san should¡¯ve feasted on some earth-type skills. The earth skills deficiency must be the reason why it went so aggressively after them! Slime-san turned out to be more carnivorous than Carnivorous Moles.

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    Let¡¯s quickly go down, I wonder if we can make it before lunch? With things looking this shabby it¡¯s either 50 floors or slightly over that. The monsters are nothing impressive too, so we can¡¯t expect good loot as well. Well, I came for practice, so this might just be perfect.

    And the 49th floor¡¯s¡ºLightning Wraiths Lv 49¡», basically ghosts with lightning attribute, but despite appearing with such a cool sounding name they got instantly obliterated. Spraying with water seems to have short circuited them? They are helplessly dropping to the ground where they are devoured one after another. Slime-san turned yellow, looking delighted, but what do we do if it starts saying ¡ºPika-Pika¡»?

    The hidden room on the floor above had ¡ºChampion¡¯s Scale Armor ¨C ViT PoW SpE 30% Up, Physical Abilities Increase (Greater), Fortify¡», a not-so-bad meathead item, but I want ViT and Physical Abilities Increase (Greater) from it, so I¡¯ll slot it into the clothes.

    Maybe with this my body will be able to bear more? Even if the boost is minimal, it seems that I¡¯m in dire need of urgently strengthening my physical capabilities, so at the moment, I should just use items for that, after all, becoming unable to fight properly would be a huge issue. Especially at times when newly promoted to the Shield Pres Shield Girl is around, she might end up continuously sticking to me, trying to cover for my faults, so I can¡¯t afford to make an awkward sight, even if it¡¯s only a pretense, I still need strength.

    ¡¸Below this is the last floor? It¡¯s pretty spacious, is it perhaps because the dungeon master is large? Well, I do have a hunch that it¡¯s nothing special, but let¡¯s go with safety first anyway?¡¹

    (Nod-Nod) (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    They agree, it seems. Usually, dungeon masters on 50th floors aren¡¯t a big deal, but there is no guarantee that we won¡¯t stumble upon another unique specimen like Slime-san.

    It¡¯s huge, but specializes in magic? ¡ºNightmare Goat Lv 100¡», but with level 100 it¡¯s stats are high. It has a huge load of various debuff skills, but ¡ºNightmare¡»seems to be its original skill. Failing to resist will probably lead to problems, and the effects don¡¯t look great either.

    It looks like a very evil and demon-like giant bipedal black mountain goat with twisted horns, which puts it at risk of being instantly eaten!

    ¡¸Slime-san. You are free to eat spells, but avoid debuffs! That one looks a bit dangerous, okay?¡¹

    Is that Nightmare Goat¡¯s Dark Magic? A black fog is gathering in the air, gradually solidifying into swords, which then hail upon the ground. Swords of darkness? They seem to apply debuffs.

    Looks like Slime-san is going to take it head-on, so I move to the right, while Armored Pres-san took left. Let¡¯s take it down.

    Simply assuming the future I cut off Nightmare Goat¡¯s left leg, I then switch to action, immediately, each body part performed an instantaneous movement through repeated¡ºTeleportation¡», which was further accelerated by¡ºExtreme Velocity¡»and¡ºRush¡». There is no way it can see through this strange, bizarre, irregular, and wild attack! Well, I can¡¯t as well!

    Sweeping sideways I cut through the ankle of Nightmare Goat¡¯s giant left leg, then, slashing upwards in a reverse diagonal swing I severed its leg¡­¡­ No idea what is going on, but I got one of his legs.

    Meanwhile, the knight in silver armor seems to be in the process of slicing both its right leg and arm into round cuts, and the debuff inflicting swords are destroyed by Slime-san¡¯s Wire Cutter. As the goat keeps creating countless debuff inducing swords I¡ºErase¡»them, passing through the rain of swords and take Nightmare Goat¡¯s head. Yeah, a poke from the staff blew it off. I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s up with those attacks anymore. And I probably overdid it a bit, Mistilteinn seems to have activated a little? I lost about a third of my MP, thank goodness it didn¡¯t go out of control, seriously.

    ¡¸Goood job, no one got any abnormal status effects, right? Well, I don¡¯t have to worry about that, doing so well that others are even praising me as¡ºAbnormal Condition¡», but are you alright? Wait, now that I think of it, that wasn¡¯t a praise at all! ¡¹

    (Nod-Nod) (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Looks like even level a 100 dungeon master is unable to get through debuff resistances, would it mean that the protective equipment is up to the task? To begin with, there is a high possibility that Armored Pres wouldn¡¯t take any attack at all, let alone those that come with abnormal status effects attached, and given Slime-san¡¯s evasion, it¡¯s highly likely that it didn¡¯t take any attacks, and the probability that it secretly devoured them can¡¯t be denied as well. Well, forget debuffing attacks, even Nightmare Goat-san itself is being devoured at the moment, so it¡¯s too busy to reply.

    Hmm, finding a dungeon master specializing in such unique abnormal status attacks on the 50th floor makes me worried about the debuff resistance equipment of the classmates, the most terrifying thing is Nightmare Goat¡¯s unique debuff ¡ºNightmare¡»! Running away from the inn to escape a lecture of nightmares to get shown a nightmare of a lecture in a dungeon, only to get a real lecture when I return to the inn, isn¡¯t it just way too scary? Eh? The real way is way scarier though?

    Now, the question is do we eat outside after we get out of the dungeon or do we eat in the town, but we can think about it after we get back to the surface, anyhow, for now let¡¯s get out.

    ¡¸Hmmm? Judging by the position of the Sun, it¡¯s a bit before noon? Well, I¡¯m a bit hungry after losing so much MP in the last attack, so let¡¯s eat something in the town? There are lots of new stalls?¡¹

    (Nod-Nod) (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    But it¡¯s amazing how everyone is able to tell the current time? I¡¯m still unable to grasp it even approximately? Do they have ¡ºBiological Clock¡»skill or something of that sort? And as I¡¯m thinking that, we are swiftly moving across the plains. As a highschool boy, I¡¯d like to make something like a motorcycle running on magic power, but there seems to be no need for that, and what is more important, the girl that¡¯s going to ride behind me is wearing armor, so there is not much fun to it? In terms of chest plating.

    Returning to the town and going to the main street, we found it bustling with people checking out numerous stalls and stores. When we first came here, everyone did their best to smile as they clenched their teeth to get through the everyday hardships, but now the place was filled with genuine smiles. Well, considering how hard they were working, smiling regardless of how miserable or hard things would get, it would¡¯ve been way weirder if it didn¡¯t become like this? Numerous shops, countless wares and constant flow of smiling people, that¡¯s how a town is supposed to be.

    ¡¸Any shop that caught your eye? Today I¡¯m a rich man, so feel free to indulge your Avarice and Gluttony? Sort of?¡¹

    There are quite a few visiting merchants too. Stalker Girl¡¯s clan is handling that, carefully screening real merchants, allowing only them to come and go, so there is no need to worry about that, but information is going to leak.

    Even so, circulation of money and goods is necessary, even now, the negative influence of isolation is slowly creeping in. Currently, smuggling is compensating for that. Should I perhaps set up a market in the Fake Dungeon? That sounds profitable.

    Armored Pres-san is peeking here and there, checking clothes, then going to some other store and checking out accessories, sinking into thoughts for a bit and then running to another store to compare it with what they have. Seems like she is having fun. The general store is still far ahead both in terms of assortment and quality, even so, she is enjoying going around in search of something nice, comparing different items and anguishing over the choice. She had no chance to do any of this for such a long time, so a bit of greediness is a cute thing.

    Slime-san is also buying up food all over the place. It¡¯s paying money in exchange for goods. A slime engaging in monetary transactions is amazing, but the people that are trading with a slime like it¡¯s the most ordinary thing in the world are amazing too! As I thought, this Whatever Town IS popular with monsters.

    The people having fun buying stuff, the merchants doing their best to sell their goods, children running around making a ruckus and elderly quietly observing the town with smiles. This is how a town is supposed to be, you know?

    Okay, I should eat something too! I have to buy something before all of my money is spent, or I¡¯ll end up being the only one who will have to eat his own homemade food. Armored Pres-san already activated her Avarice Mode, while Slime-san unleashed his Gluttonius Devourer form! I must make haste or the money will run out! Let¡¯s eat, after all, this is what we came to town for.

 CH 230

    Day 60 ¨C Daytime, White Weirdo Inn.

    While taking a breather at the inn a gaze at the loot from the Nightmare Goat ¡ºNightmare¡¯s Eyepatch ¨C MiN InT 50% Up, Magic Eye Enhancement (Ultra), Illusion, Charm, Puppetry, Memory Manipulation, Mind Control, Mental Pollution¡», this one is totally no good!

    Not only does it casually have¡ºCharm¡»and¡ºPuppetry¡»but also super heinous¡ºMemory Manipulation¡»and¡ºMind Control¡», and then¡ºMental Pollution¡»for a finisher.

    But the most terrifying part is¡­ being a magic eye user wearing an eyepatch! It¡¯s so cringe, just thinking about it hurts! Moreover, this design, a black leather inlaid with gems, its destructive power is enough to make even a serious 8th grader syndrome patient draw back. I mean, anyone who encounters a person wearing such an eyepatch would definitely avert their eyes in haste. It¡¯s very cringey, you know? It¡¯s so bad that the cringe reaches the very depth of the soul as pure agony. Yeah, this one is no good.

    Moreover,¡ºMagic Eye Enhancement (Ultra)¡», I¡¯m the only one who has magic eyes? It would be crazy if that thing spread around! Well, since it has¡ºCharm¡»and¡ºPuppetry¡»it¡¯s definitely getting sealed. It¡¯s undoubtedly scummy! Selling it is absolutely out of the question, and most certainly, no one else can be allowed to have it, and to begin with, this will be a traumatic item for the girls. The easy grand prix winner of the worst 8th grader syndrome item, gunning straight for top of the scum of this earth championship!

    But learning that after EX effectiveness also exists Ultra is new. Being Ultra it should be the highest tier. If Revised, True, or Ultimate, come after this it will be just confusing, so it should be the final one.

    In the first place, why would I even want to equip something that limits my field of vision? This item grants mastery of¡ºMagic Eye¡»at the demerit of throwing away half of the visibility. Well, it¡¯s a secret that thanks to ¡ºRajingan¡»I can see as normal even with an eyepatch. Were they to find out that there is no meaning to blindfolding me, a flurry of blows from pres-sama¡¯s whip will definitely be unleashed upon me. After what happened just the previous night, she will definitely truly snap at me. That also comes with a chance to awaken to something new, so that¡¯s truly dangerous!

    But now I have four sealed items. Together, they have a dreadful destructive power for my Affection Rating. I mean, seduce with¡ºTemptation Shirt¡»rob their freedom with¡ºChains of Prometheus¡»enslave with¡ºCollar of Submission¡»and then Charm and Puppet with¡ºNightmare¡¯s Eyepatch¡»? What kind of despicable fiendish scummery is that? Moreover, if I also add ¡ºTaming¡»in there it will complete an absolute control! Simply the worst! The lowest and most bastardly downburst to the Affection Rating! If I don¡¯t seal those Affection Rating-san will be annihilated and completely extinguished from every dimension. Let¡¯s hide this in the deepest part of the item bag.

    I mean, from the girls¡¯ point of view, the world where such items exist would be too scary, so they¡¯ll have to live with constant fear. The very existence of those items cannot be allowed.

    But I wonder why all of those items, that shouldn¡¯t be allowed to exist, the mere presence of which is a weapon of absolute destruction for Affection Rating-san, just keep coming my way with zero hesitation, popping out one after another? Is this world targeting my Affection Rating after all?! I won¡¯t allow it to be killed! I won¡¯t allow it! Because that Rating, is the one for the Affection with the Opposite Sex! It¡¯s in a dire shortage, a great demand, and terrible deficiency?

    Good grief, were it an ordinary¡ºNightmare¡»equipment I could¡¯ve handed it to one of the Culture Clubs¡¯ Girls, but this is a total overkill. I can¡¯t use it, and having someone also use it would also be an issue, but gothic lolita fashion and eyepatches will look great on the Culture Clubs¡¯ Girls!

    (Ji~ggle, Ji~ggle)

    Slime-san, who was out playing with Poster Girl and Stalker Girl, also came back, so what do we do now? Do we continue from the 95th floor? Or do we go for the noon¡¯s second round? Kuh, the second round might be out of question, Armored Pres-san pulled out the morning star! She still was carrying that around? No, I mean, when she tried on the new blazer, the highschool boy slumbering within my soul awoke and went on a wild rampage, what could I do? As I thought, that tartan miniskirt was way too short! I knew what I was doing when I made it, but it was too short! Well, so he went and rampaged, you know?

    Although they rarely wear them, all of the girls have uniforms since they were teleported directly from the classroom, and naturally, it¡¯s the same design for everyone. When occasionally someone puts it on, Armored Pres-san would always stare at them? She was overjoyed when I made a matching jersey for her previously and she treasures it even now. It seems sort of a prized possession for her. Therefore, a school uniform! I also made some indoor shoes! I also tried to make a school bag and a gym bag of the same design as everyone¡¯s but the school-issued gym bag turned out incomplete, I can¡¯t recall the logo at all? What was the name of that school? Well, she is happy with it, so it¡¯s fine.

    Which reminds me, is the plot behind the inn available already? The one beside it and the other behind it seemed to be vacant, I wonder what is their current status? At the moment, the entirety of White Weirdo Inn is rented out by us. By now the girls probably want their own private or at the very least double rooms, but there are not enough rooms for everyone. And since we are using the dining hall as we please it is also fully reserved by us, which is included in payment too. There are not enough inns in these days of prosperity as it is, and this one is also popular for its cooking, in fact, we were recommended this place by the adventurers¡¯ guild.

    That being the case, it calls for a reconstruction, but the plot was too small. We prepared two new houses for the owners of the two neighboring plots and had them move, but the one behind the inn was occupied by a store, so it took a while. But they have been loading baggage since the day before yesterday, so I think it¡¯s about time, but how are they actually doing?

    I already discussed this with the parents of Poster Girl, for some reason they were acting super reserved, but since I have no money, I have to finish this asap and use construction fee as my payment, or I¡¯ll be in deep trouble! I mean, I sensed the presence of Stalker Girl when we were on the main street, my rich man spending tour definitely was exposed! I have to hurry!

    ¡¸Poster Girl~? Also known as the poster commoner~? Hey, tell me, O nameless inn¡¯s girl, has the store behind here already vacated the lot? What sort of a store was it anyway? I haven¡¯t seen them open even once, did they have some sort of all-year-round going-out-of-business sale while being constantly closed? I mean, if you aren¡¯t going to work at all, of course you won¡¯t be able to sell off your inventory, so it makes sense they couldn¡¯t close down? Seriously. ¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, Haruka-san. They came a short while ago with greetings and told me that they finished moving. They were really happy, thanking us, saying that we recommended them a really great house. Also, that was not a store but a farm tools workshop. They are usually touring villages, doing trade there, so the store is kept closed. They were always talking excitedly about how they learned a way of making some kind of previously unseen farming tool from you at some village out there, were you unaware of this?¡¹

    Which reminds me, there was this farming tools merchant that I kept meeting at various villages, and since he kept always casually striking conversations with me I kept casually talking with him and along the way taught him about some farming tools that seems to be yet to be made here, like a grain separator, a drum-type winnowing machine, a comb-shaped hand thrasher, ways to improve hoes, after which that middle-aged man would always happily hand me various agricultural produce and a nice amount of coin, naturally, since he is a middle-aged man, I totally forgot all about him. I was wondering what was going on with him speaking with me with so little reservation, but turns out he owned the place behind the inn. Well, I couldn¡¯t care less since he is just a middle-aged man. I mean, I remembered all of that simply because we were learning it in history class around that time? Since we were summoned here I have absolutely no idea what lies beyond that. The extent of my knowledge ends at Meiji¡¯s industrial revolution. Well, they geeks must remember anyway, even though allowing them to make anything is dangerous. They already succeeded in creating a steam engine, while trying to make a katana!

    My mana recovered already, and the plans were perfected since the previous attempts. This time the design covers two buildings, so I can start right now. And I¡¯d like to keep this one fully booked by us, so I¡¯ll avoid tweaking it too much, and just limit it to expanding and making an addon. As expected, there is no way we can allow the general public in a dining hall where schoolgirls are hanging around in miniskirts, hotpants, fishnet tights, lewd stockings, or in just bare feet. Although it would probably attract tons of guests?

    And now, I can incorporate a steel frame!

    Time for an imperial inn! I mean, this inn has a dungeon emperor and emperor slime as regulars here! Even if only former.

    The blueprints for a mana-powered elevator were also finished. It should have no problem going up to the 8th floor. I¡¯m going to make a dining hall with a viewing platform for the 8th floor, a large bath and training facility underground, and increase the number of rooms, also throwing in some nice suites! No, would it be better to call it imperial rooms? This place is actually a kingdom, so the best thing they got is a king, so if we are going for imperial, only monsters have high enough titles, will that really be alright? Aren¡¯t monsters the only possible guests there? Well, there are 2 of them already, so it will be alright.

    And the name will likely go down in history. This inn will be remembered as the most famous one in this city, no, the entire frontier. Yes, the name ¡ºWhite Weirdo¡»will be carved into the frontier and the kingdom! Well, the people that ran away from the innkeepers¡¯ town must be retelling that story too, they certainly don¡¯t want the name of their benefactor, the one who saved their lives to disappear. But nicknaming him White Weirdo simply because they don¡¯t know his name? Would the person in question be happy about such a thing?

    I¡¯m going to use the empty building behind for construction materials as I disassemble it, so I¡¯ll begin as it is, pouring my magic into the buildings and the ground.

    Passing mana through the ground, like trying to permeate it with magic, I grasp the ground and the soil with¡ºHolding¡», and blend it in, then, kneading it, extend it vertically, shaping walls and supporting pillars.

    I keep synthesizing, mixing, hardening, shaping, connecting, supporting, building on, and once again propping it up, supporting it, having all of the force align vertically I arrange and assemble it.

    Repeating that I reinforce it according to the blueprints, erecting a strong, sturdy, and durable building to last ages? Sort of?

    But no matter how thoroughly I redo the blueprints, measurement errors are bound to appear. As I thought, giving up on the 8th floor was the correct decision. Even though I put the building on the foundation of bedrock that I made underground, the center of gravity turned out to be unexpectedly higher? Did my desire for a viewing platform skew things up?

    I mean, if you can¡¯t see the outside from a viewing platform then there is no point to it, leaving it exposed to the wind will make it cold to stay there.

    Since the glass workshop just began operating, they are still mainly at the experiment and learning stage, yet to reach mass production, so glass isn¡¯t available in large quantities, which is why it would¡¯ve become an excellent point of interest¡­ Was it too heavy? Maybe I made it too bulky or perhaps adding a glass window to every room was a mistake, but it turned out to be heavier than was expected according to calculations, and on top of that with an unbalanced center of gravity. Let¡¯s cover that up by making the walls below thicker! It should also work as a soundproof measure! That¡¯s right, that¡¯s definitely it, let¡¯s go with that.

    It¡¯s complete, but the first two floors ended up as rocky stone walls, which looks fancy, so I guess it¡¯s alright? Yeah, even an orc king will be unable to break those. Looks like it became an impregnable and invincible inn.

    Townsfolk are gathering to see the finished imperial inn, even the innkeeper family came out and are looking up at it with open mouths?

    And now the innkeepers are crying. Poster girl, both of her parents, grandfather and grandmother, are all crying.

    They must be remembering the old days. If only they had such a fine wall it could¡¯ve protected them, if so, the whire weirdo and the townsfolk all could¡¯ve taken refuge without anyone dying.

    Losing many and much, ending up without anything at all, they even so worked to recover, and opened a new inn, and now, an impregnable fortress inn was completed which cannot be taken or destroyed! So this time they will be able to protect their family, their guests, and even town¡¯s people that were to come seeking shelter. This time, it¡¯s possible.

    That¡¯s how tough and sturdy I built it! I mean, if this place can¡¯t protect, then it will all become a lie, after all, the name of this inn is that of the hero ¡ºWhite Weirdo¡»that sacrificed his life to protect his town.

    And since I did a good job at it, maybe they will forgive about 1 month worth of inn charges? Maybe they will even make bath fees free? Kind of?

 CH 231

    Day 60 ¨C Afternoon, White Weirdo Inn

    As I was going around the new inn, making adjustments and tweaks to the interior, the family of innkeepers kept coming in turns and thanking me, sparing no words, while crying non-stop. That¡¯s just how deep of a wound they received.

    Even if they managed to survive, opened a new inn and got a new house, there is no way that old wounds can disappear so easily. There is no way they could forget the fear and sadness of losing the home and the town they were so familiar with, as well as all of the friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.

    All this time they were carrying a scar deep in their souls, and it is because they went through that, they very well know how fleeting and fragile everyday life is, so they haven¡¯t been able to truly have peace of mind since then.

    But there is a perfect solution to that, which is the main feature of today¡¯s program ¨C a citadel inn! Invincible, Impregnable, and Indestructible Imperial Inn ¡ºWhite Weirdo¡» has nothing to fear! A safe and secure place to stay. Well, we never mentioned it to them, but with the regulars here being top-rank beings of this world like Emperor Slime or Dungeon Emperor, while all of the classmates are S-grade adventurers of over level 100, this place was already the safest one in the world to begin with, but having lost everything they must¡¯ve wanted some sort of visible guarantee of security. Yeah, this inn is impossible to take down.

    I can¡¯t possibly give them back what they¡¯ve lost, but I can help with not losing anything in the future. As I learned at that village, this is the most I can do.

    What countless heroes of the frontier managed to protect, will be then defended by new heroes of the frontier that inherited their will. So even if I can¡¯t do anything, I can help and assist, as tiny as it might be, that¡¯s all I can do. And this is why I won¡¯t allow this place to fall!

    But the interior took more work than I expected. I accidentally got carried away and even added furniture. But since it¡¯s ¡ºWhite Weirdo¡», wouldn¡¯t one want to unify in a white color? And well, don¡¯t hotels usually have that white image? Moreover, it makes the place look more spacious, giving it an extra sense of cleanliness, and emphasizing the interior¡¯s features! The lobby looks like some sort of a museum, with Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace, a huge painting of sunflowers and other art pieces lined up. If they were to find out about this in the previous world I¡¯d be in deep trouble! But Tutankhamun wasn¡¯t very popular, so I had to remove it, since it apparently looked like a monster to them? Well, duh!

    And it also seems that this world is too sensitive, apparently, neither nude paintings or nude statues are allowed. Since Venus de Milo is topless too, she had to dress up, making a slightly lonesome sight, and Venus-san also wasn¡¯t allowed to be born.

    Good grief, even though there is a beauty incarnate, far superior to any art pieces out here, performing and undergoing far more sensitive acts, stimulating and getting stimulated back, thrilling the highschool boy¡¯s desires every single night, how pitiful. The sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini to which I dedicated the most effort were all banned? It¡¯s art, you know? I¡¯m not kidding?

    But one thing that I want to say out loud is that that Antonio Corradini¡¯s¡ºModesty¡»is wearing clothes! She is? I swear? Still no? But I worked so hard on it?

    Putting away 70% of the art pieces that I¡¯ve gone through such great efforts to make, I moderately decorate the place with the rest.

    But I went all out on the imperial rooms. The level at which it¡¯s fine to welcome even royalty here, the absolute highest top of this world. The only issue is that since this is a kingdom, Slime Emperor and Ex-Dungeon Emperor happen to be the only Emperor title bearers, the rest is lower rank, royalty like Goblin King, Kobold King? Who can¡¯t be allowed to stay?

    Actually, I never stayed at the imperial hotel, so I have no idea how it¡¯s supposed to be, or rather, that¡¯s how it¡¯s for most people. But we do have a grandiose rip-off of the imperial hotels luxurious collection, so it has to be imperial too? I mean, I didn¡¯t even take a step inside a hotel, let alone stay at one? Not even a love hotel, you know? I mean, why would I go there alone?

    ¡¸Hmm? I do feel like it¡¯s lacking something, but that¡¯s up to the owner to decide, so if you have any other requests shoot away? Also, the part that we are currently renting out, I made a sort of an annexe out of it, but if you¡¯d like I can just connect it normally to the main building and unify the interior there too? Is there anything you want? How about arming up as well?¡¹

    The entire poster family is shaking their heads with open mouths? No requests it seems. Since they are going to manage and operate this place, they must be firm with their demands for it, but they seem to be at a loss for words? They keep freezing all together with their mouths gaping? Freezing up upon seeing the lobby, freezing up after arriving at the viewing platform, and they froze up on a magic-powered elevator too? They also froze up upon seeing imperial rooms, large baths, and even training grounds. They just kept following me with open mouths without saying a word? Is that some sort of a medical condition they share in the family? Perhaps radio calisthenics can help alleviate the stiffness? But there is no radio in this world.

    Meanwhile, a huge crowd has gathered outside, as I found out when I tried to step out. This is the first 8-storey building of the town and it even comes with a viewing platform, moreover, glass by itself is unusual in this area, but it¡¯s lavishly used for every room, each one coming with a huge glass window, so the inn must appear ultra-luxurious.

    The poster family is making a great effort to explain things to the clamoring townsfolk, this place will definitely become a tourist attraction. And since I installed numerous massage chairs it¡¯s bound to become a huge profit to me.

    Since I have a pretty half-assed amount of time to spare I¡¯ll drop by the weapon store, or rather, the blacksmith, or rather, the bald bearded uncle¡¯s shop.

    Truly a bloodcurdling pressure, the sight is hurting my eyes. The baldness! And beardedness!

    Striking iron with all this might, he then strikes it again, and again, and again, striking it with an effortless finesse that makes his precise and elaborate work with hammer appear like a mindless manual labor, then ascertaining the state of the iron, reheating it, and striking it again.

    The people for whom it looks like a simple manual labor must¡¯ve never made an earnest effort to create something. This is the one striving to attain a supernatural skill, the one reaching for what lies further beyond the limit, an artisan living true to his craft, this is what it truly means to be creating something. Ah~, and I¡¯m stuck making more bras today, huuuh, well, those require quite a lot of focus too? But I don¡¯t have to be making bras even at a forge. I might need a piece of wire though, but for now cloth was able to provide enough support. That actually was far more difficult than creating that bridge in my sweet home¡¯s garden? A true wonder of engineering!

    Well, since I¡¯m at a blacksmith¡¯s workshop I should put bras aside, I have business with the old man.

    ¡¸My bad. Did you wait? I¡¯ve prepared the gold, and I¡¯ll also buy whatever you have to sell. We are doing great thanks to you. And we now have enough iron to smith as much as we want. People seek blades of my creation. Tell me what you wish, I¡¯ll do anything.¡¹

    What I certainly don¡¯t wish for is an old man getting all affectionate with me? There is no demand for bald bearded old men! No way in hell! Well, if we had a dwarf loli here then there could¡¯ve been a certain demand, or rather, the geeks would¡¯ve been frequenting the place, buying up even the most useless junk! Could¡¯ve ripped them off like crazy with some sort of¡ºHandshake Coupon¡»added, but since it¡¯s an old man, no chance.

    ¡¸Nah, I just came to pick up your orders? Magic stones, magic stone dust, magic stone liquid, enchanted, unenchanted, just say what you want?~ I accept orders for specific enchants and effects too, you know~? You need ¡®em, don¡¯t you? I mean, you made this stuff since you received a request, but it¡¯s not like you made it just for sale, right? After all, you wouldn¡¯t be able to make something like this for money alone? You are desperately struggling to make something that would eclipse even your finest masterpiece that you put all your soul into, aren¡¯t you? You don¡¯t want to allow anyone to die, so you are doing the best you can, but you clearly see that it¡¯s not enough, so you¡¯re struggling to create something even greater, right? So I¡¯ll supply you? What do you want? I can make anything? I mean, you aren¡¯t content with what you have for now, aren¡¯t you? After all, it¡¯s obviously impossible to make invincible weapons or armor that no one can overcome, but you are going to do it anyway, right? It¡¯s not like you will give up even if it¡¯s impossible, right? So you need it, right? That¡¯s why I came to sell you what you need? Sort of?¡¹

    He surely must want to give high poison and debuff resistance to the basic soldiers¡¯ equipment, and if possible add all sorts of other defensive effects and properties.

    And if that is not possible, he would surely want to make it as strong, durable, and as tough as possible. If that can raise the possibility of survival even a tiny bit, he will keep tempering. So he must surely need this.

    Thus, I came to sell? Since they are giving their all to create arms that will protect those that are risking their lives to protect others, I¡¯ll at least lend them a hand? I mean, it¡¯s super profitable?

    Now, I made some profits at the blacksmith, time to visit the general store¡­ or rather, not, they will definitely give me additional orders, hm? The Maid Girl is running, but she is wearing normal clothes, not the lewd dress. Damn this maid, even though she is a maid, there hasn¡¯t been a single instance of her wearing maid clothes, a blasphemy to maids? No, she is an actual professional maid, but even so? But she is so careless, running in normal clothes despite her precarious situation! Good grief, if you are going outside, at the very least equip yourself properly? Even though that lewd dress is capable of weakening or completely nullifying attacks of monsters from initial floors? But well, were she to wear that dress outside that would¡¯ve stirred other sort of troubles, moral related, or rather, she would¡¯ve been arrested by the guards.

    ¡¸And so I went and super urgently made a super high-grade maid uniform. Every sort of resistances, speed, strength, and even hand-to-hand combat buffs, ALL Stats 20% Up, and +DEF as well, so this is a close combat version of that lewd dress, but in the form of a maid uniform? Well, it¡¯s lewd though? Well, it¡¯s for self defense, and if it isn¡¯t lewd then it drains half of the fun from making it? Or rather, all of the fun? Sort of?¡¹

    I also crammed it with every sort of hidden weapon, finally succeeding in adding ¡ºStorage¡»property to an item. And this Maid Girl is strong, hence equipment oriented for an assassin! It¡¯s lewd though!

    Naturally, ¡ºStorage¡»is arranged in such a fashion as to make things appear as if she is pulling them from under the miniskirt? Yup, marvelous. I also stored a spare ¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander¡»rip-off in there, so the mere thought of a two-meter sword being pulled out from under a maid skirt gets me going! A lewd maid-san armed with a two-meter sword already sounds amazing on its own! Although I made it driven by a sudden whim, it¡¯s good stuff. And it¡¯s also lewd.

    I mean, no one can escape unfazed if assaulted by such a lewd maid assassin in that open-shoulder open-back cleavage wide-open outfit which still provides full protection! Yeah, were I to be attacked it would become the most non-trivial matter putting that outrageous slit starting at the navel level to good use that assassination would¡¯ve turned into an Ah~Ah~ssination? Under the apron dress part it¡¯s basically naked apron, you know? That¡¯s basically how exposing it is, but magic provides complete protection, and naturally fishnet knee-socks with frills are also included, and despite having open shoulders the outfit also comes with frilly long gloves, making for a scandalous sight! Yeah, I wish to be assaulted!

    ¡¸Not only did you spare my life but even granted me such expensive equipment, I don¡¯t know how I can possibly express this feeling of gratitude¡­ The feeling of gratitude which was blown away by the sheer lewdness of this thing, why is there an opening at such a spot? I¡¯m pretty sure this is an area that shouldn¡¯t have any openings, but there is a huge gap? Moreover, the previous dress too, what is with this lewdness? It¡¯s like it has no intention of covering anything, but at the same teases by barely keeping it out of sight? Calling this a maid uniform, just what sort of a job do you think a maid is that you came up with such a design? And why did I put this on? And why are you staring so hard!? And who is it that is making me work in such a vulgar outfit and is trying to put that indecent dress on the princess? Outrageous! This is lese majeste! It deserves capital punishment! ¡­(Followed by a bellow)¡¹

    ¡¸So, is Royal Girl going to act? The Royal Army¡¯s aim is most likely Royal Girl? If she acts now the chaos would provide a perfect opportunity to target her, and there might already be traps in place? Even Meripapa-san is stopping her, right? What is she trying to do? Didn¡¯t things progress far past the stage where they could¡¯ve been stopped? On top of that, is she trying to stop a war with just two people? Is she alright in the head?¡¹

    Running around the town they are preparing for for the trip and the fighting, stocking up on weapons, medicine and items.

    ¡¸If the princess says she is going to stop this, I¡¯ll simply obey and protect her until the very end. So I¡¯m grateful for the equipment, no matter how lewd it might be. Even if it¡¯s shamelessly indecent, with this I can be the princess¡¯ sword and shield, thank you very much.¡¹

    Good grief, they still haven¡¯t given up on this, she is still intending to protect the kingdom and the frontier.

    They are putting their lives on the line to stop the war, they are trying to do this with only two people.

    Not only is she trying to shoulder the Royal Family but even the kingdom and the frontier, it¡¯s obvious that she will be crushed by the weight of such a burden, but despite being already crushed by it, she is trying to get up while still carrying it all.

    Looks like a foolish princess that came to throw away her life, was an utterly foolish Royal Girl who wouldn¡¯t give up from just that.

 CH 232

    Day 60 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn

    Exploring up to the 50th floor and beating the dungeon master there, we triumphantly return to the town, but the inn is gone?

    Well, there is one, but it¡¯s more of a luxurious resort hotel? Numerous pure white floors are stacked on top of the massive stone walls of the lower floors, in addition, glass, which is still highly valuable and should¡¯ve been far from cleanly transparent in this world, is abundantly used in construction.

    But the signboard is saying ¡ºWhite Weirdo¡», the culprit is obvious without thinking.

    As an attempt at exploring the interior sent us into confusion and shock over its astonishing marvelousness, the true culprit appeared without a shadow of guilty consciousness in his expression. While the family of innkeepers is on the verge of crying, he shows not a hint of remorse.

    ¡¸Welcome back~? Actually, that one is the main building, everyone should go over here, the place remains pretty much unchanged? Well, it got more spacious and also gained some additional rooms, but it¡¯s relatively the same, and basically fully reserved for us? Sort of? ¡¹

    The usual entrance, the usual dinner hall, and everyone coming in with the usual¡ºWe are home¡», that is our ordinary life in the town.

    Although the extravagance of the main building did attract our interest a bit, this here is our sweet home. That¡¯s why he left it unchanged.

    After all, this is the place that everyone comes back to.

    Looking closely, he did quite a lot of work here. It¡¯s more spacious now, and even the ceiling became a bit higher.

    However, despite all of the improvements, there is no sense of being brand new to it. Since he used the same materials, it all meshes well together without feeling out of place.

    I¡¯m sure expanding while retaining that feeling of familiarity was far more difficult than just building it anew.

    Since we have more rooms now, we¡¯ll have to discuss if we are going to settle with single or double rooms. While it might be nice to spend time by yourself at ease, being alone is after all lonely.

    Girls¡¯ baths became more spacious, have magic-powered showers now, and even a fully equipped sauna, plus there are also training grounds underground.

    I see~, the backyard where we trained all this time is no more.

    It was turned into a brand new inn.

    The inn¡¯s master, his wife, and the Poster Girl-chan were all moved to tears by how splendid and strong he made it.

    That, finally made me understand, those tears weren¡¯t because of how ¡ºWonderful¡»or¡ºAmazing¡»it was, but because of the outrageous and unthinkable toughness of the construction, that clearly was done with their psychological trauma in consideration. Those actually were tears of overwhelming relief.

    Even if the entire town was destroyed in a monster stampede, this inn would probably remain. One would be able to survive just by evacuating here. That¡¯s the message behind it.

    He made an inn that instilled that sort of confidence. Well, putting aside the question ¡ºisn¡¯t it not an inn anymore?¡», he did it.

    What he made was not a gorgeous and beautiful inn, but an island of tranquility. Stay here and you¡¯ll be safe.

    I¡¯m sure even monsters would be surprised to have the inn stand tall while the town walls, fortress, and even the castle are reduced to dust, but nowhere as shocked as the family owning the place.

    However, despite being so amazingly tough, sturdy, and fortified, it¡¯s still fully gorgeous, elegant, and luxurious. Moreover, the insane number of art pieces decorating the place put even the Louvre to shame. He could¡¯ve made money with that alone. Even though every single one is a forgery, they have the aura to them!

    ¡¸Were there that many sunflowers? Also, isn¡¯t Venus-san a bit off?¡¹

    ¡¸They weren¡¯t that huge, but the sunflowers were a series of paintings? And Venus-san got dressed up?¡¹

    ¡¸There also were quite a few Mona Lisas, looks like he stopped at impressionists? Well, his cave room had A. Warhol in it?¡¹

    ¡¸I think the current culture of this world didn¡¯t allow him to put nudity? I mean, Venus-san is all dressed up?¡¹

    Townsfolk coming to take a look were deeply impressed. The culture of this world must¡¯ve shifted today.

    It isn¡¯t some industrial or cultural revolution, the art reached the very hearts of the people that saw it.

    The culture of admiring beauty has taken roots in what until now was a life only for the sake of living, I¡¯m sure the town will become more beautiful.

    And this inn is a symbol of that, after all, it is excitement that gives birth to happiness and joy in the midst of ordinary everyday life.

    We were previously surprised by that church-like orphanage, which was then followed by that museum-like school, and now here is a hotel which at the same time is an art gallery?

    Before anyone noticed, the people that previously thought of their homes only in terms of sturdiness and comfort, began painting their walls white, arranging the shape, and creating gardens. The town is already changing.

    ¡¸I see, the other world was giving me this savage and brutal impression, but art and culture were yet to spread around, huh.¡¹

    ¡¸But clothes and furniture are beginning to sell? It will only pick up the pace, the frontier was so poor after all.¡¹

    And the dinner awaiting us upon return was Meat and Potato Stew-san! He has a firm grasp on the stomachs of the girls!

    Fried fish, white rice, stew, and lightly pickled cucumbers, it was very delicious. But how come he can create such a deep flavor in 2-3 minutes? Even being able to cook rice in 2-3 minutes is very strange by itself, but making pickles in just a couple of minutes is insane, no matter how ¡ºlightly pickled¡»they might be, they won¡¯t become pickles in such a short time.

    And yet why does he keep properly frying fish every time?

    For someone who supposedly has no useful skills he makes the most convenient use of them. I¡¯m sure even with a crafting-type cheat skill it still would be impossible to do something like this. After all, this very concept of disassembling and reassembling skills of his, no one has any idea how to take skills apart, and of course no one knows how to assemble them too. Just what is that?

    This just perfect seasoning, and the Potato-san¡¯s soft and flaky texture make for an ultimate culinary gem. But apparently, what Haruka-kun really wanted were konnyaku noodles. His cooking long since surpassed the standards of our original world, and yet he is still unsatisfied.

    And the bath was amazing.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Woooow! Is this a gorgeous resort? Eh, water is coming from an artistic engraving!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸A marble bath~! Ah, and there is a separate wooden bathtub too. And that over there is a cold bath?¡¹

    ¡¸And here is a waterfall shower! Discover new skills through waterfall mediation?! Go for supreme perfect enlightenment?¡¹

    The baths were huge, apparently only the girls¡¯ side is like this.

    As for the boys, they are separate, since¡ºbathing with dudes is no fun¡», but being unable to press for mixed baths despite that is very like Haruka-kun.

    ¡¸It¡¯s been such a long time since I had shower~.¡¹

    ¡¸A jacuzzi~, is this a deluxe version of the one from the cave?¡¹

    I wonder what¡¯s with this obsession with baths. He made a clawfoot bathtub during his first week in this world, and then made jacuzzi too.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸And now burn calories in sauna~!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like they were aware of the danger that came with asking for extra servings of meat stew with potatoes. 20 schoolgirls covered with towels + 1 extra person immediately crowded the place. Whoooa~ so hot~? Well, I did eat plenty of it too.

    Slowly, thoroughly, and deliberately we shed buckets of sweat. It¡¯s like heaven, but it¡¯s hot, it¡¯s hot, but pleasant.

    Shield Girl, who is now formally Shield Pres, was shining during the training before the bath, even Angelica-san was impressed by her growth, smiling fondly while observing.

    The girl that so desperately fought trying to protect gained a resolve to make the protection she is giving to everyone a definitive fact. And became Shield President.

    ¡¸Haruka-san gave me a shield. He recognized me as a shield pres. So I will protect everyone.¡¹, is what she said, and she definitely did a good job defending everyone both in dungeons and during the training. With¡ºMirror Greatshield¡»that Haruka-kun gave her, in her hands, she became an Aegis shielding everyone.

    Shimazaki-san¡¯s new equipment had incredible destructive power, but what¡¯s more important, the increase in speed it gave increased the number of attacks she could perform at a given period of time, which drastically boosted her strength, moreover, armed with ¡ºSpear of Eternal Ice¡», clad in armor of ice, and carrying tower shield of ice, she looked just like an Ice Queen, commanding icy swords and arrows, extremely beautiful and stern.

    But the instant the combat was over, the ice queen that reigned supreme through sheer violence and overwhelming destructive power, turned all cute, gently rubbing Spear of Eternal Ice with a delighted look.

    The librarian-chan didn¡¯t reveal all of her cards until the very end, but all of the culture clubs¡¯ girls became remarkably better both at debuffing enemies and empowering allies. That alone allowed the current exploration to progress much smoother than usual, as the monsters were thoroughly getting weakened one after another. But that¡ºRipple Necklace¡»was handed to the librarian-chan after a very long discussion with Haruka-kun. There must be something more to it.

    The next one is probably equipment for Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group? But when Haruka-kun is not around they are properly throwing boomerangs, setting up feints, keeping monsters in check with halberds, or going around slashing them with swords, just what is going on with their weaponry? Or rather, their real weapons must be that physical ability, swiftness of decision, and superhuman intuition. But the moment Haruka-kun joins them they become idiots?

    But rather curiously, the usual clamorous duo that is treated as Volleyball girls A and B, Haga-san and Shisui-san are utterly silent, they seem to be nervous before the danger to maidenhood in the guise of measurements for bras and shorts. I¡¯d like to give them some words of encouragement¡­ But I honestly can¡¯t bring myself to say that it¡¯s going to be all okay. By the end of it my knees gave way and I couldn¡¯t even stand up. And when I recall what happened back there, what happened there, it gets all hot, and¡­ (Thud)

    ¡¸Medic~! The pres collapsed in sauna~, her face is all red~, it might be bad~? And she seems to be muttering something¡­ Lewd?¡¹

    ¡¸Carry her out, hurry. And cool her. No, using Blizzard for that is too much? You¡¯ll turn her into an icicle. ¡¹

    That measuring session is a danger to maidens, or rather, it¡¯s like it¡¯s making a depraved girl leak out, overflow from a pure maiden. That is definitely not okay!

 CH 233

    Day 60 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn

    Today it is going to be the Volleyball Girls A and B duo? In that case, are they giving higher priority to the girls with large busts, for whom bra issues are more severe? Indeed, Volleyball Girls A and B have fine ones, including them into ¡ºThe Big Group¡»wouldn¡¯t be strange at all, they do bounce well.

    After all, those two are former, or maybe current, volleyball club members, they are a duo of offensive tanks, responding to attacks from front, rear, flanks, and even bottom and top too.

    Therefore, they often bounce, like, hey, are they hiding balls there? Is how well they are shaking. That must be why they were given priority. I see~, so that jiggle will be no more, huuuh? No, I¡¯m going to properly make it anyway? It seems the demand for bras is far more pressing than a highschool boy can imagine or even comprehend. Since it impacts their movements and fatigue, this is a matter of life and death for the girls, as all of them have combat type jobs. And apparently, frills are very important too? Which compelled me to accept this task, but it put my peace and life (passion) at risk! Both yesterday and the day before that my Life (passion), Soul (passion) and Desire (passion) went totally Passion-Passion, going passionately berserk all night long. It was pretty tough, you know?

    But for the musclebrain duo that¡¯s always horsing around with no concern for their clothes coming undone or underwear becoming visible to fidget like this in complete silence makes it really difficult for me to work! I was actually wary as they have similar characters to Nudist Girl, they might just suddenly strip on the spot, the atmosphere is so awkward!

    But since they were given priority, they must¡¯ve felt that it impacts their combat performance. They either sensed that it posed a danger, or felt some warning signs of it. In that case, I shouldn¡¯t be getting embarrassed either, and instead I should approach it with a calm and uninterested mind, akin to making ordinary equipment! Yes, this is combat equipment, an armor meant to protect one¡¯s body! To make undressing easier both came wearing mini-one piece dresses which open in front. As they timidly move their fingers, the buttons come undone, one after another. I¡¯m sorry, this is impossible! Forget a calm mind, that very highschool boy part is sending emergency signals, standing tense at attention. It¡¯s just a bit short of proclaiming the athlete¡¯s oath of fair play. That¡¯s how big of an emergency it is. However, as one of them works her way from the top and the other one from the bottom, the buttons are being undone¡­ This awkward silence filled only with the rustling of clothes is driving me crazy! Armored Pres¡¯ unreliable blindfold is already in effect, but this in turn makes the sounds strangely vivid. Looks like my calm indifference was turned into crazed anguish? (*Rustle*) (*Swish*) the sound is so vividly raw!

    ¡¸You know, it¡¯s really hard to work in this awkward silence? I¡¯m going to simply take measurements, make it, check how they fit, adjust, make the shape, and apply corrections? I¡¯m not looking, and I¡¯m not going to touch anything, so you can relax and go with ¡ºYahoo~, naked festival~!¡»sort of flow? You are not like your usual Twin Lightpoles selves? Or something? Kind of? ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸We aren¡¯t Twin Lightpoles! And¡ºYahoo~, naked festival~!¡»? What sort of idiots do you think we are!¡¹¡¹

    They are still a bit tense? Let¡¯s continue while having small talk, complete silence makes me too conscious of the sounds, plus I have a three-dimensional picture thanks to ¡ºSpace Awareness¡»so it bothers me even more. That¡¯s why I keep pressing for random chat, what happened at the dungeon today, requests for food, clothes they¡¯d like next, such ordinary talk. Talking about the old days must still be too hard for them.

    ¡¸And so Shield Girl-chan, or rather our new Shield Pres, gave us her¡ºCounter Shield¡»¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Oh yeah, so I swapped my¡ºBlade Shield¡»with it, but the weight is totally different, so when I charged in¡­¡¹

    As the talk began to flow the tension began to dissipate, but please, don¡¯t insert¡ºAh¡»or¡ºUn¡»in the middle of your lines? And¡ºHya¡»or¡ºKya¡»are bothering me too, aren¡¯t you replying with a firm¡ºAye¡»during combat?

    ¡¸Nah, I don¡¯t really care about volleyball anymore. Well, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t have attachments to it, but be it national or interhigh, in the end, we were eternal second place, and fighting with everyone like this is pretty fun on its own too? We probably just wanted excitement, working earnestly towards something, and then going YAAAY, YAHOO with everyone over it, so this is this, and that is that?¡¹

    ¡¸Totally this, that feeling of going crazy with everyone after winning a battle is great, isn¡¯t it? It probably didn¡¯t have to be volleyball? Aah, but being eternal second place in middle and high school still pisses me off!¡¹

    Among the other girls they have a relatively strong mental fortitude and high adaptability, but they seem to have one half of acting tough, one half of giving up, one half of having fun, and one half of not thinking anything at all, totalling for two people worth. Well, let¡¯s popularize beach volleyball when we find a sea, and while at it, also hold a beach volleyball tournament. In such a format they can make a team with just the two of them. It would be a waste for all of the skills and experience that they accumulated since their childhood to become useless, and there is no way it wouldn¡¯t be vexing. Popularizing beach volleyball shouldn¡¯t even be that hard. And naturally, I have no reluctance about making a beach volleyball uniform, in fact, I have so little hesitation and reservation about it, that beach volleyball uniform might get popularized before beach volleyball can even become a thing? Sort of?

    The president and others were from the tennis club, but does it need popularization? The uniform? The shrimp, if I¡¯m not mistaken, was in the track and field club, but she is running around just fine even now, so might as well let it be. But rhythmic sports gymnastics will be difficult to spread, not only does it need equipment, but also the contents of the contests are complicated, and it will take a long while for the first gymnasts to appear. Leotards are already in stock though? Yeah, Armored Pres-san has about 10 different ones, I had her try every single one? It was great.

    And as we talk about this and that, Evil Hands continue making measurements and feeding information to Apex Thinking-san. Sound effects like ¡ºBoing¡»or¡ºJiggle¡»keep reverberating throughout my brain. No, ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san, you don¡¯t have to translate that, okay? It isn¡¯t Slime-san, so no one is trying to have a conversation with those, or rather, if I did, it would be a matter of public concern? But is the translation possible if I actually tried to? No, not like I want to? But is it though?

    They are firm and nicely dome-shaped to begin with, so there seems to be no need to do much in terms of support or restraint, so the work should be focused around weight distribution, and fixation, and then making sure that straps won¡¯t rub during intense movement. I slightly hate the fact that I¡¯m getting used to this, I absolutely don¡¯t hate this at all, but I hate the concept of a highschooler whose special skill is custom made bras? I wonder if my Affection Rating is doing alright¡­ (Thousand-yard stare, blindfolded version)

    And while things were progressing nicely, the bottoms, as expected, turned out to be a bit off. While they did tighten and lift up the buttocks, I¡¯ll have to adjust them for their muscular build. In other words¡­ Feel everything with ¡ºEvil Hands¡»and measure, while grasping with¡ºHolding¡»? It was a mess, let¡¯s just say that it was very mentally draining both for the one measuring and for those being measured. As I thought, the biggest danger is sound effects.

    What was that¡ºKyan¡»right now?

    When I was finally done, I had perfect measurements and a good grasp of muscular levels, so without giving it much thought I made volleyball shorts as an extra, but they were moved to tears. Although it seems they will gladly use it as housewear. Let¡¯s make gym shorts for the girls next time, of course, that includes Armored Pres-san! Since the duo got matching uniforms that Armored Pres-san is looking at them very intently, does she want it? The others don¡¯t have them either? Well, I¡¯m not against making one at all, but going hard at night with the same uniform that the girls were crying upon receiving? Can it be in a different color?

    Finally, the trial was over, leaving behind freshly worn still warm underwear, now for equipment making. I¡¯m pretty sure if I begin with underwear, by the time I get to the equipment making, I will get so heated up that we will end up making something very different, so equipment first.

    There are some points that are bothering me, and there are also things that I¡¯d like to try out. It¡¯s about Appraisal. I managed to appraise ¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander¡»all the way to its materials. I can¡¯t do this with any other item, but for some reason for ¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander¡»I managed to identify materials. And all of them were familiar to me, or rather, I had them on hand.

    Iron, mithril, and niello. I managed to get niello after processing those weird objects that I bought in bulk at the mining town with alchemy.

    If I can reproduce it, then I¡¯ll be able to arm the entire Idiot Five with it. They might be real stupid idiots through and through with no limits to their boundless idiotic idiocy, and also very extremely

    idiotic idiots that couldn¡¯t be any dumber, but they are strong.

    Since those five together form a unit, they can¡¯t be crushed, each one is individually strong, they have outstanding teamwork and genius level intuition, the natural disaster-tier brains are the only thing holding them back. If those five can all be strengthened at once they would become an incredibly formidable unit (legion). But I don¡¯t want to make any, since they might throw them too. I mean, those guys were throwing halberds and then beat enemies with boomerangs. Even so, they are strong, if viewed individually they are likely in the strongest tier.

    Feel with¡ºEvil Hands¡», study with¡ºHolding¡», and analyze with¡ºApex Thinking¡», it¡¯s not fun at all since it¡¯s just a sword, but I thoroughly investigate it, and compute my findings. I managed to fully work it out. As long as I have the required materials I theoretically should be able to reproduce it with alchemy. Well, its performance might end up being slightly worse, but it should still be quite usable if I mithrilify it.

    But even if I managed to pull it off, ¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander¡»is a large sword more than two meters in size, I¡¯m pretty sure it would be very difficult to handle for anyone aside from the idiots. It doesn¡¯t seem very profitable, but if I learn how to duplicate weapons it might solve all of our weaponry deficit problems at once. It¡¯s worth a shot. Even if it¡¯s not fun at all.

    I focus my mind on the sword, I can¡¯t afford to look at freshly worn still steaming hot underwear!

    From material to component, from metal to design, I expose, reveal, break down, survey it all the way through. As if rewinding time for a just crafted time, I reveal all the steps of the crafting process.

    PoW stat alone is not enough to manage this size and weight. It requires resilience, power shifting, and balance, unless you have all three, handling this is impossible. Only those savages have the sense to properly grasp the technique needed to utilize its weight for recoil to turn it into centrifugal force, that would allow them to freely swing it around. Penalty to InT is a minus, but since they are on the level of primitive man anyway, it wouldn¡¯t change a thing.

    The optimal weapon for them, and to avoid them throwing the swords let¡¯s confiscate boomerangs.

    Five¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihanders¡»are lying before me, I can¡¯t even tell which is the original by now. I mean, I just lined them up randomly, so I really have no idea? Each one is¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander ¨C PoW 60% Up, Recklessness +ATT -INT¡», so it¡¯s done. Well, now I have to mithrilify this¡­ Wait a moment, if I first upgraded it with mithril and then copied it I could¡¯ve finished it in one go! And now I have to repeat a boring procedure five times.

    Well, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Rome was not built in a day. Large urietta is a gathering of small aretha. [1] The road to warm underwear begins with night shift work, kind of?

 CH 234

    Day 61 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.

    The princess seems to have left for the capital, taking the maid with her. She disappeared from the lord¡¯s mansion under the cover of the night, or so they say.

    The letter she left behind contained only¡ºThank you for everything. As one belonging to the Royal family, I swear on my name, I will definitely protect the kingdom and the frontier. Shariceres di Diorer¡», and that¡¯s all she had to say before leaving to stop the war with only two people.

    Meanwhile, back at the mansion, they quickly assembled troops, sent out a search party on fast horses, and also made Murimuri castle deploy personnel to watch the Fake Dungeon. Everyone is in an uproar, trying to bring them back, worried about their safety.

    ¡¸Did they leave?¡¹

    ¡¸They did, huh?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, no surprise, huh.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s so like them.¡¹

    But we are worried.

    ¡¸It will be a tragedy?¡¹

    ¡¸Possibly even a gruesome one?¡¹

    ¡¸But certainly a tragedy?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m more worried about it becoming a comedy.¡¹

    How many times, it keeps repeating, and we have the same worry every time.

    When we woke up in the morning the self-proclaimed weakest one, who is under pretense of being a human, disappeared, taking his servants, the strongest dungeon emperor and the powerful dungeon master, with him.

    He must¡¯ve left to escort the princess.

    The absolutely unsuitable for the role, the worst man-eating fiend, that should be the last person in this world to be escorting anyone has assumed the position of her escort.

    The trio with ultra-excessive firepower, who might destroy the world in an attempt to protect someone, went as the guards.

    Destroying the world is not unlikely if it¡¯s about those three, I honestly pity the unfortunate would-be attackers.

    Well, while I say this, everyone is in full combat equipment already. Turns out, Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group got five giant swords from Haruka-kun. He left, entrusting them to the Poster Girl.

    Who handed them to Kakizaki-kun and the others first thing in the morning. ¡ºGive them to the group of five idiots with really dumb mugs.¡»is what he apparently said, and she gave them to Kakizaki-kun and others without even a hint of hesitation.

    The Poster Girl probably thinks that ¡ºIdiots¡»is how they are actually called.

    Volleyball club girls also were given a package. The bag sent to them had¡ºFresh¡»written on it. Well, it¡¯s obvious what¡¯s inside. Looks like he left after diligently finishing his nighttime work.

    And unlike the latter overflowing with resolution and determination that was left by the princess, the one he left made no sense at all, as usual.

    I mean, ¡ºI bet souvenirs will sell like crazy? It¡¯s a chance for profit! It¡¯s magnate time! Sort of?¡»is all it said.

    He departed leaving a letter overflowing with greed and a determination to make a quick buck, or rather, since nothing can be understood by reading it, that¡¯s not even a letter anymore but a cryptic note. But this is not a dying message, it¡¯s a deathing (killing?) message, brimming with desire to solve the problem with a bit of slaughter, that¡¯s basically a crime notice.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haaah, well, we are curious too, so let¡¯s go?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yup~.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Well, that was bound to happen, with two girls putting their lives on the line to stop the war, there is no way he wouldn¡¯t go along. They certainly went with them. I have a whole lot of issues with this, but at the same time, I also would¡¯ve hated it if Haruka-kun didn¡¯t go with them. Then, if we can¡¯t stop them, we should just go ourselves, that¡¯s what we fought to get level 100 for. And we also had excessively great equipment prepared, as if waiting for this moment.

    At the very least, there is no doubt that they went to the Fake Dungeon. That is the only existing passage, and the princess won¡¯t be able to get through with just her and the maid.

    And then there is evidence left in Haruka-kun¡¯s room, a packaged ¡ºFrontier¡¯s Specialty, Dungeon Manju, Kind of?¡». They were delicious, so he finally made red bean paste.

    The fact that there was a share for everyone points to it definitely being a premeditated crime. There was also tea and the matching number of cups.

    We involuntarily sat down for a tea with manju, which delayed our departure. But was it necessary to write¡ºKind of?¡»?

    With those three coming along, there might be no reason for rushing. ¡ºWe just have to catch up to them before the war begins¡»and¡ºThe biggest threats to Haruka-kun are wars, man-made traps, schemes, and unique skills.¡»

    Is what everyone was saying, hurriedly preparing for the departure, but upon entering the dining hall we were met with oyakodon and mushroom soup.

    Looks like Haruka-kun prepared this for our breakfast before leaving. Let¡¯s dig in?

    Alright, now we are definitely going, destination ¨C the Fake Dungeon.

    The high-speed 8-person group is going to leave first, which then will be followed by the remaining group of 21 people.

    With Lv100¡¯s movement speed it wouldn¡¯t take even an hour to reach the Fake Dungeon, but traveling with no caution is dangerous, and usually, traveling at high speed means that Detection and Search won¡¯t be able to pick up threats in time. The speed is so high, that we would bump into the enemy by the time we detect them. That¡¯s why we are going to travel while having plenty of safety margin.

    ¡¸Nowhere to be found~.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, they might¡¯ve already stepped into the Fake Dungeon.¡¹

    If they left during the night, then it wouldn¡¯t be strange for them to enter the Fake Dungeon by now, even if they are traveling together with the princess. That princess should have a considerably high level too.

    ¡¸Slow down! Be on your guard and halt!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aye.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Soldiers, it¡¯s probably the local troops, but we still should be vigilant.

    Decelerating, we slowly approach them, making sure we will be noticed.

    Since the wagons have ¡ºOMUI¡»written on their sides in a huge, HUGE letters, they should belong to the local lord. After all, usually, one wouldn¡¯t use such large and flashy letters. Even though Haruka-kun wouldn¡¯t remember the name no matter where and how it was written, the lord is still trying his hardest, but if that was all it took, then even we would¡¯ve been walking around with placards. It¡¯s simply not possible.

    A single horseman is coming our way, raising one hand, aah~, it¡¯s the lord riding off on his own again. His aide is desperately trying to catch up.

    ¡¸Omui-sama, excuse me, but we need a moment of your time. The thing is¡­¡¹

    When we explained the situation, Omui-sama first gave a broad smile, and then began convulsing with laughter. Looks like he understood the way things are about to go for the royal army.

    ¡¸My, I¡¯m sorry. I feel guilty for once again having dragged you into the squabbles of the frontier¡¯s army. Having concerns about the Princess¡¯ safety, we already sent out the message with our fastest horsemen¡­ But, I see, so Haruka-kun is accompanying them, and even took the monsters under his control with him. Then the Princess is completely safe, however, we cannot afford to inconvenience Haruka-kun any further, putting an even larger burden upon his shoulders. We have to make haste, I notified our troops, so you will have free passage into Murimuri Castle as well. Excuse me, but I will be going ahead.¡¹

    Having said that he rode off, his aide also made a short bow and immediately rushed after him. He seems to be having it tough.

    ¡¸What do we do now? Follow after them? Overtake and hurry ahead?¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmm, how about we follow them while we wait for the main group?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No objections.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The main force of the kingdom¡¯s army is likely yet to arrive. It should take them another week to get here.

    Are they planning to intercept them in those wastelands ravaged by sandstorms with just five people? Or do they want to pull them to Murimuri Castle? Or perhaps destroying all of them in the Fake Dungeon, going out to meet them on our own should be nothing but a disadvantage. And just where is he trying to put up that souvenir stall of his? How much for manju? How many is one person allowed to buy? They were super delicious.

    Rejoining with the rest we arrived to Murimuri Castle without any issues. And now we are making preparations for reconnaissance in force with our group spearheading it.

    Well, preparations are pretty much limited to getting ID cards in order. Passing around special ID cards for passing through the Fake Dungeon.

    Those ID cards are made out of magic stones, if you have one, master golem will guide you through the place. The Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen are also provided with them. But¡ºFake Dungeon Co. Ltd¡»? Their shares are not available for trade and they aren¡¯t listed anywhere, what an utterly suspicious ID. He apparently was really against making it a¡ºPass¡», but what is the difference?

    Forming a file we enter the Fake Dungeon. While we can safely pass through, it still doesn¡¯t mean that there are no hostile adventurers or soldiers inside, so we are advancing while maintaining a level of caution, constantly probing the area around us with Search and Detection.

    For some reason, there are even more unfamiliar paths and new traps. Looks like he regularly comes for remodeling.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s use the slide to go all the way to the entrance?¡¹

    ¡¸No, we might miss them if we do that. This thing is a one-way trip.¡¹

    On the frontier¡¯s side the Fake Dungeon has a pitfall signed ¡ºBack to the Entrance¡»with the slide that will take you all the way to the kingdom¡¯s side, but since it passes underground, there is a chance that we might pass them without noticing. By the way, Slime-san seems to really like it. A few girls also seem very eager to slide down, you understand that it is sort of a trap, right?

    ¡¸Be careful from here on~, we won¡¯t trigger traps, but oiled places are still going to be slippery~, one wrong step and you are stark naked~.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh~, no~.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Even without active traps, this place has plenty of evil devices, and falling for one, means losing equipment and clothes.

    I can¡¯t help but admire the courage of the kingdom¡¯s troops willing to storm this place. Beating a normal dungeon is definitely safer than passing through here. After all, Dungeon Masters are more honest and sensible than Haruka-kun. Their places have a much kinder and considerate layout than the dungeon designed by this villainously crafty and morally-challenged person.

    ¡¸Do you think they might¡¯ve reached the neighboring Narrogi by now?¡¹

    ¡¸Hmm, I wonder, if it was Haruka-kun and co alone they would be there a long time ago.¡¹

    Gosh, the Fake Dungeon now even has contraptions that screw with Detection, so passing it becomes even more of a drag, I¡¯d like to just get through in one go, but one misstep and it will be a disaster.

    Most likely, items on the level of our equipment won¡¯t be destroyed by ¡ºWeapons and Armor Destruction¡», but if by some chance they did get destroyed it would be a huge loss. The same goes for clothes, they have resistances, so they should be fine, but if they do melt it would be a tragedy for us as maidens. Let¡¯s proceed with care.

    ¡¸Whooa, it looks so real, anyone would attack it.¡¹

    A picture on the ceiling, depicting numerous spider monsters, the ceiling would collapse if someone was to attack it. One pointless attack leads to a catastrophe, and since you¡¯d have no one to blame but yourself for making that self-destructing attack it will also break one¡¯s spirit, how malicious!

    Since they went with such a small group, they must be planning to bait the kingdom¡¯s forces, so we can¡¯t simply catch up to them with no consideration, but if we take things too slowly the battle might begin without us.

    However, he did everything he could in the town. Remodeling the inn, restocking the weapon store leaving tons of items, establishing new workshops and stalls here and there, and even secretly reinforcing the town walls. As if trying to get done with everything he could do in the frontier town. As if trying to settle everything.

    That¡¯s why we are anxiously chasing after them. Just how far is he intending to go? Even if he was sure to come straight back after this we still would¡¯ve followed, and he probably doesn¡¯t have anything in particular on his mind anyway, but we are still too worried not to chase after him. I mean, Haruka-kun also has no idea of what the kingdom is up to. He is rushing into the war without a proper read of the situation. But future predictions, results, victory and defeat, are all irrelevant, we are simply going to protect Haruka-kun. Even if he doesn¡¯t need our protection, we still have to be at his side, so that if the time when he needs the protection comes, we can help him! Even if we are yet to catch up to him, we got strong enough to stand proudly beside him, that¡¯s what we were striving for all this time! And that¡¯s why this time, we are all going to where he is.

 CH 235

    Chapter 235: Is it possible to sell manju to the people that don¡¯t understand even ¡°manju are scary¡±?

    Day 61 ¨C Morning, Narrogi Town.

    We are wandering through a town that looks more like abandoned ruins. The princess and me, just the two of us.

    It¡¯s clear that we are being observed, but I walk nonchalantly, pretending not to know. Actually, Maid Girl is hiding in the Royal Girl¡¯s shadow, and Slime-san is currently sitting on my head in its mini-version, hidden by the hood, so there are actually four people, but visually, only two. Armored Pres is away on an errand.

    Even though I¡¯m walking alone with a girl, at least appearance-wise, the moment I get even a bit close to the Royal Girl, Maid Girl begins stabbing at me with a sword from the shadow? It¡¯s no fun, she is even wearing the lewd dress, but it¡¯s not fun at all. Well, she is wearing armor on top of the dress, so skin exposure is limited, however, the back, navel, and leg slit are still exposed, truly a marvel of design! So wouldn¡¯t it be against the rules to cover that with a shield?

    ¡¸Are you sure about accompanying me? We are about to walk into the very midst of enemies, my life might not be in danger, but nothing can guarantee your safety? Why would you willingly expose yourself to such a danger?¡¹

    ¡¸You are asking if I¡¯m sure, but I just have business in this area? I need to make money, but at the same time, it would be a problem if there is nothing to buy with it, you know? So I¡¯m just tagging along and having some lewd dress appreciation time? Kind of! Sort of? Well, just think that I came to simply take a look? ¡¹

    According to Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen, the main forces of the nobles¡¯ army are still far, but smaller forces of nobles already began arriving, which includes mercenaries as well. While they are called mercenaries, some of them are no different from bandits. Isn¡¯t it risky to let two girls go to such a place on their own?

    And also, the First Prince Something is supposed to be coming with the main force! And also that dude, and some other dude, and also that other dude, and it seems that the other other dude will be there too! I wonder what it¡¯s all about?

    I heard the explanation, but the prince is supposedly a prince, and according to common sense, princes are generally male? Moreover, it¡¯s a pretty middle-aged prince, and since I couldn¡¯t be bothered to listen to something that boring, I ignored all of that talk about somebody of something coming to whatever with who cares, so I slightly lost the plot of this entire thing. Even so, it¡¯s a brother and sister, letting them have a direct murder contest with each other is in bad taste.

    In addition, there have been multiple cases of attacks on merchants supporting our contraband effort. At first I thought that they might¡¯ve found out about the smuggling, but apparently the deterioration of public order, nasty mercenaries, and mischief by lesser nobles are to blame. If they want to loot and steal on the kingdom¡¯s lands it¡¯s their freedom, but I can¡¯t allow a contraband route to be destroyed. Rice deficit will directly impact my meals! The rice grudge is heavy! About the weight of seven dead bodies for one rice grain? Ah, no, seven was the count for gods, if it¡¯s bandits then 70,000 for one rice grain, so might as well massacre them all. Yup, that sounds like a plan! [1]

    ¡¸There are most certainly assassins around. Their threat is not in their strength but in their proficiency in killing people. Haruka-sama, you might possess the strength to kill monsters or even dungeon masters, but they are specialists in handling and killing humans. Taken under the wing by the royalty or ancient noble houses they kept honing their assassination techniques for ages. What is awaiting us is not even going to be a battle in the proper sense of the word.¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, no~, I¡¯m so scared of sexy female assassins~! Let me say it aloud, or even shout, I¡¯m very~ scared of sexy female assassins~! Can you hear me~? I¡¯m super duper scared of ultra beautiful sexy female assassins~? Kind of~? My worst enemies?¡¹

    I tried to play it up! This should¡¯ve raised a flag! Sexy female assassins should already be gathering, amassing here in large numbers from all over the kingdom! Finally, my true highschool boy¡¯s battle is about to begin. Will it be a beautiful kunoichi-san? A bewitching assassin? But the most important point, is honeytrap! Yes, it must be dripping and sweet like honey! That¡¯s right, I have to let them know that I¡¯m afraid of honeytraps too! That¡¯s very important, I wonder if shouting about 2,000 times would be enough? Let¡¯s make placards too, ¡ºHoney Traps Are Essential!¡».

    ¡¸Why would you start yelling like that when we are in the middle of a covert mission! We are trying to keep a low profile! We are sneaking! Please, don¡¯t attract attention by shouting! And don¡¯t start nonchalantly singing too! You are clearly brimming with expectations, and aren¡¯t afraid at all, right? I¡¯d be shocked if any intelligence operative thought¡ºThat¡¯s his weak point!¡»after hearing that! There is a very real danger! Even though there is no reason for you to put your life at risk¡­ Even though the kingdom and royalty should be bearing the responsibility for those wrongdoings, just why¡­¡¹

    Eh! No good you say?! Looks like in this world they don¡¯t even get ¡ºManju are scary¡», can I really make money off selling manju like this? Good grief, that¡¯s why other worlds are other, what a useless world, even though they are so tasty. [2]

    Walking through the ruin-like town, we passed a slum-like area covered in debris that doesn¡¯t have a single soul around, and entered an alleyway that not only has not a single passerby but is also devoid of any and all signs of human presence. Now, if coming this far, they are still going to throw middle-aged men at me, I will throw them to a pack of kobolds and bitches! That is a hellish nightmare! Even kobolds were scared.

    The group that was following us split up and moved to surround us. Are those bandits looking for gold? Or maybe nobles¡¯ lap dogs, targeting the princess? Or maybe lewd people lured by the lewd dress? If so, we might get along! If they are able to understand the magnificence of this lewd dress, they have to be lewd people of very cultured tastes. Well, since it¡¯s this lewd, they might attack regardless of their tastes though? Yeah, it¡¯s so lewd, that the very idea of walking around in it is questionable.

    ¡¸Hey, you two. Stop right there!¡¹

    They surrounded us, which is cool, I knew this was coming? There are seventeen of them, seventeen middle-aged men! Those bastards went and broke the flags that I was so earnestly trying to raise! Alright, let¡¯s break them. Utterly, thoroughly, club them into pulp, a mess, mush, after all, this is revenge for the broken flags! I¡¯m going to completely break them!

    ¡¸Who are you people, if you are calling someone to halt, how about introducing yourself?¡¹

    Royal Girl is angry. The surrounding middle-aged men are staring at her, muttering¡ºSexy¡»or¡ºLewd¡», so she is super pissed! But well, it is sexy? Yup, very.

    ¡¸No doubt, it¡¯s Princess Shariceres. Capture her.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ooh, a jackpot out of the blue? Don¡¯t let her get away.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like it¡¯s middle-aged male mercenary-like bandits who also happen to be middle-aged male lapdogs of some nobles, well, basically, middle-aged men.

    ¡¸Kuh!¡¹

    Royal Girl immediately pulled out the sword, raised a shield, took a low stance spreading her legs, and went into a serious combat mode. That is a good stance. Lowering her center of gravity and taking such a wide stance would allow her to swiftly move while surrounded and maintain the balance between offense and defense while keeping control over a considerable space around her. In other words, the slit on the dress is wide open, revealing not only her legs, but also allowing a glimpse at her inner thighs, this is a very nice stance! This is some good stuff!

    ¡¸Wait, Haruka-sama? Why are you turning your back to the enemies, and staring at my legs while squatting? Can I cut you down?¡¹

    Well, those are just scoundrels, if fought, Royal Girl can beat them on her own, and running away is also easy. Even so, they are scoundrels specialized in fighting other humans. So pulling a sword on them is pointless, it will only get you caught without allowing any resistance. See?

    ¡¸Kuh! You cowards, using such underhanded¡­ Wait, Haruka-sama, why are you getting yourself caught, squatting like that, as if you wanted it to happen! And where are you sticking your face!¡¹

    A casting net. And since they have chains weaved in, I was caught without a chance to cut through it. In other words, there is no way out of this predicament! I¡¯m not to blame! Also, if you ask me where I am sticking my face, the answer is obvious? Thighs? Yup, it was totally worth waiting for it while squatting. Those are great thighs!

    But Maid Girl is aiming to stab me from Royal Girl¡¯s shadow! Moreover, it¡¯s a flat gaze maid girl in a lewd maid uniform! Well, getting stabbed sounds painful, so let¡¯s give up on the thighs, my happiness didn¡¯t last, but those were great thighs! After all, it¡¯s the thighs with absolute territory!

    ¡¸Unfortunately, this would¡¯ve been much better without the armor? Well, even so, I have to take revenge for the broken flags, so as much as I regret saying goodbye to this moment, it was very nice, thank you for the meal? Sort of?¡¹

    ¡¸We don¡¯t need that brat, off him. But don¡¯t you dare wound the princess.¡¹

    A jet black scythe is spinning in mid-air, over my head, the instrument of the soul harvesting reaper. And only now, for a limited time, we have a special offer, two more scythes will come as a bonus, what a steal, available at a wonderful discount, it will cost you only all of your money! I mean, you have to cover for the damages done to my precious flags, that I earnestly raised with such affection, I¡¯m taking everything!

    Still ensnared in the net, Royal Girl and I entangle with each other, having this and that place touching, rubbing together, all while engaging in a boisterous dance with scythes. As if in a rondo, I spin around with this well trained dynamite body while hunting down everyone around, cutting my way through as if in a deadly waltz. And then tango! Dishing kicks all around we stomp the middle-aged men.

    The softness of her body was too pleasant, so I ended up overdoing it. This squishiness ranks at the top of this world. If I ever encounter a squishiness association I¡¯m definitely going to endorse her.

    And since we moved so wildly while still caught in the net, we entwined even harder, which also made the dress slip from the shoulders, exposing her cleavage, the skirt creped up, baring her legs, and had us glued together. For some reason, I sense a sudden rush of kindness towards the middle-aged men that attacked us, so I¡¯m willing to let them off with just burning their heads. You should be grateful for that half exposed voluptuous dynamite body! I¡¯m grateful for this too, thank you very much.

    ¡¸Damn, you bastard¡­¡¹(*Whack!*)¡¸This little shit¡­¡¹(*Thud*)¡¸You m¡­¡¹(*Bam*)¡¸Oh¡­¡¹(*Squash*) ¡¸¡­(*Crack*)¡¹¡­

    Promptly taking their wallets and valuables I put away the loot into the item bag. Sadly, the net that provided such a marvelous time, was removed by Maid Girl? Well, let¡¯s take the net too, this is good stuff.

    ¡¸Why are you robbing the bandits? Moreover, you are taking everything from weapons to items, no mercy at all! You even took the net!¡¹

    ¡¸No-no, you got it all wrong? Robbing normal people would indeed make you a bandit, but robbing bandits makes you a normal person? Probably?¡¹

    Good grief, what an awful thing to say, it almost makes it sound like I¡¯m doing something wrong? They are the ones who did something bad, so naturally, that makes me a good person? Yup, no doubt about it, a perfectly logical and absolutely irrefutable line of reasoning. In other words, no matter from which angle one approaches it, I¡¯m 360 degrees not to blame? I mean, they are the bad guys here?

    Why double Flat Gaze? Wait, since body double is involved, maybe it¡¯s Twin Flat Gaze? For some reason, every time I¡¯m trying to approach things logically, and argue that I¡¯m just an ordinary human, I get dissatisfied looks? I thought that there might be an issue with the translation tool for the otherworldly languages, but even my classmates are giving me the same flat gazes? It¡¯s just sad that they are unable to understand my well-reasoned logic. By the way, my explanations are so logical that the pres even praised me, saying ¡ºHaruka-kun¡¯s explanations are galaxy brain.¡». Wait, was that a dis?

    Anyway, let¡¯s bait another group, it¡¯s pretty profitable. If 50 more bands were to attack us, becoming a magnate might not be out of reach! Alright, let¡¯s get attacked! Naturally, I still suggest, recommend, and strongly endorse the use of sexy female assassins. Like, I¡¯m waiting?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] There is an old belief and a saying which is sometimes used to admonish children for wasting food. ¡°Every grain of rice has seven fortune gods.¡±

    [2] A famous Rakugo story.[2] ¡°Manju are scary¡± The gist of it ¨C a group of young people talks about what they like, each gave some example, then the leader asked what they were scared of, everyone gave something quite commonplace like snakes or spiders, and then one of them says that he is scared of manju, others, naturally, were bewildered, how can anyone be scared of desserts, but he assured them that he is absolutely terrified of manju. So, of course, they decided to play a prank on him, bought some manjus, and according to different version either threw manju at him or left them by his bedside, I¡¯m sure there are other version too, but what they all they have in common is that when confronted with the red-bean-pasta-filled desserts he begins eating them. Other boys realize that they were deceived and demand him to tell what he is really afraid of, to which he shyly answers that he is very scared of delicious tea.

    [3] Rakugo ¨C https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakugo

 CH 236

    Day 61 ¨C Late Morning, Narrogi Town.

    ¡¸Thank you for your patronage? Kind of? But you know, don¡¯t you have like, more expensive weapons or equipment? Or rather, I would really appreciate it if you were to attack carrying a huge load of cash or precious metals? Then I¡¯d gladly get mugged into the riches, also, you don¡¯t have to come in turns, you can attack all at once, and if you pull out money and weapons beforehand it will greatly save me trouble? That¡¯s what nice bandits would do? Sort of? LIke, I think? Probably?¡¹

    Everyone is a middle-aged man, so stripping them of their possessions is bothersome and not fun at all. It would be great if they simply handed all of their valuables and then collapsed on their own, such inconsiderate bandits. If they want to be stripped, they should properly bring a beautiful female assassin or a sexy female bandit for that. Such utterly inconsiderate bandits.

    Moreover, we had close to a dozen bandit groups attack us, but I¡¯m still far from becoming rich. On top of that, every single one of them was a middle-aged man. Is this actually ¡ºMiddle-aged men World¡»or something? Alright, let¡¯s destroy it a bit! I think if I told Slime-san¡ºyou can have as many snacks as you want if you destroy this world~¡»it probably will be destroyed? And it if takes too long, I can tell Armored Pres-san something along the lines of¡ºI¡¯ll make you a new hat if you destroy this world~¡»and it will end in an instant? I¡¯m sure no one will grieve the destruction of¡ºMiddle-aged men World¡», quite contrary, I personally will celebrate it. Then, scorch this¡ºMiddle-aged men World¡»¡«¡­¡­

    ¡¸Haruka-sama~, the next group is here~. How long are we going to keep doing this? This is the 8th group. Why does it hurt my heart even though we are the ones getting attacked by bandits? How come I can¡¯t help but see us as the real villains here? Ah, here comes another group. Poor things¡­¡¹

    And they are even slashing at me! A disgraceful lack of tact for bandits! Even though the first group properly used a throwing net, capturing me and Royal Girl and gluing us together with such marvelous squish-squish underhanded move, resulting in a wonderful rub-rub squeeze-squeeze fight! But the rest is nothing but worthless and incompetent ruffans.

    I¡¯m bad at fighting humans, or rather, vulnerable to trapping skills. There is no chance for me to resist, and my physical attributes are considerably low. If struck by a movement-sealing skill or a sure-hit unavoidable attack I¡¯ll easily die. The fragility that comes with my low stats is fatal.

    Well, I have a slime bodyguard sitting on my head, its offensive and defensive capabilities are of the strongest tier, attacking and defending for it is the same thing because those two acts fused into one, the ultimate lifeform. It¡¯s sleeping though.

    I tried to take them on, thinking it might serve as practice, but I¡¯m bored already, the reason being, every single one of them is a middle-aged man! I¡¯m fed up with this! It¡¯s been nothing but middle-aged men ever since I came to this world! What¡¯s up with this staggeringly high middle-aged men ratio? Even though the worlds described in the books that I read in the past would have one encounter nothing but cute girls no matter where one goes and what one does, what is Middle-aged men outbreak? Looks like this is the worst world.

    And it¡¯s not only not fun, but also not profitable! Looks like getting attacked by bandits was an exploitative job? After all, they barely have any valuables. Good grief, such a waste of time and opportunity. We are going out of our way to guide every single group to some deserted place, and this is the treatment?! I mean there hasn¡¯t been a single beautiful female assassin, nor a sexy female bandit, nor a pretty female fencer, nor a cute sorceress! I hate this world.

    And when I try to lewdly heal my soul by taking a peek at the openings in Royal Girls sexy dress, Maid Girl begins attacking me from her shadow. It¡¯s not fun?

    ¡¸You know, getting assaulted by bandits is way less fun and profitable than I expected, and it¡¯s kind of a chore? A total disappointment? Is how it kind of feels?¡¹

    ¡¸On the contrary, I¡¯m curious how you could think that getting attacked by bandits would be fun and profitable? Who told you that? Could it be that this is the reason why you decided to escort me? Thinking that getting attacked would be fun and profitable? Why is a guard so keen on getting attacked by bandits? Wait! Is that even a guard then?¡¹

    If you can¡¯t profit from doing what you want, that¡¯s just a hobby. In that case, I might as well say that I¡¯m doing this for a hobby, after all, I¡¯m not profiting and it isn¡¯t bringing money. I won¡¯t say that dynamite-body-in-lewd-dress appreciation isn¡¯t on the list of my hobbies, but if a hobby comes with some profits, it would bring me great joy? In a rich man kind of way?

    What do we do? I¡¯m sure we can bait more of them, but I¡¯m almost certain it¡¯s going to be middle-aged men again! If everyone here is middle-aged men, then wouldn¡¯t it be quicker to burn them along with the town? There is one curious character, but it¡¯s a middle-aged man too, so I can¡¯t get hyped up for that, even so, that¡¯s likely an assassin. But he is not taking the bait.

    We can¡¯t bait him out even with this sexy body in such a lewd dress! He must be one of those! Let¡¯s run away, it looks like this world is more dangerous than I thought. Let¡¯s entrust him to the middle-aged men of this town. And since I want to see none of that, I¡¯m going home right now.

    And here he is, right when I thought that. Well, since he showed up all on his own he must be confident. Since it¡¯s another middle-aged man, that confidence is probably not in honeytrapping skills. Actually, I absolutely won¡¯t forgive it if a middle-aged man tries to honeytrap me! As a highschool boy full of pure and innocent dreams for a honeytrap, I¡¯ll tear it off and burn! Definitely!

    ¡¸Eehm, no idea if you are a robber, an assassin, or a pervert, but do you need something, old man? Or rather, I have no business with old men? Actually, why are you an old man? ¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­ha.¡¹

    From one glance I can tell this guy is bad news. He is incredibly skilled, and his level is high too.

    Drawing the sword in one breath he instantly goes for a swing from the hardest to dodge position at the most difficult to dodge angle, moreover, while he pretends to go for the head, he suddenly changes trajectory to slash at legs, how nasty.

    Trying to handle him with a scythe is dangerous. Switching to ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»I use¡ºMagic Wrap¡»and step forward.

    He is reading my eye movements and breathing, he has full knowledge of human movements and perfect reading of human behavior. For someone knowledgeable with structure and principles of the human body, reading its movements is nothing special. This is an extremely professional murderer that honed his skills specifically to assassinate human targets, a murder machine that perfected the art of fighting and killing humans.

    He instantly read and saw through the swing made with my low SpE, and picked the skill most effective to handle it, ¡ºStrike Down¡», his sword is rushing towards my staff. If it succeeds, I¡¯m dead. Flawless and overwhelming. Even if I look at my staff with future sight, the only future there is my staff being knocked away, and me being cut down just like that. Perfect technique, timing, and judgment. That is a professional. There is no way I can beat him with a swordsmanship designed for humans to fight other humans. (*Bonk*)

    Hit into the back of his head from the side the old man fell to the ground. Yeah, I mean, even I have no idea where that attack is going to land, so there is no way he can¡ºStrike Down¡»it? My attacks just go somewhere? So there is no point in reading my movements, since I myself can¡¯t read them? Like, it¡¯s seriously confusing? Kind of?

    This old man was reading too much into human anatomy and movements, so he didn¡¯t expect a staff swung at him vertically from the front to sweep him from the side into the back of his head. Yeah, that¡¯s asking too much? Even I can¡¯t predict where it will go, so that¡¯s a given? He probably had perfect reading of my presence and movements, but since even I don¡¯t know what is going to happen there was no point to that, I mean, no one knows? It¡¯s nonsense? Impossible to predict even with Future Sight? Yup, I totally don¡¯t get it.

    ¡¸It-It¡¯s Dajimakam! The kingdom¡¯s strongest assassin swordsman,¡ºDajimakam the Slasher¡»,the Reaper! ¡¡That means¡­¡­ The great nobles are our enemies! ¡¹

    ¡¸So he is that rumored! As people say, meeting him means meeting death itself, capable of killing even high-ranking knights or S-class adventurers, the strongest killer! Eh, but he went down in one hit?¡¹

    Oh, looks like it was Maid Girl¡¯s acquaintance? Royal Girl seems to know him too. But since it¡¯s a middle-aged man, I don¡¯t know him and don¡¯t care to know him. But it looks like even S-class adventurers, in other words, those of over level 100, were killed by him. Indeed, when it comes to fighting humans he had the ultimate strength. Being humans doomed them to a defeat. No, I¡¯m a human too, okay? I¡¯m saying this just in case, but there properly was ¡ºHuman¡»written in my stats the last time I checked? It¡¯s alright? I¡¯m not sure what exactly is alright, and being worried, I¡¯m checking it from time to time, but it¡¯s showing Human? Ah, what a terrible assassin it was! Such a tough fight!

    But lets kill him here. The only ones capable of beating him are probably the pres and Bitch Leader at best? No, perhaps Vice B Great Sage-san can beat him too? A few others might have a slim chance at victory, but the majority would definitely get killed. Most likely even the geeks won¡¯t be able to handle him. The idiots aren¡¯t humans so they can kick his ass all day long. This guy¡¯s movements were the same as theirs. That is specialization at fighting human opponents. His level is below 100, but he is strongest when it comes to killing humans. If I let him live, someone might get killed. ¡­He was killing other people, so he knew what was coming eventually? After all, that¡¯s what fighting to kill each other means? Yeah, I¡¯m a murderer too, so I have a good idea about this as well, that¡¯s why¡­

    Murderers need no graves, so I annihilated him without a trace. Graves are fine for those who have the gratitude of others. Murderers like us can just vanish without a trace after being killed. If you don¡¯t like it, then don¡¯t kill anyone. It¡¯s as simple as that.

 CH 237

    Day 61 ¨C Midday, Narrogi Town

    The black haired boy that the god of war so fearfully respects, there are countless rumors about him and all of them are utter nonsense. It¡¯s hard to believe that they are even about the same person.

    While the Princess has doubts about the strength of this low level boy, she, for some reason, seems to be putting a lot of trust in him.

    Even if he can be believed, he can¡¯t be trusted. But he is undoubtedly strong. I learned that first hand.

    I launched a sure-kill attack while hiding in the shadow with¡ºShadow Lurk¡»and completely erasing my presence. Moreover, the thrust of the poisoned sword was coming from below towards his back, from a blind spot and at the most difficult to dodge angle. There is no one who can possibly evade that. But the sword vanished, it was taken from me without me even noticing, stolen while the sure-kill skill was activated. That is unmistakably monster-level strength.

    And then he saved my life. I owe it to him.

    But he cannot be trusted, there is no way a monster feared by god of war Mellotosam-san can be anything but terrifying. Even commanding officers that fought through nightmarish carnage at that Evil Forest are lowering their heads and giving way to him as if it is the most natural thing in the world. We definitely shouldn¡¯t trust him.

    Because¡ª

    This boy is capricious.

    Too arbitrary.

    Much too irrational.

    And this boy (monster) is free.

    Tied by nothing, bound by no one, he lives freely following only his own whims.

    The real danger of no one even considering what it means to have an unbound monster walking freely wherever he wants and doing whatever he likes at his own convenience.

    Much less if it¡¯s a boy of level 20, no one, unless in the know, would be cautious of him, no one would even notice him.

    With everyone oblivious to the fact that it¡¯s a monster, unaware that this very boy has killed a dungeon, he can freely come and go wherever he pleases.

    The worst possible monster for those dedicated to protecting someone. It¡¯s not even comparable to assassins, if merely entering the castle means that the castle has fallen, there is nothing one can do to defend.

    Certainly, he is a kind boy, amiable with everyone, showing no haughtiness, he might even be called gentle. But he is not virtuous, he is as far from a safe existence as it gets.

    Not a hint of a shred of malice or wickedness¡­ Well, he has quite a bit of wickedness (lewdness), but he has no ill will. He could¡¯ve used my body as he pleased if he only wished so back then, he could¡¯ve even pushed the princess for a deal. But he was laughing as if it was nothing.

    Because he didn¡¯t even think that he was almost killed. For that boy, nothing happened.

    But what if someone managed to seriously anger him? What then? Omui-sama said that they were doomed to perish anyway, so it will make no difference.

    That if that will bring their ruin, then this was the last happy dream that the frontier saw before its death. That for the frontier that didn¡¯t even know hope, becoming this fortunate in the end is good enough compensation.

    In other words, even the king of the frontier has resigned to his fate.

    That boy brings an unthinkable fortune and terror. Right now, he is granting fortune to the people and terror to monsters. And if eventually, at any given moment, it for some reason reverses, the world will come to an end.

    I¡¯m a shadow that resolved to live and die for Shariceres-sama¡¯s sake.

    Since my earliest days I trained and followed her with that in mind.

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m terrified of that boy, that innocence is frightening.

    And I¡¯m scared of myself, who ends up laughing when talking with that boy.

    Even though there is no possible way I can drive him away from the princess by waving my sword and going¡ºshoo shoo¡»at him, I¡¯m unbearably afraid of myself that keeps doing it like it¡¯s normal.

    Even though the Princess and I left to meet our deaths, when that boy is by our side I can¡¯t help but laugh like nothing is wrong.

    Even though we were prepared to face the entire army of the kingdom with only two of us, with the addition of just one person we became able to smile, feeling at ease, without even noticing how it happened.

    But laugh or cry, death came as expected. And its bearer is Dajimakam the Reaper.

    The very legend out of the horrifying tales told throughout the kingdom is in the flesh before our own eyes.

    Dajimakam, a man from far-off land, who is carrying the name of the reaper, that is succeeded by the most wicked assassins.

    From a tender age he was trained only in the way of killing men, and eventually came to bear the name succeeded by the strongest assassin.

    Mastering every possible method of slaying humans, he is always pursuing the most optimal way of putting the target to the sword. A cutthroat living only to kill.

    A natural-born assassin equally bringing death to those he targets and those that target him.

    Capable of reading both people¡¯s bodies and minds, all of his techniques are aimed towards killing people, the strongest anti-human swordsman.

    If he found us then it¡¯s all over. The only option left is to at least let the princess escape, even at the cost of my own life.

    But the boy stepped forward. Without any thoughts, without resolving himself, he nonchalantly stepped forward.

    All I can do is try to slip into Dejimakam¡¯s shadow while he is killing the boy. Even an attempt to fight that thing isn¡¯t possible.

    But without any fight actually happening, the god of death was knocked out. With a single swing he was on the ground.

    Instilling dread even in royalty, an unapproachable reaper that carefully investigated everyone around, collapsed unable to do anything.

    That reaper standing at the very peak of the world of assassins. A living legend of terror. And he just casually knocked him out.

    What is that boy? Is he something even more dangerous than the legendary reaper? Maybe he isn¡¯t even human?

    But the figure of him calmly erasing the reaper was that of a tender boy. Ephemeral like a powerless that¡¯s bewildered by death.

    And with a sad laugh, he then continued to walk as if nothing happened, without looking back.

    Becoming a shadow, I suspect everything and everyone except for the princess. I lived viewing everyone but the princess as enemies, and even so, the boy (monster) appeared so vulnerable that it made me want to embrace him.

    Frail, fleeting, as if he might disappear the next moment if I don¡¯t catch him in my arms, like a mirage that is about to vanish.

    What I¡¯m afraid of is myself.

    How many times that boy made me laugh?

    Me, who suppressed all of her emotions, opening only when alone with the princess?

    But before I noticed, I was following him with my gaze.

    I, who devoted my life, body, and future to the princess.

    And then I noticed.

    Everyone is unconsciously following him with their eyes.

    And merely seeing him is enough to make them smile.

    A mysterious boy, a mere passing-by traveler from a faraway land, whimsical, selfish, and freewheeling, and yet adored by everyone.

    The enigmatic boy, surrounded by a swirl of puzzling rumors. The one that they say like a demon brought salvation to the frontier that is too good to be true, and is massacring monsters in hordes like an angel. The incomprehensible boy.

    If asked in town, they¡¯d say he is a debauched hard worker.

    Shopkeepers would claim he is a fool of infinite wisdom.

    If asked in villages, they¡¯d tell he generously took everything they had.

    The townsfolk are referring to him as a fiendish messiah, the strongest and worst.

    For stores he is a nice young man, that like a demon robs them to the last penny.

    The kids would say that he is a suspicious person that gives candies and pats their heads.

    At the guild they¡¯d answer that he is the most stealthy and conspicuous person than anyone.

    The elderly are lost for words, and just worship with fear and adoration.

    Everyone is always smiling around that mysterious boy for whom not a single proper testimony could be obtained.

    And that fact that nothing about him makes sense is terrifying.

    Even the capital, swirling with plots and intrigue, where fiends in human clothes are prowling the streets, and any sort of villainy can be overlooked, didn¡¯t have anyone that scary.

    His ideals, aims, intentions, wishes, are also unclear. The more I look into it, the more confusing it becomes.

    Everything looks meaningful and everything looks meaningless.

    Everyone is complaining with a smile.

    Without anyone understanding anything, the wicked something is left to freely roam.

    The madness of everyone being aware of the danger, and yet smiling at each other as usual.

    And yet the eyes keep following him anyway, as if attracted to him.

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m scared of myself.

    Even though he is terrifyingly scary, I can see only a crying powerless child there.

 CH 238

    Day 61 ¨C Daytime, Narrogi Town

    As I thought, the most effective and economically sound strategy to minimize damages from banditry is to cause damages to bandits and thoroughly plunder them. Such a perfectly logical economic approach. Yup, it¡¯s perfect.

    ¡¸Are there any super rich bandits with tons of female underlings? How about we just go directly to them to get attacked? No decent bandits are showing up, and all of them are middle-aged men! I was raising such a massive number of flags for sexy female assassins but all I got is an even larger number of middle-aged men! What is this? Just how far is this infinite middle-aged men world spreading? Back in the frontier there was nothing but middle-aged men too, don¡¯t tell me that the entire kingdom is nothing but middle-aged men?¡¹

    ¡¸First of all, since you are guarding me, please don¡¯t be so assertive and happy to get attacked, much less, don¡¯t go out of your way to proactively get assaulted. What is the meaning of going to the enemy camp to get attacked? Doesn¡¯t that mean that you are the one attacking them? Why would a bodyguard be taking his escort target to assault an enemy camp? Aren¡¯t you simply rearing to rob them with no intention of protecting me? Aren¡¯t you just using me as a decoy? Or rather, as bait? What was a guard¡¯s job again?¡¹

    This world is behind the times. Grasping the business chance (getting assaulted by bandits) is all about first come, first served. That¡¯s right, in the modern competitive world¡ºKill before the others do!¡»is common sense, you know? If you keep waiting, others will take the initiative and it will become impossible to catch up with them, it¡¯s all over if the front runner manages to get away with the lead. It was written in the financial newspaper that was wrong on almost everything, so it has to be true.

    ¡¸This town has no eating places left, so let¡¯s have dinner outside? The town is swarming with middle-aged men, so I really don¡¯t want to eat here? I hate the thought so much that I¡¯m ready to roast the town¡¯s middle-aged men instead of BBQ! Alright, let¡¯s have BBQ tonight?¡¹

    There are no movements among the people still spying on us. If they are merely looking from afar then they are not much different from innocent stalkers or peepers. Now that I think about it, that sounds sort of suspect, or rather, criminal, but regardless of whether they are guilty or not, they are still middle-aged men. That alone is basically a crime, so nothing changes. Be it monsters or middle-aged men, I can just sweep them if they get in the way.

    Dungeons apparently don¡¯t spawn as frequently outside the frontier, and there is no Evil Forest around, so it should be alright outside. There are also ordinary monsters from which materials can be extracted, unlike those in the frontier that spawn from highly-concentrated mana, but their numbers are overwhelmingly small. Since they don¡¯t spawn spontaneously, hunting them prevents them from multiplying.

    ¡¸This is a pumpkin pie-san, highly recommended by the people whose horizontal growth won¡¯t stop but who are unable to control themselves regardless, so please don¡¯t blame me if collaboration with pumpkin chips will accelerate your growth too? It¡¯s delicious though? Have a whole lot? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Thank you very much, we¡¯ll gladly try it.¡¹¡¹

    And the gist of what they told me during the meal is all of the work was for nothing. Looks like the culprits weren¡¯t the patrols, but nearby mercs, or rather bandits, and small nobles from the neighboring lands that arrived early. That¡¯s why they had neither goods nor gold, in other words, they won¡¯t yield profit!

    But this bandit hunt should lessen losses by merchants, and as for that assassin¡­ Tajima-kun? Was that old man sent to get the princess after all? And he was the only assassin? It¡¯s hard to take measures if we don¡¯t understand what the opponent¡¯s aim is. I was pretty sure someone would come to abduct the princess, and an assassin showed up instead. But the guys in tidy clothes that were giving orders to bandits were trying to take her alive? So there are two factions? White team and red team? I can¡¯t care less which one wins!

    However, it wouldn¡¯t be strange to see the army¡¯s scouts, but there are no movements from them, it seems that the only ones acting now are the nobles alliance and the first prince. Then the assassin is from the prince, and kidnappers from the nobles? I wonder which one is white and which one is the red team? Well, doesn¡¯t really matter? Honestly.

    Them having no unity or proper chain of command in a way makes them more difficult to handle. Well, for the time being, I guess it¡¯s fine to just crush them as we find them? I¡¯m not very familiar with military affairs, but taking down an enemy commander should probably settle it? Since he is the first prince, he must be the son of the douche king, then it¡¯s probably the douchiest guy of them all? But nobles are probably pretty douchey too?

    ¡¸Slime-san, you might get¡ºDouche¡»skill if you eat a noble, so you absolutely shouldn¡¯t do that? I¡¯m quite serious right now!¡¹

    (Shake Shake)

    Yeah, looks like he doesn¡¯t want any douches either, which includes the skill too. Thank goodness he isn¡¯t interested in eating them. It¡¯s hard to imagine what a douche slime would be like, but I¡¯m glad I won¡¯t have to see it. What if it turned out to be cute?

    ¡¸What were you planning to do? If your plan is good I might rip it off and use it?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m planning to stop the army, if it doesn¡¯t work I¡¯ll settle things in a duel, what about it?¡¹

    Yeah, I knew it. I wasn¡¯t expecting anything since the moment I heard that Meripapa-san taught her in military affairs and swordsmanship, but as I thought, charge in with an orthodox frontal attack, do you even need an instructor to arrive at that idea? Even our idiots could do that? Or rather, that¡¯s the only thing they can do, so I don¡¯t think you have to learn it? I mean, that¡¯s just running in?

    Waiting in this town doesn¡¯t seem fun, it¡¯s basically a ghost town by now, no stores or anything, only empty buildings. According to the map provided by Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen, if we follow the road to the capital there should be another town. Should we go over there? Well, Royal Girl is definitely not turning back, so there are only two options, wait here or go forward, but what do we do?

    ¡¸Maid Girl, do you have any of those flying monsters left? It¡¯s not like we have anything better to do, and I wanted to try them, and also walking is a drag? I think I heard that you can fly by using some sort of round bats, don¡¯t you have them anymore?¡¹

    ¡¸We used them all for infiltration and all of them were confiscated by the frontier¡¯s army. Surely, there are more of them left in the capital, but we have no means to obtain them from here, and please don¡¯t ride them just because you are bored. They are very valuable and expensive.¡¹

    Well, it should be fine to just follow Royal Girl from behind. I mean, the slit on the dress is opening as she walks, giving glimpses of her smooth, white thighs! I¡¯d follow those anywhere, but there is a stare on me coming from her shadow? Please come out and then give me a flat gaze, okay?

    ¡¸Slime-san is also bored, aren¡¯t there any lovely profitable sexy bandit bands around?¡¹

    The reply is Flat Gaze! Both from the Royal Girl¡¯s main body and from her shadow! That must be a skill! But waiting for the arrival of the main force, which might still take over 10 days, is too much of a drag. And since their forces are in disarray, and marching here separately, waiting for them to assemble is foolish. Moreover, we have only one aim, the rest doesn¡¯t matter.

    Once Armored Pres-san is done with the errand to Murimuri Castle, she should be awaiting Pres and the others while remodeling the Fake Dungeon. We don¡¯t want another force to move into the frontier while I¡¯m away, if we miss them here by accident. And there shouldn¡¯t be any civilians trying to enter a dungeon where a battle is about to break out, that¡¯s why we are preparing a welcome.

    But it will take forever for the enemy leader to arrive, so we can crush him. I tried scanning surroundings with¡ºFarsight¡»but there is only a bunch of horses running far away, they seem to be coming this way though?

    ¡¸Hey, Royal Girl, do you happen to have acquaintances among horses? There seems to be some running, or rather, galloping this way? There is a huge cloud of dust, so they must be in quite a hurry? They might be running away from something, but what if they are running from themselves and don¡¯t want to be found? Should we pretend we didn¡¯t see anything?¡¹

    ¡¸Horses? Isn¡¯t there something riding them? Are there flags, or special symbols on the armor? Ceres, my weapons!¡¹

    Hmm, they are still pretty far, I can tell that there are some horse-like characters approaching, but¡­¡­A flag? But that¡¯s¡­ A red diamond¡­¡­Shingen-san?! [1]

    ¡¸On a flag-like something there is a red diamond on white background? But there is no furinkazan¡­ Should I make Bishamonten¡¯s helmet in opposition?¡¹ [2]

    ¡¸A red diamond?! Why would His Excellency Royal Prince be heading to the frontier? Where are they? We must immediately hurry to the rescue, is there a pursuit? His Excellency is currently acting as the regent, it¡¯s unthinkable that he would leave the capital, what could have happened?¡¹

    Is that an ally? He is in a serious hurry, so maybe he is being pursued, but the cloud of dust prevents from seeing what¡¯s behind him. But isn¡¯t this country done for if even the acting head of the state is getting attacked? The king collapsed with a sudden illness without picking the crown prince, and is currently unconscious. If the regent is being attacked then it¡¯s either treason or a rebellion.Is that really the time to be attacking the frontier? But even so, the kingdom will fall without magic stones, so they have no other choice but to head to the frontier.

    ¡¸The guys behind him have no flags, but they are wearing green armor with a white stripe. Hmmm, looks like he is being pursued? But all of them give a strong middle-aged men vibe, even if there are women among them, I don¡¯t want to do anything with such gorilla-like ladies, so would you mind if I incinerate them all together?¡¹

    ¡¸Deep green armor and a white line, what is a foreign mercenary band doing in the kingdom?! It¡¯s Theocracy¡¯s mercenary unit specialized in fighting beastmen, what is it doing on the kingdom¡¯s lands, and even assaulting the Royal Prince?! This is an act of war!¡¹

    Theocracy, in other words, followers of that geezer (god). In that case, no idea about the Royal Prince, but the church is definitely an enemy. Claiming the frontier to be a corrupted land, they provided no support at all, and yet monopolized magic stone processing under bullshit pretext of ¡ºDivine Purification¡», fair trade law and antitrust act breaking bastards.

    And they are also my personal enemies, claiming to have sealed the villainess, who opposed the god, in the depths of the great dungeon. If they like calling themselves the god¡¯s justice so much, I¡¯ll give them a proper and clean massacre and deliver them all to that white room, to the god that they like so much.

    If they say that Angelica-san, who fought with the darkness all by herself for what must¡¯ve been an eternity in the earth¡¯s depths and still resisted until the very end, is evil, then I¡¯m on evil¡¯s side, you know? Yup, such justice (trash) should be incinerated and dumped into that white room on top of that old fart¡¯s (god¡¯s) head. If they like the god so much but are dissatisfied with everyone else, then they should just scram off to his side or wherever, damn pests of this world!

    Ah~ should¡¯ve called the geeks too.That¡¯s apparently an anti-beastmen mercenary unit of a lovely Justice (religion) that enslaves and sells off beastmen, claiming them to be tainted animals. I¡¯m sure even after butchering them to the last they still wouldn¡¯t forgive them. After all, they are very big fans of animal ears and hate oppressors and bullies.

    Well, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to leave any for them, so let¡¯s forcibly deport this lot to the geezer. The shipping is PRICELESS? Pay on delivery!

    [TL Notes:

    [1] F¨±rinkazan (Japanese: ïLÁÖ»ðÉ½, ¡°Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain¡±), is a popularized version of the battle standard used by the Sengoku period daimy¨­ Takeda Shingen. The banner quoted four phrases from Sun Tzu¡¯s The Art of War: ¡°as swift as wind, as gentle as forest, as fierce as fire, as unshakable as mountain.¡±

    [2] Bishamonten ¨C In Japan, Bishamonten (š³É³éTÌì), or just Bishamon (š³É³éT) is thought of as an armor-clad god of war or warriors and a punisher of evildoers. One of his famous followers was Uesugi Kenshin a rival of Shingen. Many of his followers and others believed him to be the Avatar of Bishamonten, and called Kenshin the ¡°God of War¡±. So it¡¯s sort of ¡°if you have Takeda we are going with Uesugi¡± logic on Haruka¡¯s side.

 CH 239

    Day 61 ¨C Wilderness

    I single-mindedly gallop towards the frontier. To think they¡¯d attack a regent¡¯s unit. Theocracy is clearly trying to make a vassal state out of the kingdom, turn the royal family into their puppets, enslave the frontier, and single-handedly dominate the magic stone industry. Is this how far we have fallen?

    Our kingdom is one of the few states recognizing beastmen rights and the Union of Beastmen Nations, bearing the constant enmity of the church for it. The nobles coaxed by the church are trying to overturn those laws, but as long as the covenant with the royal family exists that won¡¯t be permitted, and they have no means of actually changing the law. No matter how pushy the Theocracy may get, they can¡¯t afford to antagonize our kingdom, as without magic stones supplied by us, the church will be unable to maintain its influence. The church is monopolizing the magic stones processing industry, claiming everything beside¡ºDivine Purification¡»to be devil¡¯s arts, those that try to work to work with the stones on their own to be witches, torturing them before execution as a warning to others. Even if one tries to hide, they would hunt down the entire families and relatives, killing and wiping them off the face of the earth, protecting their monopoly on magic stone processing techniques and the riches that come with it. With those tools and magic appliances the church keeps permeating and expanding its influence on the continent. And with a complete domination of magic stone processing they obtained power that even entire nations can¡¯t easily defy.

    With so many nobles taking the Theocracy¡¯s side and now even the first prince swallowed up by them, there is no hope left. Because it means that even our intelligence bureau was on the church¡¯s side all along. It¡¯s too much even for a bad joke. After all, it¡¯s proof that the kingdom was led by false information it was fed without knowing anything.

    Looks like I¡¯m not making it to the frontier. I heard that that mercenary unit with a white line on deep green armor are forest warfare specialists, so being attacked in the woods we rushed to reach the planes, but by the time we managed that our force was almost completely decimated. There is no way to recover from this. The information is clearly being leaked to the Theocracy, or, I guess, it would be more precise to say that I myself jumped into the trap prepared by our own intelligence department, that was colluding with the Theocracy. To have myself killed before I can present this head of mine to count Omui is the height of disgrace, but it would seem that this is the end of the road for me. I couldn¡¯t fulfill my role as the brother¡¯s representative, nor could I apologize to Count Omui.

    I keep desperately galloping to the frontier. At the very least, I have to let them know that the forces of the church are on the move, at the very least¡ª

    ¡¸A person ahead! Alone, unarmed, a civilian.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a pity but we can¡¯t avoid them, run straight ahead!¡¹

    I won¡¯t ask not to think badly of this, but we will have to run over him, if I can at least get killed near the frontier, their forces might notice the church movements, that¡¯s the only use of my life that I have left. And that¡¯s the only way I can leave any hope for the kingdom, that¡¯s why¡­ Vanished!

    I saw a figure in a black mantle ahead, but it suddenly vanished? A trap? But there is no other choice but to push forward. There is no option but to die as close as possible to the frontier.

    ¡¸Combat in the back! The black mantle has engaged enemy forces, the enemy halted?!¡¹

    What happened, is this a counterattack opportunity or a chance for escape? No, we have to reach the frontier no matter what.

    ¡¸A flag ahead. White and red, a sword and a heart. Shariceres-sama! Alone, but in full battle gear!¡¹

    The allies immediately become animated at the sight of the Sword Princess¡¯ flag. That is the biggest reason why the princes fear and hate Shariceres. Charisma of the strongest.

    Merely the sight of her standing with the sword in her hands, not even mounted, is enough for the soldiers to reach coherence and begin organizing. A true descendant of the royal bloodline, possessing the spirit of a ruler, that is the Knight Princess, Shariceres.

    Even unskilled soldiers can crush a force 10 times their number if Shariceres takes command. That¡¯s why soldiers idolize her, readily entrusting her with their lives.

    ¡¸Shariceres, you were alright! But there is a pursuit, those¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You Excellency, please hurry ahead! Leave the rearguard to me. Well, doesn¡¯t seem like there is any need for that¡­¡¹

    Turning around, I see a quiet hell behind us. A grim reaper in black robes is one-sidedly harvesting lives of an overwhelmingly larger force in complete silence.

    Vanishing as if in a dance, dashing only to disappear, and erasing numerous soldiers upon materializing, he leaves only quiet behind.

    Their unit is collapsing as a combat force as those battle-hardened soldiers are panicking, frightened beyond belief, slaughtered by just one person.

    The enemies, whose number was close to 100 horsemen, were half annihilated by the time I turned around, and a few moments later, were completely crushed. That is hell, a nightmare incarnate.

    ¡¸What brings Your Excellency to the frontier? Did something happen in the Capital?¡¹

    She is unfazed after seeing that. Is she the one who brought that person?

    ¡¸What in the world is that? Is that¡­ A human?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­A bodyguard, of sorts? He keeps exterminating enemies, making not a single attempt of actually guarding me so far, but it¡¯s probably a bodyguard?¡¹

    That is a bodyguard! Did Count Omui send him? But that¡¯s¡­ I can¡¯t even comprehend what it is. That is far too removed from what is called a battle.

    He walks through the madness of war horses running amok in terror, silently disappearing as if slipping away, he reappers to drag more soldiers into oblivion, turning shrieks, bellows, and screams into silence.

    The shadow in black robes is passing unhindered by the frenzy of rampaging horses, flickering like a mirage as it makes its way forward. And before I knew it there was not a single horseman left. They simply vanished, not even leaving corpses behind.

    The mercenaries appeared to be making attempts to escape, but they only kept running in circles as if trapped in a cage.

    Only horses are managing to run away. The riders disappeared while horses got away.

    An empty wasteland is all that¡¯s left, as if there wasn¡¯t anything there in the first place. The horses ran away, while the people vanished without a trace, leaving the man in the black cloak standing all alone.

    Everything disappeared as if nothing was there to begin with.

    He is coming closer, the face, still retaining some childish features, looks like that of a young boy.

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Haruka-sama. His Excellency Royal Prince, currently serving as a regent, made it out unharmed, for which you have our sincere thanks.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah? Nah, it doesn¡¯t matter, so no need for thanks? They were decided to be delivered to that geezer anyway, and I also wouldn¡¯t have heard the end of it from the geeks if I didn¡¯t carefully pack (beat) them? So, like¡ºTehe, I did an oopsie~¡»?¡¹

    It was just an insolent brat. I¡¯d like to rebuke him for rudeness, but there is no way I can do it after witnessing that. Shariceres is continuing the conversation without making an issue of it, and even that nagging shadow maid is keeping her mouth shut. I can¡¯t grasp his identity.

    ¡¸Your Excellency, eehm, this is Haruka-sama, a traveler hailing from a distant land, and an honorable guest of house Omui? Or rather, he is a bit of a That sort of person, so his words¡­ is not an issue? Well, he is That, so his etiquette and common sense¡­ and also everything aside from that are That too, but please show him leniency.¡¹

    What is everything is That is supposed to mean? Which that is that? But if he is house Omui¡¯s guest I can¡¯t treat him harshly. He might be extremely rude, but we are still indebted to him, but looking closely, he is still a kid, a snot-nosed brat of merely level 21. Was that some sort of a magic tool? But it doesn¡¯t change the fact that he is dangerous. That was a terrifying sight.

    ¡¸You rescued us and even assisted Shariceres, you have our gratitude. And, is count Omui coming too? Have you received any orders from lord Mellotosam? We come in peace, we simply need to talk with the count, where is the headquarters of the frontier¡¯s army? ¡¹

    He isn¡¯t listening! I went as far as forgiving the rudeness of not kneeling before the King, even if merely the King¡¯s proxy, thanking him, but he isn¡¯t listening?

    If he wasn¡¯t count Omui¡¯s guest I would¡¯ve cut him down on the spot, but it¡¯s not like it¡¯s possible to do that either, and the identity of this brat isn¡¯t clear. But there is absolutely no way that insulting the King¡¯s dignity can be forgiven.

    ¡¸Courteously arrest and put him in jail. Make sure you cause him no harm.¡¹

    ¡¸Please wait! This per¡­¡¹

    On this alone I can¡¯t budge no matter how much Shariceres sticks up for him. I¡¯m the proxy of my brother, the King. I can¡¯t allow anyone to insult the King¡¯s authority. Otherwise there would be no worth to this head of mine. I still have to deliver it to the frontier as the representative of the King. Otherwise what will I have left to offer in apology to lord Mellotosam?

    I have to embody the King until this head of mine is separated from the torso. That is the gravity of the royal family and Omui¡¯s relation. It won¡¯t even be an apology unless the king himself bows and has his head chopped off.

    Ahead is the frontier, Omui¡¯s domain in the farthest land. My place of death.

 CH 240

    Day 61 ¨C Daytime, Wilderness

    Finally, I came to that point in this world, it felt like a very long journey.

    Finally found, at the end of the long, long road.

    I had almost given up, but here we are.

    After the longest time I almost lost faith in everything.

    Countless times my hopes were crushed, so much so that I almost forgot what having a dream meant.

    Every night I¡¯d see that sight as I gaze upon the stars.

    It was a long night, but even the darkest of nights had an end?

    Finally, here, we met.

    FEMALE KNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! Not a stinky middle-aged man! In this purgatory of middle-aged men hell world I finally encountered one! I made it through this middle-aged men trial! A real female knight-san. She is wearing armor, but it doesn¡¯t conceal the beauty of this red-haired stern-looking western-style beauty. There was a female knight in this world! I was considering burning this world already, since it seemed to have nothing but middle-aged men, you know? But enduring the torture all this time was worth it! I mean, it¡¯s a beautiful female knight! All of the bandits were dudes, and in the end, I didn¡¯t get to see a sexy female bandit, I kept advertising back in the town, but no sexy female assassins or sexy female spies showed up either. But at last, a BEAUTIFUL FEMALE KNIIIIIGHT!

    The middle-aged man there is saying something, but it¡¯s not the time for that! Read the mood! It¡¯s not the time, and it¡¯s not the place, I can¡¯t afford to bother with some middle-aged man right now, good grief, what an incompetent middle-aged man, unable to grasp the situation at all.

    Wha-what~!? There is another beautiful female knight! This one is a brunette with blackish dark brown hair and is exceptionally beautiful too, her features look like they were carved from marble by a divine sculptor, expressionless, but that¡¯s the good part! And both of them are approaching, wha¡ª! Both took me under the hands from two sides? Is this the popularity period? Has my era finally begun? Sixteen long years I was waiting for it. Moreover, they are escorting me, holding both of my hands from each side, are those super assertive and aggressive beautiful female knights? Am I going to be eaten up? Enjoyed? Sort of?

    The carriage that I was escorted to had only a small wooden bed inside! A space dedicated just to one bed! That is the kind of place they brought me to! But isn¡¯t the bed too small? It would be too small for two people, let alone three, or rather, it¡¯s too small even for me alone? Hm? And they left? Ah, they are going to change clothes! That¡¯s right, armor isn¡¯t suited for this, obviously. I could¡¯ve prepared sexy dresses for them right away if they only asked. Such modest female knights. Well, there is also the famous saying ¡ºabsence makes the lewd grow fonder¡», and I also heard of¡ºAll Lewd come to those who wait¡», are they going to come all lewd?!

    They are taking a while? No, it¡¯s not the time to panic yet, ladies need time to dress themselves. This composure is going to become a beacon for Affection Rating-san¡¯s revival. If Affection Rating-san doesn¡¯t come to this signal, it means that it was isekai¡¯d.

    But even though we just left, the carriage seems to be heading back to the frontier. Are we returning already? But I haven¡¯t visited the villages to stock up yet? But I have to wait for sexy female knights here. FInally, the proper highschool boy experience of another world has begun for me. Well, this is already another world, but the experience will surely be out of this world!

    But it seems that this carriage wood be too small to welcome two sexy female knights? Wood? Since the bed is too small, I¡¯ll try to expand it, or rather, since the space is so limited, might as well make the entire place into one big bed? And the walls are rough wood too? This obviously won¡¯t do? The mood is also important, this attention to detail can be called the key to the revival of Affection Rating with the opposite sex! For starters, let¡¯s make the walls white~, feels a bit oppressive though, I¡¯m now against rubbing flesh and flesh in a confined space, or rather, I like it in its own way, but for now let¡¯s try getting more space, enlarging the carriage along the way. Intensively rocking the bed while the carriage is shaking from the travel isn¡¯t bad either, but let¡¯s add some proper suspension to it and then white sheets here and also¡ª ah, let¡¯s add flowers too! Right, such warm touches will go a long way for Re:Affection Rating. And then, and also¡­

    ¡¸Oh my, what have we here~, wait, can the horse actually pull this? I might have overdone it a tiny bit? Sort of?¡¹

    Well, the horsie will have to do its best. I changed the axle to the low friction bearing-type, so there should be less resistance. The weight itself didn¡¯t change that much. Appearance-wise it might¡¯ve turned slightly gorgeous, but this much decoration is necessary if I¡¯m to welcome two beautiful female knights here. Inside is a giant bed and a chandelier, while the walls are consolidated in art deco fashion? And the door, that cage-like thing that made plain visible what is going on inside, was changed out of consideration for privacy, or rather, girls would probably not appreciate being seen, so I remade it into a fine gorgeous door. The only thing left is to actually welcome them?

    The exterior was also remade into a fairy-tale-like small house making for a lovely carriage, cute but overflowing with romance. With this the preparations can be considered perfect.

    That should do it, now, let¡¯s go back inside. I feel like I¡¯m gathering attention, but they must be simply impressed by this beautiful carriage. Now there is an infinite possibility of third and forth sexy female knights coming to play as well? Kind of?

    Rolling on the bed LIKE A ROLLING STONE while fully utilizing my highschool-boy IMAGINATION for the mental rehearsal of the group grapple combat scenarios involving female knights I suddenly felt a stare.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There is Flat Gaze on me! Wait, it¡¯s just Maid Girl. Why does she always have to stare from the shadows? Let¡¯s stare openly, okay? For now I¡¯ll try to offer tea. I added a small table to the room. My hospitality has no blind spots!

    ¡¸Why a shadow flat gaze? Here you go, tea? I also have sweets, those are called manju. Their sweetness is the BEST MATCH for the tea, the latest product which I think should bring a huge profit? Sort of?¡¹

    ¡¸I came because the princess told me to check on you¡­ But you seem to be enjoying a very comfortable and extravagant journey?¡¹

    The enjoyment is is still ahead, and to hear ¡ºThe last night was fun¡»in the morning, I have to do my best tonight, running into tomorrow with as much momentum as Melos? I¡¯m very much looking forward to the fun that I¡¯m about to enjoy! Kind of!

    I sip tea while chatting with the Maid Girl. It goes without saying that after managing to pull her out of the shadow with tea and sweets it is now also Lewd Maid Uniform Appreciation Time.

    I don¡¯t get what happened, but Royal Girl seems to be butting heads with the Royal prince, if it was just about the princess¡¯ rear I wouldn¡¯t have minded butting in, but if arguments are involved then there is no necessity or need for that. But I don¡¯t get why they are arguing? It seems that Royal Girl is disagreeing with an order that the Royal Prince has given, and wants to help out a captive, but that captive is apparently comfortably spending time of leisure and dignity? It seems they can¡¯t figure out how that certain someone is managing to have such an elegant and extravagant captivity life? I don¡¯t quite get it, but sounds tough?

    Well, if it¡¯s about a grand breakout I don¡¯t mind helping out, but it seems there is no need for that, since the captive has apparently already escaped, but then returned inside to rest? Well, there are various oddballs in the world, there might be some that would attempt an escape simply to get caught, just because they want to prolong their captivity. Humans are very complicated.

    There seemed to be nothing I could do to help. When asked what they are going to do from here, Maid Girl replied that she would confirm it with the princess, and disappeared into the shadows. Is she forbidden from walking normally? Being a maid seems pretty tough. Which reminds me, I don¡¯t remember seeing any other maids in this world, are they all hiding in the shadows? Let¡¯s search for them the next time.

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    And we are back to the abandoned neighboring town, the female knights are yet to return? I¡¯m rolling on the bed together with Slime-san. Slime-san seemed to enjoy rolling around so much that I decided to try too, and it turned out to be unexpectedly fun?

    From time to time I leave the carriage, and climb on top of it, checking the surroundings with ¡ºFarsight¡»but there seems to be nothing of note. Sexy female knights are yet to return. I wonder if they are having a hard time deciding on the outfits? I wouldn¡¯t mind if they weren¡¯t wearing anything, but they seem to not be of the naked tribe. I mean, they were wearing armor after all.

    At this rate we will soon enter the Fake Dungeon, but since I¡¯m here the traps won¡¯t activate and I also gave a temporary staff ID card to Royal Girl, so we should be able to pass without any issues. The problem is there are Armored Pres-san and the Pres with others waiting inside. If they catch me playing with sexy female knights they¡¯d be super pissed!

 CH 241

    Day 61 ¨C Evening, Murimuri Castle

    An imposing band of knights. Their orderly conduct suggests a high level of experience.

    And they are carrying the flag of the Royal Prince. Meaning, it¡¯s the entourage of the current regent.

    Everyone is clad in splendid armor, with some wearing pretty extravagant pieces.

    They are giving off the air of awe and dignity, characteristic for elite units in full battle gear.

    There is something fascinating about bands of knights in expensive full plate armor that makes it hard to take one¡¯s eyes off them.

    Even so, the most noticeable detail there was a gorgeous and luxurious carriage the likes of which have never been seen before in the kingdom.

    It was far too gaudy to be called a carriage, and appeared more like a moving mansion.

    Moreover, it moved with ease one would¡¯ve never imagined for its large build. Moving as smooth as if it was floating, it didn¡¯t show a slightest sway as it was pulled by a horse.

    Wearing armor of exquisitely fine work, the shiningly beautiful Knight Princess is riding ahead of it, like a leader of the escort, while the Flower Knights are following it on the sides, completing the defensive formation.

    That part alone looked as beautiful and sparkling as if it was straight out of some fairytale.

    It commanded such an overwhelming power and authority, that any king on the continent would¡¯ve found themselves compelled to lower their heads.

    The aura of majesty seemed enough to make anyone prostrate themselves in awe and respect.

    Just by advancing it overflowed with such awe-inspiring dignity that it felt even oppressive.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a prisoner. When we locked him up he started living a life of extravagance. From time to time he strolls out, and after wandering to his heart content returns to the carriage on his own, but he is prisoner.¡¹

    A herald informed with a tired expression.

    Apparently that dazzling carriage that mesmerized everyone, inspiring them to drop to their knees, was a prison?

    I can¡¯t comprehend it. Well, that¡¯s a usual occurrence, so I¡¯m already used to this.

    This world has a great many inexplicable occurrences, but those of an utterly incomprehensible sort are usually linked to that boy.

    As the luxurious door to the majestic carriage swings open, the captive strolls outside on his own.

    A boy in a black mantle casually alighted from the carriage, and with the Knight Princess by his side he advances surrounded by flower knights.

    The knights hurriedly open the way through which he proceeds with an air of composure.

    Not sparing even a single glance to the regent, the King¡¯s younger brother, he walks forwards.

    The level is different.

    That is the caliber of a supreme ruler.

    The status at which yapping of nobles, lords, royalty, or kings are of no concern to him.

    So overwhelming that it blurs any authority, influence or power.

    An overwhelming superiority that forces one to realize their standing, regardless of their position, birth, status, or stature.

    The Royal Prince, the representative of the king, his brother, clad in armor passed down through generations of the royal family, is treated as part of a common mob.

    Everyone is overawed by that boy that lives free of worldly cares neither bragging nor showing off his power.

    And he walks with his usual composure and leisure, forcing the state to yield to him the way he sets the king aside, while having a princess follow his steps.

    ¡¸I¡¯m baack~, for some reason they brought us right back, just what did I leave for? I only managed to make preliminary preparations to set up a souvenir stall, but it was already time to return? Kind of? Eh? Meripapa-san, what are you doing? Did you come to apologize, finally getting kicked out by Murimuri-san? Even kobolds wouldn¡¯t get involved in a marital quarrel, but the bitches might eat that up? Wanna borrow them? They¡¯ll tear apart literally anything? That¡¯s really painful? Kind of?¡¹

    I welcome the boy with a smile. There is nothing left but to smile. The difference in caliber is too vast. Akin to a man challenging a mountain or a sea, they won¡¯t even be taken as opponents.

    ¡¸Hey, Haruka-kun, looks like the princess caused you some trouble. Well, why stand outside like this, how about we talk at ease in Murimuri Castle¡­ Wait, Murimuri Castle¡¯s name took hold throughout the frontier before I noticed? Just how did this happen? Also, I simply came to welcome you, we didn¡¯t have a fight or anything, so please let¡¯s not involve violence? Or rather, don¡¯t you think it would be cruel to do such a thing to a person chased out of home by his wife? I would appreciate it if you don¡¯t, or rather, it¡¯s not like I was chased out of home or anything?¡¹

    Having the aides guide Haruka-kun I head to greet His Excellency. He seems dumbfounded, stiffened in a stupor, so let¡¯s welcome him.

    He was always a stiff person ever since his childhood. At the time, the King, who was still a crown prince back then, would tell him that one of these days he might demand even a mountain to bow, since it¡¯s in a king¡¯s presence. Looks like he was right.

    Courteous, diligent, caring of his elder brother and hard working, but incredibly inflexible. And way too honest and straightforward.

    Having to step in as a regent in such a situation he must¡¯ve been in constant distress. Haggard, with dark circles under his eyes, he has an utterly exhausted expression plastered to his face.

    While he was anxious about his brother¡¯s illness, the kingdom that he was entrusted with, began falling apart. He must¡¯ve blamed himself enough to go mad, and then, finally resolving himself, decided to come here.

    Even though laughing voices of the supposed captive and his friends can be heard non-stop in the background, the King¡¯s representative is trembling with a grim look in silence. He suffered too much from his sense of responsibility.

    ¡¸Greetings, Your Excellency, we are extremely honored to have Your Excellency personally come with a visit to our remote domain. As the head of Omui House I bid you welcome. It¡¯s a very modest (glance) a very fine castle, but please step inside. We would like to receive Your Excellency with proper hospitality.¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need for such excessive courtesy, since we arrived at the frontier, we are the ones who should be bowing. For us, Diorer, the frontier is the land where we are supposed to lower our heads, we don¡¯t deserve to be bowed to here. Lord Mellotosam¡­ Mellotosam-sama, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡¹

    The sorrowful expression as if he might begin crying any moment. Good grief, he didn¡¯t change since he was a child at all. Unlike his freewheeling brother, this one is a straight-laced person, made up entirely of authority, courtesy, etiquette, and a conservative sense of responsibility. The royal family hasn¡¯t done anything, and I already heard about the effort to protect the frontier from Shariceres-sama¡­ He must¡¯ve come here as the king¡¯s representative to shoulder all of the responsibility.

    He seems to have a wild misunderstanding, which brought him to apologize and atone for the downfall of the frontier.

    Even though the frontier has not an inch of intention of falling just because the kingdom and the Theocracy, or in the worst case the entire continent, became our enemies. This being unwinnable doesn¡¯t matter to us anymore. We have no intention of losing and no plans on perishing either. Giving up and wailing in despair is not permissible for us anymore. That is how great of a thing we received from the boy laughing in the back, how magnificent of a thing was given to us by him.

    However, while it was said that he will eventually force mountains to bow, he seems yet to realize that he made a feat of arresting the very boy that defeated the Great Dungeon and exterminated the Evil Forest. Well, it seems that Haruka-kun is not aware of that fact either? I¡¯m sure it¡¯s best not to seek an explanation, I¡¯ll later ask the translator about this.

    The Royal Prince, who still had his head deeply lowered, must¡¯ve been lamenting the tragedy that is about to befall the frontier, so out of his own volition he came all this way seeking to atone for it.

    Lowering my voice, I whisper to the royal prince¡­ Musjiks.

    ¡¸We can talk inside, and even if you are a representative, a king shouldn¡¯t bow before vassals. If you came in the king¡¯s stead, then stand tall, Musjiks¡¹

    Having said that, I pat him on the back, after which he finally raised his head, showing a gravely fatigued face. We haven¡¯t met for only a short while, but he grew thin and aged a few years. Let¡¯s feed him something nice¡­ By asking Haruka-kun.

    We have a great deal to talk about, but first, we have to make him rest. Everyone is exhausted, in dirty equipment, and for the king¡¯s entourage, there are too few of them. So even the Royal Prince was attacked¡­ As I thought, the Theocracy is behind this, huh.

    He must¡¯ve come to tell us about the war, turmoil, and ruin threatening the frontier. And also to apologize for it in the King¡¯s stead.

    However, even if a disaster is on the way, to be perfectly frank, I can¡¯t think of any way to take down the frontier?

    It¡¯s just the basics of warfare, but when defending, one is ought to think how he would¡¯ve attacked such a position. That¡¯s why the frontier¡¯s military leaders and strategist thoroughly thought about this. Listing all of the possible ways to assault the frontier, they investigated, analyzed, reviewed, deliberated, and carefully studied them. It can¡¯t be done. War of attrition was the only remotely plausible option, but even then, no matter how large of an army one is to bring, they will be worn down and annihilated before the frontier falls.

    I wonder what they have planned?

    Moreover, assaulting the frontier while that boy is around is nothing short of sheer madness. In the first place, even the strongest royal guards led by that Sword Princess couldn¡¯t make it into a battle. It¡¯s not even a question of warfare. That is the biggest issue here.

    That boy is well versed in military affairs, he can be called an expert in tactics and strategy. The book he brought, saying¡ºHere is the white paper for Omo-something, anyway, for the frontier? I mean, I properly wrote it, so it¡¯s not really white?¡»had warfare¡¯s everything packed in it, things beyond our imagination. As if he researched everything about tactics, studied the findings, and refined them into this book, that might even be justly called the Art of War. And as I thought, he has yet to remember the name of the town.

    However, the boy that has reached the height of tactics, casually said¡ºWinning without fighting is the best? Or rather, it¡¯s a loss if we let them fight? Kind of?¡». And it¡¯s terrifyingly true.

    No matter how I think about this, that boy and his friends are way harder to take down than the frontier. If they could handle them, they would¡¯ve done something about the Great Dungeon and Evil forest a long time ago.

    With those kids laughing like that, hearing that the frontier might fall only makes me want to ask back¡ºBy what means?¡». Should I maybe go and ask them directly? For future reference?

 CH 242

    Day 61 ¨C Daytime, Fake Dungeon

    There once was a dungeon, that was called the most ancient one, feared as the toughest and most unforgiving.

    The great dungeon that grew to 100 floors underground, which is believed to be the growth limit.

    There, unbeknownst to anyone, resided the dungeon emperor, who stood at the pinnacle of all dungeons, other terrifying dungeon masters even submit in obedience.

    And that Dungeon Emperor is now making a souvenir store at the Fake Dungeon? Just what is she doing?

    Haruka-kun began construction saying¡ºI mean, there is a large army coming, but the neighboring town barely has any food left, so this is a chance to profit at rip-off prices! I guess?¡», and then left with the princess as ¡ºBodyguard¡», dubious how much actual guarding he is intending to do, but Angelica-san ended up remaining to supervise the work of the stone golems.

    With blueprints in one hand she is nodding and shaking head, giving orders to the golems. She has completely adapted to this life.

    Why are you making the former Dungeon Emperor make stalls in the Fake Dungeon? And apparently, manju sales are yet to open. She refused to sell us any.

    And it seems like she was waiting? Was she waiting for us? Why is a vulnerable Haruka-kun tagging along with the princess, who is putting herself in such danger by venturing into the midst of the enemies, and the strongest person is left home to do errands? Well, if Slime-san is with him then it should be able to bouncy beat most of the worst enemies or monsters that human imagination can come up with, or rather, it sounds so safe that that is the only outcome I can even think of, but is that really fine?

    According to his plan, he is going to¡ºLoiter around the neighboring town, and bait some bandits? So like, bandit extermination? Kind of?¡», what is really amazing about Haruka-kun is that he is able to insist on THIS being a¡ºPlan¡». I mean, the plan where everything is under a question isn¡¯t a plan at all, is it? That¡¯s winging it, a plan without a shred of planning.

    If they are going to lure the enemy in then we can¡¯t just group up with them, and if they aren¡¯t planning on leaving the neighboring town then there is also no need to rush so much, but we can¡¯t trust the plan of a person who not only doesn¡¯t have a plan, but also doesn¡¯t have the intention of following through with what he planned.

    While helping with the construction we send out scouting parties, we should feel more at ease if we get more information.

    And since the payment for construction assistance is in manju we absolutely can¡¯t move from here. We are hanging pennants and the dungeon passes. Ah, so he insisted on making our passes into¡ºStaff ID¡¯s¡»because he is going to sell ¡ºDungeon Passes¡»in the souvenir store. So the souvenir store was a planned crime!

    And the wicked part of those passes, is that stone golems apparently won¡¯t attack those that bought them for a fixed period of time, which depends on the price of the pass, but since traps are waiting ahead anyway, it still would be impossible to get through. It was an evil business!

    And in case anyone makes it through, he put up Rafflesias. It seems he managed to cultivate non-stinky flowers capable of moving with¡ºRafflesia Flower ¨C Create, Control, Command Rafflesias¡». Naturally, they come with the three-set of¡ºTentacles¡»¡ºCorrosion¡»¡ºEquipment Destruction¡»! This is a dangerous dungeon that maidens shouldn¡¯t step into. But well, there is no chance for them to make it through. He purposefully designed it in a way that temporary non-aggressiveness of stone golems will expire while one is attacked by Rafflesias. What a total scam.

    As for pennants, which are genuine souvenirs, there are all sorts, from triangle-shaped to mushroom-shaped ones, but all of them have¡ºFrontier¡»written on them. Why is a person that doesn¡¯t remember the name of the region making souvenirs? But I don¡¯t think mushroom-shaped pennants are going to sell? I mean, they look sort of obscene?

    Moreover, there are even cheap weapons and armor for the people who had their own broken, but a single one has Resistance property attached, he is definitely planning to melt those as well and force another sale! That¡¯s why there are more dissolving liquid and corrosive traps. Plus Rafflesia-san¡¯s Corrosion and Equipment Destroying attacks were added. This might be profitable.

    Then, Kakizaki-kun and the others, who were sent on a scouting mission since they would¡¯ve gotten in the way, came back with information from the Stalker Girl¡¯s Clan. Apparently, they are wandering around the town, luring out bandits, and then mug them after bringing them to some deserted location. He is probably claiming that he was attacked, and that is indeed true, but what he is doing is no different from mugging anyway. I mean, no matter how it¡¯s put, he is clearly getting attacked on purpose. And what makes it even worse is that he is using the princess for set ups.

    But I don¡¯t quite understand what happened after that? Meeting up with the troops of the Royal Prince they are apparently heading over here, but he seems to be detained to a gorgeous carriage, from which he wanders off as he pleases, but ultimately returns to supposed captivity on his own? While I have tons of ideas why they might¡¯ve wanted him arrested, isn¡¯t it impossible to capture Haruka-kun? Or rather, simply unrealistic? Even if they managed to somehow capture him, he can teleport, so there is no way to restrain him, and judging by the fact that he wanders as he pleases, they don¡¯t have him detained at all, but since he comes back, there seems to be no issue? How come he has two members of the royal family ride horseback, while he is returning in a gorgeous carriage?

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m telling you, there are sexy female knights in this world! There were two of them even, moreover, they were super assertive, so a carriage journey with them as escorts, okay? Well, I¡¯m riding it alone though? So I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? I decorated the carriage and prepared sweets, but Maid Girl ate them? Yup, right, manju? No, I¡¯m telling you I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? The Sexy Female Knights are escorts? I prettied up the carriage and totally ready for a welcome? Ah, on the way I saw a village-like place, and left to check it out, but it turned out to be abandoned? And then I also went for some bandit-hunting? Yeah, so I¡¯m riding the carriage the most part, but still didn¡¯t get to welcome them?¡¹

    According to the princess and her maid, he was arrested on lese majeste. It¡¯s extremely natural that Haruka-kun, who is so desperately apologetic with us, would get arrested for disrespectful behavior. Might as well throw disrespectful economics on the list of his crimes too. But since he is so habitually rude and lacking in common sense, no one is getting angry at him? Of course, we can¡¯t have the Princess apologizing for that too, that would be an actual lese majeste.

    And as expected, Haruka-kun is unaware of this. It seems the only thing he understands is that there were two female knights. In the first place, not only is he unaware of lese majeste, he didn¡¯t even notice the existence of the Royal Prince, so he doesn¡¯t think that he was arrested. He seems to need a strict lecture. After all, being clueless about his capture he readily followed two beautiful female knights, he is obviously GUILTY!

    And while the royal troops managed to arrest him, they can¡¯t treat him harshly since he is Omui-sama¡¯s guest, and after seeing what happened to their pursuers they are too afraid to try anything, yet the captive in question remodeled his prison into an ultra-gorgeous and comfortable carriage and is enjoying a pleasant and luxurious journey, from time to time leaving to have fun and coming back when he feels like it, and while still in utter confusion over how to handle that, they ended up bringing him with them. Poor things, how they must¡¯ve suffered having a debauched free spirit that cannot be contained by prisons, common sense, or laws of physics in their custody.

    And so we head to Murimuri Castle while telling him off. Kakizaki-kun and Oda-kun¡¯s groups were kindly asked to take the rear guard. They are potential lese majeste offenders too, so they have to be separated.

    Everyone is carrying¡ºStaff ID¡»so it should be alright, but people from royal army were gravely silent as they had to pass through lines of saluting stone golems in heavy equipment. The really scary ones are Rafflesias, but they are pitiful to look at as they are, so let¡¯s not scare them any further. Female Knights are especially in danger. Those monsters are a real threat!

    Enduring the nervousness for a long while, the people from the royal army were visibly relieved when the exit from the Fake Dungeon finally came into sight. But actually, a misstep here will send you back to the entrance through a slide, so this is not a place to relax, but let¡¯s keep quiet, they are pitiful enough as they are. This trap is way too wicked after all. It¡¯s aimed right at the timing when everyone would drop their guard in relief! He is clearly intending to break the spirit.

    A messenger was sent to Murimuri castle so Omui-sama came to greet the Royal Prince. He is welcoming the visitor with an orderly formation.

    Now how do we explain this captive to Omui-sama? Sadly, there is no one to plead his innocence, I mean, he is disrespectful, insolent, a habitual miscreant? Well, if he was disrespectful to the Royal Prince on the first meeting, then what about Omui-sama, to whom he is permanently disrespectful, yet he shows no care, and even the Princess¡­ THAT¡¯S FAR WORSE THAN LESE MAJESTE!! First the half-naked hooray and then he even pressed that lewd dress onto her, there is a whole load of atrocious crimes!

    And while I thought that.

    ¡¸I¡¯m baack~, for some reason they brought us right back, just what did I leave for? I only managed to make preliminary preparations to set up a souvenir stall, but it was already time to return? Kind of? Eh? Meripapa-san, what are you doing? Did you come to apologize, finally getting kicked out by Murimuri-san? Even kobolds wouldn¡¯t get involved in a marital quarrel, but the bitches might eat that up? Wanna borrow them? They¡¯ll tear apart literally anything? That¡¯s really painful? Kind of?¡¹

    Even if in name only, that thing was still a jail, although it couldn¡¯t be seen that way no matter how hard anyone tried, but the prisoner just casually opened the door and walked out.

    Even Omui-sama is laughing. The Royal Prince and the people from the royal army are looking at Haruka-kun that is calmly walking before them in blank amazement. This is refreshing, a fresh normal reaction that cannot be seen from those living in the frontier anymore. I feel like this is the first time in a long while that I saw a normal reaction.

    The people of the frontier had too much contact with this, and by now their perception is completely warped, so such a reaction feels incredibly fresh. I mean, even if their lord is acting servilely or the princess is dressed in an outrageous lewd outfit ¡ºOh, they are at it again~¡»is the biggest reaction they¡¯ll give. Recently, even when the princess is getting bullied, all they do is smile, they were corrupted too much.

    Occasionally telling him off wouldn¡¯t hurt, but I don¡¯t think it would give any result. After all, even with us lecturing him every day he is still acting the same as usual, and finally got himself arrested on lese majeste. Even though everyone was telling him that it¡¯s strange that he wasn¡¯t arrested yet, he got himself caught, walked out as if nothing happened, and is now chatting with the count while completely ignoring the Royal Prince and his entourage.

    And the princess, who by now was also poisoned by this, is tagging along as if it¡¯s normal. Why does the supposed bodyguard have the person he is supposed to be guarding as his attendant!?

    Well, while complaining, we are still following him too. And all together flock into the castle.

    I see¡­ So in the end, he really went only to set up a souvenir store!

 CH 243

    Day 61 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle.

    Overwhelmed, I feel smaller. It might be embarrassing for a regent, acting in the King¡¯s stead, but the other party is the head of the legendary House Omui, none other than the god of war lord Mellotosam himself. His caliber is different from someone like me, who merely happened to be born into the royal family.

    Furthermore, the conference room to which we were guided had not only the civil officials but even the military staff in awe too. This is the frontier¡¯s king, Omui.

    But as impressed or intimidated as I might be, I already gave up on my life. I came here to deliver my head. I came to make a deal, with my head as a payment.

    ¡¸Is it impossible even in exchange for the regent¡¯s head? I don¡¯t see any other option to bring it to negotiations with the nobles. The war will destroy the frontier, and the Kingdom will be forced into being the Theocracy¡¯s vassal state. And yet you are still going to insist on starting a war to protect a mere adventurer? There is no other way left.¡¹

    He is too obstinate. I don¡¯t understand his need to cover so much for some weird insolent fellow. Even if this head is not enough to make it up to the frontier, are you saying it¡¯s not enough to balance out for even one brat? Is he planning to exchange the kingdom and his domain for the life of just one person?

    ¡¸First of all, possible or not aside, by what authority do you want to make that happen? How are you going to justify his arrest and seizure of assets, Your Excellency? Pray tell me. You realize that the boy fought all on his own, and brought us peace and wealth, we have absolutely no rights neither on the boy nor on the treasure?¡¹

    My goodness! Even lord Mellotosam, hailed as the King of the frontier is fooled by this. Certainly, I was surprised by the wealth of the frontier. It might be even more prosperous than the capital. But that¡¯s a hindsight-based approach. What is the need to feel so indebted over something that some foreign brat did on his own, much less even having to weigh it to one¡¯s own domain and the kingdom?

    This is very true for lord Mellotosam, but it also applies to House Omui in general ¨C they can¡¯t be moved with money or power. Tenacious self-reliance is the core of House Omui¡¯s way. And if needs be, they would even go against the Royal Family authority. That¡¯s how Omui came to be called kings of the frontier.

    ¡¸Do you need a pretext or a just cause to arrest a kid for the sake of protecting the kingdom and the frontier lands? We don¡¯t even have any other options than to exchange his head for this. Unless the Theocracy draws back, the nobles also won¡¯t pull back.The only thing we can do is to drag it to negotiations, and for that, we need his head. If you can at least accept that, then I¡¯m willing to offer you my head as an apology. Please make the correct decision, Mellotosam-sama!¡¹

    That boy. That¡¯s right, that brat was the one that had a cave-in accident in the dungeon, and through insane luck, obtained the huge fortune and treasures of the dungeon master.

    That insolent and ominous person in a black cloak was the aforementioned dungeon killer. That uncanny technique that had the entire mercenary squad of the theocracy slaughtered must be the dungeon master¡¯s treasure. If only he didn¡¯t have that he would be nothing more than a level 21 brat. All we have to do is catch him in some sort of a trap, confiscate relics, and hand him over to the nobles. That should create an opportunity for negotiations.

    I was honestly suspecting that both Mellotosam-sama and Shariceres are under effects of some sort of¡ºCharm¡»or¡ºPuppetry¡»but the investigation showed that they had no abnormal status effects. Then he must be leading them by the nose with that cryptic flippant speech of his. He must be currying favor with eloquent and clever use of words. He is the frontier¡¯s parasite that attached himself to it with money and connections.

    ¡¸Then, as he is a captive of the Royal Family, I request his hand over. ¡¹

    ¡¸No can do. And you may call him a captive, but to me it appeared that he was walking on his own two legs? Certainly, Your Excellency wouldn¡¯t claim that is a prisoner, right? And even if that was an order from the Kingdom, that boy is an important guest, and is under House Omui¡¯s protection. We cannot hand him over, regardless of possible reasons.¡¹

    A deadlock. I thought that by meeting him directly and lowering my head, I¡¯ll be able to make a deal in exchange for my own life, but he won¡¯t budge.

    Then, we entered a break during which we were led to a gorgeous guest room. Indeed, the frontier was reborn. Not even the greatest of the states would be able to prepare a guest room of such extravagance and splendor. But can¡¯t he see that if the frontier is turned to ashes then all of it bears no meaning? Sure, things might have become safer thanks to that brat, and his absorption in self-indulgent pleasures enriching the town. But why does the Kingdom have to fall for the sake of one snotty brat who simply got lucky?

    ¡¸*Siigh*, he is stubborn, way too stubborn. Why go that far to protect him?¡¹

    ¡¸House Omui is famous for their adherence to the principles of loyalty and gratitude. He must be feeling that they have a debt of gratitude towards the boy. After all, subjugation of that ancient dungeon was the dearest wish of every successive head of House Omui.¡¹

    However, there is no way a level 21 kid could do anything about it. Isn¡¯t he nothing more than an insolent brat that painted the accidental death of the dungeon master in a cave-in as his own achievement? I don¡¯t understand why Mellotosam-sama, known as Undefeated Swordsman, and even Shariceres, nicknamed Sword Princess, make so much of him.

    ¡¸Did you get information? For now even unconfirmed rumors will do, anything is fine, but give me information!¡¹

    If things are this hard to comprehend, it means there is a blind spot in our information. Is there some sort of hidden merit to that kid? Maybe something that necessitates his presence?

    ¡¸According to the current intelligence, he is buttering up women with unusual delicious foreign confectionery, this seems to be the current talk in the town.¡¹

    Sweets? Certainly, just as rumors said, he had 20 beautiful maidens swindled, having them serve him. Is he a gigolo? Was Shariceres ensnared by him? But then how to explain Mellotosam-sama? I see, he first got Miss Meriel and through her deceived the entire family!

    It¡¯s always like this with women and children. To think they would fall prey to a gigolo after being enticed with some candies. However, could that straight-laced Shariceres be so easily ensnared? Much less that annoying maid?

    But if left alive, he will end up nothing but a hindrance. And if dead, his head won¡¯t be needed anymore. I¡¯ll have to take responsibility with my life, but I was planning to leave this head of mine here anyway. It greatly pains me that I will have to accompany that boundlessly insolent brat to the other world, but even so, we need his head.

    *Knock Knock* After a light knocking Mellotosam-sama appeared on his own. Perhaps he wants a private conversation?

    ¡¸Excuse me. Your Excellency, are you really intending to hand that boy over to the nobles¡¯ army? Is there no mistake?¡¹

    ¡¸Mellotosam-sama? There is no way we, royalty, would talk in falsehoods to House Omui, and that¡¯s not mentioning that if I tried to deceive Omui-sama I wouldn¡¯t be able to face my brother even in death. It¡¯s nothing but truth.¡¹

    Since Mellotosam-sama came alone, it must mean that Miss Meriel was indeed ensnared by that kid, so he couldn¡¯t publicly agree to his handover. Such an irritating brat, even though I¡¯m still unmarried, he is dragging 20 beautiful black-haired girls around as if making a display out of it, but then, who would¡¯ve believed that, he had to spew sweet lies to the young lady of the count¡¯s house, and then, finally, even trying to sink his poisonous fangs into the princess!

    Even the troops couldn¡¯t hide their astonishment at Shariceres¡¯ indecent armor. Since the equipment was rivaling or even outperforming artifacts of the kingdom treasure class, everyone convinced themselves that that¡¯s it, but as it turns out, even that was that brat¡¯s doing. I don¡¯t plan on surrendering the country to the Theocracy, but I also have no intentions of letting a womanizing brat do as he pleases! As I thought, an assassination is¡­

    ¡¸House Omui, The Frontier, and personally I myself can¡¯t hand him over, however? He seems to be raring to go? No, we are actually trying to stop him? But for some reason, he is very eager?¡¹

    He himself? No, I won¡¯t be deceived. He is trying to curry favor by pretending that he is willing to sacrifice himself and go through with his hand over to the nobles¡¯ army, but in reality that¡¯s all talk. So that¡¯s how he is tricking girls, making a tragic hero out of himself as if this is some sort of a stage play. The mere thought disgusts me.

    Even if this is a cheap drama from a low-life brat, since he made that statement, I won¡¯t allow him to walk it back. I¡¯m taking him with me even if it means I¡¯ll have to drag him.

    With this, the negotiations are finally at the starting line. The negotiations (war) with the fate of the kingdom on the line.

 CH 244

    Day 61 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle

    The majority is against door-to-door sales for the nobles¡¯ army. The travel expenses are going to be covered by some middle-aged man, who will also provide a guide, and on top of that, sexy female knights are coming too, a wonderful line up, but it¡¯s still a no?

    ¡¸No, I mean, if we are going to wait for them, it will take the nobles¡¯ army 10 more days to come here, right? I¡¯ll probably forget all about the war in three days or so? And they are offering to escort me there and will even cover the costs, plus I still have some unfinished business in the carriage. Yeah, the real battle is from now on! That sort of stuff?¡¹

    During the last section of the journey back the carriage was surrounded by the girls, preventing the beautiful female knights from coming. But the destination this time is the nobles¡¯ army camp. And a middle-aged man seems to¡ºHey, wanna come together?¡»be inviting me. Originally, at the very point of being invited by a middle-aged man I would¡¯ve burned him to a crisp and escaped, but apparently this middle-aged man is the middle-aged man that ordered the two sexy female knights to escort me! Looks like this world actually had some thoughtful middle-aged men. He is a royal prince it seems. And being thoughtful, this middle-aged man offered me an escalating journey to help escalate things with the escorting sexy female knights. I have to go!

    But that also means that I won¡¯t be able to open the souvenir shop which we worked so hard on. Manju won¡¯t be sold, and the same goes for the frontier pennants. The time making them ¨C wasted.

    But there still was the option of peddling. ¡ºIf you can¡¯t wait for the clients to come, then why not go out to sell on your own?¡»as said by pen-name M-san.

    But since the destination seems to be the army of the nobles who are all chummy with the church they have already been decided to be sent to the old fart (god). Let¡¯s sweep this world clean of garbage by dumping it into the geezer¡¯s (god¡¯s) white room with pay on delivery forced home shipment. But in that case, I might lose the clientele before I sell them anything.

    As a result, the Fake Dungeon, souvenir store, and Murimuri Castle, that I worked so hard to make to welcome visitors, will all become meaningless. Wasted effort.

    But even if anticipated losses are this great, I still have a reason why I must go. As long as a possibility (sexy female knights) exists, I have to pursue the possibility (sexy female knights), , strip the possibility (sexy female knights), do this and even that to the possibility (sexy female knights), I have to answer the insatiable call to challenge the possibility (sexy female knights)!

    Or rather, I have to move from here, or it will become a stalemate. I mean, with the tight blockage of 21 people¡¯s flat gazes I can¡¯t go to the knights¡¯ place to play! I don¡¯t have the locational advantage here, and the opportunity too, I¡¯m surrounded in a circle of people staring at me. This is a lost battle. I have to leave this place, the lost fight named sermon is surely going to have a bonus round of beatings named training.

    ¡¸Playing defensive is more advantageous, and there was so much preparations made for it, why go out of your way to meet them?¡¹

    ¡¸Drawing them into the Fake Dungeon and exterminating the survivors at Murimuri Castle is a certain approach.¡¹

    ¡¸Leaving to meet them sounds like nothing but a risk? And with all those defenses already in place?¡¹

    I¡¯d like to persuade them, the problem is that they are absolutely right. The idea of going to them is full of demerits. But Beautiful Female Knights are leaving too! I don¡¯t mind staying if he leaves them here, but otherwise, the lovely event of me being eaten in a highschool boy sort of way by aggressive beautiful female knights is going to depart! I¡¯m not letting it slip away!

    And so I thought I should go, but the majority is against it. Or rather, everyone is against it.

    Well, indeed, there is no merit to it. I won¡¯t be able to sell manju or even pennants, but a highschool boy has moments when he must go anyway! But were I to honestly tell them that I¡¯m planning on escalating with two assertive sexy female knights, things will get very dire, or to put it in easier generally used terms, a sermon will ensue.

    I need some sort of a pretext, and it¡¯s not like there is none.

    First of all, the existence or nonexistence of long-range weapons. If they have weapons capable of attacking over a very long distance or some other way of launching long range attacks, letting them get close would be a mistake.

    So, with that in mind too, reconnaissance. There is no better way to gather intel than directly infiltrating the enemy camp. After all, I have¡ºRajingan¡», if I have even a fleeting glimpse of something, ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san will be able to analyze it.

    Next are items that would allow them to cross the Fake Dungeon. If there is anything that would allow travel through the air, underground, or space, it would be a danger, but it should be impossible for an army that large to hide loads of the equipment that their numbers would require, so we should be able to expose their hand if I went to check.

    And lastly, there is a certain possibility that is yet to surface. While the King is debilitated with an illness, the first prince is leading an army towards the frontier, and yet the Royal Prince, supposedly the current regent, went to the frontier ahead of the first prince. Yeah, so the capital is wide open? Like, completely exposed? Too good to be true level?

    Waiting should be easy, but we will lose the initiative, there is a chance someone might go and do as they please in the meantime. There is even a possibility that this is someone¡¯s ploy.

    I like having fun and taking things easy, but I hate letting others do as they please or being tricked by someone¡¯s plan! I¡¯m a super ethical boy that even made ¡ºLet¡¯s proactively do what others wouldn¡¯t want¡»that we learned during ethics lessons my motto, I like seeing others mad and I¡¯m very good at doing what others detest, but I very much hate when the same is done to me, so losing the initiative is not nice at all.

    In that case, reconnaissance-in-force isn¡¯t meaningless, while I¡¯m at it I can also install some traps or whittle down their forces with guerilla tactics. But what¡¯s most important, the royal middle-aged prince might let us invade the very midst of enemy forces, that¡¯s a delicious offer. I mean, invasion with assertive sexy female knights or even invading assertive sexy female knights! That¡¯s delicious.

    Then, postpone the souvenir shop opening, and go peddle the goods myself! Instead of souvenirs store (defense) it¡¯s peddling (offense), ¡ºOffense is the best rip-off¡»is what a certain ancient person I think might¡¯ve or mightn¡¯t have said. That¡¯s why, it¡¯s peddling time. Let¡¯s add a traveling souvenir shop to the gorgeous bed carriage. The traveling offensive (High Pressure salesmanship) souvenir shop is what this world needs at the moment! Is what I tried to argue?

    ¡¸Even with pressure sales you won¡¯t be able to sell those pennants, okay? Why¡ºFrontier¡»? Why would you make souvenirs if you don¡¯t even remember the name of the place? And why did you have to make mushroom-shaped ones?¡¹

    ¡¸Can it even work as a souvenir if it has no mention of the place¡¯s name? Well, it seems ¡ºFrontier¡» conveys the idea, but even so?¡¹

    ¡¸But manju will sell! Or rather, I¡¯m going to buy them even if I¡¯ll have to follow you! I¡¯m buying them up!¡¹

    ¡¸Those wooden swords with¡ºThe Frontier¡»carving too, they are pretty plain, but come with enchantments?~ Were those originally goblin clubs?~¡¹

    Yeah, a new product that was added to the line up upon incorporating the idea that a souvenir store might need a wooden sword, it¡¯s name¡ºThe Frontier Wooden Sword¡». I simply used¡ºHolding¡»,¡ºWood Magic¡»and¡ºAlchemy¡»to process goblin clubs that I had in excess, getting nice enchanted souvenirs with 0 material costs. Cheap, light, and even if they are broken, can still be useful as firewood, a super reliable and economical new product.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸But those mushroom-shaped massager dolls are GUILTY! So their sale is prohibited!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    For some reason they were banned from sale and distribution? The elaborate mushroom dolls that I made in 1 to 1 scale to real mushrooms, faithfully replicating them in every minute detail. They even come with a massager function provided by Vibration Magic, and yet this genius invention of mine was rejected?! In fact, massage chairs are showing incredible sales. Super popular in the frontier, installed in the lord mansion, the inn, the weapon store, and even the general store, they are constantly working at full-capacity, bringing coin. I was sure that massagers should be a top selling line, but it looks like they are banned? I guess they prefer magic stone-shaped ones? I wonder what¡¯s the difference, is this mushroom discrimination?

    By the way¡ºRemoteLand¡»T-shirts and¡ºI  Frontier¡»T-shirts were sold out to the girls and soldiers. I should consider some new goods too. An unexpectedly good sales line. Let¡¯s try¡ºI  Frontier¡»cloth bags and towels too. This is a standard series so it should work.

    And then, the sermon named conference continued until dinner, or rather, Meripapa-san came saying ¡ºI¡¯ll provide sufficient compensation, so if you don¡¯t mind, could you please prepare dinner?¡», so I used that opportunity to escape.

    As I¡¯m making my way out I arrange a huge load of Chinese food in the dinner hall. Fried rice, gyoza, egg foo young, deep-fried chicken, pseudo-chop suey. A menu of a cheap Chinese-like ramen place, but without ramen.

    Since the food was supposedly for the Royal middle-aged prince, I thought that he might do with just fried rice, but since assertive beautiful female knights will be present at the dinner too, I also added gyoza and deep-fried chicken. A middle-aged man is one thing, but beauties should be fed good stuff. And since it¡¯s just 50 portions it shouldn¡¯t take more than 5 minutes?

    In the end, things might end up depending on Royal Girl¡¯s will, but this scenario is too complicated. It definitely might¡¯ve been easier to just hit them head on. While waiting is definitely easier and more advantageous, it will mean fighting with our backs to the wall, leaving no options of backing down, on the other hand, going on offense would allow us to attack, and if things look bad, gradually wear down enemy forces while pulling back here. After all, without knowing what kind of trump card the enemy is holding there is no way to make any predictions.

    Pres and the others were reviewing formations for the war and reorganizing tactics and strategies. They can just take it head on, but if I take it I¡¯ll die, so it makes things a bit difficult. So for me it would be easier and safer to go out and go around killing. If it also reveals their ace there would be nothing to complain about left. That¡¯s why I must go. Together with aggressive beautiful female knights!

    Everyone was assigned rooms, so I headed to mine. Armored Pres should return when their girls-only gathering ends too. It would be great if the course of action was decided until then, but Meripapa and others are having a dinner meeting, so by the time anything is decided it will already be nighttime. For now let¡¯s finish what I can at the moment. Like, night time side job time? That¡¯s pretty much it. Well, to put it bluntly, it looks like another round of bra making is awaiting me today.

 CH 245

    Day 61 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle, Girls-only Gathering

    Murimuri Castle actually had a huge women¡¯s bath. No matter what he makes and for whatever purpose, bathing space seems to be highly prioritized?

    After hearing the gist of what happened from the Stalker Girl that came to join us, we got the general idea of what Haruka-kun had done.

    It was the worst. Haruka-kun, unsuitable for fighting humans and dealing with the skills they might possess, of all things, ended up fighting the strongest murderer duelist.

    He apparently was an expert in killing techniques, with thorough knowledge and keen eyes for human movements.

    And the specialist in anti-human techniques got knocked out in one hit without even understanding what got him. Yeah, as we thought, it looks like Haruka-kun wasn¡¯t a human after all.

    As he couldn¡¯t be confronted with anti-human techniques, the attacker was knocked out with lethal consequences. Yeah, I thought that those movements aren¡¯t those of a human¡­ As expected, that part in his stats about being human is a lie. It seems even the specialist in fighting humans rejected those claims.

    In the end, he was doing something dangerous again, and ended up luring out the most dangerous opponent.

    After all, he captured all of the bandits alive, but killed that murderer, in other words, he was that dangerous of an opponent.

    He judged that if left alive, there is a high likelihood of some of us getting killed. That¡¯s why he chose to kill him.

    I don¡¯t think he had any hesitation. Everyone was prepared for this since the time we saw his face when he came back from that destroyed village. Haruka-kun had already resolved himself.

    Until then he kept blabbering about being capable of only killing since he had no strength (stats) and no ability (skills) to protect someone.

    But he steeled himself. Since killing was the only option, he resolved himself to do it. Returning from that village, Haruka-kun had obtained a strength that couldn¡¯t be expressed in stats.

    And so he first killed the strongest assassin, and then exterminated the church¡¯s beastmen hunting unit. Killed them to the last to prevent them from killing anyone.

    And now he is trying to go on the offensive. Somehow, it looks like he wants to have us stick to the Fake Dungeon defense, while he engages in guerilla warfare.

    For a moment everyone was at loss for words. Because the picture of hell involuntarily came to our minds¡­ And had us shudder. After all, there is no other more suitable and worse person for an unscrupulous guerilla warfare. I mean, it would be a nightmare to have such an inconvenient guerilla-san show up. Filling the entire way up to the frontier with atrocious traps, showing up from time to time to brutally harass the unfortunate, and from time to time setting up ambushes to destroy combat forces¡­ Just thinking about it makes me pity the enemies!

    However, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that it¡¯s still dangerous. While guerilla warfare might be a nice strategy, as long as you don¡¯t get found, if you are found, you end up isolated in the enemy territory surrounded on all sides. Just imagining Haruka-kun, Angelica-san, and Slime-san being isolated in the midst of the enemies¡­ Fills me with an overwhelming pity for enemies!

    Indeed, in guerilla warfare we would be a burden, and Haruka-kun is not suitable for defensive battles. Killing is his only option, with his offense being the only defense he has, so he is rather easy to break through. If the enemy has enough numbers, it won¡¯t be possible for him to kill them all in a timely manner, which will allow them to pass through. So in a way it is indeed the right people for the right jobs, survival of the fittest, and he is very likely to have very pleasant and casual guerilla warfare!

    ¡¸Separating makes me worried¡­¡­But I can¡¯t imagine anything that can threaten him?¡¹¡¸Rather, the only thing I can imagine is misery of the enemies?¡¹¡¸Yeeah~, if it¡¯s Haruka-kun~, guerilla warfare might be safer for him~¡­¡­But can he properly sneak around~?¡¹¡¸His entire build is oriented for stealth operation, but he has no interest in acting stealthily at all!¡¹¡¸Aah, the guerilla-san might go for a direct central breakthrough!¡¹¡¸Whooa, for some reason it doesn¡¯t feel impossible that they would surround and destroy 10,000 enemies with just three of them 3?!¡¹

    The problem is that this is a fantasy world. The scariest thing is encountering something that we aren¡¯t aware of. Be it magic, skills, or magic items. Since the church is on the enemy¡¯s side, there is a possibility that¡ºHoly Relics¡»might show up, in other words, the church¡¯s highly treasured magic items that they keep in reserves. And it is new weapons for which we have no information that are the most scary.

    If Haruka-kun¡¯s movements get sealed he is as good as dead. He has neither defenses nor resistances, evasion is the only combat option that he has. He is simply killing enemies before they kill him, because he has no chance of winning in a straight-forward exchange of blows.

    In other words, anything like¡ºInstantly Turn Ground Into Birdlime¡»will put him in danger, and the same can be applied to Angelica-san. Sniper attacks from very long range are a threat too, and if there are physical AOE attacks they will be a problem too. Haruka-kun manages to somehow make his way out of any situation with one trick or another, but he actually has a lot of weak points.

    Well, I¡¯m pretty sure being holy relics they will either be of direct attack type, or something protective¡­ But it¡¯s still worrisome. Unlike him, if we take a hit we can endure it, that¡¯s why we want to be by his side, but we might end up as a burden. The speed of those three is abnormal. If someone engages in guerilla warfare with that mobility that would be bullying on a military scale. I mean, there is no way they will be able to track them or catch up with them.

    ¡¸How about having a few people suitable for guerilla warfare accompany them as guards? Or maybe follow at some distance?¡¹

    ¡¸The issue is the Royal Prince. He is trying to hand over Haruka-kun to the nobles to kickstart negotiations. He is an enemy!¡¹

    ¡¸But Haruka-kun doesn¡¯t understand that, and doesn¡¯t seem interested in understanding too¡­ Also, doesn¡¯t sending those three already make for the strongest attack?¡¹

    Delivering those three to the enemy camp, that basically means that the war will start with the enemies having their headquarters destroyed, being penetrated into the very heart of their forces. Starting a fight when the chain of command has already collapsed, the line of defense rendered powerless, and an offensive force struck in the back¡­ That¡¯s over already.

    ¡¸Haruka-kun must want to strike the enemy without allowing them to do anything? Then the very point of all those war preparations might be lost?¡¹

    Yes, he has no intentions of actually fighting. Only annihilating and destroying them.

    ¡¸I¡¯m really glad that Slime-san joined us. For attacking there is Angelica-san, if Slime-san handles defense then it feels reassuring on a completely different level, right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸True, that can¡¯t be beaten!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Slime-san¡¯s offensive power, evasion ability, and wide variety of attacks tend to draw attention, but his defensive capabilities are also absurdly high. Among the attack specializing group he is the only one capable of filling the defensive role, an impeccable bodyguard. Even if all of us were to attack him at once we still would lose in an exchange of blows. Our attacks don¡¯t get through at all. Even Angelica-san was nodding at that, so it¡¯s a defensive power that was officially recognized by the Dungeon Emperor.

    ¡¸Well, even if we tried to stop him, he would leave anyway. He always goes off on his own.¡¹

    Yes, we are going to be left behind again. Now that we have reached level 100 we thought that this time will be the time, but we can¡¯t keep up with him again. But we can¡¯t leave the frontier unprotected. Someone has to stay.

    If Omui-sama goes as well, then there will be no other choice left but for us to stay. And I also have the right to command the Fake Dungeon¡­ It was handed to me.

    But if Omui-sama stays, then there will be no issue with us going. Even if we can¡¯t participate in guerilla warfare, we can at the very least guard him. That alone is enough.

    Omui-sama and the Royal Prince must be still in the middle of the discussion. Unless they decide on something there is nothing to build a plan around, but unless we exchange and organize ideas now we won¡¯t be able to adapt quickly.

    If there is no immediate action, then we should either train or consider challenging some nearby dungeons. Being unable to plan ahead is the most troublesome.

    And as soon as we left the bath everyone broke into a run. It was an emergency!

    Who would¡¯ve thought that such a thing could happen at Murimuri Castle¡­ We were negligent. To think that he¡¯d open a Murimuri branch of the souvenir store and sell manju there! He has the Stalker Girl-chan for a salesperson, and the troops from the capital are in a huge uproar. And manju are all sold out¡­ (crying)

    He is clearly intending to liquidate the inventory. But if so, why not sell it to us?!

 CH 246

    Day 61 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle.

    With the war about to break out, there is no such a thing as going too far with equipment which one will have to entrust their life to. If one¡¯s fate depends on it, then no matter how slim it might improve the chances, I¡¯ll still accept any order that might help to make that improvement. But this has nothing to do with it, does it? With the war I mean?

    ¡¸I¡¯m telling you it¡¯s impossible, why would anyone demand amphibious functionality from a bra? That¡¯s just a bikini! Just change your clothes? Why are you trying to live an amphibious life with nothing but one set of underwear? Were you not so secretly amphibian? But Fish Girl¡¯s parents were fishes, so she should be a sea creature? Are you sure it¡¯s alright to suddenly go out on land like that? Well, humanity also evolved from fishes that came to the land? So do your best? I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸We are terrestrial! Just like everyone else!¡¹¡¹

    I mean, for a bikini I¡¯ll have to consider water resistance in calculations too, but more importantly, a highschool boy measuring girls in wet underwear is too crazy! And speaking of water resistance, wardrobe malfunction is a certain possibility too? Sudden exposure is a problem, but¡ºDripping Wet Underwear¡»by itself is a good enough cause for concern. Even if it¡¯s for the sake of bikini development, getting two high school girls in underwear wet for the sake of it is already no good. Yeah, I¡¯m pretty sure there is an issue? I wonder what Affection Rating is? Is it edible?

    And while the Nudist Girl is fine, the Fish Girl is quite big, in other words, the water resistance is large too. Creating a prototype will be extremely hard. And a big schoolgirl in dripping wet underwear will surely make a highschool boy extremely hard too. Well, anyway, this can wait until after we are done with measurements and making bras and shorts. I mean, making them amphibious all of a sudden is impossible?

    Well, I did want to eventually make swimsuits for those two. I did, but there are still no pool or sea, and the river is too close to the Evil Forest to be considered safe, although goblins aren¡¯t coming anywhere near the river, and if it¡¯s on the outskirts of the forest, being over level 100 they should be able to beat monsters of about level 5 even barehanded. But they will be too defenseless, and there is also a threat of wardrobe malfunction, and I¡¯m sure if it were to take place they¡¯ll surely rush to lecture me! That definitely would be gobs fault, but the one who will end up getting scolded is me?

    In fact, swimsuit¡¯s material is quite a mystery? I don¡¯t quite understand the structure too, but the material is a total enigma. It wasn¡¯t waterproof, and I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s not water repelling either. What was the purpose for which such material was chosen? Does it have to be non-transparent? And also stretching? But I also heard that if it absorbed too much water this could lead to drowning? So water repelling material might be needed? It might also be necessary for it to dry quickly to reduce chilliness, or have some sort of warmth preservation function. Let¡¯s have Armored Pres-san participate in the trial manufacture, study, and experimental use. Definitely.

    Would it be enough to apply magic stone dust coating to a cloth and add ¡ºWaterproof¡»or¡ºWater Repelling¡»? But elasticity must be important too. It might come off if it¡¯s too loose. As for the design, since those two are going to swim for real, it should be either a competitive swimsuit or a school swimsuit. Thinking normally, competitive swimsuits should be just fine, but the order that came from the Nudist Girl was for a school swimsuit? Does she have some kind of obsession? The geeks certainly would obsess over this, but if asked for an opinion they¡¯ll keep talking for three days non-stop, so it¡¯s better not to. I mean, they are usually no different from air, but when knee socks came up they kept talking for 7 days straight?

    Thinking such things I distract my mind from the information fed back by¡ºEvil Hands¡». For a highschool boy the tactile sensation called information is pretty crazy. And the 3d model created by ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san through¡ºSpace Perception¡»is an issue too. I¡¯m sure the craziness issue is about to explode tonight, which must¡¯ve been prophesied as a great high school boy eruption. Not sure if it¡¯s going to be the greatest one in history, since I¡¯m not measuring or observing, but considering that ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»is about to level up, it might hit the greatest level so far.

    ¡¸Can¡¯t you make something that would push up or make it appear bigger? Maybe pumping up with air? Rather, a magic-powered bra sounds so strong!¡¹

    ¡¸As a highschool boy I can barely forgive push up bras, but inflating or magic-powered bras are absolutely out of the question! Those are heinous and deceitful camouflage tactics that trample highschool boys¡¯ pure and fleeting dreams! Kind of!¡¹

    Magic-power bra, huh¡­ Sounds like it might be capable of transformation or gattai! But if bras from five girls were to merge into one big bra, then the remaining four will remain no bra? If they pull off something like that during combat all of the boys will be out of commission? Yeah, too dangerous, has to be banned! [1]

    Now, it¡¯s been five people already, with those two it makes it seven. By now it¡¯s fine to say that I got used to this. Even if they go ¡¸Ah¡¹or¡¸Hyan¡¹or¡¸Kya¡¹or¡¸Nmm¡¹or¡¸Ahhh¡­¡­¡¹or¡¸Unm¡­¡­¡¹or¡¸Mmm¡¹or¡¸Aun!¡¹or¡¸Ah, ah, ah¡¹or¡¸KYaan!¡¹during the measurement, I¡¯m already used to¡ª as if it¡¯s ever possible to get used to this!¡¸Kyan!¡¹is quite something, but¡¸Ah, Ah, Ah¡¹and¡¸Mnm¡­¡­¡¹are really bothering me! Also, Armored Pres-san, could you kindly stop moving the fingers that cover my eyes at that timing? You are definitely doing this on purpose, aren¡¯t you? I mean, the timing at which you are opening the fingers is too perfect every single time? That¡¯s surely a trap to set me up for another sermon!

    And like usual, when it came to the lower body measurements, the great hardships that can¡¯t be expressed in simple¡ºKyaun!¡»had to be overcome, until we finally arrived at the correction and adjustments phase, but both Fish Girl and Nudist girl are bright red by now, faces and bodies alike, steam is almost coming from them? A steam engine?

    ¡¸If no issues surface during correction and adjustments then we¡¯ll go with this, okay? And since I understand the form now, I can make some swimsuit samples, if you are fine with trial products? I can do only racing swimsuits or school swimsuits, but I don¡¯t know the design at all, so explain it to me, even if only in rough detail? ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Really?!¡¹¡¹

    They are happier about this than the underwear. They had already sunk to the floor in complete exhaustion, breathing heavily, but one word about swimsuits and they fully recovered.

    As I thought, they really wanted to swim all this time. This must be the first time in their lives that they were unable to swim for so long.

    They were in water every day, spending all their time swimming. After all, even their parents are sea creatures.

    For starters, I¡¯ll try to make prototypes with the provided designs. No idea if this is a school swimsuit with open backs or a racing swimsuit, but I¡¯ll give it a shot. Jersey knit lacks elasticity and will also stretch? A tighter knit~ hm, I guess this will do? It does kind of resemble a swimsuit?

    ¡¸Try these on, I¡¯ll get a bucket and water, try getting them wet too and tell me your thoughts? I¡¯ve never made them before, so I have no idea how it turned out? Or rather, if a highschool boy had experience in making school swimsuits it would¡¯ve been an issue worth reporting to the police, wait, and no I do have that experience! This is an issue! ¡¹

    The two immediately tried them on, and I diligently make adjustments with ¡ºEvil Hands¡». Since those are swimsuits the blindfold was released, so I confirm the results with my own eyes and the shrinkage rate might be too much? They stick to the body too much, revealing outlines of various parts¡­ I wonder if the material was too thin? This might be a problem, but the person in charge of blindfolding is ignoring this?

    ¡¸The size is perfect. Design is perfectly according to the order. I think it should be nice for swimming?¡¹

    ¡¸Looks great! I want to go for a swim in this already! Isn¡¯t this fine already? It looks properly done?¡¹

    Is it? Making a bucket of about two meters in diameter, so both of them can lie down, I pour water into it. It¡¯s not big enough to stretch the arms out, but that¡¯s the most that can fit into this room, so it can¡¯t be helped.

    ¡¸¡¸A pool!¡¹¡¹

    No, a pool is too much. The room isn¡¯t large enough for that?

    The water rose to 50cm at best, but the two already got in and were lying down splashing around, checking how it would be to move in those. Those are swimsuits, so the blindfold was no more¡­ But we totally didn¡¯t think this through. I was taking swimsuits way too lightly, that¡¯s right, those are swimming suits, so they are meant to be submerged in water! To plainly state the summary of the conclusion as it is¡­ They become transparent and shrank, they are tightened, totally biting into the skin. So swimsuits become see-through as they shrink? Yeah, that was very educational¡­ But it became a bit of a situation? For starters, let¡¯s call back the person in charge of blindfold. I¡¯m sure this is R-18 stuff, so it¡¯s risky in highschool boy terms? Yeah, and when she keeps making gaps between fingers? Well, it¡¯s a bit too late for this anyway?

    ¡¸¡¸Kyaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡¹¡¹

    (Currently being scolded)

    I¡¯m under a super heavy Flat Gaze. While being stared at I use the acquired experience to make another attempt. The Fish Girl is glaring at me with a flat gaze full of tears, but I¡¯m super diligently working on using the accumulated experience. I mean, it¡¯s Crying Flat Gaze.

    The fibers became thinner by absorbing water, and with the addition of shrinking vertically, that outrageous School Girls in Dripping Wet See-Through Digging Into Those and Such Places Swimsuits Incidents took place. Then, it becomes necessary to add the waterproof property to the fibers themselves, leaving the material still perfectly elastic, but preventing it from shrinking from water contact. No choice but to make some samples and test their performance.

    Making the fabric twice as thick to counter transparency and shrinkage, I try a few different knitting approaches to prevent shrinkage while still retaining elasticity, soak the samples in water, then calculate and memorize contraction rate for each one of them with ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san. Could it be that school swimsuits actually were incredibly hi-tech? Combining a few different fibers of various elasticity I continue trial and error with¡ºApex Thinking¡», searching for the most optimal one, looking for the perfect cross between the comfort of use and wear.

    I guess this is the best one? Combining around five patterns in the fabric, I tried pulling and stretching it in water, but this seems to be the most suitable one as swimsuit material. Cutting it up, I sewed it into swimsuits.

    And now, trying them on. This time, accounting for the possibility of failure I equip the standard Blindfold Pres-san. But it should be alright. The calculations gave pretty good numbers. I even employed mana coating technology, so I think the result isn¡¯t that inferior to the ones from our world?

    (Splash-Splash, Splash-Splash)

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing! It¡¯s totally fine even in water, this could¡¯ve sold even in our world! You could become the exclusive supplier for swimmers!¡¹

    Exclusive supplier, huh, do you know just how tough those measurements are? Weren¡¯t you on the floor, completely drained, after experiencing it first hand? Also, male swimmers are an absolute no! I refuse! I mean, butt-naked measurements? If a man showed up I¡¯ll tear it off!

    ¡¸Yeah, this looks amazing! It¡¯s easy to move, and it doesn¡¯t feel heavier from soaking up water? It might be even better than the material used for racing swimsuits? ¡¹

    Well, I¡¯m pretty sure magic or skills are forbidden on racing swimsuits. However, those swimsuits should neither absorb water nor suffer from behind dragged by water current, inhibiting movements. Alright, now let¡¯s make some for Armored Pres-san for the sake of our nighttime swim. Naturally, using the very first material? That, in a certain way, or rather, in a highschool boy¡¯s way, was pretty amazing too! And coincidentally, there is a huge bucket awaiting its turn, so from a highschool boy¡¯s point of view, I guess it¡¯s finally lotion time! The War of The Bucket is about to begin!

    I¡¯m glad that both Nudist Girl and Fish Girl liked the swimsuits. I also can understand that they are so overjoyed at the thought of being able to swim again that they can¡¯t help themselves, but let¡¯s not horse around in wet school swimsuits in front of a boy? It¡¯s pretty crazy? I mean, it¡¯s really crazy in highschool boy terms. I¡¯m rather serious. Well, they left while still happily wearing them, so it¡¯s fine, I guess. But is it really fine to roam around the castle in wet school swimsuits though?

    And the wet and slippery nighttime battle of the bucket with the shrinking and transparent racing swimsuit in the slimy lotion pool was absolutely wonderful. The paradise was here all along! And as was predicted beforehand, she was super mad afterwards. But I¡¯m going to treasure this heavenly bucket until the next time!

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Gattai ¨C Popularized by Japanese giant robot type shows, the term literally refers to the act of merging two separate entities. It is often interchangeable with similar terms such as fusion, combination, joining, etc. Just think of the combination sequence from power rangers.

 CH 247

    12-15 minutes 21.07.2022

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±

    Day 62 ¨C Morning, Murimuri Castle

    After I prevailed in the War of the Bucket (Lotion Pool), the morning greeted me with a usual sermon. Yeah, a great Flat Gaze today too.

    Now, despite the perfect Flat Gaze conditions today, I had to see a middle-aged man. Well, it¡¯s Meripapa-san¡¯s aide who came to relay a message. The contents of which is that there is no message, in other words, the discussion is still continuing.

    The middle-aged men seem to be still talking in the conference room. Do nobles and royalty like conference rooms that much?¡­ Are they going to live there? Well, if they like it so much, then I don¡¯t care how long they spend on conferences there, as long as they give the conclusion beforehand? If they just announce what they agreed on ahead of time, then they are free to conference there for the rest of eternity? Yeah, what are they gonna do?

    For now, it seems that at the very least they concluded that no action will be taken today. Repeat the process ten times and the enemy forces will be here even if no conclusion is reached. Then there will be no point to those talks.

    The girls also gathered and are having a discussion of their own. Everyone seems to really like having those big meetings, but for some reason, it feels like I¡¯m never called for those talks?

    ¡¸There is plenty of unexplored dungeons nearby, so how about exploration and training at the same time?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed~!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Well, there is nothing to do at Murimuri Castle, and no matter how many dungeon items we find, it¡¯s never enough.

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, you are staying home, okay? Omui-sama seems to have something to talk about, and the princess was looking for you too, so you are on home duty.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh, home sitting! So I¡¯m a jobless ostracized outcast loner NEET who is getting left out of dungeon groups? Well, it sort of matches the titles, but this in turn makes the emotional damage even greater? Kind of?¡¹

    Indeed, there is nothing to use money on in Murimuri Castle. Even so, I¡¯d like to hit some profitable dungeon with nice loot, which would also help with Slime-san¡¯s food expenses, and what¡¯s most important, I want nothing to do with the middle-aged men¡¯s talks!

    That¡¯s right, at this very moment, Murimuri Castle has the highest middle-aged men concentration that was ever observed. Every room is packed with middle-aged men. Murimuri castle is currently boasting such a high Middle-Aged Men Ratio that it¡¯s threatening to turn into Middle-Aged Men Castle. Yeah, if it wasn¡¯t for the Royal Girl, Sexy Female Knights, and some others, the castle would have already been burning¡­ I mean, I even finished all of the preparations for that?

    ¡¸The lord specifically asked for you to stay, so you have to remain. You are on home duty, but since it¡¯s a castle, you don¡¯t have to do anything?¡¹

    I wonder what Royal Girl wants? Is this another invite for a bandit hunt? That¡¯s pretty bothersome, but brings a bit of coin. However, dungeons are far better. I mean, bandits are broke as heck. Both their items and weapons are shabby, and those middle-aged men can¡¯t even be turned into magic stones, totally useless! They don¡¯t even have a single treasure chest between them, dungeons are much better.

    ¡¸We are starting from the first floors, so we won¡¯t earn much either~, even though I want to make up for the money I spend to complete Frontier T-shirts collection~.¡¹

    Looks like we had a Frontier  Series¡¯s fan. Many thanks.

    ¡¸We are hitting three nearby places with two parties for each, so I guess we should be able to get to the middle floors or so? Well, the main focus is practice anyway.¡¹

    They must be trying to test out new equipment and review formations. Each party leader received a powerful weapon, but as a result, they now have to reconsider their tactics.

    Especially the Pres¡¯¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning ¡», being such a peculiar weapon it complicated coordination quite a bit. I also gave¡ºDemon God¡¯s Zweihander¡»to all five of the idiots, but new weapons change nothing for them. In the first place, they might not even be aware of how swords are supposed to be used. Well, those are great swords of more than 2 meters in length, I doubt they¡¯d throw them. They weigh a lot too.

    ¡¸We will be back by evening, so if you have time tomorrow, please check for hidden rooms? Well, can¡¯t expect much from middle floors, but ignoring them is kind of a waste.¡¹

    Indeed, there is a deficit of equippable gloves, boots, cloaks, and hats, so even items from middle floors could be of use. Moreover, a single item can influence a war situation. If considering strengthening and safety then dungeons should have the highest priority.

    With those words they left while waving their hands, one after another they kept going¡ºI¡¯ll be off¡»so I kept replying with¡ºTake care?¡»every time, after which they set out beaming with smiles? What¡¯s up with that?

    ¡¸And thus, since there is nothing to do, how about we use the giant bucket and¡­ Nevermind, I didn¡¯t say anything. No, you got me wrong? I mean like, for laundry or something? Yeah, the weather is so nice today~~~~ It¡¯s cloudy though? How should I put it, one can wash a lot of clothes at once with such a big bucket? Eh! Right, I don¡¯t have any clothes apart from the Villager Set. Hmm, well, there¡¯s that? Kind of?¡¹

    Stared, scolded, and the bucket confiscated! My slimy and slippery lotion life was stolen from me. I made four of those, but the first one was stolen from me. Even so, it can be said that it was worth it, the wild rampage in the slippery lotion with the wet transparent swimsuit was well worth it! The transparent slimy substance covering her delicate pure white skin and the dream-filled mounds filled me with a certain something, getting the highschool boy part excited, setting the stage for a very crazy experience. The real fantasy adventure was there all along. I greatly enjoyed it.

    Since continuation seems out of question I thought I¡¯d continue with my side job, but Maid Girl showed up, of course, prepared for a possible emergency, she is wearing the generously enchanted lewd maid uniform! This see-through maid uniform with numerous gaps and openings should have a great affinity with lotion too, but I can sense that a certain someone pulled out a morning star behind me, so let¡¯s forget about it. Yeah, please don¡¯t swing the morning star indoors? Outdoors is scary enough, so I¡¯ll be happy if you stop swinging it altogether? Looks like Armored Pres really likes the morning star, despite being the Genius Swordsman. At this rate she might get a skill for it soon.

    ¡¸Haruka-sama, the Princess is calling for you. Could I kindly ask you to accompany me? I¡¯ll stab you if you refuse, it¡¯s lese majeste.¡¹

    ¡¸No¡­ I mean, it¡¯s not that I mind, but at the point where you are so eager to stab me for refusal, that¡¯s not asking anymore, is it? Since there are only two options, coming or getting stabbed, that¡¯s not actually a question? Wouldn¡¯t a simple¡ºCome or I¡¯ll stab you¡»be better then? Well, it¡¯s not really better, but don¡¯t think that I¡¯m following only because of the lewd uniform! Kind of? ¡¹

    I tried to show a bit of a dere side. Going tsun could lead to getting tsun (stabbed) with a sword, so let¡¯s just follow her for now. And that¡¯s because the true magnificence of this lewd maid uniform lies in the view from behind!

    Gracefully dodging the iron ball I tumble after the lewd maid uniform, or rather, Maid Girl. Dancing in a corridor with a flurry of morning star swings sounds pretty hazardous, but it seems to be set to the safe mode, which means it¡¯s fine to relax since the only person who might get hit by it is me. So I¡¯m the only person that¡¯s in danger and absolutely can¡¯t afford to relax!

    Maid Girl is glaring at me. That¡¯s probably her wanting to say that I should be polite. Well, in modern society even ordinary people receive a proper education, so speaking formally is not a problem at all. This maid is such a worrywart.

    ¡¸Heeding Your Royal Girliness-sama¡¯s summons I hast cometh, I was extremely duper delighted by the call and made my utmostest hastiness to arrive by your side? And just for you, we have a special offer today -¡ºThe Frontier Speciality ¨C Frontier Wooden Sword¡», order one in the next three seconds and receive one for free? Like, dual wielding style? Kind of?¡¹

    Sold. Profits made. But for some reason I¡¯m still getting stares? No, look, Royal Girl is happy with this too? In truth, she was late, and three seconds already passed, but I gave her another one anyway? Where would you find a more considerate rip-off? I don¡¯t get them.

    ¡¸Haruka-sama, are you intending to have yourself handed over to the nobles¡¯ forces? Why are you going so far for the frontier¡¯s sake as to even sacrifice yourself? This is an issue that should be handled by royalty. If it were His Excellency or I that would¡¯ve been one thing, but you bear no fault or responsibility for this. Please reconsider.¡¹

    Eehm, is this about the peddling journey to the nobles¡¯ army? But she herself bought a wooden sword, if she won¡¯t allow the nobles to get ripped off that would be a tyrannous abuse of royal authority and noble discrimination. Even though upholding the law equally for everyone is a statesman duty, what a bother.

    ¡¸What do you want to do though? The middle-aged excellency is still planning to negotiate with the nobles¡¯ army. If you go there too, you¡¯ll have two heirs to the throne lined up before the enemies? Is this really the time to worry about me? He seems to want to settle things by talking it out, do you think it¡¯s possible? Since you are telling me not to come, I don¡¯t think you do. I have no idea if you are trying to enter the enemy camp to get the first prince or maybe chop some noble heads, but how is it any different from going to your death like you were trying to do earlier? And I¡¯m sure you noticed that killing the first prince or the great nobles won¡¯t change the situation? If that¡¯s not trying to atone with your death, then what is that? Dying is a waste, pointless, irresponsible, and useless?¡¹

    ¡¸But¡­ But¡­ But even so, I¡¯m a princess and part of the royal family. Even if it¡¯s useless, even if it¡¯s pointless, as long as there is at least a shadow of a chance, staking my life on it is my responsibility and my duty. Even if it ends up being a waste, even if it¡¯s pointless, irresponsible, and useless, there is no way I can send you, who has nothing to do with this, into enemy territory, while I¡¯m sitting it out, neglecting my duty as royalty! That would be not only irresponsible but would put a stain on the Royal Family¡¯s pride. A royal family that can¡¯t even stick to their pride is what is actually pointless.¡¹

    Leaving Royal Girl to Maid Girl I leave the room. She is in no condition for discussion right now. No matter how much pride or honor one has, accumulates, or stockpiles, there is no way they can remain calm when preparing for death. She may be Royal Girl, or the Knight Princess, or the Sword Princess, or Half-Naked Hooray Girl, there is no way an 18 year old girl wouldn¡¯t be afraid of heading to her death! Even so, she won¡¯t stop, she will keep pressing on.

    In the end that¡¯s how Royal Girl is, even that middle-aged Royal Prince is still putting his life on the line, tossing about in agony, struggling unsightly, with no regards to how ugly or disgraceful it gets, trying to find a way to fix things. He doesn¡¯t even realize that the only value his head now has is none at all. Pathetic royalty? Miserable royal family? That¡¯s exactly right. Incompetent royal family that has nothing going for them but their pride. But with nothing but that pride alone they are desperately struggling, dragging themselves through the mud if needed. A proud royal family. That¡¯s why Meripapa-san is considering taking action too. Even if the frontier¡¯s army, that should be defending the frontier, would do nothing but raise the curtain for mayhem by taking action, he is going to fight for the royal family. Even if it means ruin for the frontier, he isn¡¯t going to consider alternatives.

    That¡¯s why they can¡¯t finish their talks. After all, the solution doesn¡¯t exist? I mean, the situation they are discussing right now might seem like the worst, but it¡¯s about to get way worse.

 CH 248

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±

    Day 62: Noon, Murimuri Castle, Conference Room.

    The assumed worst case scenario was destroyed by an even worse development. All our well-thought through estimations of the worst were overturned with a single word from a messenger.

    ¡¸A rebellion in the Capital! The second prince declared that he will be succeeding the throne, and shut the gates!¡¹

    The frontier¡¯s army is the fewest in numbers. The fighting force is so minor that even comparing it to other factions seems like a mistake. Even if attacked by only one army, they hardly have numbers to split forces and still be able to fight. From the very beginning the frontier army¡¯s only route for victory is taking the head of the enemy commander in a forceful assault.

    And if that is not possible, we can¡¯t move from the frontier. That is the weakness of the frontier army.

    But now that small Frontier Army is capable of fighting defensively. With the combination of the Fake Dungeon, Murimuri Castle and the domain¡¯s self-sustainability, the frontier, for the first time, gained a defensive option aside from all out offense. However, we can¡¯t fight on two fronts. The frontier does not possess such manpower.

    About one third of the kingdom¡¯s military forces are heading towards the frontier with the First Prince. The troops that secluded themselves in the capital with the Second Prince make up another third, if the neighboring troops are included in their numbers as well. What remains are the troops stationed on the kingdom¡¯s borders, and personal troops of various nobles, and lastly, the frontier army.

    Diorer Kingdom boasts of having a 100,000-strong army, but the real number of regular troops is closer to 50,000. The rest are civil officials, who can hardly be counted as soldiers, city guards, and palace guards, counting them all together they would make 20,000 at best. Then there are conscripted villagers, and mercenary bands that they managed to gather up. Of the regular troops, only 30,000 are the actual royal army, the remaining 20,000 belong to various nobles, and now even that royal army is split up.

    Meanwhile, the frontier army has only 2,500 regular troops, the number is off by orders of magnitude. But if we fought, there would be no defeat. As long as we can force a battle, we can crush them.

    However, we can¡¯t afford to split our forces. That very act would mean defeat. If the overwhelmingly smaller force doesn¡¯t huddle together and instead splits, they will be crushed by an overwhelming difference in military force and that would be the end of it.

    The only saving grace is that the elite royal guard is yet to make it back to the capital, because they were involved in the assault on the Fake Dungeon with Princess Shariceres. And also that the first division, the strongest combat force, is currently stationed on the border. The third division is part of the nobles and the First Prince¡¯s army, the second division, charged with protecting the capital, must have taken the Second Prince¡¯s side. The fourth division is specializing in engineering and logistics and seems to have linked up with the first division, without taking any sides.

    The royal palace troops that the Royal Prince brought plus the palace guards that remained for security number two thousand, the elites that princess Shariceres brought make another thousand, the frontier army is 2,500, even adding everything together, it¡¯s nowhere near even 10,000.

    The opponents have gathered numerous mercenaries too, if in addition to that the Theocracy provided troops as well then the total numbers of¡ºFrontier Subjugation Force¡», the allied forces of nobles, the First Prince supporters, and the royal army¡¯s third division should be easily over 30,000.

    ¡ºRebel Army¡»should have some mere 20,000, but the Second Prince should have the second division on his side, experts in defense, responsible for the capital and the royal castle.

    Lastly there is a question of how the other nobles will act if they will act at all, and the first division is stuck on the border. A three-way stalemate, but as the army of the First Prince has no stronghold, they should be getting anxious. We can¡¯t make light of the power of the great noble houses and the church backing him, but the larger the military force is the harder it becomes to supply and sustain it. Is he going to the frontier as planned, or will he waver and head to the capital?

    ¡¸Just what is the Second Prince thinking! The King, what happened to my brother! This is an usurpation, treason!¡¹

    The Royal Prince seems to be in confusion, but his very presence here must¡¯ve been orchestrated by the Second Prince¡¯s faction. With the army of the First Prince and nobles away from the Capital, and then even the regent leaving it, that must¡¯ve been the only chance for him. It seems highly probable that he created this situation on purpose.

    If the First Prince with the church and nobles loyal to it were to manage to capture the frontier then the First Prince will rule the kingdom, if so, the Second Prince will lose his life. Not sure if he was waiting for a chance to act, or if he had no other choice but to act, but he must¡¯ve been waiting for such a miraculous situation. This is too much for a mere coincidence.

    Negotiations with the Second Prince are needed, but I don¡¯t think we will be able to reach an agreement. After all, we have the Royal Prince and the Princess here, two people holding a right to the throne. And we also have the smallest military force, we are the ones in the most vulnerable position.

    ¡¸Your Excellency, we have to wait for new information. Acting under these conditions will only create an opportunity for others to exploit. If so, taking the first move will lose its meaning. Let¡¯s wait, the King is almost certainly safe.¡¹

    This is a fine approach for internal enemies, in a way, time is on our side. But if external forces took action, there is no situation more critical than now. It¡¯s truly fortunate for the kingdom that the first division, which was such an eyesore for the princes and the nobles, was ordered off to the border. But they won¡¯t be able to hold off enemies for a long period of time. Wars without reinforcements are eventually lost.

    When the conference ended, I stumbled upon Haruka-kun outside. As I relayed the urgent reports and the information we have at the moment he only muttered¡ºHere we go¡»without any sign of surprise. In other words, he was expecting this. He anticipated that the third force, that no one was aware of, would emerge. That¡¯s why ¡ºHere we go¡», as if this is what he thought will happen.

    And as he continued muttering, I definitely heard¡ºI wonder which one is next?¡», so there is more?! Looks like there was no point to the discussion on which we spent so much time. If there is more to come, then there is nothing we can do at the moment.

    And after discussing this and that with Haruka-kun, it became evident that the only thing we can do is await information.

    ¡¸The question is who is supporting the Second Prince? If the first one has the church and the Theocracy, then what about the second? If he has no backing then fine, but without understanding that, the root of the problem will remain even after we deal with him. Well, there is only one possibility I can think of? If so, it makes sense they can¡¯t act openly.¡¹

    The trade union. A state that is not a state. A special economic zone that was formed by a gathering of several guilds. But having an army and a territory that¡¯s already a country.

    While antagonistic towards the church, they cooperate when it comes to the slave trade procuring enormous interest. A country that is a gigantic trade association. A country that is not a country, The Merchants Confederation.

    In slave trade they side with the Theocracy, raiding the beastmen country to enslave and traffic those that were caught, however, they also openly challenge the church¡¯s monopoly on magic stones and magic tools.

    In other words, it¡¯s a country that doesn¡¯t like the idea of the frontier¡¯s magic stones supply and the church magic tool knowledge merging into one. Are they propping up the Second Prince so he can usurp the kingdom to subvert the Theocracy¡¯s interests? But the Kingdom is also against slavery. While slavery does exist in the kingdom too, it¡¯s only as a temporary service on monetary basis. A barbaric system in which one can be caught and forced to labor endlessly, or where killing the slave isn¡¯t even recognized as a crime is not accepted here, much less, supporting discrimination of beastmen that belong to a friendly nation. But if they allied with the Second Prince, doesn¡¯t that mean that the Second Prince made a secret agreement and is intending to discard the royal family¡¯s pledges? Or is the Second Prince himself just disposable fodder?

    And the boy, Haruka-kun, just how much does he know, how far has he read the situation, and how extensive are his plans?

    If the boy and others remained in the frontier we could launch an attack, but if they leave the Frontiers Army won¡¯t be able to act. Is that why he¡¯s trying to go? All the way to the first prince¡¯s camp¡­ We can¡¯t allow him to go that far. This is the kingdom and the kingdom¡¯s nobles problem. The situation is a dirty mess, allowing that boy to traverse this bog would be unforgivable.

    But he seems eager to go.

    Telling this to His Excellency, Musjiks, is useless. All he sees in him is a rude youngster. He doesn¡¯t understand that the boy is not simple enough to allow making judgements based on appearances only. Strength is potential. And that boy, as weak as he might possibly be, destroyed the great dungeon that is said to have had potential to destroy the continent. He doesn¡¯t comprehend that the potential that the boy possesses can destroy the continent. Even though the existence of that potential itself is both a terror and a strength.

    Well, in a way, it certainly can¡¯t be helped. Making mountains bow is way easier than understanding that boy.

 CH 249

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±

    Day 62 ¨C Midday, Murimuri Castle.

    A great uproar, the princess is raring to charge in, the First Prince¡¯s faction is heading here and the Second Prince faction is locked up in the Capital? Meripapa-san also seems very eager to charge somewhere, but if we leave the place he won¡¯t be able to move from here. The First Prince will be the one to act first. ¡ºFrontier Subjugation Force¡», an allied force of personal troops of nobles on the Church¡¯s side and the third division of the royal army that belongs to the First Prince faction. Good grief,¡ºSubjugation¡»is supposedly an act of pacifying non-obeying party by beating them into submission, and now the guys, that made no effort of subjugating the Great Dungeon or the Evil Forest are coming with an army to bring peace here. I¡¯ll gladly welcome and beat them into a pulp until they reach the submission that they seem to like so much.

    But if there is a revolt in the capital the nobles would want to head there. The Second Prince¡¯s forces can¡¯t be underestimated and taking the frontier while losing the capital is pointless, but what¡¯s more important, their own domains are in danger. However, the Church shouldn¡¯t care about anything but the Frontier. They will try to direct them here. If the cooperation breaks down that will play into our hands, their destination will change depending on who is the real leader there.

    And as soon as one of them moves, Royal Girl is going to strike. She still hasn¡¯t given up on the kingdom. She stated that the royal family¡¯s pride is the peace of the kingdom¡¯s subjects. She has no intentions of even allowing any war to happen. I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s a bit late for that, but she still hasn¡¯t given up. She found her resolve. That¡¯s her being hell bent on fighting until the bitter end because that¡¯s the only thing she can do.

    So fighting prowess is the only thing she has.

    ¡¸And so, let¡¯s practice, like, I¡¯ve never seen you actually fight, and you haven¡¯t even had a trial fight with your new weaponry, plus I¡¯d like to properly observe the sexy dress? No, I mean, purely for scientific purposes, if there are no problems then there are no problems, but if there are any I will improve and strengthen it? That¡¯s right, I have no ulterior motives at all, is what I can¡¯t actually claim, but I have vastly more lewd motives than ulterior ones. I¡¯ll be kindly looking over your fight, so don¡¯t worry about that. So let¡¯s commence the practice (beating)?¡¹

    Royal Girl + Maid Girl VS Armored Pres-san. The result is obvious even without watching, but I have to observe the sexy dress and the wonderful dynamite body peeking through its slits! Rajingan-san I¡¯ll be in your care.

    As expected, she is strong. And sexy!

    Orthodox school, a combat-oriented swordsmanship pursuing certainty, without any unconventional elements, hence, she is simply strong and efficient. That¡¯s the high road, well, she is a princess after all?

    And in the shadows, clearly trying to be as unconventional as possible, is Maid Girl. Their attacks have superb coordination, bordering on the level of telepathy, even if thrown off she immediately handles it, even if shaken, she immediately fights using her quick wit.

    This is a swordsmanship meant for war. Fighting as part of an army unit, this strength without any pretense to the point of crudeness, is to show no openings whether one is to face an army or an individual. That¡¯s why she is the Sword Princess.

    Well, the opponent is Armored Pres-san. The Sword Princess¡¯ sword is unable to reach the target, and all attacks from the shadows are immediately shut down the moment she pokes out. Whack-a-mole maid version?

    ¡¸¡¸(*Pant, Pant, Pant*) The heck is this strength!¡¹¡¹

    Sparring with pres and the others should be just perfect for them? If given equipment of the same level it should be a pretty even fight. They are anti-human combat and war specialists, while the other party are Cheats with levels over 100.

    Earnestly following Armored Pres-san¡¯s movements, she earnestly blocked her attacks, and desperately swung at her again and again.

    This is the most ideal and suitable training, well the end result is they are still going to get beaten up, but this also has an excellent diet effect, both of them can be expected to have a nice toned dynamite body with a sexy waist followed by round dynamite hips! Eh, WhOa!

    ¡¸Goughaaaah! Wait, you got it wrong! I was properly explaining a fencing technique? That¡¯s right, detailed descriptions are necessary? Or rather, why are you pulling out a morning star in the middle of sword practice and swinging it at the commentator as an off-hand? Come on, it was just a bit, eh! I was saying that aloud? In a triumphant pose? From where? Aaah~ from

    ¡ºRubbing slippery lotion on those soft and round curves~¡»? So you heard¡ºSpreading those wonderful legs and~!¡»too? Well, that¡¯s that¡­ I¡¯m really sorry!¡¹

    (Currently reprimanded with a morning star)

    Although it was supposed to be Royal Girl and Maid Girl¡¯s practice, even I had to practice (get beaten). Naturally, in my case, there was no room for training at all, and it was a simple gruesome beating.

    ¡¸Onee-sama! That was amazing, the strongest, fantastic, please take me as your student!¡¹

    Ever since her first breakdown, Royal Princess was strangely attached to Armored Pres, but after the spar (beating) she is even more all over her.

    Linking arms with her she is leaning coquettishly against her, following her around while maintaining constant body contact. I¡¯d like to do the same, but it¡¯s dangerous. How about you put away that morning star already?

    Well, getting along is nice and fancy, since it¡¯s two beauties, it¡¯s fine, but is it really the time to swing an iron ball at me? Royal Girl¡¯s eyes are totally crazy? Yeah, possibly the greatest danger to Armored Pres-san is encroaching upon her, or rather, touching, or rather, lewding at her? The eyes she has for Armored Pres-san are totally those of someone who meant onee-sama in a lewd way? She is even speaking about taking a bath together, there is a clear threat! A yuri threat! I definitely will have to watch attentively over her, in case the threat escalates! Would you like some lotion with that?

    ¡¸Maid Girl-san, are you sure about ignoring that? Wasn¡¯t lewd stuff forbidden because of royal family something something? Whoooa, she is so obviously averting her eyes! That¡¯s definitely a habitual yuri person!¡¹

    It¡¯s apparently the royal family¡¯s secret.

    Royal Girl turned out to be such a yuri girl that Maria-sama isn¡¯t just watching, but intently staring! And I¡¯m intending to do the same! [1]

    Armored Pres-san is beckoning with a wooden sword in her hands as usual. Looks like for her it¡¯s practice (beating) over yuri (lewd). Taking stances, we slowly close the gap, closing the distance between us. Royal Girl is watching closely, but she has a totally lewd look in her eyes, so she isn¡¯t watching for things to learn from the fight but slowly yurying her way into the seventh heaven. It¡¯s like she isn¡¯t even here.

    I step in with a zero-motion slash straight ahead of me. The attack flies from the right, while I myself am going to the left, it makes zero sense just as usual, but she dodged it with a light sway and in one step closed the distance on me.

    Upper left. But I¡¯m not going to move, if the future sight shows me moving then I¡¯m getting cut the next moment. Reading Armored Pres-san¡¯s flow of power and mana I swing the wooden stick to the upper right.

    As if sliding, our wooden sticks overlap and separate only to repeat the cycle again.

    I wonder how she does it, but it seems she is reading the attack trajectory of the teleporting wooden stick and while avoiding it she slashes back at me.

    Well, at the very least, I don¡¯t think that I¡¯m being read, since I have no idea where it will go too, but she even reads the timing that I will vanish and easily handles it. While reading through the phantasmagoria of invisible attacks, she reads her opponent that vanishes like mist. Like, her sword technique is so invincible that there seems to be no way to defeat her at all, the prince, nobles, and the church that want to snatch this away are way too recklessly bold.

    I clad myself in magic. Wrapping myself in everything I can apply I activate every skill that I can use. The body is repeating destruction, regeneration, instantaneous movement, vanishing, and teleportation.

    I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a complete mess, after all, there is no plan or care involved, a crazy boogie with every spell and skill I have thrown into the mix indiscriminately. But even this is seen through, read, and retaliated. She keeps sweeping away, slashing, and cutting through my movements and attacks that can¡¯t be predicted, anticipated, or seen even with Future Sight.

    Among the delirious storm of countless weird and bizarre attacks of infinite variety a split second of ¡ºKyojitsu¡», activating for a brief moment it forcibly took control, forcing the body moving at zero trajectory into a perfect slashing motion without any ineffectiveness. Armored Pres-san blocked it with a surprised look. This is the first time that I managed to halt Armored Pres-san. This surely has to get a passing mark. But as expected, I¡¯m in tatters. (*crush*)

    ¡¸Aah~, it really hurts! My entire body hurts, full body bone fracture, tearing all of the muscles, and total exhaustion on top of a good chunk of MP disappearing as a bonus! This is definitely a bad one, as expected, it destroys the body in one go, this is the one that eventually kills you.¡¹

    But for a moment I managed to force Armored Pres-san to simply block with a simple slash. I managed to make her pause.

    It might not have been useless, but I don¡¯t see a way to use this. That¡¯s basically committing suicide in the middle of combat, one attack completely destroys one¡¯s body.

    And Royal Girl, who was previously looking with lewd eyes, has her eyes fixed on us with a serious expression. It looks like she was able to learn something from observing us.

    Regenerating and mending my body, I adjust my physical sensations. Normal fencing without¡ºTeleportation¡», it¡¯s worth observation, and I do seem to have the need to remake ¡ºKyojitsu¡».

    As the beating named sparring repeats, the beating named training continues. I definitely demand the revenge War of the Bucket with the reopening of underwater warfare!

    However¡­ It seems that someone (a skill) is being mischievous? There is something weird in the mix again.

    Now, I learned both Royal Girl and Maid Girl movements and fighting styles. Let¡¯s adjust and enhance their equipment, naturally, it includes lewdness too! With trial and error it can be said that I mastered transparent and shrinking swimsuit manufacture. Let¡¯s go with a perfect fit that clings to the body almost biting in! With a generous bonus of increased transparency!

    Looks like Royal Girl and Maid Girl are going to get beaten up again. Finally, their first experience of going X_X.

    No plan, no strategy, and no estimates. If Royal Girl and the First Prince are the only ones to act, I can simply tag along. That will be the battleground.

    And most importantly, it seems that Royal Girl has the authority of captain of the knights of the royal guard. And those knights have a special female division specialized in protecting female royalty and nobles.

    In other words, those sexy female knights are also Royal Girl¡¯s subordinates. Which means that a combat (wardrobe malfunction) with Knight Princess (dynamite body), her retainer (lewd maid) and sexy female knight order (erorists) all together is also possible! Alright, let¡¯s go, it would be a disgrace for any highschool boy not to come to her defense! That¡¯s because one mention of¡ºLucky Slip¡»to highschool boys of the previous world would¡¯ve been enough for them to go on an unstoppable rampage penetrating breakthrough with each one matching the power of a thousand, because that is the true nature of highschool boys!

    In that case, I¡¯ll have to improve the female knight order¡¯s equipment too. Is it finally the time for ultra-lightly armored (bikini armor) female knights order to be born into this world? They¡¯d probably be able to annihilate the likes of the geeks and idiots while they are still stunned.

    [TL Notes:

    [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria-sama_ga_Miteru ¨C The Virgin Mary Is Watching or Maria Watches Over Us.

 CH 250

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±

    Day 62 ¨C Daytime, Murimuri Castle

    The monsters¡¯ fierce battle was akin to a beautiful yet terrifying waltz that took place in a complete tranquil silence as the two were almost gliding around like in a dance, producing no sounds in the process.

    Both wield wooden swords, one casually closes the distance, as if walking through a park, the other stands without taking a stance, but as soon as they nonchalantly clash a rondo of madness silently and violently repeats.

    These are monsters.

    This is what monsters are.

    Smoothly as if swimming in the water, they move in a graceful dance, an eerie disparity in speed was present there.

    They are fast, but it doesn¡¯t seem that way, slow, but impossible to track with an eye, flowing through a heavy, sluggish stream of time as if it was stretched by some means.

    Makes sense that the strongest cutthroat expert in killing humans was powerless to do anything. Taking a step inside that dance would instantly shred one to pieces.

    Movements of techniques perfected for the sake of killing humans are no different from those of clumsy dolls in a marionette play. This is different. This is pure and simple Slashing.

    True Slashing, to which humans, anatomy, monsters, magic, and all of that are completely irrelevant.

    Bare Slashing, stripped entirely of murder, protection, theory, logic, and all other baggage. A technique that exists for nothing but cutting.

    Different from sword techniques where one moves their body to cut, there is no other purpose to their movement but Slashing. Pursuing nothing but the result which is Cutting.

    That boy has vanquished a dungeon, he is a monster.

    Then who is that beautiful woman? A servant of a dungeon killer stronger than a dungeon killer himself? A short while ago the princess and I had a spar with her, but I couldn¡¯t gauge her strength at all, the only thing I understood is that she is strong.

    And what I understood after fighting a monster, is that to fight a monster one has to be a monster too.

    Too weak to be called strong.

    Too crude to be called skillful.

    Too slow to be called fast.

    Too simple to be called sophisticated.

    But that is a monster, having received training in assassination techniques I can fully understand his scariness.

    I can¡¯t kill that, my sword can¡¯t reach him, if I lost an arm back then I still could consider it as getting lucky. He is deadly.

    With the movements where all of the unnecessary motions were eliminated to the limit, he is moving in the utmost meaningless, bizarre, and strange way.

    Those movements aren¡¯t human but something else entirely. Seeing that before one¡¯s own eyes would have everyone dead before they have a chance to comprehend what they witnessed.

    And yet she precisely and accurately dodges and evades all that is coming. Going this far, it¡¯s impossible outside of a rehearsed and carefully choreographed demonstration.

    The world of these two is insane, something like this is only possible in the world of madness. They had common sense, providence, truth, all cut down as unnecessary in their dance of death.

    Like two swords, that were forged, tempered, and sharpened for the sole purpose of cutting. That is what monsters are.

    That¡¯s why it feels beautiful to the point of cruelty, effective to the point of ruthlessness, and acutely calm.

    ¡¸Beautiful and frightening¡­ They are showing this for us, if you are to fight, then win, even if you have to cut down more enemies than you can count. What a cruel sword dance.¡¹

    ¡¸Likely so. Instead of that incomprehensive fight that they showed earlier, this time they are performing on a level matching our combat style, as if acting out some sort of a dance play.¡¹

    If you are to be the princess¡¯ shield then sweep away everything, if you are to be the princess¡¯ sword then cut down all, if you are to throw your life away, do it while killing the enemy, if you are to put your life on the line, then put it on the blade of your sword, is what they are saying.

    I knew that what we were trying to do wasn¡¯t something humans can accomplish, but they showed us that if so, we just have to become monsters that aren¡¯t human.

    The princess said that she won¡¯t give up. So it seems the very idea itself won¡¯t be allowed anymore.

    This is what not giving up truly means. Risking one¡¯s life or throwing it away are nothing but excuses, no different from giving up, is what they imply.

    This is the fight of those for whom nothing but victory was allowed, for whom surrender or even death weren¡¯t permitted. This is what a battle is.

    That¡¯s right, a mere level 21 boy has shown, taught, and told us so much. As if saying that he won¡¯t let us claim that we can¡¯t do such a thing with our levels, even if you are weak you will win if you kill your opponent.

    Aah, what a monster he is.

    How much does one have to suffer to wield such techniques?

    How many unimaginably dangerous situations does one have to go through to master such precise movements?

    Merely tough, harsh, or cruel wouldn¡¯t cut it. One has to go through something far beyond that.

    These monsters wouldn¡¯t give up even fighting on the battlefields worse than the deepest depths of despair that surpass the most wretched pits of hell. They wouldn¡¯t permit themselves to give up, and thus continued walking through hellish lands of death.

    With mere level 20¡¯s stats he kept fighting and struggling in a nightmare worse than hell. That is the true identity of the monster.

    .

    The strength to survive with that meager power that he had, the strength to obliterate all of the perils without giving up, that Will that allows him to be strong despite his weakness is the real monster.

    There is no way in which I can retort to this boy (monster). No excuses or complaints are allowed. Not when facing this boy that nonchalantly survived hell.

    The weakest boy, who even when surrounded by comrades akin to heroes from legends, is still being looked at with eyes of admiration.

    His strength is hardly different from that of a run-of-the-mill villager, yet that insane strength overwhelms everyone, be it a hero, the King of the Frontier, or the Sword Princess.

    Looks like even if we end up facing 10,000 enemies alone we still won¡¯t be allowed to give up. After all, we simply have to kill 10,000 by ourselves. Kill them before they kill you and it¡¯s your win. This is what they must be telling us.

    There is no point screaming or wailing that it¡¯s impossible or can¡¯t be done, because the answer is right in front of us.

    The princess is gripping the sword tighter and tighter. She saw it. She finally found it, Her goal. The guiding light to achieve her objective.

    And before I noticed, my hands were also tightening their grip on the sword, entranced and fascinated by the monster that survived hell, fighting like a maniac to protect everyone and everything.

    They are telling me. If you resolved yourself to protect the princess, then kill everything. Throwing your life away to shield her is useless, rather, use that body to kill every threat. That is what protecting means, is what they are telling me.

    This is insane. But without going mad, one cannot become a monster. The true meaning of truly not giving up is becoming a monster, achieving the goal even if you have to go mad for it.

    For someone¡¯s sake, they tried to protect something, someone they were forced into a fight where losing or dying was not permitted, if those two are the monsters that emerged from that, then we haven¡¯t been struggling at all, no, we haven¡¯t even started struggling.

    Betting our lives was pointless, lives didn¡¯t have any inherent meaning or worth to them. Only when the goal is carried through, the meaning and worth appears, so dying was completely meaningless.

    I stand up with the sword in hand. We are yet to accomplish anything, and we don¡¯t have the strength to do that either.

    If dying is not allowed, then we need strength, and that strength is right before our very eyes.

    Even if it¡¯s far beyond our reach, giving up will not be forgiven, can not be forgiven anymore.

    Reaching my hand for that ideal, I will make sure to grasp it no matter how much I will have to crawl or writhe in pain, I can¡¯t back down until that moment.

    It most likely will mean that I won¡¯t be able to lower this hand of mine as long as I live, after all, I already reached out for that boy (monster).

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be in your care¡¹

    If one¡¯s lifetime is not enough to catch up, then there is no other choice but to keep chasing the entire life, desperately reaching one¡¯s hands for it. Only there can that boy (monster) be found.

    That¡¯s why he is so adored by his hero-like companions. Everyone is pursuing him, stretching their hands.

    They want to stand by the side of those two lone monsters. To prevent them from going alone to a place they might not return alive from. That¡¯s why they keep reaching for them.

 CH 251

    Day 61 ¨C Evening, Murimuri Castle Premises.

    Splitting into 3 teams with 2 parties each, we hit 3 places for light exploration, just to check things out and train for a bit while we are at it. However, all three groups ended up killing dungeon masters on the 50th floors. What¡¯s left is to check for hidden rooms.

    Everyone went back seemingly stunned and dumbfounded, as if this was some sort of a mistake, and I was not an exception.

    It took us a long time before we became able to beat dungeon masters. Getting caught by tentacles and throwing in the towel as it devolved into a real threat to our chastity, thinking that we finally beat one, only to fail because of a hot pot, and only recently we managed to take one down with 6 parties and received a passing mark. But this time, every group managed to overwhelm their boss with just two parties this time. Everyone came back after completely demolishing it.

    The new weapons given to each party were way too good, way too strong, completely overwhelming. The increase in firepower shortened combat time, so it took only half a day to kill a dungeon with two parties. Even dungeon masters, with which we previously struggled so much, were easily beaten.

    ¡¸Did we get stronger? We did, right? We have gotten stronger, didn¡¯t we?¡¹

    ¡¸We challenged dungeons with only two parties each and completely crushed it! It¡¯s amazing!¡¹

    Everyone¡¯s goal is too far, even if chased at full speed it keeps rapidly getting farther, lately, that Goal-san is even teleporting away moving at ultra high speed, because of that we felt disheartened and were losing confidence, but this boosted our confidence a bit.

    Well, it¡¯s definitely getting stomped into the dust again during the night training, but it¡¯s fine to celebrate for now. It will soon turn into despair (X_X) anyway.

    ¡¸To think that shortening fights with increased firepower will change things this much~.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, compared to the One-hit sure kill walking nightmare (Haruka-kun) and his buddies this is still slow¡­¡¹

    You shouldn¡¯t even try to compare yourself with that, okay? He isn¡¯t exploring dungeons, he is coming to commit atrocities on dungeon masters. No good, ordinary, or even bad girls should imitate that. That is an inhumane dungeon abuser.

    Kakizaki-kun¡¯s party is super excited too. Not sure if Excitement is some sort of abnormal status effect but they keep repeating the same line.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸This sword is cool! Like really cool! It so super cool!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like the zweihander¡¯s destructive power was amazing, but it seems to possess an equally amazing destructive power for the ability to speak. It apparently has a minus to INT among its effects. They¡¯ve been speaking of the zweihanders¡¯ power for quite a while now, but the only adjectives that were used are¡ºCool¡»and¡ºSuper¡». Looks like it¡¯s over for them.

    But we got a profound understanding of the significance and meaning of being able to defeat enemies in one hit. With enemies vanishing in the blink of an eye it¡¯s immensely easier to ramp the difference in numbers to our advantage. In fact, everyone still has tons of MP left. Everyone is still in combat-ready condition.

    ¡¸With improved equipment we also barely took any damage even on the middle floors. Those bras are so easy to move in!¡¹

    The bigger girls were really troubled by this. The not-so-big girls are¡­ still very troubled. Anyway, it¡¯s very easy to move, doesn¡¯t add to exhaustion or gets in the way, no discomfort from rubbing or stuffiness too! These are the best bras in the universe! Even Sci-Fi worlds have nothing on this! With this we can expect a lot from the hip-up effect for the bottom too.

    And since defense power received a solid overall boost too, with tons of various skills and effects, everyone took pretty much no damage, safely finishing their fights. And this is the greatest accomplishment, everyone is confused, but we properly got stronger. This was given to us by Haruka-kun, this is what Haruka-kun was aiming for, safety of our lives.

    Reaching level 100 and finally catching up to the strength of our equipment, we could finally put it to good use, finally able to properly wield what Haruka-kun gave us. That¡¯s why we were so strong. After all, having so much done for us, getting protected for so long, if we didn¡¯t get stronger it would¡¯ve been a bad joke, there is no excuse for that. That¡¯s why we have properly gotten stronger.

    Returning to Murimuri Castle we found it noisy and animated, and were immediately told the reason. The Second Prince rose in rebellion at the capital. Seems like this is the case of the enemy of my enemy is another enemy.

    While the royal troops are worried for the safety of their relatives, the frontier troops are busy working on how to cope with an ever increasing number of enemies. The Kingdom is thrown into disorder and is beginning to collapse.

    ¡¸But isn¡¯t it a good thing if the enemies split? Like force division?¡¹

    Ehm, certainly, there are some advantages to the division of enemy forces. But¡­

    ¡¸But it can also be said that the number of enemies now increased twofold, like, fighting on two fronts?¡¹

    ¡¸The Royal Prince-san¡­ He didn¡¯t even prepare for this? And left the capital just like that¡­?¡¹

    The situation is unfavorable for a three-way deadlock, both parties want to capture the frontier. And with the massive difference in forces there is almost no chance that they will agree to negotiations.

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s not like we have any say in this, so let¡¯s take a bath and then dine!¡¹

    That¡¯s also true, we are only tagging along with that certain selfish self-indulging someone who can¡¯t help himself but go around ruthlessly exterminating misfortune and misery out of pure hate for tragedy.

    Checking the training grounds in search of Haruka-kun¡­

    Royal Girl and Maid Girl were lying there out cold. Looks like there are preceding visitors. Was this practice or they over ate manju and this is a result of ONE MORE SET?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Angelica-saan. We beat a dungeon! We actually got stronger!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    That one line made Angelica-san beam with a smile, so lovely that it looked like it could make flowers bloom.

    And¡ª

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡­ GIVEUP¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸GUAH!!! NO MORE!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    But she had no mercy, rather, as we tried to rely on items and weapons we showed even more openings. Our fighting styles were thrown into disarray. That¡¯s why a mountain of beaten up girls with X_X eyes is swiftly piling up.

    The short-lived Confidence-san was smashed to pieces and passed away. Despair is in process.

    ¡¸We were too deluded by huge firepower~, that¡¯s what¡¯s called recklessness, huh~?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, we were trying to just hastily finish it in one go. If she saw that she probably would¡¯ve scolded us with something like¡ºSelf-conceit of overestimating your ability is fatal¡»!¡¹

    A review meeting, today we have a lot of points to reflect on. As much as we thought we had gotten stronger, we were beaten up equally hard to realize our conceit. She had beaten us into pulp, teaching us the looming dangers.

    Without realizing, we began relying on weapons, trying to cheat our way around the problems with equipment. That¡¯s why we were beaten. Reminded that we shouldn¡¯t lose neither spirit nor caution, that we should be improving ourselves first, not our gear.

    The training by the best and strongest mentor was the scariest and harshest, but we surely got stronger again. Since we can¡¯t give up we just have to get stronger.

    And yet, Angelica-san said that no matter how much she beats him up, Haruka-kun is the one who is actually strong.

    To beat a strong opponent, one has to be even stronger, then, Angelica-san is obviously the strongest. And yet she says that there is no meaning to simple strength, that only Haruka-kun can kill what can¡¯t be killed by anyone. That¡¯s what true strength is. That must be what she couldn¡¯t obtain no matter how strong she became. That is the strength to prevail over a strong opponent even if being weak oneself.

    Well, in that meaning Haruka-kun is the top-class leading contender for the strongest, the foulest, and the craziest. But that evilest, most terrifying money-grabbing top contender is on the verge of being eliminated in the body pile pt 2 that is swimsuit order craze.

    Well, it might be too late to say on the verge?

    Squished and squashed and crushed he is in the process of sinking in the wild tide of highschool girls. He was probably going to the bath and took off his items. There is no chance of surviving a level 100 schoolgirls body pile with such light equipment. His arm reaching for the sky was the only thing that was still visible, but finally, even that vanished from sight. He sunk? Looks like he didn¡¯t get ¡ºUnsinkable¡»skill.

    After all, in the previous world we were shy and also cared about what others might think, but this is another world! The only people that know us are fellow comrades, in other words, it¡¯s bikini debut time!

    A huge heap of request forms is piling up on top of Haruka-kun¡¯s corpse. Black bikini for me! Wait, since it¡¯s Multicolor just a plain one.

    For patterned cloth we still have to choose from a number of available patterns, but there seems to be a technique for applying a specific design to Multicolor items. And since Haruka-kun seems to be the only one who possesses that skill there is a fierce battle for swimsuit orders. Actually, it seems that Haruka-kun was taking swimsuits way too lightly. He didn¡¯t expect such a lethal flood of orders, so he let his guard down, walking around without equipment. So naive.

    It seems that the original plate of floral flower tone is being made by girls, so the floral dress is no longer a dream and I¡¯m looking forward to it, but the heat press seems to be expensive so we have to save money for it, but we also want swimsuits. Apparently, after the flower tone comes the check pattern. And here Haruka-kun showed up wearing work pants with a houndstooth pattern, so of course he was interrogated, exposing his plan for patterned cloth items, so he has no one to blame but himself. Everyone is thrilled for this.

    Currently, Shimazaki-san and the others are providing designs, while culture club girls working around Amou-san of the clothes and apparel club are pouring all of their efforts into preparing original tones. There are already pretty good original plates for polka dots and stripes, and we only had to wait for the machine¡¯s completion, but this time swimsuits popped up, so there is a new uproar, leading to one late night girls-only meeting after another.

    I also left the request form, but there is no response. It¡¯s just a corpse (Haruka-kun). The girls also removed their equipment before the bath so he doesn¡¯t seem to be injured. After all, the corpse-san has a very blissful look on his face.

    Now, time for the bath girls-only gathering. The direction the war is taking is bothersome, and we are also curious about the maidens war (bargain sale) date. We received information from a certain source, that the next sale is going to have trial products from his patterned cloth project. It definitely can be trusted since the origin of that information is the strongest person that ends up in tears every night, after challenging wearing clothes with a print!

    [TL Notes: I¡¯m not entirely confident in printing or textile industry terminology, so if you see some points that should be corrected in this or the next chapter, let me know.]

 CH 252.1

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±

    Day 62 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle

    Unexpected squishy prison jiggly press part 2! A counterattack of level 100 school girls body pile? No, in the first place, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m attacking them, so how come I¡¯m getting one-sidedly counterattacked every time? Or rather, I was looking down on the demand for swimsuits, but where is there such a necessity for swimsuits if there is no place to swim? And this ratio of bikinis among requests! Even the pres is asking for a bikini! Did her ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡»and¡ºInsatiable Libido¡»finally activate? Carnivorous pres who also happens to be a mistress and M-girl? What a set of attributes.

    If I¡¯m to take everyone¡¯s measurements for underwear I certainly can make swimsuits, could it be that the Librarian has arranged this, anticipating fighting in the canals or maritime and underwater warfare? No, fighting in the canals would mean reaching that capital? That¡¯s sort of going too far. Maybe they simply want any clothes they can get their hands on? I mean, requests just don¡¯t come to an end? Workshops already started working for general sales, are they not satisfied with the low price clothing they can produce? I¡¯m pretty sure yukata and the like should be fairly easy to make?

    Splashing with Slime-san I recover my strength in the bath. I seriously have to do something about ViT or PoW or I¡¯ll die one of those days? Level 30 monsters are probably my limit, for anything above that I¡¯ll have to rely on equipment or I¡¯ll get crushed. If at the very least I could use ¡ºTeleportation¡»even a little bit I could handle saturation attack or encirclement, but misfire is scary, plus I don¡¯t have proper control over it, so there is no telling at which timing, in which location, in which position, at what rotation I might end up, speaking of which, I have about the same amount of information about Affection Rating-san, could it be that it¡¯s in the middle of teleportation? Just what sort of teleportation is that that you disappear and never reappear?

    Well, fully mastered ¡ºTeleportation¡»automatically becomes an ultra Cheat Tier sure kill move, so I don¡¯t think it¡¯s supposed to be mastered. But I made a proper jump back then during the Stalker Girl incident? How come I can¡¯t pull it off even once since then? It doesn¡¯t make sense?

    Talking, discussing, and conversing with Slime-san I tried to wriggle-wriggle, exchanging opinions and deepening friendship. It goes without saying that jiggle-jiggle and bounce-bounce are fun too. So cute.

    ¡¸Did you warm up? Actually, we don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s alright to heat up slimes or if they shouldn¡¯t be cooled, but since you like baths so much I guess there is no problem with warming you up? Well, I don¡¯t think you are at risk of catching a cold, and you also don¡¯t seem to be swelling up, so if you enjoy warm baths then it¡¯s all good. So, how about we get out already?¡¹

    (Bounce-Bounce)

    Come to think of it, we are washing Slime-san with a bubbly soap intended for human use, is it really alright for slimes¡¯ skin? Well, it has complete resistance to everything, so it surely shouldn¡¯t deal any damage, but if so, could it be that in this world all skin problems can be resolved with levels and skills? They seem capable of preventing aging, so fantasy skills definitely can¡¯t be underestimated.

    Alright, first, let¡¯s improve and then mithrilify Royal Girl and Maid Girl¡¯s equipment. They don¡¯t have any intention of backing down at all.

    ¡¸Royal Girl uses her sword for defense, so the armor should be made thicker, covering from the shoulder to the arm. And for Maid Girl, on the contrary, remove all of the armor that could hinder her movements. And then add plenty of skills. This is it I guess? Yeah, it¡¯s lewd, powerful, good for fighting and looking at. Making it was fun too so there is nothing to complain about at all. I¡¯ll probably get scolded again when I show it to them though?¡¹

    The silly girl that is Royal Girl-san is foolish enough to face an army all on her own, and on top of that, she is also a disciple (victim) of Meripapa-san¡¯s teachings. Simply wield the sword to strike the enemy down with no concern about oneself. That¡¯s the sword that exists for the sole purpose of charging into the midst of an enemy army and killing the enemy commander. Even though this time merely killing the commander is too difficult, throwing her into turmoil, but she doesn¡¯t even take into account that even if she managed to accomplish that she will end up surrounded and isolated among the enemies.

    And so, along with the training I also made her face reality. Does she have enough strength to fight? Are the words about putting her life on the line not just her attempt to escape? That there is no meaning to simply self-destruction, but even when she had an overwhelming difference in strength shoved into her face, even when her stamina was broken along with her willpower, and all of the techniques she possessed were crushed, and she was beaten completely powerless and her eyes went X_X she still stood up. She kept unsightly fighting, striving for the strength that would allow her to struggle until the very end. She has no intention of giving up at all.

    The Royal Old Man still seems to be in a state of panic, and the talks are going in rounds as they are unable to decide on the future policy. Well, he himself admits that he is not suited to be a king, voluntarily lowering himself to the very last place in the line of succession, so he likely isn¡¯t cut out for this. But being a regent, he is pressed to make decision regardless of whether he is fit for it or not, and being incompetent he makes an error, and thus, plans and decisions are overturned by the results.

    ¡¸And today it¡¯s Bitch Leader and Bitch A, huh~. The Bitches are sort of scary, you know? Like, every time I notice their gaze on me they look like they are about to bite me? Today might be the day when that actually happens, I don¡¯t want to make bras while having them gnawing on my head! But if I were to stare at their chests at point-blank range my head will end up right where it could be easily bitten! No, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m staring or planning to stare at them? Speaking of like, it¡¯s not like I wouldn¡¯t like to though, kind of? ¡¹

    The bitches. Both Bitch Leader and Bitch A have model figures, tall, with long legs. Well, they are a bit overshadowed by Vice Pres A-san¡¯s supermodel figure, but they win in the chest area. Or rather, with all five of them, Bitch Leader and Bitches A to D, having similar height and physiques they are awfully difficult to discern as they change hairstyles almost daily.

    (Knock-Knock)

    ¡¸Come in, or rather, feel free to enter but please don¡¯t bite me? Making bras while being literally chewed on isn¡¯t even concerning anymore but an actual incident? Like, bodily injury case? Sort of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸We told you we ain¡¯t gonna bite! Why are you worrying about the same thing every time we meet!¡¹¡¹

    Armored Pres-san brought Bitch Leader and Bitch A. Well, they were scheduled to come today, so that¡¯s expected, but I¡¯m sort of not very good at dealing with them.

    But lately, be it underwear, clothes, or swimsuits, they would always provide designs no matter what I¡¯m making, which is very helpful. The clothes designed by the Bitches tend to be mega hits at the general store. The patterns for the clothes workshops are already being handled by the bitches, making for a rapidly growing apparel brand. They secretly are a great source of revenue.

    Having my eyes covered with Armored Pres-san¡¯s unreliable hand blindfold I begin measurements. In highschool boy terms this silence with nothing but the sound of undressing clothes is very tough? The fingers also move to make an opening?

 CH 252.2

    Working in silence is tough, but what do I even speak about with the bitches¡­ Clothes? Aah~ which reminds me, there are very popular requests.

    ¡¸How is the manufacture of original tones going? We might need some crazy number of them, actually, there was karakusa among requests too, do we really need that? I can¡¯t think of any other use for it but wrapping cloth? What are you going to wrap?¡¹

    In the marketing questionnaires (coercive sale intimidation letters) that were forced on me by a certain two dozen schoolgirls, flower pattern, polka dots, border, stripes, and check were listed among the top requests, so they were given top priority and are currently manufactured. And then also some requests for animal, camouflage, vegetation-type, paisley, and then even some for native american and ethnic motives, and among all of that, even karakusa popped up. Who is going to wear that?

    ¡¸It will have to wait but we¡¯ll make it. Karakusa¡¯s image is a bit that, but the pattern itself is super pretty and cute? Since it¡¯s another world people here won¡¯t have weird preconceptions, so it definitely will sell?¡¹[1]

    ¡¸Karakusa is a Japanese designation for a vegetation-based pattern depicting various leaves, stems, and vines stretching and entwining, which isn¡¯t that different from European ivy patterns. ¡¹

    Looks like Karakusa-san is fashionable. Certainly, European ivy patterns look fancy both in design and furniture, and is a super staple selling merchandise. Wrapping cloth loop pattern is the only thing that came to my mind when hearing karakusa, but it seems to be deeper than I thought.

    ¡¸The culture clubs¡¯ girls are now working all together around Amou-san from the clothes and apparel club to make patterns. The pictures are drawn by the art club, and patterns are then handled by the handicrafts club. The cultures clubs¡¯ girls are good with their fingers and also understand design, so things are going well.¡¹

    ¡¸They said that they will work on plates for clothes and then fabric when they are done with designs and art plates, so it seems things are going smoothly. The only problem is that designs come with endless combinations of sizes, forms, and patterns. ¡¹

    Clothes and apparel club and handicraft club are a pair of clothing specialists whom I know because they originally made pattern papers and taught me the basics of clothes making, and then there is cooking club girl from whom I learned recipes, and Librarian was always a librarian so naturally, I knew her too. The last member remained a mystery all this time, but turns out she was from the art club. Which reminds me, she kept gazing at the artworks from the main building of the inn, but looks like that was her area of expertise. She¡¯s probably going to lambast them!

    But the conversation is pretty normal? Yeah, it¡¯s just the usual bitches, but I can see them fidgeting through¡ºSpace Perception¡»? Even though moving around makes it harder to measure and needlessly sends additional tactile feedback, they are still fidgeting? But they are talking normally.

    They must be pushing themselves to act normal despite being embarrassed. Even the Pres has told me over and over that while their speech and attitudes might be harsh, they are actually nice girls, just like everyone else. Standing out due to their good looks, and even doing some amateur modeling for fashion magazines they seem to have had their share of envy, spite, and even bullying. But hating to lose they kept a tough front, and thus got on with their lives.

    But the part where they immediately start yelling hasn¡¯t changed at all, by the way, I¡¯m apparently the only one who gets yelled at. Just what is a master?

    Finally finishing temporary models I can feel them trembling as I put them up and adjust them. That might be a normal reaction for being naked in a room with a man. They are doing their best to keep their voices the same as usual, but it¡¯s only natural for them to be scared or embarrassed.

    They are probably the most competitive among the girls. They are the ones who are living earnestly doing their best. And they are also the most ordinary and weak ones.

    That class, that got teleported to another world, was called¡ºCuties Class¡»or¡ºPublic Entertainment Class¡»even by other school years, due to its extremely high ratio of beautiful girls. They probably just collected all of the girls that they were afraid would have bullying problems due to envy or them standing out under the pres. That¡¯s why even the boys had only the wannabe delinquents, the geeks, prone to getting bullied, and the rest filled by various big name folk from various clubs, basically lumping all of the celebs into one class. The biggest mystery is why such an ordinary person as myself was put into that class?

    But other girls didn¡¯t put up a front or pretended to be tough, and just acted normally. They are the strong ones. Compared to the other girls, who were strong enough to act normally even if others were envious or mean, the bitches are emotionally weak. Even now, they are still weak enough to have to put up a strong front, weak enough to be unable to show their vulnerable side.

    ¡¸Speaking of which, still don¡¯t want to release¡ºTamed¡»? I mean, being Tamed by a highschool boy probably doesn¡¯t look good in the eyes of society, and might even be a source of rumors? It also has an immense offensive power for my Affection Rating-san? The offensive power is so great that Affection Rating-san ran away and isn¡¯t coming back. Do you think I should paste¡ºHave you seen?¡»flyers for it? Where should I paste them though?¡¹

    They should be frightened, but they won¡¯t release it anyway. Being in servitude to a highschool boy, unable to refuse an order from him, regardless of what that order might be, should be terrifying to them, but they obstinately refuse to cancel the taming.

    ¡¸¡¸Absolutely no! No way! We haven¡¯t paid back our debt¡­ we are still to¡­ Actually, you are yet to remember our names too! First remember our names and then talk!¡¹¡¹

    Even embarrassed and bright red from the¡ºEvil Hands¡»fitting (tentacle attack) they are still acting tough. Acting strong they are trying to be strong, to make it more than just a pretense. As I thought, they might be weak, but they won¡¯t lose to anyone in their competitiveness.

    But¡­ You know~? Next is bottoms? Even the most self-conceited and unyielding girls of the class had their back give out on them, so it¡¯s probably amazing? Yeah, I really hope you are as tough as you are hoping to be. Hang in there?

    It was impossible.

    But it really was an unexpected turn of events. To think I¡¯d hear ¡ºShtap~¡»from the bitches¡¯ mouths! But even such cultured enthusiasts as the geeks wouldn¡¯t have been able to predict that it will be accompanied by¡ºNm~nyoo~¡». It¡¯s nyoo? Lyooks lyke it was nyoo~ gyood?

    And they are dead?

    The bitches turned into corpses, there is no response, so there is no mistake about this.

    Oh crap! ¡ºTHE closed room. Serial murder case of naked schoolgirls. A highschool boy has entered the room.¡», and the mystery had solved itself! The culprit is already inside! In the first place, if he just strolled inside then it¡¯s not a closed room or anything! There is such an obvious suspect that there is no need to even look for evidence, just grab the culprit, he is right there!

    The highschool boy that is hurriedly putting clothes on unconscious naked schoolgirls in the middle of the night is supposedly doing a good thing, but why does it sound like nothing but a crime? No, I¡¯m actually dressing them up, okay? It might be criminal if I was undressing them, but I¡¯m dressing them up? It¡¯s not what it looks like? No, I can¡¯t look! Or actually, Armored Pres-san¡¯s blindfolding also disappeared, is it just my imagination or is the blindfold not fulfilling its blindfolding function in the slightest? Having dressed them up while keeping the eyes shut, and even carried the girls to their rooms, such a hardworking highschool boy surely has to be innocent.

    But to think I¡¯d get ¡ºShta~p¡»from them. Yeah, a strap dress sounds nice too! Yes, let¡¯s put a strap dress on sexy Armored Pres-san and then do nyoo good things to nyoo good places until she cries out ¡ºNyoo~¡»! Yes, sounds great!

    The girls that tried to act tough tried too hard, there is still steam coming from them.

    But everyone trying too hard and overdoing it is pretty much how it goes in this world these days.

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Karakusa pattern ¨C A variation of scrollwork pattern. The pattern consists of various spirals, and these spirals take their shape from vines and other natural forms. But, karakusa is ¡°a typical¡± design for wrapping cloth and is often used in Japanese visual media for thief/burglar type characters. Which are probably the image issues that Shimazaki is talking about.

 CH 253

    Day 62 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle, Women Bath

    A surprise guest. We got a guest on our girls-only gathering in the bath, Angelica-san came bringing the princess with her.

    We are butt-naked though? But the princess also quickly undressed and entered, her highness stepped inside? She got in.

    ¡¸I never properly introduced myself to you, Shariceres di Diorer, please treat me well?¡¹

    It¡¯s a princess! A princess barged into the bath. Royalty-san has blessed us with her presence in a super sensual appearance? She seems to be super attached to Angelica-san, who apparently became ¡ºOnee-sama¡»? For some reason the princess is in super high spirits while the Maid-san has an incredibly conflicted expression, what is going on?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kya~, the princess! A real princess! A celebrity intrusion-san!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Shari is fine. Right now I¡¯m just Shariceres without any titles. And she is simply Ceres.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Woow, Shari-san is so friendly!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The princess is very popular. She seems very delighted to be surrounded by everyone. And the maid-san was Ceres. Haruka-kun mentioned that she is pretty strong and stays in the princess¡¯ shadow, but even her name was like a shadow. Shariceres-san¡¯s shadow, Ceres-san, not sure if this is easy to remember or confusing?

    With the princess¡¯ platinum blonde hair, the maid-san¡¯s dark blonde makes her look even more like a shadow, but naked in the bath they look more similar than twins, with everything from their physique, build, to muscles being indistinguishably the same. Aaah, she looks so glamorous, truly a sensual body!

    ¡¸Everyone is so beautiful, with this fine black hair, and smooth silky skin, Aaah, so nice to the touch.¡¹

    The princess has joined in on washing each other too, going around, scrubbing one girl after another, looks like she is very impressed by the bubbly body soap? She keeps going through rubbing, stroking, and hugging with each girl. Such a blissful, overjoyed smile.

    Having a princess wash our bodies feels impudent, but the maid, Ceres-san, isn¡¯t saying anything, so it¡¯s probably fine? She is royalty and a daughter of the king, so perhaps her stature prevented her from fooling around, getting overly-familiar or just playing with friends, much less washing each other in the bath.

    That¡¯s why she has such a delighted smile as if she can¡¯t help herself as she is so happily messing around, hugging and washing everyone.

    Surely, she couldn¡¯t do something like this at the capital. In the first place, if the only young girls around her were nobles or retainers then the social position alone definitely would not have allowed this. That¡¯s why she put aside her rank and barged in. She probably wanted to play with friends. It¡¯s something that anyone can do, something that everyone is doing, and yet it wasn¡¯t available for the princess.

    23 Girls turned into one big mass of foam, scrubbing, washing and rubbing each other in basically a bodypile state. If Haruka-kun was here he¡¯d be dead by now. This bodypile of foam covered naked schoolgirls has more than fatal destructive power. But I¡¯m sure he¡¯d die with a smile.

    ¡¸Kyaa! It tickles! Wait, not there!¡¹

    ¡¸Hyaa~, isn¡¯t it fine, isn¡¯t it fine~.¡¹

    A huge uproar with excited shouts and coquettish voices filling the bath as everyone is squeezing and hugging each other covered in bubbly foam.

    Wait, what? Coquettish voices? In a bath with nothing but girls?

    ¡¸Hey! Kya, who was that, no touching there.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s off limits! No, I told you~!¡¹

    As I thought, pretty weird voices can be heard from time to time? Hmm? This is a girls-only gathering, isn¡¯t it? Why are a few girls breathing so rough with a heavy blush on their faces?

    While there was some suspicious activity along the way, everyone is now soaking in the bath, clean and sleek. Bath after dungeon feels particularly great after all.

    ¡¸That soap is amazing, isn¡¯t it~? Everyone¡¯s skin is so soft, smooth, silky, and pretty.¡¹

    Looks like it has the princess¡¯ seal of approval now. She is happily caressing everyone¡¯s skin. She might be royalty, but that bubbly body soap is an extremely exquisite item, so there is no wonder she would be surprised. She seems to have taken a liking to body touch, so she is currently very busy with touching everyone. Hm? There are even more heavy-breathing blushing girls?

    We tried to spar with the princess after that, but she was really strong, an orthodox high-road swordsmanship. She dominates the opponent in an exchange of blows and shuts them down. Knight Princess Shariceres, who mastered royal family self-protection swordsmanship and royal army military anti-human offensive fencing. The queen of the sword.

    She was strong even in one on one, but in two vs two her combination with Ceres-san could be called perfect, leaving no opportunities to exploit for the other party.

    And apparently, right now, Haruka-kun is working on their gear in his room. She might be a princess, but she is still a girl, who laughs and plays with such joy, and yet is trying to venture into the battlefield alone. Shouldering the kingdom and the royal family by herself, she is trying to oppose the war all on her own. Even age-wise, she is only two years older, and still very much a girl. Even though she is a girl whom a smile suits so much, she is heading into the jaws of death of her own volition, simply because she is a part of a royal family.

    I¡¯m sure Haruka-kun is also going to find one excuse or another to go with her. After all, the result of having such a girl on a battlefield all alone is obvious. Too obvious.

    Ceres-san is coming too, but even then, it¡¯s just two of them. Two girls facing a sea of enemies all on their own.

    That¡¯s why he is going along, and if Haruka-kun is going, then his two companions will follow without fail.

    Which only means that some mere trio was added to that mere duo, but those three are definite Champions of Strongest and the Baddest Ever Grand Prix with certain hall of fame induction. If asked who would they prefer to fight, those three, 30,000 strong army, or 30,000 monsters, everyone will definitely take 30,000 of anything without hesitation. Or even a volume set of 60,000 both humans and monsters. I mean, from the perspective of these three, a 30,000 strong army or monster horde is just that, a mere 30,000.

    However, the Second Prince might make a move too. If that were to happen, a need to split into two groups might arise. But if for some reason Haruka-kun can¡¯t go with her, then we can go instead, after all, we are already friends. We even hung out naked in the bath, if we swept that under the rug and forsake her it would put shame on us as girls, but what¡¯s even more important, we wouldn¡¯t be able to face Haruka-kun.

    But fighting a huge army or humans is both new for us. Not only are we inexperienced, but there is also a degree of unpredictability. We can¡¯t afford to break up our group.

    Let¡¯s build up some strategies and tactics at our girls-only gatherings. The princess, Shari-san, is a military expert and also a general, so we can have her teach us. What war is all about, what humans murdering each other is all about.

    And if I remember correctly, Shimazaki-san and Kenbishi-san¡¯s tamed duo was supposed to face the ordeal of bra making today~¡­ It will take a while for them to come back, and even when they do, they likely won¡¯t have strength left to participate in the discussion. They are going to get measured so hard~.

    Shimazaki-san¡¯s group of tamed girls has an incredible loyalty to Haruka-kun. It can even be said that they are worshiping him. And thus, they have extra nervousness towards him, I wonder if this is going to be alright?

    ¡¸Speaking of which~, since they are tamed~ by Haruka-kun, they won¡¯t be able to refuse if he orders them, right~? And there~, they are going to get naked in front of him~? Won¡¯t they get assaulted~? Given lewd orders~? Perhaps going¡ºMaster~¡»~? Forced by¡ºOrder¡»to do thi~s or tha~t, or even thaat~?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹¡¹

    Two girls sunk into the water with bright red faces. That¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t be imagining that.

    It¡¯s risky even if you manage to purge worldly thoughts. The repeated attack of that gentle caress by wriggling Evil Hands (sizing), touch, and feel, and knead (fitting), and then rubbing and stroking (adjusting), has far too great a Maiden Destruction Ability! And then there is¡­ the bottom too, the bottom, the bottom is¡­¡¡(Splash)

    (Sinking in Progress)

    Haruka-kun keeps calling them awful names like bitches, but they are super pure hearted maidens, so please spare them excessive stimulation? The responsible, honest and earnest girls, that still fret about the past, especially what happened with us and Oda-kun and the others. That¡¯s why they saying that ¡º¡ºBitches¡»are enough for us¡», so honest and diligent that they started to call themselves the Bitches Group on their own. It¡¯s far too pitiful, so please, remember their names already? And ours too?

 CH 254

    Day 63 ¨C Morning, Murimuri Castle.

    A plenary meeting. With each faction leader in attendance, everyone raised policy suggestions, reconciled them, and decided on the future course of actions.

    This time alone, a certain problem person, who has no intentions of reconciling anything, and more inclined to pulverize everything into dust, was also taking part, but since letting him speak would destroy the conference, Angelica-san is covering his mouth from behind. I mean, no matter the time and place he is always thoroughly and utterly the same meeting crusher, discussion destroyer, and participant genocider, so he gets a seal on his mouth!

    As ideas are proposed, arguments begin, the assembly heats up, and Haruka-kun is sleeping! Well, if he has no intention of listening, then sealing his mouth destroys any meaning of his participation, let¡¯s let him sleep.

    A) Frontier Army crushes the First Prince and proceeds to the Capital. This is Omui-sama¡¯s idea, meanwhile, we garrison Murimuri Castle. Beating an army of 30,000 with 3,000 soldiers and then sieging 20,000 at the capital, it¡¯s hopeless.

    B) The Royal Prince¡¯s forces negotiate with the First Prince, proceed to the capital. This is the Royal Prince¡¯s idea. Reconcile with the First Prince by handing over Haruka-kun, and then head to rescue the King. The probability of reaching a compromise is too low, and the person that will be handed over has not a splinter of reconciliation ability. That¡¯s just an annihilation strategy of throwing three destroyers into the enemy camp.

    C) The Royal Prince¡¯s forces and the Frontier Army head to the capital for negotiations with the Second Prince, if it doesn¡¯t work, crush him, then negotiate with the First Prince. This is also the Royal Prince¡¯s idea. Why doesn¡¯t he get that handing this person over would lead not to reconciliation but to obliteration!? That¡¯s like going to talks while carrying a nuclear warhead, which definitely has nothing to do with negotiating.

    D) Barricade in Murimuri Castle, defeat incoming forces. Our proposal, safe and certain. But¡­ It also means abandoning people of the kingdom. We know only the frontier and the people that live here. But for the others¡­ Especially the people of the Royal Army, who might have families, friends, and lovers left at the capital.

    E) Everyone goes to liberate the Capital, the defenses are¡­ Haruka-kun alone. Naturally, this wildly protested suggestion came from Haruka-kun. Moreover, it even includes him tagging along all the way to the capital, and turning back to strike at the enemy, a completely absurd idea. But Angelica-san is nodding. Slime-san is going jiggle-jiggle too.

    F) Is the instantly rejected Shariceres-sama¡¯s idea. The point is, she would hold back the First Prince¡¯s army, meanwhile, everyone would retake the capital while defending the frontier. She is very eager, but attempting that with just two people is too reckless. Absolutely no! If she is going, then we absolutely aren¡¯t letting her leave alone.

    No one can agree, and no one can persuade the others. Option A is too reckless and has no prospects of victory, but if we go with them it might not be impossible to pull it off. But in that case, the frontier will be left completely defenseless.

    Option F, she doesn¡¯t seem like she is trying to die, but that usually would kill you, so it¡¯s out of the question. But if Haruka-kun goes with her they should have an easy time slowing and delaying them with guerilla warfare. Slowing down might include complete annihilation and extermination.

    B and C are¡­ crazy in their own way, that is something that shouldn¡¯t be handed over. That is a Present-san that will bring a wretched end to the unfortunate receiver.

    And we can¡¯t convince them to use D, it¡¯s an absolutely foolproof failsafe plan, but its safety extends only to the frontier. There is no way to persuade people that have loved ones left in the capital. We wouldn¡¯t agree to this if we were in the same position either!

    Then¡­ It¡¯s E.

    ¡¸No, I mean, like, it¡¯s that, you know? You get it? Even if left alone, the first one is coming here anyway, it¡¯s not like he has any other choice so we can just wait for him? Kind of? And since he is so slow we can just go to the capital first, off them, and go back, there is still more anyway? Ah, but this might not be the real one, so maybe it¡¯s better to send Slime-san on an errand with the Geeks and Idiots? So this should be it I think? Sort of?¡¹

    As expected, no one understood a thing, but apparently the army of the First Prince ¡ºIs coming here anyway¡»since ¡ºIt¡¯s not like he has any other choice¡», and even if the Capital is retaken and the army of the First Prince is intercepted, ¡ºThere is still more?¡»it seems, and ¡ºThis might not be the real one¡», so something else is waiting.

    All that we apparently have to do is put pressure on the capital, deal with whatever tricks that might come, and just wait. If we feign a siege they should fall on their own with protracted fighting.

    And Haruka-kun seems to have no problem with defending Murimuri Castle alone. With Angelica-san going with Stalker Girl-chan¡¯s group and even Slime-san leaving with Oda-kun, truly alone, without anyone to guard him. He is going to fight in this castle by himself.

    The Royal Prince keeps screaming¡ºEscaping, are you!¡»or¡ºSeize him¡», but everyone else is silent. No matter how one thinks about it, E is absurd. But that¡¯s the only suggestion that reads into the underlinings of the war and what is to come after it. And even the extremely overprotective Angelica-san who absolutely doesn¡¯t want to separate is nodding. Even Slime-san is bouncing in agreement.

    ¡¸Like, alone, but it¡¯s, like, sort of easier by myself? I mean, they seem to have an ace up their sleeve, but not really? So to prevent them from hiding it we have them pull it out and when they do crush them, I mean, they are going down if they don¡¯t pull it out anyway. And since I¡¯m going to crush them, having lots of people around would be a problem? Like, it will sprout so they¡¯ll be in the way? Kind of?¡¹

    He seems to have a plan, but as usual, we can¡¯t understand what he is saying. It sounds nothing but reckless. The only thing I can tell is that he isn¡¯t cautious of the First Prince¡¯s 30,000 strong army, rather, he is talking as if it¡¯s already over for them. Then he must be speaking of what is to come after that.

    We can¡¯t find an agreement. We can¡¯t settle on anything, and the conclusion can¡¯t be reached..

    Haruka-kun is discussing something with Oda-kun and others? Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group is also with them, but they aren¡¯t listening. Could it be about the¡ºErrand¡»that he mentioned? Oda-kun and others look unusually serious.

    ¡¸President~. How about we agree on something at least in a girls-only gathering? It is precisely because developments are so sudden that we need to have some sort of direction settled in advance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Agreed, everyone is probably going to scatter?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Everyone moving on their own is the worst. The frontier¡¯s side is the fewest in number to begin with, if they end up splitting it wouldn¡¯t be possible to even make it into a fight.

    Omui-sama is persuading the Royal Prince, meanwhile, we will stop the princess. She has the highest risk of going amok. Her and the royal army.

    ¡¸Shariceres-sama, we are going to hold a summit (Girls-Only Gathering), would you like to join us? We have tea and sweets prepared?¡¹

    We surely got the princess with this. Her expression turned from valiantly tragic to a smile at one mention of sweets. Previously, Haruka-kun seems to have told her¡ºYou can¡¯t eat sweets if you are dead¡», in a way incredibly wise words. His mouth usually mass-produces nonsense that can¡¯t be considered even falsely profound and is closer to psychedelic, without even a shred of truth to it, but among all of the ridiculous stuff that he says, there are sometimes, seldom, very rarely, words that no one can retort to.

    ¡¸Stalker Girl-chan, pay close attention to Haruka-kun. Reward is ten sweets.¡¹

    ¡¸Leave it to me! Get me something Sweetylicious.¡¹

    I got a bell on Haruka-kun¡¯s neck. This time even Angelica-san and Slime-san approve of his idea. We can¡¯t read his movements, in other words, we have to act before he makes a move, or it will be too late to react.

    Moving to a large room we begin a Girls-only meeting with tea and sweets.

    ¡¸If Haruka-kun says he is fine alone then he must have some sort of a plan. Wouldn¡¯t nonchalantly strolling into Haruka-kun¡¯s well prepared welcome normally get one totally destroyed?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m a bit uneasy about leaving Haruka-kun alone, but the welcome includes Fake Dungeon and Murimuri Castle¡¯s traps~, and the person who is awaiting them at the end is Haruka-kun himself¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Like, Welcome to Hell?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    But there seems to be something after that. Rather, suppose he comes with us to the capital, then going back and welcoming the first prince is fine, but can we return in time for what is coming after that? Can we take the Capital in such a short time period? And he seems to have some idea about that too, claiming that it will fall on its own if we just wait.

    ¡¸The real fight seems to be coming after that, and Oda-kun¡¯s errand seems to be important too?¡¹

    ¡¸What worries me is Angelica-san going on a separate mission with the Stalker Girl, for him to have no one around¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Want to leave someone behind for protection? Like Shield Pres or Gymnastics Girl¡­¡¹

    Having someone guarding him would be reassuring. Shield Girl-chan can handle unavoidable attacks, and Gymnastics Girl can take care of assassins. However, it¡¯s not like our formation has that much leeway, and even if Haruka-kun is fine on his own, it might be too dangerous to leave Shield Pres-chan or Gymnastics Girl there alone.

    Even Shimazaki-san¡¯s group, who probably want to remain by his side the most, aren¡¯t saying anything. The tamed group absolutely can¡¯t be taken off the main force. Especially if Kakizaki and Oda-kun¡¯s groups aren¡¯t coming. That¡¯s why they are enduring it without saying a word.

    ¡¸If Oda-kun and Kakizaki-kun¡¯s parties aren¡¯t coming we can¡¯t afford to remove anyone from the formation, consider 20 people to be the bare minimum.¡¹

    Haruka-kun¡¯s explanation is too cryptic for understanding. I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s the way he speaks when he is trying to hide something. He must be up to something dangerous, but if so, Angelica-san and Slime-san definitely wouldn¡¯t leave his side, is this actually going to be okay?

    ¡¸Ehm, can we join the group too? We¡¯d like to be helpful at least while we are together.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Really? Totally yes, and big welcome~!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸The princess legion has formed!¡¹

    There is only one princess, so it¡¯s not even a group. Well, if we call Meriel-sama we¡¯d have two? Maybe we should try asking her? It¡¯s dubious if that would count as a group, but at least that would be enough for plural form.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s have legion practice? Together with the princess!¡¹

    For group combat practice we had the princess give us a lecture on army combat, while for the party action we ended up with a study meeting where the princess was the one learning.

    It was very educational for me as a commander. While she wasn¡¯t bringing up any complicated military maneuvers or orders, her instructions were very precise. Her formations and plans were simple, but effective, with situation assessment being largely overshadowed by risk detection, and the amazing judgment that wouldn¡¯t let an opportunity slip. Truly a general.

    ¡¸Everyone is so strong! Even your individual strength is overwhelming, but fighting as a group your war potential is greater by orders of magnitude! You can fight even 10,000 army with just 30 people!¡¹

    In turn, she bombarded me with questions on tactics and cooperation, ways to combine skills, offensive and defensive sequences. She even took notes like a diligent student.

    In the end, the princess legion worked quite well, with cooperation and formations functioning as intended. Even though she is a princess she has a frontline job, capable of filling roles of tank or melee attacker, she is tough and hard hitting. That¡¯s the symbol of the royal army. Princess Diorer.

    The strength of the one who continuously fought for the sake of the Kingdom, the strength that protected its people. So this time, we are going to protect the princess.

 CH 255

    Day 63 ¨C Late Morning, Murimuri Castle.

    It probably won¡¯t take them a week, having the capital seized they should move in a hurry.

    The initial estimation is seven days¡­ Four days is too much I guess? Maybe five? If six then is it the same thing? What¡¯s the point? But three days are impossible with that slowness.

    The prince and the third division have separated. The nobles too.

    Splitting into groups of several thousands they are making their way. The army that is following the prince belongs to the great marquis house.

    He might be called a prince, but he is a stupid prince that together with his mother, who comes from that great marquis house, is glued to it. I mean, if you are going to stick that close together, you naturally won¡¯t get chosen as a crown prince even if you are the oldest son? A real dumbass.

    Even if the army of that prince rushes as much as they can it probably won¡¯t amount to much. I had given Remote Control Armed Reconnaissance Golem-kun to Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen, so even if they switched to a forced march, they are probably stopped in their tracks every time they get harassed. And it seems that even after reconnaissance in force, there are no signs of a hidden ace for the first prince¡¯ army. At the very least, no hidden units revealed themselves.

    I wonder what he was thinking when he decided to attack? Well, probably nothing, in other words, he is being manipulated. But is he a distraction or a disposable pawn used for scouting? Well, probably both.

    I don¡¯t know what sort of countermeasures they prepared for the Fake Dungeon, but if he is coming with military might alone then he is a sucker. And not of the good kind that tentacles have, but a completely useless one. Being attached to some sort of an interesting monster could¡¯ve given him at least some merit, but I have no need for him otherwise. Let¡¯s pulverize him into dust and forget.

    Even if I reach the capital in one day, I¡¯ll have only five days to demolish the forces of the second prince that holed up there. But to think they¡¯ll shut themselves in before the person with an actual ¡ºHikikomori¡»title? Are they looking down on Hikikomori? We are short on time, but the middle-aged men are having another useless chat (meeting)? It wouldn¡¯t take us even one day, the Pres and the others too should be able to easily reach it in two days with time to spare. But armies are slow, even elites on a forced march might barely make it in two days.

    And even if they make it there, they definitely aren¡¯t making it back in time.

    According to the Stalker Girl clan¡¯s information, the elite royal guard under the direct command of Royal Girl who were driven away by the Fake Dungeon, are currently reorganizing in one of the towns located along the way. Taking into consideration the time required to rearm them, even two days might be not enough. I wish they¡¯d just get moving since we don¡¯t have time.

    In that case, maybe I should take the Royal Prince¡¯s idea and have him send me to the first¡¯s place, crush it a bit, and then head to the capital at once. Then I will be able to rejoin others in less than two days. But the first might slow down from that small attack, possibly requiring more than a week to reach the frontier. If he takes too much time, then the hiding main target might make a move. So this is the fastest?

    It¡¯s bothersome and will probably complicate things, throwing calculations out the window, but I¡¯d rather take that than be delayed by this. Promptly writing down the plan as E + B + A combination I hand it to the aide person. What¡¯s left is to await the reply. I made it look like a combination of the plans from both middle-aged men, so it should be a good common ground.

    Which is just perfect, since even by Stalker Girl¡¯s clan information the prince seems like nothing decent, so it might be better to head out to him by ourselves.

    The other party still hasn¡¯t shown themselves, so there is a chance that they aren¡¯t even there. I sent out the geeks to at least get them out there ahead of time, but if it ruins the sequence it would be a problem¡­ Well, giving them instructions is useless anyway, and I gave detailed directions to Slime-san, so let¡¯s just leave them be.

    Now it¡¯s the matter of being able to concentrate our forces until their trump card comes into play, if we won¡¯t finish it in seven days it will become a problem, if it takes more than ten days it will probably be too late. And I¡¯ll have to be ready by then too, that¡¯s when the real welcome begins. Everyone does as they please, so I don¡¯t think anyone will complain if I do as I please as well?

    ¡¸Aah~, I can¡¯t get their hidden trump off my mind. If it¡¯s nothing special then we can take it easy, but underestimating them and getting destroyed by our own negligence is way too foolish. I have some preparations in place, but no matter how much I prepare it will always be far from perfect, in the end, there is no way to fully prepare for everything. In that case, I have to finish them before they make their move or it will be the same as defeat. I mean, I¡¯d totally do it, in that case I need countermeasures in case they¡¯d do it, and a plan to prevent them from doing so~.¡¹

    (Nod-Nod)

    Librarian was the only one who predicted the war and factored in for that, and yet to think that I¡¯d end up getting a late start, what a blunder. My Affection Rating is currently missing as it is, if I add a slip of my own on top of that, making some sort of error, then Affection Rating-san will vanish into oblivion!

    Looks like I have no other choice but to bet everything on bamboo shoots. To think that after finally leaving Mushroom Forest I¡¯ll have to create Bamboo Village with my own hands¡­ Life was unpredictable in the original world, and that didn¡¯t change here.

    ¡¸So I¡¯ll go bamboo for a bit, when the reply comes relay¡ºPrepare to leave immediately¡», okay? Then, I¡¯ll be off, I don¡¯t think it will take even two hours, but I¡¯m counting on you for the rest?¡¹

    (Nod-Nod)

    Since it is in the castle premises there is no need for the escort, and the setup itself is pretty easy, requiring only to observe the result afterwards, so let¡¯s quickly get done with it. Pres and the others went on dungeon exploration, even inviting Royal Girl and Merimeri-san with them, so I¡¯ll have to check for hidden rooms later. There is so much I have to take care of, and yet I¡¯m stuck waiting for middle-aged men, which kind of pisses me off.

    ¡¸Unexpected Farming Life in Another World? But since it¡¯s not for harvesting but for Reaping, so this bamboo planting is food waste in a way? But it¡¯s also an energy friendly cost friendly weapon? ¡¹

    The main force of the first prince¡¯s army is the third division and nobles¡¯ armies. The core of the army is heavy infantry equipped with enchanted heavy armor, great shields, and more than three-meter-long lances, and mage corps. That¡¯s why they are so slow. Like, really slow. Slow enough that even Turtle-san could easily overtake them, pull off a drift, and leave them in the dust. And Rabbit-san would have to wait for so long that sleep out of boredom will transition into an eternal one. Ignoring them would make it easier, but the Royal Prince is still fixated on negotiating with them. Meripapa-san is also worried about simply letting them pass, so it¡¯s worth messing with them a bit. And also¡­

    Middle-Aged Men needlessly burden themselves with various things in proportion to how long they live, so they seem to be incapable of fast travel. But no matter how much they shoulder, if the weight slows down their movements, then in the end, the destructive power is no different from lightweight but fast. And speed is power. After all, the one who kills the other party first ¨C wins, and with swiftness, one can kill one enemy after another. In war, it¡¯s better to destroy the enemy faster rather than cower under heavy defenses.

    One can do only what one is capable of. That¡¯s why, since I can¡¯t protect, I will go around killing, or, in the worst case, intimidate them into behaving themselves. Guerillas are the strongest force. They can only huddle together and walk straight to the Frontier. Welcoming Preparations are such a pain though? Like, bamboo shoots planting? I thought we¡¯d have them with rice, but an unexpected cultivation plan came up, even though they look so delicious.

    ¡¸Haruka-sama, Omui-sama wishes to talk with you, do you happen to have time? If it suits you we can bring him to you or even have him wait somewhere.¡¹

    It¡¯s Aide-san. I wonder if it¡¯s just my imagination, but it feels like every time we meet Meripapa¡¯s treatment gets worse and worse? Well, all he does is have useless meetings all day long, so he definitely has lots of free time. Even though I¡¯m dripping with sweat, working hard at planting bamboo, well, ¡ºEvil Hands¡» do.

    ¡¸I¡¯m done here, so I don¡¯t mind, is it finally over? Middle-aged man vs Middle-aged man useless discussion?¡¹

    ¡¸A conclusion has been reached. Are you truly fine with this? His Excellency is¡­¡¹

    ¡¸He wants to do the same thing as me, so why not? Actually, that is his earnest and desperate attempt at acting with the best intentions. This is the only option he had left. Most likely.¡¹

    ¡¸Mellotosam-sama surely will not give up on the Kingdom, or his friend the King, or the King¡¯s younger brother, but what about you, Haruka-sama? Do you have a reason to help? Going through with such a nonsensical farce¡­ When you could simply¡­ ¡¹

    I see, so he has a problem not with Meripapa-san but with the royal middle-aged man, and so he is displeased with Meripapa-san who is covering for the Royal Prince. And probably displeased with the fact that Meripapa-san doesn¡¯t work at all too. I mean, every time I go to the lord¡¯s mansion he is just sitting in a massage chair?

    Well, that royal middle-aged man seems to be universally hated, no matter who you ask. But even so, that is a pitiful powerless and incompetent hero who is very desperate to save the kingdom. A good for nothing hero in motivation alone, who has no ability, no power, and no talent to become one.

    A foolish hero, that keeps struggling, thinking ¡ºLet¡¯s do something¡» and ¡ºSomething must be done¡», knowing well enough that he lacks the power or ability to do anything, and keeps blindly fumbling around with the only thing he can offer, his worthless head.

    ¡¸It¡¯s meaningless, but there might be worth?¡¹

    Without anyone counting on him, abandoned and deserted by everyone, without a single ally to speak of, he keeps needlessly wrecking his head for the sake of the kingdom, pointlessly agonizing, and incompetently floundering, sticking to it no matter how helplessly he might get beaten up. The incompetent hero that continues his meaningless lonely fight, likely unable to ever accomplish anything or to see his efforts rewarded.

    ¡¸Meaningless, useless, powerless, and incompetent, but there was the pride? I guess?¡¹

    Inept struggle that worsened the situation the more he struggled, strangling his own neck with his own hands. Even so, he couldn¡¯t find it in himself to give up, even willing to give up his own life. He might¡¯ve been nothing but a useless stand-in substitute for a king who couldn¡¯t but keep sinking deeper into the quagmire with every step he took, and even so, he tried to act the King. Even though he can¡¯t do anything even if he were to throw that head away and crawl his way to the goal, he still keeps crawling.

    A ruler on the verge of becoming headless on top of being brainless. Useless, meaningless, worthless, and helpless, but even so, that pitiful thing is the king.

    That¡¯s why even if no one acknowledges him and all he has is the ridicule, scorn, and disdain of others, he is still a hero.

    Even though he can¡¯t do anything, or rather, it would¡¯ve been better if he didn¡¯t even try, as everything he does is nothing but a nuisance, he keeps fighting. Unable to hold anything, not acknowledged by anyone, he keeps meaninglessly struggling in vain.

    ¡¸Although his recklessness goes beyond helpless and incompetent futility, and is more of an actual disaster, even if no one knows, even if there is no meaning to it at all, that is a hero (king). I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s how heroes are?¡¹

    That¡¯s why the kingdom will be saved. To be honest, I couldn¡¯t care less and it would¡¯ve been faster to just smash it. Royal Girl seems to have no interest in the throne too, so there is no merit to keeping this finished kingdom, and getting it over with surely would¡¯ve been quicker and easier.

    But even if he seems to possess nothing, it seems there was something. Royal Girl and Futile Hero were both saying the same thing ¡ºFor the sake of the people, the turmoil has to be avoided¡», even though it¡¯s far too late for that, and armies are marching with weapons in hand, they still tried to jump in front of them to stop it. Astonishingly incompetent, inadequate, inept, and ignorant royalty.

    But that is why Meripapa-san, the lord of the frontier, that suffered the most from that incompetency and powerlessness, is trying to fight for the royal family. The recklessness of this royal family is so infinitely great that it¡¯s awe inspiring.

    ¡¸So inept that they lost to the foreign pressure, were betrayed by nobles, and lost control over the budget. And yet they continued assistance, even if they had to sell the royal family¡¯s heirlooms? Then it can¡¯t be helped, investment (favor) requires repayment? I guess?¡¹

    That¡¯s why the kingdom will be saved it seems. As inept, futile, lacking in planning, power, and knowledge, as they might be, they still recklessly tried to stop the civil war, so who can tell them that it¡¯s impossible. That¡¯s why the kingdom will be saved, an inept nuisance that he may be, and likely will remain for the rest of his life, the foolish ruler filling in for the king, unknowingly to anyone, probably even himself, will become an unsung hero that saved the kingdom.

    After all, at that point he is on utterly the same level as Meripapa-san. So if both are the same thing, then who cares if that¡¯s how the royal family is. Even if they inherited no ability or talent, as long as they inherited the heart they might as well be inept and helpless. In all their worthless futility, they managed to show the principle, the most priceless thing among all the worthlessness.

    That¡¯s why there is no civil, I mean, they ain¡¯t going to fight? With such a pathetic and helpless hero that is so ineptly, unwittingly, and valiantly crawling through the dirt, it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal if a random side character capable of nothing but killing passed by.

    A coincidental pass by along-the-way extermination it is.

 CH 256

    Day 63 ¨C The Kingdom, Roadway.

    I was finally able to send out an envoy to the¡ºFrontier Subjugation Force¡», the army led by the First Prince, getting the word through.

    I made the point to put the blame for disobeying the Church and the nobles entirely on that brat, asserting the Frontier¡¯s innocence. I even obtained their agreement to sign off on keeping their hands off the Frontier in exchange for the brat and the treasures of the dungeon master.

    This is where the battle, the negotiations, begin.

    They will likely want me to yield the throne to the First Prince as the King¡¯s stand-in, but it won¡¯t go that way. In the first place, the Second Prince has rose in rebellion, occupying the Capital, so I can claim that I¡¯m unable to make it official until it¡¯s retaken, and have the First Prince liberate the capital, after which I can establish a proper regency to limit his powers, and then make moves to prevent the Church and Great Nobles Houses from controlling him.

    And once they sheath their swords, common soldiers won¡¯t be able to find it in them to point their weapons at the royal family again, much less at Princess Shariceres. Use that opportunity to dismantle and then reorganize the royal army, and have the nobles pledge their fealty anew.

    I ruined everything after the brother fell ill, so at the very least, I have to return everything to the way it was before, or I won¡¯t be able to show my face before the brother.

    As much as I dislike that brat, since I¡¯ll be handing a young man of a foreign country, moreover, one that has Mellotosam-sama¡¯s favor, I¡¯ll make it up with my life once everything settles down. I¡¯m sure no one needs a head of an incompetent king¡¯s substitute, but this is the only thing I can offer in compensation, not as royalty or a ruler but as myself. Incompetent, inept, lacking in talent in ability who simply was born into the royal family, the only thing I have left to offer in apology is my life. I won¡¯t ask for forgiveness, not like I could even if I wanted. It¡¯s only natural that I will be resented, hated, bashed, and condemned.

    But the Kingdom needed that brat¡¯s life. Even without begging for forgiveness, I will pay with my head later.

    It¡¯s as if he doesn¡¯t comprehend the situation in the slightest. The brat is standing aloof.

    The insolent irritating cheeky brat. Through sheer luck he obtained a nice life and even a status. The Kingdom was thrown into disarray, suffering because of those treasures. That brat is a blight of this land. But Lord Mellotosam¡¯s words are also true, he is innocent, but he will have to die. That is a crime of my incompetence. As displeasing and infuriating as he might be, his death is the fault of my incompetent self.

    The gorgeous silver armor is beside him. That has to be the dungeon master¡¯s relic. The very source of this conflict.

    Handing it to the church is vexing, but I can¡¯t allow the blood of the frontier, of the Kingdom¡¯s subjects to spill.

    That thought alone has brought me this far. I¡¯ve finally reached this point.

    But it all was for naught.

    Regardless of whether we are willing to hand over the brat and the armor or not, we have ourselves surrounded. Negotiations and agreements were all lies. Soldiers that were lying in ambush cut off all our escape routes.

    So from the very beginning, they had no intention to negotiate. And compared to the few dozen soldiers that we brought, they came with an exaggerated force of hundreds, no, maybe even a thousand? A thousand soldiers that appeared out of thin air, were they concealing themselves with some sort of a magic tool from the Church? Well, even if we established that, it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. Everything was too late from the very beginning, and I¡¯m a clown who came on his own to have the finishing blow delivered to the kingdom.

    A disgraceful end, not only what I¡¯ve done had no meaning, but it also only pointlessly enlarged the damage, as my incompetence paid with evil for good, a comical end fitting for an incompetent person like myself.

    I even forced my own way against Mellotosam-sama¡¯s objections to take the brat with me all the way here. Thinking that it will finally mark the beginning of negotiations.

    Confirming the figures of the brat and the beautiful silver armor, their only response was a single world of¡ºKill¡». There wasn¡¯t any talks (start) to be had, I¡¯m just a stupid fool that unwittingly came to his death (goal).

    And I even dragged the brat that Mellotosam-sama considers his benefactor into this. A stupid idiot that came to hand over dungeon master¡¯s weaponry to the enemy.

    The First Prince Gvaday is looking down on this with a look of contempt. You are an inept fool too, you pig-faced failure of a prince!

    For the one lacking in talent or ability, being born into the royal family is a tragedy. Despite being blessed with life of abundance and splendid education, it is precisely that exceptional guidance and training that allows one to truly grasp the depths of one¡¯s incapableness, incompetence and powerlessness. That¡¯s why I at least did what I could to be a good tool for the brother, the King. Even if I couldn¡¯t be an outstanding tool, I would¡¯ve been content with being useful, an easy to use instrument. Since that was the only use I saw for myself, I single-mindedly devoted myself to being loyal, diligently doing my work, doing my best to avoid bringing shame to the royal family.

    But the First Prince borrowed the power of his mother¡¯s Great Marquis House, seeking authority without realizing his incompetence. He didn¡¯t even have the pride of royalty.

    But in the end, it was I who brought shame to the royal family, sullying the king¡¯s authority with my disgraceful ineptitude. Obeying without thinking for I lack in ability, doing nothing as I was afraid of doing anything unnecessary for my lack of talent, it¡¯s only natural that I couldn¡¯t fill the king¡¯s role. I knew it, I understood it painfully well. That¡¯s why I kept struggling, at least until the brother recovers, I thought, as I thrashed around until I finally chose the worst possible finale and jumped into it head first.

    So my foolishness is going to be the end of the Kingdom? Even if a puppet kingdom remains, with that pig prince as a king the royal family¡¯s pride is no more. He won¡¯t bother with governing for the sake of the subjects.

    Royal Family, founded for the sake of people with support of the people and vassals, will see it¡¯s long legacy come to an end with my incompetence. Helped by its subjects and sustained by the vassals, it will end up repaying that debt with ingratitude. Everything is over. The last foolish ruler destroyed it all.

    It¡¯s silly regretting this now, but if it comes to a meaningless end, then let¡¯s at least put up the last futile resistance.

    ¡¸Hey, brat! Run away. ¡­And sorry.¡¹

    Looks like the last folly of the kingdom¡¯s last foolish ruler is going to be covering for a rude, impudent brat. If it wasn¡¯t for me bringing him here, he wouldn¡¯t have died, the only thing I can do now is to die while trying to shield him! I¡¯m a no good knight, who has no proper swordsmanship, talent, or even sufficient Skills. A useless feeble knight who can¡¯t even protect a level 20 kid, even stalling for time is too much for me. But I can¡¯t die after him.

    Wait, what?

    ¡¸Eehm, Old man substitute? No, you aren¡¯t a substitute, you yourself are an old man enough, but you are standing in for another old man, so old man substituting old man? Anyway, old man. Don¡¯t get in the way, okay? The handover is complete, so it¡¯s too late, the delivery was accepted, returns are not possible. It¡¯s payment with life on delivery, so I¡¯m going to charge it from them? Kind of?¡¹

    The brat stepped out. Dismissing my words by claiming that it¡¯s too late. It¡¯s only natural that I would be disparaged, I don¡¯t even have words to apologize to him, and even if I died trying to cover for him, there is no way to survive. It is a matter of course that a foolish ruler that couldn¡¯t save his kingdom, his subjects, and even dragged a foreign brat into this, would be cursed, bashed, and resented. But why would he step in front?

    ¡¸Can you get any dumber? Why would they diligently come with lance-armed heavy infantry to ambush unarmed envoys? Why wouldn¡¯t you scout ahead and confirm the terrain? There is no such plain in this area, you know? Fighting a war without a map is way too stupid, ah, damn I really hate this! Like, what was the point of all the preparations that I¡¯ve done so far? Is how staggeringly dumb it is? And the prince is a pig? Hey, why did you even make a pig into a prince? Previously there was an orc mayor or something, and now a pig for a prince? Are you that starved for personnel? Didn¡¯t you have at least an orc around? They are at least humanoid, so compared to a pig¡­ Hm? Wait a moment, I sort of feel like it doesn¡¯t matter at all! I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸Tear that brat with a nasty look to pieces! Chop off his limbs, and leave him alive! He dared to call my Noble Self, the future King, a pig. I won¡¯t let him die so easily. I¡¯ll torment him to death, torturing him until he weeps¡ºPlease have mercy and grant me sweet release of death¡»!¡¹

    An insolent brat until the end, but for that pig it¡¯s just perfect, I excuse him that one! Well done! Rather, a pig is too nice for him. We are both stains on the royal family¡¯s name, but possessing no pride of royalty being a pig is enough for him. But I can¡¯t let this brat suffer, first I¡¯ll be your opponent¡­? Opponent? Where did the opponents go?

    Below. They are in the ground, sinking into the soil¡­ What is this?

    ¡¸GYAAAAAAAAAAH, help, help me¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Sa-sa-save me, please¡­¡¹

    ¡¸GUWAH, I CAN¡¯T GET OUT! I CAN¡¯T!¡¹

    ¡¸Pull me out! I¡¯m sinking! Hurry¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Gyaaah! Breathe! I can¡¯t bre¡ª¡¹

    ¡¸Someone, help me, someone! Shit, don¡¯t pull me!¡¹

    ¡¸Why! There was no swamp here a moment ago¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My armor! I can¡¯t take it off! Someone, take it off! Please¡­¡¹

    ¡¸A, AAH, GAH. Guobughbugh¡­¡¹

    Heavy infantry that were surrounding us are helplessly sinking into the swamp in their prized heavy armor. Rather, it¡¯s that heavy armor that they are so proud of that is killing them, preventing them from escaping with its weight. The negotiation site that until a while ago was just a flat plain, turned into a deep swamp, and that swamp became hell for the soldiers.

    ¡¸Help you? Save you? Well, did you? Helping the people is the army¡¯s duty, but did you help the people from the villages that you attacked when they were crying for their lives? No, you didn¡¯t, far from that, you killed them. Do you seriously think that after doing that someone will save you when you cry for it? You fell so low in the military that you are no different from bandits now, so how about you go even lower and just sink to the ground? I mean, it would spare the effort of burying you, so everyone will rejoice? What? Don¡¯t tell me that you thought that anyone would mourn your deaths? No no no, you can¡¯t be complaining about getting cruelly killed after murdering others like that? If you don¡¯t like that, you should have stuck to being proper soldiers, but it¡¯s too late for that. Yeah, I¡¯m not saving you, okay?¡¹

    The brat is talking, but there is no one left to hear him or answer. They don¡¯t have such luxury, raising heartbreaking screams they are miserably buried into the ground, sinking, drowning.

    Swallowed by the quagmire the soldiers are trashing and struggling, crying in terror as their bodies are devoured by muddy soil. Without a chance for a fight, they sink and vanish, unable to escape the weight of their heavy armaments.

    ¡¸What! What is this! What have you done, you bastard, WHAT HAVE YOU DOOOOONE! GUbah!¡¹

    All of the troops are sinking into the ground. And only that brat is standing there aloof in his black mantle. Standing there without any changes to his look, as if nothing happened at all.

    ¡¸No, it was a swamp from the very beginning, you know? If you jump into the middle of a swamp that merely had its surface hardened a bit, wearing heavy armor, you¡¯d usually end up drowning? The surface isn¡¯t solid anymore, so the more you struggle the faster you will sink, and if you don¡¯t struggle you will sink anyway, and if you don¡¯t sink, I¡¯ll drown you? Well, you are sinking. Or rather, go sink yourself.¡¹

    A serene silence had descended. No shrieks and no wailing could be heard anymore. Only us and the First Prince are left in the quiet swamp. The Pig couldn¡¯t bear the terror and lost conciousness, but he has sunk only up to his neck. His head is burned. I have no idea what just transpired, how it came to be, and why it turned out like this, but I understood that we survived, had the First Prince captured and¡­ the meaning of Lord Mellotosam¡¯s words.

    ¡ºIf you are going to take him with you, please keep this in mind. True terror is incomprehensible. The ability to bring to life events that cannot even be understood is the most terrifying thing of all. While simple strength can be gauged, the true strength is terrifying only. And that is indeed unfathomable. Being unable to understand is what strikes true fear into the heart. Please be careful, I wish you luck.¡»

    Those were the words that Lord Mellotosam gave me before the departure. I didn¡¯t understand back then, and I still don¡¯t understand it now, but at least now I understand that I don¡¯t understand. And that it¡¯s terrible enough to scare the God of War himself.

    That brat is dangerous. Even destroying a country isn¡¯t out of question for him.

 CH 257

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡±Ryunakama¡±

    Day 63 ¨C Late Morning, Murimuri Castle.

    The time ran out. I had Armored Pres-san leave beforehand too.

    (Shake-Shake)

    She was really against it. She was fine with going but didn¡¯t like the outfit (armor).

    I¡¯ll have her do some guerilla warfare to protect towns and villages under Stalker Girl¡¯s clan¡¯s guidance. The assumption that they are safe since the land belongs to a noble allied with the First Prince backfired.

    Apparently, forces of the First Prince attacked a village, furthermore, it wasn¡¯t some fringe case of rampage, but done by a unit under the First Prince¡¯s command. Sensing that something was amiss Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen tried to evacuate the villagers, but the village chief and men that were tending the fields were murdered while food and valuables were carried off. Moreover, it seems that they actually were after women. At this rate, all of the villages and towns on the way to the frontier might end up pillaged. To think that he cares nothing about whether the land belongs to an allied noble or not, I heard that he was no good, but this is a good match for actual bandits.

    Keeping Armored Pres-san¡¯s¡ºFull Silver Armor¡», I gave her the leftover¡ºSpike Mail¡»from previous dungeon explorations, and she really hated it but¡­ It looked super good on her.

    ¡¸No, I mean, you get it, right? An evil-looking villainous armor will have a better effect, right? Like, for intimidation purposes? If you say¡ºAny bad kids around?¡»wearing this with the morning star in your hands most people will immediately run away? Yeah, definitely, anyone would run away without hesitation. Whoooa~, no, nevermind? It suits you¡­ Is that a good thing though? Well, you are looking great, so go break a leg! Be careful, I¡¯m counting on you? See you.¡¹

    Half-crying, Armored Pres-san left, wearing a villainous spiked black with crimson armor of such a brutal look that even the supreme ruler of the post apocalyptic world would¡¯ve been freaked out by it. If she accidentally encountered a Demon Lord, they would¡¯ve immediately gone back home. Defensive power is in the gutter, but there isn¡¯t anyone capable of landing a hit on Armored Pres-san anyway¡­ And seeing that, no one will even attempt to fight anyway, yup, that was scary! The armor had more impact than the Dungeon Emperor herself, that¡¯s some really scary stuff! Makes sense that I couldn¡¯t sell that thing no matter what? Of course no one would buy that! [1]

    Taking the royal guards capable of fast travel and borrowing horses with Skills from Meripapa-san I make preparations. The luxurious and gorgeous carriage with bed for welcoming Sexy Female Knights is ready too. What¡¯s left is to load the royal middle-aged man into the other, irrelevant, modified carriage, and we can go. Enemies seems to have scattered, but the worst unit seems to be the one with the prince, so if we crush that one first, they will stick to the church¡¯s wishes and will head straight for the frontier.

    I have to end this as soon as possible, otherwise, with nothing but middle-aged men around, and now even the prince being another middle-aged man, we are one step away from a middle-aged men saturation phenomenon occurring, breaking through the world¡¯s middle-aged men allowed limit, causing middle-aged men overflow, an extremely precarious situation. So let¡¯s erase some of them.

    An army that assaults villages for women and valuables is basically just bandits, so they don¡¯t need a military tribunal. Military is supposed to protect citizens, if they don¡¯t, then they aren¡¯t needed. An army that, on the contrary, assaults people, is better to be erased. For the sake of the world and my own. I mean, it¡¯s a bunch of middle-aged men anyway.

    Finally, the Royal Middle-Aged Man is stuffed into the carriage by Meripapa-san. He seems to be confused and flustered by the abruptness, but he has a determined look. He probably intends to save the kingdom with those negotiations. He must¡¯ve resolved himself. Well, the likelihood of negotiations happening is about as high as for the existence of intelligence for the Idiots. Nil? None at all?

    We gallop to the destination.

    At this point, it would¡¯ve been better if I went on offense from the very beginning. I¡¯m behind on everything now.

    All of the horses have sashes with¡ºAcceleration¡»effect. The horses didn¡¯t get a chance to practice with them, but since we are going simply in a straight line this shouldn¡¯t be a problem. Two hours should be enough to get there, and that place seems to be the most well-suited location. A great spot to have deep, deep discussions, getting to the very bottom of the issues. I¡¯d like to reach it first and make preparations, so let¡¯s hurry.

    ¡¸Dammit, just what¡¯s up with all the beautiful female knights going to the dungeon with the pres and others? They even took Merimeri-san, that leaves nothing but middle-aged men! Why did they have to create this 100% middle-aged men state? What are they going to do if I get infected with middle-aged man too?! What is this high middle-aged men concentration phenomenon? What if it leads to Middle-Aged Men Fusion from Middle-Aged Men Enrichment? If Middle-Aged Men Fission occurs the world will be destroyed by Middle-Aged men, you know? That¡¯s definitely something that shouldn¡¯t be divided. I mean, it¡¯s middle-aged men?¡¹

    I can grumble all I want, but since there is nothing but middle-aged men around there is no one to reply to me. I¡¯m just muttering aloud, riding the carriage by myself. It feels rather lonely without Armored Pres-san or Slime-san around. I was always alone, but it seems I was corrupted by this world¡¯s liveliness and noisiness without noticing.

    And thus we reached the forces of the First Prince. We actually arrived earlier, but they seem to be wasting time on something useless again.

    The Royal Middle-Aged Man and others are endlessly negotiating the negotiations, promises, conditions, and whatnot. Well, whatever? I already gained the terrain advantage. I couldn¡¯t get the timing or the people, but if I sink the people and the timing into the terrain it wouldn¡¯t matter anymore. [2]

    The middle-aged men just keep talking on and on. And finally, I was handed to the prince along with¡ºFull Silver Armor¡», although the armor doesn¡¯t have the dungeon emperor inside, so it has a normal shape. I mean, it looks super lewd with her in it? Like, seriously. The sensuality of those curves is crazy enough to open new doors in highschool boy¡¯s preferences, it¡¯s super serious!

    ¡¸Kill.¡¹

    Finally, meaningless and pointless make-believe negotiations seem to be over. I¡¯ve got tired of waiting. The fools have long since surrounded the fool (royal prince) making a total fool of him, and yet they still kept dragging this on for so long? It was getting so long that it felt like one of those Girls-Only Meetings, but those meetings at least have schoolgirls, and this here has nothing but middle-aged men. Let¡¯s sink them. Filth (middle-aged men) has to be flushed!

    ¡¸Hey, brat! Run away. ¡­And sorry.¡¹

    Nonono, old man, don¡¯t move, you are getting in the way? If you move around and fall you are going to sink? And I¡¯m not going to save you? Since you are a middle-aged man? I¡¯m serious.

    ¡¸Eehm, Old man substitute? No, you aren¡¯t a substitute, you yourself are an old man enough, but you are standing in for another old man, so old man substituting old man? Anyway, old man. Don¡¯t get in the way, okay? The handover is complete, so it¡¯s too late, the delivery was accepted, returns are not possible. It¡¯s payment with life on delivery, so I¡¯m going to charge it from them? Kind of?¡¹

    With the handover complete it¡¯s already finished. If this silver armor came with contents then it would¡¯ve been over before it ever began, you know? Well, since the handover is complete, I have to make sure that the package is accepted. Just a small token massacre to give a taste of local hospitality.

    ¡¸Can you get any dumber? Why would you diligently come with lance-armed heavy infantry to ambush unarmed envoys? Why wouldn¡¯t you scout ahead and confirm the terrain? There is no such plain in this area, you know? Fighting a war without a map is way too stupid, ah, damn I really hate this! Like, what was the point of all the preparations that I¡¯ve done so far? Is how staggeringly dumb it is? And the prince is a pig? Hey, why did you even make a pig into a prince? Previously there was an orc mayor or something, and now a pig for a prince? Are you that starved for personnel? Didn¡¯t you have at least an orc around? They are at least humanoid, so compared to a pig¡­ Hm? Wait a moment, I sort of feel like it doesn¡¯t matter at all! I guess?¡¹

    The opponent was way too much of an idiot to begin with, or rather, a pig? Looks like this world has deep-rooted personnel issues. It seems to be oinking something though¡­ Something about eyes? This pig¡¯s vision is no doubt clouded if it has problems with my eyes overflowing with kindness and compassion. Alright, let¡¯s cleanse it with the muddy swamp water.

    I undo the ¡ºHolding¡»and ¡ºEarth Magic¡»that were covering the ground. I mean, if the surface is not hardened then it¡¯s just a swamp? Kind of?

    ¡­They are yapping something though? Well, communication is important, they probably want to convey some point, so let¡¯s hear them out.

    ¡¸Help you? Save you? Well, did you? Helping the people is the army¡¯s duty, but did you help the people from the villages that you attacked when they were crying for their lives? No, you didn¡¯t, far from that, you killed them. Do you seriously think that after doing that someone will save you when you cry for it? You fell so low in the military that you are no different from bandits now, so how about you go even lower and just sink to the ground? I mean, it would spare the effort of burying you, so everyone will rejoice? What? Don¡¯t tell me that you thought that anyone would mourn your deaths? No no no, you can¡¯t be complaining about getting cruelly killed after murdering others like that? If you don¡¯t like that, you should have stuck to being proper soldiers, but it¡¯s too late for that. Yeah, I¡¯m not saving you, okay?¡¹

    Well, the pig seems to be a pig prince, which sounds like a rare one. It would be a problem if it¡¯s an endangered species, so I¡¯ll keep it alive. The Royal Middle-Aged Man can handle the rest.

    The pig is still squealing though?

    ¡¸What! What is this! What have you done, you bastard, WHAT HAVE YOU DOOOOONE! GUbah!¡¹

    It was annoying so I tried burning his head a bit. Your hair roots are already dead, like, literally? The Geeks¡¯ heads won¡¯t burn at all, but at the same time, if it¡¯s this easy to burn there is no fun to it.

    ¡¸No, it was a swamp from the very beginning, you know? If you jump into the middle of a swamp that merely had its surface hardened a bit, wearing heavy armor, you¡¯d usually end up drowning? The surface isn¡¯t solid anymore, so the more you struggle the faster you will sink, and if you don¡¯t struggle you will sink anyway, and if you don¡¯t sink, I¡¯ll drown you? Well, you are sinking. Or rather, go sink yourself.¡¹

    Even if you ask what I have done, I didn¡¯t do anything, or rather, I merely stopped what I was doing, and yet he makes it sound like this is somehow my fault, what a terrible pig. It is because of such despicable bastards that keep trying to falsely accuse me of everything that I keep getting misunderstood and can¡¯t escape the ENDLESS hell of ETERNAL sermons! In other words, it must be this pig¡¯s fault that I¡¯m getting scolded!

    The piggie¡¯s army finally calmed down, but for some reason, our people aren¡¯t saying anything as well?

    The Royal Middle-Aged Man seems to be stunned, so let¡¯s deliver him to Meripapa-san, he should be getting ready to depart for the capital too.

    In a way it¡¯s convenient that he is too stunned to move, but it¡¯s kind of disgusting to be stared at like that by a middle-aged man? No one wants that, okay? I absolutely won¡¯t tolerate BL with Middle-Aged Man in the Other World-like development! Or rather, I can¡¯t tolerate this situation of being surrounded by nothing but middle-aged men! Let¡¯s hurry and rejoin Armored Pres-san, restocking on Flat Gaze and Highschool boy passion. I mean, who benefits from middle-aged man¡¯s stare?

    Since she would be really mad if I forgot it, I make sure to put away¡ºFull Silver Armor¡», and while I¡¯m at it, also storage all of the valuable weapons that the forces of the first prince brought, which I was already grasping with ¡ºHolding¡»making sure they won¡¯t sink. The armor that the sunken middle-aged men were wearing is dirty with swamp water and middle-aged men¡¯s body odor, so schoolgirls are unlikely to buy it, let¡¯s leave it be.

    The Royal Middle-Aged Man is being tossed into the carriage while still frozen. His bodyguards seem pretty rough¡­ As inept as he might be, isn¡¯t he basically the current king, even if he is just a temporary stand-in? Well, since it¡¯s a middle-aged man it¡¯s fine though.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you, or rather, I¡¯ll leave the delivery to you, or rather, I¡¯ll leave the old man to you?¡¹

    He is still staring? I told you no one wants that, okay? I¡¯ll burn you?

    He is in a daze. He probably doesn¡¯t get it. This old man must be a brainless old man that only keeps running around stirring trouble everywhere without thinking. He can¡¯t do anything but make things worse yet keeps struggling, struggling, and struggling. So he must have no idea that he saved the kingdom. He doesn¡¯t understand that there was honor in his unsightly struggle.

    He doesn¡¯t realize that that stupid, ugly, pitiful and disgraceful floundering was pride.

    Without pride, royalty is as fleeting as the wind. But it is that king stand-in, who knowing his ineptitude, ignorance, and powerlessness couldn¡¯t do anything but unsightly crawl around, who showed that the pride was still there. While shunned, hated, and ridiculed by everyone, he still proved that it¡¯s passed down through the royal family.

    If incompetent, then one just needs a competent aide. Meripapa-san¡¯s approach.

    If one has no talent, one just needs to gather gifted individuals. I¡¯m actually trying to gather Sexy Female Assassins, but no one is applying? Or rather, no one is coming to attack?

    If foolish and powerless, then forge vassals and retainers into reliable assets. Generally, if you force some beating under the name of exercise on them they will get stronger regardless of their wishes. And it also would provide for a nice weight loss effect?

    It¡¯s enough for a king to take pride in their concern for the people. At least that has to be there, otherwise, it¡¯s total nonsense.

    And it¡¯s the tradition to pass that pride down the line. If that tradition ceases, if the pride isn¡¯t passed down, then the royal house ceases to exist with it.

    As pitiful and miserable he was in his crawling, he didn¡¯t forget the people. As inept as he could be, this much was merely natural for him. A stupid and futile pride. But it is what will allow the kingdom to survive.

    Neither Meripapa-san nor Royal Girl had given up on it. Even that foolish younger brother showed pride in the royal family¡¯s ways, in such a case, as long as treasonous nobles are gone it should be possible to get back on their feet.

    Well, if it doesn¡¯t work we can just crush it, but if the nameless kingdom whose name I didn¡¯t hear yet disappeared, it would be very troubling if more countries popped up with new names, so I¡¯d like to keep it if possible. I mean, adding even more names is nothing but a nuisance? I mean, I can¡¯t even remember this Something-Something Kingdom¡¯s name?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Meaning Raoh, main antagonist of Hokuto No Ken.

    [2] Reference to ÌìµØÈË (ten chi jin) principle, Opportunity, Place, People. One would commonly find it explained as listing the order of importance of those things, that no matter how great is Ten ¨C Luck/Opportunity it cannot prevail over Chi ¨C Place/Position, which in turn is also beaten by Jin ¨C People or their Unity. But in this case it¡¯s about another application of it. When one is to consider engagement, one has to have Timing (Ten), Geographical Advantage (Chi) and Support of the People (Jin) to ensure success. Having all three will bring victory, having none is a recipe for disaster.

    ]

 CH 258

    Day 63 ¨C Evening, The Kingdom, Roadway

    ¡¸Heey, Sta~lker Gi~rl? What are the nobles¡¯ armies up to? Is Armored Pres-san¡¯s¡ºGreat King Of Terror¡»plan going well? If you think about it, she is way scarier than the King of Terror even without any plans? Or rather, if it came to fighting and that appeared, wouldn¡¯t everyone immediately run away? Just mass produce that armor and we¡¯ll have an invincible army! Although we will look like the baddies.¡¹ [1]

    We got their leader, the First Prince, although, leader in name only, a mere figurehead. In other words, the ones that were propping him up are the real leaders. Either the great marquis house or the church.

    If they are still going to head towards the frontier, then it¡¯s definitely the church. Good grief, I thought I¡¯d stop the flow of magic stones with the Fake Dungeon and force the kingdom to negotiate, but turns out, the kingdom had no real authority, and the real culprit behind the forced underpricing was the church.

    In other words, the Theocracy provided the backing. Good grief, what a terrible thing was lurking behind.

    Don¡¯t get me wrong, I merely hate the church and the theocracy and don¡¯t have anything against doing it from behind, be it all fours, standing or whatever, rather, I love it dearly enough to worship? What I hate is the triple set of the church, the old fart, and the theocracy being behind, while the back itself has no sin? No, in a way, it¡¯s very sinful! The line from that pale seductive nape to the shoulders, which continues to the curvaceousness of her velvety white back below with that cute round butt. Doing it from behind while gazing at all that beauty does indeed feel highly sinful and very immoral, I could be going for hours, no, days, attacking her from the rear, doing it like this and like that, and then taking her from the back like that too and¡­ WHOA! WoooorrrraughA!

    It seems the Great King of Terror is back. Well, there was no knock, but there was a steel ball knock, or rather, it actually hurt? She knocked with an iron ball attack.

    ¡¸Welcome home O Great Armored King? I guess? Or rather, you look more like Great Demon Lord of Demon Armor, if it¡¯s fine already, then would you like to change? I brought your favorite¡ºSilver Armor¡»back with me? Anyway, that¡ºAre there bad kids around?¡»attack coming from the combination of¡ºSpike Mail¡»and the morning star is dangerous, so let¡¯s stop with that, okay? I was talking about attacking the rear of the nobles¡¯ forces, and totally not about yesterday¡¯s wet and slippery War of the Bucket¡¯s woodpecker strategy that continued in attack on the rear, is what the legends that perhaps exist in this area might be saying, so it¡¯s definitely probably not the case? I guess?¡¹

    The iron ball returned home before her, but following it, the main body, Armored Pres-san, also came back. Actually, that morning star just came with a ranged attack! Why does she always have it ready though? Yeah, I¡¯m getting scolded? And restocking on Flat Gazium?

    ¡¸Violence by the stray troops of the nobles¡¯ army has been completely shut down with the Great King of Terror operation. By now ¡ºCursed Road¡»became a rumor among their soldiers, according to which if one goes too far from the main force they will encounter a majin asking¡ºAre there bad kids around?¡», so they are behaving themselves. That was really scary, even my clansmen were on the verge of tears. Of course, the troops that were trying to assault towns and villages were running around bawling their eyes out. Angelica-san was also teary-eyed and looked very sad. This is all.¡¹

    It appears that fear was carved into everyone¡¯s hearts. Even Armored Pres-san seems to have taken damage? Well, what goes around, comes around, is a moral lesson from the ancient times. Well, when beating comes around, it hits hard, educating through violence without moral values relevance, but since everyone turned nice as a result, it¡¯s not really a problem? It seems all of the bad kids were eradicated.

    ¡¸At this point, it looks like it might be better to leave them be, refrain from guerilla activities, and pull back to the frontier? I thought I¡¯ll just scorch them from behind with some forceful reconnaissance, plunder provision, reserves, valuables, and run away, but awkward interference might lead to damages to the surrounding settlements? Shouldn¡¯t they be considered a bandit gang by now? Rather than an army? ¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to just treat them as bandits and not an army. But to think that you were planning to assault those army-like bandits from behind, scorch everything in sight, plunder provision and valuables, and then run away, what sort of a villain (Haruka-san) could be this much of a brute (Haruka-san) to think of such a thing?¡¹

    Attacking provisions is the most basic stuff, plus if I could sell it I¡¯ll ascend to magnate, but it seems there might be an issue with it?

    Certainly, if deprived of food, they might turn to attack villages, even though an opportunity to cause damage to the enemy by taking their food, reserves, valuable and giving me riches, is there, basically the famous proverb ¡ºChasing two rabbits doubles the taste¡»come true, I can¡¯t execute this marvelous plan?

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll leave you Assault Reconnaissance Golem-kun, please take care of nearby settlements. The golem can be treated as disposable, got it? If you are in danger don¡¯t hesitate to run away? Do you have enough flashbang debuffing sticky exploding magic stone hand grenades?¡¹

    ¡¸We have enough, but, after stunning the enemies with bright flash and a loud bang, it then binds them with glue, puts several abnormal status effects, and on top of all that, explodes? Isn¡¯t that excessive damage? I tried throwing one of those to slow them down, but it annihilated them? Well, that does count as slowing down, but what was the point of debilitating them with flash and loud noise, and then gluing and debuffing them?¡¹

    Alright, sounds good. Flashbang debuffing sticky exploding magic stone hand grenades use magic stones as consumables so it¡¯s a bit wasteful, but since it ensures safety it¡¯s necessary expenses. Well, with so many effects it should stop most pursuers, even if it merely slows them down it serves its purpose. Safety comes first, as for the enemies¡¯ safety¡­ How about praying to the old fart?

    I thought that I¡¯d have Armored Pres-san protect towns and villages under the ¡ºGreat King of Terror¡»plan, but it seems there was more than enough of an effect already, no bad kids were left? Well, medieval people are probably superstitious, which worked well for the¡ºGreat King Of Terror¡»plan, but the person behind that persona is actually the Dungeon Emperor-san, compared to which Great King Of Terror is like a small fry? Rather, that armor in turn might¡¯ve softened the fear factor?.. Wait? But why did everyone keep recommending that armor to me?

    Let¡¯s head to the capital.

    With this Armored Pres-san and I can go together. No idea if Slime-san can make it in time, but if we are to welcome them after we come back from the capital and that is where the real fight happens, then how many will be needed to block them?

    Adventurers¡¯ Guild looked into it, three are for certain, likely five, but the four to make it nine should be out of reach. If there are five, supposed Armored Pres-san can take care of one, that leaves four, if Slime-san makes it in time then three, huh. I wonder if the pres and others can take care of one? If Slime-san will be there in time, then the geeks and idiots will be there too, with everyone present one should be possible. But it still will leave two, maybe the frontier army and Royal Girl¡¯s guard¡­ no, it¡¯s too risky, would it be better to give up? Aah, let¡¯s think about this after we get back! Yeah, nothing good is going to come out of thinking anyway. Or rather, if Slime-san can¡¯t make it or if the sixth or the seventh appear there will be no choice but to give up. We¡¯ll see what we have, if it can work¡¯ we¡¯ll try, if not, I can¡¯t have them do something they can¡¯t handle.

    Even if Pres and others were to depart tonight, sending out a fast vanguard unit ahead of them, they will still reach the capital only tomorrow. And if they go all together, then even tomorrow night might be too much to ask. For Meripapa-san and others it will take even longer. Let¡¯s make arrangements here, since the real one is going to begin here when we get back, I¡¯d better have my preparations, devices, and plots ready.

    Combat requires preparations, but avoiding combat requires even more preparations, that is a battle in itself.

    ¡¸There are quite a few towns and villages near the capital, right~? It seems to be so prosperous that you begin to ask what the hell is going on with the frontier¡¯s poverty? Well, before the neighboring city turned into a ghost town it was pretty prosperous too, so I guess that¡¯s the norm? Then teleport us there first for crying out loud! Most of my troubles came from the location to which we were initially teleported, nothing to do with me! If we were teleported over there first it could¡¯ve turned into an ordinary isekai life? The frontier was clearly supposed to be the final stage, I mean, it was literally littered with last bosses!¡¹

    I could¡¯ve had a fantasy life like in those light novels. There are normally villages and towns nearby, I could¡¯ve normally gone through Adventurers¡¯ Guild and normally train in the nearby woods and dungeons. Why a forest all of a sudden? Starting from a forest overflowing with monsters to the brink of triggering a stampede, and on top of that, it even had the last boss Goblin Emperor¡­ Having a last boss hiding right in the backyard of your home (cave)¡­ I¡¯m sure here it would¡¯ve had a completely normal development, living in a normal inn, taking quests from a normal guild, getting equipment from a normal weapon store, and gradually getting stronger! And over there, merely stepping into a dungeon gets me a sudden rendezvous with a dungeon emperor!

    Over there, even in the town, the blacksmith didn¡¯t have weapons or even iron, the Adventurers¡¯ Guild never changes quests on the bulletin board, the inn is White Weirdo with schoolgirls performing life-threatening body piles, and dungeons suddenly welcome you with dungeon emperors. I thought that the development was quite weird, but it turns out, it was HARD MODE prohibited for beginner players.

    And the Capital is getting closer.

    ¡¸Phew, so the time to test my true power has finally come. I¡¯m sure it was for the sake of this very moment that my power was continuously honed by this world, probably?¡¹

    (Shake-Shake)

    I¡¯m wrong, it seems? But this is the place where True Power-san could shine? What exactly I¡¯m wrong about is wrapped in enigma, but if I were to strip those wrapping, while getting my hands inside, rubbing and caressing what they conceal, getting my hands on the ultra-fine radical¡­ WHOA! BUAharuugwaoh!

    ¡¸Shhh! It¡¯s a secret trip, we are infiltrating the capital, so let¡¯s ban the morning star? No, even if you do your best swinging it so sneakily as not to draw attention, it still doesn¡¯t work? Wait, why does it not draw anyone¡¯s attention?! The fact that you could stealthily assassinate someone with a morning star scares me even more! This is an ultra-advanced technique, largely unfit for the use with the morning star. I¡¯ve never heard of anyone getting silently assassinated with a morning star, so I¡¯m sure it¡¯s definitely wrong? Seriously.¡¹

    There is something off about a dance with a silently swung iron ball, definitely. Why are you blasting away with a morning star while making no sound and erasing your presence? I don¡¯t think Armored Pres-san has a proper understanding of the concept of stealth, Sexy kunoichi-san seems to be impossible for her. Even though I had such hopes for bath scenes!

    While darting around, evading iron ball silent killing attacks, I move towards the capital at high speed, max speed ahead! I mean, if I don¡¯t hurry the iron ball will catch up with me from behind! Seriously.

    It¡¯s still far, but I can see it already, isn¡¯t it quite huge to be visible from this distance? That thing sticking out from the capital must be the royal palace? Wouldn¡¯t everything be solved if we hammer down that sticking out part? While considering such a lovely solution, I approach the capital while making a half-circle around it. We might get spotted if we keep getting closer like this, so dropping the speed we approach along the road. So this is the capital. A round trip in a day might be impossible, but if all fast travel skills are used it¡¯s a one day trip. Not particularly happy about it!

    But the Capital is way bigger than I thought. The size of the city should reflect the size of the population, so if I were able to sell Frontier wooden swords and mushroom pennants to all of the inhabitants I would make a huge profit.

    Alright, let¡¯s get to preparations. This accumulation of small efforts is what makes the difference? Some people want to have everything at once and go for a quick buck, but it¡¯s this diligent work that it¡¯s all about. Diligently procure goods, diligently sell them, diligently replenish.

    The True Power that I attained by repeatedly breaking through my own limits ever since I came to this world. Finally, the time to test my night jobbing power has come! Rip off the capital!

    ¡ºSouvenir Store, Capital Outskirts Branch? Kind of?¡»

    The goods are abundant in quality and variance, there was an especially massive arrival of foodstuff and arms. I mean, I just diligently stole it from the royal castle, the great profits are coming!

    Steal from the capital ¡ú The capital faces shortages ¡ú Sell it back at rip-off princes ¡ú Replenish the inventory by stealing from the capital. The perfect perpetual trade cycle of my enrichment! FInally, my rich man status met conservation of mass law! This is advice provided by management consultant M-san ¡ºIf you have no goods, then why not just steal them¡», so I¡¯m innocent. Since I¡¯m going to recover them after selling, the stock of the Souvenir Store is permanent.

    Plenty of new goods and souvenirs too. The stage for product demonstration is also ready. The sales (invasion) start tomorrow. As for tonight, I¡¯ll retire for the night in the lovely bedroom of Capital Outskirts Branch, and do my best at a sheet invasion.

    [TL Notes:

    [1] I initially dismissed it as non-relevant, but considering his remarks later in the chapter decided to mention this. As one millennium was coming to an end, prophecies of Nostradamus became somewhat popular in certain parts of the world. So in late 90s, some people expected the coming of ¡°Great King of Terror¡± or ¡°fearful king¡±, un grand Roi d¡¯effrayeur, which would usher in the end of the world. Japan was one of the places where this thing became more or less popular too. The ¡°Great King of Terror¡± (kyoufu no daiou) is how the entity was called in Japan and is the phrasing Haruka is using. The thing even spawned a few songs and works of fiction.

 CH 259

    Day 63 ¨C Evening, Murimuri Castle.

    As we came back to the Murimuri Castle after beating two more dungeons, thinking that we¡¯d ask Haruka-kun to check them for hidden rooms, he apparently already left in great haste to get himself handed over to the First Prince?

    I wonder why he is so casually hurrying to get himself handed over to the enemy. An idea from that Royal Prince definitely won¡¯t lead to anything good, and that person that is going to be handed over is up to far greater no good as well! After all, he is a Pandora¡¯s Box (Hope Not Included) of 100% unadulterated calamity, a condensed no good of ultra high concentration. The one that wants to hand him over, the one that wants to have him handed over, and the one that really wants to get handed over, make for a dangerous trio of components that absolutely shouldn¡¯t be mixed, a recipe for disaster.

    ¡¸Is it going to be alright~? Well, it definitely won¡¯t be, but still.¡¹

    ¡¸To have himself handed to the enemies¡­ Poor enemies¡­ Hm?¡¹

    That Royal Prince definitely can¡¯t do any good, how could he even think of handing Haruka-kun to the enemies! That definitely will lead to something terrible. I wish he would consider how troubling it can get for us or the enemies. There is no way talks can be had after handing over such a thing. There is no way enemies will have a leisure of discussing anything after being given such a thing. That¡¯s setting up your negotiations for a failure at the planning stage. The very possibility that they will live long enough to talk is slim to none.

    ¡¸A message from Haruka-sama, ¡ºTell the Pres and others to gather at the Capital, the first 30 get the new tsubuan manju as present? I guess? Relay it to them? Sort of like that?¡», is what he wanted to tell.¡¹ [1]

    Meriel-sama seems to have gotten the details from the Aide-san. He is heading for the Capital? Why is he heading for the Capital, where the Second Prince is, despite being handed over to the First Prince? And the latter half of the message was totally unnecessary, wasn¡¯t it? Why did the Aide-san diligently remember that part and relayed it as well? What a puzzling message.

    ¡¸We have to go, don¡¯t we~? We won¡¯t get what it all means unless we go, and tsubuan is waiting?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, rather than worrying, let¡¯s go there! For the Capital¡¯s tsubuan!¡¹

    ¡¸If asked why we are going? Because tsubuan is there!¡¹[2]

    Looks like no one has any objections to going. Because tsubuan is there it seems. But I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s quite unusual for a plan in wartime to be decided by a bean paste. The Princess Duo is completely stunned, you know? But they seem to be on board with new manju. They never heard of tsubuan, so they were merely bewildered by everyone¡¯s excitement.

    ¡¸According to the map, if we head straight to the Capital we¡¯ll have to pass the site of Haruka-kun¡¯s handover? Want to go straight or make a detour around the crime scene? ¡¹

    Haruka-kun took with himself only Royal Guards capable of fast movement. There is a high probability that the incident is already over. That¡¯s why it would be better to hurry for the Capital (tsubuan). If we move as fast as we can in the shortest distance we should be able to make it by tomorrow night. And the local forces have already departed, we might miss out on the first 30 campaign!

    We hurriedly eat dinner, jump into the bath, and go for a nap, we will depart four hours later, late at night. In terms of safety it might¡¯ve been better to depart early in the morning, but we are a group of over level 100, and as the difference is only that we will either have to leave during the night or run through the night, we decided to leave as soon as we can since it¡¯s pretty much the same thing. The Princesses seem to be interested in going as well, so they seem to be in the middle of heated talks for that.

    ¡¸Meal, meal, meal, meal, meal, bath, bath, bath, bath, midnight snacks?¡¹

    No, snacks would be overeating. There is no boot camp today, you know? There is no point in rushing, but we feel uneasy without Haruka-kun around. He saw us off when we were leaving, but he didn¡¯t welcome us when we came back, this is nothing short of dereliction of duty!

    ¡¸Will you be sending the advance party? In which one am I? I¡¯m not yielding the spot on the first 30!¡¹

    We are not familiar with the lands in the direction of the Capital, while there are likely no monsters or troops waiting in ambush, I¡¯d still like to be careful.

    ¡¸We are better to periodically send out an advance party for scouting, but generally, we will travel in one group without splitting up! There is less than 30 of us so it will be fine!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeeeah!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Everyone is fired up and excited. We should be sleeping by now though?

    ¡¸Our goal is the Capital of this Kingdom, Tsubuan!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeeeeah!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    You got it wrong, okay? While we indeed are going for tsubuan, people will be angry if you change the name of the Capital on your own, the Princess seems to be coming too.

    Since we went to bed in such excitement we didn¡¯t get enough sleep, but in this world, levels can make the body stronger. I even heard that level 100 won¡¯t have an issue not sleeping for more than a week. It sounds like it¡¯s bad for the skin, and is also tiresome, so I¡¯m not going to try it, but you¡¯d only feel sleepy, without serious difficulties otherwise.

    Leaving Murimuri Castle while it¡¯s still dark, we run. We could borrow horses or carriages, but if it¡¯s just a day trip, then running is faster. The travel speed of level 100 is overwhelming. For some reason we are lagging behind a person of level 21, but that is a weird one, we are legitimately fast! Probably?

    There are 23 people with the Princess Duo and the Maid. The Princess Duo, although not level 100, is still faster than those with backline jobs. Their levels should be pretty high.

    So let¡¯s hurry, because they are waiting there, our tsubuan manju!

    A single party goes out to scout ahead in turns, but we haven¡¯t met any monsters or enemy troops along the road. The destination is pretty far, well, our starting point is the furthermost Frontier after all.

    ¡¸Reporting~, no signs of the enemy ahead~. There were quite a few towns and villages, but looks like there is no issues.¡¹

    ¡¸Roger, we will scout ahead after regrouping. I¡¯ll leave the command to Librarian-chan or the Princess.¡¹

    The sky lit up with the break of dawn, and the Sun began its steady ascend. It¡¯s going smoother than expected, I wonder if we maybe can make it before the night?

    Haruka-kun added¡ºAcceleration¡»and¡ºSpE Up¡»to everyone¡¯s equipment, so the travel is surprisingly fast. Well, Haruka-kun considers escape and protection to be the main points when making equipment, so everyone is pretty quick. Anklets also have speed-type effects, and the Princesses seem to be wearing them too.

    ¡¸All clear ahead. Can Shimazaki-san¡¯s group scout ahead next?¡¹

    ¡¸Sure. We are about to enter the Capital¡¯s sphere of influence, are you sure we don¡¯t need wide-area reconnaissance?¡¹

    The nobles¡¯ domains are going to become more common from here on. Even if we are discovered, as long as we pass through I think there is zero chance of them catching up with us, but¡­ Let¡¯s keep going.

    ¡¸Just check what lies in front. Even if you are discovered or pursued it¡¯s fine to ignore it. Let¡¯s move.¡¹

    ¡¸Roger. We¡¯ll be off.¡¹

    The tamed group went. In the morning we had hamburgers, that Haruka-kun prepared, while traveling, but what are we going to do about lunch? High-speed mobile Girls-only meeting was called. Rice balls and deep-fried stuff can be eaten while running, but why Haruka-kun had to make beef bowls for the road? Eating that on the run sounds like a serious danger to our girl power. Could it be that Haruka-kun considers a beef bowl a portable food? Well, beef bowl is indeed fast food too, but the meaning is different.

    The result of the girls-only meeting, we are dashing ahead while stuffing our cheeks on the way. No one is watching so our Girls Power (femininity) shouldn¡¯t be in threat, although I do feel it¡¯s questionable behavior for young ladies. Eating a beef bowl while standing might¡¯ve been borderline alright, but we are running? At high speed?

    ¡¸The Capital is right ahead~, it¡¯s visible only because it¡¯s so huge~, so there is still quite a way to go though~, wanna search for Haruka-kun¡¯s presence~? ¡¹

    As the dark fell and the night was growing late, we finally caught the sight of the Capital in the distance. After all, rather than camping in tents, it definitely would be more comfortable to stay at Haruka-kun¡¯s place. Not only does he have that tent that can freely change size, but also carries furniture in his item bag, basically staying in the constant readiness to change residence. I mean, he is even carrying bathtubs? Three different varieties of them.

    ¡¸No signs of him nearby! Want to split?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine even if it takes longer, so let¡¯s go in one group without scattering too much, and make a big circle around the Capital?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Everyone is getting excited when it comes to Haruka-kun. He has a firm grasp on comfortable life, delicious food, lovely clothing, and necessities. At this rate we soon might really get Tamed!

    And behind the Capital was standing a fortress¡ºSouvenir Store, Capital Outskirts Branch, Kind of?¡», the culprit is right there! Yup, no doubt about that.

    And the girls that probed inside with Detect Presence are dropping one after another with steam coming out of their heads. Aah, it¡¯s in the middle of the night, so it¡¯s risky, you know? Good girls, don¡¯t try this at home? Well, not like it¡¯s possible.

    ¡¸Like, welcome, welcome? Or rather, aren¡¯t you crazy fast? To make the trip in one day your average speed had to be over 100km per hour? Youth running wild? Sort of? But please don¡¯t break the windows of my store? Anyway, come inside~.¡¹

    Inside, we were welcomed by Angelica-san¡­ Who while seemed utterly exhausted, had a blissful, bewitching, and even somewhat obscene smile on her face. Looks like she was enjoying the afterglow. Today she is wearing a see-through black minidress, naturally, very lewd!

    Angelica-san is beckoning us to come over, but that area emits danger for maidens, so we aren¡¯t going anywhere near? I mean, there is nothing in that room except for a giant bed? The entire floor is one huge bed, getting onto that bed means stepping into Maidenhood Kill Zone, so please don¡¯t call us there? It¡¯s off limits for maidens!

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Tsubuan (Á£¤¢¤ó) ¨C Coarse sweet red bean paste.

    [2] George Mallory is famously quoted as having replied to the question, ¡°Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?¡± with the retort, ¡°Because it¡¯s there¡±, which has been called ¡°the most famous three words in mountaineering¡±.

 CH 260

    Day 64 ¨C Morning, Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch

    Yesterday we were too tired from running day and night, and it was already too late, so we went to bed immediately after bath. As expected, he had the bath for girls prepared. Naturally, we went to sleep in a normal room, not that dangerous room with nothing but a giant bed covering the entire floor, a step on which would pull one into the Maidenhood Kill Zone. We are maidens.

    ¡¸Good morning, Haruka-kun. Also, it was so natural that I forgot to ask yesterday, but what is this fortress? Putting such a thing right in front of the Capital, are you trying to have a Castle VS Castle brawl? Why would you want the castles to fight by themselves? Also if a stranger saw¡ºSouvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch, King of?¡» they¡¯d think that ¡ºKing of¡»is the name of the store, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, morning, pres, you are a prez today too, huh. The breakfast is ready and there are tsubuan manju for the first 30 too, the Boot Camping person seems to be accepting reservations, looking very ONE MORE SET. Actually, the store is going to close up pretty soon, so does it even need a name?¡¹

    He just made it yesterday, and he is about to close it already? Well, it¡¯s true that the original plan was to hole up back in the Frontier, since Haruka-kun is going to welcome them alone, he must be planning to go back. And he has no intention of remembering even the name of the store that he himself made!

    But before us stands the Capital, its gates shut, prepared for defense. Inside is the Second Prince and the Second Division of the Royal Army, who will have to be either persuaded or eliminated. We might be unable to suddenly launch an attack on it, but we have the Princess here, so at least attempting negotiations should be possible, but we can¡¯t make any moves on our own until Omui-sama arrives. However, the Royal Prince will also come, which smells like a bother.

    Waking up one day and finding out that a fortress popped up right under your nose overnight, most people would come to take a look or investigate what happened. Or rather, they actually came. A government official came with a group of soldiers for protection.

    ¡¸Here is a written permit personally issued by the acting King, His Excellency Royal Prince, the store was made with the purpose of distributing magic stones which the Capital currently has in deficit. As we are expected to welcome large merchant groups the size reflects that, and having to handle large quantities of magic stones we are also equipped with defensive walls as a safety measure against bandits. Naturally, if the Second Prince Kzaryusveli-sama, who is about to ascend the throne as the new King, would say that our presence cannot be tolerated, we will humbly obey, close down the store, and immediately return to the Frontier? After all, we merely were entrusted with selling magic stones and commodities to the Capital at reasonable prices. ¡¹

    A flawless script. The Capital must be starving for magic stones, and they also can¡¯t argue against a permit issued by the current King. And what¡¯s the most important, they seem to be in the urgent need of provision and arms. That¡¯s why even if they want to shut down a suspicious store, they can¡¯t afford to do that. Even if they managed to loot it, that would be the end of it, forever cutting off new supply of the goods. In that case, accepting the deal is more profitable, or rather, is the only choice they have.

    I¡¯m glad we came in such a hurry. The script might be perfect, but Haruka-kun was planning to handle those negotiations. The envoy from the Capital probably would¡¯ve ended up as the Kingdom¡¯s official envoy to the Shadow Realm. What made him think that he can negotiate with his language and logic destruction ability? And how come the person capable of writing such a perfect script becomes like that when he opens his mouth? Thank goodness we made it in time.

    And by the time the officials were done with the inspection, or rather, negotiations, Haruka-kun and company came with new stock. They apparently secured a reliable supply route.

    However, the girls that went to assist with stocking up are looking at him with a flat gaze? This is a flat gaze from being taken aback.

    ¡¸No, I mean, since there is a lock, wouldn¡¯t you want to open it? On top of that, the enchantment gives complete protection from invasion and then there is a device infinitely spawning traps? I felt that if I don¡¯t go now, there won¡¯t be a chance like this ever again. I mean, if a keyhole appears, you will stick a key in it, right? See, I did nothing wrong? Stockpiles are there, so of course I¡¯m going to restock~! Kind of? No, you got it all wrong, I merely walk in, take the stuff, and then sell it. It¡¯s the basics of commerce. And it¡¯s not like I¡¯m breaking in, I¡¯m properly using a key to enter, being able to open the place with a key certainly must mean that it¡¯s fine to enter? If it opens you open it, and if opened you go in, and if there is something you¡¯d take it with you, so I didn¡¯t do anything wrong? This is a natural economic activity, stock up, sell, when run out, restock? I mean, they just bought it, so they definitely have it in stock? And since I have a key it must probably mean that it¡¯s fine to freely take it? I guess? For sure? Probably? For suren¡¯t? Kind of?¡¹

    The biggest obstacle to capturing the Capital and the largest issue, the absolutely impregnable Capital Diorer and Diorer Royal Palace, the cause of that is magic protection. The Kingdom¡¯s greatest artifacts and the Royal Family¡¯s most prized relics, ¡ºUltimate Lock (Protection) ¨C Complete Blockade of Designated Area, Complete Protection, Complete Intrusion Denial¡»and¡ºEverlasting Trap ¨C Continuously Creates Traps in Designated Area¡», these two ultimate defensive systems.

    When blockaded, it becomes impossible to infiltrate the Capital or destroy it. And if one somehow managed to slip inside, it still will be impossible to get through the infinitely spanning traps. There is nothing one can do without the key to¡ºUltimate Lock¡», a perfect hole-up strategy. A drawn-out siege in an attempt to starve the defenders is the only existing option.

    And yet he went in, took food, arms, armor, and came back. It¡¯s that ¡ºMagic Key ¨C can open any lock of level MAX and lower¡»that he found in the Great Dungeon and was complaining about having no way to use it. It seems he used an item from the lowest floors of the Great Dungeon to unlock their greatest artifact and the most prized relic¡ºUltimate Lock¡».

    Here we thought that the strongest dungeon items found on the lowest floors of the Great Dungeon are to be used in dungeon exploration, but turns out, it was for the purpose of the souvenir store¡¯s inventory replenishment, which is actually a plain pillaging.

    And then there are perpetual traps, that wouldn¡¯t let unauthorized pass, spawned by¡ºEverlasting Trap¡», covering the entire area, that won¡¯t trigger because he has ¡ºTrap Ring ¨C Automatically Disarms Traps¡». The assault souvenir store¡¯s supply supervisor, who cannot be denied from entering and whose intrusion cannot be blocked, turned out to be their worst opponent imaginable!

    ¡¸He simply walked in, simply opened the lock, and was simply taking the stuff, so we simply helped him, but if you think about it, that was simply a crime!¡¹

    When one approaches the magic barrier surrounding the Capital, a keyhole would appear. It¡¯s impossible to enter without unlocking it first, so they probably didn¡¯t have any guards on alert. The only person capable of unlocking it or granting access for passing is the one in possession of the key, is what they must¡¯ve thought. The keystone of the Kingdom¡¯s defenses, hailed in legends and passed down through generations of the Royal Family, these are counted among the best artifacts on the entire continent.

    Thinking about it normally, no one should be able to enter from outside, but sometimes, an irrational supply manager can appear out of nowhere, so you should keep guards around, or it¡¯s plain carelessness. But well, even if there were guards around, the only future that would¡¯ve awaited them is a very pitiful one, but having absolutely no one around is just negligence.

    Casually walking all the way up to the location where ¡ºEverlasting Trap ¨C Continuously Creates Traps in Designated Area¡»was installed, he apparently went and¡ºAccidentally picked it up? Kind of?¡»and brought it with him as if it¡¯s nothing. The Kingdom¡¯s most prized relic and the greatest artifact was forcibly passed through and picked up. If this is not pillaging, then everything in this world is a lost article.

    And so, with free access to the impregnable Capital Diorer and Diorer Royal Castle, he went around, casually plundering it. Looks like his talk about securing a reliable supply route was about securing a reliable invasion route, hm? It isn¡¯t really wrong?

    ¡¸I mean, he seized the throne, so those must be seized goods? Since the goods are seized they don¡¯t really belong to the Second Prince? That¡¯s why I confiscated the seized goods, diligently carrying them off bit by bit, dripping with sweat? If this is a crime then worker ants are a bunch of international criminals? I mean, I worked very hard carrying everything? See? I did nothing wrong? I¡¯m just a highschool boy doing honest transportation work?¡¹

    Haruka-kun seems like he is tough on criminals, but in fact, he is performing criminal acts on criminals. At a glance, it might seem like he is doing a good thing, but it¡¯s the same thing as scamming swindlers out of their money, and there is actually no virtue involved at all, but since he is using that money for good it appears as a nice thing, a terrifying psychological illusion.

    And with crowds of people arriving, the sales have begun. The girls, tempted by dresses, and sweets were all hired under payment-in-kind agreement. I mean, he was making crepes! It¡¯s apparently a trial product without fresh cream, but it was available only to the people that signed the employee contract! So everyone was hired. That¡¯s how everyone will end up eventually Tamed, you know? The crepes were delicious.

    The business is booming! With bulk purchases from the Capital even souvenirs are flying off the shelves. Commoners, soldiers, nobles, people are bustling out from the Capital, which is supposed to be on lockdown to prevent invasion.

    ¡¸No more than one manju per person! No buying up!¡¹

    ¡¸Here you go, the Frontier Wooden Swords 5 Set and a mushroom doll as a gift. There are six different mushroom dolls in total, do your best to gather them all.¡¹

    ¡¸Handle large scale orders from the officials in the back. Send bulk purchases from the general public at the counter in the back too.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for waiting. Here. Three hamburgers, two potatoes. Your reservation voucher please.¡¹

    ¡¸Today¡¯s Special~, Medical Potion (F) for only 3,000 Ere~? The usual prince is 4,000 Ere~¡­ Probably?¡¹

    The flow of people doesn¡¯t stop at all, one after another they line up and make purchases.

    It¡¯s different from the Frontier, or rather, it¡¯s the opposite of it. They have money, but no goods. The supply can¡¯t keep up with the demand. Meanwhile, weapons and gear are needlessly piling up, some people are coming to sell pretty good stuff. Just how many lives would have been saved if the Frontier had those, just how less miserable the livelihood of the Frontier could¡¯ve been if only they bought their goods.

    ¡¸Financial Capital isn¡¯t circulating properly, pointless regulations and taxes from nobles are killing the flow, and without it everyone is bound to suffer. That¡¯s why me still being penniless, despite all my hard work, must be the nobles¡¯ fault, so there should be no issue with taking from the Capital. I¡¯m going to sell it back anyway, making for a proper circulation, so it¡¯s a good thing, you know? I mean, everyone is gladly paying up? And I¡¯m very glad about getting richer? Sort of?¡¹

    The most terrifying thing about this, is that for a moment, he might sound like he is saying something nice, but when one properly listens to his words, it¡¯s just an irrational rambling about ripping people off, and yet in the end, it for some reason seems like he was doing the good thing, which somehow translates into positive results. That¡¯s what¡¯s really scary!

    ¡¸The Frontier pennants are all sold out! Only a few mushroom pennants left.¡¹

    ¡¸Deep-fried mysterious bird meat 4 packs, croquette 2 packs, the total err, is 5,200 Ere.¡¹

    ¡¸We got buckets, baskets, tubs, and pots. They are on display at the right corner in the back. The stock is limited.¡¹

    Crafting at ultra-high speed Haruka-kun mass-produces the goods that are in shortage, fulfills individual requests, cooks, and when he has time goes to the Capital to replenish the inventory. The giant flour barrel that was purchased by the Second Division, found its way back into the store, that¡¯s why the stock doesn¡¯t decrease. Or rather, it was taken from the Royal Palace¡¯s storage to begin with.

    ¡¸The merchants¡¯ alliance, the Confederation, must be backing them. Otherwise, the Capital, with that huge population and no ability to produce food by itself, would¡¯ve immediately dried up the moment they shut the gates? In other words, the Confederation is smuggling provision into the Capital to support the Second Prince, which I will receive in turn, so it makes me a happy man too? What a nice thing?¡¹

    In that case, the Confederation will end up shouldering all the losses alone. Even if they support the Capital by smuggling, Haruka-kun is the one who will end up profiting. And the Capital too doesn¡¯t have any other choice but to purchase more from Haruka-kun. They are going to run out of money and goods, so more aid will be necessary. But that also will be stolen by Haruka-kun. That¡¯s why the Confederation will end up having their resources endlessly devoured by Haruka-kun until they decide to pull back from the Kingdom.

    They will end up taking huge losses even from a short term support for the Capital. Long term, the Confederation will have its assets completely devastated. What makes this especially nasty, is that the Merchant Confederation is going to lose money over the scheme that they started up to make money. Military involvement will have the force annihilated, economical involvement will have them robbed, and if they try to put pressure politically they will be simply ignored. Nothing but grief will come out of getting involved with this. The best approach is staying away, I mean, there is a god of poverty specializing at ripping people off. He is capable of snatching everything without taking a thing. He is neither a raging conqueror nor a vicious demon king, nor an immoral cult leader, simply a rip-off specialist. Getting involved with him can lead to only one obvious result, if that is not to your liking, not getting involved is the only option.

    ¡¸The Confederation is a commercial union, so even if I keep ripping them off, it will amount to nothing compared to the funds they possess? But it¡¯s important that they take losses, no one is going to give money if all that means is losing it, you know? LIke, obviously? They invest because they think they will profit from this, if they take a hit from that, anyone would lose the desire to invest. And losing money will also impact their ability to fight. Not to mention, that since it¡¯s a commercial union, if they lost money due to someone¡¯s orders, it will naturally lead to infighting? If we want to put pressure on the Confederation, then making them take losses, and preventing them from profiting is the way to go. Despite calling themselves the Merchants Confederation they are using too much political strength in their business, that¡¯s why they are going to suffer from commerce, that¡¯s why they are going to get ripped off with trade, and lose even their political power. They are taking commerce too lightly. After all, profiting and commerce are two separate things.¡¹

    He is making profits by trading. Rights, interest, funds from other people, his business needs none of that. That¡¯s why he can¡¯t be shut down. So the only choices are two: crush him through military or political power, but even if attempted, it will only result in misery. I mean, that girl that is earnestly stuffing bags is the Dungeon Emperor, that one hurriedly carrying merchandise is Sword Princess, the one selling hamburgers is the young lady of the Frontier, and then there are shop assistants of over level 100. This has to be the strongest souvenir shop on the continent. Rather, if a souvenir store more powerful than this exists, there is an issue there.

    That¡¯ll be a peerless souvenir war of souvenir stores!

 CH 261

    Day 64 ¨C Midday, The Capital, Office

    The masses started to stir in the Capital. Some few days of economical isolation threw the market into disarray, leading to a steep rise in the prices of commodities. There was an attempt to get some of the aid sent by the Merchants Confederation onto the market, but changing the flow that already gained momentum was impossible with such a small quantity of goods.

    The gates cannot be unlocked. Without protection of¡ºUltimate Lock¡»we won¡¯t be able to endure armies of the Church. Not only do they overwhelm us both in quantity and quality of magic tools, but they hold the advantage even in troop numbers.

    ¡¸A fortress-like store was built near the city. The name is¡ºSouvenir Store, Capital Outskirts Branch, Kind of?¡», supposedly a branch store that was built to supply the Frontier¡¯s magic stones to the Capital under the permit from His Excellency Acting King Musjiks-sama. How should we handle it?¡¹

    That Royal Prince succeeded in establishing a supply of magic stones? Even if this is only as a stopgap measure, being able to obtain magic stones should benefit both the Kingdom and the Church, however, if bought up here and then sent to the Confederation, it will serve not only as a business opportunity, but also as a bargaining chip. If the Frontier holds out it might even become a trump card. I don¡¯t know who will profit from this, but the one to obtain them ahead of the others will definitely be at an advantage.

    ¡¸Begin negotiations for the purchase of magic stones on behalf of the Kingdom, don¡¯t let them sell elsewhere. Buy up their stock at the lowest price possible. ¡­A souvenir store, you said?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. From the Frontier¡¯s specialty mushrooms and magic stones to foodstuff and sundries, the assortment of goods is even more diverse than that of the Capital, and all of it is of outstanding quality, is what reports say.¡¹

    Perhaps it could alleviate the deficit we have. Unlikely theories would have it, emotions of the people cannot be controlled. That¡¯s why a new store with plentiful goods could be useful to change the overall mood. It will eat into the riches of the Capital, but we don¡¯t have other solutions available, and if we can gain access to the supply of magic stones, then there is no need for interference, rather, we should extend our protection to them.

    ¡¸What is the Prince doing? It¡¯s going to become a battle against time from here on, but what is he doing?¡¹

    ¡¸The Prince is holding a meeting with the nobles of the Capital, trying all possible means to win their support.¡¹

    Unless he takes half, no, at least a third of the Kingdom, the Confederation is going to abandon and discard him like a sacrificial pawn, and it will be all over. This is a critical moment.

    He is merely desperate in his sly attempts at self-preservation, but we have no choice but to believe that he is still better than that pig, the First Prince. The Royal Prince might have noble aspirations, but in terms of ability he is a master at making things worse. No other options exist. But he cannot be trusted. His backing is way too shady. Poor-thought cooperation might end up with us becoming subordinates of the Confederation. But we have to protect the Capital, the people and the King are within its walls.

    Indeed, only the Confederation is capable of keeping the Church in check. As long as the only path to survival lies in between those two powers, there is no other choice but to slip through that gap, no matter how narrow it might be.

    ¡¸That souvenir store has mushrooms in stock?!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, they seem to be available for purchase.¡¹

    If we obtain even low-grade mushrooms, the King¡¯s illness might be cured. It¡¯s not the situation where we can afford the luxury of demanding the highest quality possible, but I don¡¯t want to let go of that gleam of hope.

    ¡¸Lead me there. I will go personally. For escort, a few skilled soldiers will do.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood, it will be arranged immediately.¡¹

    Grasping at straws, huh. Even if the King recovers, the question of successor will remain. But with time, perhaps the still very young Third Prince or others might gain supporters and show talent. At the very least, there is a chance. And if the King makes a complete recovery, it could be possible to fully overturn the situation. Although the current situation is the result of our overreliance on the King, we can¡¯t help but rely on the King again.

    Even so, this is no different than asking for a miracle, but I have no desire to pray to God, so I¡¯d rather put my hopes on the souvenir store¡¯s mushrooms.

    I¡¯ve already given up on obtaining mushrooms from the Frontier, but as things are at the moment, we shouldn¡¯t be picky about quality and take a quantity approach¡­ Even if they don¡¯t have a large number in stock, as long as an order can be placed, a chance will still remain.

    But they are expensive. Even if they have mushrooms of high quality, they will cost a terrific sum of money. I shouldn¡¯t hold excessive expectations, but just in case, let¡¯s take some of the family heirlooms with me. A hope is a luxury too, but one can¡¯t help but dream of a miracle when a sliver of a chance presents itself, as improbable as it might be.

    ¡¸Everything is ready.¡¹

    ¡¸Good, lead the way.¡¹

    There is a crowd right outside the capital. A swarm of people. Nothing short of a horde is surrounding the store.

    Did citizens leave the Capital? We would be doomed if the enemy attacked right now.

    ¡¸Should we clear the premises of the people? Lining up will take longer than a while.¡¹

    ¡¸You should not. Let us join the line. If the people of the Capital can find relief in this, then getting in their way is boorish.¡¹

    The Frontier is dear to the hearts of the people of the Kingdom. They definitely would want to take House Omui¡¯s side.

    The lineage of heroes that keeps fighting demons at the edge of the world. The Sword of the Kingdom and the Continent. Everyone knows that the Frontier are the true heroes, locked in the never-ending battle to protect the Kingdom and the Continent from monsters, and also aware of the depths of stupidity of this and other countries.

    And that Frontier has now opened a souvenir shop. Moreover, if plentiful goods were brought in at the time when the people are anxious about the supplies, they certainly will feel saved by the Frontier. Getting in the way of those feelings is boorish.

    If it¡¯s a store of the Frontier, then perhaps it¡¯s possible to contact Omui-sama through it?

    No, I¡¯m getting too hopeful. Even if it¡¯s the Frontier¡¯s store, there is no way a Count can be contacted that easily.

    We had to spend quite a while waiting in line, but taking one step inside we were immediately met with a jaw-dropping sight, just as the rumors had it. The soldiers that came as guards are also looking around the store in a daze. Good grief, judging by their faces, if it weren¡¯t for their guard duty, they would¡¯ve immediately dashed to look around the store. They seem to be unable to take their eyes off the goods, so they must really want to go.

    ¡¸Oh my? Terrysel-sama, welcome. Would you like a hamburger? It¡¯s delicious?¡¹

    Someone suddenly called out to me, but I don¡¯t have acquaintances in the Frontier, nor should there be anyone who knows my face¡­ Eh?

    ¡¸Y-Y-You are Meriel-sama¡­ Right? Why is the young lady of the Count¡¯s House, the Princess of the Frontier, Meriel-sama, working as a shop assistant?! Are you aware of your posi¡­ Eh? ¡¹

    The daughter of the God of War, The Twin-Swords Princess, the Frontier Princess, Meriel Shim Omui, just as I was to state my opinion on the Young Lady of the Frontier, who is even praised in songs, working in a souvenir store as a salesgirl, Meriel-sama made a small gesture, pointing in a certain direction?

    Instinctively turning my gaze in the direction she was pointing¡­ I saw a salesgirl, who looked exactly like the currently missing Princess Shariceres di Diorer, lining up the merchandise? I know who that actually is. It is the Princess herself, but why are two of the strongest and most beautiful maidens both working in a souvenir store? Then, looking around, I shudder, all of the shop assistants are peerless beauties¡­ And all of them are unbelievably strong! This is not a souvenir store, this is an elite force, a band of knights matching thousands of soldiers!

    The reception office, to which I was led, is decorated with gorgeous and gaudy ornaments, which yet retained the sense of harmony and elegance, outclassing even the Royal Palace¡¯s reception room, reserved to receive royals of various countries.

    And the so called hamburgers that Meriel-sama was selling were delicious. While they had a strong and intense taste, the seasoning was in perfect harmony.

    A harmony. This is a clear proof of profound intelligence, refined character, and accumulated education. The one possessing all of those is a leader capable of seeing the world from above. The one capable of seeing the big picture from minute details.

    Who is the person that made those?

    ¡¸Sir Terrysel, what is the Capital¡¯s situation? What about my Father¡¯s condition, and other countries¡¯ movements, and the nobles¡¯ factions and also¡­ What is going on with the Monkey?¡¹

    ¡¸Princess, I¡¯m glad that you are safe, the Capital is quiet for now, but finances are being controlled by the people from the Confederation. The Theocracy and the Confederation are still probing each other. The nobles of the Capital are still waiting, unsure where the wind blows.The Monkey¡­ The Prince is currently negotiating with nobles. And there was no change to the King¡¯s condition. I heard that mushrooms can be obtained here, and came to make a purchase.¡¹

    ¡¸I see. You have my gratitude for my father, don¡¯t worry about the mushrooms. I will definitely get the ones of the highest quality.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood.¡¹

    She managed to come back. Princess General and Sword Princess, Her Highness Princess Shariceres. This will get the Army to unite. The First, The Second Divisions, and Royal Guard are for certain. The Third Division will likely split in the nobles¡¯ faction and common soldiers. And the presence of Miss Meriel must mean that God of War Mellotosam-sama and the Frontier Army are on this side too. The hopes and dreams that I¡¯ve abandoned to focus on the real picture to make sure I¡¯ll make the most optimal decisions, were all inside the souvenir store.

    But Omui-sama cannot leave the Frontier. Forces of the First Prince are still marching there.

    And mercenaries and special forces sent by the Confederation are staying in the Capital. If they were to find out about this place her life would be in danger, at the same time, the Capital and the Royal Palace are even more dangerous. Were the Prince to be notified about this, the information might leak to the Confederation. She might be safe with this force and the fortress-like building, but acting as shop assistant despite the threat of assassination¡­ Is this why she wasn¡¯t noticed yet?

    ¡¸Welcome to our humble establishment~, I guess? Err, a big shot from the Second Division? Big shots tend to talk to no end, so I¡¯m not good with those, a lewd person would be another story, with those I could talk for a long while, but the one that seemed to be on the closest wavelength so far was Rafflesia, but that¡¯s not even a person! Or rather, it can¡¯t even speak! We almost became BFFs as fellow tentacle buddies, but the very presence of a tentacle buddy will send Affection Rating-san on an endless Full-Stealth mission from which it won¡¯t come back? Anyway, welcome? Kind of?¡¹

    Being familiar with aristocratic society, very particular about the hierarchy, and belonging to the strictly vertically structured society that is an army, I naturally understood. This person is a big shot. But he opened with¡ºBig shots tend to talk to no end, so I¡¯m not good with those¡»? Is he perhaps concealing his identity? But this presence and dignity that he demonstrates, standing so casually in between two noble ladies, as if having them waiting upon him, and the young ladies¡¯ position, as if placing themselves a step behind him. Who is he?

    ¡¸Nice to meet you, My name is Terrysel, I am entrusted with the position of the Commander of the Second Division. I¡¯m truly grateful to be welcomed like this despite my abrupt visit, and being in military service, I¡¯m by no means a big shot, so no need for titles or formalities.¡¹

    The status overshadowing that of the Frontier Princess, even praised as the Flower of the Frontier, and a Princess of Royal Blood, the Princess General and the Sword Princess. The black-haired, black-eyed boy, clad in a black mantle, that if put nicely is simplistic, but in all actuality is shabby and worn out, took a seat to the opposite of me.

    ¡¸The Confederation? They are in the Capital, right? Do you know how far they want to go? Rather than their objectives, more like their aims? Also, can you tell anything about hidden aces, trump cards, or valuables?¡¹

    He didn¡¯t reveal his identity, but the Princess told me to act as usual, is he operating incognito after all? Which reminds me, those beautiful maidens also had black and glossy hair like a wing of the raven and eyes dark like obsidian, however, I¡¯ve never heard of any peoples with black hair and dark eyes living in the Kingdom? But he is definitely not an ordinary man, it is like this even with the Princess right beside him. Even if we take other Royals, the Royal Prince or the Monkey cannot even be used for a comparison. He is of a completely different caliber.

    Treating him simply as an enigmatic young man, I answer his questions, taking care not to sound discourteous. To which¡ª

    ¡¸Then how about the frontal approach? If considering underhanded measures there are thieves, assassins, and also kidnapping not out of the question too? Aah, kidnapping sounds sorta fun? I¡¯m yet to have even one of these. An abduction by a beautiful female kidnapper, followed by a tempting alluring enticement! I¡¯ll go and get kidnapped real quick! Where? Where can I find beautiful female kidnappers? The ransom will be PRICELESS~!¡¹

    While he may appear to be jesting, playing a clown, glimpses of wisdom, sharpness, and keen mind are peeking through. In this short conversation, he already grasped movements of the Confederation¡¯s agents from that little amount of information.

    An assassination or a kidnapping. Judging from the personnel on site, and taking their possible goals in consideration, it should be either of these, but it¡¯s still perfectly possible for intelligence agents to steal valuables too.

    He seems to be from quite a faraway country, a member of so-called¡ºHighschool Boys¡», but looking at this store¡¯s merchandise and the clothes on the young ladies, I can tell that they are above the Kingdom. Even the Confederation and the Theocracy might fall behind them in status.

    Cultured, highly intellectual, and way too well educated. He is clearly not an ordinary person, but I can¡¯t grasp who he is.

    Did something come into motion? Something tremendously large?

 CH 262

    Day 64 ¨C Midday, Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch

    With an appeal from the Royal Girl and a request from Merimeri-san he gave in. The Middle-Aged Man of the Second Division will stick to the defense of the Capital, openly siding with the Second Prince. He seemed very against the idea, but hearing the condition ¡ºNo harm should come to the citizens¡», he went deep in thought, and then finally nodded in agreement.

    This should get the Second Prince motivated. The nobles that were still on the fence will also side with the Second Prince. And with this the Confederation will act as well. We can bait them.

    Keeping a souvenir store is a tough job. Even now, I¡¯m dripping with sweat, as I¡¯m procuring goods from the Royal Palace. And what good timing, the barrels of oil and wine that were bought at the Souvenir Store a short while ago were carried in. Let¡¯s bring them back and sell them again.

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san, could you please pack up all of the barrels? I¡¯ll go and restock on the flour a bit. We just sold some so the stock is running low? And since they were just sold, they should be coming soon? Honest work is so tough, right? It is such diligent accumulation of hard work that makes the difference~.¡¹

    Hm? The answer is a Flat Gaze, even though I¡¯m toiling away to keep the transportation industry running? I¡¯m working super hard, you know? I mean, it¡¯s the third time I¡¯m coming to restock today, it¡¯s really hectic? No matter how many times I restock, the stuff gets bought and carried back, so I once again have to come to restock, but even if I take it back, it will be sold again and return here, so I have to restock again, it¡¯s a perpetual cycle of transportation labor?

    Taking a hidden passage I procure the merchandise and carry it back. By now I know my way around pretty well. Hidden passages also get recorded by the skill¡ºMap¡», so things get more convenient with each new visit. But even if I spot a hidden passage, finding the entrance is another matter entirely, so quite often I¡¯d spot one with ¡ºSpace Perception¡»but can¡¯t get inside, so it¡¯s pretty tough.

    The castle seems to be buzzing with rumors. The Middle-Aged Man from the Second Division has just declared that they will come under the Second Prince command to defend the Capital, as long as the promise of¡ºNo harm should come to the citizens¡»is kept. This will give sweet dreams to the Second Prince and his backing. This will give them hope.

    I tried to investigate the situation in the Royal Palace, since I¡¯m already here for restocking, but everything seems quiet for now, rather, with the Second Division¡¯s pledge to provide defense an air of tranquility can be felt. Nobles and officials of the Second Prince¡¯s faction, and the Merchant Confederation agents are happily conspiring together. What a heart-warming sight. I mean, it will ultimately lead to my pockets getting filled, so it is a good thing.

    The Confederation is transporting goods to the Kingdom through a canal. With this, large quantities of goods will be carried by merchant ships into the Capital.

    Now the Kingdom will enter a stalemate, and the Theocracy will be forced to shed blood. The only one winning is the Confederation, is what they will think. That source of those hopes is the Second Division. Now, they absolutely can¡¯t afford to harm the citizens.

    The Capital¡¯s formidable defensive power combined with the forces of the Second Division will turn it into the strongest fortress. If the Merchants Confederation also takes care of provision the city will not fall. That¡¯s the dream that they had, seeing the ray of hope for it to become reality.

    People love to dream, that¡¯s why they can¡¯t give up. Even though an unreachable hope is nothing but despair? Even though that is bait, a trap? Let¡¯s dig in? Sort of?

    ¡¸Pirates! Pirates appeared in the canal. A few ships had their cargo stolen. It apparently was an absurdly fast iron ship.¡¹

    Looks like they began, Pirates of Geekean!¡¡Somehow, hearing that name alone makes me want to sink them, but well, with Slime-san tagging along they are unsinkable.

    ¡¸Immediately send an urgent request for additional supplies with priority on foodstuff. Without food the Capital will fall.¡¹

    ¡¸Request the Confederation to send ships for naval combat. Letting the pirates roam free will further increase damages.¡¹

    If they aren¡¯t willing to give up, there is no choice but to send more. Naturally, I¡¯ll be taking that too?

    Of course, even if it comes to naval combat, they won¡¯t be able to catch up to the Steam and Magic-powered hybrid armored vessel, nor win in battle with it. That is a mysterious high-power warship that can¡¯t really be made even if one tries. Yup, we tried, and got a catapult instead, so we loaded it on the ship as well. A 5km range catapult firing high-speed warheads. Someday, I¡¯ll launch the Geeks with it!

    Over here too, there is no one who can stand up to my Magnate System! I mean, I can restock as much as I want with completely free passage, and the goods that I just restocked are immediately sold, making me richer, while the imports are currently being plundered in the canal. This has to be the perfect supply system.

    If this continues for a long time, the Confederation will fall, if it stops sending supplies the Capital will be recaptured. If that happens, profits will disappear, but if they refuse to give up, they have no other choice but to come to the Souvenir Store for purchases. A flawless business model.

    ¡¸Stored goods have disappeared again! We are currently searching for them.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible to enter the palace, so search inside. Make sure to avoid causing any harm to the citizens!¡¹

    ¡¸Interruptions in transportation and storage could lead to delays in distribution for the people?¡¹

    ¡¸This must be avoided. We finally got the Second Division on our side. Distribution shouldn¡¯t be stopped.¡¹

    Seems like an uproar. In other words, this could bring me profits. The Second Division¡¯s proclamation seems to be effective after all. Now the Confederation lost their way out. They can only keep sending and buying more.

    If they won¡¯t preserve the Capital, then everything they already invested will be for naught, after all, they haven¡¯t seen any returns on their investments yet. And the more they drag this one, the higher their losses will mount, in other words it¡¯s a marvelous and gorgeous plan where I¡¯m the only one who continuously gets richer? Thank you very much?

    However, there are this many hidden passages in the Royal Palace, but no one is coming to investigate them, is this alright? Find one with¡ºSpace Perception¡»and you are free to go wherever you please? Not only do I have free access to secret information, but it even comes with Live Feed of events? The entrance looked worn out and not maintained properly, so those might be forgotten hidden passages. Let¡¯s make a map while I¡¯m at it and sell it to Royal Girl.

    The people from the Confederation are still making a fuss, but they don¡¯t have any choice but to keep supplying? After all, there are only two options. If they pull back ¨C fine, if they don¡¯t ¨C thank you for the treat. No matter how much they are going to bring in I¡¯m going to take it all, so they can only keep bringing in more? Yup, it will never end. If anything is going to end it will have to be the Confederation.

    But merchants are sly. They must surely have some sort of insurance in place.

    If things go well, both plans will work, if one fails, they will still be in profit due to the other one. They are incredibly talented when it comes to money-making schemes, if only they stuck to commerce there would¡¯ve been no issues, but they just had to poke their heads into politics. Judging that they will profit more from authority and rights, they decided to start handling lives instead of money. But those things actually don¡¯t have physical substance? Merchants without wares on hand. Merchants that have nothing but money and authority can be destroyed with goods. Take away their wares, exhausting their funds, sealing away their power. Merchants that don¡¯t trade in anything can just die while still having nothing on their hands. It¡¯s a natural course of things that the only thing awaiting merchants that have nothing to sell is ruin.

    But they must have some sort of back up plan. Getting twofold or threefold returns on their investments from it, they are definitely coming for their profits. That won¡¯t work. Allowing them to profit will be our loss. Victory or defeat doesn¡¯t matter. Making them go into the red is what¡¯s important. That¡¯s what will divide the Confederation, diminish their power, and will make them hesitant about getting involved with the Kingdom ever again, the strongest threat.

    They must have some sort of a scheme that would allow them to salvage profits from this situation. Even if this one fails, they will certainly make their profits from there. That¡¯s why it¡¯s insurance. And they should be distributing the risks. Right now, when the Kingdom and the Theocracy are so busy with each other, is a perfect chance to infiltrate the beastmen¡¯s country.

    On the waterway they will be devastated by the pirates, even losing their cargo to them, that being the case, they will have to give up on the Capital. They must be planning to plunder the beastmen¡¯s country until then, capturing as many slaves as they can. Surely, they must already be acting on that.

    But those Pirates are going to Job Change to Bandits? After all, the owners of that ship are the geeks? And it¡¯s pretty common for those who are called geeks to be huge fans of animal ears. That¡¯s why they will go into the woods. Piracy is just a bonus, their main goal is there, so they are definitely coming.

    After all, the opponents want beastmen slaves. Therefore, they will definitely attack beastmen settlements, killing those that resist, and selling off the rest. A slave hunt.

    Then they can get screwed. The geeks might be big fans of animal ears, but it¡¯s not like they have any attachment to merchants or soldiers? After plundering contraband as pirates they will turn to hunt slave hunters, you know?

    That¡¯s why the Geeks were sent away on this errand, and that¡¯s precisely why it had to be them.

    ¡¸The Confederation seems to want to attack the beastmen¡¯s country to get slaves, so I want to do some slave hunters hunt, wanna come? It will be a human versus human situation that will certainly lead to humans getting killed? It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to come, since Slime-san is going anyway, but there is a chance that Slime-san might not make it in time to meet the real target after that, so I¡¯m inviting you just in case? Or rather, you¡¯d probably be mad later if I didn¡¯t tell you? I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thanks for telling us, we are going. Otherwise, coming to this world and getting stronger was all for nothing.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    And having said that, they left. Naturally, I had Slime-san and the Idiots come along as well. Each beastmen has extremely high individual combat ability. There is no way a unit attacking them could be weak. Without a doubt, they will be far more dangerous than the Kingdom¡¯s troops.

    But they went despite hearing that. They are already there, you know? And they are angry? They seldom get angry, but they were furious? They even had serious looks, which couldn¡¯t be more unusual. After all, they understand the pain of being bullied, mistreated, and abused. They also understand the bitterness of having that which belongs to them snatched away and destroyed. Yearning for another world all the time, they finally got the power after coming here. Enough power to reach herohood. But what¡¯s more important, they lived while constantly having their eyes on another world. I mean, they love animal ears? Yup, they are angry? Very angry.

    They almost certainly will have to kill people, even so, they said that they¡¯ll go. It¡¯s nothing as cool as having resolve, they simply can¡¯t tolerate or forgive this. That¡¯s why they went.

    ¡¸The only condition is that you don¡¯t hold back. The Idiots are coming too, but don¡¯t conceal anything and go all out, okay? Or rather, you said that You¡¯ll Go All Out If You Go To Another World, so do it? Sort of?¡¹ [1]

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Got it.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    They don¡¯t push themselves when they are on their own, but they also can¡¯t get serious when in a group. They aren¡¯t defense specialists at all, this is the reverse of that. I mean, they were bullied all the time? There is no way they aren¡¯t angry? There is no way they aren¡¯t crying? There is no way they aren¡¯t suffering? There is no way they aren¡¯t vexed? There is no way they aren¡¯t bitter? There is no way they don¡¯t hate it? There is no way they can give up? And here is finally the strength that they wished for? It¡¯s the guys that seriously came to the very real another world for it? They are definitely angry. Deep inside they are enraged by unjust suffering.

    ¡¸So finally, they are getting angry, huh. But well, one day, they had to get that out? As they say, silence makes irritation grow, so it¡¯s about time they stop fuming in silence? For real? That¡¯s why it¡¯s better for them to get angry for real, they kept enduring it for way too long. Enduring it for so long, they got used to it, and can¡¯t get angry for their own sake anymore, by now, they probably can get angry only for the sake of others (animal ears). They are too afraid of giving in to the rage? That¡¯s why it¡¯s better for them to get angry, right?¡¹

    (Nod-Nod)

    Moreover, I had the Idiots come with them just in case. I¡¯m sure those Idiots will be set loose in the woods, allowed to run free. With no one watching, they have nothing to worry about. Letting the idiots actually do as they please. They definitely will do something idiotic. That¡¯s why it¡¯s definitely going to be alright.

    And there definitely must be some sort of an ace with the hunting party. After all, beastmen are strong, strong enough for people to say that there is nothing scarier than a beastmen protecting their family or friends. There is no way there wouldn¡¯t be anyone in that squad capable of overwhelming that, there is no way they wouldn¡¯t have weapons or traps for that. Yeah, but there is also no chance they can beat Slime-san? That can¡¯t be done? That¡¯s like, how should I put it, impossible? After all, that is a serious Slime-san.

    That¡¯s why I entrusted the beastmen to them. And since they were entrusted with that, it is as good as over.

    I can stick to just ripping them off over here. Will they give up or will they run out of money first? That¡¯s the question. But until then I can just keep ripping them off. And that is the heaviest blow to those greedy money-worshipping cheap bastards that call themselves merchants. Were they actually trading it wouldn¡¯t be an issue at all, but since they are fake-merchants who can only move money and people around, without creating or dealing in anything, losing money would lose them the ability to influence people, after which they can only self-destruct. I mean, people that do nothing, only profiteering from intrigues are not merchants at all? Since they aren¡¯t dealing in goods, it makes sense that their wares disappear? And no one would be bothered if people that don¡¯t create, transport, or trade in anything were to suddenly disappear.

    It is because they thought that war and finances are separate things that they get targeted. They never considered that someone might do to them what they are doing to others. Even though they kept manipulating war with finance, and coercing commerce with military power, they were convinced that they are fine, after all, war and finance are two separate issues, or so they thought.

    You started the war, you know? So you will have a war (economical destruction)?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] *Cough* mushoku tensei *Cough*

 CH 263

    Translator: ¡°Pink Tea¡± Editor: ¡°ryunakama¡± Proofreading: ¡°Reader A? Kind of? Maybe?¡±

    Day 64 ¨C Nighttime, Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch, Girls-Only Gathering

    We made huge profits. ¡ºI  Frontier¡» series sold out no matter how many more goods Haruka-kun would make. The Capital seems to  Frontier? Head-over-heels for it? But feeling lonesome from this long-distance relationship it began an affair with the Merchants Confederation! On top of that, the Theocracy is also trying to get closer with the Frontier with a pushy approach! That¡¯s just like one of those soap operas! It¡¯s on the same level of messiness as that title that despite being labeled ¡ºShoujo¡»had nothing adolescent about it at all? I don¡¯t want such shoujo! [1]

    ¡¸Good job~, we made super big profits by super ripping them off, a great opening day? Kind of? The salary that you¡¯ve been looking for is going to be paid in kind on a daily basis. Today, we have new bags of all kinds. Well, it¡¯s actually Item Bags? So here comes three items per person first-come-first-served battle royale-like salary? If anyone wants to be paid in cash or manju do tell me~? FIGHT, START? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaaaaaaaa!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A bustling and lively uproar. Completely exhausted after the crowded business hours, everyone entered the Maiden War, Battle of Payment in Kind!

    ¡¸Backpack! I need the backpack! I¡¯m of the backpack faction! That¡¯s what I decided today!¡¹

    ¡¸Hey! Trade that with me! I want the yellow one, the yeeellow, it goes with the shoes.¡¹

    ¡¸Oh no, that¡¯s mine? Fate brought us together, but we are being torn apart!¡¹

    It seems to be Multicolor, so you should be able to change the coloration? I want the yellow too! But the shape is important! After all, one can pick only three! Handbag, backpack, and shoulder bag. Since it¡¯s just before the bath, no one is wearing their battle gear. Certainly, if everyone was armed it could¡¯ve been too dangerous for a bargain war. Kuh, only a few backpacks left.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t pull it~, I got it, I took it first!¡¹

    ¡¸Where is the register? Where is Haruka-kun? Or rather, where is Haruka-kun (the register)!¡¹

    A storm-like battle has ended. Everyone is lying on the floor, holding bags in their hands.

    Everyone is utterly exhausted, but has a blissful smile on their face, holding the spoils of war (bags) in their hands.

    It seems Item Bags are incredibly difficult to produce, moreover, Item Bags made by Haruka-kun have incomparably larger¡ºStorage¡»than normal, which gets bigger with every new edition that he releases, and they even come with various effects now. That¡¯s why he can¡¯t mass produce them. In other words, he was making new ones every day, stockpiling for the sake of this moment. That¡¯s why everyone is so happy, that¡¯s why it¡¯s everyone¡¯s treasure.

    ¡¸Go into the bath first? I¡¯ll prepare dinner in the meantime. Today is viking with omusoba, jumbo gyoza, rice balls, salad with fried stuff, and vegetable skewers~. Something to scramble for after the bath? Sort of?¡¹[2] [3]

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Viking! Is it a sea robbers anniversary day?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Oda-kun¡¯s group seems to be currently doing some piracy at the moment? I wonder why the side that is supposed to be protecting, ends up engaging in piracy, burglary, and robbery? Hearing this out of context would totally make us look like the baddies.

    Today was an exhausting, but very fulfilling day. Everyone is delighted, carrying the bags they got as their rewards. No one probably remembers about the war anymore. Everyone¡¯s head is filled with Souvenir Store¡¯s success story. Sales goals he said¡­ There are even bonuses for that! There is no time for some silly wars anymore, we have to sell out and sell off!

    Over there, the Princess, the Young Lady, and Maid-san are all smiling, gazing at the bags. Grinning even. After all, these are artifact-tier items that would never be available for purchase by the general public. A highest-quality equipment granted only to close allies. Their value easily exceeds that of the national-treasure-class items, but more importantly, they must be happy to have received such special equipment, restricted only to the friends like it¡¯s a matter of course. All three of them are sitting with teary eyes. They probably didn¡¯t notice, but their equipment is long since of the same level as highest quality items meant for the friends. They have already been considered as comrades for a long while? They were recognized a long, long time ago.

    But the War of Maidens seems to be still too much for the people of this world. The Princess and others¡¯ hair is disheveled while their clothes are undone, partially coming off. Alright, let¡¯s bathe! The first experience must¡¯ve been tough for them.

    It¡¯s bathing time. Scrambling for the bath everyone shines up their bodies and then jumps into the water. The Princess and company are also here, so let¡¯s behave a bit¡­ The Princess jumped in too?¡­

    ¡¸It¡¯s big, but it¡¯s not that impressive compared to the White Weirdo or Murimuri Castle, right?¡¹

    ¡¸He seems to have no intentions to operate here for long? So he didn¡¯t bother with it that much.¡¹

    ¡¸Ehm, I¡¯m pretty sure this is the most splendid bath in the Capital? Even the one in the Royal Palace is smaller and more dull.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh no, our common sense has been corrupted!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    We shouldn¡¯t consider the usual to be the ordinary. That act of Creation he calls a side job is terrific enough to destroy a civilization.

    The Frontier has passed the middle-age period and began modernization. The eras are going too fast. Our surroundings are already in a magic version of industrial times, simply lacking in mechanization, or rather it might even be a modern era. In some areas things have in a way already surpassed our modern times. This place, this place alone is like another world. Only Haruka-kun¡¯s surroundings are in some sort of a different civilization. He is trying to get back what everyone has lost, but he is mercilessly taking back a lot of extra stuff? None of us lived such an extravagant life there? We are just ordinary people, you know? This is already surpassing the royal lifestyle?

    He also recovered in excess what was taken away from the Frontier. This time, he must¡¯ve been planning to take back from the Merchants Confederation, making absurdly excessive profits along the way. A rip-off king hell bent on taking back everything. A murder attempt would leave the opponents massacred instead, stealing would lead to getting robbed, and evil deeds will result in a slew of all sorts of brutal and heinous acts enacted upon the evildoers. While he may be a tyrant ruling through fear, he is also a rip-off king who doesn¡¯t know how to give up. He is probably the natural enemy of the Confederation, but if they oppose him they will get ripped off?

    ¡¸I¡¯d like to go out and start with the Viking, but the bath is nice too~.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Right~?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Unless we leave the bath all together Viking War might break out, so the timing becomes important. The Princess and others still seem unable to keep up with Maiden Wars. Maiden Wars are too soon for this world, certainly, the influence is corrupting!

    ¡¸I thought that he will either kill or kidnap the Second Prince, but he decided to fight a trade battle through the souvenir store?¡¹

    ¡¸His target is the Confederation backing the Second Prince, so he is setting up economic warfare against them. It¡¯s a warning that screwing with the Kingdom will ruin them.¡¹

    Claiming that the Confederation, who supposedly specializes in the economic side of politics, warfare, and finance, has its weakness in commerce, he launched a pin-point attack. Because the Confederation is profiteering off politics and military affairs, their finances can¡¯t cope with commerce. If money is taken from the country that makes money without selling actual goods, it will create a deficit, destroy the military, and crush their politics. They will lose to commerce.

    According to Haruka-kun¡¯s explanation¡ºMonetary economy, or rather, credit economy is fragile and has its limitations. While it¡¯s convenient, it comes with its own dangers in exchange. I mean, it¡¯s merely a promise that one can buy stuff with the coins? If no one agrees to sell then it¡¯s pointless. Military and politics become a guarantee for the credits, mixing all three gets you profits, but you can¡¯t go back to the way things were before. The Merchants Confederation can¡¯t fight through commerce anymore, you know? They are simply profiteering without manufacturing, transporting, or trading, so they don¡¯t have crafters, transporters, or traders. So if they become unable to solve their problems by throwing money at them, they¡¯ll have nothing left.¡»is supposedly how it is?

    ¡¸Make them unable to guarantee the money ¡­¡­huh.¡¡Does that mean the actual merchants will take back their country?¡¹

    ¡¸That is the Confederation¡¯s own internal problems? But they will lose their real power. After all, it seems that even merchants have issues with the way the Confederation does business.¡¹

    It¡¯s because they had such an easy time making money by putting pressure through politics and military threats that they lost the strength to properly do commerce, and thus are resented by the proper merchants. If they lost the only money they had in such a situation, even if they took only a slight loss, it would put cracks into their coalition. They are working together because it¡¯s profitable, but what will happen if it leads to losing money? What if they are made to take losses? Losses piled upon losses to the point of collapse? After all, he is definitely going to press them that far. Trying to make money with the military and politics, only to have both crushed. Their finances can¡¯t prevail over commerce, that¡¯s why they were targeted there.

    ¡¸President-sama, I¡¯ll wash your back. You have such a beautiful clean skin, so smooth and lovely.¡¹

    ¡¸Hya. T-Thank you very much, Shari-sama, but it¡¯s a bit ticklish, eh, no need to go there.¡¹

    After getting warmed up we shine up the skin once again. This bubbly soap is definitely addictive, a product highly endorsed by mushroom addicts. I feel like the more I use it, the prettier the skin gets!

    The Princess seems to really like washing backs, so every time we get into the bath she gets very excited. She must¡¯ve always been in the position of the one getting washed, and never could scrub others.

    But¡­ Somehow, the way she rubs is¡­ Weird? Weirdly good? She is strangery skillful, but there is something off about it? Is it because she isn¡¯t used to this yet? But why isn¡¯t she using a body brush and is doing it with her bare hands instead?

    ¡¸I wonder if Oda-kun and the others are okay. He mentioned that they are dealing with the actually dangerous stuff, so wouldn¡¯t it be better to go there together?¡¹

    ¡¸But there aren¡¯t enough people here as well~. With this uproar, I¡¯m sure there will be a line outside by tomorrow morning?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Whooa, the business is booming.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The Confederation¡¯s aim is to take the Capital, restrain the Theocracy, take over the supply of magic stones, and make a deal with the Theocracy. The bargaining chips are magic stones and the Kingdom.

    And while the Kingdom and the Theocracy are glaring at each other, they¡¯d attack the country of beastmen. The Kingdom, that would¡¯ve come to aid the beastmen, can¡¯t act, and their business rival, the Church, is also too busy. This is the perfect opportunity for them.

    If even one of those plans goes well, they will make more than enough profits, and if both do, they¡¯ll hit a jackpot. This is a large profit on a national scale. Someone, somewhere, is going to have something taken away.

    That¡¯s why crushing both will lead to huge losses. They might be a merchant confederation, specializing in making money, but here we have the Great Demon King of Ripping Off? A regular great Demon King is bad enough, but this goes straight for the money? That¡¯s scary, you know?

    Looks like Haruka-kun wants to settle the fight in three days. Once it settled, the Confederation will either keep continuously bleeding money, or will have to run away with a heavy loss. Apparently bleeding them forever is more delicious, but it won¡¯t continue for long. That¡¯s why it¡¯s a short-term souvenir store. And once the Confederation pulls back, the Capital will lose its supply and dry up. After that comes recapture of the Capital.

    And Haruka-kun will return to the Frontier on his own.

    For the next thing, that no one knows about yet.

    Preparing to face the real opponents, still lurking in shadows.

    All alone, Haruka-kun is going to defend the Frontier.

    And we still haven¡¯t decided whose bras are going to be made today.

    All alone, he is going to work on making bras¡­ Wait, that¡¯s just how it usually goes?

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Shoujo (from Japanese ÉÙÅ® ¨C Girl) is a category of works targeted at a young female audience, typically characterized by a focus on personal and romantic relationships. Also, not 100% sure (only 98%) but that description sounds very much like NANA.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_(manga)

    It¡¯s literally how the manga opens. And with all of that, it somehow was labeled ¡°shoujo¡± despite being more ¡°adult-oriented¡± in plot than many ¡°josei¡± titles. It also fits year-wise with many other references, being early 2000s.

    [2] Omusoba ¨C yakisoba served with a thin omelet on top.

    [3] Viking (¥Ð¥¤¥­¥ó¥°) ¨C is how they call all-you-can-eat buffet in Japan. Apparently, the idea traveled to Japan from Sweden after a certain hotel manager saw it there, but as one might expect ¡°sm?rg?sbord¡± was ¡°a bit much¡± so they went with an easier to pronounce ¡°viking¡±, it¡¯s not hard to make the connection between Sweden and vikings, so no need to explain how that idea came up.

    ]

 CH 264

    Day 64 ¨C Nighttime, Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch

    The Rhythmic Gymnastics Girl and Shield Girl combination is a rare sight. No, calling them that all the time is too much, as expected, I do remember their names, you know?

    ¡¸Febreze-san and Shield President, that¡¯s an unusual combination, are you trying to become Deodorization President by apprenticeship under Shield President? Yeah, I wholeheartedly support you, please fight the middle-aged men¡¯s body odor and exterminate it along with the source of the smell? Eehm, want me to make a weapon with¡ºDeodorization¡»effect? Like, a club hitting with which eliminates the smell? A special anti-middle-aged-men weapon? Yup, let¡¯s go for that!¡¹

    ¡¸I told you to forget about Febreze! I was never ever even called that, how come you can¡¯t remember my name or nickname yet remember Febreze!¡¹

    ¡¸Haruka-san, we will be in your care today. With this bra, I will be able to protect everyone! I¡¯ll do my best!¡¹

    That¡¯s quite a difference in attitude. But you can¡¯t protect anyone with a bra, okay? It¡¯s not even protective equipment, and if you fight with a bra, you¡¯ll end up no bra, eliminating the point of making one in the first place? Well, if opponents are highschool boys, then a schoolgirl with a bra in her hand definitely would be able to annihilate them, they surely will meet their demise with a smile. But this is underwear, okay? If anything, a bra is supposed to protect from shape loss or sagging? Actually, I received a written demand for push up bras, just how far do they want a highschool boy to advance bra making techniques?

    ¡¸About that Bust Up effect, how about adding¡ºNull-Gravity¡»effect? That sounds great, but with them no longer bound by constraints of gravity, things might get crazy? I actually wonder just how far up that Up in bust up is supposed to be? Rather, as a highschool boy, I never experience the loss of shape or saginess, so I have no idea what this is all about? I mean, I don¡¯t have any in the first place? No, if a highschool boy had those, it would be an issue, or rather, it would raise a TS question whether it¡¯s actually a highschool girl, so there won¡¯t be any on highschool boys! Absolutely!¡¹

    Armored Pres-san began her blindfolding. Where did the proper blindfold that I made go? Also, Armored Pres-san, from whom did you learn that TEHEPERO? I¡¯m certain there was nothing of this sort in this world? Just what kind of discussions are you having in those Girls-Only Meetings? For the time being, it seems the meeting¡¯s decision was Bust Up.

    ¡¸By the way, I¡¯m considering popularizing activities like beach volleyball, tennis, and whatnot, what do you think about rhythmic gymnastics? Can it be popularized? Or rather, I¡¯d like to, but I don¡¯t think it can be competitive? I mean, even if people of this world learned gymnastics, there is no way they can catch up with you in it? No, wait, since it¡¯s another world¡­ Maybe someone like Hanuman (divine monkey), might be able to? There are tons of gobs, kobolds, and orcs, all over the place, but Hanumans are quite rare? But we don¡¯t want gobs, both in terms of rivalry and leotards, right~?¡¹ [1]

    ¡¸Why do I have to compete with a divine monkey, starting a rhythmic gymnastic competition! I don¡¯t want goblins either! Actually, the divine monkey is a monster, so normally beat it with a weapon before competing in gymnastics!¡¹

    Looks like Hanuman is a no. Using golem still sounds like a more appealing option than training goblins, but rocks doing rhythmic gymnastics¡­ Doesn¡¯t sound like a very popular event.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I even want to? I¡¯ve been forced to do this since I was little, and just perplexed since it¡¯s not a thing anymore, I¡¯d say? If asked do I really want to do this, I¡¯d say not sure. I¡¯m also honestly relieved that I don¡¯t have to practice anymore.¡¹

    The weight of expectations that she was shouldering is gone. All of the cultivation and training that she underwent is too much to just forget about. After all, she is a rhythmic gymnastics favorite child. At the same time, if asked if they want to do it alone, anyone would find the idea dubious. As long as it is a competitive activity, one is bound to seek results, but there is no one to compete with. I mean, she doesn¡¯t want Hanumans¡­

    ¡¸Might as well catch a ton of fairies and throw them a rhythmic gymnastics version of the tiger¡¯s den, one or two should awaken the talent, showing Fairy Dance to¡­¡¹ [2]

    ¡¸How come you can come up with the words Fairy Dance for fairies, but keep insisting on Febreze for me? Just how much do I stink! Wait, don¡¯t try to actually smell me! I don¡¯t stink! Shoo, shoo.¡¹

    Apparently, she doesn¡¯t stink. In terms of size she is on the larger side of medium. And if they came in this order, it must mean that it was impacting their movements. That¡¯s how this unusual combination of Gymnastics Girl and Shield Pres came to be. Shield Pres, who rushes to the enemy in a straight line at the highest speed along with her shield, clashing with them, and Rhythmic Gymnastics Girl, who continuously repeats a series of spins, rotations, leaps, and jumps. In other words, two people with bra design complications came together?

    In terms of bras fit for top speed-linear collision, the development itself probably hasn¡¯t even begun yet. I mean, no one has made bras using automobile crash test equipment, so there¡¯s probably no way. And certainly no one considered the combination spinning and leaping when designing a bra. Surely, no one even tried a design capable of suppressing gravity from 360 degrees, centrifugal force, and recoil. In other words, there is no telling if a normal shape will even suit the purpose. There is no other choice but to have them move around and calculate from that, but if I calculate motions in real-time 3D then a highschool boy-like real 3P will come in motion in my head? Blindfolds are powerless before the power of a Highschool Boy¡¯s imagination! I mean, there is another opening? Like, could you please close your fingers at least occasionally?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll start by making two ordinary ones? Let¡¯s think about combat versions after that? First, do the sizing, then bring it to completion, and then challenge the limits of physical laws to create the bras? I have no idea why making a bra demands challenging limits of physical laws or what the hell a bra that challenges limits of physics is, but since I have no idea, that thought can be left for later, like I can think of it after we are done? Sort of?¡¹

    That¡¯s probably impossible. That¡¯s something beyond a bra.

    I have no idea why a highschool boy has to challenge the limits of physical laws in an attempt to break through the limits of bras, but that will probably end up being exclusive equipment. If the aim is an all-enveloping shape providing support from every direction, then there is no other choice but to wrap up from every side, and the collision impact would require some sort of shock absorption system built-in, that would protect that mobile Chest-sama.

    ¡¸Uuh.¡¹¡¸nMmm.¡¹¡¸Kuh¡¹¡¸HyaAh¡¹¡­

    I didn¡¯t hear a thing, I¡¯m not listening! After all, if I were to listen and show a reaction, that very moment Armored Pres-san will move her fingers away. As expected of an Ex-Dungeon Emperor, she instantly reads the moment, and makes the opening at the most superb timing! No, wait, you can¡¯t do that! Yesterday, all of the fingers covering my eyes were spread apart, you don¡¯t even have any intentions of hiding the fact that you have no intentions of hiding anything, right?

    Even though I have calculated all sorts of patterns,¡¡figuring out the most optimal values, as long as no unique conditions are added, I can deal with it based on the solution from the previous data. In other words, bras can be made quicker and easier. The shorts are¡­ They require time due to different issues? Like, collapsing or sinking to the floor? Yeah, and those crazy voices?

    Since adjustments went well, I have them move around to add corrections. This can¡¯t be done otherwise. Looks like it has no problem supporting normal movements, it will most likely do fine in ordinary combat too. For now, it¡¯s complete, from here on the experiment begins.

    These bras are in no way inferior to the ones I¡¯ve made so far. Sacrificing the visual design, I went with larger cloth coverage, making sure that they are capable of coping with movements in all possible directions. And now the testing,.how far these bras can and can¡¯t keep up with the movements of the two, at which point they couldn¡¯t keep up anymore, and what were the consequences, it¡¯s impossible to make combat bras without knowing all that.

    So I have them do some drastic movements while wearing bras and equipment. I still have the blindfold equipped, you know? I mean, all they are wearing is underwear and armor, so I¡¯ll see it? I¡¯m making measurements with¡ºEvil Hands¡»and¡ºHolding¡», but my eyes are still closed.¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san is also ready to perform necessary calculations.

    Shield Pres is repeating STOP and GO, gradually going faster and faster, I can tell how it¡¯s going wild during sudden stops. What is? The contents. Yup, wildly leaping they are bouncing around inside. No other choice but to add an air cushion. The problem is that it must not rub. Alright, let¡¯s try to draft the design.

    As for the Rhythmic Gymnastics Girl, while it has horizontal spins covered, they are peeking out of the bra with high jumps and vertical rotations, or more like, they completely jumping out of the bra. No other choice but to wrap it entirely like a tube top while holding from all sides. Designing it is simple, but adjustments and corrections are incredibly challenging. After all, there are no cases to fall back upon, so I have to grope in the darkness on my own. No, it would become a crime if I actually used my hand to feel around! ¡ºEvil Hands¡»are the ones groping, in short, there is no other choice but to shake them from every direction in 360 degrees. But why can¡¯t I shake off this feeling that shaking off school girls¡¯ chests from 360 degrees would mean far more trouble than just being labeled a pervert? And why do I feel that the more I grope for it, the deeper Affection Rating-san goes into hiding? I¡¯m sure that by now it went into such an angle that groping from 360 degree wouldn¡¯t be enough anymore.

    ¡¸This doesn¡¯t hurt. It doesn¡¯t hurt from impact, pull on sudden stops, or rub. With this I can protect, with this I definitely will be able to protect everyone!¡¹

    Although it¡¯s a bit of a crude approach, but Shield Pres got an air cushion bra that allows for back and forth movements, the fake bottom makes it appear slightly larger, but it can¡¯t be helped. This bra isn¡¯t meant to deceive highschool boys, so surely highschool boys of the world will permit this one. I mean, it apparently hurt quite bad during the combat. But please, don¡¯t use a bra to protect others? I mean, it sort of has an air cushion, so it might seem like it can protect, but it actually can¡¯t. Don¡¯t take it in your hands, and properly keep it on your chest. I worked really hard to make it?

    ¡¸This is the best one, but this is not a bra anymore, or rather, it feels so familiar, and yet this feeling of comfort is novel? And it comes as a set piece with the bottom, actually, isn¡¯t this totally a lewd leotard? This design would get one instantly disqualified from any competition, but it definitely has superior efficiency. Well, it¡¯s underwear?¡¹

    Yeah, that¡¯s a leotard, isn¡¯t it? I mean, a normal tube top style couldn¡¯t provide proper support or restrain the movements, so I tried adding straps in X-shape to the already existing side straps, and it immediately boosted holding power and diagonal supporting strength, but even so, it couldn¡¯t keep up with the vertical strain, so I tried to increase the vertical lines, and oh my, what a surprise, a sexy strap-leotard is complete.

    In short, it¡¯s a leotard in the form of a combination of straps that provide support and pull from all angles, wrapping on all sides with tensile strength and elasticity, on one hand preventing them from breaking free, and at the same time supporting, preventing them from being drawn in any direction. It makes perfect sense, you know? Nonetheless, it¡¯s a leotard made up entirely of straps, or rather tape, or rather, strings? In other words, it¡¯s a bondage-style arrangement with tons of openings? Well, to put it into simple words, it¡¯s lewd! I never even thought of such a design, let¡¯s make one like this for Armored Pres-san too. Wrapped in those sexy straps, with this and that peeking through, it surely will become something marvelous.

    But I will surely get scolded when this is discovered. Even though the design stems from purely functional considerations, no one would believe after seeing this, yeah, that¡¯s just not possible?

    Yeah, since the combat bras manufacture is completed, let¡¯s wrap this up. I mean, they can¡¯t do anything after working on shorts, so they are always left for the last? Yeah, I also can¡¯t, in a highschool boy sort of way, like, really badly can¡¯t! I mean, those sensations are definitely too much for any highschool boy of this world! Well, they seem to be too much for schoolgirls too?

    Yup, it was too much.

    Shield Pres held until the last moment, collapsing to the floor while still maintaining a triumphant pose with both hands. Her last words were ¡ºKyuuh~¡».

    Febreze-san¡­ How did she even manage to faint while in a side split? It¡¯s super inconvenient to carry? Seriously.

 CH 265.1

    Chapter 265: Absolutely perfect, providing exactly the same result, without wasting unnecessary effort, while being considerate of the environment and myself.

    Day 65 ¨C Morning, Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch

    Morning, the beginning defines everything! There is even a proverb ¡ºIf it starts well, it¡¯s fine to slip away¡»! The time to inspire the staff, and unify team spirit by outlining the objectives!

    ¡¸Today, today we are to warmly welcome the customers and graciously rip them off? Is the spirit I¡¯d like you to have ripping and ripping into their wallets, doing your best at rip-off sales~? Sort of~?¡¹

    Tight instructions to start the refreshing morning after the night of tender grappling! No, actually, the night was pretty tight too? It was pretty crazy? Those straps biting into the¡­ Nevermind, it¡¯s nothing? A morning star for a nice morning start¡­ Hm? The name is morning-themed, but it actually ushers the night of eternal slumber, so let¡¯s put it away? Alright, let¡¯s ban wielding morning stars inside the store! Time to rightfully abuse my authority as a shop manager! Yup, let¡¯s do this, otherwise, I¡¯ll be in danger. I¡¯ll need to have it replaced with a paper fan.

    ¡¸You probably intended to give out instructions on what seems to be a morning assembly, but all of the supposed instructions have question marks attached? The instructions in question are very questionable, so in a way, that actually fits, but¡­ These aren¡¯t instructions anymore, no?¡¹

    And yet, they were rejected. Even though I did my best to convey the main point in the short, yet pleasant to the ear form, it was rejected? I guess schoolgirls these days really do dislike complicated conversations.

    The Geeks and Idiots must¡¯ve discontinued their pirating business and had their debut as bandits, so there should be tons of new goods smuggled in by the Merchants Confederation, let¡¯s crack down on it! We have to confiscate those goods and use them in the sales called distribution to the populace! It¡¯s enough to rip off just the Kingdom, the Confederation, and the nobles. That¡¯s what the gorgeous reception office with an extravagant tenfold charge rate is for.

    ¡¸From today we are going to have an Soup kitchen squad as well, so things are about to get busy? Like, we¡¯ll have to cook, and cook, and cooklike hell? I mean, the slums are sure to have lots of cute orphan girls, an encounter with a beautiful lady overseeing the orphanage is awaiting, or rather, calling me, or rather, since no one is coming to hand me an invitation, I¡¯m going there on my own? Sort of? But if a middle-aged man is awaiting me there I¡¯m burning the place without rationing anything? I mean, if a middle-aged man is in charge of the place, then even orphans are bound to be a bunch of middle-aged men, so let¡¯s burn it!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸There are no middle-aged men among orphans at the orphanage, so you can¡¯t burn it! Even if the person in charge is a middle-aged man, he is a good middle-aged man, taking care of an orphanage, okay?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    We have no time for trickle-down economics, you know? For the ones on the bottom to get any resources, they¡¯ll have to wait until the ones on top are full, okay? No one has that eternity to spare waiting until stuff reaches the bottom, and some of it even disappears along the way. Moverover, if the top sucks up stuff from the bottom in a straw-like effect, it won¡¯t ever reach the very bottom.

    Direct distribution has a lot of impractical points, but it¡¯s certain. A true rip-off is impossible without securing the minimal living standards. I mean, if everyone is broke, then there is no one to reap money from? There is no such a thing as Win-Win in this world, you know? Resources are limited, once collected, they have to be appropriately distributed, if they won¡¯t do that, then I can just rip them off and scatter the stuff myself, and if everyone becomes wealthy I can rip off everyone! This is my Forever Rich Man plan! And now, it looks like beautiful female orphanage managers will be included as a bonus? And cute orphan girls hold promising future prospects¡­ Nutrition, nutrition is necessary! As a certain lewd person of old once said, ¡ºProper nutrition is essential to voluptuous forms¡», nutrients have to be delivered!

    ¡¸Here, the pass to the Capital and distribution permit provided by Terrysel-sama of the Second Division. Please confirm them yourself.¡¹

    For some reason, a certain trend can be observed, where everyone denies me an opportunity to lead negotiations? Things are going right according to the completely perfect flawless scenario, but there seems to be no opportunity for my ad-lib negotiations to shine?

    ¡¸My acting ability should¡¯ve been confirmed during the time when the Stalker Girl was investigating me, as my captivating and impactful performance captured the hearts of the audience, as I made not a single slip during that time, and yet I don¡¯t get even a single line? Good grief, what a way to treat the one in possession of ability great enough to deserve the¡ºW-What a terrifying child!¡»[1] line, the talent that was recognized all the way back in the childhood, earning me a major role of¡ºTree¡»on countless occasions, leading to me fully usurping the role until I graduated from the primary school? Wanna see it?¡¹

    ¡¸No, we don¡¯t! Didn¡¯t you find the role of¡ºTree¡» too much of a bother, leading to you causing afforestation of the gymnasium? Forget about perfectly acting the part, that was actually a tree, right? An actual very real tree, wasn¡¯t it? As a result, there always was a tree standing right in the middle, be it Cinderella¡¯s ball or the Little Mermaid sea, it was a real nuisance, you know? Why did you keep planting it year after year? Why did you think that no one caught on? That was so terrifying that you had people actually scared!¡¹

    The Capital¡¯s first Flat Gaze, as expected, came from the Flat Gaze President. And looks like she knew that it was a tree. No, I mean, my acting ability is most certainly perfect, so I¡¯d flawless act the part of the tree, if so, why not just use a real tree? Since the result would be the same, but without wasting my efforts and afforestation being a positive for ozone layer, a splendid substitute, great both for me and the environment, however, it seems they were dissatisfied with it?

    But as expected of the Capital, it has buildings and style unlike that of the Frontier, there is even a sense of uniformity to it. But all of it is in stone. This city planning allows to easily create an army of stone golems with Earth Magic? That sounds pretty strong, but if it came to battle, homes would end up sort of walking away? Is that really alright? And if it happens when one of the local girls is taking a bath, Stone Golems would become Fan-Service Golems! Alright, let¡¯s boot them up, but Fan-Service Golems? If I spot a golem that came with a middle-aged man bathing scene I¡¯d burn it along with the capital? No need for reveals of that sort, okay? Wait, what you were actually thinking of revealing, old man! Alright, let¡¯s burn it to cinders, leaving nothing but ashes.

    ¡¸Heeey, Haruka-kun. Don¡¯t start remodeling the Capital on your own, alright? Some sort of a pulse was going through the streets, what are you trying to do? Also, I have no idea what you are trying to do, but you were muttering ¡ºKya, you perv~¡», so you are definitely getting a scolding later, okay? Why are you openly releasing your mana in the middle of enemy territory infiltration, seeking some sort of ¡ºKya, you perv~¡»? That¡¯s GUILTY for you.¡¹

    Was I saying that out loud? But ¡ºKya, you perv~¡»should¡¯ve been permitted nationally? But Creative Work Murderers (Busybody Aunties) were throwing a fuss in an attempt to save 2D girls, so perhaps ¡ºKya you perv~¡»got banned? If anything, I¡¯d prefer if they focused on saving 3D or some other worlds? But well, even if they got summoned to another world, they¡¯d probably throw a fit to ban offensive magic or swords for being dangerous, and then will get their heads chewed off by kobolds, which would be an instant¡ºthank you for the treat¡», so they might as well not bother coming? I mean, kobolds probably wouldn¡¯t want to get involved with them either?

    ¡¸We are about to step into the slums, the public order seems to be a problem here, so everyone¡­ Watch out for Haruka-kun!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Okaay!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Why am I the one they are watching out for because of the public order issues? I see, so they finally realized my virtuous qualities, and are paying close attention so no harm comes to me. Although I¡¯d pocket the stuff back from the pickpockets without allowing them to steal anything, mug back the muggers, and cut down violent fellows before anything can happen, so being a perfectly safe and secure virtuous victim, I¡¯m sure everything should be fine? Well, the only issue is that since it¡¯s a slum, there isn¡¯t much chance to profit. No, if it¡¯s a cute female pickpocket then possibly? Those dexterous fingers sound very tempting! Alright, let¡¯s invite some. And some Beautiful Female Robber-san and Beautiful Female Slasher-san too? They definitely would be worth stripping of all possessions! Regardless of them having anything of value or not. The slums might be a lot better than I initially thought.

 CH 265.2

    The buildings changed from stone to wood, progressively looking more and more squalid as we proceeded deeper¡­ Hey, Another World! Are you perhaps looking down on wooden construction? What¡¯s up with this treatment of wooden buildings? Is stone that great, huh? Why is wood somehow treated as a material of poor people?! Good grief, that¡¯s why this world is no good. It seems to have no understanding of oriental esthetics and construction techniques. By the most modest estimations, it¡¯s 3,000 years too early for them to challenge wooden constructions with such architecture, no different than a pile of rocks stacked up on top of each other. In 5,000 years they might have a chance? Nonono, even in historical terms it¡¯s¡­

    ¡¸Heey, Haruka-kuun. I told you that you can¡¯t remodel the Capital as you please, didn¡¯t I? Somehow, the townscape is turning into something like traditional temple architecture, just what are you trying to do? Or rather, actually doing? Importing Buddhism? Also, I have no idea what you are up to, but why are you building a five-storied pagoda with your mana fully leaking while we are infiltrating enemy territory? You do realize this is another world? Others will mistake this for a Kyoto sightseeing tour, you know?¡¹

    Looks like I¡¯ve gone and accidentally did it. Well, now even denizens of this world will comprehend the beauty of oriental architecture and sophistication of wooden construction. The place looks a lot better after all?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸The slums now look as if millionaires live here? We couldn¡¯t go on the field trip, but is this a fake Kyoto?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I mean, it¡¯s vexing that people would consider those miserable shacks to be examples of wooden architecture. I had to properly demonstrate the splendor of wooden architecture here. But unfortunately, it¡¯s not a fake Kyoto? I mean, there are no geishas or dancing girls! Every highschool boy is attending school believing that one day he will kya~kya~ ufufu with geishas or dancers during the school trip! Don¡¯t just go and summon people to another world before the trip! And if you do, at least send some geishas along as well! I¡¯ll be sure to treat them well? Like, I bid you welcome? Sincerely?

    No one showed up.

    ¡¸Somehow, the slums look more extravagant than the rest of the city? The nobles district over there looks like some ordinary stones?¡¹

    ¡¸The warmth of wooden buildings? The comforting feel of it? I was admiring European-style but there is a special familiarity to this.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, the Royal Palace is doing its best¡­ But even Nigatsu Hall of Todai Temple was erected here¡«¡¹ [2]

    ¡¸That district looks poorer! It began resembling piles of rocks crudely stacked on top of each other! Are we going to distribute emergency rations to those pitiful nobles too?¡¹

    A favorable reception from modern-day school girls too. But with the area being as level ground as it is, Kiyomizu Temple [3] would be impossible to pull off. As a fire prevention measure I also added some stone walls too. These should allow for way more comfortable livelihood than stone-made dwellings. How dare the likes of this world look down on the modern-day Orient? Go and sit in stone buildings, getting steamed and frozen!

    With this, the nobles so proud of their aristocratic district will feel ashamed and behave more quietly. The sight of nobles, who originally were supposed to serve the people and help them in times of need, living in luxury right beside the slums is an eyesore, you know? But now they won¡¯t be able to act so arrogant. Even if they say anything, replying with¡ºhaha, this guy lives in some stones, isn¡¯t he just a beggar golem?¡»will probably send them running back in tears. Well, I also would feel bad if they were bullied because of this, so let¡¯s distribute some Frontier Wooden Swords as well. Their performance might not be top tier, but it would be a problem if being too powerful they turned the place like that town of clubs. I¡¯m sure both gobs and kobolds are troubled by that town. That¡¯s one place one wouldn¡¯t want to attack.

    ¡¸¡­¡­And so, a certain someone arbitrarily remodeled the place, and also took a permit to set up a store in the capital along the way. We are moving, but since there is no baggage we only have to walk there. I¡¯m sure everyone has forgotten, but this is still more or less enemy territory, alright? The poor capital officials gave passage permits and operation licenses for everyone in a blank daze, so there is no issue, but since the most problematic walking issue of a person is with us, we should watch out¡­ Which surely wouldn¡¯t do anything, it never had any effect at all, but let¡¯s still try to take care, okay?¡¹

    And heading to the orphanage marked on the map, well, poor orphanages are a staple of isekai stories, helping which earns one the gratitude of a pretty young lady watching over it, which she then would passionately express through this and that and also that, but even so, isn¡¯t it way too run-down? Decaying wooden ruins with various spots covered by tattered rags, in a way, it¡¯s actually impressive that they managed to keep it from collapsing, which borders on being a miracle with how decrepit it is?

    A swarm of little kids poured out of the building, however, all of them malnourished and wearing tattered clothes, or rather, actual rags? Eh? Matching outfits with me? No no! Their clothes weren¡¯t black by design, they darkened with time, and with holes here and there from being so worn out, they are now pitch black.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun, please. We¡¯ll pay from our salaries! Please, these kids¡­ These kids¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The pres and the others burst into tears. Well, this world has many western-style beauties, which makes it even more painful to watch. I mean, that little girl with unkempt blonde hair and dirty face has the features of an angel from paintings, that dirty urchin with red hair, would be annoyingly good-looking once his soot-smeared face is washed and hair combed. But they are dressed in terrible dirty rags, living in derelict rubble that might collapse at any moment. That¡¯s why the girls are crying from the shock. Even back at the Frontier, as poor as it was, it wasn¡¯t like this. As worn out or poor things might have been, it still was tidy and orderly, everyone was helping each other. The first thing that Meripapa-san asked for, despite the dire lack in money, was a splendid orphanage. Back at the Frontier, everyone, be it an orphan, a wounded, or sick, everyone desperately did their best to help each other.

    But this place is abandoned. These kids are abandoned.

    Royal Girl said that this place is operating with donations from the royal family, which makes me really curious exactly which part of this had any money spent on it? Royal family is donating money, but this place is supposedly under the jurisdiction of the aristocratic district, and customs seem to prevent the royal family from interfering with it. That¡¯s why Royal Girl hadn¡¯t visited this place, and only somehow managed to draw a map. I wish I could show her this sight. And I also really wish she would kindly introduce the nobles involved with this to me. I would like to implore a thorough and detailed explanation of where and how much of the donations were used on this abandoned wreck of a building, tattered rags of clothes, and malnourished kids.

    But for now, let¡¯s take care of the orphanage first. It¡¯s not too late to turn the aristocratic district into a hellish district after that. The streets built with the money donated to this miserable shack can wait. They can wait, but they cannot hope. But first, the orphanage. The orphans come before that.

    [TL Notes:

    [2] Nigatsu-d¨­ (Japanese: ¶þÔÂÌÃ lit.?¡¯The Hall of the Second Month¡¯) is one of the important structures of T¨­dai-ji, a temple in Nara. It includes several other buildings in addition to the specific hall named Nigatsu-d¨­, thus comprising its own sub-complex within T¨­dai-ji. The current main hall of Nigatsu-d¨­ is a designated National Treasure.

    [3] Kiyomizu-dera (ÇåË®ËÂ, Kiyomizu Temple, ¡°Pure Water Monastery¡±) is a Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto, Japan. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site.

 CH 266

    Day 65 ¨C Late Morning, The Capital, Slums

    With the village gone, and mom and dad dead, I was brought here.

    It¡¯s hungry here.

    We share a thin soup that is more like water, and pieces of stale bread, but it doesn¡¯t fill the stomach.

    It¡¯s cold here.

    It¡¯s all crumbling, with a cold wind blowing through. Wrapping in thin blankets we sleep shivering and hungry.

    It¡¯s miserable here.

    Kids, both little and big, are doing their best working, but still can¡¯t buy proper food. No matter how hard we work, nothing changes.

    I head back after finishing my morning work. The city is big, but this is the only place I can return to. I earned only a bit of money, but it has to be spent on food, the younger kids are waiting with empty stomachs.

    Even if we start working while it¡¯s still dark outside, even if we work until late at night, even if everyone works hard all day long, we are still short on food. Everyone¡¯s stomachs are growling from hunger.

    Will we be able to buy enough food today, was what I thought as I turned the corner to the orphanage¡­ The orphanage?

    Where did the orphanage go?

    I¡¯ve lost the place I can go back to. Even though I don¡¯t have anywhere else to go, the orphanage is now gone.

    A large mansion stands in its place. What happened to the little kids that lived there, where did they go?

    Having no other options, having no other place to go, I went through the surroundings of the mansion, looking for the little kids.

    ¡¸Sis, over here~. There is tasty food, you can eat as much as you want.¡¹

    The little kids were waving at me.

    And of all things, from inside the mansion. If they ate the food from such a splendid mansion without permission, mere apologies wouldn¡¯t be enough.

    Rushing there, I immediately apologized with all my might, I asked for forgiveness, asked to pardon the little kids, told them that I will definitely pay for the food, and offered all the money I had on me..

    Over and over I bowed my head, repeatedly apologizing again and again.

    Then, someone hugged me. A very pretty older girl with pitch black hair and pitch black eyes. She was very soft, with a nice smell to her, reminding me of my mother a bit.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. You can have all the food. We brought this for everyone to eat. Eat as much as you want.¡¹

    I was brought to another room that had an entire feast ready. Numerous delicious looking dishes that I¡¯ve never seen before were lined up there.

    Both little kids and big kids were eating them with smiles, beckoning me to join.

    In the back, a black-haired dark-eyed older boy is making food. One after another, delicious-looking dishes are set up on the table at an amazing speed.

    ¡¸Eat plenty~? Or rather, if you don¡¯t eat and grow big, there is a high possibility of something unfortunate happening, like not getting big? But man, you do eat well considering already being pretty unfortunate¡­ No, I didn¡¯t mean it like that! I didn¡¯t say that yours are small at all, I just thought that while the power of imagination might be infinite, the potential might not be there anymore? No, I didn¡¯t see anything, I didn¡¯t see the potential or anything! I mean, how could I see anything, if there is nothing to begin witHOOOA! Why do you have a morning star? Eh? Armored Pres-san lent it to you? So that¡¯s why this morning star looked so familiar, wait, why does attacking me always have to be done with a morning star?!¡­¡¹

    It was fun. Smiles everywhere, everyone is smiling, and I was smiling too.

    I ate a whole lot. When I said that it¡¯s my first time eating so much or eating something this delicious ¡ºYou haven¡¯t seen anything yet. The true fear is having to do ONE MORE SET, getting hit with immense regret eating even tastylicious snacks, but lately, there are more and more people, who overeat on manju so much that ONE MORE SET is not enough anymore¡­ GUOOUHGHAA! No, really, why is the morning star such a hot rental item here? Or rather, how come you always have it ready? I just upgraded it with mithril the other day, so getting hit by it is really no joke, you know? I mean, with Armored Pres-san dressed in nurse uniform saying stuff like ¡ºI¡¯ll do it if you mithrilify it~¡», being a highschool boy, I immediately mithriled it without a second thought! Like, all the way to the brim! I mean, a nurse in a miniskirt uniform will be doing that~, do you get it?! Wait, GYAAAH! ¡», so lively, so fun, and so delicious, and so warm.

    Getting hugged made me so very happy.

    And holding hands together.

    And having my head patted.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright, you did your best, efforts have to be rewarded, or it wouldn¡¯t be fair, right? And if there is no reward, then it can be just ripped off? So this is the reward for working hard until now, you did your best for so long, so of course, there will be more and more rewards from now on too, or rather, that¡¯s the course that I chose, so I¡¯ll be ripping it off? Well, as some famous person also said, most things in this world can be solved by either hitting or ripping off? Well, not sure if they actually said that or not, but since I don¡¯t even know who they are it doesn¡¯t really matter? I guess?¡¹

    It¡¯s a reward, he said. A reward for doing my best all this time.

    And then he patted my head over and over.

    I¡¯m so glad I worked so hard, after all, there was something this nice ahead.

    With this, I feel like I can keep going.

    After all, if I keep working hard, there might be something just as nice ahead too.

    Little kids and big kids are all laughing through tears and crying with smiles already.

    Turns out, tears can come out from having too much happiness, too much fun, too many nice things happening at once. That surprised me.

    The tears were always brought by hunger, coldness, or loneliness, but this time it is tears of happiness.

    When it¡¯s hard, painful, or bitter, tears come flowing, but when I¡¯m happy, it¡¯s tears again?

    I was guided through the mansion, but they also said that it¡¯s an orphanage and not a mansion, and so that it¡¯s our home.

    There was a bath. I¡¯ve seen a bath before, when I went to chop firewood, but this is¡­ Amazing.

    It¡¯s amazing, I¡¯m sitting inside a bath.

    Getting washed by the black-haired older girls, everyone is sparkling clean, like children from good houses.

    ¡¸Next, we are going to wash your heads, come one by one.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Okaay.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Everyone is still crying. It¡¯s hard to believe after all.

    I mean, we get to take a warm bath after eating a whole lot of delicious stuff.

    What should we do with so much happiness coming all at once? What do we do from tomorrow on?

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s all good now, so it¡¯s alright.

    Because big brother in black mantle said so, didn¡¯t he?

    He hates seeing unhappy faces, so he needs to have everyone smiling!

    That¡¯s why everything is already alright. He will make it so you can keep smiling.

    He is definitely going to make everyone happy, so just resign yourself to happiness, ok? That big brother is not going to give up.¡¹

    Everyone is bawling their eyes out. Both little kids and big kids were all crying.

    After all, we are already perfectly happy. So much so that it¡¯s hard to believe.

    And yet, being told that we are going to become even happier and it will become our everyday life, we couldn¡¯t hold back from crying.

    We are already completely happy, so happy that we will never ever ever be able to forget such happiness.

    And they also added a big door plate.

    The big brother in the black cloak is getting scolded for shouting ¡ºCAPTUURED!¡»?

    The orphanage became ¡ºSouvenir Store, Sort of Orphanage Branch? Kind of?¡».

    From tomorrow on, we can have delicious food everyday if we help around while wearing nice clothes.

    Both little kids and big kids received the same pretty clothes. They said it¡¯s a uniform.

    The big brother in black cloak is getting scolded after shouting¡ºYahoo! Labour force secured!¡»?

    People outside the orphanage were crying too, getting lots of food and having their homes prettied up.

    Everyone was crying.

    Little kids, big kids, grown-ups, everyone was in tears.

    It¡¯s not cold anymore.

    A warm and soft bed.

    There is no wind coming through the cracks too.

    And my stomach is so full I almost feel sick.

    By the time we fell asleep no one was crying anymore. Even though everyone was crying so much, today, no one was crying at night.

    Even little kids went to sleep with smiles, today, for the first time, no one was crying.

    Sleeping in a warm bed with a full stomach is bliss.

 CH 267

    Day 65 ¨C Evening, the Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch

    It has been decided that we are going to move. We just settled outside the gates of the Capital, but we are changing locations already. Why does he have to do construction every day? And why is Angelica-san dressed as a bus guide? Could it be a sightseeing bus tour (no bus) through a fake Kyoto?

    And Haruka-kun is narrating. Naturally, no one is listening.

    ¡¸Digging into the depths of the enemy camp and tearing them apart from the inside, destroying from the vulnerable inner side, and since the enemy is already inside their lines, rendering them incapable of launching a proper counterattack as they are getting devoured. Yes, that¡¯s what moving is all about! I guess this is a promotion to The Capital Branch?¡¹

    That¡¯s not a moving, alright? People who moved to a new place don¡¯t tear apart after digging in or destroy from inside to devour? Just what on earth is Haruka-kun¡¯s idea of a moving? Perhaps it¡¯s better to sit down and have a proper talk about this¡­ Or maybe not?

    And so, a going-out-of-business sale was opened out of the blue.

    ¡¸And so, with the opening of the Capital Branch Store, we are commencing a liquidation sale for the Capital Outskirts Branch Store! A special offer only for today, how special is it? You will find out tomorrow? However, it¡¯s a special store closure sale, moreover, it¡¯s a time sale with only one hour left before it¡¯s over, it might be super great value? Or sort of like that, everything is 10% off, actually, it¡¯s 10% off after a bit of price hike, but it¡¯s still 10% off, so even though it¡¯s a rip-off, it feels sort of like a good deal! Only feels though?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸KYAAAA!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    At last, maiden wars (bargain sale) have come even to this world! Finally, even still medieval ladies of this world became prey to the maiden wars (bargain sale). Lured in by the promises of good value and discounts they couldn¡¯t withstand the appeal of ¡ºtime-limited offer¡».

    Men and women of all ages are jumbled together, scrambling and fighting for the goods, but for now this is a mere commotion.

    It is yet to reach the scale of a true maiden warfare (bargain sale), still way below the critical point.

    But the rumors will definitely spread. In fact, word of mouth should¡¯ve already spread the news. They will come, they will definitely come!

    And then, They showed up.

    Finally, the True Champions have arrived. The menace and demise of maiden warfare. Veteran maidens of thousand battles. The people are calling them ¡ºAunties¡», with fear and respect!

    The aunties boldly jump into the fray. Freely traversing the bargain¡¯s battlefield that by now utterly transformed into a scene of tragedy, they trample the weak, snatching away the spoils of war without care, completely dominating their surroundings in peerless merchandise plunder spree. Dashing through the battlefield the Aunties capture all that is there for purchase.

    That is the true hell, that is onslaught, after all, even the Ex-Dungeon Emperor is afraid! Scared to the point of tears, the Ex-Dungeon Emperor is trembling with teary eyes, witnessing for the first time the terrifying image of bargain sale. Yup, a mere maiden has no chance of winning against that.

    We completely sold out.

    ¡¸Good job~. We totally sold out, so time to move? Or rather, what do we do with the Capital Outskirts Branch Store? Ah, might as well just give it away to Meripapa-san, he so conveniently arrived after all?¡¹

    A lone horseman approaches. Again, riding ahead all alone.

    ¡¸My, we are late, huh. Reshuffling the royal guards would¡¯ve delayed us even more, so I ditched them and went ahead on my own. So, why is there a fortress right in front of the Capital¡¯s gates~? Is the Royal Palace safe? It wasn¡¯t destroyed or demolished, right?¡¹

    Once again, Omui-sama arrived without any escort. That person behind, desperately trying to catch up, must be his aide-san. It seems that taking pity on aide-san¡¯s situation, having to constantly deal with Omui-sama¡¯s antics, Haruka-kun couldn¡¯t help but make exclusive equipment for him, but looks like he was unable to keep up even having ¡ºAcceleration¡» bonus. But come to think of it, Omui-sama¡¯s equipment is also made by Haruka-kun, so Haruka-kun is the reason why aide-san can¡¯t catch up to Omui-sama to begin with! In most cases, when you think carefully about it, Haruka-kun is always the culprit.

    ¡¸How should I put it, what a great timing? This fortress just became vacant, so I was looking for someone to hand it over, wanna garrison it? I mean, I just put it up, if I had to tear it down now, it would totally ruin the nice feeling from recent profits, but since I got the business permit from the Second Division¡¯s old man we now have to move inside the walls? Or rather, there is a super good property that comes with free commercial space and dirt-cheap live-in workers, almost literally dying to have us move in, so I must show the true power of magnate and properly educate them, so yeah, you can have it? Like, it¡¯s free real estate? Kind of? I mean, I have no use for it?¡¹

    Looks like Omui-sama is going to garrison it, of course, Omui-sama couldn¡¯t fully understand the situation, but he seems to be quite used to this by now, and he understood that he is being given a fortress. Is this really alright? I can clearly tell that comprehension of Haruka-kun¡¯s words comes at the price of own word concepts crumbling down, in fact, everyone has reached a pretty dangerous point already? It¡¯s like an infection. At this rate, it will soon get Omui-sama too¡­ sort of?

    The Frontier troops and the Royal Guard are gradually gathering, and to match that, the building is also getting rapidly expanded. Librarian-chan is standing on the rooftop of the old Souvenir Store, that¡¯s why no one in the Capital is aware of the troops flocking in, no one can see them.

    An entire army remains unnoticed despite being under the very gates of the Capital. This is the power of ¡ºRing of Absence ¨C Forced Concealment, Block Identification, Deflect Perception¡», the magic tool from the Church that hid the thousand troops that attacked Haruka-kun and the Royal Prince. And it¡¯s further boosted by ¡ºRipple¡» and anti-resist effects from ¡ºRipple Necklace¡». It¡¯s Librarian-chan¡¯s exclusive equipment, that Haruka-kun even said will become the trump card of this war. The ultimate tactical (stealth) weapon.

    Now, we are done here, it¡¯s time to get moving. The children at the orphanage are waiting. For some strange reason, Haruka-kun is as well liked by kids as usual? This makes me worry about the possible bad influence he might have on them. Even though he is the deluxe ultimate educational example of what one shouldn¡¯t do, all-in-one, full and complete version, and yet, he for some reason is very liked by children.

    We have to tell them that they shouldn¡¯t act like that when we get back! A town with lots of children like Haruka-kun is way too dangerous of a place, no matter how one looks at it, a battlefield or a dungeon would be way more peaceful!

    But surely, no matter how much they like him, they won¡¯t be able to imitate that. Surely, that must be impossible to imitate for anyone, so let¡¯s believe that it¡¯s going to be okay. And if not, just isolate the problem!

    Led by the Bus Guide we head to the orphanage, on foot.

    With everyone in mute amazement at the sights of pseudo-historical buildings, we walk towards the orphanage. As the common mood of ¡ºYou retort ¨C you lose¡» gripped the party, we somewhat nervously enjoy the sightseeing tour of the mini-school trip. then©`

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Why Byodoin¡¯s Phoenix Hall1!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Thank goodness, everyone retorted to that.

    The members that came here in the noon grew too tired of retorting to have any strength to react left. Everyone felt actually exhausted after retorting so much. After all, they used up all their strength in attempts to stop rampage of the person, who says stuff like ¡ºKiyomizu Temple doesn¡¯t suit level ground¡» or ¡ºThere isn¡¯t enough space to put Eastern Grand Temple2¡», repeatedly retorting and retorting and retorting until they couldn¡¯t retort anymore. It was just too much. Merely stopping his ¡ºAlright, I¡¯m building the star fort and burning down the noblemen¡¯s district3¡» was the best we could do. That¡¯s why it can¡¯t be helped, even if the orphanage is Byodoin¡¯s Phoenix Hall, no lake however. After all, we wanted to give those children food and a place to live as soon as possible. That¡¯s why we couldn¡¯t care less if it was the Phoenix Hall or Edo Castle or Izumo Oyashiro? or Horyuji? as long as it was a safe, warm, and nice place where they could feel at home.

    Well, looking at it once again, it might not be okay at all, but back then, it somehow felt fine? Yeah, the sign ¡ºSouvenir Store, Sort of Orphanage Branch? Kind of?¡» hanging from the roof of the Phoenix Hall, which is said to be built in the image of Sukhavati?, probably wasn¡¯t a great touch. I mean¡­ It¡¯s neon? It looks kind of indecent?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome back!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A welcome from the children and the group that stayed back.

    The children changed beyond recognition, clean and lovely they shine with angel-like smiles. There are still hints of exhaustion, malnourishment, and illness that can be noticed¡­ But everyone is smiling. Happily, delightfully, they are waving hands, calling us.

    They no longer have those utterly exhausted expressionless faces of despaired resignation. They are beaming with smiles.

    The children are smiling like angels.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are back.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Everyone reunited with smiles. Except just one person.

    Only one person was unable to smile.

    Upon reaching the orphanage, the Princess, Shari-sama, kneeled, bowing down. Almost slamming into the floor she lowered her head, crying.

    It¡¯s because we told her everything on the way here, in what state the children were in and in which conditions they lived. Everything. Haruka-kun didn¡¯t say anything. The Princess also remained silent.

    Having nothing she could say back must¡¯ve been the most bitter part, as she felt like she abandoned them. She made her way here despairing over herself, the Kingdom, its Nobles and the Royal Family. The children that no one helped, the children that weren¡¯t offered a helping hand by anyone. She came to atone as the leader of the Kingdom that abandoned them.

    There is no point to apologies, and even if she apologized, she won¡¯t be forgiven, that¡¯s why the Princess kept rubbing her forehead on the floor, crying, without saying anything, as if carving this moment into her heart.

    She learned the true nature of the Kingdom that she tried so hard to protect. Despite the Royal Family¡¯s pledge to protect its people, she didn¡¯t even know how the people were abandoned. There was a pitiful Royalty that couldn¡¯t do anything but bow down before those abandoned children.

    But in this alone no one can cover her. This alone can¡¯t be forgiven. Because it would mean insulting the Princess herself, who even risked her life to protect her people. Because it would mean mocking the pledge of protecting their people, inherited by each successive generation of the Royal Family.

    That¡¯s why we told her everything as it is. That the orphans were on the verge of death, that sickness was rampant, that they were malnourished and exhausted to the brink of dying. It could¡¯ve turned really bad if not for Haruka-kun¡¯s medical mushroom potions. We told her that the most vulnerable of the people of the Kingdom, the orphans, were completely abandoned.

    Because not knowing what is going on is a crime in itself for the Royal Family for they swore to protect its people.

    Crying, lamenting, and repenting while groveling on the ground, she has no choice but to stand up on her own. She can¡¯t find pardon for the sins of the past, so there is no choice but to deliver from now on.If she can¡¯t stand up and face forward, then even the future will turn unforgivable, you know?

    Well, fortunately, the Princess didn¡¯t see Haruka-kun¡¯s face yesterday. She didn¡¯t have to see that tender smile as he was gazing at the aristocratic district. Such a soft and gentle smile. Such an infinitely kind smile, as if he was gazing at the poor souls about to descend into the hellfire while pleading for their lives.

 CH 268

    Day 65 ¨C Evening, The Capital

    The darkness of the Capital, slums, hidden in the shadow of the fabulous aristocratic district. The final destination of the weak and poor to be exploited at the business district, while financial aid from the kingdom gets plundered for decorations of the aristocratic district.

    Once one winds up in the slums, the only place where they can possibly get any work becomes the commercial district, tightly tied with the merchant confederation, dooming them to be worked akin to slaves for the rest of their lives, but even that accomplishes nothing aside from making nobles even richer.

    The favoritism for nobles and royalty and the agreement for inviolability of each other¡¯s residential areas created the situation where no one could extend a helping hand to the slums, and the little aid that went there would get snatched away. The living place for the people who are exploited by the Confederation¡¯s merchants instead of slaves, since the Royal Family does not permit slavery. The slums.

    But someone sought that place.

    Bringing a voluminous donation of provision and numerous much too appealing presents the black-haired dark-eyed boy sought to obtain a license to operate that area. While the conditions are absolutely perfect, the will behind it is hard to understand, but I¡¯m not arrogant enough to think I can perceive the farsighted and deeply-laid plans of that enigmatic boy. All I have to do is obey and respond to the best of my ability to what is asked of me.

    Immediately obtaining approval from the Second Prince and the chairman of the aristocratic council I promptly had authority transfer for the slums district, trade permit and passage permit issued. It¡¯s a dirty contract full of favorable terms bought through bribes, but my responsibility is merely obtaining the contact for that person.

    Deep down, I¡¯m captivated by the hope that if there is a person, who might shine a ray of light on the slums that no one wants to touch, it would be him. We exchanged only a few words in a short conversation, but there is no one else capable of ignoring the intricate bounds of the Capital or treating its nobles with silent contempt.

    And without even a momentary pause, commotion followed.

    As by the time reports from the slums came in, the nobles were already in a state of frenzied uproar, it might¡¯ve been presumptuous of me to think of that person in terms of hopes or expectations.

    If no one can comprehend the state of affairs, it¡¯s safe to reason that the other party is of a different caliber. The difference in caliber makes it impossible to fathom notions going through their head.

    With the different point of view and the height from which one observes the situation they are able to see what we, crawling on the ground, can not, and aim for the goals that no one can understand. Trying to comprehend that is nothing but foolishness, and if aware of that, there would be nothing puzzling about this.

    But there are plenty of foolish nobles unable to understand that, especially in the capital, which is crawling with them.

    ¡¸Seize that property! Why would it be left to filthy beggars whose mere presence in the capital is sickening! Immediately drive them out and hand it over to us.¡¹

    ¡¸That is a part of the aristocratic district and aristocratic domain. Obviously, property rights to it also belong to the nobles. Hurry up and move the troops.¡¹

    ¡¸How dare they declare the area off limits for us, nobles, what insolence. How about forcing them to apologize after arresting them and confiscating their assets?¡¹

    The idiots (nobles) keep yapping. It¡¯s such a mess because they don¡¯t even understand that their lowly noble selves have no ways of dealing with him. They don¡¯t understand the meaning behind that building suddenly emerging out of thin air right under their noses. The Capital has fallen. A sword is being pointed at the palace from the aristocratic district.

    ¡¸Under the approval of the Second Prince and the Chairman of the aristocratic council the authority over the land in question was transferred to the Frontier¡¯s Souvenir Store, along with the license for business and commercial operations they all also were issued with passage permits.There is no cause to seize any of it, and declaring it off limits is only reasonable, that area is under extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Frontier. If you are willing to return the already accepted provision and compensate construction costs then how about opening formal negotiations?¡¹

    I wonder if the trash only capable of using their authority as nobles for plain banditry is even capable of holding negotiations. Moreover, they don¡¯t understand who they are dealing with. Forget being out of their depth, they are entirely unfit to even consider making such attempts.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s about provision, then even more was given by the Merchant Confederation, are you saying you are not going to listen to instructions from the Confederation in spite of that?¡¹

    ¡¸Even if you talk about supplies or aid from the Confederation, the storage is empty, where did all of it go? You might say that it arrived, but the only goods we have seen were those bought from the Souvenir Store, and even those have vanished, so did the Confederation bring any goods? Or did it carry them away? ¡¹

    Did they think that anyone would be thankful if they point at the empty storages and call that aid? I don¡¯t know if the goods are being stolen, sold through back channels, or never were there to begin with, but without the stuff there are no obligations either.

    ¡¸This is the Second Prince¡¯s order, if you made a pact, you ought to obey it!¡¹

    ¡¸Us, the second division, have agreed to defend the walls of the Capital from any that might seek to invade it, Internal affairs, like dealing with merchants, should be dealt with by your military police, and upon making our pact, we were also ordered not to interfere with the merchants of the capital in any capacity. Moreover, the citizens are equipped with frontier¡¯s wooden swords and also were purchasing¡ºCloaks of Protection¡», so can they hardly be considered unarmed anymore. By now their equipment is on par or even better than that of regular soldiers. Whom would you imagine to come out on top if the tiny military police force were to clash with the huge population of the capital? We are not going to act, and if you harm the citizens it would mean that our pact is null, turning us into your enemies as well.¡¹

    Good grief, outside there is the recently returned Shariceres-sama and even Omui-sama is said to have arrived, why for goodness sake do I have to step on a tiger¡¯s tail for some Second Prince?

    I was surprised when I first heard that Omui-sama arrived with an army, but seeing the current slums, it all makes sense.

    He rushed to the side of the boy, who is concealing his true status. Something apart from the Theocracy and the Confederation is beginning to move.

    And that¡¯s because they don¡¯t realize that, yet they are making this racket, having their attention completely captured by the latest incident. In the end, the position, the heights from which that boy observes affairs are way too different.

    ¡¸Then, we will send out military police, following the pact, you wouldn¡¯t interfere, would you!?¡¹

    ¡¸If we don¡¯t interfere the Capital will fall, are you sure you want us to stay on the sidelines?¡¹

    So despite the situation changing this greatly, they are still completely oblivious to what is going on.

    ¡¸Is this your idea of a threat? If you abandon your agreement to defend the Capital then following the Life Contract your life will ¡ºCease¡».¡¹

    ¡¸I simply stated the facts without any intention of threatening you. Besides, if you use military police to oppress the citizens, get into conflict with them, and end up having them open the gates from the inside, wouldn¡¯t it ruin everything? Look outside. There are banners of Omui-sama of the Frontier and Sword Princess Shariceres side by side. Facing two of those banners, would any citizen of the capital, any subject of this kingdom, choose to follow the Second Prince? Makes you wonder before which banner one should kneel.¡¹

    Without thinking or even considering the results they are merely kicking up a fuss out of sheer avarice. The outcome is clear as day even without a fight.

    The nobles completely blinded by their greed, the Confederation who has its eyes on prospective profits, and the mysterious boy who is gazing in boundless vastness on impossible to envision far away from unreachable heights.

    ¡¸If you harm the citizens we are your enemies. Otherwise, we will stick to defending the walls. That was our agreement. And we are intending to stick to it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Judging by the way they refuse to back down and still glare at me, they really want that property. Well, that¡¯s hardly surprising. That marvelous wooden architectural complex likely has nothing that can rival it on this continent.

    And the ones living there are the poorest and the most helpless of the capital¡¯s slums. It¡¯s hard not to laugh.

    Asking about the origins of that enigmatic boy is not something one should be doing, nor is investigating it. If the Princess and Omui-sama have acknowledged him, then there is nothing more to ask.

    An enigmatic boy of unclear origin, status, or even stance towards us, unknown if he is even a friend or a foe, and yet I can¡¯t help but come to like him even if he were to turn out to be an enemy in the end.

    How amusing.

    The poor abandoned by the capital are now looking down on the noblemen from the aristocratic district, while the nobles are looking up at them with greed and envy.

    How thrilling.

    The best sight one could imagine. This is the first time I saw something this delightful in the Capital. If this is an enemy, then he deserves the highest praise and admiration, and if he is an ally, then there would be no time for me to shine.

    ¡¸How was the orphanage?¡¹The subordinate that I sent to investigate the slums came back.

    ¡¸They were getting ready to open the store. The orphans, now neat and clean, were happily helping around in nice clothes. Laughing, despite being in the slums.¡¹

    With this alone I can smile and forget about the annoying and unpleasant exchange I just had with the nobles. With just one permit he accomplished what no one else could.

    It¡¯s fine to obey him. I can¡¯t understand him, but he showed enough worth and meaning to obey him.

    He must be pursuing heights that can¡¯t even be seen from my level. In that case, I should just blindly accept it.

    If denizens of the slums were smiling, then there is more than enough worth and significance to that.

 CH 269

    Day 65 ¨C Nighttime, Capital, the Souvenir Store, the Orphanage Branch

    Poor private guards, who are sent one after another from the aristocratic district, seem to have gone missing, every single one. That must¡¯ve been scary, that must¡¯ve been terrifying, going through that endless pseudo Fushimi Inari-taisha¡¯s1 line of torii as each time they walk through a narrow pass, their comrades would vanish. That must¡¯ve been dreadful. And no matter if they press forward or turn back, they find themselves unable to escape the endless path of torii continuing both ways¡­ The path that continues until there is no one left.

    Yeah, so basically, the ground here is like a conveyor belt. In truth, they aren¡¯t moving anywhere, you know? Well, there are some illusions in the mix as well? Sort of?

    No one can enter the slums without authorization now. I distributed ¡ºRing of the Poor¡» to the people from the slums, but others need either authorization or a guidance to enter. Yup, I¡¯m not letting anyone in, alright? I won¡¯t allow anyone to steal or plunder anything from here anymore, from today on this is the rip-off district. From now on it is the slums that are going to rip others off.

    By the way ¡ºRing of the Poor¡» are splendid magic stone rings with PoW SpE DeX 10% Up and even +DEF, but for some reason the girls got angry? I got lectured for it. Hm, I wonder what displeased them?

    However¡­ The barrier device¡¯s fuel consumption is too poor. It¡¯s fine while I¡¯m supplying it with mana, but trying to cover it with magic stones will result in huge losses. Looks like it needs optimization, fuel economy, and miniaturization improvements.

    And the only way to enter the slums without the ring is through a straight path leading to this ¡ºSouvenir Store, Sort of Orphanage Branch Office? Kind of?¡». The long long road adorned by torii. The Souvenir Store is the only destination one can reach through it, with stepping out of the torii meaning you go missing.

    The customers that visit outside of working hours will be turned away. Missing, and spirited away.

    Naturally, since they are spirited away, it¡¯s as good as proven that it¡¯s the Old Fart¡¯s2 responsibility and I¡¯ve done nothing wrong, innocent and blameless, case open and closed, bang bang, speaking of which, I¡¯d like to have bang bang chicken3 but the lack of ingredients for Chinese dishes is troubling. Yeah, the way to mapo tofu promises to be quite steep.

    ¡¸They are here again?¡¹¡¸Ah, he vanished!¡¹¡¸Where did the ones that disappeared just now go?¡¹¡¸Going through those torii at night is spooky, isn¡¯t it~? ¡¹¡¸But ¡ºSpirited away¡», huh. Wasn¡¯t someone making traps there?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, there are tons of manmade contraptions, but all of the responsibility is shifted to the god.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    In the spaces between the endlessly continuing torii I have placed solemn and oppressive-looking giant statues of twelve arhats! And putting the opponents on guard against them, I drop intruders into pitfalls.

    Yeah, the basements are accumulating middle-aged men at an amazing speed. I¡¯m actually wondering how I should clean that up. Since it¡¯s middle-aged men we are talking about, it¡¯s either incineration or dumping them into the white room.

    But why is this world constantly suffering from middle-aged men outbreaks? Why are the middle-aged men of this world all flocking to me? When I discussed this with the Geeks, it seemed that most of the characters in stories of this sort are supposed to be cute girls? But here, it¡¯s nothing but a constant flow of middle-aged men, no matter how many I burn or drown.

    It will soon push an easily irritable highschool boy into accelerating development of the middle-aged men annihilation weapon. I wonder, what is actually middle-aged men¡¯s weakness¡­? Aunties? No, anything but that! Mass importing aunties for the sake of middle-aged men annihilation will eventually lead to outbreak of veteran maidens war that will doom the world. That¡¯s right, it¡¯s the ultimate weapon capable of destroying the world, which must never be used.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, good night. ¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, sleep well, or rather, children grow in their sleep? So hurry up and go to bed? Kind of? But make sure to avoid tragic nonexistent development despite lots of sleep like a certain Shrimp, alright? Good night? Sort of?¡¹

    Looks like the older kids are going to sleep as well¡­ Well, bigger kids? I mean, almost all of the kids here are of unknown age. From what I see, even older kids look a bit older than ten, but since they are lacking in nutrition, their growth is likely delayed. Well, as long as they are lively and healthy it doesn¡¯t really matter. I mean, we do have an overly energetic little thing who, despite eating more than enough, is so delayed in growth that it seems to be going in reverse, so it should be fine.

    Apparently, the girls are going to teach the children while also operating the store. They¡¯ll overtake the educational standards of this world in an instant. If those children learn reading, writing, calculations and get knowledge of commerce, I¡¯ll be able to entrust this store to them when they grow up. They¡¯ll be able to operate the orphanage too. Then, let¡¯s sort everything out before then. So they won¡¯t be disappointed when they grow up, so they still can dream even after they wake up.

    ¡¸But damn, here I thought I¡¯d burn the annoying aristocratic district turning it into a vacant plot and then perhaps lure some dungeon here and throw the nobles in there¡­ But turns out, the Confederation will run away if we have a ¡ºMysterious Noblemen Dungeon Massacre¡»?? The damage is still not big enough so it¡¯s too early to let them off, but those nobles from the aristocratic district are pissing me off, so I¡¯m currently looking for lovely harassment ideas? Kind of? Authors of winning ideas will receive deluxe manju sets as a present, that automatically comes along with voluntary ONE MORE SET? Sort of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oooh! Deluxe Manjuu set!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    With this they will think seriously about this. However, it doesn¡¯t seem like they have any intentions of seriously thinking about ONE MORE SET? Rather, it¡¯s like they are actively trying not to think about it!

    It would be an issue if I did something, but not doing anything pisses me off? Even so, I wonder what would make nobles suffer? Not only do I know too few nobles, they also don¡¯t seem as reliable cases to consider as examples. I mean, it¡¯s that Meripapa family we are talking about? Alright, let¡¯s ask that big-wig from the capital? I¡¯d also like to ask him about lewd stores in the Capital, but for some reason, ¡ºSearch¡» is picking up 20 enemies nearby. And they are probably equipped with morning stars, so adult stores seem out of the question.

    Alright, check the Royal Palace with Detect Presence, the important middle-aged man is¡­ Outside? Aah, perhaps the barracks? He seems to live a rather simple life despite his position.

    ¡¸Knock-knock? No, it¡¯s not a knock-knock joke? Erm, it¡¯s the nice young man in so-called managing position, which is actually a self-exploitative abusive independent business, that you met at the souvenir store? Hm, I just opened a branch in the Capital, but for some reason I¡¯ve got a sudden urge to close up the store! Actually, I have a few questions for the Big-Wig from the Second Division, may I come in? If you are doing something lewd I¡¯ll wait until you are done? I also welcome observing inside, but if it¡¯s a BL situation I¡¯m burning the Capital to ashes, okay?¡¹

    Well, judging by the presence he is alone, so he shouldn¡¯t be doing anything lewd, but if he does, it will turn the mood very awkward! Or rather, I don¡¯t want to enter!!

    ¡¸Welcome, there was no need for you to personally visit such a squalid place, if you only summoned me, I would¡¯ve immediately answered. Is there some sort of urgent concern?¡¹

    And for some reason, the important middle-aged man broke out into a laugh when I asked him about what would vex, annoy, and infuriate nobles? Apparently, they already had plenty of that. Nope, that¡¯s nowhere near enough. I haven¡¯t done enough, or rather, I¡¯m yet to do anything at all?

    But©`

    ¡¸Didn¡¯t you erect that beautiful and yet solemn wooden complex? And even put up a barrier against intruders? That is the biggest slap to their faces. Today as well, they spent the entire day throwing a fuss and raving like lunatics from irritation caused by that, so the effect is quite sufficient.¡¹

    I merely remodeled the house though? Like, rundown shack ¨C before/after? Sort of?

    ¡¸Simply having the poor folk of the slums living in a more luxurious and magnificent building, looking down on them, is driving them into a crazy uproar. You surely find that ridiculous, but for the nobles made up entirely out of that ridiculous vanity without a shred of actual pride, that is the worst harassment. Apparently, more than a dozen noblemen got so agitated from indignation that they ended up collapsing and are still confined to their beds.¡¹

    They might perish at this rate? Like, being too much of dumbasses they might perish to their own idiocy before I even do anything. Getting looked down on by the poor they are dropping down like flies after getting so infuriated that their blood vessels pop. More than a dozen are yet to recover. Which means, the nobles will come to buy mushrooms even at heavily overcharged prices, and since after recovering they will still be getting looked down, they will go into another temper tantrum that continues into them collapsing and having to buy more mushrooms? I see¡­ In that case, by the time they get used to the situation, we should just look down on them with all our might from Kiyomizu Temple. And if we throw some trash on them from above they will probably collapse in droves again, and then I can rip them off on mushrooms again! Yay, a perfect get-rich quick scheme!

    Thanking him and leaving some manju I returned to the Souvenir Store, by the time I made it back the girls had already finished bathing.

    Today, it¡¯s going to be three girls at once. However, Bitch B, C, and D are¡­ The bitches are really hard to tell apart, so difficult that even if they were to switch places there is a high chance that I wouldn¡¯t notice? And with B, C, and D together I can¡¯t tell which is which at all! At this rate I might end up unable to tell them apart by their faces, while recognizing them by their breasts. That is bound to negatively affect the Affection Rating of a highschool boy on a scale never seen before. I mean, being able to properly identify someone by looking at the chest while having no idea who they are while looking at their face is a bit¡­ Affection Rating might go below the possible lower limit of detection!

    ¡¸Let me just say this before we start¡ª Please, don¡¯t bite my head, alright? There is no head wound blood fountain service available, okay? Or rather, isn¡¯t making someone offer service while biting their head is just coercion? So please don¡¯t go crunch on me? Garigari-kun?? Garigari Leader?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We told you we aren¡¯t biting! In the first place, have we ever gone to crunch you even once!?! Also, there won¡¯t be Evolution into something Leader, we aren¡¯t Bitches, but we aren¡¯t Garigari-kun either!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Oh no, I can¡¯t even tell who is saying what! Everyone has above average height, long legs, and small faces?, basically, built like barbies. And with them constantly changing hairstyles, swapping clothes between five of them, experimenting with outfits, and going crunch, it¡¯s absolutely impossible to tell them apart! The difficulty is on the level of a high difficulty trick question in a shuffle quiz. Just when I thought that it might get easier to identify them as they stopped using makeup, it turns out that even their facial features are similar! Moreover, it seems they still have some cosmetics left, which they seem to have very lightly applied, once again changing the feel to their appearance. Should I just attach B, C, D tags to them already?

    And even their bust sizes were exactly the same! If a doppelganger appeared in the mix no one would be able to tell whose doppel it is, making their mimicry completely redundant, leading to doppelganger bullying issue! But sensations that comes from ¡ºEvil Hands¡» seem to differ? Although the size is roughly the same, the firmness and elasticity are different. And even with the same size, the shapes and even weight are different? Looks like bra making has a lot of depth to it, but should a highschool boy be stepping into those depths though? But why am I pursuing the essence of the brassiere path in another world? Yeah, reaching that point always weirds out?

    ¡¸Kya!¡¹¡¸Ah!¡¹¡¸Mmmm!!¡¹

    Why are you showing individuality here when even your lines are the same?! Does that mean that I have to measure someone¡¯s chest with ¡ºEvil Hands¡» to identify them? That¡¯s actually an actual criminal act that will get one arrested even if no one sues?!

    ¡¸Ha!¡¹¡¸Aah!!¡¹¡¸Uuum!¡¹

    Bitch D is the only one using 4 letters¡­ No, such a way of telling them apart won¡¯t do any good. Like, the moment I try it many things will be in threat!

    I¡¯m so tired of retorting to this that it feels like my retorting ability is being put to a test, but even so, I will say it!

    ¡¸Or rather, Armored Pres-san, forget making gaps between fingers, you are covering my mouth while giving full FREEDOM to the eyes! Why is the supposed blindfold covering my mouth, I can see everything even with my mouth covered. Obviously. I¡¯d be shocked if I couldn¡¯t see because my eyes got covered! Ah, I¡¯m tired of retorting to this!¡¹

    Alright, it¡¯s done¡­ They told me that it sometimes hurts because the tips are rubbing, so I tried changing the weaving for that area, but it seems there is a need to develop a new material. There is no end to new issues to resolve. But tips, they say¡­ The tips.

    ¡¸Alright, it¡¯s time for the bottom (shorts) now, so please, cover my eyes? That¡¯s the nose, okay? No, you are definitely doing this on purpose, I mean, there is no way to mistake a nose for eyes? You can instantly tell the difference the moment you touch it? And she is going tehepero!¡¹

    As expected, one can¡¯t underestimate the Ex-Dungeon Emperor.

    Well, covering eyes is sort of too late by now? The girls are sort of twitching?

    Since bottoms (shorts) are done too, you can go back? Yeah, not happening, as expected.

    (((Twitch-Twitch)))

    I wonder how Slime-san is doing?

    But even the way they went down is the same. With things being like this, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to tell them apart. There are slight differences to their twitching and trembling, but as expected, remembering them by the way they are twitching would be a problem?

    Anyway¡­ Let¡¯s put underwear and clothes on them.

 CH 270

    Day 66 ¨C Morning, the Souvenir Store, the Capital Outskirts Branch

    What do we do? We now have a base inside the Capital. If taking the city is the only goal then there is nothing left for us to do.

    And there is even a fortress standing outside. It¡¯s packed with the Frontier¡¯s troops and the Royal Guard so we are free to take the Capital and the Royal Palace as we please.

    Inside the walls there are 20 girls with levels over 100, or rather, with a Dungeon Emperor inside wouldn¡¯t it normally be considered over for a city?

    For the Kingdom, for the Second Prince himself, it¡¯s already a checkmate. But I have to continue plundering the Confederation, and when it finally becomes unable to sustain the support the Capital will automatically fall. That¡¯s where Meripapa-san and Royal Girl come in. Until then there is no reason not to continue economical warfare(ripping off) and expanding the Confederation¡¯s losses? and I mean, it¡¯s a business opportunity?

    But the First Prince¡¯s Army without the First Prince, or rather, that¡¯s Church henchmen army, or rather old man fetish army? Anyway, it seems it will still take a while until the army of old men fetishists arrives, or rather, ¡ºAdvent of the army of old men fetishists ¡» sounds too scary! It sounds so dangerous, that it involuntarily makes one want to shout for every old man in the Frontier to run away! They are taking so long¡­ I might forget all about this in 18 seconds or so?

    Now, for the two days until the Church¡¯s Something Army arrives I should be able to stay here, if the Church¡¯s Something Army gets delayed even more we will have additional leeway.

    But since I still can¡¯t get a read on the movements of the real force we can¡¯t afford to just keep Murimuri Castle undefended. After all, even Meripapa-san is here now. What else should I do at the Capital? They had no bookstores, and with provision rations there are no food stalls, rather, the souvenir store has a total monopoly on the industry at the moment. The girls went through the stores, buying up any relatively good equipment, but clothes and stuff seemed to be pretty shabby. The place has already lost to the Frontier in development.

    Today, ¡ºSouvenir Store, Sort of Orphanage Branch? Kind of?¡» is in the middle of a rip-off called Opening Sale, and thanks to orphans doing their best, there is no problem with staff shortage, despite the number of visitors, or rather, the kids are super popular? It seems that even in the Capital, while the nobles and the Confederation¡¯s merchants and their associates are like that, the common people are not that different from the Frontier in the way they carry themselves?

    Hearing that they can now enter the slums, the entrance to which was previously barred to them by the nobles controlling the district, they brought a huge volume of supplies, meanwhile, the children were in complete confusion as ladies that came for shopping were hugging them in tears, and giving them candies and pocket money.

    In other words, it means that those lovely nobles were also ¡ºtaking care¡» of the donation from the citizens. The culture clubs girl with Librarian at the head were so pissed when they heard that yesterday that they spent the entire night sending gifts to the Aristocratic District in the form of ¡ºNightmare¡», ¡ºHallucination¡», ¡ºPhantom Pain¡», ¡ºConfusion¡», and ¡ºUpheaval¡». Making them angry seems really scary, so let¡¯s be careful. Failing to resist that is a huge problem.

    Anyway, now we know the enemy, the issue is the Royal Family.

    That¡¯s why I came to ask them, hence the gathering.

    Well, the Royal Prince is noisy, so he seems to be in quarantine outside the Capital. For some reason, I feel a lot of sympathy for the way he is treated, I wonder why?

    The Second Prince sitting in the Capital is just a yes-man of the Confederation, so that can be released into the wild, the First Prince sitting in the storage might also be released back to its pig friends in the woods, the problem is that there also seem to be other Princes, from the Third to the Fifth? Should I actually finish off this playboy King? I mean, he has five wives, just who does he think he is? And because of such stratified society feeble highschool boys without Affection Rating can¡¯t meet any beautiful ladies and are forced to deal with middle-aged men every single day! Hogging five all to himself is a death penalty according to the Highschool Boy¡¯s Antimonopoly Law, a transgression that hardly can be forgiven!

    Royal Girl is fine. She should¡¯ve realized it yesterday. To save the Kingdom it has to be destroyed first. If the Kingdom is to continue to exist the Kingdom must be eliminated. And she must¡¯ve resolved herself. Getting liked by the orphans she was playing with them and going around hugging them in tears. It somehow felt like she was picking only girls, but it surely is alright? Or is it better to report her? Public safety concern?

    Since the Middle-aged Royal Prince is a middle-aged man I have no idea about him, so Meripapa-san can deal with him as a fellow middle-aged man. He is still running around with his worthless head trying to turn it in somewhere to save the country and protect the Kingdom, you know?

    According to the Stalker Girl Clan¡¯s investigation the Third and so on Princes have no connections abroad, their mothers do not come from great noble houses, and don¡¯t have any other suspicious backing. Also, as the remaining Princes are still young, their future disposition depends on the education they¡¯ll get. In addition, the Fifth Prince is a full brother to Royal Girl, sharing the same mother. With the influence from such a sister he might become an Assault Prince but he definitely won¡¯t become corrupt. Alright, let¡¯s make sure he won¡¯t be sent to study under Meripapa-san. He must be the cause of that! Just what did they think there is to learn from him?

    And the biggest issue is that Douche/Playboy King. After he fell ill the Kingdom was engulfed in turmoil, with foreign nations exploiting it as they please, bringing it to the brink of ruin, in other words, before he collapsed he actually managed this entire situation somehow. Even though he is playing around!

    The path is going to differ depending on whether we should restore this King or enthrone a new one. History depends on it, so we cannot afford to let emotions influence the decision. We have to objectively review only the facts, and make a logical decision. His achievements are numerous, fighting with nobles he was able to obtain concessions from them, and sought to provide for his people, even trying to touch up on the slums situation. The reason for the Kingdom¡¯s economical struggles seems to be his open challenge to the Theocracy and the Confederation, as recognizing the Beastmen Country he also was raising objections to the Church¡¯s technological monopoly and the Confederation¡¯s unsavory trade practices, which lead to economic blockade, but he still refused to bend, and protected the Kingdom¡¯s pride, also making sure to chip away at the power of the greedy nobles that were colluding with the foreign states. However, unable to work out the solution for the Frontier¡¯s funding, he was forced to sell even the Royal Family¡¯s treasures to provide aid, and then one day, he suddenly collapsed. And everything took a sharp turn for the worse.

    While what he was doing is commendable, he made too many enemies, and it is also the fact that in the end the economic blockade was weakening the country. What also bothers me is his softness, despite the circumstances no nobles were stripped of their titles or parted with their heads. This might be harsh, but this is a decision based on objective reality. I mean, he has five wives, you know? Yeah, since he is a Playa King he was playing around, playing arguing with others, playing fighting, and then playing collapsed? I¡¯m sure if he gets healed he will first ask if there are any cute girls around!

    ¡¸Alright! Not only is he a middle-aged man but he also has five wives, definitely not a decent person, that¡¯s what I decided. This is a cool, objective, and just decision. I mean, he is too much of a player~.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, Haruka-kun, he might be a little eccentric but he is not playing around? He was a proper King, without a single ally around, as myself too was unable to move away from the Frontier, he still kept protecting the pride of the Royal Family, always keeping his subjects in mind, yes he is a bit short-tempered and was in dispute with the great nobles, the Church, and the Confederation, but he was still working hard. He has both wits and talent, he is a bit prone to snapping, but deep down he is a kind person, he might be a bit frivolous, but he is capable of properly estimating the situation and well¡­ He is a bit of a player but he is a good person?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸So he is a player!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Aight, let¡¯s burn the Player King along with the silly nobles. Surely, if turned to ashes there won¡¯t be another outbreak.

    ¡¸Father, the King, is an admirable person. I beg you, if you save the King I will devote my life to Haruka-sama. No one but the Kingdom can save the Kingdom. And if it¡¯s the King, he surely will be able to create a great kingdom that the predecessors were aiming for, surpassing good kingdoms of old. He collapsed before he could fulfill that ambition, but please, Haruka-sama¡­ Please, save the King.¡¹

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, I also ask you the same. I¡¯m well aware that I¡¯m in no position to ask anything of you, as well as I understand that there is no value to the word of an incompetent lord that almost destroyed the Frontier, even so, please. I will do anything that I can. If you tell me to charge into the Theocracy or the Confederation I will do it immediately, just say the word, anything! So please¡­ Haruka-dono, save our King, save my friend¡­¡¹

    Hm? The Player King supporters faction is in majority? No, in democracy numbers are the power, and we have 21 girls on our side!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun, they are asking this hard, let¡¯s help them? If we have an issue after saving the King, then we can think it over later?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Even the girls took the other side! So this is the power of the Playboy King! What a terrible power, waking up this Player King is dangerous.

    I should properly point out issues right now. Royal Girl is his daughter and Meripapa-san is his friend, in other words, they are personally invested. The girls are simply sympathizing with them instead of making a conscious level-headed decision, so with their clouded vision they are missing the biggest problem. This is not the issue here, you know?

    ¡¸Everyone has too many personal feelings involved in this. This is about the Crown and the State, so instead of getting swept up by emotions we have to consider this matter in terms of political judgment, economic merit, and military advantage when making a decision? There is no room for feelings there, and if you do allow them to come into play you won¡¯t be able to make the correct decision? Everyone is averting their eyes from the main point of this issue, overlooking, and closing your eyes on the problem, but this old man has five wives! It¡¯s outrageous, infuriating, I¡¯m burning with rage! I mean, it¡¯s five, FIVE wives!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸You are the one who is super emotional about this! Actually, there was nothing but personal feelings!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I got scolded?

    They even started a sermon. How come they can¡¯t understand the issue shaking the very foundations of this country?

    If all of the people of this kingdom were highschool boys then immediate execution for having five wives would still have been cute, highschool boys would¡¯ve risen in a huge violent revolt, crying tears of blood? To think this is where an adverse effect from sending the geeks and idiots on an errand will show up, I mean, I am the only highschool boy here! Surrounded by enemies on all sides huh, speaking of which, I¡¯d like soba as a side dish, but first we need to expand on dairy products. Mainly cheese and fresh cream. Aah, I want pizza, sausages would be nice too? I wonder how salami is made? But in terms of comfort food, it¡¯s miso and tofu, and also seafood. They had soy sauce, so there should be a chance of miso being around too. And with that many pieces present, there should also be a food culture close to Japanese cuisine. But if that¡¯s the case, then¡­

    ¡¸Why are you muttering about miso soup in great detail when you are being scolded! Also, put seitan1 in there too!¡¹

    Seitan, huh, I thought more of a clean broth soup, but I can make do with that too? No, it¡¯s precisely because we can¡¯t, since there aren¡¯t any around, that I¡¯m looking for it! But fugashi2 sound very appealing too?

    ¡¸No! Forget the broth, we were talking about the King! Why are you worried about ingredients for miso soup in the middle of the scolding about the King!¡¹

    ¡¸Ah~, totally forgot? I vaguely remember hearing or not hearing or not caring about hearing something of that sort a long time ago? But wouldn¡¯t you agree that putting white noodles in miso soup is a heresy?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Forget about miso soup! And please think about the King! ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Well, whether the King should return, abdicate, be beaten up or burned can be considered later. He is Royal Girl¡¯s father so I would feel bad abandoning him. While he might be an irritating old man of a king with a harem of five wives which super pisses me off, even so, Royal Girl is a good princess who gave a lot of enjoyment with those nice thighs, lovely back, and alluring cleavage, and even brought Maid Girl with her, so I¡¯m particularly reluctant to help one or two old fools, but I wouldn¡¯t go as far as to say that I doesn¡¯t piss me off. Well, let¡¯s burn him if he pisses me off after recovering.

    But not now. Now is not the time. It is still too early for that. For now, to make sure his condition doesn¡¯t get worse I give them only a mushroom potion to recover strength, an antidote, and health potion (weak).

    After all, the Confederation is still unharmed. Even if they pull back here, there will be a next time. Until I carve a deep, deep wound, deeper than a fatal one, one that will shut down any prospects of a next time, it¡¯s far too early to end this. I still have to plunder all of the money from the trash nobles and the Confederation and then even their pocket money, and kya kya ufufu highschool boys dreams, hopes, and adventures in the lonely night stores of the capital, going on a great adventure to have an action-packed magnate time in the night of the Capital where whirlwind of highschool boy desires rages? I still have to become a rich man?

    Well, in any case, ripping off can never go wrong. Ripping off is justice. Getting ripped off is a great evil, if I get to do it then it¡¯s justice. That is the very message of my attack on the Confederation.

    [TL Notes:

    [1] Seitan is a mildly flavored, high-protein meat substitute made of wheat gluten.

    [2] Fugashi is a candy made from dried wheat gluten coated with muscovado. Very popular through the 20th century but are known to exist all the way from the Edo era, so from the 17th century. ]

 CH 271.1

    Day 66 ¨C Beastmen Country, Woodland

    Setting fire to the beasts¡¯ filthy village we burn it down. Then, capture the beasts as they are running around from the flames. Those are the simple basics of hunting.

    And if one manages to capture even one little shit or a female, males will jump into any trap on their own. Even if they try to imitate humans, in the end, they are still beasts, rushing into a trap they just die by themselves.

    Adult males can¡¯t be sold for much anyway, so they can just drop dead.

    ¡¸Drop your weapons. If you try to run away we will kill the brats one by one. Put the collars over there on yourself. We ain¡¯t gonna kill those will collars, but everyone else is a dead meat. Faster!¡¹

    Shit, first raccoon tribe and then boar tribe, nothing but cheap crap. Damn it, going into such an animal stinking forest to hunt them isn¡¯t worth it if we ain¡¯t getting even one good merch.

    ¡¸Hey, you know where other villages are, right? Spill it, I¡¯ll let one of you go for every rabbit, wolf, or fox tribe¡¯s village that you¡¯ll reveal.¡¹

    Silence, huh. And that¡¯s why even though they are calling themselves beastMEN, they are nothing more than animals incapable of simple loss and gain calculations.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll also let one of you go for revealing three villages of any other tribe. The one to speak up first gets to escape, you know?¡¹

    Fucking useless. Well, I just have to make sure they won¡¯t kick the bucket before I can sell them.

    Torture them a bit without leaving scars and they will definitely give a few locations, such stupid animals. Well, what I said about letting them go is also a lie, so they are getting sold in any case.

    ¡¸Hey, ain¡¯t there too few people? Don¡¯t tell me they got themselves done in by beasts?¡¹

    ¡¸Aah? Ah, they must¡¯ve pulled some bitch aside to play. You know how they like it~.¡¹

    ¡¸So they just went to have fun in secret, huh. Shit, and all we have here are dirty brats.¡¹

    Well, Beastmen Hunting Corps are taking care of dangerous wolf or bear tribes, but even so, getting nothing but crap won¡¯t earn me any money. I can make a quick fortune if I find rabbits or foxes, allowing me to have fun for a while, but suppose raccoons aside, boars ain¡¯t even worth killing. Damn it, so unlucky.

    ¡¸Why aren¡¯t the scouts back yet? Don¡¯t tell me they are also fucking some sow? We ain¡¯t making any gold at this rate.¡¹

    ¡¸No choice but to make it up with quantity, just make sure to cull some to prevent the price from dropping. But yeah, with boars it¡¯s sorta~.¡¹

    So I won¡¯t have any gold left after paying back the debts. Damn it.

    ¡¸Round up the beasts and lock ¡¯em up. We will pick them up on the way back so don¡¯t screw around too much on lookout.¡¹

    Well, no choice but to split up and search the area by ourselves, but there is something gross about this, isn¡¯t the forest too silent?

    Well, to make up for that the beasts are too noisy though, wailing, crying, and all that shit. They finally shut up after I blasted them with Fire Magic. Damn it, their price will go down if they get burns, so keep silent for the fuck¡¯s sake. Such stupid animals.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t scatter too much. And don¡¯t separate from the guys with ¡ºMessaging Bells¡»¡¹

    It would¡¯ve been easier if we had better magic tools, but bastards from the Church keep them all to themselves, so we, merchants, are having it tough.

    Ain¡¯t it too silent though?

    A kid? No, an adult, huh. It seems young, but since it¡¯s male it ain¡¯t going to sell for much, which tribe is it though? Can¡¯t see ears over the hood.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t move, I¡¯ll kill you if you try to run.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not running anywhere. I didn¡¯t come all the way here to run away. This is what I came to this world for. I finally reached this place. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not going to run away anymore.¡¹

    A nutjob? Doesn¡¯t seem to understand human speech. Yeah, this ain¡¯t gonna sell, let¡¯s kill it.

    ¡¸Hey, where are your comrades? Or your village? If you tell me I¡¯ll spare you and let you run away.¡¹

    ¡¸My comrades are scattered throughout the forest, I can¡¯t let you go to the villages, nor will you be able to? There is nowhere left for you to go, you know?¡¹

    Yup, that¡¯s a nutjob, it doesn¡¯t understand words at all. Damn it, I¡¯m so unlucky~, let¡¯s kill it and move on asap.

    I¡¯m approaching it in a combat stance with sword in hand, but it doesn¡¯t move at all, too scared to move, huh.

    I stab it into the throat. Stab¡­ it? Eh?

    ¡¸Those beastmen were fighting. They knew it¡¯s a trap, and even so, they wanted to protect them and came to the rescue. ¡¹

    Eh.

    (Snap)

    ?

    ?

    ?

    A monster.

    We were having a bit of fun during the hunt, then suddenly, a few comrades got killed. All of a sudden something invisible tore them to shreds.

    They are being torn to pieces as if something was shoved inside them, tearing them apart from inside.

    Crap, it¡¯s all because that bitch kept struggling and making so much noise. Should¡¯ve killed her right away.

    ¡¸Guuauahh, GAAH, AAAG, My leg, AAaaH!¡¹

    The entire Beastmen Hunting Squad is equipped with magic items, and yet all of them are being killed one after another.

    Even the escort of former A-rank adventurers was torn to pieces. That is a monster for which fighting techniques don¡¯t mean squat.

    ¡¸What the hell is this? Just what did I do? Why do we have to get killed, you MURDEREE¡ª¡¹

    Damn, I only came all this way because the stock of beastmen slaves was so low, that getting them this way is cheaper, plus it has its own side-benefits. It¡¯s all because I came here.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t screw with me. You are a human, why are you siding with animals? I¡¯m a human, why do I have to be killed, don¡¯t fuck with me!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m a human, but everyone I hated also were humans, you know? I have no grudge for beastmen, but I have tons of it for humans, so, die.¡¹

    Aaggh, why, why do I, my body¡­ Something is inside¡­

    ¡¸You had lots of fun with torturing, tormenting, and killing didn¡¯t you? Go ahead, enjoy it, I¡¯ll kill you with plenty of torture and torment.¡¹

    Why¡­

    (SPLAT!)

    ?

    ?

    ?

    It¡¯s a human, the Kingdom is currently in the middle of civil war, no way, the Theocracy¡¯s dogs were already here?

    ¡¸We are from the Merchant Confederation, there are other units following us, and the main force is here too. If you touch us it will be viewed as an act of hostility, are you trying to pick a fight with a country? AaAAAh.¡¹

    ¡¸Huuuh. There aren¡¯t any units following you anymore, and the main force is probably no more as well. I actually never was in a fight. So I thought, maybe I should try picking one?¡¹

    Where the hell did he come from? I didn¡¯t sense his presence at all, and there are beastmen hunting units spread all throughout the area. How did he show up in such a place?!

    He vanished.

    ¡¸Waitwaitwait, I got it, I¡¯ll hand you half of the beastmen. Deal. In exchange, don¡¯t interfere with us until the end of the hunt.¡¹

    He vanishes and then materializes again. And every time one of the comrades is killed. Even if I try to run away, which way are the allies?

    I unsheathe an enchanted blade. It¡¯s a sure hit weapon that never misses the target.

    ¡¸Group up, don¡¯t scatter.¡¹

    No answer?

    ¡¸I told you, there is no one left. Farewell.¡¹

    The moment the voice came from behind I lunged at it. It¡¯s my trump card with ¡¸Surehit¡¹ effect. ¡­He¡¯s not there? Ah.

    (Stab)

    ?

    ?

    ?

    Gathering, we share information. We aren¡¯t invincible, we can¡¯t join the ranks of the strongest. So grasping the information we review the situation.

    ¡¸Killed from A-2 to C-5, no one escaped, the two villages were empty.¡¹

    ¡¸I cleared up till D-3, four villages over there were fine, but I didn¡¯t make it in time for A-6, everyone was dead and the village burned down.¡¹

    ¡¸I just rescued and released some raccoon beastmen at E-7, but it was too late for the boarkin¡¯s village too. Also, the three villages at E row are fine.¡¹

    ¡¸I set everyone free up to G, but going further there is a mercenary force. That unit must be targeting defenses of Beastmen Country.¡¹

    We freed all of the targets. Rescued all of the villages we reached in time, killed all of the enemies there were to kill. We all, together, killed humans. Well, unexpectedly, all of us took it completely fine. The ones we hate are humans after all. I¡¯m sure killing beastmen would be a lot more traumatic.

    But Haruka-kun is different. Haruka-kun alone is different. Haruka-kun kept killing for our and everyone¡¯s sake, and he was completely not fine.

    That¡¯s why I tried to kill as well, but I felt nothing. I simply obeyed the rage I felt from seeing them kicking corpses of beastmen, and killed until there was no one left.

    Haruka-kun was saying that Kakizaki-kun and his group belong here, but it looks like the same goes for us. But the girls don¡¯t belong here, they simply were unlucky enough to be transported to this world. And Haruka-kun too, while there is nothing he can do aside from killing, he doesn¡¯t belong to this side, and yet he kept killing. A mass murderer, who hates murder more than anyone.

    ¡¸How about rejoining with Kakizaki-kun and others? Well, I doubt they need reinforcements, but we can take care of those running away.¡¹

    Mercenary forces from the Confederation must be wiped out by now. The distinguished veteran mercenaries of the Confederation were swallowed up by the massacre and were torn to shreds.

    The true nature of the athletes famous not just in our school but nationwide, was that of battle-crazy berserkers, just as Haruka-kun said.

    Even in pirate warfare, the moment they came aboard everything was over, combat, lives, everything was being crushed in an instant by them. While the Confederation¡¯s fleet consists of what they call merchant vessels, they are still armed, supposedly for the sake of self defense, but in practice, they are attacking civilian vessels, in other words, they are not only merchants but also pirates of their own. And the mercenaries specializing in naval combat who were aboard those ships were getting obliterated in a flash. Striking swiftly and precisely they did exactly what it took to destroy human bodies in the most effective and efficient manner.

    If their opponents are humans, then it might be easier for them to fight with just the five of them alone. Group fighting is one thing, but when it comes to melee in a forest, then not only us, but even pres and the others wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up with them. We will only get in their way.

    And by now there are barely any presences left in the direction where the mercenaries were. All of them were hunted down and exterminated.

    Berserkers, the ones who find joy in the very act of fighting at full force with their lives on the line. They have no need for things like reason or meaning when it comes to fighting. They live for the battle. The berserkers that were merely smoldering in the world without battles are scorching through the forest of another world like a wildfire. That¡¯s why there are no presences left anymore.

    This leaves the main force only. The regular troops of the Merchant Confederation. The army.

    ¡¸The main force is meant for killing the most troublesome beastmen warriors and regular beastmen troops. A murderous unit equipped with spells, skills, and magic tools designed solely for killing. They alone are an actual threat, but it should be alright to leave it to Slime-san, right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸The last person we should worry about!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    That¡¯s certainly true.

    That cute jiggling Slime-san is enough of a monster not to lag behind while tagging along with monsters Haruka-kun and Angelica-san. It¡¯s very cute though.

 CH 271.2

    The forest was too quiet.

    At first we encountered only a single slime, the weakest monster.

    Since it wasn¡¯t even worth going out of our way to kill it, we ignored it.

    ¡¸Another one? There are quite a few of them.¡¹

    As if due to a sudden mass outbreak, there were slimes all over the place. Nevertheless, regardless of their numbers, mere slimes couldn¡¯t pose any danger, so we pressed forward.

    But no matter where we went it was nothing but slimes as far as the eye can see. It was way too abnormal.

    ¡¸Is there a stampede happening? Let¡¯s incinerate them with magic.¡¹

    ¡¸Gather them up and dispose of them all at once. Surround them from the sides.¡¹

    There were so many of them that it became impossible to ignore. Even slimes could be dangerous if attacked in such numbers all at once.

    Just as we commenced action, thinking that even if it¡¯s a stampede if it¡¯s only slimes then it should be fine, they appeared.

    Horde of slimes covering all of the forest. A sea of slimes that made it impossible to even see the trees.

    This battalion, the main force of this operation, consists of six companies and several auxiliary groups, this large force of more than three thousand soldiers scattered through the area is surrounded on all sides.

    ¡¸Defense! Take a defensive formation, sweep them with mage units, just focus on decreasing their numbers first.¡¹

    ¡¸Scatter poison, downwind alone is fine. Just focus on reducing their numbers.¡¹

    ¡¸T-They started moving. Magic Wall is being eaten?¡¹

    ¡¸Anti-Monster Weapons don¡¯t work either, Flames are being eaten too!¡¹

    Mage units¡¯ attacks have no effect, the same goes for arrows and spears too. And we are now completely surrounded with no way to escape.

    ¡¸None of the magic tools are working on them, poisons are useless too.¡¹

    ¡¸Shit, so it¡¯s a swarm of unique specimens. Anyway, let¡¯s break through and escape. With those numbers they will eat us all.¡¹

    The elites of Merchant Confederation¡¯s army and first-rate adventurers are being eaten one after another by slimes. There is no other choice but to abandon them to escape.

    I can¡¯t help them, but on my own I can get away. I¡¯ve been through hell more than once, defeating my share of monsters.

    Even if I¡¯m in the position of a commanding officer at the moment, I¡¯m originally an S-rank adventurer. Moreover, my equipment is different from others.

    However, not only are there too many of them, if I tried to make my escape it would be¡­ Am I being guided to this area? I can¡¯t sense anyone behind me anymore, they were wiped out this fast?

    Ahead stood one slime.

    Only one.

    But it was different. Even so, I¡¯m a former S-rank Adventurer, after my health declined I was picked by the army where I learned techniques for killing people too. And with the bloody money that I earned I even purchased equipment with special effects. And all of the vast experience that I accumulated after countless battles is telling me, it¡¯s strong.

    This is the first time that I¡¯ve ever thought of a monster as scary since encountering that dungeon master. I¡¯ve lost all of my comrades to it and had to retire as an adventurer, but to think there was an even crazier monster out there.

    Well, you reap what you sow, it¡¯s too late to turn back now, huh. After all, having ruined myself with alcohol and drowning in debt I joined the military and killed, raped, and burned quite a lot until now.

    ¡¸Looks like there is no other path but to kill it.¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    I¡¯m definitely going to die here.

    If so, time for the last resort. Pulling the medicine from the hidden pocket at the back of the collar I swallow it.

    It¡¯s a drug with a shady history which shortens lifespan and causes side effects for the rest of the life, but it gives an explosive boost to stats. Some say that if only for a short while it can give even several-dozen-fold increase, so I either have to kill it at once or make my escape.

    I lived by the sword, my life went crazy after I lost my comrades, but even so, what I pursued was the sword, and yet my last opponent is a slime, huh.

    This has to be divine punishment.

    Defeating a dungeon master I was sung as a hero, even though I couldn¡¯t protect even my closest comrades, I was treated as a hero. After that I lived a life that strayed from the proper path, losing sight of what is important, and finally, its end is upon me.

    By now my soul is so tainted that there is no hope for me to go to the same place as my comrades. But from the beginning to my end, the sword is all I have. The rest I lost back then.

    I slowly take a stance.

    The round slime that was hopping in place began shaking and then greatly stretching.

    Are those limbs? A mimicry? A humanoid. Is that a human? It¡¯s gradually turning into a humanoid shape, but it was way too beautiful to call that a human.

    £¨¡­¡­£©

    A sword.

    It swung the sword, so my end will come by the sword too.

    At the end of my garbage-like life, what I saw was one divine stroke of the sword at the very height of swordsmanship, made by a peerless beauty.

    A single stroke that I pursued with such yearning and admiration before I lost sight of everything.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    Gathering together we scan the area with ¡ºSearch¡»but it doesn¡¯t pick up any enemies, the beastmen are cautious and don¡¯t show up either, animal ears¡­

    Gathering corpses of beastmen we dig a hole, the only thing to do left is simply bury them. For gravestones we just left the stones there too.

    I¡¯m sure they would hate being buried by humans or having tombstones put up by them. I¡¯m sure they have nothing but hatred for humans..

    We merely offer a short prayer, hoping for their happiness in the next world, and bow our heads in respect.

    This should be a noticeable blow to the Confederation¡¯s war potential. Judging by the strength of the main body of this force it might¡¯ve been their main troops. Moreover, even the mercenary units had a proper command, even the village raiding squads that we swept had equipment with skills and high level escorts. Losing that force should have significantly diminished their war potential. In total, there should¡¯ve been more than ten thousand of them, so it was a huge blow. It is because beastmen warriors gave their lives to protect others that the remaining villages survived, that the others weren¡¯t driven away as slaves.

    Now they¡¯ll have to think twice before attacking the beastmen country.

    (Bounce Bounce)

    This is no place for humans. At the moment the beastmen are fearfully cautious, but we are still being observed from a distance.

    Having their homes burned and close ones killed, there is no way they can trust humans at this point, even ones who approach with friendly intentions.

    We came all the way to another world, but it seems animal ears are out of reach. Let¡¯s go back.

    ¡¸Kakizaki-kun, are you guys fine with going back too?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    After bidding one last farewell to the dead we head for the Kingdom.

    Even with their villages burned, even with resisting warriors being killed, the men still tried to save women and children, jumping into a trap and getting killed.

    Very unlike us who continuously kept running, hiding, and resigning. The beastmen warriors fought to protect even at the cost of their lives.

    That is courage, something we don¡¯t have. We only kept making excuses, that it¡¯s reckless, that it¡¯s pointless, that it can only have a reverse effect, never able to bring ourselves to do the same.

    And they laughed at it as they killed them. Mocking even the bravery with which beastmen gave away their lives they sneered at it.

    That¡¯s why we snapped, we didn¡¯t care about fear or guilt anymore, and simply couldn¡¯t forgive, overflowing with hate.

    And we killed them. We killed all of them.

    And I finally understood. I always thought that we obtained defensive skills out of fear.

    We thought that we are being protected by Cheat Skills because we are weak.

    But it was because we were angry, because we hated it, because it was so vexing, miserable, sad, and empty.

    Those weren¡¯t the skills to protect, those were skills to vent anger.

    Let¡¯s go back, after all, if there was a meaning to us coming here, then those skills are necessary. Everyone is waiting for us there.

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    Coming to this world, we, who never could find a place where we could belong, finally found a place to go back to.

 CH 272

    Day 66 ¨C Daytime, Souvenir Store, Orphanage Branch

    The merchandise is overflowing in the workroom of the Souvenir Store, swirling in complex spirals, like what is this anymore? DNA? NBA? Is how many goods are being produced while circling around before being dunked into the gradually growing mountain of finished goods. It was said since ancient times that the one who masters Rebound masters the Diet, and as I thought, it¡¯s strange that no matter how many manju I make it¡¯s never enough, it turns out, half of them were bought by the girls. They must¡¯ve seen the orphans eat manu that I provided to supplement for nutrition, and wanted to have some too. As expected there was no way they could take them away from the children, so they had to buy them for themselves. Unable to master the rebound it seems they are bound to rebounds from Captain Billy¡¯s alley-oops. Thanks for the patronage?

    ¡¸Onii-chan, ¡ºAlmost out of pennants, no need for mushroom-shaped ones.¡»¡¹

    It¡¯s Messenger Orphan Girl. After being thanked and patted on the head she went back to the store with a smile.  Frontier series is in the decisive lead, but pennants are selling surprisingly well too. After all, they aren¡¯t a staple souvenir for nothing! But mushroom-shaped ones aren¡¯t selling that much? Well, ¡ºPennant¡» points to a triangular pennant, so mushroom-shaped ones might be considered unorthodox. Yeah, I also was somewhat getting the feeling that something is off from the moment I made them? I wonder why?

    However, the original plan was to plunder money from the nobles and the Merchant Confederation, infinitely resupplying and causing them huge losses, but for some reason sales for the general population are getting super hectic!

    After providing the uniform for the orphans and then the girls it seems that the ¡ºWomen Clothes Boom¡» has began in the Capital. Although of simple design but mass produced one-pieces, long skirts, blouses, vests, jackets, and also not particularly popular in the Frontier boleros, are selling like crazy. Skirts is a story of their own too. Making some balloon-type ones to go along with boleros a short while ago, I now have to deal with non-stop flow of additional orders. The capital seems to have both riches and abundance, but isn¡¯t well provided with commodities, that¡¯s why everything I make is being sold instantly.

    At the moment the bitches are drafting new designs for the aunties of the capital, but no matter how many new products we dish out they all get sold out. The bitches¡¯ designs can¡¯t keep up with ultra high speed manufacturing and aunties power.

    Male customers are doing their best too, picking up lots of clothing and heading to the register. A long line of customers has formed at the register for male clothing by now.

    Naturally, if the uniform of the girl at the register today appears like the one from Anna Miller¡¯s, it absolutely wouldn¡¯t not be not imagination?

    I also have the nobles buying dresses that will be immediately ruined at super rip-off prices through auctioning, so bankruptcy shouldn¡¯t be that far for them. They turned out to be super idiots who¡¯d raise the price on their own just to show off.

    Clothes, underwear, accessories, furniture, and works of art, the more pretentious it looks the better it sells.

    The price of one piece of clothing at the super rip-off price would¡¯ve easily been enough to feed the orphans with delicious food for a mouth. The super rip-off price of one gaudy work of art would¡¯ve been enough to buy a mountain of blankets. And they are selling like hot cakes.

    So I¡¯m going to rip all of it back. I¡¯m collecting everything they¡¯ve stolen with a hyper interest rate of 10000% and returning it to the orphans, okay? The hyper rip-off with ultra high multiplicative interest rate for the suffering of the orphans included. Those idiots think that if other nobles bought something they have to follow suit or it will be their loss, so they keep buying and buying. They believe that the more they buy and the more they pay the greater they are.

    That¡¯s why jewelry is also selling at rip-off prices, the higher the price the better it goes. As a test I tried polishing some random stone I picked up in the neighborhood and presenting it as ¡ºPhilosopher¡¯s Stone¡»in an ultra expensive limited sale and it was bought it in instant. [1]

    At this rate there is no need to even do anything, they are steering straight towards hell on their own?

    ¡¸Well then, I¡¯m off to resupply~, I restocked the inventory, so work hard like work-horses with ONE MORE SET in mind? By the way, we have leotards, but serving customers in leotards sounds super shady and might hey hey ho us into Law Regulating Adult Entertainment Business, anyway, I¡¯m sort of getting Yosaku so I¡¯ll be off? Well, I already memorized my way around the palace, so even if I take a detour to play for a bit I¡¯ll still be right back, so don¡¯t look for me? Sort of?¡¹ [2]

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Enough of that, just go already! And come back asap! We are busy, there aren¡¯t enough merchandise, there is no time for hey hey ho! HURRY!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Harry? Hurry and rip ¡®em off? You are a magnate, Harry? Well, I have no objections to high-speed ripping off, but Harry Rippoffer going Hey Hey Ho in a world of magic does not not give me a certain weird impression of giving a certain strange strange impression? But they are glaring at me now, so let¡¯s not mention it. I went to restock over several dozen times, and then just keep buying the stuff and carrying it back? Even though leaving it here would¡¯ve spared everyone a lot of trouble.

    Going to the Royal Palace¡¯s underground storage, I find that the layout has changed? What time is it already?

    ¡¸Aah, so you changed the location of the storage again? If you are going to change the location, at least give me a word when you visit the store, it will spare me the trouble during resupplying, such insensitive walking wallets. But new supplies are delivered from the ships, so there is just one step left until the objective is reached? The road to ripping off starts with one step? And then go ripping and ripping and ripping off at every step? Sound sort of noisy, but since it¡¯s profitable it¡¯s fine, I guess?¡¹

    (Nod-nod)

    She isn¡¯t wearing armor, so why stick to answering in Slime-san¡¯s way?

    Eerm, let¡¯s see, flour? Oil? Oh, spinach has arrived! In contrast, just what is my ¡ºReport?Inform?Consult¡» doing? [3] I didn¡¯t have a single contact, report, or consultation until now, I wonder if it¡¯s doing alright? Well, no news is good news? And if there is a message it¡¯s a letter of misfortune? [4] But even if you ask a loner to send it to 100 other people there is no chance a loner can do that, but at the same time, bringing misfortune to someone with Luk MaX (Limit Break) sounds like quite a tall task, will it be alright? Well, let¡¯s think about it after I get one? I mean, forget letters of misfortune, I¡¯m not getting any letters or mail at all? Where should I file a report to change address to another world? Although, I do feel like I won¡¯t get any correspondence even if I were to change address, so perhaps not changing it will hurt less (emotionally).

    Moving swiftly I stash goods into the item bag. This world doesn¡¯t have a proper census system established so the exact population numbers are unknown, but by any estimate, the Capital has at least some few tens of thousands living in it. In other words, at the bare minimum, provisions for several dozen thousands people are being sent in daily. Which I am taking. In addition, Cash for purchasing military equipment and magic stones is also being sent, which I¡¯m also taking. By now the damage should be nothing to sneeze at. So they will definitely take measures, there is no way they won¡¯t do anything.

    I wonder what they are going to do? Traps won¡¯t be activated due to ¡ºTrap Ring¡»effect, so I wouldn¡¯t even be able to tell if there were any in the first place. The patrols can¡¯t enter because of the Kingdom¡¯s ¡ºUltimate Lock¡», that being the case, I think it¡¯s about time for a beautiful female assassin to make an appearance? Diligently resupplying I excitedly head back¡­ Ah, there is paralyzing poison in the fish, so that¡¯s how they were planning to catch me. Alright, let¡¯s generously donate this to pitiful nobles.

    The noble district is in an uproar.

    ¡¸I¡¯m back~, I¡¯ve got a whole lot, so today we are having pasta with pig-like something¡¯s meat and spinach? Boiled spinach seasoned with soy sauce is also currently in research? Speaking of spinach, isn¡¯t that what that Paipopaipo-paiponosh¨±ringan? Like Sh¨±ringanno-g¨±rindai G¨±rindaino-ponpokop¨©no-ponpokon¨¡no? Sort of? Ch¨­ky¨±meino-ch¨­suke was eating to buff? Isn¡¯t that what I got?¡¹ [5]

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Too long! And from the middle of it Jugemu-san was getting summoned to this world! We will eat spinach, but stop with Paipopaipo! Also, that¡¯s Popeye! ¡¹¡¹¡¹

    But that was only the second half. They don¡¯t seem to understand the importance of someone¡¯s name, so I thought I¡¯d give them a lecture but they are staring at me super hard, so let¡¯s not? I wonder why they are so mad? Jugemu-san must remind highschool girls of troubles emerging from complicated human relations, like failing to enter the name into the phonebook memory. Instead of increasing the max number of entries, they should revise char limit, I¡¯m sure Jugemu-sans from all over the country are greatly troubled by it.

    £¨He doesn¡¯t remember Popeye, but he remembers Jugemu-san¡¯s full name!£©

    £¨How come he was able to memorize that, but can¡¯t remember our names!£©

    £¨Actually, wouldn¡¯t the memory required to register Jugemu-san¡¯s be enough for all of our names?£©

    Looks like Jugemu-san was a taboo for the girls after all. They are whispering to each other, and it seems they are shocked that names couldn¡¯t be fully registered. Due to the negligence of mobile phone manufacturers, it¡¯s impossible to make calls in another world, developing into a base station problem. Well, I didn¡¯t have a mobile phone, so I had no idea though. I mean, I¡¯m a loner after all?

    They¡¯ve been endlessly changing the position of the storage, so most likely there is a trap somewhere. Although they should¡¯ve noticed that traps aren¡¯t going to work from the fact that I carried off their treasured artifact¡ºEverlasting Trap¡»without getting caught in any traps. Physical traps that don¡¯t involve any magic can be dangerous, but in that case I¡¯ll notice them with ¡ºTrap Sense¡»?

    But they surely have something prepared.

    Either some sort of magic tool from deep reserves or an ace fighter will pop up. If it¡¯s a magic tool then I can just take it home, and if it¡¯s an ace I can just cut them down, so my countermeasures are perfect. In that case, the last option that¡¯s left is Beautiful Female Assassin! I won¡¯t allow anything else. Triggering a dangerous adult trap I¡¯ll be attacked by a full storehouse of beautiful female assassins and locked in a tight grapple, assaulting and getting assaulted, stripping and being stripped, can¡¯t wait to have a taste of that thrilling trap! I won¡¯t forgive them if it¡¯s something else! Should I visit the place again? I wonder if they are ready?

    ¡¸Haruka-sama. We received a message from the Captain of the Second Division Terrysel,

    ¡ºMagic Swordsman Wismregzero, known as the hidden blade of the Merchant Confederation, has entered the Royal Palace. Please be careful¡».¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-whaat. ¡­So, do we report this Pretty Women Rerorero McKenzie [6] out of public safety concerns? Or maybe it¡¯s better to report him as a molester? But even if we tried to report him to the Second Division, it was the Second Division that reported him to us to begin with. Certainly, I have no intentions of falling behind some Pretty Women Rerorero McKenzie-san, but one first has to prepare some pretty women, otherwise there is no chance to display my rerorero? For quite some time already? Almost like forever?¡¹

    The Confederation finally acted. But I also can¡¯t be outdone in reroreroing beauties. Expecting something like this to happen, last night, like every night before that, I¡¯ve been practicing with the Armored Pres-san, exposing her beautiful smooth skin showing through the chemise, I¡¯ll rerorero every inch of her body, starting from the tips of her toes and reroreroing my way upwards, licking her thighs and then sticking my tongue into the Paradise that I¡¯ve finally reached¡­ Ah¡ª

    ¡¸BUUEUEUBUNUUh! Phew, I already posted that morning stars are forbidden, didn¡¯t I? Eh? Sickle and chain! An unexpected great chain and sickle! Where did you get that? A noble came to sell this? Why would a noble of this kingdom be using a sickle and chain in his knight service? You drove a hard bargain and bought it cheaply even though it¡¯s an enchanted weapon? Fufufu, ain¡¯t you a villain too~, or rather, why are you buying up items only to equip them yourself! Ah, no, nevermind, I¡¯m sorry. I mean, it was Rerorero, Rero-Rero-Rero-Rero Yodel-La-Hee-Hee? I¡¯m going to become a Yodel Master! Kind of? No, I won¡¯t, actually, but it seems there is a battle that I cannot lose awaiting me there?¡¹

    ¡¸Where did that McKenzie-san come from! Why did the hidden blade of the Confederation come to have a licking competition? It¡¯s Magic Swordsman, Wismregzero, and he is not licking any beauties, he is a monster of the Confederation.¡¹

    Since he was sent in to prevent further losses, then he has some sort of detection skills? And he uses magic swords, the swordsman masterfully utilizing numerous magic swords, and his name is McKenzie! His hobby is licking pretty ladies, which sounds like a very cultured pastime, so he does sound like someone I might get along with, but it doesn¡¯t seem like he has any intention of making friends? Well, it¡¯s probably another middle-aged man so I¡¯m not interested in getting buddy-buddy with him either? I mean, a beauties-licking old man should be burned at top priority. I¡¯m absolutely not yielding on licking beauties! That¡¯s mine!

    And there is no avoiding that encounter.

    I mean, it¡¯s about time for restocking? Yeah, the flour is about to be sold out again? They again bought it and went back with it.

    [TL Notes:

    Puns, many puns.

    Also, the aristocratic district was changed to the noble district.

    [1] There is actually a pun between the suggested reading and how it¡¯s written. It¡¯s written as ÙtÕß¤ÎÊ¯ (kenja no ishi) ¨C philosopher¡¯s stone, but furigana suggests ¤­¤ó¤¸¤ç¤ÎÊ¯ (kinjo no ishi) ¨C (lit) neighborhood stone

    [2] Yosaku ¨C popular song by Sabur¨­ Kitajima from 1978. The title refers to a man and his wife labouring away. Almost half of the spare lyrics is onomatopoeic (hei, hei, ho¡­.ton, ton, ton) as Yosaku cuts away at the tree. And if anyone wonders why Haruka even went with this hei hei ho, I would guess it¡¯s because Law Regulating Adult Entertainment Business (F¨±eih¨­) sounds similar so they roll well together, ¡°Fu Ey Ho Hey Hey Ho¡±, while it also sounds like a motivational shout.

    [3] Spinach (¤Û¤¦¤ì¤ó²Ý) is read hourensou, just like his skill, Report?Inform?Consult (ˆóßBÏà)

    [4] Subtype of Chain Letter, basically the grandparent of those idiotic comments you might¡¯ve seen on social media ¡°copy paste this comments under 20 videos or your XXX will YYY¡±

    [5] No, that¡¯s not just random words. It¡¯s ¡°a real name¡± as real as names from fictional stories can be. Jugemu ¨C a Japanese folktale and is one of the most famous stories in rakugo, a form of Japanese spoken entertainment. It has a simple storyline, with the most humorous part being the repetition of a ridiculously long name. It is often used in training sessions for rakugo entertainers. By the way, the full name itself is ¡°Jugemu-jugemu Gok¨­nosurikire Kaijarisuigyo-no Suigy¨­matsu Unraimatsu F¨±raimatsu K¨±nerutokoroni-sumutokoro Yaburak¨­jino-burak¨­ji Paipopaipo-paiponosh¨±ringan Sh¨±ringanno-g¨±rindai G¨±rindaino-ponpokop¨©no-ponpokon¨¡no Ch¨­ky¨±meino-ch¨­suke¡±

    [6] McKenzie is a pun on Magic Swordsman, which in Japanese is Makenshi (Ä§„‡Ê¿).

 CH 273

    Day 66 ¨C Evening, Royal Palace

    He is waiting by himself, and he too has noticed me. .

    The Merchant Confederation¡¯s trump card, the magic swords user called their hidden blade. The magic swordsman that masterfully utilizes several magic swords¡­ McKenzie, was it? The only thing I remember is that his hobby is licking beauties.

    That¡¯s right, licking beauties is enough of a reason for people to fight, after all, there are no good guys among beauties-licking middle-aged men! Because there is no such a thing as a good middle-aged man? I mean, it¡¯s a middle-aged man?

    ¡¸Our thief has finally showed up, huh? Having our goods stolen is a problem, you know~. I might be willing to let you off if you return what you¡¯ve stolen so far? I will at least ask for a reduction in your punishment. How about it?¡¹

    There is a composure to his demeanor, he seems neither tense, nor too relaxed. He is strong?

    ¡¸Ah, McKenzie-san? Long time no see~? Or rather, not sure if it¡¯s nice to meet you or we¡¯ve already met before, but I¡¯m not a thief? I¡¯m a diligently working procurement manager, who is a manufacturer in charge of transportation, and reprocessing? I¡¯m working super hard! But my rich-man life is nowhere in sight? Anyway, what I¡¯m trying to say is treating me like a thief even though I¡¯m working so hard, is not something that perverted old man who is reroreroing beautiful women should be doing?¡¹

    Just what on earth is he saying, suddenly making such scandalous claims? N-no way, is a beautiful female thief about to show up? And he is waiting here to capture and rerorero her all over?! What an outrageous middle-aged man, trying to rerorero my Beautiful Female Thief! I want to rerorero her so she is mine!

    ¡¸¡­I¡¯m not McKenzie-san.. You are a procurement manager? Sorry about that, I was convinced you are a thief, and was waiting for you to come, my bad.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, as long as you understand. So I¡¯d like to procure that Beautiful Female Thief-san too and take her home with me to rerorero her? And I don¡¯t want some middle-aged men reroreroing her before me, so could you kindly not rerorero Beautiful Female Thieves? Good grief, McKenzies these days, the moment they see Beautiful Female Thief they can¡¯t help but go rerorero and rerorian? Although, I already have prepared leotards for presents in case a party of three Beautiful Female Thieves shows up? Kind of?¡¹ [1]

    I need to quickly finish restocking and make preparations to welcome Beautiful Female Thief. The question is should I procure that Beautiful Female Thief and take her with me, or should I allow myself to be stolen by that Beautiful Female Thief and be carried away? Should I perhaps discuss this question with the Thief-san?

    ¡¸Wh-wait, that won¡¯t do. I¡¯m protecting this place precisely to prevent those goods from being stolen, why are you trying to procure them? And who is that McKenzie? I told you that¡¯s not me.¡¹

    ¡¸This again, old man? They are just lying on the floor so they are mine? I already picked them up? Finders keepers? I¡¯m coming all this way to restock because I know there will be stuff lying around, if you get in the way you are going to inconvenience the Beautiful Female Thief? Or rather, even while I¡¯m restocking, my heart is continuously shouting for Beautiful Female Thieves, but no one is showing up? I have to hurry up and make space or there won¡¯t be any shipments of Beautiful Female Thieves? Although narrow spaces sound lovely too!¡¹

    Such an utter lack of common sense. Every possible thing that falls to the ground pulled by universal gravitation belongs to me, is what that person that snatched the apple after it fell on his head must¡¯ve said too. There are only three seconds after dropping before the transfer of the ownership?

    ¡¸I see~, that¡¯s just theft! Why are you so openly taking items and trying to go back? They aren¡¯t just lying around, they weren¡¯t dropped here, why would items be dropped in a storage room in such an orderly manner? They are being put here on purpose!¡¹

    ¡¸If they were put then they are lying! Are you going to tell me they are floating? Flying? No, they are definitely lying on the ground! And since they are lying on the ground, I came to pick them up, treating me like a thief in spite of that is unbelievably deeply rude, like a bottomless chasm deep rude, into which you should be dropped with a meteor on your head as a follow up? No matter who looks at it, the goods are physically lying on the ground? How is it even possible to consider it as not lying? Stop reroreroing for a moment and use common sense for a change!¡¹

    A dark-brown mantle is hiding his movements and weapons, but he keeps flaunting that there is nothing in his hands as he is gradually closing the distance. He appears to be tall and skinny, but this old man is clearly in good shape, showing no openings in his movements. And since describing a middle-aged man¡¯s appearance is no fun at all I¡¯d like to go home asap. How tiresome.

    ¡¸Ah, so they are lying around? Wait-wait-wait, it is not, it was put here, carried in here for storage. Haaaah, so you are the thief?¡¹

    ¡¸How do I have to explain this so you will understand? Since I can enter here it means that I have the key, in other words, it means that this place belongs to me, and if something was stored here it is also mine? I¡¯m not giving it away? I mean, it was just lying around? In my storage? If it was put here then it is mine? Or rather, I already picked it up? Sort of?¡¹

    In his hands, that should¡¯ve been empty, he is now gripping two swords. Those are magic swords.

    ¡¸Sorry about this, I¡¯m going to capture you, but if you don¡¯t resist I won¡¯t injure you, and if you return what you¡¯ve stolen you won¡¯t be treated harshly, is what I¡¯d like to say, but sadly can¡¯t promise, but I give you my word that I will do what I can.¡¹

    Lifting the magic sword in his left hand in a smooth motion he points it at me.

    ¡¸Restrain¡ºBind¡», Confine¡ºStop¡».¡¹

    Oh! This is wheat. There are also more vegetables, but meat is scarce. No eggs though, just what is the Confederation doing? Such a thoughtless Confederation, if you send spring onions, then send eggs too? Why are there common onions in the box after the spring onions? Oh, soybeans and adzuki beans. This is definitely ONE MORE SET. I could resume manju production, but they haven¡¯t sent any sugar. So useless. Since manju crapes also made a sensational isekai debut, sugar supply can¡¯t keep up with that at all, so I wish they would send in more and more? Should I write a letter to the Confederation? Send Sugar? Sugar, plz?

    ¡¸Why do you keep stealing~, I feel like an idiot standing here with swords all on my own, shouting¡ºBIND¡»and¡ºSTOP¡». How come you can even move~?¡¹

    It comes. He doesn¡¯t seem like he wants to fight, but he also doesn¡¯t seem willing to let me go. He pointed the sword in his right hand at me.

    ¡¸The legs, Pierce¡ºSpear¡», you aren¡¯t getting away.¡¹

    How troublesome, I can¡¯t resist it with my level, so I have to either nullify the magic sword¡¯s effect with left hand¡ºGauntlets of Contradiction¡», or absorb it with ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»in my right hand. But not only is he strong as a swordsman, his way of using magic swords is also superb. And he is skillful. Moreover, he is a middle-aged man so I don¡¯t want to get near him!

    ¡¸¡­Attacking in silence also doesn¡¯t work, huh~. But you are only level 21, why does nothing work? I¡¯m losing my confidence here.¡¹

    He was reciting skill names and pointing a sword at me on purpose. He was intentionally putting up a show. It was all a setup to launch an attack without saying a word or pointing a sword my way. In addition, he secretly switched the sword in his left hand. It¡¯s a magic sword with a different effect.

    He is closing the distance bit-by-bit but he shows neither impatience nor hesitation. He is maintaining a relaxed, natural posture.

    ¡¸Alright, restocking complete? Well, I¡¯m busy, so have fun here on your own, yeah magic swords (heh) are so cool, right? Like¡ºPierce!¡»(heh)? I¡¯ve actually done that a lot in my young eighth-grader days, but when I tried it recently one that actually was hiding got baited, and coming out pierced for real, causing a huge uproar and quite a shock, so that dungeon is still sort of being neglected since then? Anyhow, it seems that it might work no matter at what age you attempt it, so keep chasing your dreams and work hard by yourself? Bye bye?¡¹

    ¡¸Wa~it, wait, wait, wait, letting you just walk out of here would be a bit of a problem, honestly. Are you sure you won¡¯t let me capture you no matter what? I¡¯m telling you, we can¡¯t have you carry this away.¡¹

    This old man is quite dense, can¡¯t he just open a championship for the biggest idiot with him, the Idiots, the Royal Middle-Aged Man, gobs, and sort things out among themselves? That group also doesn¡¯t get it no matter how much things are explained to them, possibly having to do something with inability to comprehend human speech, so they should be a good match? Kobolds seem to be unexpectedly sensible? It might even be possible to reach a deep understanding of certain issues with them? Like the bitches problem?

    ¡¸Heey, are you listening? I¡¯ll even ask nicely, could you get caught? Pretty please?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll answer with a question of my own, why do you get in my way when I just came to restock? I¡¯ll come back anyway? No matter how many times I come to pick up the goods, they keep returning here, I¡¯m beginning to feel it would be easier to start selling from here? Should I just open a branch store here? Royal Palace Storage Branch, purchases will be instantly delivered to the Royal Palace Storages, free of charge! And the moment they are delivered they are in stock again!¡¹

    ¡¸Are you selling those? They will come back? Are you saying you are palming these off? Maaaan, so we have our culprit here~.¡¹

    His eyes changed. Expression vanished from his face. The presence disappeared too and his breathing can¡¯t be grasped anymore either. If only he could also stop being a middle-aged man along with all of those?

    The golden magic sword, that must be ¡ºSword-Killing Sword¡»that Royal Girl mentioned.

    Temporarily silencing effects and skills of the opponent¡¯s sword or spear, it renders them powerless, in addition, it can also temporarily copy abilities of the enemy¡¯s weapon, the legendary golden sword! ¡­¡­But this here is an iron ball? (SMASH!)

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san, welcome back, found anything nice? Food and gold will pave my way to riches! What¡¯s this, a cloth? ¡­¡­Linen, huh¡«, I could make a hat out of it, but it will be rough and stiff? Do you want that? Well, I don¡¯t mind, it has nice breathability, so it¡¯s quite refreshing to wear, and I also think it was difficult to dye? Are you fine with natural style?¡¹

    (Nod, Nod)

    Looks like we finally have a morning star assassination case on our hands. While the old man was so focused on blabbering, behind him, there was a giant ball spinning with a terrifying momentum all this time, making neither a sound, nor the slightest vibration in the air, giving absolutely no hint of what is happening? I was getting chills just by looking at it. It seems that morning star-killing magic morning star is more necessary than the Sword-Killing Sword, but she also has sickle and chain so be careful? Well, I¡¯m also trying to be careful, but it¡¯s impossible to dodge, so even if one is careful it¡¯s going to hit anyway, but you have to be careful or it¡¯s going to hurt? Well, he is already X_X so that¡¯s a bit too late?

    A linen hat can be made in no time so it¡¯s not a big deal, but what do we do with this old man? He was pretty strong so leaving him sounds like a bad idea, but he showed no intentions of killing until the very end, aiming for arms and legs only, what should we do? I mean, it¡¯s another middle-aged man? There is no fun in carrying home a middle-aged man? If there was, it would be a huge problem!

    Even so, I don¡¯t need it, or rather, we already have more than enough? If I needed a middle-aged man, there is plenty under the slums? At this rate even the depths of the earth will be filled with middle-aged men soon. The Capital¡¯s underground dwellers must be greatly troubled with the middle-aged men infestation too. I can see the complaints coming already!

 CH 274

    Day 66 ¨C Nighttime, the Souvenir Store, the Orphanage Branch

    Looks like we had a problem with the latest supply of goods. It seems that the procured merchandise had a middle-aged man mixed in? Back there, I have heard about cases of foreign substance contamination¡­ But don¡¯t mix middle-aged men in? Especially not in manju, that¡¯s just dirty? Well, and he seems to have just gone back with that.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m telling you, I went to restock, and was harassed in the process, and then there is a middle-aged man contamination, and even though a beautiful female thief was expected, for some reason, I was called a thief, and then the Sword-Killing Sword and iron ball direct impact? Yeah, not a sword but an iron ball? The iron ball was swinging through the air with a terrifying momentum in complete silence, giving off no presence at all, it was basically a silent assassination, but this here is a freshly caught still alive middle-aged man. Even if we do get a middle-aged man in stock, it¡¯s not like anyone would want to buy that? What do we do? Like, it¡¯s not a Beautiful Female Thief, you know? But I got lots of magic swords from him, so I sort of decided to spare him head burning, maybe it¡¯s fine to just throw him away? I mean, middle-aged men tend to multiply if you leave them be, and it seems that if they get any more numerous the underground dwellers will be bothered too. As the rumors in the town have it, the acute middle-aged men increase issue has become a serious population problem, limited to middle-aged men. Like middle-aged men population explosion? Kind of?¡¹

    The more I listen the less I understand, but Wismregzero, the man hailed as a legendary magic swordsman throughout the continent, also known as a hidden blade of the Confederation, is lying on the ground.

    His eyes are X_X so the culprit must be that person! Looks like we finally have the first in history morningstar assassination! She mastered it, she mastered it to the utmost extreme! She finally mastered the sermon (Iron Ball), making it capable of murder¡­ As expected of a former dungeon emperor?

    ¡¸But where did McKenzie-san come from? And where Wismregzero went?¡¹

    He is lying over there, you know? He probably doesn¡¯t remember his name anyway? It¡¯s so unfair that only Jugemu-san has his name memorized!

    ¡¸Wasn¡¯t it a master of magic swords that no one could beat? The Merchant Confederation¡¯s trump card?¡¹

    Well, Angelica-san¡¯s iron ball dance is too much to handle. She is performing successful combos on Haruka-kun even when he is shrouded in Teleportation magic and is repeating instantaneous movement. Even vanishing can¡¯t protect one from getting beaten up, you know?

    ¡¸So this man is that Wismregzero of Magic Swords. One of the Seven Swords of the Confederation¡­ Even though there is only six of them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Why are they calling themselves seven swords if there are only six of them? Couldn¡¯t they grab one more person?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like there is a grave personnel shortage everywhere. By the way, only four of them are using swords. Couldn¡¯t they go with something like One Blank, Two Fighters, Four Swords?

    ¡¸It sounded sort of amazing at first, but suddenly, not anymore? The seven swords, even though there are only six of them, but two aren¡¯t even swordsmen¡­ That¡¯s just a six randos group!¡¹

    ¡¸But they are strong. So far, they have crushed every assassin and attack group that was sent by other countries targeting the top of the Confederation. They even killed some ordinators of the Theocracy¡¯s army?¡¹

    The Theocracy army¡¯s strongest class of Ordinators seems to be elites on par in strength with S-rank adventurers, loaded with tons of magic equipment. And they are capable of taking even them down. How powerful is that? Yup, I have no idea.

    I mean, we are also S-rank at the guild, we have literally dozens of girls with Cheat skills and loads of extravagant items and weapons on top of custom made bras, and yet everyone is collectively getting beaten up every evening, getting knocked out cold (X_X)? And of all things, he had to run into that serial knockouter, naturally he will end up like that.

    ¡¸Hmmm, he is strong, his technique is probably amazing too, and he is skillful? But that charade was obvious, and it is because he kept pointlessly wasting his time on it that he ran into the iron ball behind him due to his carelessness and spilled all of his magic swords? No, I mean, they were just lying there? I picked them up so they are mine now? He let go of them and more than three seconds passed, so it¡¯s too late! They are all mine now, okay? I mean, them being stored in my Item Bag is the proof that they are mine. I mean, they are stored for more than three seconds already?¡¹

    ¡ºRan into¡»? He got hit from behind, didn¡¯t he? That¡¯s totally not an accident. In the first place, snatching all of the weapons just because they were ¡ºlying around¡»after the victim was hit on the head from behind¡­ Even a very wicked robber wouldn¡¯t give such a terrible testimony?

    If there is a lock he lets himself in and takes what he pleases, and if the thing is in someone¡¯s hands he knocks them out and takes it as well. When he goes into dungeons he picks up Dungeon Emperors and Dungeon Masters without reservation. He probably will eventually claim that this continent or the planet belongs to him since they were just lying around¡­ That actually sounds very much like something he might do!

    ¡¸Are the other five sword people going to come too?¡¹¡¸I¡¯d feel so sorry for them if they do!¡¹¡¸Yeah, poor them, they¡¯d innocently show up with swords for a fight, having no idea that they are coming only to get beaten up, earnestly bringing their weapons with them?¡¹¡¸Moreover, on top of getting beaten up, their swords will also be forcibly picked up, since they are lying on the ground?!¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Even muggers might be nicer!!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Why is it that every time we think of the enemies it pains our hearts so much? I always imagine them in a very pitiful state, but reality always ends up being even more cruel. After all, they surely will be robbed not only of their swords, but of all their other possessions as well!

    And while everyone is troubled like that, Haruka-kun is playing with the children. Or rather, he is being swarmed by a crowd of children that rushed to Haruka-kun upon seeing him, piling up on him. Then, buried under the pile of children, he began spinning at high speed, blowing away the kids¡­ But they immediately jump back into the hurricane, some getting blown away, some managing to catch onto him, gradually piling up on him again.

    ¡¸Onii-chan, food!¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, I¡¯m hungry.¡¹¡¸What are we having today?¡¹¡¸Yesterday¡¯s potatoes were delicious.¡¹¡¸Can we have meat again?¡¹¡¸Rice balls!¡¹¡¸Will we get to eat today as well?¡¹¡¸We worked a whole lot!¡¹¡¸Food! Food!¡¹¡¸Delicious is justice.¡¹¡¸I want omurice.¡¹¡¸What¡¯s up with the crapes research? Hurry up, onii-chan! ¡¹¡¸Onii-cha~n, I~, want a new bag~.¡¹¡¸What¡¯s for dinner!¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, extra request!¡¹¡¸Haruka-kun¡­¡­Onii-chan, I¡¯d like noodles.¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, make mules!¡¹¡¸Hey, bro! One katsudon!¡¹¡¸Nii-Nii! Make push-up one too!¡¹¡¸Onii-sama, when will the new T-back will be ready?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, it¡¯s unfair that only Shield Girl-chan got one with air cushion!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looking closely, there is not a small number of those who are not children in the crowd, trying to make requests using the confusion. Good grief, everyone is so¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¸Onii-chan, I want to eat chestnut manju!¡¹

    Spinning while slowly flying through the air in a circle, thin omelets are being fried, then gracefully swooping down on the plates and getting loaded with ketchup and rice. And the letters drawn with Ketchup-san are ¡ºOmu?¡»¡­ he himself is the one who made it, why the doubt?

    Cutlets are also being done with a sizzling sound, raining on the readied bowls of rice, they are followed with a finishing touch of soup and eggs.

    The children are looking with innocent sparkling eyes as if seeing a dream. Meanwhile, not very innocent girls are tracking big cutlets with eyes glittering with greed. Wismregzero-san is still lying in the corner unconscious with X_X eyes.

    With even stew-san appearing from the cauldron the excitement shot through the limit, spilling over like from an overflowing pot, swallowing everyone in the room! The sounds of rumbling stomachs echoed together in a magnificent chorus!

    ¡¸It¡¯s done~? Or rather, here comes katsudon and omurice taste competition, with a side of mysterious bird stew, and mushroom salad with sesame dressing! Stuff your faces? Sort of? Actually, stop just looking and start eating? Kind of~!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Mushroom salad comes with a brand new sesame dressing, he is adding mushrooms into every meal for the children for the sake of their recovery, and he probably developed this one in secret to avoid them getting tired of mushrooms. For someone running around saying¡ºDon¡¯t cling to me~¡»or¡ºAnnoying~¡», he is surely spoiling them. Even now he is stealthily steaming potatoes.

    ¡¸It¡¯s delicious~.¡¹

    ¡¸Can I eat this? Can I eat this too? Really?¡¹

    ¡¸So bread could be this tasty.¡¹

    ¡¸We ate everything, what do we do about food for tomorrow?¡¹

    The children are still crying every time they have a meal. Each time they are eating with tears until they are stuffed. They are still probably praying in their heads that if this is a dream it doesn¡¯t end yet.

    Day after day, they had nothing but meager and lacking meals, living on the verge of starvation for months and years, as if it was the norm. Forced to live such lives.

    That¡¯s why Haruka-kun is going all out making all sorts of dishes and treating the children to them. The tables are overflowing with new dishes added one after another, as if he is telling them to take back their share until now, take back everything and eat delicious stuff until you are full. This is still not enough, eat more, eat everything, he keeps cooking more and more until the children are too full to even sit. The girls are also getting hit with aftereffects of those culinary tidal waves though, what do we do? Hm, I wonder if ONE MORE SET will be enough?

    He also said that there were lots of soybeans lying around the storage, so he is currently researching this and that. Is he going for tofu? Or maybe even miso?

    And it seems our guest has finally woken up. Wismregzero-san is being treated like a middle-aged man, but he is an elf with an appearance of a person in his late twenties. A handsome tall and skinny swordsman. I could tell from the first sight that he is strong. Well, he was unconscious with his eyes X_X, so I had no idea until now though.

    ¡¸Ah, so I got myself caught, huh. Man, what a blunder, and that¡¯s after going through all the trouble of coming all the way to the Kingdom to catch the thief.¡¹

    After looking around nonchalantly he breathed a sigh¡­ Even so, he showed no openings, despite maintaining a relaxed posture. Well, he has no weapons though¡­ Since they were looted.

    ¡¸Long time no see~, Old Man McKenzie, was it? Don¡¯t get it wrong, I didn¡¯t capture you, it just so happened that while I was restocking you got mixed in with the merchandise, and got carried here, but since I can¡¯t sell you, I don¡¯t really need you? I mean, you are a middle-aged man? What do we do? Should I throw you underground? Perhaps it would be better to first get permission from the underground dwellers?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸At least hear him out first?! And who is McKenzie?¡¹¡¹¡¹

 CH 274.1

    Day 66 ¨C Nighttime, the Souvenir Store, the Orphanage Branch

    Looks like we had a problem with the latest supply of goods. It seems that the procured merchandise had a middle-aged man mixed in? Back there, I have heard about cases of foreign substance contamination¡­ But don¡¯t mix middle-aged men in? Especially not in manju, that¡¯s just dirty? Well, and he seems to have just gone back with that.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m telling you, I went to restock, and was harassed in the process, and then there is a middle-aged man contamination, and even though a beautiful female thief was expected, for some reason, I was called a thief, and then the Sword-Killing Sword and iron ball direct impact? Yeah, not a sword but an iron ball? The iron ball was swinging through the air with a terrifying momentum in complete silence, giving off no presence at all, it was basically a silent assassination, but this here is a freshly caught still alive middle-aged man. Even if we do get a middle-aged man in stock, it¡¯s not like anyone would want to buy that? What do we do? Like, it¡¯s not a Beautiful Female Thief, you know? But I got lots of magic swords from him, so I sort of decided to spare him head burning, maybe it¡¯s fine to just throw him away? I mean, middle-aged men tend to multiply if you leave them be, and it seems that if they get any more numerous the underground dwellers will be bothered too. As the rumors in the town have it, the acute middle-aged men increase issue has become a serious population problem, limited to middle-aged men. Like middle-aged men population explosion? Kind of?¡¹

    The more I listen the less I understand, but Wismregzero, the man hailed as a legendary magic swordsman throughout the continent, also known as a hidden blade of the Confederation, is lying on the ground.

    His eyes are X_X so the culprit must be that person! Looks like we finally have the first in history morningstar assassination! She mastered it, she mastered it to the utmost extreme! She finally mastered the sermon (Iron Ball), making it capable of murder¡­ As expected of a former dungeon emperor?

    ¡¸But where did McKenzie-san come from? And where Wismregzero went?¡¹

    He is lying over there, you know? He probably doesn¡¯t remember his name anyway? It¡¯s so unfair that only Jugemu-san has his name memorized!

    ¡¸Wasn¡¯t it a master of magic swords that no one could beat? The Merchant Confederation¡¯s trump card?¡¹

    Well, Angelica-san¡¯s iron ball dance is too much to handle. She is performing successful combos on Haruka-kun even when he is shrouded in Teleportation magic and is repeating instantaneous movement. Even vanishing can¡¯t protect one from getting beaten up, you know?

    ¡¸So this man is that Wismregzero of Magic Swords. One of the Seven Swords of the Confederation¡­ Even though there is only six of them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Why are they calling themselves seven swords if there are only six of them? Couldn¡¯t they grab one more person?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like there is a grave personnel shortage everywhere. By the way, only four of them are using swords. Couldn¡¯t they go with something like One Blank, Two Fighters, Four Swords?

    ¡¸It sounded sort of amazing at first, but suddenly, not anymore? The seven swords, even though there are only six of them, but two aren¡¯t even swordsmen¡­ That¡¯s just a six randos group!¡¹

    ¡¸But they are strong. So far, they have crushed every assassin and attack group that was sent by other countries targeting the top of the Confederation. They even killed some ordinators of the Theocracy¡¯s army?¡¹

    The Theocracy army¡¯s strongest class of Ordinators seems to be elites on par in strength with S-rank adventurers, loaded with tons of magic equipment. And they are capable of taking even them down. How powerful is that? Yup, I have no idea.

    I mean, we are also S-rank at the guild, we have literally dozens of girls with Cheat skills and loads of extravagant items and weapons on top of custom made bras, and yet everyone is collectively getting beaten up every evening, getting knocked out cold (X_X)? And of all things, he had to run into that serial knockouter, naturally he will end up like that.

    ¡¸Hmmm, he is strong, his technique is probably amazing too, and he is skillful? But that charade was obvious, and it is because he kept pointlessly wasting his time on it that he ran into the iron ball behind him due to his carelessness and spilled all of his magic swords? No, I mean, they were just lying there? I picked them up so they are mine now? He let go of them and more than three seconds passed, so it¡¯s too late! They are all mine now, okay? I mean, them being stored in my Item Bag is the proof that they are mine. I mean, they are stored for more than three seconds already?¡¹

    ¡ºRan into¡»? He got hit from behind, didn¡¯t he? That¡¯s totally not an accident. In the first place, snatching all of the weapons just because they were ¡ºlying around¡»after the victim was hit on the head from behind¡­ Even a very wicked robber wouldn¡¯t give such a terrible testimony?

    If there is a lock he lets himself in and takes what he pleases, and if the thing is in someone¡¯s hands he knocks them out and takes it as well. When he goes into dungeons he picks up Dungeon Emperors and Dungeon Masters without reservation. He probably will eventually claim that this continent or the planet belongs to him since they were just lying around¡­ That actually sounds very much like something he might do!

    ¡¸Are the other five sword people going to come too?¡¹¡¸I¡¯d feel so sorry for them if they do!¡¹¡¸Yeah, poor them, they¡¯d innocently show up with swords for a fight, having no idea that they are coming only to get beaten up, earnestly bringing their weapons with them?¡¹¡¸Moreover, on top of getting beaten up, their swords will also be forcibly picked up, since they are lying on the ground?!¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Even muggers might be nicer!!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Why is it that every time we think of the enemies it pains our hearts so much? I always imagine them in a very pitiful state, but reality always ends up being even more cruel. After all, they surely will be robbed not only of their swords, but of all their other possessions as well!

    And while everyone is troubled like that, Haruka-kun is playing with the children. Or rather, he is being swarmed by a crowd of children that rushed to Haruka-kun upon seeing him, piling up on him. Then, buried under the pile of children, he began spinning at high speed, blowing away the kids¡­ But they immediately jump back into the hurricane, some getting blown away, some managing to catch onto him, gradually piling up on him again.

    ¡¸Onii-chan, food!¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, I¡¯m hungry.¡¹¡¸What are we having today?¡¹¡¸Yesterday¡¯s potatoes were delicious.¡¹¡¸Can we have meat again?¡¹¡¸Rice balls!¡¹¡¸Will we get to eat today as well?¡¹¡¸We worked a whole lot!¡¹¡¸Food! Food!¡¹¡¸Delicious is justice.¡¹¡¸I want omurice.¡¹¡¸What¡¯s up with the crapes research? Hurry up, onii-chan! ¡¹¡¸Onii-cha~n, I~, want a new bag~.¡¹¡¸What¡¯s for dinner!¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, extra request!¡¹¡¸Haruka-kun¡­¡­Onii-chan, I¡¯d like noodles.¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, make mules!¡¹¡¸Hey, bro! One katsudon!¡¹¡¸Nii-Nii! Make push-up one too!¡¹¡¸Onii-sama, when will the new T-back will be ready?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, it¡¯s unfair that only Shield Girl-chan got one with air cushion!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looking closely, there is not a small number of those who are not children in the crowd, trying to make requests using the confusion. Good grief, everyone is so¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¸Onii-chan, I want to eat chestnut manju!¡¹

    Spinning while slowly flying through the air in a circle, thin omelets are being fried, then gracefully swooping down on the plates and getting loaded with ketchup and rice. And the letters drawn with Ketchup-san are ¡ºOmu?¡»¡­ he himself is the one who made it, why the doubt?

    Cutlets are also being done with a sizzling sound, raining on the readied bowls of rice, they are followed with a finishing touch of soup and eggs.

    The children are looking with innocent sparkling eyes as if seeing a dream. Meanwhile, not very innocent girls are tracking big cutlets with eyes glittering with greed. Wismregzero-san is still lying in the corner unconscious with X_X eyes.

    With even stew-san appearing from the cauldron the excitement shot through the limit, spilling over like from an overflowing pot, swallowing everyone in the room! The sounds of rumbling stomachs echoed together in a magnificent chorus!

    ¡¸It¡¯s done~? Or rather, here comes katsudon and omurice taste competition, with a side of mysterious bird stew, and mushroom salad with sesame dressing! Stuff your faces? Sort of? Actually, stop just looking and start eating? Kind of~!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Mushroom salad comes with a brand new sesame dressing, he is adding mushrooms into every meal for the children for the sake of their recovery, and he probably developed this one in secret to avoid them getting tired of mushrooms. For someone running around saying¡ºDon¡¯t cling to me~¡»or¡ºAnnoying~¡», he is surely spoiling them. Even now he is stealthily steaming potatoes.

    ¡¸It¡¯s delicious~.¡¹

    ¡¸Can I eat this? Can I eat this too? Really?¡¹

    ¡¸So bread could be this tasty.¡¹

    ¡¸We ate everything, what do we do about food for tomorrow?¡¹

    The children are still crying every time they have a meal. Each time they are eating with tears until they are stuffed. They are still probably praying in their heads that if this is a dream it doesn¡¯t end yet.

    Day after day, they had nothing but meager and lacking meals, living on the verge of starvation for months and years, as if it was the norm. Forced to live such lives.

    That¡¯s why Haruka-kun is going all out making all sorts of dishes and treating the children to them. The tables are overflowing with new dishes added one after another, as if he is telling them to take back their share until now, take back everything and eat delicious stuff until you are full. This is still not enough, eat more, eat everything, he keeps cooking more and more until the children are too full to even sit. The girls are also getting hit with aftereffects of those culinary tidal waves though, what do we do? Hm, I wonder if ONE MORE SET will be enough?

    He also said that there were lots of soybeans lying around the storage, so he is currently researching this and that. Is he going for tofu? Or maybe even miso?

    And it seems our guest has finally woken up. Wismregzero-san is being treated like a middle-aged man, but he is an elf with an appearance of a person in his late twenties. A handsome tall and skinny swordsman. I could tell from the first sight that he is strong. Well, he was unconscious with his eyes X_X, so I had no idea until now though.

    ¡¸Ah, so I got myself caught, huh. Man, what a blunder, and that¡¯s after going through all the trouble of coming all the way to the Kingdom to catch the thief.¡¹

    After looking around nonchalantly he breathed a sigh¡­ Even so, he showed no openings, despite maintaining a relaxed posture. Well, he has no weapons though¡­ Since they were looted.

    ¡¸Long time no see~, Old Man McKenzie, was it? Don¡¯t get it wrong, I didn¡¯t capture you, it just so happened that while I was restocking you got mixed in with the merchandise, and got carried here, but since I can¡¯t sell you, I don¡¯t really need you? I mean, you are a middle-aged man? What do we do? Should I throw you underground? Perhaps it would be better to first get permission from the underground dwellers?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸At least hear him out first?! And who is McKenzie?¡¹¡¹¡¹

 CH 274.2

    He is a big idiot. He retired as an adventurer for the sake of his sick little sister, his only blood relative, pressed by the need to obtain a specific medicine, and turned to work for the Confederation. Not only is it cliche, it is also so silly.

    Even though the place of origin of that drug is the Kingdom, with the Frontier being the supplier, he was working for the sake of the Confederation, which monopolized it, blocking it from the circulation. Even though that is the very reason why he couldn¡¯t get the medicine in the first place?

    ¡¸Poor thing, for her only blood relative to be such an idiot! Isn¡¯t she way too pitiful?!¡¹

    ¡¸So true, even though she is suffering from illness, she also has such an idiot for a brother, who is doing idiot things, poor thing.¡¹

    ¡¸Moreover, he is an idiot enough to not only assault the Frontier¡¯s rumored¡ºMushroom Evangelist¡», but also take an iron ball to his head, ah, his poor little sister!!¡¹

    ¡¸If he is that skilled he could¡¯ve resolved everything by going to the Frontier to pick mushrooms himself¡­ His poor little sister, to have her brother do such idiotic things because he is such an idiot.¡¹

    ¡¸In the first place, with his only relative being the sick little sister, he has to do his best to protect her, and yet he goes and picks a fight with that! What an idiot! I feel insanely bad for his little sister?!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Her older brother is that big of an idiot? Poor girl~¡¹¡¹¡¹

    He is super depressed. Surging waves of ¡ºIdiot¡»and ¡ºPoor little sister¡»chants already brought him to the verge of tears, and the orphans, with their innocent eyes full of sincerity, deliver the finishing blow.

    Even so, he is too much of an idiot¡­ After all, that issue affects every sick person and not just his sister. And yet he assisted them, making himself complicit. The one he should be asking for help are on the exact opposite side, but even if he wanted to seek help, he is at odds with them.

    Such extraordinary idiocy makes one feel genuinely sorry for his sister. His little sister is way too pitiful, having to suffer from the illness because of this stupid brother. After all, for her brother, who is willing to dirty his hands and get himself this tattered for the sake of his sister, to be such an idiot¡­ Well, it actually was Angelica-san who trashed him, but even so.

    ¡¸I know that saying that I didn¡¯t know wouldn¡¯t work as an excuse¡­ But I didn¡¯t know. Neither about mushrooms, nor about the Frontier, I didn¡¯t know anything. I thought that only the Confederation has the needed medicine¡­ Really, such an idiot. I honestly don¡¯t know how to look my sister in the eyes now, and the same goes for our parents in another world. However, while I know I¡¯m not in the position to make requests, you can have all of my swords, but please spare some mushrooms for my sister, I don¡¯t have any gold on me since I left all of it to my sister¡­ I beg you.¡¹

    Yeah, he is an actual idiot, after all, he is clearly planning on getting killed.

    He is such a great idiot that it¡¯s genuinely infuriating. There is no telling what will happen to the sister if her brother, her only blood relative, gives up on his life, and there is no guarantee that the other party will keep their word regardless of how hard he pleads. Not to mention that even if she were to recover through such means, she would end up all alone¡­ If he gives up on delivering the remedy to her personally, then it is the same as giving up altogether. So¡­ Have your scolding here?

    ¡¸Aah~¡­ That¡¯s quite nice of you. It¡¯s been a long while since I¡¯ve met such a sensible person of rerorero hobby, so I¡¯m super touched. No, honestly, there was nothing but sore losers, who didn¡¯t know when to give up.I mean, all of them were so willing to charge head first into danger, throwing their lives away, and if they couldn¡¯t do that, they¡¯d come all the way to the frontier, loitering all over the place with their heads. Even the villagers, willingly jumping into a swarm of monsters on their own for the sake of their families, even though there was no telling if that would change anything. It was really tough, but I¡¯m very glad that I¡¯ve finally met a sensible person, a good loser, who knows when to give up¡­ Whatever-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Good, bad, call it whatever you like, but with me getting caught, on top of not only getting the medicine but actually actively helping in preventing it from getting to the market. Coming this far, I can¡¯t find any excuses. I ruined everything.¡¹

    He is laughing. Ah, it¡¯s over¡­ No one can interject anymore. After all, Haruka-kun is laughing.

    ¡¸This is the remedy mushroom. Usually, a single one should be more than enough, but in an unlikely case of final hours already closing in, two would still allow for full recovery with excess, however, with three one could handspring straight out of the grave and dash into full sprint the very second they recover? Yeah, with HP mushrooms and Stamina Mushrooms on top of that one can swiftly make a complete recovery. But you have given up, haven¡¯t you? Your little sister will die, but that can¡¯t be helped? Since you gave up? Good~bye, little sister~.¡¹

    Cutting Wismregzero-san¡¯s ropes he threw him the swords he took from him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What are those eyes? People that gave up aren¡¯t getting anything. Obviously? Since you gave up? Everyone keeps struggling, crawling around without giving up no matter how bad it gets? There is no way anyone can grab the hand of a person who isn¡¯t even trying to reach out and grab the chance themselves? That¡¯s why your little sister is going to die.¡¹

    Bloodthirst. A frenzied thirst for blood brimming with madness.

    ¡¸Close your trap¡­ And give it to me.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you talking about? You gave up, didn¡¯t you?¡¹

    His expression is different from before, his voice too¡­ Everything about him changed, even the way he talks. So he could do it if he tried¡­¡­ But, yeah, Haruka-kun is harsh on elder brothers.

    ¡¸¡­Give me that!¡¹

    ¡¸How about you try and take it? But you don¡¯t really need to try, since you gave up already?¡¹

    The madness-seething violent bloodthirst exploded. Madness and killing intent swelled up along with magic power¡­ but nothing more. After all, Haruka-kun is smiling¡­ Madness? Explosive bloodthirst? Magic swords? That¡¯s nothing, that¡¯s not enough at all. Maddened frenzy of a person that one had given up is nothing to him¡­ There is no way it would reach that still very active greedy plunderer of lost and taken, that keeps struggling and lamenting without rest, reaching his hands to take back anything and everything.

    The magic swords glared with blue light.

    The thrust magic sword split into several, all stabbing at Haruka-kun, while the one in his other hand launched an invisible slashing attack. Making a sudden spin he then stabbed with another sword, using his own body to create a blindspot to cover this unexpected attack. However, he is unsightly slammed to the ground.

    Kneeling, he stabs one of his magic swords into the ground, that instant spears of stone sprout from the ground. Then, immediately jumping up, he clad one magic sword in flames and slashed with a backhand grip, meanwhile, another magic sword was deftly coming from a blind spot. However, that also ended with him getting unsightly knocked down.

    With his knees shaking, he uses magic swords in both hands as a support to stand up, and dragging his feet, steps forward. By now he can¡¯t even walk properly, even supporting his own weight is too much to ask. Even so, he steps forward, getting knocked down once again.

    Dragging himself forward by stabbing a sword into the ground he kept crawling and clawing, forward, forward, and forward, he kept moving, as much as his tattered body would allow him to. Gripping a magic sword in his blood-smeared hand with its nails torn off, he raises it over his head, trying to activate some sort of magic attack, but is sent flying along with it.

    Knocked down over and over and over, he continues getting knocked down again and again and again.

    Beaten to the ground, he keeps crawling, keeps coming forward.

    And gets thrown to the ground along with the magic swords in his hands.

    But he keeps crawling, single-mindedly pursuing the mushrooms. He no longer had any magic swords in his hands, since he doesn¡¯t have the strength left to hold them anymore¡­ He is simply crawling, and as soon as he drags himself close enough, he gets knocked away.

    Even so, he keeps crawling.

    He can¡¯t even see a thing anymore.

    Losing the direction he probes with the presence, and continues to crawl that way.

    His armor, clothes, skin, and flesh, are all being scraped and torn, but even so, he keeps crawling.

    They say that only death can cure stupid, but it seems that even death is not enough to convince an idiot to give up. Yeah, that¡¯s how a proper idiot should be. After all, Haruka-kun is finally smiling normally now¡­ Although he keeps hitting him anyway?

 CH 275.1

    Chapter 275: A vile assassin out for Affection Rating-san, disguised as a perfect interjection! Part 1

    Day 66 ¨C Nighttime, the Souvenir Store, the Orphanage Branch

    It would not be exaggeration to call this the uniform issue of the different world. Upon providing the uniform for the girl, even the Royal Girl and the Maid Girl ended up wearing it, making Exposure-san to go into hiding, causing me a great sadness from not meeting it in such a long while.

    It seems they were curious about the uniform and couldn¡¯t help but want to try it. Well, there indeed were concerns that remaining in such lewd outfits around the orphans would¡¯ve caused a negative influence on the children, but this is not fun for me at all?

    ¡¸Hey, Maid Girl? Lately a very popular employee of the souvenir store Maid Girl? Want an underling? It¡¯s super cheap, basically a dump sale, since it¡¯s a middle-aged man, rather, I¡¯d like to dump him off somewhere? I mean, I bought a middle-aged man with mushrooms, but since it¡¯s a middle-aged man, I don¡¯t need it. Even if I wanted to put him to work he is an idiot, and a middle-aged man, a trashed one at that, basically useless, only good with swinging his swords, so maybe you need some disposable underling for chores? ¡¹

    ¡¸Do I need him, you ask? Any country on the continent would gladly pile up the money if they heard that Magic Swordsman Wismregzero would become their ally, you know? It¡¯s an extremely appealing offer, but¡­ Calling him a trashed middle-aged man after being the one who beat him up, are you a demon?! As far as bodyguards of royalty go, Wismregzero will prove to be the strongest one on the continent when we eventually return to the Royal Palace. He is the swordsman that was called the Hidden Blade of the Confederation. Is that fine with you?¡¹

    He is an all-round type, but he is especially strong against assassins. An extremely strong assassinator of assassins when it comes to orthodox fighters or interpersonal-combat specialists. A good suit for a bodyguard.

    Most likely, the Confederation is about to pull out. They were trying to make vast profits through vast investments, but as of now, they are yet to make any gains, and only losses keep mounting, and the trend is going to continue until they withdraw. This information should¡¯ve reached the Confederation¡¯s higher-ups by now. If they are smart they will try to immediately cut their losses. A merchant would definitely do that.

    But politicians larping as merchants won¡¯t. If the Merchant Confederation splits and falls into disarray the illusion of a merchant country will cease to exist. The politicians won¡¯t be needed anymore, and the fake merchant politicians who were profiteering from politics won¡¯t have a choice but to perish. And if they do pull out, then it will only leave them with underhanded methods, such as assassinations, or abductions? However, we already took the initiative when it comes to abductions, but I don¡¯t really need a middle-aged man though?

    ¡¸At the moment, Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen went to kidnap the old man¡¯s little sister, dragging the old man with them, so the official contract comes after they kidnap her, but he probably will remain just as middle-aged even after they drag him back? Besides, there is no place for middle-aged men in the Souvenir Store, so the only option is throw him underground, but it¡¯s about time the Capital¡¯s underground dwellers come with complaints, like, hello there? Hmm, I wonder if underground people are demihumans? Or perhaps monsters? Rather, middle-aged men are the actual monsters here? Which means, it¡¯s probably fine to annihilate them? Well, putting middle-aged men aside, since you are constantly with Royal Girl the Royal Palace doesn¡¯t have any bodyguard Shadows? Are you short on people? Or just neglecting the Playking? Well, he is a player and a middle-aged man, so it¡¯s not like I care.¡¹

    The little sister should be here pretty soon since ¡ºBeautiful Female Knights Welcome Carriage¡» luxurious and gorgeous carriage modified for high speed travel went to pick her up with an extravagant escort of Armored Pres-san. To think horsie-san would level up from me randomly playing around by running over or trampling highwaymen, turning it into an even faster and stronger high-speed carriage DELUXE? I was slightly saddened with the way the cute horsie-san turned into something a supreme ruler of post-apocalyptic would ride, but since horsie-san was happy, I guess it¡¯s fine?

    The biggest issue and the biggest threat to the existence of the Confederation list is the fact that Armored Pres-san is the escort. Yeah, I¡¯m quite sure they will have no problem coming back undetected by anyone, but discovering that might doom the Confederation to a total destruction, so I¡¯m praying that they will manage to carry out the kidnapping in secret. The world has things that are better left unseen and unknown. I¡¯m sure Poster Girl¡¯s family also doesn¡¯t want to know that they were taking money for lodging from a dungeon emperor and a dungeon master, who are constantly loitering around their inn. The entire family might break into a dance if told about that?!

    Well, that¡¯s actually the fault of the middle-aged gatekeeper at the gates of the Frontier¡¯s town? He is the one who said that it¡¯s ¡ºFine¡»? I did nothing wrong? He is the one who said that, so the entire responsibility lies on him. I mean, he was even patting Slime-san?

    ¡¸All of the Royal Family¡¯s skilled bodyguards and shadows went with the first and the second princes, so we are short on people. Even if we capture the Princes, the shadows that chose to pick a side in political struggle cannot be trusted. However, the name of Magic Swordsman Wismregzero is itself a threat. Him merely staying in the Kingdom will be more dependable than dozens of shadows. His presence in the Royal Palace alone is the most terrifying defense. However, are you truly fine with this? If kept near he would make for the strongest bodyguard.¡¹

    Having old man McKenzie as a guard? Just what exactly one is supposed to protect this souvenir shop from? I mean, they are out at the moment, but this is a souvenir store where an Ex-Dungeon Emperor playing with sickle and chain, and an Ex-Dungeon Master going jiggle-jiggle, usually can be found? Also, why are the orphans so happily learning to use the sickle and chain? Just what are they trying to become? If they are chasing after her then the continent might quite easily perish? That is something that shouldn¡¯t be mass produced, even out of world peace concerns? Hmm, mass production of Dungeon Emperor class orphans¡­ This kingdom might be done for.

    ¡¸I mean, the strongest bodyguard was getting his ass kicked, so he is sort of useless? Also, he is being a huge show-off with that ¡ºSword-Killing Sword¡»but the age is sickle and chain, you know? It¡¯s flying at the very edge of fashion, with its edge coming at most radical angles, so it¡¯s crazy dangerous? It¡¯s a really dangerous age when an innocent highschool boy daydreaming of wardrobe malfunction might have neck and head malfunction happen at any given moment? And there is even a comeback from Morning Star-san awaiting outside? And, oh my, would you look at that, a tragic beaten-up AFTER is miraculously going to follow, so yeah, a middle-aged man as a bodyguard won¡¯t be of any use? Kind of?¡¹

    But why do I have to take care of some middle-aged man¡¯s employment? I mean, I¡¯m Jobless myself? Before worrying about other people I¡¯d first have to break the ice tip off the glacial epoch of my unemployment, and if that was turned into shaved ice it probably might sell pretty well, but is there summer in this world? Are there any seasons at all? Or rather, do the four seasons exist here? If this world doesn¡¯t have summer then making all those swimsuits was a total waste! Even though I worked so hard! I did make profits from that though. And I also worked very hard in bed too?

    ¡¸I was racking my brains on what we should do when we retake the Royal Palace, with its defenses being completely neutered at the moment¡­ But now that I think of it, the very culprit responsible for destroying its defensive equipment, and moreover, even stealing the cornerstone of defense ¡ºEverlasting Trap¡» is right in front of me¡­ Even if a treasured relic of the Royal Family was just lying around, carrying it off like that is impudent without measure, in the first place, it¡¯s obviously a theft. To begin with, even brazenly infiltrating into the Royal Palace, furthermore, without even making any effort of concealing oneself, is extremely impertinent, and deserves a hanging, drawing, and beheading, with putting that insolent head on display!¡­¡­(Followed by sermon)¡¹

    Oh, a girl from the Stalker Girl¡¯s clan! They tend to immediately disappear as soon as they are done with the report. Their faces are hidden by cloth, so I can¡¯t be sure, but there is high hope they should be pretty. I mean, just look at the size of their breasts!

    ¡¸Reporting. The noble district is on the verge of bankruptcy, servants, hired butlers and maids have begun to run away. They are already running low on money, and started selling family heirlooms and armory. A certain souvenir shop seems to be making big profits by purchasing them at dirt cheap prices. Consequently, three additional morning stars were deployed in the souvenir store. ¡¹

 CH 275.2

    Chapter 275: A vile assassin out for Affection Rating-san, disguised as a perfect interjection! Part 2

    Looks like the nobles are finishing themselves on their own. Selling heirloom weapons and equipment they are buying jewelry and dresses. They no longer have the pride nor ability of military families. In this case, it only leaves one question ¨C do they have enough wisdom and intelligence to survive as civil officials? If they don¡¯t, they are going to die destitute¡­ The orphans survived. Helping each other, the orphans managed to keep their lives. So they can do the same, if they can¡¯t, they are free to die.

    I thought that I¡¯d show them hell, going around and bullying them, but it seems a lukewarm hell of their own design is about to begin, so I might as well simply observe it and have a laugh. And if they do their best and manage to crawl back from there, I can just push them into a real hell, allowing them to experience unlimited tours through hell. First, comes the tour through the misery that the orphans went through.

    Moreover, because of them the girls obtained three new morning stars, the sermons are bound to power up! As I thought, the nobles are the worst! Unforgivable!

    Well, the Noble District is going to go through hell today as well. With quite a few becoming bedridden from paralyzing fish traps, there will be a follow-up psychological attack in the form of ¡ºNightmare¡», ¡ºHallucination¡», ¡ºPhantom Pain¡», ¡ºConfusion¡», and ¡ºUpheaval¡»from the Librarian and company. With¡ºRipple Necklace¡»it¡¯s impossible to resists, so they are going to spend the entire night going through a living hell. But it seems that hell is coming for me too! Looks like today is the day for the Librarian and the Art Club Girl¡¯s bras¡­ It¡¯s scary, you know? I mean, she is wearing a T-back?

    ¡¸Everyday bra, a T-back, and hip-up shorts, please. T-back is very comfortable for daily life and combat, but I don¡¯t want sagging, so please go with a hip-up for bedtime ones. Go with butterfly pattern for lace.¡¹

    This. The very moment she came in. Moreover, a highschool girl wearing a butterfly lace thong¡­ I just might make it!

    ¡¸So T-back is more comfortable, huh¡­ Wait, could you not strip before I cover my eyes? I mean, the person on blindfold duty is absent today, you know? Also, it might be comfortable t-back for you, but fighting knowing that you are wearing a t-back yet pretending that I don¡¯t care while having pure and innocent highschool boy-like feelings swelling up at the same time is very not comfortable! So please go with hip-up shorts for everyday wear? Stop stripping already!¡¹

    Why are they starting to underdress as soon as they step into the room? Why are they stripping all of a sudden even though there is no blindfold yet? Is this enough reason to suspect them to be perverts?

    ¡¸If you¡¯d seriously wanted to look, then even with your eyes covered you could still see with ¡ºRajingan¡», right? Hiding anything is pointless before those eyes, so undressing doesn¡¯t change anything, does it? Not even mentioning that you have to take measurements.¡¹

    ¡¸Not looking when you want to is really tough, the instincts are writhing in pain, screaming ¡ºOH! NO!¡» but enduring in spite of that, so please, don¡¯t strip? Even more so, since you are wearing a T-back, there is a heaping cupful of danger, ¡¸And inside the bra?¡¹, yes, and inside the bra there is a cupful of ti¡­ DON¡±T MAKE ME SAY IT! What is this? Are you an assassin who is trying to finish off my Affection Rating-san by casually bringing up the topic? Affection Rating-san almost took a fatal blow right now? What sort of interjection is this? The timing was so perfect that I went along without thinking!¡¹

    As I thought, she is dangerous! And since without Armored Pres-san and Slime-san around the mood is weirdly tense. I mean, two highschool girls are taking off their clothes in the room with a highschool boy? Yeah, it¡¯s beginning to smell like a crime. And one of those girls is wearing a thong, it was a crime! It¡¯s too illegal, the premise is suspicious by itself, but with a t-back it¡¯s completely out! It would be quite challenging to argue an innocent verdict out of this? Looks like I was placed into an overwhelmingly unfavorable situation!

    ¡¸Erhm, leaving the thong pervert girl aside, the Art Club Girl is fine with normal ones, right? D-Don¡¯t tell! A secret agency already established a plan for all of the culture clubs to go with the same matching thongs?! Thong Safekeepality Project? [1] So that¡¯s why no one would answer ¡ºYeah¡» when I ask ¡ºDid we get it?¡»? But since I¡¯m going through the trouble of making them, don¡¯t just store them and properly wear them instead?¡¹

    ¡¸Please make ordinary ones, but if you could also make some t-back, for safekeeping sake, it would be nice too? The numbers are overwhelmingly insufficient! The situation around the spare underwear during the laundry is critical, with the timing of washing bras being the biggest pending question and maidens¡¯ secret during girls-only gatherings.¡¹

    Can¡¯t you just do with several pairs of the same thing? They also have a sports bra, and can use magic to dry clothes? In the first place, it doesn¡¯t even rain that often?

    ¡¸Come on, you are going to make it anyway, so instead of wasting time on meaninglessly covering your eyes, focus on the work. I¡¯m sure you could make a T-back or two in the time you make that blindfold? Rather, if you use that t-back to cover your eyes you can kill two birds with one stone.¡¹

    ¡¸If a highschool boy used a thong as a blindfold then the moment a stone was cast both me and my Affection Rating-san would both make an unsurvivable fall! Moreover, t-back doesn¡¯t even have enough cloth coverage to serve as a blindfold! What are you even going to do with a t-back that a highschool boy wore on his head in the first place? Wouldn¡¯t that actually make it useless? Wouldn¡¯t that be killing ¡¸Wear it, obviously?¡¹ the purpose? Ah, if you are going to wear it then it might not be useless¡­ Wait, you would wear it?!¡¹

    While endlessly retorting I make measurements, corrections, and adjustments. But I didn¡¯t expect this. Culture Clubs Girls are all rounders with middle-guard jobs, leaning towards rear guard, thus, wearing robes during combat, and even their casual attires are very proper, often including jackets or other outer garments, so they weren¡¯t standing out that much, but it seems they actually belonged to the Big group. They aren¡¯t moving that much compared to others, so their turn ended up being pushed back, but it looks like they definitely could¡¯ve made it into the very top. Moreover, the Braids Girl is still waiting! Culture club girls are not to be underestimated.

    However, strangely, having lewd conversations actually makes the entire situation less lewd? I¡¯m getting tired of retorting, but the work is progressing smoothly.

    ¡¸How is it? Try moving around and tell me if there is any discomfort? Report any rubbing or slipping? Like, there are ¡¸Nip slips too¡¹, not! I adjusted everything to avoid that, why would there be any! In the first place, why would highschool girls seek nip slips from a bra that a highschool boy diligently made! Why do you keep interjecting with such perfect timing? Also, it¡¯s still in the adjustment stage, so actually be careful about anything slipping out!¡¹

    Good grief, even though the final result depends on this. They have to move around to produce the required data, an extremely important step, especially for the combat jobs?

    ¡¸If you need to add adjustments, then why not rub them to confirm everything yourself? Initial M?¡¹

    ¡¸That is so outrageous that it will make even Marie-san come drifting through the mountain roads, shouting ¡¸I never said that!¡¹! Actually, if she really had said that, Marie-san would¡¯ve been treated like a nympho, greatly changing the course of world history, and turning every boy into a French history buff, bringing great popularity to French history lectures and sparking exam wars! Rose of Versailles [2] would¡¯ve definitely gotten R18 rating!¡¹

    I¡¯m tired. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t deal with the Librarian. But things finally became quiet.

    Yea, looks like she didn¡¯t have the leisure of chatting during measurements for the bottoms¡­ Both of them are bright red by now?

    I mean, measurements even for normal shorts lead to quietly spasming on the floor, so measurements for a t-back can easily be called too dangerous of a dare. But tonight, since Armored Pres-san is not around, it makes my highschool boy self very much want to dare new provocative and daring challenges? What do we do? The times like this make me wonder where the still unseen frontiers of my soul (nightlife establishments) are?

    And also, how am I going to carry these two? With no one around, this silence is pretty painful, you know?

    Yeah¡­ It¡¯s so silent that I almost began hearing notes of nocturne melody!

 CH 276

    Chapter 276: The summon of new Marie-san and risky merchandise are a bad influence on the children!

    Day 67 ¨C Morning, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    I wonder how many people the Stalker Girl¡¯s clan has? They are hiding their faces when they show up, but it feels like I frequently see new people. Are 100 temporary staff ID cards (For Fake Dungeon) that I¡¯ve given them enough? Yeah, let¡¯s ask the next time. When a pretty lady shows up! I mean, this time it¡¯s another middle-aged man!

    ¡¸Reporting. The former army of the First Prince is expected to reach the Fake Dungeon tomorrow. As for the other party, there are no movements yet, but there are signs of them investigating the dungeon, the number is five. End of report.¡¹

    They finally came, or rather, they are late, or rather, the travel speed difference in this world is too much? Raising an army and leaving the capital they are about to reach the Frontier only now. After a long, long march, they are finally about to reach the entrance to the most remote frontier.

    Meanwhile, we crushed the First Prince, reached the Capital, opened the Capital Outskirts Branch, raked some profits, captured the orphanage, penetrated the capital, moving into the Orphanage Branch, sending out groups into the beastmen country, captured a middle-aged man, went to kidnap his sister, and then working hard hard at ripping off today as well. Then, tomorrow is a homecoming to the Frontier, where I will arrive still ahead of them? Can this really be considered defensive warfare at this point?

    ¡¸Follow-up report. The third division lost half of their numbers. To compensate for that they added to their force mercenaries and troops of local nobles. The currently confirmed number is 26,000. There are no changes on the Confederation¡¯s side. End of report.¡¹

    I thought that with their banner, the First Prince, captured, they will crumble more, but it seems he was no more than a figurehead. I mean, he was a piggie after all? But how did they even come to the idea of making a pig into a prince, and then gathering around him? By the way, it seems the Capital has a monkey for a prince? Was this actually a Wonderful Animal Kingdom? Is the Playking himself alright? I¡¯m sure that by now, after going through many different experiences and growing as a person, something like an orc as a feudal lord wouldn¡¯t surprise me anymore. Yeah, I¡¯m sort of used to this by now.

    ¡¸Manager Onii-chan~, Onee-chans are yelling¡ºIf there is no breakfast then why not eat manju?¡»?¡¹

    Oh, crap! Another Marie-san has been summoned to this world. They are going Marie hard with some weird logic that would surprise even Marici [1], and make the Virgin Mary look the other way! Yeah, let¡¯s hurry with breakfast preparations.

    Moreover, if I don¡¯t give tons of food to the orphans, then I will get scolded by the ladies (aunties) of the Capital who donated tons of food for them. With the shortage of foodstuff in the Capital, the provision is currently being rationed. The only place that has enough to sell it is this souvenir store. So, they are buying it from here and then donating it on the spot, saying that it is for the orphans. It seems that the aunties don¡¯t care for picking sides.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s Egg Sandwich-sama~. Egg Sandwich-sama has descended. Aah, so blessed, so blessed.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    It didn¡¯t descend or anything! I¡¯m the one making it! Since you¡¯ll eat manju otherwise! I¡¯d rather make egg sandwiches than go through the trouble of making a replacement batch of manju, so just wait a bit!

    However, with it making the appearance for the first time, some sort of a strange cult seems to be forming. Well, a group adoring an egg sandwich still sounds more proper than weird fetishists worshiping that old fart. I mean, after all, it can be eaten?

    It took quite a while until I was able to make an actually soft bread. It¡¯s a norm for the bread of this world to be hard and dry without any flavor to it, as such, since I couldn¡¯t make sweet buns or sandwiches, the demand for them was already very high for a long time. But the most popular request is chocolate buns¡­ What the hell do you want me to do when there is no chocolate around?! If a chocolate bun was developed without any chocolate available, then you should be very skeptical of that chocolate! Looks like there is no other choice but to look for cacao in this world¡­ Don¡¯t people usually give priority to searching for the way back?

    ¡¸Make sure to eat mushroom-salad sandwiches as well~. And don¡¯t forget to thank aunties for the meal before eating~ No need to thank the geezer~. Well then, eat up? Kind of? ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you for the food~.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The orphans¡¯ complexion improved greatly. Everyone has healthy pink cheeks by now. As expected of mushroom doping. They were in quite a precarious condition, but looks like it was enough to cure and make them forcibly recover in one go. However, not sure if that was due to her overworking herself behind the scene, but Shadow Mommy Vice Pres B-san looks tired out. Let¡¯s give her some presents later.

    She must¡¯ve been using ¡ºCure¡»and¡ºHealing¡»all night long without getting any sleep herself. I thought that she is sort of quiet today, but she seems to be dozing off, swaying like a boat on the waves, or rather, forget the boat, their majestic sway is more reminiscent of an extravagant passenger ship passing through the great deep towards the continent-san at the opening of the Age of Discovery¡­ Oh no! There are even more morning stars! W-why they bought up even sickles and chains? Or rather, what¡¯s this obsession that the nobles of this kingdom have with fighting with chained weapons!!! I mean, I¡¯ve never heard of a knight or a noble fighting with a sickle and chain before? Alright, just hear me out first?

    ¡¸I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯m innocent? There is no sin on the romantic highschool boy who merely let his mind drift towards the horizon, gazing at the ships departing into the sea, while thinking that maybe I should offer her some mana potions, since she seems so tired? I was merely watching over, wondering if Slime-sans are doing alright over there? See? I didn¡¯t do anything bad after all!¡¹

    ¡¸Slime-san¡ºS¡»? Well, since there are two Slime-san-like things which filled all your thoughts as you were staring at them, it¡¯s GUILTY for you, okay? That¡ºRomantic¡»clearly comes with 18+ tag, so you are definitely getting a sermon!!¡¹

    I got scolded. Which was naturally followed by a sermon. I mean, since Armored Pres-san is not around, the entropy of highschool boy feelings accumulated from underwear manufacturing process that have nowhere to escape carrying the irreversible one-directional highschool boy emotions, makes it really tough with the quantity of highschool boy¡¯s second-law-of-thermodynamic heat keeps rising inside this isolated system?

    Finishing the meal and getting through the sermon with crepes I begin preparations to open the store. The orphans started cleanings, while the girls are lining up the merchandise, switching into business (rip-off) mode.

    If the support from the Confederation ceases, this place will remain the only thing that can provide the Capital with provision, and all we have to do is hold out until the people open the gates for the Royal Girl and Meripapa-san. I won¡¯t allow anyone to destroy this rip-off district (the slums), nor will I let it suffer. That¡¯s what this overcharging is for, that¡¯s why it has to remain the Rip-off District.

    Well, until today, I guess.

    The girls are still going to remain for a while though. And I also handed clubs to the aunties so they should do just fine. And the Big Shot from the Second Division also made a pledge that as a person serving the Royal Family he will do everything to protect the people. If the only defense-specialized force of the Kingdom, the Second Division, is going to protect the people, then it surely will be alright. Which undoubtedly includes the orphans and everything else in the Capital too.

    If the Confederation pulls out, then the next is the Theocracy. The formerly First Prince¡¯s army is a bait plus disposable scouting force anyway. The real force is elsewhere.

    While the Confederation might be able to get off easy with merely some heavy losses and state collapse, the Theocracy is dealing with completely different stakes. After all, without magic stones both the Church and the Theocracy will have no other options but to fall into steep decline. The seriousness of their approach is completely different from the very beginning.

    Many countries that had frictions with the Theocracy met their downfall. The Church calls it a divine punishment. What a convenient divine punishment that is.

    There is no way calamities can so conveniently occur, and there is also no way a divine punishment can come in the form of an invading army. The Old Fart in question was saying that he is unable to interfere with the world, but his devout believers don¡¯t seem to care about that.

    However, that on the contrary makes it easier to read them.

    And if the next move is known, it is possible to prepare countermeasures.

    It¡¯s vexing that this world has no bookstores, however, books can be helpful even so.

    Legends, folk tales, journals of some unknown people, are all information.

    And so I made the countermeasures that could be made. I made all of the preparations, regardless of how limited is the choice of options.

    No idea if that was enough, but I did everything. I did what I could, if that is still not sufficient, I¡¯ll find a way to handle the rest one way or another.

    With skirmishes beginning from tomorrow, they must be planning to take action while the bait is making a racket.

    Regardless of how much I ponder about this, in the end, it¡¯s all about simply killing them. After all, I still can¡¯t do anything else.

    Since those who can protect have to keep doing so, those who can only kill should go around and do exactly that.

    It¡¯s going to end with a carnage anyway, that¡¯s the way things go in other worlds.

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m going back to the Frontier.

    The business in the Capital is still not finished. And until it¡¯s over I¡¯ll move on my own. If Armored Pres-san comes, that¡¯ll make it two of us. Slime-san won¡¯t make it in time, but will it be able to at least come back for the main guests? I was hoping there would be only three of them, but the report came that there are five. And I was hoping to leave the Pres and others out of this.

    It¡¯s a loss if we are too late, but it¡¯s also a loss if the numbers aren¡¯t enough. But if it¡¯s only five, as long as I make it in time, I might be barely able to contend with them. At this point, without enough cards to play, there is no other choice but to go all out.

    But even if we do make it in time, it will leave the Capital wide open. That¡¯s why old man McKenzie was a good find. I didn¡¯t really want to pick him up since he is a middle-aged man, but there was a merit to picking him up, or rather, selling him at bargain price gave a profit?

    The Confederation shouldn¡¯t be able to pull anything more than petty tricks by now. With old man McKenzie around they can¡¯t make any careless moves.

    That middle-aged man was the Hidden Blade of the Confederation. Hence, he is naturally well-informed on the dark side of not only the Theocracy, but the Confederation too, and familiar enough with their playbooks to make countermoves. Therefore, the Confederation and the Theocracy can¡¯t easily send their operatives here anymore. That is a hidden blade specialized for protection.

    Today as well. Even today. As soon as the store opens there is a huge line of people bringing huge profits. The magnate of great overcharging with roaring business and roaring crowds. The entrance for the nobles gradually has less and less traffic, but the regular entrance is bustling with people again.

    The idiots (nobles) from the Noble District were buying up extravagant garments and jewelry, even pawning off their ancestral weapons and armor for that, but there are also some modestly-dressed nobles at the entrance for regular public. Contrary to the dumb nobles, they are bringing in small quantities of jewelry or art pieces, and purchasing boorish weapons and armor without any ornamentation. The very few real nobles who didn¡¯t side with the second prince and weren¡¯t swayed by the concessions from the Confederation

    While I¡¯m going to mercilessly rip-off the idiots (nobles) that came though the entrance for pompous nobles (idiots), the nobles that came though the entrance for the general public are charged fair prices and even get freebies. Infuriated by the disastrous situation of the orphans they tried to do something about it, and as a result were ruined, removed from the main noble faction and driven out of the noble district.

    Those nobles alone came to purchase weapons and armor. If the King¡¯s sword, the nobles, is being readied, then, I guess, it¡¯s about time to kick the old man (the king) out of the bed?

    While destroying and killing is easy, creating, or maintaining what was rebuilt is not a simple task. There is no worth or meaning to just the Royal Family remaining to stand by itself. There have to be people and nobles, who acknowledge the worth and merit of the Royal Family and thus are willing to support it. There is no point if even one of these three is missing.

    The orphans are running around, working hard, getting caught by the old ladies in the process, receiving hugs, sweets, and pocket money from them. Looks like they are now finally able to say thanks with a smile. The first day they would be terrified upon being hugged, shaking as they were given candies and money, but now they are able to smile properly.

    And since they are referring to the aunties as¡ºElder sisters¡»too, it¡¯s just perfect. Children are so sly!

    Laughing and running around, they are working energetically.

    That¡¯s why it¡¯s only until today. They are finally able to smile, so I have to make sure it stays that way.

    And laughingly have some very unfunny people depart from this world in a very unfunny way.

    And then have some unlaughingly unfunny people depart into the other world with a laugh.

    It has been just a few days in the Capital, which I thought I might as well burn down right away since it probably doesn¡¯t have anything but middle-aged men¡­ Good thing I confirmed things before burning it down!

 CH 277.1

    Chapter 277: It¡¯s supposed to be ingested, so putting it in your eyes instead of the mouth will result in an injury despite being part of medical treatment. Part 1

    Day 67 ¨C Evening, Souvenir Store, Orphanage Branch.

    Finally, the supply from the Merchants Confederation has ceased. The iron pirate ship appeared again, plundering all the cargo, and sinking every vessel¡­ Thus, they seem to have finally given up. Or rather, being in the middle of internal discord provoked by the magnitude of their financial losses, and having the pirates deliver the finishing in the form of countless sunk ships, they have no other option but to back off, even if they are yet to give up. They don¡¯t have any goods nor means to deliver them anymore. And with the Confederation divided, they have their hands tied with domestic affairs, so for the time being, they won¡¯t be able to cause mischief outside. Without any profits and only enormous damages without any means to recover their losses, their top brass is bound to lose their political strength. And politicians without political sway possess no power whatsoever.

    But to sail all the way to the Confederation¡¯s ports to sink ships there, the Geeks must be pretty pissed?

    Don¡¯t tell me that they didn¡¯t make it in time? Or maybe they were too late? Did I fail once again? Was this another disaster? ¡­No idea, but thinking about this isn¡¯t going to help either. Even so, I¡¯ll definitely make sure to protect the Frontier. Even if it¡¯s pointless and futile and if failure means losing everything, I still might be able to protect something, and for that sake I¡¯m going out to kill.

    ¡¸Well then, there won¡¯t be any new shipments, so it¡¯s time to switch to selling our stockpiles. Even if considering only what I plundered from the Confederation, the stockpile will easily last even if the Playking goes full LET¡¯S PARTY mode and starts throwing daily lavish feasts in the Capital for 3 months straight, and that¡¯s with the original inventory being several times that? Yeah, I picked up everything, so we have a lot. Well, it isn¡¯t going to last that long though. The moment the rationing stops the gates will swing open. Even the Capital¡¯s treasured artifact ¡ºUltimate Lock¡» meant for protecting the city from the enemies, is useless if the gates are opened by the people from the inside. I mean, I don¡¯t think there are that many citizens who want to fight for the Second Prince? And since the city will be surrendered if rationing stops, they have no choice but to come here to buy provisions. So I¡¯m going to rip off every single penny they have? I mean, since it was plundered in the first place, I¡¯m not going to accept any complaints about it getting plundered back?¡¹

    ¡¸The person who was plundering more than anyone is casually giving testimony! It¡¯s like he has no remorse at all!¡¹

    ¡¸After plundering as if he was doing something nice, stealing as if he was doing something wonderful, scamming as if he was doing something praiseworthy, and robbing them of all they had, the villainous criminal is giving advance notice of the next crime, clearly not sorry of what he¡¯s done at all!¡¹

    ¡¸With the nobles going bankrupt one after another, and their estates being captured the very instant they put them on sale, the luxurious slums (rip-off town) just keeps on growing, doesn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Moreover~, the five-storied pagodas erected to annoy them are so casually cruel~? There are banners with ¡ºThe people are like garbage!¡»[1], or ¡ºHeya, plebs?¡», or ¡ºNo Lower Class People Allowed¡» hanging on them, you know~?¡¡The nobles were falling senseless, foaming at their mouths~.¡¹

    Since they are still pissing me off I keep expanding on the noblemen bullying, ramping up the taunting too. Since they did what deserves being looked down upon, they should have their share of being looked down on and at.

    ¡¸Will the nobles be able to survive? Losing not only their wealth but also a place to live?¡¹

    If the Confederation pulls out they will go bankrupt. They were selling concessions and basically the country itself. If they lose their patron there won¡¯t be new revenue. But even if they produce any, I¡¯ll just have to crush the source of it and wring funds from them.

    And a noble who sold their country is not a noble anymore. They¡¯d have no choice but to earn their living with their own power after they run through their fortune. That¡¯s what the orphans were doing. Receiving no help from anyone, they kept working hard, despite the continuous exploitation, helping each other, with no one else to rely on. So, do it? If you can¡¯t, die?

    Well, I¡¯m sure they are perfectly able to survive or drop dead on their own, nothing to do with me.

    Rather, it¡¯s this place that I should be worried about. And the issue is the meals from tomorrow on. Sure, Cooking Club Girl can cook, but making meals for more than 100 people will take more than an hour by itself? And teaching cooking to the orphans, who previously never made anything aside from stale bread and vegetable scraps soup, is going to take even more time.

    Suppose they will do fine with pre-made meals for about a week, but what then? The cold storage can last for one month at best, and no one was able to learn my otherworldly cooking. I guess it can¡¯t be helped, since no one has my ¡ºEvil Hands¡» or ¡ºApex Thinking¡» or ¡ºHolding¡», but no matter how much they cooked, ¡ºCooking¡» wouldn¡¯t appear in their skills. I actually don¡¯t have it either, so it¡¯s a bit of a mystery how I can do that, even to myself? I just can?

    ¡¸After the troubles at the Frontier are over we can open ¡ºSouvenir Store, Dungeon Main Office, Kind of?¡» and have the children work there, so let¡¯s take them with us? It¡¯s going to be easier to find employment at the Frontier as well, and they are short on people too¡­ It¡¯s too cruel to just leave them here. They finally learned to smile. These children shouldn¡¯t have to cry anymore. They already cried enough for the entire life, so they should never be made to cry again!¡¹

    Well, the Frontier should be a safe option? Hm? Wasn¡¯t it supposed to be some sort of a danger zone at the edge of the continent? Well, the monsters are dangerous, but its inhabitants are kind and food is now plentiful, it even has more goods than the capital now. Even the town itself¡­ The entire town population is armed with high-tier clubs, making it a safety zone, or maybe a danger zone, or rather a carnage city, but for some reason it¡¯s incredibly popular with monsters, who are getting massacred in droves, making it very safe? Well, a monster stampede from the Evil Forest is not enough to destroy that town anymore. They might even be able to deal with a dungeon overflow, if it¡¯s shallow enough. [2]

    ¡¸There are still quite a few dungeons in the Frontier, so it isn¡¯t that safe, you know? Magical Essence [3] is really dense there, so no matter how many dungeons are destroyed they just keep popping up all over the place? But the most dangerous part is that the geeks will eventually come back. Allowing them in close proximity to little orphan girls is a genuine risk!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸C¡¯mon, that¡¯s not tr¡­ I can see them giving weird outfits as gifts!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Exactly. The Geeks already have a previous offense from the Poster-Girl-miniskirt-striped-kneesocks case. The girls don¡¯t know, but those actually were in a set with striped panties too! I was the one who received that order, so there is no mistake. I demanded an insanely outrageous price, but they kept diving into dungeons daily, until they were finally able to afford the entire set. Moreover, it was in light blue and white color!

    Furthermore, they are a heretical group conspiring to revive a sealed ghost from the days long gone. That¡¯s right, they are trying to bring into this world an ancient ghost that the modern society exterminated through a long campaign of suppression and destruction.They are dangerous cultists and apostles of heresy. They are ardent heretics burning with the desire to revive that Forbidden Gym Uniform (bloomers), that by now has fallen through the gaps of history. The heretical bloomers and sailor-uniform enthusiasts! The little girls are in danger!

    Well, the Forbidden Gym Uniform (bloomers) was already revived by Armores Pres-san and Athletic Girls, and Nudist Girl, Fish Girl, and Armored Pres also revived the Forbidden Swimsuit (school swimsuit), so aside from the Legendary sailor uniform everyone already secretly fulfilled their second coming in another world, but that¡¯s a secret. I mean, even back then with kneesocks, they kept endlessly going striped kneesocks, striped kneesocks, striped kneesocks, striped kneesocks for an entire week like some sort zombies. It was super annoying! If they hear about this it definitely will get annoying again! And also the little girls will be in great danger!

    Good grief, what a troublesome bunch, getting such indecent and dirty thoughts about the club uniform that Volleyball Club Girl, Nudist Girl, and Fish Girl have such history and emotional connection with. Naturally, when I put it on Armored Pres-san, I looked at it with highschool boy¡¯s purity, and also touched, caressed, stripped, and stared at with an innocent gaze, taking her on a long all-encompassing club tour with the Forbidden Gym Uniform and the Forbidden Swimsuit, but it was all pure and innocent, so surely, there is no issue.

 CH 277.2

    Chapter 277: It¡¯s supposed to be ingested, so putting it in your eyes instead of the mouth will result in an injury despite being part of medical treatment. Part 2

    However, the Shrimp probably doesn¡¯t want to part with the orphans as well. She fit in pretty nicely, size-wise.

    ¡¸With everyone gone, they¡¯d probably start crying again, after all, until now, the kids had no one to rely on until now, having only each other for support. They must want someone they can depend on. I mean, they are still so small.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not like the size is that diffe¡­ Nevermind. I didn¡¯t say anything, and although I definitely do think that the orphans are not only about to catch up but also to overtake some of the present here, grow big and tall, or rather, if you are clearly going to lose, might as well go horizontal! Horizontal growth has infinite potential, but it might also come with a giant future where hip-up is no longer enough to support it? Sort of?¡¹

    The small animal (Shrimp) is the intimidation mode. If I tried to reach out my hand to her, saying that there is nothing to be afraid of, she¡¯ll probably bite it. Moreover, she is definitely the type of a small animal to never let go once she bites!

    ¡¸I¡¯m still in the growth period, I¡¯m about to get a sexy dynamite body! I¡¯m going to be big! I don¡¯t want to get horizontally big(fat) though!¡¹

    ¡¸Nah, ¡ºGrowth¡» aren¡¯t going to cut it, you probably should consider taking a skill along the lines of ¡ºMetamorphosis¡», ¡ºTransformation¡», or ¡ºMutation¡»¡­Like, I mean, it¡¯s a different world after all? I¡¯m sure ¡ºTransformation¡» is the growth fitting for another world, and when you get big, you might even unlock R18 rated combination moves, so go for Fortress-class, hear my~ voice¡«?¡¹[1]

    I got bitten.

    Looks like she didn¡¯t like ¡ºMetamorphosis¡»[2]? Well, it¡¯s not like I like it either? I mean, if I got ¡ºMetamorphosis¡» in my status and on top of that Race:Human went ciao and another race went bonjour, then my already widely suspicious race question would blow up for real, making Affection Rating flee, and devolving into an crisis that will be televised across the entire universe.

    And they are finally back.

    ¡¸Armored Pres-san, welcome back~. Are the Rerorero old man¡¯s little sister and the Confederation alright? Ah~, I¡¯m glad nothing happened to them. Were you to be discovered, not only would¡¯ve that put the little sister in danger, but it also could have led to obliteration with a morning star smash of the already divided from the economic attack Confederation, making all of my economic warfare useless, so I was really worried? Mainly for the Confederation? ¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m¡­ home?¡­ Brought¡­ her.¡¹

    Going through the last night was really painful, so if I could, I would¡¯ve liked to PURGE Armored Pres-san¡¯s armor right away, and bringing her in the most immodest state DIVE into the room, continuing with going DEEP INTO THE Armored Pres-san, but apparently, treating the little sister comes first? Yeah, I¡¯ll behave myself, so please don¡¯t grab me by the nape? I¡¯m not a kitten, you know? I wouldn¡¯t mind if someone grabbed my very very lost Affection Rating-san like that and brought it home, but it¡¯s currently missing and WANTED, Alive or Alive, but does everyone really need to glare and hurry me like this? It¡¯s a simple job of stuffing a mushroom into a girl¡¯s mouth, does it really have to be me? Rather, I feel like a highschool boy putting a mushroom into a sick girl¡¯s mouth, saying that it¡¯s a cure, might be problematic by itself? I¡¯m still going to do it though.

    ¡¸Nice to meet you. You are Haruka-san, right? I¡¯m Wismregzero¡¯s sister, Erailia. I¡¯ve been told of what happened. I apologize for the idiocy of my older brother. Not only was I causing trouble, unaware of what was going on, but even my brother caused a great inconvenience. I¡¯m so sorry.¡¹

    Oh, turns out, she is a real beauty. Perhaps due to her illness, she gives off a somewhat sickly and fading impression, however, she has clearly beautiful features, and an air of intelligence which leaves absolutely no doubt that she is 100% completely unrelated to Rerorero old man by blood. And also, since Rerorero old man is a dude I couldn¡¯t care less, but the moment I noticed how pretty the little sister is, I realized, she is an elf? Like, she has pointy ears and stuff? No, I mean, why would I even look at some middle-aged man¡¯s ears? If I actually saw them I would¡¯ve chopped them off? I mean, ears, life, existence, are all things that have no significance or demand when it¡¯s about middle aged men?

    ¡¸Aah, in regards to the issue idiots being a giant nuisance, as much as I don¡¯t want to get used to it, I¡¯m already troubled by that on a daily basis, as the result the issue of idiots being a nuisance have blended into everyday life, so you don¡¯t have to worry about that? To cover the cost of mushrooms and the nuisance fee the beauty reroreroing middle-aged brother was already sold off to Maid Girl at a huge profit. To think that dealing in middle-aged men could be that profitable, even the Magnate-san was surprised, but the middle-aged men stored in the basement still remain unsold. What do we do? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸You sold him?!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸And not only didn¡¯t he remember Wismregzero-san¡¯s name to begin with, he had now also forgotten arbitrarily naming him McKenzie!¡¹

    ¡¸He only remembers the beauty rerorero by now, but how come Wismregzero sounds like beauty rerorero to him? Makes me really worried about Haruka-kun¡¯s ears, or rather head, or rather humanity, or rather, I¡¯m worried if he is even a human?¡¹

    By the end it sounded like a plain slander though? How come that mere treatment of a sick person develops into an issue where even my race is called into question? Whatever, treatment comes first.

    I look. Using handy ¡ºRajingan¡»-san I observe closely and intently, conducting medical examination. Naturally, since it¡¯s a pretty elf-san in a light nightdress, I look extra hard? Well, I have to establish a diagnosis.. Or rather, I actually knew it the very moment I saw her, but since I was told that I can look at her, how could I pass on a chance to look at lightly dressed beautiful elf-san, or rather, a wonderful Ero Elf-san, so of course I¡¯m going to look, stare, gaze, feast my eyes on her super hard, and now, according to the reaction from ¡ºSearch¡», I¡¯m surrounded by enemies on all sides and in a big pinch, so let¡¯s move on with the treatment.

    ¡¸This is the same thing as the frontier¡¯s disease, you know? I think it¡¯s some sort of Magical Essence related sickness that can probably only be cured with mushrooms. But how did you get it when you were nowhere near the Frontier? No way, is it because the big brother is a middle-aged man, so his is emitting Magical Essence also known as elderly body odor, scattering around pandemical odor!? Aight, let¡¯s exterminate the middle-aged man after all, and disinfect it with fire. I¡¯m sure if we turned to ashes, the Magical Essence also known as the elderly body odor will perish from this world along with the middle-aged man, bringing peace and harmony to the world? Exterminative medical treatment~.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not emitting any odor or magical essence! If you can save my sister I¡¯ll do anything, I don¡¯t care even if I¡¯m to be sold off, but could you please not burn me to ashes?¡¹

    Apparently, he is not emitting it? Eeh, looks like I have to look for another reason to incinerate him. I feel like some nice idea would pop up if I gave it a thought after burning him, but apparently, I can¡¯t do that?

    ¡¸Well, this should be easily treatable with mushrooms, so my mushroom will be a simple and tasty cure? Here it comes, Eraraiaaan-san? Open your mouth~ here, take my mushroom, I¡¯m putting it in. A mushroom is going into your mouth, so swallow it carefully? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸It¡¯s not like it¡¯s wrong, but you are making it sound really indecent, so please shut up and treat her without saying anything! Her face is bright red! Or rather, you shouldn¡¯t make a maiden swallow the entire thing like that!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    It has immediate effectivity, and on top of restoring physical strength it also accelerates blood circulation, so blushing on the face is a good proof of it working, but for some reason, I got scolded? The angle?

    ¡¸No? Is there a good or bad angle for feeding a mushroom? I¡¯m just normally holding it from the underside, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problem with the angle? Eh? And this mushroom belongs to me, so there is nothing wrong with calling it my mushroom? Or rather, if I was feeding her someone else¡¯s mushroom it would¡¯ve been a case for theft charges, and probably would¡¯ve made her complicit in mushroom consumption without payment. Moreover, it has to be ingested, so where am I supposed to put it if not in her mouth! If I was stuffing it into her eyes or eyes THAT would¡¯ve been a problem and probably would¡¯ve result into an injury despite being a treatment?! Actually, can you imagine how much it would hurt to thrust a mushroom into an eye? I never tried to put it into ears, but I suspect it wouldn¡¯t be very effective against the illness, so where are you telling me to put Mushroom-san? I wonder~?¡¹

    Strangely, despite me treating the little sister, everyone¡¯s faces turned red? Did everyone have their blood circulation improved? So it¡¯s all good? Or, maybe, it¡¯s a pandemic!

    Well, the siblings are hugging each other. I also would¡¯ve been happy to join in on hugs with the condition that it¡¯s with the little sister only, but since I can hear the sound of sickle on chain spinning echoing through the room I¡¯ll refrain from participation. Just how many sickles and chains did they acquire? Why instead of selling everyone is equipping them? But Armored Pres-san¡¯s silent giant sickle and chain is the scariest!

    Alright, time for dinner.

    Let¡¯s make a whole lot, the orphans and the little sister are underweight, lacking in nutrients. And as for the ONE MORE SET crowd, that has excessive nutri¡­ Bloodthirst!

    ¡¸It¡¯s a misunderstanding! I don¡¯t know what that it is but it is, so for now, let¡¯s put away morning stars, and sickles and chains? I mean¡­ No, I wasn¡¯t looking at anything! I totally wasn¡¯t looking at anyone¡¯s belly! Even if someone thought that just because Armored Pres-san was absent yesterday, and you were lacking in ONE MORE SET, so the calories that weren¡¯t burned down happily settled there, no one actually said anything, so there is no way anyone could hear the sound of your plump stomaaaah¡­¡­(Smash! Stab! Crash! Slash!)¡¹

    It¡¯s dinner¡­ Can I survive?! Everyone, come and get your meals too? Kind of?

 CH 278

    Chapter 278: Small animal is going through tanukification, giving up on the girlhood to morph into a demon orangutan.

    Day 67 ¨C Nighttime, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    They are crying. They are finally able to smile, but they are bawling their eyes out. Just because smiling it still doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that they are alright. Just because they are smiling, it still doesn¡¯t mean that the wounds have fully healed¡­ That¡¯s why they are crying. They are clinging with sobs and tears, desperately pleading, while gasping for air in between wails.

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming tooo. I¡¯m absolutely coming, I will work very hard, so pleease don¡¯t leave me here!¡¹

    ¡¸I will work too, I can properly do all the tasks! I will soon grow up and will be able to carry heavy things too! ¡¹

    ¡¸Brother, sis, please don¡¯t leave, please take me with you.¡¹

    ¡¸NOo, don¡¯t goo. I¡¯m not going to eat so much anymore, I¡¯m fine with just little bits.¡¹

    ¡¸I will be a good girl. I will behave and listen to everything, so please¡­ please¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh. Don¡¯t go, don¡¯t leave us, we will work hard, we don¡¯t need food too.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A pandemonium of sobs from seriously crying orphans. They are desperately clinging, refusing to separate, all while wailing and sobbing, so it¡¯s really noisy? I mean, it¡¯s a live Surround Sound experience of pure unadulterated shrieking right under the ears!

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m just going out for a bit, so will we see each other again soon enough? I just need to take care of some very very important business. It¡¯s definitely going to be alright?¡¹

    The pres and others are going around, trying to calm them down, but they aren¡¯t listening at all, bawling like their lives depend on it, so the situation aren¡¯t improving at all. Since it¡¯s not about logic but emotions, the fear, they aren¡¯t listening to reason at all.

    Looks like someone told them that I¡¯m going back to the frontier tomorrow. And after some delay the girls are going to follow too. Well, as expected, I can¡¯t charge at an army while bringing the orphans with me? No, I have a hunch that it would¡¯ve been fine if it¡¯s the former army of the First Prince, but what kind of cozy Bring-Your-Child-with-you event is that supposed to be?

    But I might¡¯ve been slightly overthinking it. Looking at aunties or just your average citizens, the Capital has pretty much nothing but nice people among common folk. As long as there are no idiots (nobles) or trash (the confederation¡¯s merchants) it¡¯s not a bad place for the orphans. Hence, I thought that it would¡¯ve been fine to leave them here.

    But there is no way that¡¯s the case. They only barely managed to survive, living in complete despair on the verge of death. It¡¯s merely that their home became prettier, there are more people willing to help, they can eat plentiful meals, and receive actual payment for their work, but that¡¯s about it¡­ Nothing more. There is no way they wouldn¡¯t be scared to be left in the town where no one lent them a helping hand. And there is no way orphans that lost their families wouldn¡¯t be scared to be left alone again just because they appear more energetic and sociable now. Since it¡¯s not about logic but emotions, the fear, there is no way words like¡ºit¡¯s going to be alright¡»bear any meaning.

    Even if they laugh happily, they had more than enough pain, suffering, grief, and oppression until now. Even though it¡¯s not even the smallest tiniest little bit alright at all, even though it¡¯s extremely obvious that it¡¯s not okay at all if one thinks about it even for a moment. Leaving the orphans in the Capital, assuming that it is safer that way, I thought of nothing but the future and what is to come after that, without considering what the orphans think or feel at all. That¡¯s why they are clinging to us in tears. I don¡¯t know how to answer their shouts and cries. Even so, can you please kindly spare me stereo crying right into my ears?

    Yeah, Shrimp was right. Lately she is slowly evolving into a small tanuki from overeating, but the one who had a proper understanding of their feeling was this tanuki that returned to being a little child running around with the orphans. After all, she would know best since she was the one who was suffering and crying the most after being pulled apart from her family and brought to such a place¡­ But I didn¡¯t get anything. [1]

    The idea that it¡¯s going to be safer in the Capital, applies only when we are talking about monsters. It is precisely because it¡¯s the Capital that they are so frightened. Even if they were told that it will be alright, even if the happiness lasted for a few short days, they can¡¯t trust this city anymore. They received that deep of a wound. They lived with ever growing trauma. Getting a nice house, warm bed, or delicious meals, is nothing more than an extra for them. They finally found relief and became able to smile. We can¡¯t leave them here¡­ After all, that¡¯s what they are most afraid of. They were afraid of others disappearing, and ending up all on their own. That¡¯s why they lived while desperately helping each other, that¡¯s why we can¡¯t leave them here. Tanuki was right, even if her stomach is so plump, even if it¡¯s because Tanuki herself doesn¡¯t want to separate with the orphans, that animal instinct was right.

    If so, let¡¯s bring them to the Frontier. We just have to finish everything, and bring everyone to the Frontier.

    So¡­ Let¡¯s go and put an end to everything.

    The defensive system here is more than perfect. The rest is up to Rerorero old man. Later, I will give him back his swords and equipment, after reinforcing it with mithril, while what¡¯s on the inside will be strengthened through forcible power up.

    Or rather, that inside is currently being forcibly strengthened through a coercive beating called training. Undergoing training in both body and spirit he is getting molded into¡­ something? Well, he is a bodyguard after all, so there is nothing wrong with making him stronger, and this training will undoubtedly bring him to a higher level. Even going higher than the heavens might not be out of the question, says with a distant gaze a person who had a personal experience of accidentally almost ending up there on more than one occasion. Let¡¯s bury him in the basement if he ends up awakening to something weird from this.

    However, that middle-aged man is strong, but¡­ Being half-heartedly skillful he has way too much pretense to his fighting style. Even if you try to lure the opponent with an opening, an opening is still an opening, you know? Even if you made it yourself, even if you are waiting for the opponent to step into that trap, it¡¯s still an opening¡­ Well, beating it is! Yeah, it seems to have a high fitness value, but by now even his soul is getting whipped into shape¡­ I can hear screams of a middle-aged man coming from afar¡­ How annoying.

    ¡¸Or rather, it¡¯s actually annoying, can¡¯t you take your beatings in silence? Not only is there no demand for middle-aged man¡¯s screams, there soon will be complaints from both the neighborhood and the underground dwellers? But before the neighborhood, there is already a flood of complaints from the souvenir store, you know? After all, while I love making Armored Pres-san moan, scream, and gasp, I don¡¯t need gasping screams from a beaten up middle-aged man? Wouldn¡¯t changing gasping screams to a deathrattle make a great improvement? Yeah, breathing your last breath will surely bring us silence? I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, haaaa, haaaa, if, I¡­ make¡­ last¡­ breath¡­ I¡¯d¡­ be dead? However¡­ I was confident¡­ that if my opponent is using a sword, then even if I can¡¯t win¡­ I will be able to not lose¡­ But I was no match¡­ at all.¡¹

    In terms of pure stats alone, the middle aged man has better specs than Armored Pres-san. He is over Lv100 already.

    Indeed, for a reroreroing old man, he has great technique and vast experience. Possessing his own unique fighting style he is also capable of matching it to his opponent. He has strength, speed, sharpness, flexibility, and precision in both his sword and own movements. However, he doesn¡¯t have techniques to swiftly decide a fight in a single stroke, nor the ability to crush the impossible or avoid the unavoidable. He has an unorthodox technique that allows for fluid and transformative style¡­ But that is still a fighting style bound to common sense.

    ¡¸You think too much for an idiot, old man. You have to act more like an idiot, you know? I mean you are an idiot after all, or rather, it is because you are trying to use your non-existent brains that you end up lagging behind. Move before you think, and then use the time while you are moving for thoughts. Unless you track the flow instead of relying on tricks you won¡¯t be able to catch up. You have to see the entire picture, or you will end up losing in reading the moment anyway? Yeah, like the way you were when you tried to steal a mushroom for your little sister, it¡¯s fine like that. It was very idiot-like. A proper form for an idiot.¡¹

    He must¡¯ve never fought for his own sake. That¡¯s why he unconsciously takes a safe defensive approach¡­ For the medicine, for comrades, for protection, for the goal, but ultimately, everything is for the sake of his sister. That¡¯s why he should have his ass kicked, after all, I¡¯m getting mine kicked every day, so everyone else should be getting beaten even harder! If they get vexed about getting beaten up, if they desire to grasp victory, that will become their blade. One cannot bet life on the sword that they didn¡¯t wish for. Well, although there is a certain someone who was desperately trying hard every day, but any semblance of swordfight flew out the window, as he became unable to do anything but the most bizarre attacks despite not really wishing for that, so might as well leave them to resolve the question of their blade on their own.

    Now then, let¡¯s prepare for dinner. Both the little sister and the orphans have to be provided with calories, and the people who had too many calories, since Armored Pres-san is around, will be busy with endlessly repeating ONE MORE SET of calorie burning exercises (combat training). And I¡¯m also about to become extremely busy in a highschool boy sort of way with lovely nyan-nyan squish-squish time, so let¡¯s have dinner ASAP. I mean, there is nothing fun about watching a middle-aged man getting beaten up.

    I also have to prepare some food in advance, so that¡¯s a lot of work, but let¡¯s make a mountain of delicious stuff, so they can happily stay at home.

    Although I¡¯m a bit worried about a certain small animal who have underwent ¡ºTransformation¡»(growth) into a great tanuki, becoming so plump that she might soon become Orangutan Girl, but if I make more food than can be eaten, there at least won¡¯t be any concern about them crying from the lack of food. If I knew it¡¯d come to this, I would¡¯ve spent time on establishing proper manufacturing process with ¡ºCooling (Freeze)¡»and¡ºHeat (Dry)¡»skills. Being still unable to make ramen I was postponing this since I wouldn¡¯t have been able to fully harness the greatness of freeze-dry anyway, but I wonder if the orphans will be able to handle cooking? Just in case, let¡¯s install some sprinklers for fire prevention. And then¡­ Ask for some helper to assist them in our absence. Alright, and also preserved foods!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸There is a whole mountain of food!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Did I go overboard? The dining hall is not large enough, and the pile of foodstuff is about to collapse.

    Well, in the initial construction I was going for Byodoin, but it turned out to be too small, so the rest is just a common two-storey wooden house. It¡¯s not like I was trying to make it particularly huge either, however, I was still under the impression that it¡¯s quite spacious¡­ Did I make too much after all?

    Aah¡­ Slime-san and the Idiots aren¡¯t here. I had them included into the calculations for the daily required amount of food, so the week¡¯s worth of food became such a huge mountain. That¡¯s right, the creatures eating from buckets are still busy pirating, and they should be returning straight to the Frontier anyway¡­ Well, it¡¯s slums, so might as well give out the excessive food. Having more wouldn¡¯t hurt, I mean, after all, if they were anxious about having nothing to eat tomorrow, then having more than they can eat should surely put their minds at ease! If they turn into small tanuki from that it¡¯s their own fault.

    ¡¸Aight then, I¡¯ll be leaving tomorrow morning, so I¡¯m counting on you to operate the store until Royal Girl and Meripapa-san enter the city and capture the monkey (the Second Prince), but Armored Pres-san is going to leave beforehand, and you should hurry to the Frontier as soon as you are done here too, okay? The Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen will distribute instructions. In the meantime I¡¯ll try to curb the enemies¡¯ progress while also curb stomping them into the depths of hell, gaining us some time while also gaining some fat profits, so don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll do just fine?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are worried, but can¡¯t help feeling that it¡¯s going to be super alright?!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The meeting progressed smoothly, and the mountain of food is also being steadily devoured. Looks like at this point there is no stopping giant orangutan girls from emerging! And it also seems that Vice President C will soon need her own personal bowl (bucket) too. Yeah, she seems very stuffed?

 CH 279

    Chapter 279: What does the hands blindfold that perfected the art of reverse blindfolding hide?

    Day 67 ¨C Nighttime, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    I thought it was suspicious since a while ago, but this is exactly what I expected. My Rajingan can notice even the slightest measurement errors, it can even calculate changes of mass. That¡¯s how I could recognize that something was off¡­ They got even larger!

    ¡¸Braid Girl, I¡¯m somehow certain that a certain part of your body has swollen since the last time I made clothes for you? Is this some sort of localized obesity phenomenon caused by excessive nutrition intake?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t call it swollen!¡¹

    This time it¡¯s a short-heighted group of Handicraft Girl aka Braid Girl, Clothing Club Girl, and Cooking Club Girl. Well, they aren¡¯t as short as Shrimp, but with so many tall girls they end up on the smaller side overall. And yet, she was quite big, and now she got even bigger.

    ¡¸The size didn¡¯t change. But the bra I was using somehow¡­ Shrank?¡¹

    At sixteen she is still in her growing phase, but it would seem the growth is limited to the chest area? She didn¡¯t get any taller or thicker.

    It¡¯s not like she is that big in terms of breast size, but combined with her small stature of 150cm, give or take an inch, and lean physique, well endowed only in the chest area, it ends up strangely conspicuous.

    And the bra that she was wearing when transported to this world has begun to bite into the skin. This should¡¯ve been enough of a reason to give her a priority, but being too embarrassed, she kept silent and ended up having her turn postponed, and during that time, she ended up growing even further. This seems to require a design drastically different to the Vice Pres B-san¡¯s one¡­ That was the question of the weapons of mass distraction¡¯s weight, but this one is more of a volume distribution issue. The proportions are too extreme for her height and weight. It required finding balance in this lack of balance and properly adjusting it? I¡¯ll never be able to crack the mystery of why a highschool boy has to ponder on the ways to balance the highschool girl¡¯s unbalanced orbs, but this indeed looks like it should get in the way of her movement.

    That¡¯s why the departure was delayed until tomorrow, to have time to wrap this up today. Since with combat taken into account, in the worst case, even her life might depend on it.

    Yup, apparently, in this world, one¡¯s life depends on a bra, and the responsibility for it is put on the shoulders of a highschool boy! I don¡¯t remember bras being this great of an issue in any isekai stories that I¡¯ve read though? I don¡¯t remember ever hearing of an isekai story where a girl entrusts her life to the bra making skills of the protagonist, or rather, I have a certain hunch that there was no such a story even without the isekai part? I wonder why? Maybe I should ask the geeks, experts in light novels of that sort, about this?

    ¡¸Aah, it feels kind of refreshing, aaahn~!¡¹

    ¡¸Please, omit the commentaries? The person in charge of blindfolding who is covering my eyes from behind, is doing what would be considered the direct opposite of blindfolding, it¡¯s the Perfectly Anti-Blindfolding Pres-san, you know? ¡¹

    As expected from someone carrying the title of the Sword God. She already moved her fingers away at the very first ¡ºAh¡»! She is reading ahead perfectly, and gets a full understanding of the incoming development through mere signs¡­ Yeah, let¡¯s use that ability in combat instead? I¡¯m quite positive that it is not an ability sought in a blindfold? Actually, forget reading the development, a person in charge of blindfolding would¡¯ve done a perfectly fine job by not reacting and doing nothing at all!

    And the measurement is extra wide. Unlike the usual half-sphere, this here is close to a full sphere. In other words, taking her measurements will take more effort than for Clothing Club Girl or Cooking Club Girl. Naturally, it means more¡ºEvil Hands¡»involved. Trying to move them around a bit while measuring, proved that just as I suspected, the center of gravity is leaning forward too much, this must be the cause of her slouched posture.

    ¡¸Clothing Club Girl and Cooking Club Girl should do fine with the normal type, so I¡¯ll begin adjustments with this shape, alright? But in the case of Braid Girl it seems there is no other choice but to push up the chest and press in closer to the body to avoid slouching and the drag associated with it? But yeah, that will highlight the chest even more, but we can¡¯t leave things as they are at the moment since it¡¯s bad for your health, so you¡¯ll have to pursue the path of Sexy Braid Girl/Hot Nerdy Girl?¡¹

    Pushing them up, pressing them closer to the body, would emphasize the cleavage, and bringing them closer to her face would inevitably make her chest size even more conspicuous. And it¡¯s probably because she didn¡¯t want that that she ended up wearing an Ill-fitting bra in such an odd way. I wonder at which point my life in another world has turned me into a bra sommelier, capable of discerning an ill-fitting bra in one glance? Indeed, this is a trait completely not required for a highschool boy to have, rather, it might be even detrimental to have such ability? In terms of Affection Rating? Yeah, I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s quite a bit of an issue that I have it. I mean, a highschool boy with¡ºSommelier of Women¡¯s Underwear¡»? I¡¯ll never open my status ever again if I get that? Yeah, I wouldn¡¯t be able to show it to anyone!

    ¡¸Uuuh¡­ Can it be somehow made unnoticeable?¡¹

    ¡¸No way. If we try to lower and suppress them it will ruin your posture even more, and it will also worsen your balance during physical activities. Or rather, you were trying to hide it all this time, didn¡¯t you? That¡¯s the cause of your slouched posture, you know? If you aren¡¯t going to fight I might be able to do something to make it stand out less, but if you are going to fight then there is no other way but to push them up? What will you do?

    Having poor balance is dangerous even for the rearguard, and even more so for Braid Girl, an all-rounder who fights in the middle guard utilizing spears and longswords and often joining melee. So for her, poor balance can become fatal.

    ¡¸¡­I will fight. Please make it!¡¹

    ¡¸Got it, I¡¯ll do what I can to make it follow the natural body line as close as possible?¡¹

    ¡¸Please do.¡¹

    I said it so casually, but it¡¯s actually also one of those things. A highschool boy capable of bringing a natural body with a bra¡­ It might be too late for me, in more ways than one.

    As expected, Braid Girl ended up requiring a special reinforced back belt. Putting the back side aside, the front ended up super lewd! No, I¡¯m not looking or anything! But since I¡¯m making them while confirming the shape as I go, I can tell even without seeing anything? I mean, the breasts are drawn inward and pushed up with support from below? So, of course, it looks super lewd! I¡¯m sure this will contribute greatly to the improvement of manufacturing techniques for non-combat underwear, or rather, the one that is meant for nighttime battles.This new and novel technique was actually a technical innovation of the highest tier!

    ¡¸Can you try moving around a bit? All three of you? If there is no discomfort or anything try making gradually rougher movements? If something is wrong immediately tell me, these are still in the adjustment phase, so changes can still be made, but please tell me as soon as you can? Like? Okay? No, it¡¯s not like I like to see this? I mean, I¡¯m not even looking, okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Uuh, it¡¯s easy to move, and feels light, but this became something amazing¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Yeah, that¡¯s lewd!¡¹¡¹

    Yeah, it is? How should I put it? Like two rockets that¡¯re about to be launched? Like she is hiding missiles there? Like two morning stars? Anyway, it looks very impressive. Rather, I feel like I might jump at those rockets by myself, so they are very dangerous. She possesses armaments so marvelous that if there are missiles to be launched from those silos then I¡¯d gladly observe? I really want to?

    No, don¡¯t move your fingers away, seriously? Please, tell me I didn¡¯t say all of that aloud?! Wa¡ª why do you have to read my mind and open your fingers at such ideal timing? Or rather, could you stop trying to force open my eyelids while you are at it? This definitely has nothing to do with accidents or mistakes anymore, and you are physically forcing my eyes open! Was there ever a blindfold that not only had no desire to hide anything whatsoever but which also was forcibly trying to make one look?! In the first place, why does the brand new blindfold that I was using yesterday during Librarian¡¯s turn now have holes? It¡¯s not glasses! Giving good visibility to Blindfold-san is a complete denial of its raison d¡¯etre!

    And with bras done comes the time for the bottoms, but this part comes with many demands. After all, these three are the founding members of the legendary ¡ºHip-Up Shorts Alliance!¡»and also its greatest promoters! Well, all of the girls have joined, so I¡¯m making the shorts for everyone anyway?.

    ¡¸Unlike sports clubs¡¯ girls, cultural clubs¡¯ girls are at higher risk of buttocks sagging! ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right!¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸And we too want to have firm and toned buttocks!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Totally agreed!¡¹¡¹

    Leg lifts and knee raises are the basics of exercises for butt lifting, with the idea of pulling it up through training gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and latissimus dorsi muscles. It¡¯s said that training gluteus medius is especially beneficial, as the lift up effect provided by it naturally creates a nice looking butt. Gluteus medius can be effectively trained with kickbacks, or glute leg lifts, in other words¡­

    ¡¸Do some exercise! Why are you relying on a highschool boy to keep your butts in shape? Or rather, you are having tons of exercise in this world, even your levels have risen, there is no way your butts will sag that easily! On the contrary, becoming super buff sounds like a greater risk at the moment? You are having so much BOOT and CAMPING every day that I¡¯m sure you are starting to get six packs by now!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸No! No way! We¡¯ll be too worried without push-up shorts!!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    They actually were just spoiled girls who want others to do their work! Well, in the class called beauties class the cultural clubs¡¯ girls are in minority, so they might¡¯ve had some sort of a complex about their appearance. Armored Pres-san is nodding behind me, but I¡¯m pretty sure that in our original world she would be the most removed being from anything to do with a complex about one¡¯s body? Well, she was just a skeleton previously though?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We strongly demand a reinforced hip-up girdle!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Indeed, in terms of putting pressure on muscles and bones to correct or shape up the figure the girdle might be the most efficient. The issue is why the hell are they throwing that zeal, passion, knowledge, and ideas at a highschool boy instead of working themselves! They keep fighting day in and day out since coming to this world, repeating grueling training on a daily basis, yet they refuse to put effort themselves! Their disdain for exercise is almost admirable. Truly nerds among nerds! But even so?

    ¡¸But girdle¡­ Will look like granny¡¯s stuff no matter how I design it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Make it so it doesn¡¯t! Make it like black leggings!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I see, with black leggings I can somehow make it work with multi-layering so they won¡¯t look as old-fashioned. Rather, they might even appear sporty. At last, black leggings-san is going to come to this world too, huh¡­ And now even this world will descend into a violent and heated bloody dispute on whether leggings are considered an underwear or not! Yeah, a pretty butt is a sinful thing.

    Now, let¡¯s make sinful black leggings for Armored Pres-san too, and make some sinful love to each other! Yeah, it doesn¡¯t matter if leggings are underwear or not, black leggings are meant to be adored! I¡¯m still going to strip them though!

    Alright, let¡¯s get to work.

    Well, I knew it would turn out like this. While thongs from yesterday didn¡¯t have much in terms of fabric coverage, the pinpoint location of where it was needed was the issue. This time it¡¯s the exact opposite, with quite a vast surface to work with. Girdles, or rather, legging, cover an extensive area, which includes thighs, inner thighs, delicious thighs, anyway, they envelop a lot of stuff? Having such a wide area directly measured by Evil Hands and stimulated by Holding-san while making adjustments, the result is plainly obvious.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Hiiiiih! Nm, Ah, Nmuuh! Aaahm!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Both chests and butts were lifted up as requested, but looks like their souls also ascended to heavens as well? They lost consciousness with crazy smiles and some sort of accomplished look on their faces, but they didn¡¯t actually do anything? They aren¡¯t reacting and have broken expressions, but¡­ What do I do if they actually broke? Should I stick some Recovery Mushrooms into their mouths after all?

    Now, with this everyone had their turn¡­ But there is no guarantee that it will end with just one cycle? I mean, I¡¯m already getting additional requests? And why did the image become even worse after I stuffed mushrooms into their mouths? It¡¯s a healthy organic product? Such a mystery?

 CH 280

    Chapter 280: Self-Proclaimed Magnate that has less money than beggars is so pitiful!

    Day 68 ¨C Morning, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch.

    And so the morning came. Although it¡¯s only for a short while, Haruka-kun is going to disappear again. And the problem is that there wasn¡¯t a single time when he wasn¡¯t doing something dangerous when left on his own, with a 100% record of anxious suspicions coming true, which might as well be considered a certain conviction by now.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be going then, but there won¡¯t be any issues at the start, so you don¡¯t need to hurry too much, okay? But when the call comes I want you to rush there. Make sure to come in full battle gear with complete combat readiness? If I call you it¡¯s probably going to mean that, so if I don¡¯t call you it doesn¡¯t really matter? Well, that¡¯s it, make sure to make your preparations.¡¹

    I don¡¯t understand how facing an army of more than 30,000 all by himself is not an issue, while what is going to happen after that worries him¡­ But he isn¡¯t joking.

    ¡¸Sure, leave this place to us. And this time we will definitely come to your side when you need us. So call us any time. We were preparing for that very moment all this time. So we could fight together, instead of just being protected by you. That¡¯s why our preparations are long done. Good luck, and please, be seriously careful.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be heading out then? Or rather, since my home is at the Frontier anyway, it¡¯s more like, I¡¯ll be going home? Thank you very much? Kind of?¡¹

    Why the last words of someone heading to fight a war alone are ¡ºI¡¯ll be going home? Thank you very much?¡»? This makes him sound like a very violent wife who goes off to vent her anger on an army? But I think even an army would rather run from such a lady.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Take care~¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Big brother, you promised~¡¹¡¹¡¹

    During the breakfast, Haruka-kun spoke with each child one by one, making a pinky swear that he will take those who are interested to the Frontier. Putting aside the credibility of a pinky promise made by a person whose finger will literally grow back were they to lose it, and the question of their humanity too¡­ He did make a promise to them.

    That¡¯s why the children were able to send him off with smiles.

    Now, the children, and also this souvenir store, the cornerstone of provision supply, have to be protected until the countless people living in the Capital are safely liberated. That¡¯s why we have to stay. How frustrating, even though we understand everything, even though we discussed this beforehand, even though everyone agreed to this, it¡¯s still frustrating. After all, he is heading out all on his own again.

    Once again, without Angelica-san or Slime-san by his side, all on his own, he is just disappearing from sight, like it happened many times before.

    ¡¸I mean, someone has to protect the people of the Capital? So it needs the heroes (the girls) to stay? At Murimuri Castle it¡¯s fine to just kill, so I can handle it. The right person for the right job at the right time at the right place? Put like this it begins to look like an amazing plan, which gives me confidence that it will go alright? ¡¹

    The plan, he says. But since it ¡ºBegins to look like¡», he must be acting on something that just occurred to him without much consideration, but you lose if you actually worry about the lack of planning in the plan.

    ¡¸Alright, let¡¯s prepare to open the store. If we don¡¯t rake profits, the self-proclaimed magnate, that has less money than beggars in the slums, is going to be angry.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ro~ger!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The third division has collapsed, having only a few thousands troops remaining, however, the local nobles have gathered their forces, plus various mercenary bands are also joining them. With the addition of ruffians and vagabonds their numbers reached 31 thousand¡­ And they are still growing.

    However, numbers don¡¯t matter, the real danger is the support from the Theocracy. Magic tools, arrangements to overcome the Fake Dungeon, and enough force to take Murimuri Castle. They are coming because they are confident in success. Well, it most likely comes from overestimating their abilities, but they still must have something prepared.

    But just like the opponents have something up their sleeve, Haruka-kun has something even more outrageous.

    Good grief, challenging Haruka-kun to a contest of annoyance, this is beyond recklessness and just plainly asking to be abused. If the Kingdom or the Theocracy had anyone capable of harassing, trapping, duping, or tricking others on the same level as Haruka-kun, this world would¡¯ve been either unified or destroyed a long time ago.

    There seems to be a belief in foreign countries that apologizing or taking a humble attitude equals loss, but trying to apply pressure to Haruka-kun will most definitely mean self-destruction due to the difference in pressure ratio.

    If they simply apologized and came to honestly purchase magic stones, nothing would¡¯ve happened. Rather, that was Haruka-kun¡¯s goal all along for which he was secretly working all this time.

    But it turned into a war. As a result, Haruka-kun ended up having to stand on the battlefield all alone and kill people. He worked more than anyone to avoid the war, he did everything possible to create the opportunity for negotiations, and yet in the end all of it was for nothing. They ruined all of it.

    He worked so hard so there would be no need for a war, sparing no effort to avoid bloodshed, but despite the lengths he went, it still didn¡¯t work. If they say that the Church and their god cannot forgive his actions, then they are free to suit themselves. I have no desire to be praised, acknowledged, or forgiven by a god that doesn¡¯t raise a finger while Haruka-kun is working so hard to create the future where everyone can live happily and peacefully! We will gladly send (kick) back teachings of such a god, with ribbon, wrapping, rhinestone decoration and payment on delivery attached!

    After all, all he was dreaming of was simple happiness for the Frontier.

    He merely wanted to make everyone smile.

    There is no reason for a god to exist if he can¡¯t accept even such a little thing.

    A god that doesn¡¯t wish that shouldn¡¯t exist. We are the ones who wouldn¡¯t forgive it!

    If their god is justice and Haruka-kun is evil for going against it, then I¡¯m fine with us being evil. I don¡¯t want any of such justice.

    If dreaming of happiness for everyone means evil that goes against the will of the god, then there is no need for any talks anymore. I don¡¯t care about their teachings, nor am I willing to forgive them.

    We are seriously angry.

    They couldn¡¯t forgive even that small bit of peace that Haruka-kun was trying to create. Without having any idea just how difficult it was to bring happiness to the Frontier!

    We are seriously angry.

    Because we know just how precious, wonderful, beautiful, and miraculous the prospering Frontier is. Because we know just how much Haruka-kun fought for it.

    We are seriously furious.

    He was stealthily working to protect the Frontier, seeing a peaceful resolution where no one has to die or fight a war. While feigning ignorance, he was working incredibly hard. And yet it was all put to waste and ruined, and now they are even trying to invade the Frontier.

    There is no way not to get angry at that, there is no way such a thing can be forgiven! Because they stomped with their dirty shoes the feelings of the single good person that single-mindedly believed in the possibility of a happy end!

    Haruka-kun was fighting merely for that small happy end for the Frontier.

    He is getting angry for others, suffering for others, crying for others, and fighting for others. No matter how much he pretends, in the end, he is just making an uproar about the happiness of others. Without any care for himself, casually putting his life on the line left and right. Crying and getting angry for the sake of others, yet doing nothing for himself.

    That¡¯s why we will get angry. If Haruka-kun only gets angry for others, then we will get angry instead. We will get completely furious. That is way too cruel after all, way too pitiful.

    That¡¯s why we are enraged.

    Haruka-kun was worried about exposing us to danger until the very end. He is regretting pulling us into the conflict.

    But this is long since our fight too, since we are seriously angry about this. And for Haruka-kun¡¯s sake we are going to get his share of anger too. This is our anger now! This is our fight now, we weren¡¯t dragged into this neither does it have nothing to do with us, we are going to fight out of our own volition and rage. Because they absolutely can¡¯t be forgiven!

    They trampled and insulted Haruka-kun¡¯s feelings, Haruka-kun¡¯s wishes, that little Happiness that Haruka-kun was hoping for, his simple hope to merely protect. That¡¯s why we absolutely can¡¯t forgive them! That¡¯s why we absolutely won¡¯t!

    That was the consensus and the true will of the girls-only gathering.

    That¡¯s why we will finish the Capital here. And then head to the Frontier.

    Getting busy with two stores plus peddling today, we will finish off the Capital with this offensive. There, the capital will fall.

    The conclusion to this play was already written, and both the stage and the actors were prepared, it definitely will go smoothly. After all, I¡¯ve never seen such a villainous scenario!

    The Capital will definitely fall with this, there is no way it can withstand.

    The Capital that was famed for its impregnable walls and rock-solid defenses is going to fall to the broiled eel and bargain sales. That is the predetermined ending.

 CH 281.1

    Chapter 281: Even though I was called a scary child, and even prepared the stage and the scenario, for some reason, I was banned from participation. Part 1

    Day 68 ¨C Daytime, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch.

    The Merchant Confederation has finally backed off. There¡¯s been no notice from the Confederation yet, but some merchants of the Confederation already caught wind of what was going on, and were trying to escape the Capital in droves, leading to the apprehension of a few of them.

    According to the information obtained from the captured merchants, not only did the Confederation decide to withdraw, but there are also rumors of their merchant ships being sunk one after another. The Capital won¡¯t receive any new shipments from the Confederation.

    Therefore, the Capital has no choice but to open the gates and obtain its provision from the Kingdom. In other words, the Second Prince¡¯s unlawful coup has failed. At the very least he will be stripped of his right of succession and will vanish from the main stage. A single souvenir store managed to liberate the Capital from the Confederation¡¯s influence.

    But the gates are yet to open¡ª It¡¯s not clear whether they are awaiting rescue from the Confederation, or are simply yet to accept the reality.

    It seems they are going to show their last vain struggle, refusing to accept the situation, but it¡¯s quite a nuisance for those who have to watch it. Moreover, they suggested that we should confiscate provisions from that souvenir store, of all things. I knew they were dimwitted, but it looks like they also don¡¯t know when to quit.

    ¡¸Were we to plunder provisions from that souvenir store, from then on and forever after, the Capital would not have anyone capable of supplying provisions from the outside. Or do you perhaps think that after being robbed in such a fashion the souvenir store will restock for the sake of the Capital?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Guuuh!¡­ Then just levy it as an emergency tax. ¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Since they can¡¯t see past their own noses, they end up trying to sever their last lifeline, but if anything, this lifeline is more of a noose prepared to hang the nobles by their necks.

    ¡¸We are not a tax service. Not to mention that since the Frontier¡¯s special territorial authority was recognized, it¡¯s not liable to taxation from the Capital. And regardless of what sort of an order were to be issued, we, the Second Division, will not lay hands on the common folk, but were you to harm the citizens, the contract would become void, and we would arrest you. Those were the terms of our contract, correct?¡¹

    We already received the information that before they came with this suggestion to us, the military police attempted an attack on the store. And it¡¯s also well known that all of the attackers disappeared.

    The military police protecting the Second Prince¡¯s Faction and the Confederation¡¯s associates is close to being completely wiped out. It might be a good idea to crack open the heads of the nobles, who are yet to realize their defeat, to confirm what they actually have in there in place of brains.

    The boy that honored us with the visit to the barracks earlier, had said the following about the nobles ¡ºTheir heads are stuffed with hopes and dreams while their eyes are shut close, so they can¡¯t see anything aside from their fantasies and delusions, therefore it doesn¡¯t matter what we say or do? I mean, they literally refuse to see their own unpleasant reality? People who can be convinced by talking, pretty much get it even without it being spelled out for them? It¡¯s not like they are mistaken or misguided, they are just old men who refuse to accept the reality, and prefer to drown in convenient delusions and hopes, so talking to them is useless? Or rather, it¡¯s pointless since they are old men?¡»

    Refusing to face the reality they are still seeing dreams of taking over the Kingdom. Refusing to face the facts, they are still clinging to the vain hope of agreement with the Confederation. Even now, they are doing nothing, and instead keep fumbling around in their convenient delusions.

    ¡¸If rationing stops the citizens will open the gates. You have to either open the gates on your own, or keep purchasing provisions from the souvenir store and distributing it to the people.¡¹

    The nobles that made their fortune by oppressing the people will have to bleed those riches to keep feeding those very people. The gates will swing open unless they keep throwing their capital at it, which means capital punishment for them, so they are getting desperate. What a marvelous, cunning, and vicious trap. It¡¯s like handing the rope to the nobles, so they can strangle themselves on their own.

    The discontent among the people was high ever since the blockade and the rationing started. Without the souvenir store, the Capital would¡¯ve had at least some small skirmishes going on by now. But it looks like the rebellion is about to end without any bloodshed, with only the Confederation and the nobles having their wealth plundered.

    What possibly can the nobles do now, after the military police vanished, and they are left with nothing aside from their status.

    Their last struggle is the height of recklessness. There is no way they could possibly take that souvenir store with a meager force of barely 10,000 military police. Even we, the Second Division, wouldn¡¯t be able to take down the souvenir store. Launching an assault on the slums means certain defeat. Even if one manages to actually break through, capturing the store protected by dozens of beautiful maidens of the Sword Princess class is not possible.

    That itself can be considered a message from that boy, a declaration that a betrayal from the Second Division won¡¯t be allowed.

    Moreover, even the slums¡¯ population is now armed and willing to risk their lives to protect that store. They are prepared to become a bulwark to protect that souvenir store that saved all those people living in the slums from unescapable poverty, and made it into a neighborhood where children¡¯s laughter can be heard.

    That¡¯s why we definitely won¡¯t allow them to lay hands on that place. We might risk our lives to protect it, but there is no scenario in which we would point our blade at the benefactors of the Kingdom.

    Because our Second Division is a shield for the King who protects the people. For we who were entrusted with the defense and given the crest of the shield, raising our hands at the people would mean throwing away the pride of the illustrious Second Division, the Kingdom and Royal Family would lose all meaning to them.

    ¡¸How it¡¯s going?¡¹

    A number of skilled troops were assigned to guard the souvenir store. As pointless as it might be since it is unlikely they will ever get to do anything, there shouldn¡¯t be an issue with us having some eyes there.

    ¡¸It¡¯s business as usual over there. A lively store filled with the laughter of women and children at all times. The store had everything that we were striving to protect.¡¹

    The people live in peace and the country protects them and their happiness. What the Kingdom couldn¡¯t do despite taking shape exactly for that. Everything that we were about to lose is at that store.

    Moreover, it¡¯s a store directly connected to the Frontier, that was fighting, protecting and suffering for our sake all this time. To attack such a place one would have to be neither a soldier nor a noble, but a mere bandit. if seeing that one doesn¡¯t feel the urge to protect it, then they aren¡¯t needed in the army. At the very least, I absolutely wouldn¡¯t allow such a person in the Second Division.

    ¡¸To think one could take a capital city in such a brilliant way¡­ Without a single drop of blood spilled nor any harm to the common people. Moreover, they even managed to deliver a huge blow to the Confederation without venturing there. To think they managed to cause enough damage to keep them from interfering with the Kingdom¡¯s affairs, truly frightening. An army has no hope of defeating them, they are waging war on a higher level.¡¹

    ¡¸However¡­ While we were saved, the Frontier is¡­ The Frontier became a sacrifice again¡­¡¹

    While the First Prince was captured, it didn¡¯t stop the nobles¡¯ armies. In the end, the First Prince was nothing more than a figurehead, with the real power in the hands of the Church faction nobles. And at the moment, both the Frontier¡¯s troops and the Kingdom¡¯s army are in the Capital. The Frontier that was left defenseless to save the Capital is going to fall victim to their armies. Soldiers of the Third Division withdrew from the nobles¡¯ army, but its high-ranking officers and scions of the noble houses forming the core of the faction have remained. Perhaps troops of the local nobles saw easy spoils there, since they flocked to join the nobles¡¯ army en masse.

    ¡¸There is no time for this. Although I understand that they can¡¯t make it back in time, but to have Omui-sama go along with such a farce while the Frontier is under attack¡­ Might as well take the Second Prince¡¯s head with¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Urgent report! The gates were opened. General Shariceres, the Royal Guard under her command, Margrave Omui-sama, and Frontier troops have entered the Capital!¡¹

 CH 281.2

    Chapter 281: Even though I was called a scary child, and even prepared the stage and the scenario, for some reason, I was banned from participation. Part 2

    ¡¸I¡¯ll head out immediately. Watch out for the nobles and military police¡¯s movements.¡¹

    Did citizens open the gates? It seems a bit premature for that. There still should¡¯ve been time before the rationing stops.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the store outside the walls! It appears they started a big sale at very low prices which included large quantities of food, clothing, and various livingware. In response, citizens have opened the gates.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­ Until the very end, huh. In the end, the Capital was fully seized by the souvenir store alone. Looks like there won¡¯t be anything for us, the shield of the people, to do. We are going to welcome Shariceres-sama and Omui-sama! Everyone is to line up and be on standby. Don¡¯t make them wait.¡¹

    ¡¸Yessir!¡¹

    All of the actors have gathered, the only thing left is to end the farce. It seems that this ugly play can finally come to a closure under everyone¡¯s laughter on the stage prepared by the souvenir store. Despite being the best unexpected finale, with the ending in sight, it makes me even slightly disappointed about being unable to see the perfect happy ending written by that boy.

    After all, the best scenario had a story that made me laugh from the very bottom of my heart.

    Looked down from the slums and having garbage thrown at them, the nobles collapse foaming at their mouths after exploding in fits of rage. Going bankrupt after having their riches plundered, those nobles turn vagrants. Losing the remainder of their riches to purchase provision for rationing, they all become penniless, and join ranks of the poor, who they were oppressing all this time. Finale.

    The one entering the castle is the Princess and a general, Shariceres, leading the Kingdom¡¯s elite Royal Guard. Moreover, a living legend Margrave Omui, and the strongest army of the Frontier, have also entered the Capital. The Capital is engulfed in thunderous cheers. Everyone is loudly chanting the names of the two.

    Talk about being outmatched. The two, true nobles beloved by the people, and the monkey (Second Prince) with idiots (nobles), there is nothing to even think about. Simply comparing them feels futile.

    The Capital rejoiced ¨C the heroes have liberated the Capital.

    Everyone put down their weapons, no one could possibly point a blade at the Royal Guard and the Frontier¡¯s army, regardless if they are a friend or a foe. They can do nothing but surrender without any bloodshed.

    ¡¸Welcome back, Your Highness Princess Shariceres, I shall lead the way to the Royal Palace. We are also grateful for your contribution this time, Omui-sama.¡¹

    There is no way merely apologizing to Omui-sama would be enough. Because we allowed the rebellion the Frontier has¡­ the people of the Frontier, who deserved help more than anyone¡­

    ¡¸Long time no see, Terrysel. But for now, smile, the people are watching. No need for sorrowful looks, smile. I¡¯m not worried about the Frontier, nor have I given up on it. This is the stage prepared for us by that boy, so smile. The boy said that he will manage it somehow, so we should simply smile. Stop with the sour face and laugh.¡¹

    The entirety of the Kingdom¡¯s military force is currently concentrated in the Capital and at the borders, plus the now hostile armies of the nobles. There are no troops at the Frontier.

    While smiling through force, we make our way to the Royal Palace. There is no one left who would even try to oppose us, let alone provide any resistance.

    ¡¸To the King.¡¹

    But there is nothing that can be done about the Frontier. No matter what sort of ingenious strategy that boy were to devise, there are no troops to carry it out. And yet they say that he went to the Frontier by himself. Alone, empty handed, without anyone to accompany him.

    Even so, we have to smile. If that is the role bestowed to us by that boy, I¡¯ll smile, even if I grind my teeth to dust and gnaw through my lips in the process.

    What followed was a mere theatrical piece.

    While the Second Prince and nobles were crawling on the ground on their knees with heads hanging low, Her Highness Shariceres and Lord Omui made their way to the King¡¯s side. And reaching his chambers, respectfully offered him a secret remedy harvested at the Frontier. As the King recovered in the blink of an eye and regained consciousness, the Royal Prince, who actually was around all this time without anyone noticing, renounced his regency and returned the seal of state.

    The return of the King that everyone was waiting so eagerly for.

    When it was announced to the citizens that the Second Prince and the nobles were arrested under the King¡¯s order, the Capital erupted with even greater jubilance.

    Then, a bountiful feast with plenty of alcohol was held on the orders of the King and Omui-sama, swallowing the entire city in revelry, creating the Kingdom¡¯s revival festival.

    The King and the Princess are waving hands from the terrace of the Royal Palace, accompanied by Omui-sama. Even my humble self was invited, which has me currently standing beside them and also waving my hand with a smile.

    All actors are present on the stage, and citizens of the capital rejoice over the climax of the play. The nuisances were already removed from the stage, leaving only the King and the true nobles standing. The ones who tried to remain nobles (sword of the kingdom) despite being pushed into the commonfolk. Those who came to the souvenir store carrying their entire modest savings to purchase weapons. Those ruined nobles are all said to have been given swords, armor, and splendid dresses with the words ¡ºIt¡¯s a freebie¡». The ruined nobles that were banished for their attempts to save the slums were recognized by that boy as genuine nobles, giving them the right to be present at this scene.

    Just like a play about a heroic epic, ovations for the King, the princess, and Omui-sama standing on the stage wouldn¡¯t stop, engulfing the Capital in feverish enthusiasm. The stage to celebrate the heroes, yet that black-haired boy is not on it.

    Thunderous shouts of joy shake the Capital, with crowds singing and dancing in celebration. It¡¯s finally over.

    ¡¸Terrysel, sorry for the trouble, you have our gratitude for protecting the people in our stead.¡¹

    ¡¸My King! Such words are¡­¡­¡¹

    But the people the most deserving of those words are not here. That boy and his associates, who should be praised by the people the most, are not here. That person went to the Frontier. The true liberator of the Capital went to protect the Frontier by himself.

    ¡¸My King, I¡¯ll be going back to the Frontier too. This is the place governed by the King, I have my things to do in my own domain.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Mellotosam. In the end, us, Diorer, are always causing trouble to Omui, having to be constantly helped and rescued. I thought that I¡¯d end it during my reign, but this is what we ended up with. Forgive me, Mellotosam.¡¹

    The King lowered his head. He is apologizing so deeply, that if weren¡¯t in front of the people, he probably would¡¯ve gone on his knees. As a vassal and a friend I too lower my head, overwhelmed by emotions. Thoroughly reflecting upon the meaning and significance of the fact that lord of the Frontier left it during the crisis to save the King.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t bow, Diar! You are the King. Raise your head and smile for your subjects. I won¡¯t allow anyone to sully this stage, even the King. We had a happy resolution, where everyone was able to smile, prepared for us, and even were given the stage. So smile.¡¹

    Wearing a frighteningly serious smile, Omui-sama waved back to the citizens. The one who wants to return more than anyone, the one who wants to rush back this very instant, Omui-sama donned a smile, and replied to the cheers of the citizens of the Capital.

    So ham actors like me can only smile at most.

    Playing the role given to me on this stage, I earnestly force a smile. But everyone¡¯s minds aren¡¯t here, but at the distant Frontier instead.

    Filled with thoughts of the boy that is facing dozens of thousands of enemies by himself.

 CH 282

    Chapter 282: I too wanted to hug, sing, and dance, but there was nothing but middle-aged men when I was around!

    Day 68 ¨C Nighttime, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch.

    It took longer than expected to get in touch with Omui-sama, but we finally completed all of the discussions and arrangements. We also were able to confirm the situation. The Capital should be fine now.

    The Capital was peacefully liberated, with no citizen blood being spilled nor anyone having to starve. Everything went just as Haruka-kun desired.

    The citizens have already gathered outside. In cheerful celebration they are singing and dancing, drunk on free alcohol and the feeling of freedom. The heavy and oppressive atmosphere of the Capital had fully transformed into one of joy and festivity. Rather than gloomy the true form of the capital was that of a city full of cheerful people happily embracing each other.

    All because it ended without a fight. Since there was no bloodshed or upheaval, they can smile sincerely.

    The idea was to have the aunties open (break through) the gates by commencing a bargain sale beyond the city gates. The military police and private troops of the nobles that tried to intrude into the souvenir store already went straight underground, dropped into what Haruka-kun calls Middle-Aged Men Hell. And there is no way short-staffed guards can possibly stop a rampage (stampede) of countless aunties. Anyone who tried was knocked down, trod upon, and trampled into the dust. The sturdy gates of the capital were breached in the blink of an eye.

    Moreover, men and women of all ages flooded from the gates, lured by the scent of broiled eel. Even we couldn¡¯t help drooling. Everyone was eating with great appetite. The samples were delicious, so everyone was busy tasting and selling.

    It¡¯s all because Haruka-kun found red sake and eels in the capital! The Capital was doomed that very moment. I mean, it¡¯s broiled eel! Everyone worked on fanning the cooking eels and sending the smell into the Capital with Wind Magic. Yeah¡­ No wonder they will burst outside. I mean, that is the enticing scent. To be able to withstand that aroma one probably has to have no sense of smell!

    And all of this was a farce, it was already predetermined that this uproar would go the way we want. As long as the proper groundwork was laid, it was certain to go smoothly.

    After all, it¡¯s Librarian-chan¡¯s Agitation, powered by¡ºRipple Necklace ¨C MiN InT 50% Up, Anti-Resistance, Ripple¡», that Haruka-kun has even called the trump card of this operation. As long as some sort of an opportunity was arranged the rest could be done through masterful manipulation of crowd psychology. That¡¯s why it was destined to fall from the very beginning, we only had to wait for the opportunity and timing. Everything was decided from the start.

    That¡¯s why it naturally fell. The only thing left was the little drama play.

    Then, carrying banners, the Royal Guard and the Frontier¡¯s troops entered through the opened gates, and under the gaze of the cheering citizens made their way to the castle. Thus, the Capital that was considered impregnable and invincible fell without a fight.

    The invincible walls of the Capital, the Kingdom¡¯s treasured artifact ¡ºUltimate Lock (Protection)¡»¡¯s Complete Protection and Complete Intrusion Denial, and infinite traps produced by ¡ºEverlasting Trap¡» all failed without being put to any use. On top of that, one of the Kingdom¡¯s artifacts, ¡ºEverlasting Trap¡» still remains in the possession of the unceremonious thief!

    The King, just as was expected by the scenario, recovered, leading to the immediate purge of the Confederation¡¯s and the Theocracy¡¯s agents from the Capital. Corrupted nobles are also either arrested, or if they put up resistance, stripped of their power.

    Just as we thought, the King was poisoned. They were able to keep him alive with a heirloom relic of the Royal Family, but it seems he was afflicted with a more than lethal dose of poison. But with the Frontier¡¯s specialty giant mushrooms prepared by ¡ºMushroom Evangelist¡»-san instantly curing him was an easy task. Just in case, Omui-sama was given a ton of mushrooms for treatment, which led to him thanking Haruka-kun in tears over and over again while gripping his hands. Haruka-kun was super annoyed about having his hands clutched.

    As The Royal Guard and the Frontier Army had entered the capital, making a grand procession with flags and banners towards the Royal Palace, making sure to encircle it on the way, the nobles didn¡¯t even attempt to organize a resistance. And the prince (monkey) seems to have been arrested as well.

    And with the King recovered the Capital was liberated. The play was over.

    The Capital was engulfed with ovations and cheers. The people sang and shouted in joy, getting so loud and lively that it even made one wonder if the Capital truly had this many people before. Everyone is overjoyed about the peace being restored.

    The Capital should be fine now. So we are going.

    ¡¸We are counting on you to watch over the house, you will be good girls and boys, right? We will come to pick you up as soon as we can.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We will be good, waiting for you! Take care.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Wismregzero-san was sold as the palace security. His equipment was given to him by Haruka-kun, with ¡ºDona Dona¡» written on the cloak. As expected, that provoked some pity.

    His little sister Erailia-san got along with the children, and agreed to look after them in our absence. She apparently was an elven shrine maiden, and although she has a caster job, judging by her demeanor she seems pretty strong so they should be safe with her. The Royal Family also dispatched the Second Division to protect the souvenir store. This store seems to have some extravagant guards prepared since it¡¯s a benefactor of the Capital. So there is nothing to worry about.

    The children are going to be alright¡­ So we can go. To the side of the person doing the most not alright thing all alone.

    Angelica-san left for the Frontier ahead of us. Even if we went together, Angelica-san¡¯s travel speed is much greater than ours, and we want someone to join Haruka-kun as soon as possible. Moreover, she was so impatient that she couldn¡¯t wait any longer. So we had her leave earlier.

    After all, in the worst case, Haruka-kun might already be at the Fake Dungeon. After all, if he is alone, there is a chance he might attempt to fly. I don¡¯t understand why he is so carefree about flying despite not developing a controlled landing method yet, but he is outrageously fast during flight, even his crash landings are apparently ultra-high speed. He was speaking about this very proudly, but in the end it seemed to be quite painful.

    ¡¸Then, is everyone ready? We are going to travel at high speed in full combat gear, so make sure everything is in order.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We are good! Ready to leave any time!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Everyone is impatient. Haruka-kun is fighting by himself, he is waiting for us there. All alone©` That¡¯s why everyone is getting so hasty.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go then. Athletic Girls will lead the way.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Jaa!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Good luck! Tell Big Brother that we are waiting for him to return for us.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The children, wearing hand(tentacle)made kids clothes that Haruka-kun distributed beforehand, are waving hands while smiling. All dressed up, with cute frilly dresses and prim short pants suits, they are sending us off. That¡¯s why we have to wave back at them with smiles too.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We¡¯ll be off.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Just as Haruka-kun wanted, the peace was instantly brought to the Capital through a bustling festival, without anyone getting hurt, killed, or any disturbance or fires happening.

    That¡¯s why we leave for the Frontier, where Haruka-kun is.

    We asked Haruka-kun to help the orphans, which created deviation in Haruka-kun¡¯s plan. Even so, he built an orphanage and remodeled the slums. Although he probably would¡¯ve done the same even without us asking. Or rather, even before we said anything, he already was remodeling the slums, making various excuses as he went. But that probably shifted the schedule by one day at the very least.

    And the reason why ships from the Confederation would not come anymore, was because Oda-kun and others went all the way to the Confederation¡¯s shores to attack them. Haruka-kun appeared to be surprised, but also pleased by that. That Oda-kun and others were angry, that they were fighting based on their own judgment¡­ But that also means that Oda-kun and others¡¯ return will be delayed. Which is another deviation to Haruka-kun¡¯s plan.

    So Haruka-kun must be forcibly trying to defend everything alone, doing something absurdly risky as he fights to make everyone happy. That¡¯s why Haruka-kun is going to be what we protect!

    The entirety of this world can be left to Haruka-kun to take care of. We will protect Haruka-kun, who forgets to take care of himself.

    After all, we already know.

    When things look grim, Haruka-kun won¡¯t hesitate to sacrifice his own life. Haruka-kun would try to protect the lives of others, even knowing that it would kill him.

    That¡¯s why the consensus of endless discussions during Girls-only Meetings is that we will make sure to protect Haruka-kun and the rest doesn¡¯t matter.

    That¡¯s why we spent every day endlessly raising levels, preparing equipment, and practicing. All of it was for the sake of fighting for Haruka-kun¡¯s sake.

    That¡¯s the Girls-only Meetings¡¯ decision.

    ¡¸Vanguard swap. Nothing unusual ahead~, no signs of the enemy either~.¡¹

    ¡¸Got it, the Tamed Group next, please. Make sure not to run ahead too much.¡¹

    ¡¸We know. Maintain this speed, right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. We shouldn¡¯t tire ourselves out, Haruka-kun said to come in full readiness.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Even if we can¡¯t be at his side, as long as we can diminish the risks it¡¯s all good. Even if it¡¯s just by becoming a decoy and splitting enemies, or scaring them, or whatever, a diversion, auxiliary assistance, anything is fine¡­ I just want to be of help to him.

    I don¡¯t want him to carry everything on his back.

    I want to be of help to him, even if it¡¯s just a little bit.

    After all, it¡¯s the combat that is the biggest danger to Haruka-kun. He has many issues like level and HP, but that¡¯s fine.

    What I don¡¯t want to see is him deciding to meet death by himself.

    I don¡¯t want to let him go off to die like back then.

    Haruka-kun most likely will do just that in the end.

    That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to let him face the end.

    We just have to become cards in his hand, the rest Haruka-kun will handle himself, coming up with outrageous ways to trick and destroy enemies.

    That¡¯s why I at least want to remain a useful card to him until the very end, that¡¯s enough.

    I don¡¯t want to see him running out of moves and going out to die by himself again.

    This is the consensus of endless discussions during Girls-only Meetings, no matter what else we have to leave behind, we will stay with Haruka-kun.

    ¡¸Are you sure about going at this speed until the morning? Cultural Clubs¡¯ girls can still take more.¡¹

    ¡¸We were told that there is no need to rush. We didn¡¯t receive a summons, so it¡¯s fine to maintain a safe pace for now.¡¹

    ¡¸How come the reinforcements don¡¯t have to hurry yet when he is facing 30,000 enemies alone? Well, trying to worry about him is a pointless effort anyway.¡¹

    Be it opening the way, taking a shot, or running errands, anything is fine, as long as we can expand his options.

    I¡¯m sure even now, facing 30,000 enemies by himself, he is doing something that we wouldn¡¯t be able to comprehend.

    We might be of no use even if we arrived on time. But even if we aren¡¯t of any use, as long as we can add extra options for the critical moment, it¡¯s fine.

    We can¡¯t do anything unless we remain by his side. But having at least a single duty assigned to us is fine. As long as it can help avoid Haruka-kun becoming a sacrificial pawn himself.

    That alone is the consensus of the endless discussions of Girls-only Meetings since we came to this world¡­ We will follow Haruka-kun.

    We absolutely won¡¯t allow him to risk his life alone again!

    ¡¸Angelica-san went head, but I don¡¯t think she can reach him before tomorrow morning~, I wonder if Haruka-kun already made contact with the enemy?¡¹

    ¡¸Enemy forces should¡¯ve been at the Fake Dungeon already, the question is where Haruka-kun will choose to engage them?¡¹

    Our speed keeps increasing unless we consciously pay attention to it.

    He didn¡¯t call for us yet, and Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen haven¡¯t shown up either.

    But the closer we get the greater are the chances that we might be of help to him, so everyone keeps running faster.

    Earlier, we followed this path to the Capital, chasing after Haruka-kun. When we arrived, a souvenir store was standing there.

    And now we are returning by the same way, and I¡¯m really worried what could¡¯ve popped up at the Frontier by now!

    ¡¸I wonder what Haruka-kun is planning to do with an army of 30,000 people?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t! For the sake of your sanity and common sense, don¡¯t even try to think about it!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I don¡¯t know what was that thing that Haruka-kun was worried about, but that look was the one of uneasiness.

    If something¡¯s up, then we¡¯d like to make it in time, everyone is rushing ahead.

    We are so used to it by now, that we are able to eat beef bowls while moving at nearly the maximum speed.

    ¡¸If there also was miso soup there¡¯d be nothing to complain~.¡¹

    Don¡¯t you think traveling at ultra-high speed while eating a beef bowl AND sipping on miso soup at the same time is a bit much? If there also were pickled veggies it would be a real danger to our femininity!

    ¡¸Let¡¯s hurry up and extort more delicious stuff!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeeeeaah!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Wait? What were we chasing after again? Delicious food? I wonder if there are manju?!

 CH 283

    Chapter 283: Other world¡¯s people keep ignoring my setups but keep throwing the ball to me?

    Day 68 ¨C Nighttime, Souvenir Store, Fake Dungeon, The Neighboring Town¡¯s side.

    The noblemen¡¯s army of the Church¡¯s faction is gathering up in small groups. As terrible as it may sound, it¡¯s more than 30,000 middle-aged men. A sea of unsightly middle-aged men as far as the eye can see. That is one sea I absolutely don¡¯t want to dive into¡­ This is horrid. Since the day I was born, I have never seen a sight this ugly and sweaty. I mean, 30,000? It¡¯s like a small town with a 100% middle-aged men population¡­ That¡¯s one awful town!

    ¡¸¡­This better be actually working.¡¹

    ¡¸Why don¡¯t you try it for yourself, if it doesn¡¯t we are ready to exchange, replace, take it back, or return the money? I don¡¯t know how long it takes to run out of power, but if the light disappeared from the stone and it became pitch dark it means that its effectiveness has worn out, or rather the time has run out, or rather magic power. If stone golems inside the dungeon move even a little bit we¡¯ll return your money. They are going to move if you hit or attack them but that¡¯s your problem, okay? Since you have so many people, all of which happen to be middle-aged men, I will make a special offer, for every hundred that you buy I¡¯ll add a mushroom pennant for free! I actually have a whole load of them unsold, I wonder what¡¯s the issue with them? Yeah, even though everything else sold out? Kind of?¡¹

    I barely made it to the opening of the souvenir store¡¯s main shop at the Fake Dungeon. That was close. Like, it was really tight. If I didn¡¯t fly with ¡ºAir Walk¡» I wouldn¡¯t have made it in time.

    And just when will I get a skill for landing? It feels like I might get ¡ºCrashing¡» skill before that!

    The shop is located in an abandoned town without any stores or anything¡­ Which is called Neighboring Town? In other words, since there are no stores anywhere around, I now have full monopoly to conduct rip-off sales, and get dirty rich. I already profited from the Confederation, and now I have to profit from the Theocracy too, otherwise I will be branded and shamed for discrimination, so I have to properly rip them off, since I don¡¯t want any drama or complaints.

    ¡¸For the provision, tell me beforehand how much do you need so I can buy it, okay? The advance payment is half of the sum, the rest 60% is to be paid on the delivery, plus 10% deposit? Summing it up may be mathematically difficult with various complicated theorems involved, or rather, since it¡¯s all split up like that it shouldn¡¯t be added up, but I¡¯ll supply the stuff you need?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­If that¡¯s true it will be a great help. Actually, the unit that was carrying provision was attacked on the way here, so we hardly had enough, can you take care of this?¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for the patronage? But without advance payment and the deposit we can¡¯t stock up on the stuff, so scrape up the needed sum? Well, it¡¯s actually the purchasing responsible person who is going to get the stuff, I¡¯m just operating the souvenir store. And for the limited time of now you can get a mushroom pennant for a very nice price?¡¹

    The nobles¡¯ army must be pressed for provision by now. On the way back from the Capital I picked up all of the provisions that happened to have fallen on top of the nobles¡¯ army¡¯s column of wagons, so they shouldn¡¯t have any.

    ¡¸With the supply cut off we would have been in real trouble if it wasn¡¯t for this store. Plus this stuff called manju is real good.¡¹

    ¡¸And this pass thingie can stop stone golems, minimizing the damage.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s expensive, but it¡¯s worth it. And well, you know how it goes. (Grin)¡¹

    They probably think that if they can keep the friendly front and treat me as a cooperator they can secure their supply until it¡¯s all over, and once the Fake Dungeon falls they¡¯ll just have to dispose of me and they¡¯ll get back all of the money they spent, so they are paying the asking price without arguing as if they have money growing on trees. It¡¯s good money, but manju are about to sell out. If the girls find out that those guys ate everything they¡¯ll probably end up on the receiving end of Pres-sama¡¯s whip scolding called slaughter.

    But speaking of the pres-san, each time I¡¯d see her, she¡¯d be munching on manju like a squirrel, holding one in each hand¡­ Are her calorie calculations alright?

    Then, with plans laid out on top of the table that I prepared for a fee, a strategy meeting began. Naturally, being as considerate of a person as I am, whom it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call considerably considerate, I also prepared chairs, for another small fee. And for another additional fee I¡¯m also delivering tea and manju, for almost an oversaturation of consideration.

    Well, even if it¡¯s called strategy, it¡¯s just a human-wave tactic. Earth mage corps and engineering corps are working hard to fill up traps. They¡¯d have a mud golem walking ahead, and once it falls into a trap, have it turned back into soil, burying the trap, gradually neutralizing the Fake Dungeon, is what their plan seems to be.

    Mud golems can¡¯t fight stone golems, but they seem to be intending to disable them by mass purchasing Fake Dungeon Passes. Well, actually, even if they manage to stop stone golems, there is Rafflesia-san waiting ahead, but since it¡¯s nothing but middle-aged men, it chose to hide. I mean, tentacle torturing middle-aged men is an actual torture! I don¡¯t want to see such a thing, that¡¯s definitely a big no for a highschool boy!

    Then, a large number of soldiers advances according to the plan, with mages working all together on creating mud golems and filling up traps as they proceed. But even so, they keep triggering traps one after another to no end. I mean, I keep adding more? No, if they keep discussing their strategy right in front of me, I¡¯d prepare some more? Naturally? Like, they keep telling me where they are going to put bridges, which area they are going to fill, which path they are going to take, so it would be rude not to?

    I mean, all of the middle-aged noblemen keep making set ups in front of me, going ¡ºWe are going through here¡», ¡ºThis way, here¡», ¡ºOver there¡»? I gotta read the mood? Yeah, I added traps to all of those places?

    And so I keep installing traps while listening to their endless strategy meeting conducted right in front of me. All while rip-off tea and manju sets keep selling for 10,000 ere each.

    They surely must be thinking that they are gradually making progress. They surely don¡¯t think that the Fake Dungeon keeps gradually stretching.

    And then there is a gang that while participating in the meetings, keeps silent all the time, only taking notes. That is the Theocracy¡¯s unit.

    The nobles aren¡¯t even beginning to suspect that they are sacrificial pawns for the sake of destroying the Fake Dungeon. No idea if they believe in the Church¡¯s sincerity, the Theocracy¡¯s loyalty or the Old Fart¡¯s justice, but if they can believe in that, they¡¯ll believe in the possibility of the Geek¡¯s rehabilitation or the future where the Idiots will have meaningful discussions of academic importance. Those are challengers willing to bet on some unlikely odds.

    ¡¸Alright, fill up the swamp in the left passage and put up a bridge.¡¹ ¡¸I permit the use of magic stones if low on mana.¡¹ ¡¸Engineering corps. The right side isn¡¯t filled up enough, what are you doing!¡¹ ¡¸Hey, kid. More tea.¡¹

    Once the mages ran out of their mana they began going through magic stones like its tap water continuing to produce mud golems to fill up the Fake Dungeon. They also keep buying passes like crazy to halt stone golems. Stone golems also have it tough, having to pretend that they can¡¯t move. It was worth it making them practice with Red Light Green Light. Ah, that one twitched!

    Even so, gold coins keep piling up through their lavish spending. That rear unit that keeps supplying them with magic stones and gold is a knight order from the Theocracy. They are backing this army for the sake of using it as a decoy and a battering ram to neutralize the Fake Dungeon and storm Murimuri Castle, all so they can deplete the enemy¡¯s traps, weapons, and resources. And they are also our best customers here.

    However, if they are willing to pour such enormous budget, manpower, resources, and magic stones into filling up the Fake Dungeon, they could¡¯ve as well given those funds to me and I would¡¯ve immediately filled it up, but no one seems to be willing to make me that offer?

    Without letting them advance too fast, I keep drawing them deeper while ripping them off. Fully stopping or even worse destroying the nobles¡¯ army runs the risk of the Church resorting to use of their trump card. It¡¯s too early for that, so for now it¡¯s a delaying tactic WITH rip-off feat. Magnate. If only the nobles had some sort of a unit consisting of pretty ladies, then Rafflesia-san and others would¡¯ve had their place to shine too. They must be very disappointed. I¡¯m very disappointed too.

    ¡¸The fill up was finished, but there seems to be another three-way fork.¡¹

    ¡¸The one with the biggest trap should be the correct one, which one was larger?¡¹

    No? It¡¯s actually the left one that looks like nothing but is all smeared with slippery oil? The path is ascending, so it might be a bit inconvenient.

    ¡¸The passage in the middle has a giant hole.¡¹

    ¡¸Alright, go through the central passage.¡¹

    Apparently, it¡¯s the central passage. Alright, let¡¯s connect it to the exit on the right and make a loop. Having someone draw a strategy map before my very eyes makes things immensely easier to understand. These are some pretty considerate middle-aged men.

    The Church¡¯s people keep silently copying the map and handing it to their subordinates. In that case, the Church¡¯s main force must be stationed in the rear, outside the Fake Dungeon.

    And from that rear regularly comes a carriage loaded with gold coins, buying up food and dungeon passes. If they had this much money they could¡¯ve as well just bought magic stones without any problem, but they just had to waste all of it at such a place, good grief, because of that I¡¯m taking huge profits? Thank you very much?

    ¡¸Kid. Sell us weapons. About two units had their weapons melted. Dammit, what an aggravating dungeon.¡¹

    Food, weapons, equipment, dungeon passes, all sell like hot cakes, but mushrooms-type pennants have no demand at all? Maybe I should place them in some more noticeable place? For some reason the pres and others were trying to put them where they¡¯d barely be visible?

    A middle-aged man from the Stalker Girl¡¯s clan who is pretending to be on restocking duty by pretending to carry goods came. Well, it definitely could be a problem to have a cute girl waltz into a place with nothing but sweaty men, but even so, further increasing middle-aged men density in the Fake Dungeon¡¯s closed space could lead to it reaching the critical point and starting middle-aged men fusion reaction, creating a giant middle-aged man? Hm? Were the giants here born through the middle-aged men fusion reaction? Well, I¡¯m killing them anyway. I mean, normal or giant, it¡¯s still a middle-aged man.

    The middle-aged man from the Stalker Girl¡¯s clan said ¡ºNo movements¡» in a low voice, and after pretending to take a load off went back. Looks like we but narrowly managed to avoid middle-aged men fusion reaction. That was close.

    There are no movements, and it¡¯s still not the time yet, which means the extension of the rip-off draw in plan.

    Even now, I keep diligently deepening the hole that they are diligently trying to fill up. They already 40% filled it up, and I sort of do have to allow them to make progress, but it¡¯s still kind of vexing?

    But unless I draw in the nobles¡¯ army, I wouldn¡¯t be able to draw out the Church¡¯s unit. That is the target I need to draw out and suppress right here, otherwise there will be trouble. If that is unleashed on the Kingdom¡¯s side of the dungeon there would be no means to stop it. That¡¯s why I have to force the fight at the Fake Dungeon and Murimuri Castle, the threshold in between the Kingdom and the Frontier. And they probably will use the last resort option too. Stopping them here means it going out of control, so I have to let them make progress and strike them at the entrance, and if that fails, the Fake Dungeon and Murimuri Castle will become the last hope. That¡¯s where the back against the wall rip-off souvenir store with barkers and hospital reception comes in.

    ¡¸Hey kid, additional provision for 5,000 people, and don¡¯t forget drinking water.¡¹

    The enemy numbers keep growing. With the inclusion of stray mercs, brigands, and robbers, the gathering of middle-aged men accelerated even further. The Middle-Aged Men density ratio grows without stopping, threatening to soon go over the saturation limit. By now they probably could defeat a dungeon master through their middle-aged men smell alone. A doggie-type dungeon master would run away in tears. I mean, even I want to run away!

    They finally were able to deduce the right route, and began climbing the slippery oily slope. The oil is not only slippery but also has ¡ºDissolve¡» property so shoes should sell. Let¡¯s secretly mass produce some. If they also fall down after slipping then other equipment will get destroyed too, so sales should improve even further.

    Siigh¡­ Everything is littered with middle-aged men. Even though it¡¯s nighttime, it¡¯s a hellscape with no signs of elements that could entertain one in a highschool sort of way. Good grief, everyone was disparaging the Royal Prince as useless, but he actually brought Pretty Female Knights with him and even had them escort me. The first good middle-aged man I encountered in this world. But those nobles and the church¡¯s middle-aged men are totally useless. If they at least brought beautiful female treasure hunters and had them explore the way I would¡¯ve promptly guided them to Rafflesia-san¡¯s room. Just what made them think they can traverse this dungeon with just middle-aged men? The only person who managed to get through was Royal Girl, you know? In other words, this is what it means? The higher the middle-aged men ratio gets, the higher the difficulty becomes, and lower the safety?

 CH 284.1

    Chapter 284: Great customers with self-delay strategic capability and information leak function attached Part 1

    Day 69 ¨C Morning, Souvenir Store, Fake Dungeon.

    After the worst transportation to another world, I¡¯ve had quite a few worst days,.. But no morning was as bad as this one. I mean, there is no tragedy worse for a highschool boy than welcoming a morning with more than 30,000 middle-aged men!

    ¡¸Kid, you are an early riser. Alright, prepare breakfast for 30 people. No, make it 40.¡¹

    I¡¯m not early, I haven¡¯t slept! I mean, with 30,000 middle-aged men around it¡¯s too sordid for sleep. Moreover, I have to set up traps at Murimuri Castle while supplying the nobles¡¯ army on the other side, so I¡¯m very busy?

    Gathering around the strategy map in the morning, the nobles are getting into discussing should it go like this or like that. Well, thanks to the pointless instructions from those guys I¡¯m actually having an easy time, so they have their own use. I mean, there is no way I could keep up with making traps, if the soldiers were allowed independent decision making. After all, 30,000 people are enough to entirely fill the Fake Dungeon. If they tried to make use of their sheer numbers, and attempted to launch a swift attack all at once, then delay tactics wouldn¡¯t have worked, turning into simply a retreat battle with stone golems. If they¡¯ve done so I wouldn¡¯t get a chance to rip them off, and it also would¡¯ve quickened the Church¡¯s movements. And yet those guys keep making orders for every little thing and demanding reports on everything, Truly very useful middle-aged men with self-delay strategic capability and information leak function attached. Moreover, they are great customers (suckers) that I can rip-off as much as I want.

    ¡¸I¡¯d wish we could begin besieging the castle by the night. To think someone as noble as us would have to spend nights in such a hole.¡¹

    ¡¸Now now, just bear with it for today. Moreover, with this our families will also be counted among the heroic lineages that conquered a dungeon, so country bumpkins like Omui won¡¯t be able to act so arrogantly anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸Heroic lineage doesn¡¯t sound too bad, but to think it will lack in sensual entertainment so much.¡¹

    ¡¸You will have more than enough of that once we enter the Frontier. They might live in the sticks, but as rumors have it, the Frontier¡¯s women have both looks and charm to them.¡¹

    ¡¸Umu, I¡¯d certainly need to taste them myself. In such a case it¡¯s all the more reason to crush such a hole without delay.¡¹

    Umu? As a highschool boy I definitely agree on the lack of sensual, but taste? Is he going to bite their heads? Is he perhaps the Bitches¡¯ comrade? Looks like there was some fearsome enemy hiding in the plain sight all along! He looks kind of weak though? Or rather, even if those middle-aged men attacked the Club City they¡¯d just get beaten up and that¡¯d be the end of it? Yeah, that is an actual town of carnage, that¡¯s where the actual terror of the Frontier resides. I mean, it¡¯s a demonic realm where aunties armed with clubs are all over the place! He will lose his head before he gets a chance to bite anyone? Quite seriously.

    They finally reached the swamp with jumping stones at the halfway point. It¡¯s a straightforward course that simply requires one to jump on a series of stones to get across, but liquid in the swamp has ¡ºCorrosion¡» effect. I really didn¡¯t want to see a naked festival of middle-aged men, but it seems there is no need to worry about that, as they are steadily filling up the swamp and preparing to set up bridges. Well, that¡¯s the correct decision. I don¡¯t want to see any naked middle-aged man, and the last stone there is actually covered in oil¡­ For some reason everyone keeps falling for it, getting stuck at this point? I even changed the color of the last stone¡­ But everyone keeps jumping on it anyway? Of course you will slip down from it! Why no one tried to understand the thoughts of the creator? Couldn¡¯t it be that they actually understand that this is a setup, and reading the mood are jumping on it on purpose?

    I could hinder their progress here by making the swamp deeper, but let¡¯s have them pass this area, since I don¡¯t want to see any middle-aged men¡¯s nudity. I mean, yeah, spare me that.

    And now it¡¯s the room with trap staircases. Several staircases lined up next to each other, if one takes steps on the wrong step the stair turns into a slide, dropping the person to the very bottom. I actually had quite a hard time making this trap? It also happens to have dissolving liquid flowing out, so falling to the bottom almost guarantees ending up stark naked. I mean, it was a design suggested by Pres-san, she even added a carefully drawn picture, so even though it was troublesome, I couldn¡¯t refuse her and installed it? And yet it was a trap that didn¡¯t see any use until now since no one was able to reach it. Yeah, Pres-san looked very sad when she heard that Royal Girl and her party didn¡¯t pass through here ¡­Did she want to make her fall? Could it possibly be that she is interested in melting her clothes?

    It took the swarm of the middle-aged man about an hour of climbing and sliding to understand the mechanism. From there, it took them another hour to find all of the trap steps¡­ All while middle-aged men kept endlessly sliding, slipping, and falling, getting their clothes melted, a true picture from hell! Wait, no way, could it be that this is what pres-san wanted to see?! Suspicions of Pres-sama interest in stripping middle-aged men revealed? Yeah, she¡¯ll beat me up if she hears this.

    And 30,000 lunches are getting sold, they must¡¯ve started running out of their reserves¡­ Which makes sense, since I keep appropriating them. The menu consists of just a thin water-like vegetable soup, the recipe directly learned from the orphans, and pieces of stone-like hard bread, but at least the quantity leaves nothing to complain. The orphans were having such meals daily, but with only meager portions. They were desperately trying to survive on such food, so I¡¯ll accept no complaints about the cooking. Even that is too luxurious for those heading to kill people living at the Frontier.

    All of the Third Division¡¯s common soldiers seem to have fled by now. The Stalker Girl¡¯s clansmen must¡¯ve been secretly working on guiding their escapes. However, the children of the nobility, making up the core of the Third Division are all gathered here. They are the main culprits behind the power of the Royal Family over the army waning to the point of losing control over the Third Division. Well, while they are indeed ¡ºchildren¡» of noble families, they are still middle-aged men, so there is no issue with burning them.

    However¡­ Will they be able to get outside before the night at this rate? Because as things are now, I¡¯m about to get a very humiliating for a highschool boy record of spending a day and night in a cave alongside more than 30,000 middle-aged men. I mean, I¡¯ve been holding back the urge of burning them for 24 hours, and yet the exit is still nowhere in sight, this is testing the limits of my endurance! Aaaaah, I want to burn, I want to burn, I want to burn them to cinders, even burned to ashes a middle-aged man wouldn¡¯t become a good middle-aged man, because a good middle-aged man is the one that didn¡¯t get born to begin with?

    Armored Pres-san might already be on her way here. With this, one of them can be stopped, but it¡¯s still too early. The Pres and others will arrive tomorrow at best. Well, as expected, tonight is impossible, so it¡¯s most likely going to be tomorrow morning. If normally, they should arrive sometime after noon. And Meripapa-san should take more than two days even if he travels with elites only. And he is probably going to be the very last one to depart. As for the Geeks and Slime-san¡­ Well, they aren¡¯t going to make it in time. So even if it¡¯s on time, only three at best, the fourth and the fifth one will be left to me.

 CH 284.2

    Chapter 284: Great customers with self-delay strategic capability and information leak function attached Part 2

    The Geeks are well, fine, I didn¡¯t expect them to go on offensive, but that¡¯s alright. They finally came to another world that they were dreaming so much about, but since they ended up here with classmates they ended up shutting their feelings away again¡­ But looks like they finally became free, they finally got angry, they finally noticed, coming to this world, that they were angry. They finally were freed from everything. So it can¡¯t be helped. Sending Slime-san with them in case they try to do something crazy was the correct decision. Yeah, the first group of other world¡¯s heroes have finally awakened.

    The idiots¡­ Have not, they probably might spend the rest of eternity sleeping, so let¡¯s not bother even thinking about it. Yeah, I mean, as long as they get to fight everything is fine to them? After all, they seek nothing but battle. They were living all that time, yearning for it, without the chance for their desire to come true, but that desire was finally granted after coming here. And they aren¡¯t even thinking of anything anyway, so whatever?

    And in the end, I once again failed. It was obvious that I can¡¯t handle everything, so this is my payment for trying. Since it¡¯s a payment, I have to make it, but even if I pay in full, it¡¯s too late for this debt to be forgiven. While I¡¯m not a certain headless Royal Prince, I also don¡¯t have anything else to pay with? So I¡¯m going to stop what I can, and protect as much as I can. There doesn¡¯t seem to be anything else that I can do at this point.

    In the end, it always comes to lacking the numbers. But I knew that. It¡¯s 43 people. We came to this world with that number. But 13 are not here anymore. I allowed them to get killed, and then killed one of them myself. So no matter how conveniently I calculated, it was bound to be not enough.

    So I¡¯ll have to compensate for what is lacking with myself. Since I have nothing else to pay with. The foolish Royal Prince must¡¯ve renounced his rule by now and returned to just being a foolish brother, badmouthed by everyone. The incompetent middle-aged man that ran around the entire Kingdom carrying his head, which ended up of no use to anyone. But that¡¯s how that foolish Prince managed to save the Kingdom, so now it¡¯s my turn. Even if I can¡¯t save it like that middle-aged man, I can at least run around with my head.

    ¡¸Hey, kid. Do you have shoes for sale? Go get some if you don¡¯t. Move it!¡¹

    I made quite a lot of shoes, but since making shoes for middle-aged men I went with moccasin boots which I could make right away, but for some reason they became a great success and ended up having to mass produce a whole ton of them? Yeah, it¡¯s profitable, but it¡¯s not fun at all? And there will be no adjustments or fittings. I¡¯m absolutely not touching any middle-aged men¡¯s feet!

    I¡¯m so sick of middle-aged men by now that I might as well collapse the entire dungeon and just bury them here, the fastest and the most exhilarating option, but with the Church still working on preparations I have to continue drawing them in. The entire thing stinks of trouble and middle-aged men.

    Having finally reached the swamp area, they seem to be planning to pass it by filling it up as well.

    Even though a highschool boy put his heart into painstakingly making this deep swamp, putting a layer of dirt with ¡ºCorrosion¡» effect on top, in the hopes that dirt-covered ladies will be challenging stones golems in a very immodest state, naturally with expectation of wardrobe malfunction incidents too¡­ Middle-aged men are going to fill it up. Well, it¡¯s not like anyone wants to see half-naked dirt-covered middle-aged men, so it¡¯s fine, but it gives me ennui with this incredibly dreary feeling? Crap, it¡¯s probably a negative reaction caused by high concentration of middle-aged manium in the air.

    The sun must be already setting outside. With this pace, the middle-aged men rip-off tour through the Fake Dungeon hosted by the Souvenir Store is going to continue until tomorrow morning. I can¡¯t take this anymore, I don¡¯t want to even see any middle-aged men! I really, really, really hate this, I want to go home, or rather I want to take Armored Pres-san home and enjoy a bubbly bath in a jacuzzi with her! At this rate I might reach enlightenment from too much abstinence and ascending into the god¡¯s realm will go around plucking his beard! Although Armored Pres is a much more needed Goddess than that geezer. Like, even if a religious war were to break out, the Beautiful Goddess in Armored Pres-san is bound to win. I mean, with the divine grace, destructive power, and impact of her incredibly sexy appearance she¡¯d have an overwhelming victory.

    ¡¸©`Angelica-sama has arrived, she is currently hiding outside.¡¹

    While I was muttering to myself, the middle-aged man from the Stalker Girl¡¯s clan came with a message. Looks like the goddess had descended. That¡¯s one.

    ¡¸I need to urgently restock, or rather check the inventory, or rather there are some dangerous highschool boy-like goods that have to be released before it¡¯s too late, so I need to leave right away to make a great ejection? Can you look after the store for liiiiike an hour? There is a chance, or rather, a desire, that it will end up being two hours¡­ I¡¯m sure nothing is going to happen here until the night anyway, but can you give me a message if something important does happen?¡¹

    ¡¸Leave it to me.¡¹

    It goes without saying that I dashed all the way to the abandoned town, rushing out of the Fake Dungeon at the greatest speed, and the minute I discovered Armored Pres-san, dragged her into the remains of the nearest inn, and immediately removing her armor got to detoxing. No, I seriously was at the limit of my middle-aged men tolerance, I was on the verge of burning them right there? A few of the old men that stated their opinions about my eyes are already under disciplinary arrest for self-reflection at the depths of earth, but I was holding myself back from turning into ashes the rest of them, limiting myself to occasionally burying some of them? Yeah, I did my best, so it can¡¯t be helped.

    I mean, the highschool boy inside me has regained his original form, and casting away the restraints put upon him through sermon have transformed into something close to a highschool boy to surpass all boys, roaring in the more solid form than ever, endlessly resetting the energy, so it can¡¯t be helped? In other words¡­ Oops, I did it again. (Tehepero)?

    The problem is that when the real fight is about to begin, our greatest combat asset Armored Pres-san has been defeated? What do we do?

    I¡¯m definitely getting scolded for this, so let¡¯s prepare and make that hemp hat that I promised her earlier. Well, I¡¯m definitely not getting out of sermon, but if she is happy then it¡¯s all fine. I don¡¯t have much to give her anyway, so if she is happy with a hat, then that¡¯s fine too.

    After gently brushing her on the head, making sure not to wake her up, I start making the hat by hand. I did bring her out of the dark depths of that dungeon, of which I have no regrets whatsoever, but did Angelica-san become happy? Did I properly¡­ Okay, that word aside, but did I do enough for her? There are the girls, with whom she seems to be getting along, the kids also seem to like her, Slime-san is about to come back too, then the Geeks and the Idiots¡­ Well, who cares? But did she become happy? Can she find happiness? I wish she can be happy~.

 CH 285

    Chapter 285: I think in terms of girls¡¯ shame they should care more about beef bowls, but I¡¯m too scared to actually say that.

    Day 69 ¨C Late at night, Abandoned Neighboring Town.

    We finally arrived. We pillaged a few supply units that we encountered on the way here, so we got slightly delayed, but Haruka-kun said that cutting supply lines is the first step to hey-hey-ho? Just which Yosaku-san told him that?

    ¡¸Angelica-san, sorry for being late. Is Haruka-kun alright¡­ Or rather, did he create some sort of a mess already? Since you are here it means that the combat is yet to begin, right?¡¹

    Angelica-san is in full combat gear, but in her hands she is holding a hemp hat, pressing it against her chest like it¡¯s something precious. Is she going to wear it over the helmet?

    ¡¸This¡­¡¹

    Then, she handed us a letter from Haruka-kun¡­ Or rather, written orders? Well, it¡¯s encrypted, as usual. How did I even arrive at the point of being able to decipher this?

    According to the girl from the Stalker Girl¡¯s clan that was with us, Haruka-kun, who was presumed to be fighting against 30,000 enemies all alone, is not only not fighting, but is also welcoming 30,000 enemies as customers and is currently ripping them off fully utilizing his monopoly. And the main branch of the souvenir store located in the Fake Dungeon is having a great success with the nobles¡¯s army and is now very profitable, very busy, and very bustling. And the poor nobles¡¯ army that¡¯s continuously getting ripped off by Haruka-kun, is now apparently breaking through the Fake Dungeon with his cooperation? Yeah, it makes no sense, but I¡¯m sure the same could be said about his letter as well. After all, there wasn¡¯t a single time when he made sense!

    ¡ºDear what was your name again? Well, ladies and gentlemen?

    It¡¯s awfully auspicious, or maybe not? Day? Like, I genuinely have no idea what¡¯s up with the calendar of this world? No, I mean, I apologize for calling you in such a busy period, or rather, you are here before I could even call for you, so I¡¯m actually not to blame, Well~come?

    Now, changing the topic, or rather, it¡¯s not like there was any, but here is where it starts, or actually, to be quite frank with you, this is in fact a letter? Kind of?

    And so, there is a map with the letter, right? There is? Right? If not, then I forgot to include it? That¡¯s, like, seriously bad?

    Well, the crosses on that map are dungeons outside the Frontier. 1 to 3 are probably for certain, 4 to 5 are probably for sure? The sixth and on are probably fine for now? Sort of? Looks like? Or rather, look at it?

    I¡¯m going to ask Armored Pres-san to handle the first one, the biggest, the deepest, and the most dangerous one, that looks like the main target, or rather, I already asked, so it¡¯s fine. As for the second and the third one, no idea which one will happen first, but could you crush at the entrance the one that comes out first? But if it gets dangerous, run away?

    Yeah, it looks like the Church¡¯s divine punishment is actually a stampede caused through artificial dungeon overflow? And they seem capable of guiding it so they should send them towards the Frontier.

    But crushing them beforehand could lead to overflow without guidance, the Kingdom will be in huge trouble then, or rather, if monsters just scatter everyone there¡¯ll be no way to suppress them all, so we are waiting for an overflow? I guess?

    So if Meripapa-san can make it to the third one while you are handling the first two with Armored Pres and Flat Gaze Pres, then it¡¯s all fine, if not, retreat to the Frontier?

    In the meantime I¡¯ll be guiding the middle-aged men to Murimuri Castle, or rather, ripping them off for huge profits, while drawing them in, but it¡¯s middle-aged men all around, the hell itself! And so I can¡¯t move from here until the Church acts, if I move, it¡¯s the growth and reconstruction, and the main one might be unleashed, causing an overflow here too? Probably? Well, I actually haven¡¯t heard anything, so no idea though?

    Well, probably, but judging from the distance and timing, neither Slime-san or Geeks and Idiots will make it in time, so if the fourth or the fifth one overflow there is no choice but to withdraw, so make sure not to take unnecessary risks?

    I¡¯ll make sure the way for retreat is open, it¡¯s seriously risky and dangerous, but can I please ask you to do this?

    So talk it over with everyone and decide with the girls-only meeting? If all 20 of you won¡¯t agree, then immediately withdraw. But if you keep endlessly girls-only meeting then overflow might occur while you are at it? If you can¡¯t make it quick then there is no point to it?

    Well, if you can, then please. If you can¡¯t then please take care of the Frontier. Either is fine, but even if you hurry back here, all manju are already sold out?

    Yeah, middle-aged noblemen ate everything, so if by some chance they run your way, feel free to give them a scolding (beating)? I mean, I did nothing wrong, it¡¯s all because of the middle-aged men who kept buying that I am so rich and magnate, how are you doing, today?

    Yours Since Killin? ¡»

    Too long! Also, it¡¯s ¡ºYours Sincerely¡», just how bloodthirsty is this letter supposed to be?!¡¡Or rather, is this even a letter?

    The only thing I understood is that Haruka-kun, who we thought was facing 30,000 enemies by himself, is actually cooperating with the nobles¡¯ army, greatly contributing to beating the Fake Dungeon. Well, I did think that overcoming the Fake Dungeon without Haruka-kun¡¯s help is impossible, but does this make it a reason to assist them? Even the part about drawing them in while ripping off, generally, one would be considered a traitor who sold out for money, but since he is going to betray those who paid him too, or rather, since he is fully intending to set them up, it¡¯s unclear on whose side is he. It¡¯s more like he¡¯s everyone¡¯s enemy?

    ¡¸This explains why Haruka-kun was so wary. No country can withstand artificial overflow of a dungeon.¡¹

    ¡¸And five of them on top of that. Everyone is finally living happily¡­ Why do they have to do such a cruel thing?!¡¹

    So this is a divine punishment. Is this something a god would do? Sending a horde of monsters to attack people living in peace is the teaching of their god? Then we absolutely can¡¯t forgive them. Such a thing absolutely can¡¯t be allowed!

    ¡¸I¡¯m gonna do it. I¡¯ll definitely stop it, I¡¯m not letting a single one outside!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do it too. After all, this is the first time Haruka-kun asked for anything¡­ The first time in eleven years.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m definitely coming and I¡¯m totally stopping them. Even if the Frontier is protected¡­ the children are still in the capital, we promised that we will come to pick them up!¡¹

    If we manage to suppress all five the entire Kingdom will be saved. But three is the limit, and if we stick to defending the Frontier the rest of the Kingdom will suffer great damage. The Capital will be fine, the children should be fine¡­ But a great number of people living in towns and villages will die, creating new orphans.

    And in case the nobles¡¯ army proves incapable of breaking through the Fake Dungeon they must¡¯ve been planning to destroy it in one go with dungeon overflow. That¡¯s why he is going out of his way to lure them in and buy time. And also rip them off their money while he is at it. But there isn¡¯t enough time, or the card he can play.

    ¡¸But five¡­ It would be tough even with Oda-kun and others, but if they can¡¯t even come back in time¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Why are they going so deep on offense! I¡¯m too now going to call them geeks and idiots when they come back!¡¹

    ¡¸Buut~, it is because they went on offensive and sunk numerous ships that we got to leave earlier and made it in time~?¡¹

    ¡¸Something must¡¯ve happened in the Beastmen country. There is no way Oda-kun and others would¡¯ve gone on offensive otherwise. ¡¹

    Judging from this incomprehensive letter, Haruka-kun must be buying time by drawing them deeper while engaging in delayment tactics. All alone, in the very midst of the enemy forces he is¡­ Operating a souvenir store. Yeah, he seems to be making money?

    And despite everything, he chose to send Oda-kun and others on an errand. There must be some meaning to it.

    After all, Oda-kun and others are fighting out of their own volition now. Oda-kun and others, considered the strongest by Haruka-kun, have begun fighting. They are strong, but they weren¡¯t going all out. They always left strength in reserve, fighting efficiently and skillfully, without overextending themselves. But they have a very defensive, passive fighting style, unfit for a title of the strongest. But despite that, they are strong enough to not crumble even once. There was something to it besides an effective fighting style of staying on defensive and then counter attacking the weak point¡­ But they fought simply by deftly matching to others. It was unthinkable that they would go on offensive on their own. I¡¯m sure there was a point to this, that¡¯s why he sent them out. So it can¡¯t be helped.

    ¡¸The nobles are being guided and ripped off, he says. Well, it¡¯s not combat so it¡¯s probably fine?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no way it¡¯s fine~, After all, Haruka-kun definitely must be where it¡¯s the most dangerous.¡¹

    .

    ¡¸I¡¯m sure this¡ºMain one¡»is more dangerous than a stampede from dungeon overflow.¡¹

    Even 30,000 of the nobles¡¯ army is just a decoy. The main force is the Church¡¯s army in the rear, and apparently, it¡¯s them who have that ¡ºMain one¡». Moreover, it¡¯s a trump card that they normally wouldn¡¯t use, but will unleash if the overflow plan fails. It might even be an uncontrollable weapon of mass destruction. Since he didn¡¯t mention anything about such a dangerous thing, he probably doesn¡¯t have a clear idea about it either, and since he doesn¡¯t have even a good guess, he can¡¯t give us any warning. And in order to ensure that we can withdraw to the frontier he is planning to destroy it by himself.

    ¡¸We finally came all the way here, but to guard the second and the third one we¡¯ll need to leave again?¡¹

    ¡¸Since he sent out a letter, it must mean that Haruka-kun won¡¯t be able to leave anymore. The battle has either already began, or is about to begin¡­¡¹

    If the 30,000 strong army falls, the Church¡¯s army will step up. The Church¡¯s force that has prepared means to overcome both the Fake Dungeon and Murimuri Castle, and to beat the Frontier¡¯s Army. And if the Church¡¯s army is beaten, a stampede will occur, then ¡ºMain one¡»will be unleashed. This is the army of the Church that preaches the teachings of God. The army of the Church that pretends to preach the teachings of God.

    I thought that it was unusual for Haruka-kun to hold such a serious grudge against them, and suspected that he was simply angry because of Angelica-san, but turns out they were actually the worst enemies of humanity, lower than a vermin, a walking disgrace, living trash, the worst, the lowest, the scummiest, the most idiotic despicable garbage! It¡¯s only natural he would be angry at them. Anyone who knows that and is yet capable of adhering to that faith without lashing out in rage has to be a god-crazed lunatic.

    ¡¸We¡¯ll be having a Girls-only meeting. If we don¡¯t get 20 people we are retreating! Who is for going to dungeons, raise hands.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸I¡¯m going!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Yup, I knew it before I even asked. Handling dungeon overflow without Haruka-kun, Oda-kun¡¯s group, or Kakizaki-kun¡¯s group, with just 20 girls is too dangerous. And yet everyone raised their hands. I knew it¡­ It¡¯s unanimous.

    ¡¸It¡¯s really dangerous, so be sure to obey a retreat order! It¡¯s a promise.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yees.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Even though we came all the way to the Fake Dungeon, inside which Haruka-kun is fighting¡­ Not. Just ripping them off, actually. Well, in a broad definition, if interpreted in the most favorable and charitable way, he paradoxically could be considered fighting? And yet we have to go to the battlefield given for us.

    However, this is what we wanted. We are fine with being Haruka-kun¡¯s cards.

    I¡¯m sure he still doesn¡¯t have enough cards to play. But we will do everything we can.

    Because Haruka-kun asked us. Haruka-kun, who absolutely didn¡¯t want to expose us to danger, finally relied on us. He finally included us into his deck. So that alone is enough. That¡¯s why are definitely going to carry this through. For the first time after coming to this world we are needed by Haruka-kun, failing here will be a shame on us as girls!

 CH 286

    Chapter 286: Going squish-squish with schoolgirls is one thing, but no one wants to boom-boom with middle-aged men!

    Day 70 ¨C Morning, Fake Dungeon.

    Filling in each and every pitfall around, the army keeps pushing forward through its sheer numbers. Looks like it¡¯s the limit of how much I can delay them here.

    The Church¡¯s unit seems to be acting less busy now, and the preparations for the dungeon overflow also seem to be progressing. Plus, I¡¯m starting to feel sorry for the Stone Golems, who have to pretend that they can¡¯t move?

    Finally, it¡¯s the hall of doors. The trapped doors lined up through the entire room are being one after another opened by a crowd greatly surpassing in numbers the quantity of the traps. Even if traps reduce their numbers by a couple of hundreds it wouldn¡¯t affect them all. Thus the door room is overwhelmed by a human-wave tactic. Well, since it¡¯s nothing but middle-aged men, I had Rafflesia-san and others, who were supposed to have their turn when someone falls for a birdlime trap and has their equipment melted away with corrosion, hide.

    I mean, middle-aged men bound by birdline and unable to move, have their equipment and clothes melted away by corrosion, and when they are already half-naked, tentacle monsters appear! There is no way I ever want to see that! I wasn¡¯t working so hard on improving this Fake Dungeon just to see such an ugly scene. I built it believing in the DESTINY of someday encountering a beautiful female adventurer here. Dreaming of merely that, and some small tentacle scenario, I prepared all of this. And then they come and stuff it full of damn middle-aged men, and then more middle-aged men, and middle-aged men again, having no idea just how difficult it was to get this far!

    They trampled upon the pure dreams a highschool boy held for a dungeon!

    ¡¸Finally, the exit, huh. Send out the ruffians first.¡¹

    Using troops as disposable resources they search for troops, and those who get caught are buried along with the trap. A large-scale human wave tactic that will work as long as the stone golems are inactive. By now it¡¯s hard to tell just how much funds they sunk just in dungeon passes alone. I¡¯ve already made them waste a sum comparable to what I ripped off from the Confederation.

    Then, more than a hundred returned to the entrance after getting caught on the last slide, but this is the last trap. That is the Fake Dungeon¡¯s exit there.

    I didn¡¯t expect this. To think there will be more than 30,000 people who break through. I don¡¯t have that many commemorative brushes ready? Or rather, the rear is coming too, so it¡¯s 40,000 visitors anniversary? Well, it¡¯s not a legitimate clear, so souvenirs aren¡¯t really needed. Going all the way to the town to buy scrubbing brushes sounds like a pain too. They are just middle-aged men anyway?

    The Church¡¯s unit is also following. If they were going to cause a stampede then those guys would¡¯ve run away. Which means they are yet to use that option, they must be be saving it.

    ¡¸Finally outside, huh. And that is the castle? Taking that would be a challenge, but they shouldn¡¯t have that many soldiers right now, if we push with numbers it should fall.¡¹

    ¡¸If we begin preparation right now, we should be able to begin the castle siege by evening. They will be just as blind during the night.¡¹

    ¡¸Kid. Prepare a table and chairs. The officer will give the money. And prepare tea and manju too.¡¹

    Looks like they are going to tell me their plan again. Well, it¡¯s not too late to start fighting after they tell me everything they have to say. Now it¡¯s going to become purely a war of attrition with each side destroying the schemes each other has prepared. Once it starts it will go non-stop until one side is crushed. Aaah, it¡¯s going to take a while. Well, I do want more time. The Frontier¡¯s army can¡¯t make it in time. Even so, we are two parties short, but the last ones can be just faced here. It¡¯s impossible to limit the damage further. This is the best I could do.

    ¡¸We finished distribution of the Third Division¡¯s armaments. A bit under 30,00 of the nobles¡¯ troops and mercenaries can be deployed as heavy pikemen.¡¹

    ¡¸The mages division is also deployed. However, prolonged combat is impossible as they used too much mana in the dungeon.¡¹

    ¡¸Siege magic devices will soon be fully deployed. We are currently preparing the necessary magic stones with the Theocracy¡¯s assistance.¡¹

    Looks like the plan is to throw heavy infantry armed with pikes at the walls, while the actual work will be done by the mages and magic tools, attacking from range? However, the Church also started gathering soldiers. It doesn¡¯t seem like they are going to join the frontlines, and they also don¡¯t appear like casters, are they going to use magic tools? I¡¯m surprised that they decided to crawl out before the nobles¡¯ army is completely ground to dust, but their wait-and-see stance doesn¡¯t seem to have changed.

    They still have something up their sleeve. It¡¯s certainly nothing good though.

    Aside from the knights in luxurious enchanted armor, there also was confirmed a unit that appeared like ordinary soldiers. They are planning something. They must be planning to cause something once the nobles¡¯ army enters melee. They are acting strange for someone who is about to fight from now on, as if the entire thing is none of their concern.

    Does it mean that only this unit of ordinary soldiers is going to act? Their are low level and poorly equipped, a bunch of riffraff that only has numbers with barely any signs of team coordination, that hardly can be called a military unit. They don¡¯t seem fit for a siege, but what are they actually trying to do?

    And then there is a small force positioned far back behind the last rear unit. That must be the main one.

    In that case, dungeon overflow must be their trump card, but if so, what is the trick those small fries are supposed to play? The main one must be their last resort measure to destroy everything in case nothing works, so they will save it until the end. I¡¯ll be happy if they can carry that thing back home without using it, but allowing them to take it back means that it will eventually be used somewhere else. I¡¯d like to destroy it if possible, but it¡¯s way too dangerous to haphazardly meddle with.

    Most of the countries that were destroyed by¡ºDivine Punishment¡»so far, perished to artificial dungeon overflow. I don¡¯t know how they are causing it, but it¡¯s a stampede with restricted direction.

    However, there were a small number of countries, in which powerful military or a hero managed to suppress the stampede, yet destroyed nonetheless. If that is the work of the¡ºMain one¡»then it has to be strong. It should have enough power to beat a military powerful enough to stop a stampede, or a legend-class swordsman or adventurer. Which means that even Armored Pres-san might be in danger. That¡¯s why I asked her to take care of the most distant and dangerous dungeon. She can¡¯t be allowed to be here.

    Muttering to myself, I walk through the plain before the castle gates, then stopping right in front of Murimuri Castle that splits the plane, I turn around. From now on, the valuable customers are going to become enemies.

    I¡¯m not allowing even a single one of them into the Frontier. I won¡¯t allow them to kill even a single person. That¡¯s why we are going to kill each other here. AaAh, other world is nothing good, after all. The previous world wasn¡¯t anything decent either, with wars raging here or there all year round, but I¡¯ve never heard of anything as terrible as facing 40,000 middle-aged men alone. If it were 40,000 pretty ladies it would¡¯ve been a different story, or rather, I¡¯d like to take part in that! But it¡¯s middle-aged men.

    Charging my voice with mana I send it to the middle-aged men on the other side of the plain. Even if it¡¯s only a voice and thankfully not feelings, the fact that the recipients of that are middle-aged men ruins the moment incredibly badly!

    ¡¸Well then, the souvenir store is going to be temporarily closed for the moment, so from now on I¡¯m just¡­ Jobless? Wait, a jobless is defending the castle fighting at the gates? Well, there is no salary for this, so it¡¯s indeed not a job! But it still definitely doesn¡¯t count as being shut indoors? Why is a shut-in busy running all over the Kingdom, flying here and there? Being that busy it¡¯s only natural that I won¡¯t have time to find a job and will end up a NEET? Well, the loner being alone is fine though. Anyway, it¡¯s the End of Service Announcement, if you still insist on approaching it will be war, alright? No complaining later? Well, there is no later for you, so you wouldn¡¯t be able to complain even if you wanted to? You came to kill and murder, so the only way you can pass through here is by spilling blood? Well, that¡¯s how war is?¡¹

    There is commotion and shouts. They are screaming, desperately clutching dungeon passes in their hands. They must want to stop stone golems appearing on top of the walls one after another. Even though I properly explained to them that it only works on the golems inside the dungeon? That¡¯s because you don¡¯t listen to people that you end up in such a situation? Well, although I only had them pretend that they can¡¯t move, they didn¡¯t do anything, so the contract was fulfilled. Yup, I¡¯m not giving back the money!

    Seeing the stone golems the nobles¡¯ army rushes to get into battle formation. An army that is close to 40,000 in numbers by now is running around on the narrow plain, so of course it will be chaos.

    ¡¸That shitty brat, tricking us like that, we are taking the castle at once! Charge!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸UUuuooooo!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A howl of 40,000 middle aged men, incredibly annoying.

    A charge of heavy pikemen, but since it¡¯s just nobles¡¯ troops wearing the Third Division¡¯s equipment they aren¡¯t very good at it. A certain portion is lagging behind, while others scattered in disarray, losing coherency of collective assault, but even so, it¡¯s a ground-shaking charge attack from a large army. That ¡ºCharge¡»is the strength of the Third Division¡¯s equipment. The skill on the heavy infantry equipment that allows them to steamroll over enemies with that charging attack. With 30,000 troops charging all at once, even stone golems will end up slaughtered, if it was inside narrow dungeon it would¡¯ve been one thing, but if that¡¯s an open plain it¡¯s unstoppable. Yes, if it¡¯s an open plain?

    Thinking back on it, after being suddenly thrown into this world I had to live in a forest, eating nothing but mushrooms day after day~ (Distant look), and now I¡¯m attacked by 30,000 middle aged men at such a place. Or rather, the previous world didn¡¯t like going according to one¡¯s wishes, but this one is something else?

    To think that I, who have lived in a mushroom forest all this time, would create a bamboo shoot village, it¡¯s really something else?

    I mix ¡ºWood Magic¡»to the mana¡ºHolding¡»the ground on the plain. I¡¯ve already planted seeds while I was waiting, so now a simple job of making them sprout.

    ¡¸Sprout, or rather, grow, or rather, I actually wanted to eat bamboo shoots, but they somehow became a strategic weapon, causing huge damages as bamboo spears or bamboo thicket before I got to eat them? Well, grow big? I wonder if any bamboo shoots will remain~, say I, trying to raise a flag?¡¹

    As expected, it makes sense that bamboo thicket can become that big of an issue. Since it¡¯s grown with magic it¡¯s growing quickly. In just a moment it¡¯s a bamboo thicket. Such delicious looking bamboo shoots became fully-grown bamboo.

    The charging middle-aged men plunge into the bamboo grove, hitting bamboo, crashing into bamboo, being knocked back by bamboo, they are rolling around. It¡¯s impossible to see through the bamboo grove from the rear, and their allies are closely packed, they are unable to attack, just standing there dumbfounded.

    And it also means that I have 30,000 middle-aged men halted. so control is simple. 30,000 ¡ºEvil Hands¡»piece through gaps in their armor, and with screams of death agony engulfing the surroundings, disappear.

    30,000 of heavy infantry perished, leaving only silence.

    I also wanted to get the mage squad in the rear, but they moved.

    The only unit that entered the grove was that squad of weak soldiers. Their levels are low, and equipment is also nothing special. Novice soldiers are charging in? Since it gives me nothing but a bad premonition I attack them from a long distance with Ice Needle, and the soldiers pierced by the row of icy spears immediately explode.

    Suicide troops.

    Suicide bombers, they¡¯ve gathered lunatics, strapped them with explosives and have them explode. They can self-destruct, so I¡¯m in trouble if I get surrounded. Since they also explode when they die, I can¡¯t kill them if they get too close.

    And behind them the Church¡¯s knights and the mage unit from the nobles¡¯ army are begun to move. They had me here. No choice but to pull back. Like, the heck am I supposed to do holding the castle on my own, but those self-destructing troops are too dangerous. That¡¯s like the schoolgirls squishy body pile but exploding middle-aged men version. That¡¯s absolutely NOPE! No, just no, the saddest part about this is a highschool boy getting blown up under a pile of middle-aged men, I¡¯ve never heard of such a miserable cause of death, and I hate even hearing about it, but becoming the victim of that I hate even more. This has to be the worst way to die that can make any highschool boy wail in lament when he hears about it!

    Trying to at least somewhat reduce their numbers I set up in the grove wire traps with¡ºEvil Hands¡», and retreat to Murimuri Castle.Then also add tons of traps with¡ºEverlasting Trap ¨C Continuously Creates Traps in Designated Area¡»that I picked back at the Royal Palace to annoy them. No choice but to retreat inside the castle walls. Large-scale magic attacks and self-exploding enemies is too nasty of a combination.

    A siege with no relief sounds like a death flag, but I¡¯m also alone on top of that? What am I to do? Shut in? Wait, this actually might be my specialty?

 CH 287.1

    Chapter 287: Middle-aged men¡¯s Full 100% middle-aged men edition from middle-aged men of Useless Middle-aged men? Part 1

    Day 70 ¨C Daytime, Murimuri Castle interior

    Shouts of agony continue coming from the bamboo grove, or rather the thicket. Since it was frustrating to simply run away, I mass produced wire traps and pitfalls before retreating, so outside is still noisy with constant banging of explosions, but losing 100 or 200 wouldn¡¯t even begin making a dent on their numbers. That aside, why do middle-aged men of this world keep flocking to me? And just as I thought, middle-aged men ratio of this world goes against principle of causality itself! At this point it seems like it¡¯s better to start investigating it from the cause and effect relation itself?

    They already entered the castle, so it became more of a indoor guerilla warfare than siege defense, but it actually feels more like Bomberman. The issue is that I¡¯m on the side that is getting exploded, so it¡¯s not fun at all. The mere concept of enemies doing nothing but setting up exploding already makes it one shitty game, but with all enemy characters also being middle-aged men it makes me want to smash the screen before even trying? Moreover, with photo-realistic middle-aged men¡­ Couldn¡¯t they at least be a bit deformed for comedic effect?!

    There are still more than 10,000 middle aged men, and the Church¡¯s forces that were hiding in the Fake Dungeon are also beginning to gather up. But the existence of suicide troops, which I didn¡¯t expect to see, prevents from thoughtlessly getting into close combat. But, like, close combat is all I can actually do? If I start carelessly shooting magic there I¡¯ll immediately reveal my position, get surrounded, and then BANG.

    I¡¯m successfully crushing middle-aged men by stirring them up with guerilla attacks to bait them into traps, but with the excessively excessive number of middle-aged men is excessive. No matter how many are exploded or caught into traps they keep coming. It¡¯ll be all over if I get surrounded, so I¡¯m creating confusion while culling their numbers, assaulting groups that were isolated, only to then immediately retreat.

    It¡¯s our loss if they get past Murimuri Castle. So I have to lure them to me, but I absolutely don¡¯t want to lure any middle-aged men! And those middle-aged men also have short fuse, exploding right upon seeing me. But if they manage to get through the castle and cause a stampede in the Frontier¡¯s territory, it will be the Frontier¡¯s defeat, as the army is currently all outside the region. I went around creating walls around every town and village, but I couldn¡¯t get to every single one, and having farmland devastated will also destroy agriculture. Moreover, knowing their history, it¡¯s clear that the Church¡¯s army must be a bunch of scum who like taking hostages. I can¡¯t allow them outside the castle.

    Two signal flares were shot in the morning. The Pres and others arrived. They must already be monitoring the dungeons. With this, two are covered.

    I also would like to try something, but those Church¡¯s knights are strong. Their numbers are only in the few thousands, but even among those, there is a group in conspicuously extravagant armor that is far stronger than the rest. But I finally lured all of them to the castle. Now they should be unable to use a stampede. If they do, they also will be dragged into it, but if they try to turn back they will be cut off by the Fake Dungeon. That¡¯s why they can¡¯t use it until they kill me. That¡¯s why they might use their last resort measure, which by itself is sort of the worst case scenario? That¡¯s why for now, I¡¯d like to cull their numbers as much as I can, but the third signal flare is yet to go up¡­ And the fourth one is not going to be shot.

    A drawn-out fight is exactly the most unfavorable scenario for me, but as the things are, I have no other options but to wait. Even if it¡¯s hopeless, I¡¯m still going to bait them out until the very end, I want to crush as many as I can.

    ¡¸Filling both the Fake Dungeon and Murimuri Castle that I so painstakingly made with nothing but middle-aged men, as expected of the Church, their tactics are nasty? This has to be underhanded strategy aimed at destroying highschool boys¡¯ motivation for combat. Why after I went through such lengths to even distribute flies and put up billboards, telling left and right that I¡¯d prefer a honey trap, rising flags as best as I could, they come with 40,000 middle-aged men instead!? Moreover, they even have fanatics, actual old men fetishists! If they want to explode so much, why don¡¯t they hug their beloved old fart and explode with him? Since it¡¯s their fetish anyway?¡¹

    Good grief, they can explode on the old fart or normies as much as they want, but do they have to come with explosive hugs to a humble and diligent highschool boy who lives a modest and honest life? If instead of exploding middle-aged men¡¯s hugs it were embraces from explosively passionate ladies with dynamite bodies I feel like I would¡¯ve been easily caught? Even if it¡¯s a trap, I¡¯d still go for it? Rather, I might¡¯ve jumped into it on my own? Or rather, I totally will!!

    However,¡ºEverlasting Trap ¨C Continuously Creates Traps in Designated Area¡»that I accidentally picked up at the Royal Palace, is doing unexpectedly great. Filling the entire castle with traps it obliterates enemies. The Church¡¯s knights are too much though, but if I can at least take care of middle-aged bombers, close combat should also become an option, with ambushes, swift assaults and so on. Those are the most unexpected customers, the appearance of which I didn¡¯t foresee at all. I have nothing to feed them, or rather, even if I did I¡¯d rather I eat it myself, we have no food to give to middle-aged men!

    I¡¯d like to save mana, but I can¡¯t get near them. I want to bait them, but getting surrounded means death. But even so, it would be a problem if they went to the Frontier, what do we do?

    That¡¯s right, let¡¯s go back to the basics.

    I couldn¡¯t raise my level, remaining quite weak, but I have a lot more small tricks, and great equipment now. However, that is the reason why I lost sight of something else.

    That¡¯s right, at first I was fighting with nothing. I fought while being unable to do pretty much anything. So let¡¯s go back to the roots.

    ¡¸HYAHAAAAAA!¡¹

    Sneak up from behind and whack them on the head. Hit them and run, while avoiding middle-aged bombers. What a nostalgic feeling.

    ¡¸MIDDLE-AGED MEN ANNIHILATION!¡¹

    I mean, if they were regular filth, then sterilization would¡¯ve worked, but since even after disinfection a middle-aged man remains a middle-aged man, the only solution is a total physical annihilation?

    Actually, adjusting the strength to knock them out without killing is quite difficult, but if they die, they will explode, and if they are still conscious, they will explode too. Either way, middle-aged men are still annoying no matter what you do. Even so, to think I¡¯d get to play a real life version of bomberman in this world, but isn¡¯t it weird that I¡¯m on the to be exploded side?

    ¡¸If I knew it¡¯d come to this I would¡¯ve either learned archery or at least made a bow gun. Well, running from place to place makes it more advantageous for me. And bludgeoning middle-aged men is surprisingly refreshing, which means the stress from the hell of highly-concentrated middle-aged men in the Fake Dungeon have accumulated to the point of ruining this world for me. Moreover, I also tried to scatter some poison mushrooms around, but unexpectedly, middle-aged men aren¡¯t eating from the floor? Yeah, I only got three of them with this so far? If only I could figure out middle-aged men¡¯s weakness I¡¯d be able to exterminate them in one go¡­ From this world.¡¹

    The Church¡¯s knights are staying as one group, so I can¡¯t target them. They seem to be maintaining what appears like a defensive formation around that small unit that remained in the very rear all this time. In that case, I¡¯d like to destroy the mage unit and middle-aged bombers in the meantime, but the remnants of the nobles¡¯ army¡¯s mercs and bandits keep getting in the way. And since it keeps stressing me out, I keep venting it out by clubbing middle-aged men? In other words, it seems to be an infinite stress release and generation cycle that will keep going until I exterminate middle-aged men from this world.

 CH 287.2

    Chapter 287: Middle-aged men¡¯s Full 100% middle-aged men edition from middle-aged men of Useless Middle-aged men? Part 2

    The entire castle is covered in traps due¡ºEverlasting Trap¡»¡¯s ability, making me the only one capable of freely moving through it, thanks to¡ºTrap Ring ¨C Automatically Disarms Traps¡». That¡¯s why I turned it into guerilla warfare, but even so, middle-aged bombers remain a nuisance preventing me from getting close to the target. Getting surrounded in the castle will be the end. Being indoors comes with a perk of having many obstacles to cover from explosions, but because it is indoors, explosions become directional, travelling far and with quite a destructive power.

    If I use Magic Wrap to the full extent it¡¯s not an issue at all, but self-inflicted damage will make prolonged combat impossible. And if I don¡¯t use it, they¡¯ll immediately catch up to me because of the difference in stats. I keep fighting while carefully controlling and then making instant escape, but at this rate I will be the one to collapse first.

    It¡¯s not even evening yet, but if I keep doing nothing but stalling for time I will get cornered eventually. Even so, I can¡¯t start yet, the setup is not yet complete. The Kingdom¡¯s First Division is said to be defending the border, so they can¡¯t move, the Second Division is protecting the Capital. The Third Division has fully collapsed with troops deserted and the chain of command dissolved. And the Royal Guard is most likely following Royal Girl and Meripapa-san and is heading towards the Frontier. If a stampede were to happen inside the Kingdom in such conditions, it would be overrun without a chance to provide any resistance. That¡¯s why I want to bait it to the Frontier and defeat it here, but suddenly being forced inside the castle, I¡¯m now too busy getting chased around for any of that.

    It wouldn¡¯t been that bad if it were cute girls we are talking about, but I¡¯m not happy about getting chased around by middle-aged men. Having said that, I also don¡¯t want to get caught, hugged, or exploded by middle-aged men! Killing them will make an explosion, so I¡¯m running around while warding them off with Cane Arts, avoiding them blowing up in my face.

    However, those guys should¡¯ve come from the Theocracy. If so, it might be a problem. The Frontier is basically the sticks. With few contacts with the outside it had no information exchange going. That¡¯s why so far I received no complaints from Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± school of this world, but if the Theocracy has Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨± branch, they might get angry at me?! I mean, I kept calling it Shint¨­ Mus¨­-ry¨±, but I haven¡¯t even seen it, much less, taught in it? And while feeling it might be a limit of what can be claimed to be cane arts, I shoot a group of mercenaries with cane arts and jump down to a terrace. If I knew it would be like this I wouldn¡¯t have given away all of the magic stone hand grenades.

    It¡¯s just like back then, when I was living in the Evil Forest, running around from monsters, hiding, and ambushing them, the equipment remains the same, and I¡¯m still running around, clubbing enemies. The only difference to speak of is that the enemies changed from goblins to middle-aged men. Since I don¡¯t get how are they really different, everything remains the same.

    Taking a low start I instantly close the distance, taking a swing with ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»that I extended to the length of a long club, knock the nearby middle-aged bomberman off his feet, and using that chance to get past him, cut down two mercenaries, then knocking away another one, jump around the corner on my right! Immediately, a shock wave sweeps over¡­ Good grief, I have low HP and ViT, so if caught in a chain of explosions I¡¯ll instantly die! Even one might be dangerous at point-blank range. I feel like I might survive one or two thanks to my gear, but I don¡¯t want to actually test that.

    I think that I got rid of about one or two thousand of them with traps and ambushes, but middle-aged men are still swarming around. Are they perhaps spawning somewhere? Don¡¯t tell me that the Church¡¯s trump card is artificial middle-aged man overflow? If so then this world is doomed. I don¡¯t think there is any saving from that. Alright, let¡¯s destroy them all along with this world itself!

    Finally, the night has fallen. Flare signals are still two white ones. No overflow, but also no Frontier¡¯s army in sight. It probably will take them another day, but such a prolonged fight is too risky for me.

    With them switching from trying to explode from the inside to long-range barrage, I¡¯m pinned here. I¡¯m causing havoc with slotted in the clothes¡ºMagic Beast Hide Armor ¨C SpE 50% Up, ViT 30% Up, Slash Immunity, Spell Evasion, Physical Evasion, Skill: Clone¡»¡¯s¡ºClone¡»skill, which had no use until now, but since it¡¯s my first time using it the effectiveness is lacking. I mean, until now it was way faster to just rush in than doing whatever with ¡ºClone¡»? There¡¯s even a rumor that I actually forgot that there is even such a skill, but I remembered about it when I was reviewing candidates for mithril upgrade, is how completely unused it went until now? I mean, if I usually had time to use ¡ºClone¡», I¡¯d use it to first get out of morning star¡¯s range!

    And this ¡ºClone¡»is merely an illusion, so I can¡¯t use it for anything beside running around. There is no time for cloning when I¡¯m trying to escape the sermon. In the first place, I never had to deal with the problem of receiving long-ranged attacks from an ambush or getting shot at by a large number of opponents, so I don¡¯t have any specific countermeasures prepared. Yeah, school boys usually take part in evacuation drills at most, and nothing like running around while repeatedly being shot from a bow? If this was part of daily life, school boys would¡¯ve been on the verge of extinction by now.

    But this is worrying¡­ They can spot me even if I erase my presence, and keep tracking even if I move at high speed. The problem comes from the Church¡¯s knights taking command. I¡¯m slowly but steadily getting cornered. And then escape through a secret passage. And then after bludgeoning a few people, I once again get locked on and gradually cornered. And then get away through a hidden passage. Then beating up a few people and then a few more I get surrounded again¡­ And escape though a hidden door. Yeah, it¡¯s very hectic! Well, I was the one who made this place, so I¡¯m super familiar with the layout?

    While conserving mana, I still continue remodeling the place as I¡¯m running around, so they can¡¯t rely on a map. So they can¡¯t corner or surround me. However, the other party is probably also waiting for their preparations to complete. No idea what they are preparing for, but if they are trying to do something, I¡¯d like to somehow hinder them, even so, it¡¯s too hectic for me to get near them. A war of attrition in a deadlock. They are losing troops, and I¡¯m losing highschool boy energy from being surrounded by middle-aged men. Even if I wanted to recharge, Armored Pres-san isn¡¯t around, and even if she was with me, she¡¯d probably scold me for trying to do it at such a place! Yeah, if at least I had Flat Gazium I would¡¯ve been able to withstand this middle-aged man¡¯s concentration, but even that is absent, only mana is gradually restored in vain through Magic Power Absorption.

    Hm, I wonder if it would be alright to quickly go back to the Carnage Town, and drop by the guild to restore on Flat Gaze Pres-san Flat Gaze? I mean, I¡¯m pretty sure they haven¡¯t changed the quests on that bulletin board?

 CH 288

    Chapter 288: Set upon the world they might multiply and destroy the ecosystem?

    Day 70 ¨C Nighttime, Murimuri Castle Interior

    This night is going to be a long one. I have no idea why I have to spend a long night being chased by middle-aged men, and to be honest, I don¡¯t want to even try to understand, but they are chasing after me? Well, chasing after me they are destroying themselves by walking into traps, and once darkness falls, having ¡ºRajingan¡»I will be at advantage, so the chase has it¡¯s meaning, but I don¡¯t want to look for meaning in a depressing game of tag with middle-aged men!

    I mean, I don¡¯t wanna have ¡ºWaait~¡»,¡ºCatch me, if you can?~¡»and¡º¡ºWow, Kya, kya, ufufu ¡»¡»with middle-aged men! I absolutely refuse!

    Well, time should be on my side. If they aren¡¯t going to cause a stampede yet, then the Geeks, the Idiots, and Slime-san might make it in time. The Kingdom¡¯s army also should¡¯ve started working on preparations by now.

    But since I didn¡¯t expect such a prolonged fight, the miscalculations became misfires, hurting my own self. I still keep taking self-inflicted damage from Magic Wrap. Even if I have ¡ºRegeneration¡», with the body being continuously destroyed, it makes it ill-suited for a long fight. Or rather, it hurts, you know?

    And in heavy mana economy mode, I have no other means of attack aside from close combat. The compatibility with self-destructing enemies is just the worst. And if I keep getting barraged with long-ranged attacks, things will only keep getting worse. And also middle-aged men are the worst!!!

    ¡¸Siiigh. This is outside my expectations, outside the calculations, and out of service, I thought that it¡¯ll be fine just baiting, hiding, stalling for time, and then crushing their¡ºStrongest¡». But I didn¡¯t expect such a trap, or rather, explosive middle-aged men, no one would! Exploding Art would¡¯ve still been fine, but exploding middle-aged men is nothing but an annoyance, think of the people around you? It¡¯s a high time to enforce some sort of middle-aged men regulation law, and for example regulate them out of existence?¡¹

    But it¡¯s too early, it¡¯s not yet the time.

    Pulling out my trump card to have it wasted here is a poor move. I have to wait for the enemy to play their trump card first.

    That¡¯s how it became the disadvantageous prolonged fight in the first place, but the enemy is taking more casualties. About half of them must be gone now. ¡ºEverlasting Trap¡»is surprisingly useful, but with the way Maid Girl was angry, it might get confiscated? Even though I was the one who found it?

    In the first place, I thought the effect of¡ºSticky Boots ¨C Allow Walking on Walls and Ceiling¡»will be useful indoors, but I didn¡¯t consider exploding enemies at all. To be frank, that thought didn¡¯t even cross my mind.

    I didn¡¯t consider in my calculations that on top of it not being surprising for for the Church to have a unit of crazed fanatics, the fact, that their believers are a bunch madmen so crazy in love with their old fart they wouldn¡¯t care not only about the lives of others but about their own either.

    I think the enemy should be growing impatient by now, but they are yet to make a move. It would be a problem if they trigger a stampede, but if the Worst-san shows up first then everything will be brought into motion at once. So for now it¡¯s a contest of endurance. Sticking to saving energy I continue the preparations while also clubbing middle-aged men.

    Swinging extended Staff of the World Tree I sweep and mow enemies down, and trampling them, rush forward. If I don¡¯t get away immediately the fanatics will blow up, but blowing up they also get other middle-aged men caught up, reducing the numbers.

    The Demon Scythes that I brought out as reinforcements took too much damage from self-destruction explosions, so they can¡¯t be used anymore. I wonder if rubbing some mushrooms will fix them? Well, let¡¯s try it anyway, at least some consolation¡¯s sake. They won¡¯t rust, right? It¡¯s alright, right? Rub, rub?

    I sense an upsurge in magic power. It¡¯s at the Church¡¯s knights¡¯ place. Rajingan can see the overflowing magic power rising up like a shimmer of hot air.

    Are they planning to use some sort of grand sorcery?

    At last, the knights are going to act?

    Are they finally going to trigger a stampede?

    Or¡­ Use the last resort measure?

    The middle-aged men are backing off. It would be great if they backed off some cliff, but looks like they are simply withdrawing. Good grief, such useless and inconsiderate middle-aged men.

    Then, the Church¡¯s knights have moved. They are coming this way. The small unit that¡¯s supposed to be the last resort is with them, accompanied by overflowing magic and violet shine. I¡¯m sure I saw it somewhere? And that in the middle is a puppet? No, a coffin, huh. Is that the golden sarcophagus of Tutankhamun? But the design is sort of different, looking more western-like? Kind of?

    Well, speaking of a Tutankhamun-like thing that emits purple light that looks familiar, it¡¯s that? It¡¯s the Sphinx and mummies¡¯ that thing! What was it again? Eehm was it¡ºRevival¡»?¡ºRegeneration¡»?¡¡Nonono, I¡¯ve never seen a¡ºZombie¡»with such a skill!¡¡It¡¯s that, how was it, If I remember correctly¡­ Right¡ºRise from the Dead¡»!

    If you can¡¯t remember something, getting stuck halfway through, it seems that the brain¡¯s memory connections will be cut off, and if you can remember it, it will be reconnected again and processed in the brain as related information. In other words, this proves that I¡¯m a perfectly normal sound-minded highschool boy with a normal working brain. The answer to all of the numerous false accusations made over the long was finally derived from my very brain cells, which means, I did nothing wrong. It¡¯s alright, while those beautiful bare legs are something amazing that is definitely not alright, this is just a hairbreadth away from stepping into R18, so it can be considered barely safe. Having what¡¯s important barely concealed, it allows even a highschoolboy to get through the age restrictions, but that bewitching appearance is stirring pure highschoolboy-like feelings in a very not alright way.

    A bewitchingly beautiful and mesmerizingly pretty woman is restrained inside that golden coffin, no, since she is young, a beautiful girl would be more accurate? Under a see-through stole wrapped around her, she is wearing a dress woven from many thin chains, or rather, a bikini, or rather a risque outfit similar to belly dancer¡¯s dress, but under that gaudiness, there is there is lovely and seductive figure of persian or maybe egyptian-like beauty. Well, in short, it¡¯s a pretty girl.

    A beautiful body covered in bikini out of thin silvery chains, and light, almost transparent stole wrapped in several layers around her. The lower part of her body is wrapped in even more thin chains, forming something akin to pareo, but those lovely long legs are left bare. Aside from the parts covered by the bikini, everything else, be it her stomach or anything else, is fully visible. If she started to belly dance right now I¡¯d end throwing at her the entirety of the gold that I ripped-off until now. I want to see that.

    The only stuff that can count as equipment are the chain-woven egyptian-style bikini and pareo. Everything from the pareo-styled chain fringe to every other bit is made out of chains, with small darts hanging at the ends, so it¡¯s not just a very marvelous see-through outfit with tons of exposure. Those chains are her weapons. Which means, that the more she attacks with those chains, the more chains she uses, the less outfit she will have functionally left, gradually increasing the exposure ratio! I¡¯m gladly looking forward to this.

    It¡¯s a truly lovely sight, so I¡¯d like to keep staring, but with that purple light surging, so it¡¯s not the time. Right, that¡¯s¡ºRise from the Dead¡».

    A special skill of the Sphinx, which in the past, almost annihilated the Pres and others. A playhouse of infinitely reviving dead. Well, they aren¡¯t exactly coming back to life, but instead rise in zombie-like state over and over. That¡¯s Rise from the Dead. And this special skill is the worst! Because it means infinitely respawning infinite middle-aged men! What do we do if they retain their ¡ºStink of Middle-Aged Men¡»too?

    Taking care of infinitely spawning middle-aged men with deadly poison (stink), before getting to the girl¡¯s fantastic self-exposure attacks is tough. After all, even though I made the castle somewhat on the larger side for the sake of stationing a garrison, the castle was stuffed with 40,000 middle-aged men. That¡¯s like 640% middle-aged men ratio per unit of space. The smell of middle-aged men will probably never disappear from Murimuri Castle.

    ¡¸Good grief, there is a restrained half-naked belly dancer with a nice body right in front of me, inviting me for a night of highschool boy FEVER, couldn¡¯t you do without middle-aged men infinitely gushing forth? Like, if it was a steam from a hot spring gushing, I¡¯d welcome it. Enjoying a lovely hot spring time with egyptian lady surrounded by stream and the mysterious light, unwrapping her yukata sash, making her go ¡ºOooh~ Myy~¡», anyway, a hot spring would¡¯ve been great, but no one asked for an endless spring of middle-aged men!¡¹

    They are freshly killed, so their movements aren¡¯t bad for zombies, but since they were wearing heavy infantry equipment to begin with, they are still slow. As expected, the middle-aged men that were blown up and scattered all over the place aren¡¯t getting revived, so avoiding the middle-aged men¡¯s stink from the outside, I escape to the innermost highest building of Murimuri Castle. Having to dig-in as a shut-in¡­ But even if this isn¡¯t my home, having shut myself in, it¡¯s now my turn.

    Below is a blend of 40,000 zombie middle-aged men and fresh middle-aged men. The actual bend ratio doesn¡¯t matter. I mean, I don¡¯t care?

    They forced me to play my card first. Even though they have more tricks up their sleeve, I was instantly cornered into it. Well, it can¡¯t be helped, it¡¯s too much.

    I was way past my limit already. This is the maximum of what I can handle.

    I mean, I can¡¯t take the smell of middle-aged men anymore!

    ¡¸DIIIIVE! INTOO THE! SKYYYY!¡¹

    Walking through the air with Air Walk I jump into the sky. I mean, there is no way to rid Murimuri Castle of middle-aged men¡¯s stink anymore? It¡¯ll have to be completely destroyed and rebuilt from zero?

    A thunderous roar of explosion boomed as a blazing pillar of fire rose into the sky. The old Murimrui Castle filled with 40,000 middle-aged men was destroyed by fire, engulfed in scorching flames, and crumbling with a deafening loudness collapsed under accompaniment of a severe earthquake. Traveling with Air Walk I then land at the new Murimuri Castle, which grew behind the Old Murimuri Castle a short while ago. Yeah, I actually prepared it beforehand and buried it underground? I managed to bury 40,000 enemies, but lost one of my trump cards as a result. It also cost me heavily in mana, so with all things considered, it doesn¡¯t exactly even out. It was a heavy loss for me.

    The old Murimuri Castle was a war fortress meant for battling armies with combat based on Skills in mind. The New Murimuri Castle also has sturdy walls capable of withstanding hordes of monsters added to that. An overall reinforced version with a new, improved layout. Meanwhile, the old Murimuri Castle is sinking underground along with the foundation, turning into a deep, wide hole. Once fully flooded with water, or rather, turned into a pond? Both monsters and middle-aged men will probably end up drowning there, at the very least it will greatly impact the speed of invading enemies. When the peace comes it might be a good spot to release Fish Girl and others back into the wild. What do we do if they multiply though?

    This is the last defense line in case we failed to suppress the stampedes. It¡¯s the last stronghold for the sake of protecting the frontier, even if towns and villages of the neighboring domain will end up obliterated.

 CH 289.1

    Chapter 289: If something happens it¡¯s the fault of the person responsible for it, but if they don¡¯t take responsibility they aren¡¯t the person responsible, just irresponsible? Part 1

    Day 71 ¨C Before dawn, Murimuri Castle Interior

    I¡¯ve used up a good chunk of my mana. The remaining magic power won¡¯t be enough to activate ¡ºLifesaving¡». For the sake of this day I refrained from selling magic stones, using them to augment the mana battery, but destroying a castle turned out to be harder than expected. I mean, I never thought that middle-aged men will revive, and add 30,000 more middle-aged men to the counter? And all of them are middle-aged men?! Moreover, I had to thoroughly destroy it and bury it, sealing them underground to make sure that even if they won¡¯t be able to do anything even if they are revived with¡ºRise from the Dead¡», wasting extra mana. Without preliminary arrangements there was a chance that mana wouldn¡¯t even be enough.

    Even the bamboo grove in the beginning, I already had seeds planted beforehand and only made them grow. Thanks to that it cost me only a fraction of mana that I would¡¯ve used on Ice Needle. Even the traps at the Old Murimuri Castle were made by¡ºEverlasting Trap¡»so I barely used any magic power. I actually even managed to restore some with ¡ºMagic Absorption¡»while I was running around. And while I was operating the souvenir store at Fake Dungeon I was carving cracks on walls and pillars of the Old Murimuri Castle to ensure a clear collapse of the structure. Even the explosion and the fire itself were produced by igniting large quantities of volatile oil, which I found in the Capital, placed in hidden passages and rooms of the castle beforehand, so I didn¡¯t use mana for that.

    The biggest miscalculation was being forced into using it at this stage because of ¡ºRise from the Dead¡». Even so, new Murimuri Castle is a part of stampede countermeasures, so it¡¯s not like I could avoid making it. I made the foundation and base parts and then buried them, so it was far less energy consuming than making it from zero, even so, in terms of remaining magic power, it was a huge loss. It can¡¯t be helped, but on top of having been forced to play one of my cards, my remaining mana was reduced by more than a half in one go, a heavy loss!

    After all, there is no way the Church¡¯s knights or that coffin girl would die from something as trivial as fire or cave in. I was taking them too lightly, but those knights have enough strength to evenly match 29 of my classmates in battle. Their equipment also wasn¡¯t bad. And that girl¡­ is too much. Yeah, that sexy body, with beautiful temping toned long amber legs, that while appear well-trained, also have a certain sweet thickness, with round buttocks and slender waist and lovely exposed stomach and navel, it¡¯s definitely way way way too much in highschool boy sort of way¡­ But she is in the same tier with Armored Pres-san and Slime-san? Yup, there is no way I can beat that!

    But it appeared like the Chuch¡¯s mages and knigts were using magic or something to restrain that girl. The magic flow that I saw with Rajingan points to something of¡ºDomination¡»type. That¡¯s why they didn¡¯t want to use her¡­ Then don¡¯t if you don¡¯t want to! No way I can beat a Dungeon Emperor class! Moreover, if she is that hard to control, then not only the Frontier will perish if she goes out of control, but also the Kingdom, and possibly the Continent itself? Can you stop her on your own if she goes berserk and comes to the Theocracy?! Why are you bringing into the world something this dangerous? No, I¡¯m actually quite happy with what was brought, those superb legs, the outfit with the perfect degree of exposure, her beauty, her wonderful figure, all combined make me want to say thank you for bringing her here, but even so, she is way too dangerous! No, I do want to see more of her?

    The side of the Old Murimuri Castle became a deep basin. Water from the nearby river is flowing there, which should eventually turn it into a pond, just as was planned. Are we finally going to have a swimsuit episode?! Well, speaking of bikinis, the restrained coffin girl in the chain bikini is still advancing, with the Knights keeping up a barrier. There are still more than 50 of them remaining. Fighting them head on is too dangerous¡­ I must decide this with an ambush.

    ¡¸For crying out loud, the brats these days lack proper discipline. At least teach them to grovel on the ground when faced with the servants of God carrying His Sign. Damn it. That¡¯s why the filthy idiots living all in the way up the ass of the world who have no idea about the greatness of God are always acting like trash. Damn filth that dares to oppose God.¡¹

    ¡¸Wow, rude! Or rather, that¡¯s the level one should expect from the servants of that old fart, I guess? After all, there is no salvation for a bunch who are on top of being the old man fetishists are also middle-aged men? It was a mistake to expect sentience from such dumb-looking ugly perverts crazy in love with the old geezer. How about you first evolve into a sentient life form before you start worrying about that bald geezers doctrine or whatever? What the hell with this vulgar incompetent waste of oxygen? That bald geezer should first make sure that such low-lives don¡¯t propagate, and then talk about own godhood. He is clearly guilty here even before anyone can get him responsible under Product liability laws as a manufacturer.¡¹

    Even if they are wearing a splendid and extravagant full-body armor, on the inside they are just hoodlums. First kill them all before they fully undo the seal on that girl¡­¡­ And no other choice but to cling to her and cause full disintegration through self-destructive¡ºAtomic Manipulation¡». Risking a nuclear decay In the worst case scenario but that¡¯s the only way to defeat her. Moreover, it¡¯s a chance to hold tight to a pretty girl! Thank you for a treat?

    ¡¸This little shit, calling God an old fart! He has to be first tortured, reformed, and forced to cry plenty before being given Divine Punishment, riiight?¡¹

    ¡¸Right, you ask? Aren¡¯t you a bit too shameless to do all of this on your own and then pushing the blame on a higher being? If you truly believe in all of this, then pray instead of causing mischief, and if prayer alone triggers it, then it¡¯s a real divine punishment. If you do it then it¡¯s just a massacre. What¡¯s up with the Church pushing the fault their own atrocities on others? Well, if there is a line about mass slaughter in the old geezers teachings then it is his responsibility? Well, if there is such a thing as a god in the world, then all of the tragedies are their responsibility, and if they can¡¯t take responsibility then they aren¡¯t a god? What I¡¯m trying to say, God Is Dead, and if they are still alive I¡¯m killing them myself. That¡¯s why you guys are just deviant old man fetishists, and will die as a bunch of mass murdering perverted degenerates. Well then, die?¡¹

    I can¡¯t deal with a stampede. With that girl around, even saving one¡¯s own life seems unlikely, forget about trying to save energy or mana for later. That¡¯s why I¡¯m first going to crush the low-life knights. Then I can do something about that girl. I can¡¯t see it going anywhere, but doing something with pretty ladies is my passion and my profession, so I¡¯m going to do my best!

    That¡¯s why, I¡¯m going to send those geezer fetishists to the old geezer¡¯s White Room. Then they can love each other there as much as they want!

    Going all out without holding back I¡¯ll defeat that girl while she is still restrained. While going through self-inflicted decay I¡ºMagic Wrap¡»skills one after another¡ºTeleportation¡»,¡ºGravity¡»,¡ºAtomic Manipulation¡»,¡ºHolding¡»in a completely uncontrollable state, strengthening myself to the max. Without trying to save on mana I pour all of it into ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡». Sucking up my mana the staff grows extremely fast, and begins to pulsate. By now I already know what is going to come out of it¡­ After all, it uncharacteristically chose to confess?¡¡Legendary spear¡ºMistilteinn¡» aided by¡ºThe Seven-Branched Sword¡»©¤©¤although I have only two swords slotted into it at the moment,¡ºDimension Blade¡»and¡ºHeavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds¡».

 CH 289.2

    Chapter 289: If something happens it¡¯s the fault of the person responsible for it, but if they don¡¯t take responsibility they aren¡¯t the person responsible, just irresponsible? Part 2

    With a single step I cover 50 meters of distance, and slash forward, cutting space itself. An uncontrollable Dimension Slash loaded with tons of magic power. Slashing through everything it even cut through the Fake Dungeon located 5km away. I¡¯m sure they felt invincible wearing the Church¡¯s extravagant equipment with such defensive effects like¡ºSlashing Immunity¡», or¡ºPhysical Negation¡», or¡ºMagic Reflection¡». But it can be cut, you know? There is no way Dimension Slash made with a divine blade wouldn¡¯t cut through that? Having all of my mana sucked out in one go I feel slightly dazed, but the pain of muscles in my whole body being torn, bones shattered, and blood vessels ruptured, or rather, agony, helps to keep me conscious, so this worked out quite nicely. No way any of this is nice! It isn¡¯t, but I also can¡¯t afford to lose consciousness here. While all of the knights were cut in two, the coffin is unharmed. Now I lost two of my trump cards. I¡¯m finally all out of mana and completely in tatters.

    Since with all of my muscles being torn I can¡¯t move an inch, I puppeteer myself with¡ºMuppet¡»and advance a step. Forcibly supporting myself with¡ºHolding¡»to avoid crumbling down as all of the bones in my body smashed up, I step forward. Covering up the fact that all sorts of blood vessels have ruptured with¡ºHealth¡» , I make step forward. Just one step and I will reach the coffin, but my body is falling apart.

    If only Armored Pres-san and Slime-san both were with me. Even those two could be defeated and killed if they fought solo. The Pres and others would have no chance against her, everyone could end up dead, that¡¯s why¡­ One more step.

    I don¡¯t have any mana left. I can only bet on the divine sword now, so please, one more step? Yeah, I can¡¯t reach her like this? After all¡­ Hm, wait? The divine sword, or rather, the Seven-Branched Sword which is the Staff of the World Tree? The hand that was holding it is not there? Aaah¡­It was torn off. Okay, time for a body slam then. Yeah, it¡¯s a beautiful girl with a perfect figure, I have absolutely no objections to ramming her! So, just one step more? Yeah, I can¡¯t reach her like this?

    ¡¸Shit, you mere cursed heretics, dare opposing messengers of God¡­ The key¡ºIn God¡¯s name, kill all enemies of God.¡»!¡¡Kill that bastard and his comrades and all of the god-defying scum living on this filthy land! Guaaha.¡¹

    This, until at the very end? He was still keeping up the barrier to conceal himself, This priest must be the restrainer, who uses some sort of¡ºMind Control¡»to keep the girl in check. Looks like the girl is going to be released, even though I don¡¯t have strength to fight left? Seeing me all crumbling, missing a hand and weapon, bleeding from my whole body, with legs broken in more than one place, the commander of the Church¡¯s army, Archpriest-sama, finally decided to show his face.

    Then, signal flares appeared in the sky. They¡¯ve done and did it.

    Three white ones, the Frontier Army made it in time. But also three red ones, they triggered three overflows.

    If overflow in at least one of the spots goes out of control and leaks outside, there will be no other choice but pull back here, giving up on all the towns and villages along the way. We will have to take a stand here to at least protect the Frontier. That¡¯s what is going to happen if the fourth signal flare goes up.

    So I can¡¯t allow such a thing to be here. But if we fight, someone will die, in the worst case, everyone might die? And if I die here, then the New Murimuri Castle will be taken. Haaah, this is the worst.

    And then, things get even worse, without me being able to make even a single step. The fourth red signal flare appeared in the sky.

    Now the Frontier will be obliterated~, everything is over~, oh no, what a nightmare? The Church¡¯s middle-aged men seem very happy with their comeback victory.

    But I don¡¯t want to see middle-aged men smiling. Even though I didn¡¯t have enough cards to play, even though I played all of my trump cards¡­ Thank you?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­!¡¹

    The girl is coming closer. She is approaching with two curved swords, scimitars, in her hands. While restraints were lifted, she is still under control, moving obeying the orders. In that case, that collar that remained on her neck even after the restraints were lifted, must be some sort of mind control-type magic tool.

    Examination with Rajingan showed¡ºCollar of Subordination ¨C a collar that forces into obedience¡», she must be controlled by that. However, since they kept her restrained, and never went anywhere near the coffin, the control must be not absolute. Well, since she is engulfed in such an absurdly intense magic power, even approaching her is not possible, much less getting to touch her.

    This is the Theocracy¡¯s Ultimate Weapons and the trump card. They finally used their final ace.

    Alright, let¡¯s do the same.

    Swallowing a Full HP recovery mushroom for starters, I then move forward while munching on a mana restoring mushroom. I mean, even if I don¡¯t have any trump cards left, I still have tons of mushrooms?

    And applying ¡ºMagic Wrap¡», I draw near the girl. I used up all of the tricks, I don¡¯t have any cards up my sleeves anymore, I¡¯m out of mana, but I still have a forbidden move. Or how should I put it, it¡¯s forbidden because I didn¡¯t want to have it, but it can¡¯t be helped anymore. With the Frontier and everyone¡¯s lives on one side of the scales, there is nothing else I can put on the other side!

    The greatest sacrifice I can make, the last thing that I didn¡¯t give up until the very end¡­ That¡¯s right, my Affection Rating-san!

    While my body completely recovered, it still hurts. After all, this is the agony of my heart and the scream of my soul! This is the pain of Affection Rating-san being ground to dust! I mean, it¡¯s really painful? Yeah, the design of¡ºIncubus¡¯ Eyepatch¡» [1] is so miraculously cringe that even an 8th grader at the very peak of 8th grader syndrome would writhe in pain from the excessive cringiness. A leather eyepatch inscribed with a magic circle and decorated with a chain at the edges is bad enough by itself, but it even has a jewel attached right in the middle, an item agonizingly painful to look at? I thought that I had to seal this item, and did my best to hide it, but to think I¡¯ll end up putting it on with my own hands. But the forbidden move¡ºIncubus¡¯ Eyepatch ¨C MiN InT 50% Up, Magic Eye Enhancement (Ultra), Illusion, Charm, Puppetry, Memory Manipulation, Mind Control, Mental Pollution¡»has the mind-controlled girl, the priest, and the surviving knights that were hiding, all frozen in place.

    But the Church is a bunch of low-lives very proficient in mental attacks. They surely must have some sort of a countermeasure, and the ¡ºCollar of Subordination¡»on the girl is powerful too. I won¡¯t be able to win with mind control. It definitely will be immediately resisted.

    That¡¯s why using this chance I approach the currently paralyzed girl, and after rendering her powerless by putting on her ¡ºChains of Prometheus ¨C Binding, Disable all Powers¡»I then put¡ºChoker of Submission ¨C Forces into a state of absolute obedience¡»[2] on her. Yeah, it¡¯s even scummier version of¡ºCollar of Subordination¡», higher tier so to say? Overriding control with its stronger version, I snatch the command authority from them. No, I mean, if there is such a cute girl fallen on the ground, not picking her would be rude? Maaan¡­ Like, thank you very much for giving me something so wonderful right when I was so hopelessly troubled by the lack of options left?

    ¡¸Uuuugh¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Erhm, are you alright, or rather, while I strongly suspect that there is nothing more no alright than getting caught under Mind Control by a highschool boy, then having your entire body bound in chains by him in that short while and rendered completely powerless, only to have a collar of absolute obedience put on you after that, but it¡¯s not worth sweating small details, or rather most of it is like false accusations, I also have prepared sweets for a bribe, so let¡¯s not worry about this? While in this state, it must be not convincing to hear that it¡¯s alright from me, but is it wrong for a cringe-looking highschool boy to expect a favorable impression while wearing this eyepatch that would scare even an 8th grader away with its awful design? Which is a mistake to ask to begin with, and I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t feel that way at all, but it¡¯s alright? Yeah, the alrightness of this situation is so complicated that I¡¯d be quite troubled if you ask me what exactly is alright, but could you please just be alright without reading too much into all of this? So can you sit down and wait for a bit while I make it even more alright by returning middle-aged men with the geezer fetish back to the old geezer? Ah, this is tea and sweets. If you are hungry, here is bento, feel free to have it? I¡¯ll leave it here, but let me warn you in advance that responsibility for ONE MORE SET is not alright with me. I¡¯ll be going then? I guess?¡¹

    (Nod-nod?)

    Looks like she is fine with it? She is munching on a crepe bit by bit, so it surely must mean¡ºOK~¡». But with everyone replying without saying anything I always end up looking like a mentally ill person who keeps talking to himself, so can you do me a favor and reply properly? Well, she seems to be busy eating, so not a chance, I guess.

    She seems to have trouble eating, so I remove¡ºChains of Prometheus¡»and put re-seal it back into my item bag. Re-sealing it at this point isn¡¯t going to do much to the great impact dealt to Affection Rating-san, that must¡¯ve plummeted straight into Great Depression, or might be even vanished somewhere, but first I need to deal with the fanatic middle-aged men.

    As expected of the Church¡¯s special high-grade equipment, they are beginning to resist¡ºIncubus¡¯ Eyepatch¡». Alright, let¡¯s tear it off? Naturally, there is nothing fun about stripping middle-aged men of their equipment, but since it seems pretty high tier, it might end up being useful. Since red flare was shot, it means that a stampede will begin in one hour. Taking away all of their equipment and weapons, I also pick up their wallets and valuables, since they happened to be fallen on the ground. Yeah, I was throwing it in a pile as I was taking stuff from them, so it happened to be on the ground.

    Losing resistances from the equipment they fully fell to ¡ºMind Control¡»becoming mindless puppets, but who the hell ever asked for puppet middle-aged men! I don¡¯t need this! It¡¯s fine to just leave them be and I¡¯m kind of pressed for time here, but considering the hellish suffering of middle-aged men pandemonium, just leaving them be pisses me off, so I order them to tear off hair from each others¡¯ heads before leaving. Go bald.

    Let¡¯s hurry, when the black smoke for retreat rises it¡¯s a stampede. It¡¯s now possible to retreat here, so let¡¯s go out and crush that fourth one.

 CH 290

    Chapter 290: Having finally escaped the Hell of Middle-Aged Men, it goes without saying that I¡¯m going to ignore middle-aged men.

    Day 71 ¨C Daybreak, Outside the third dungeon.

    The ground is shaking and the monsters¡¯ roar reverberates through the air. A stampede capable of swallowing an entire country is surging forward like raging billows. A despair known as dungeon overflow, the hell itself has bared its fangs, threatening to swallow everything.

    ¡¸Lure them in, pincer and destroy. Center, hold the the line and pull back, the flanks crush them!¡¹

    ¡¸The fourth wave repelled. The overflow have paused.¡¹

    ¡¸Hurry and move the wounded to the rear. Rotate troops in the center, countless monsters still remain, I don¡¯t permit anyone dying here!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yessir!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Monsters are formidable even inside a dungeon. Since waves contain countless different monsters with multiple special characteristics all pouring out at once it becomes impossible to beat them with a specialized strategy targeting their weak points. So there is no other choice but to suppress raging hordes of monsters through brute force. And if a floor master or a dungeon master join the fight it will turn into a complete hell.

    But we will push through.

    Us, the Frontier Army, continued to fight even without any hope for the future. Our ancestors fought through while having only the future of ruin, suffering in the present, and sorrow in the past. Hence, there is no way we can say something like¡ºWe can¡¯t¡». We are going to ¡ºSee it through¡». Because at our back we have the happy present, and the fortunate future. The tragedy of the Frontier that went on and on is finally over. Behind us we have a happiness so great that none of us dared to even dream such a thing.

    ¡¸Reorganization complete!¡¹¡¸Second group takes over.¡¹¡¸Medical treatment completed, they are ready to go.¡¹¡¸Wait for orders, rest while you can!¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Sir, yes sir!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I¡¯m not letting any of them to the Frontier, but if possible, I¡¯d prefer to kill them all at the entrance. This stampede is supposedly being guided into a specific direction, so there is no need to worry about it scattering¡­ But behind us remain settlements that are yet to evacuate. And the neighboring domain of Narrogi doesn¡¯t even have an army since their lord had run away¡­ They don¡¯t have anyone to protect the people.

    We went into this battle fully prepared to die while having no intentions of giving up our lives, but the stampede is strong. Truly the most disastrous menace. But we are stronger! We heard explanations, comprehended them, and conducted countless drills for the sake of this moment, but as expected, the real combat is different¡­ Us, the Frontier Army, is overwhelmingly stronger. This is the power of armaments from the oldest great dungeon. It not only has skills and effects attached, it¡¯s loaded with them.

    Having one¡¯s strength and speed increased through equipment¡¯s effects equals power. Scattering monsters we mow them down, the poorly equipped Frontier Army that was fending off monsters while always forced into fighting lost battles, is now overpowering monsters with the strongest equipment. This is precisely the power to protect the people that the Frontier was seeking all this time.

    Just when I thought that we might be able to endure the stampede like this, even more bad news arrived, quite admirable how the flow never ceases, this one time it¡¯s the worst.

    ¡¸Is there no mistake?! Was it confirmed?!¡¹

    ¡¸It is definitely knights of the Church. 3,000 of cavalry alone. However, the report states that they are wearing equipment of the highest grade. We suspect that it¡¯s most likely the Templar Cavalry Corps.¡¹

    ¡¸Can we send out a force? I don¡¯t care if they can only stall for time.¡¹

    I¡¯m well aware how impossible of a task this is. The current situation by itself is a miracle. The miracle of the Frontier Army, that kept being wiped out and annihilated by the brutally overwhelming might of dungeon stampedes, is now fighting one off right at the dungeon entrance. Striking down countless monsters with the overwhelming power of our weapons and armor, we are holding out without faltering. We are now having an upper hand in the hopeless battle against dungeon overflow, a feat that none of the previous generations of Omui managed to accomplish, as they all lost their lives fighting it. The Frontier finally obtained the strength to protect its people.

    We are now slaying monsters with the equipment of the highest quality, numerous weapons of astonishing destructive power, which that boy prepared for us, casually saying that it¡¯s a gratitude, bargain sale, rip-off, and whatnot.

    And the sturdiness of the armor protecting the troops that fight without faltering. The man that while praised as the best smith in the land continued to work in the destitute Frontier where he couldn¡¯t even make proper armor, having to work without access to an adequate iron, but continued to provide protection for the Frontier, making weapons and armor even if he had to look around for scrap-iron. The troops are now protected but armor in which he could pour all his might making. And it was also that boy who provided the best blacksmith with the best equipment and materials¡­ So we won¡¯t be able to look them in their faces from shame if we fell to some lowly monsters while protected by that armor!

    And Shino clan is supporting us from the rear. The boys seems to be yet remember their and still calling them Stalker Girl¡¯s clan, but if they had their name memorized before us it would be unforgivable in it¡¯s own way! It is thanks to that clan, who finally returned into our service, that the Frontier Army, who is capable of nothing but fighting, now has eyes, ears, and mouths. Information and orders travel in a flash, being swiftly relayed where they should. It is because of Shino clan¡¯s support that a small force of less than 3,000 is capable of fighting with the strength of an army counting in tens of thousands. While Shino Clan doesn¡¯t have combat capability, being given large quantity of mushrooms and medicine, they are going around assisting wounded troops. And when a dangerous floor master or a large horde of monsters shows up in a dense crowd, they are backing us up with ¡ºMagic Stone Hand Grenades¡»manufactured by the boy. They still seem to fret over the time they worked for the neighboring domain, but the great effort and the amazing performance they showed so far is something they can be proud of. That is the Frontier¡¯s treasure, there is no ally more reliable.

    But we¡¯ve been had. There was another Church¡¯s army lurking around. Moreover, out of all things, it¡¯s the Templar Cavalry Corps. The mass-murdering genocidal unit. To think the Theocracy¡¯s strongest heretic hunting knight order had made it inside the Kingdom. The Third Division must¡¯ve let them in before the First Division took over the border protection. And they started acting at the worst possible timing.

    ¡¸The Frontier Army can stay. Shino Clan volunteered to hold them back.¡¹

    ¡¸Stop them! They are planning to get themselves killed, I won¡¯t allow anyone to willingly choose death. Go and tell them that it would mean disgracing that boy¡¯s hopes. ¡¹

    At this rate, either us or the black-haired girls will be attacked from the rear. But the only reinforcements coming our way are the Royal Guard. With the Templar Cavalry Corps as the opponent, even the Royal Guard lead by Her Excellency will be at disadvantage. The opponent is armed with splendid weapons and armor that the Theocracy poured enormous riches and their exclusive magic stones techniques into. While us, armed by that boy and the best blacksmith, won¡¯t fall behind them, the Royal Guard¡¯s equipment, although the best the Kingdom has, is still a few tiers below their. We can¡¯t allow them to clash.

    Moreover, they aren¡¯t going to make it in time. We will be attacked first, ending up pincered with the stampede on the other front. On top of that, they are cavalry, likely elites capable of getting away from surging waves of monsters. Since we can¡¯t withdraw, then I won¡¯t be satisfied unless we drag the Templar Cavalry with us.

    ¡¸Princess Shariceres¡¯ Royal Guard are heading this way. However¡­ They will not make it in time. Let¡¯s retreat to the Frontier.¡¹

    ¡¸Although we would¡¯ve been forced to retreat anyway when the fourth dungeon starts overflowing, what a shame. Even though that boy is facing 40,000 enemies alone back at the castle while his comrades are fighting two other stampedes, we have to retreat from merely one. If it wasn¡¯t for those stupid rebellions of those idiotic princes the Kingdom still would¡¯ve had 30,000 troops. And with them now having destroyed themselves, we are played around by a few thousands of cavalry, forced to retreat, abandoning the people.¡¹

    ¡¸Omui-sama, you are the Frontier¡¯s lord. I understand your care for the people of the Kingdom, but please pull back for the Sake of the people of the Frontier.¡¹

    ¡¸Were it three thousand small fries or one thousand elites I could charge them and take the commander¡¯s head by myself¡­ No, if it¡¯s only 3,000 I might pull it off? Yeah, it¡¯s just one thousand but three times, so it should wo¡­¡¸Please, no! Please come back! You made a promise with Haruka-sama, right? Are you planning to break a promise with the Frontier¡¯s savior?¡¹¡­kuh, start preparing for retreat from the rear. Hurry!¡¹

    I¡¯d like to at least cull the number of monsters, this alone might decrease the damage. But missing the time to pull back is what¡¯s called foolishness. If we are to retreat it should be done swiftly and resolutely.

    ¡¸Urgent report. Princess Shariceres¡¯ Royal Guard charged the Templar Cavalry Corps at high speed. The Templar Cavalry Corps took devastating damage. After which the Royal Guard changed course towards the fourth dungeon!¡¹

    Charged at high speed¡­ Looks like in this short time that boy managed to arm and equip the Royal Guard as well. Performing a long range high-speed charge at cavalry from such a distance is unthinkable without that boy¡¯s equipment. It¡¯s just impossible. And if the Kingdom¡¯s elites are equipped with that boy¡¯s equipment, then they should be able to fight on par with the Frontier Army. However, the higher the level gets the more difficult it gets to obtain adequate equipment, but is still how drastic of a difference large amounts of high-level equipment on high-level troops can make? Truly soldiers worth a thousand troops each.

    ¡¸Alright. We are stopping them here. If we crumble here we¡¯d become a laughing stock for the Royal Guard. Let¡¯s leave the fourth dungeon to the Princess.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yessir, leave it to us!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    However, there is also the fifth one. According to the message from the boy, it¡¯s most likely five, with three as the minimum, then, while unlikely, it can be seven, and the worst case it¡¯s nine. According to the Shino clan¡¯s investigation, the Church started working on the ninth one, but ultimately continued only with five. We lack the fifth force¡­ No, even the current situation is too good. Usually, it would take a combined effort of the entire country to crush just one stampede at great cost. Being able to stop three is nothing short of a miracle, and as it now looks like we might be able to stop even four, a greed begins to show, if only we could handle one more. How regretful.

    ¡¸Floor master is coming.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go, open the way!¡¹

    Even though there is such a crisis going on, even though I have responsibility for the lives of my soldiers, and the important duty to protect the livelihood of the people. How troublesome, my blood is boiling, muscles are raging, while I¡¯m overwhelmed by an exaltation that makes me want to shout. Clad in armor in which I can devote myself fully to battle, and with a sword to which I can entrust my life, I have a dungeon master in front of me. I have an opponent stronger than myself, and the means to fight it. Laughter is overflowing from within me, forcing my entire body to tremble.

    ¡¸Push it back and force it into the dungeon! Charge!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸UuuwoooooooO!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Lamenting continuous battle in which we cannot hope to defend everything we want, once we finally obtained the strength to protect, I was able to notice. We couldn¡¯t win because we kept defending. At some point, we turned to merely a desperate struggle of resisting the threat of monsters. Just when was it that we forgot about utterly crushing and destroying the enemy?

    The ancient founders of Omui fought with monsters all over the continent, and finally cornering them into the Frontier, sought to destroy them. And then, in the last battle of the Frontier the legends came to an end. Just when the monsters were about to be completely annihilated from the continent, the heroes were defeated. All because of a betrayal from human allies¡­ The traitors that attacked their comrades from behind are the current Church. The War Goddess that led the heroes was thrown into the depths of the oldest dungeon, and with countless heroes falling in battle the strength to destroy monsters was lost from the continent. This is the history of the endless tragedy of the Frontier. A mere struggle without any heroes for the sake of going from one defeat to another.

    But we are still fighting. We still can fight. Just like the legends of the old, just like the heroes that once fought all of the monsters to their near annihilation!

    The repeated chain of defeats and ruin that we went through in our long history carved resignation into our souls. Before we noticed, mere resistance was all that we could think of, we implicitly accepted our incoming downfall. All because it was impossible. No matter how great were the sacrifices that we made in our struggle, we always fell short of protecting what we wanted, and being beaten down time after time, only the mountain of our corpses kept growing.

    We had given up. We had accepted our doom. So all we could do was struggle, but even that produced nothing but defeats. Our spirit, our souls were broken¡­ We had resigned ourselves.

    But now it is different. Neither us, the Frontier Army, nor the Royal Guard are even considering resistance.Victory, complete and overwhelming, with enemies crushed, destroyed, trampled, and slain to the last is the only thing on our minds.

    We¡¯ve seen. The boy who annihilated countless monsters and killed the deepest dungeon. We don¡¯t have a convenient excuse of it being impossible anymore. We were shown that it is possible, and even were given weapons to accomplish that.

    It¡¯s said that the elites that were led by the War Goddess were a group of heroes that all fought like champions from legends. They must¡¯ve seen it too. Seen, that it is possible. And they were captivated by that strength. The strength that lies at remote, unreachable heights. And they must¡¯ve yearned for it, and ended up striving for it. That is the heroic tale.

    A person that keeps fighting without giving up In a world where everyone has resigned themselves. That must be what people came to call a hero.

    I¡¯m sure the hero (destroyer of common sense) that remains the object of everyone¡¯s gratitude, admiration, and yearning, although they can¡¯t tell it to him in person since he would hate it to death, is protecting the Frontier even now, moving down tens of thousands of enemies. That¡¯s we can¡¯t say that we can¡¯t do it, we aren¡¯t permitted to give up, we already set our eyes on it. On the strength of that boy, on the dream called happiness that he showed us.

    ¡¸Surround the dungeon master, all troops, follow my lead and butcher it!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Uuuuoooooh!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Although the first thing we have to strive for is to have him remember our names. But compared to that, crushing dungeon overflow pales in difficulty. So let us crush it! Drop dead, you bastards!

 CH 291

    Chapter 291: To think the pimple issue will resurface again, and this time with a new twist of ¡ºIf pig¡¯s sword doesn¡¯t work then why not use dog¡¯s fangs¡»?

    Day 71 ¨C Dawn, Outside the Seventh dungeon.

    We failed. We were trusted by everyone, and entrusted with everything, even given the honor of operating the intelligence network. The betrayers of the Frontier that worked for the treacherous neighboring domain, us, Shino Clan, were still bestowed such kind words of¡ºThe Frontier¡¯s eyes and treasure¡»by Omui-sama, and even told¡ºI¡¯m counting on you¡»by the Princess.

    Fulfilling the clan¡¯s dearest wish and trembling from the excessive honors bestowed upon us, everyone put their utmost into the work. But we are still to repay the favor received. Even so, we had such a great trust put into us¡­ and yet we failed.

    Everyone left this job to us because they trusted us. It was precisely for this that Haruka-san even gave us all of the hand grenade, which are made from expensive magic stones, saying that it¡¯s for safety. We couldn¡¯t afford to fail¡­ And yet we did.

    We had left people to monitor the situation, there also were no issues with regular communication. And yet an overflow was triggered.

    Regrets are pouring into my mind. Were we too focused on the fifth one? Or perhaps we let our guard down, thinking that there won¡¯t be any more? What did we do wrong? But it doesn¡¯t matter.

    I hurry to shoot a signal flare. Even If it¡¯s too late, we have to notify everyone to avoid the worst. And this stampede is also going to block the retreat route for our allies. Omui-sama, who forgave our betrayal, the Princess that called out to us despite our lack of status and praised our work, and the girl who are always kind to us, all will be pincered with no way to escape. And while the benefactor of our clan, and, mostly, my savior, Haruka-san, is still fighting all by himself, he is going to be attacked by a stampede while completely isolated¡­ That alone absolutely can¡¯t be allowed to happen.

    ¡¸Signal flares went up¡­ Two of them, red and black!¡¹ ¡¸Confirmation, there is no mistake¡­ It¡¯s red and black. A stampede.¡¹

    We overlooked two spots, this is fatal. This is our blunder, our responsibility. Omui-sama who called us¡ºThe eyes of the Frontier¡»and Haruka-san¡ºInformation is strength? Just leave fighting to muddle-headed idiots, well, it¡¯s dangerous out there so take these weapons and equipment? I¡¯ll also give you new magic stone hand grenades, so don¡¯t tell the Pres and others about my bulk purchases, okay?¡», who went to excessive lengths to prepare for us weapons, equipment, and consumables for the sake of protecting ourselves. We betrayed all of that trust. Everyone entrusted the treacherous Shino Clan with their lives, and yet we betrayed even that trust. That¡¯s why it¡¯s our responsibility.

    ¡¸Everyone, gather all of the Flashbang debuffing sticky exploding magic stone hand grenades that you have!¡¡I¡­ will hold back the stampede. In the meantime, join up with the nearby Angelica-san and Girls-only Group and tell them to retreat to the Frontier. This is an order, please take care of this!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Young Lady!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sure my father, being the head of the clan, will hold back the other one. Omui-sama and the Princess will retreat too. We have no time, hurry!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    And the dungeon is shaking. The entrance to the dungeon is rumbling as if in anticipation. Soon, monsters will start pouring from here, and a stampede will begin. The only thing that I can do now is to to keep throwing grenades until my arm falls off.

    Haruka-san gave those to us believing in us, that is why I¡¯m going to throw every single one of those to hold back the stampede as much as possible¡­ Wait, my arm really might fall off? From just how many enemies Haruka-san was trying to protect us? Gathering all of the grenades from merely this unit created a small mountain behind me. I think if I throw all of this, either my arm will really fall off, or all of the monsters will be obliterated?

    And as soon as I sense signs of movement, I throw! Repeated blindingly bright flashes and thunderous bangs. Flashbang debuffing sticky exploding magic stone hand grenades are self-defense weapons handmade by super worrywart Haruka-san. Once thrown it incapacitates monsters through loud sound and flashing light, then binds them with glue, after which, as knocked out monsters are being trampled down by other monsters, it then detonates, then gluing even more monsters, and then blinding, deafening them, paralyzing, and then exploding again¡­ That¡¯s supposedly a self-defense weapon?

    A weapon for self-protection capable of annihilating a dungeon overflow, sounds way too overprotective, but thanks to it everyone will survive. I¡¯m sure the Frontier will survive. I¡¯m sure Poster Girl-chan will be fine too.

    A non-stop rumble in the ground, sounds of explosions and cries of monsters are resounding through the air¡­ No matter how many I throw, no matter how many I turn to ashes, the monsters keep coming in an endless surge. This is a dungeon¡­ This is what the Frontier was fighting against.

    But now I¡¯ve lost sense of time and feeling in my lead-like arms. With those endless explosions I barely can hear a thing anymore and my vision is starting to get blurry. My arms are heavy, and nails have peeled off¡­ To be honest, I¡¯m a bit tired.

    But I¡¯m going to keep throwing until the very last one. These were given to us by Haruka-san, after all.

    I¡¯ve received a great many things from Haruka-san. Be it those overprotective self-defense weapons, or expensive equipment that I¡¯m wearing, even the clan being now able to work for Omui-sama, even the clan of traitors now being trusted and treated kindly by everyone are all Haruka-san¡¯s doing. Amazing dishes, tastylicious sweets, salty and delicious snacks, me being able to smile right now, even my very life, everything was given to me by Haruka-san! And all of it are my treasures! So I¡¯m not letting any of it go to waste, I¡¯m going to use the weapons that Haruka-san made to protect us to protect everyone until the very end. We surely will be forgiven even after this blunder, but it doesn¡¯t mean we can forgive ourselves. After all, after becoming so happy, after being given so much happiness, I¡¯ll absolutely won¡¯t be able to forgive myself for failing to protect everyone¡¯s happiness.

    I can¡¯t see clearly¡­ I can¡¯t hear¡­ I can rely on the reading presence. I¡¯m not even sure if I¡¯m still throwing properly anymore¡­ I¡¯ll immediately lose consciousness if I let my mind drift. And yet I¡¯m not even sure if I¡¯m still standing.

    My eyes are all blurry, and I can¡¯t hear a thing¡­ I remember how Haruka-san patted me on the head when I felt kind of like this before. I remember how back then too, I thought at the very end that we won¡¯t meet again.

    Groping around I pick up another grenade. There is only a small heap left of the previous mountain of grenades. But monster corpses covered in sticky substance also have piled up at the entrance, becoming a barricade of sorts. I can sense disturbance inside, so monsters under abnormal status effects must be getting in each way in confusion¡­ I wonder if everyone has escaped by now? Is this enough already?

    Echoes and shrieks, angry roaring and rumbling ground. Unable to see anything, I continue to throw, relying entirely on sensing presence.

    How much time has passed already? There are only three grenades left. I must¡¯ve thrown several hundreds by now. I have no sensation in my hands or arms. I¡¯m so tired¡­ But there are still three grenades left. And this will be it.

    The last time I thought ¡ºIt¡¯s all over. If only I could¡¯ve had Haruka-san pat me on the head in the end~¡»and he really patted me on the head. I was really surprised¡­

    But this is really the end. I still have three more grenades¡­ But they don¡¯t seem to work on the floor master.

    I¡¯m sure my father is holding back the stampede at the other dungeon¡­ Did everyone escape? Is it alright even if I can¡¯t hold out anymore?

    Mustering the last bit of my strength I threw all three grenades at the same time, but it wasn¡¯t enough to defeat it. But I followed through with my words¡­ I did everything I could.

    But after all, when the end comes, it still makes me want some pats on the head from Haruka-san. I did my best until the very end, so it makes me want a reward.

    ¡¸I did my best until the end. So I¡¯d wish I could have some headpats¡­ Haruka-san. Goodby¡­ Agah?¡¹

    Instead of getting patted, I was slapped on the head! I wish to resolutely protest this unjust treatment¡­ I wish, but?

    The giant wolf floor master is cowering on the ground, crying ¡ºKyan, kyan¡». Other wolf-type monsters in the surroundings are also trashing on the ground, squealing.

    And in the middle of the wolves withering in pain on the ground, stands Haruka-san, pinching his nose.

    That¡¯s unfair. I also wish to cover my nose, but I have to endure this sour smell since my hands wouldn¡¯t move!

    ¡¸Long time no see~, or rather, just when I was about to express my deepest exaltation upon finally getting to see some living beings aside from middle-aged men, why are you on the verge of dying again? Is it pimples again? For goodness sake, don¡¯t use dogs to pop them, it¡¯s unsanitary, an orc¡¯s sword is no good too, but why would you choose to get straight to getting chewed by dogs from that? I mean, if those puppies were to bite you on the head it¡¯d hurt really bad? With that size, it probably will hurt worse than being bitten by the Bitch Leader¡­ No, wait, that one is definitely more vicious! She¡¯d still go straight for gnawing on you instead of crying cutely like this! Yeah, even kobolds were saying that she is way scarier! Not like I actually asked? But they probably did? Kind of?¡¹

    While saying that, he is patting me on the head. It¡¯s Haruka-san again. It¡¯s always Haruka-san, and it¡¯s Haruka-san, after all. As expected, I started crying, while everyone around was long since crying. Kyan-kyan?

    As my vision returned, having been cured by a potion before I even noticed, a beautiful and captivating dance of slaughter entered my vision. Surrounded by a large pack of wolves lying on the floor, a bewitching dancer is swirling in a frenzied sword dance. As monsters continue to surge forward from the dungeon in enormous hordes they are minced into tiniest pieces, slashed and scattered into blood, meat, tragedy, and disaster. The dance of a lovely reaper whirling her way through death. Each turn she makes causes countless silver strings to dance along, as sharp slashes are carving, shredding, and chopping surrounding monsters to pieces in a deadly dance. Moving like she is swallowed by madness, she is erasing countless monsters with each revolution of her wild dance.

    Continuously spinning she is moving in a spiral, slashing and cutting monsters that get in her way. Unable to even touch her, the pieces of monsters are scattered to the ground like petals by the wind.

    It¡¯s so pretty. Elegant to the point of cruelty, and terrifying to the point of magnificence. This is death of death.

    Dancing while scattering silver chains from her entire body, she is cutting through the enemies with a pair of crescent-shaped swords. Dungeon overflow has changed into a beautiful ball of monster execution. The dungeon overflow became a monsters¡¯ mass suicide. So strong, who is she?

    ¡¸Heeey, Dancer-san, or rather, Dancer Girl? Or rather, with the helper supposedly being forced into absolute obedience yet getting this motivated by crepes, that basically makes you simply a lady in a lovely outfit who just wants to eat crepes very much, without the collar or the choker having anything to do with this? Yeah, this seems like a pretty nice development? Can I leave this place to you? I think there is probably another place where some idiotic middle-aged man is fighting alone with hand grenades? Or rather, from explosive middle-aged bomber men there is another bombing old man? Well, I do want them to explode, but this time monsters instead of the middle-aged man, so I¡¯ll be right back after some monsters elimination, extermination, removal? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸Crepe, extra, acknowledge?¡¹

    Looks like they reached an agreement. They are going to help my father. He is still fighting alone¡­ I¡¯m sure.

    But they are still stuck negotiating crepes in front of a horde of monsters overflowing from the dungeon. The monsters swarming out from the dungeon like a raging wave, are being annoyedly dispatched, erased, and minced to pieces¡­ Haruka-san is one thing, but that lady is too strong! While continuing his crepe negotiation, Haruka-san keeps monotonously swinging his right hand only, thousands of silvery chains that stretch from there spin and flutter around, slashing monsters to bits¡­ But they both aren¡¯t even looking! Looks like they are going to settle at five extra crepes, but now it seems they still have to decide on the toppings, so the monsters continue to be obliterated without even getting to have their existence acknowledged.

    The dancing girl wearing a lascivious outfit woven out of silvery chains. The bewitching lady with fully exposed legs, belly, and shoulders. Her beauty is so sublime that calling her merely beautiful doesn¡¯t cut it. And she is now waving her fascinatingly elegant limbs around, while stomping on the ground, demanding crepes?

    Then, surprised by suddenly being grabbed by the scruff of the neck, the next moment I was in the sky? This cruel world that I saw from there was so very, very¡­ Beautiful.

 CH 292

    Chapter 292: Looks like this world is determined to never let me go ¡ºYeah¡».

    Day 71 ¨C Morning, Outside The Sixth Dungeon.

    There was another idiot here. Just how many idiots have I seen since coming to this world? Well, we brought five of our own, but everyone else are Idiots produced in this world. There is a middle-aged man with his wrist missing, a hole bitten in his side, a part of his left leg that¡¯s down the knee barely attached, who yet continues to throw grenades while leaning on a spear stuck into the ground. An idiot~, a huge idiot, a dumbass. That¡¯s the leader of Stalker Girl¡¯s Clan and Stalker Girl¡¯s father, and his name¡­ he doesn¡¯t have one yet? Well, it¡¯s a middle-aged man, so there is no issue even if he never gets one.

    ¡¸Heeey, old man? Or rather, Stalker Girl¡¯s clan¡¯s old man, well, it¡¯s that? How should I put it, I¡¯m obeying gravitational forces, or rather, unable to escape laws of attraction? anyway, I¡¯m going to fall there so prepare for the impact~ It¡¯s a fall at the speed of sound, so I¡¯m already crashing¡­¡¹(BOOOOOOM)

    I protected Stalker Girl by damping the gravitational force with¡ºGravity¡»magic and then¡ºHolding¡»her with magic power, so I¡¯m sure she should be safe, but she has stiffened with her eyes and mouth open. Well, I shoved a mushroom into her mouth, so she should be alright.

    The monsters that came out of the dungeon due to overflow have passed away in an unfortunate crash landing incident. Perhaps striking the ground with Staff of the World Tree as a substitute for brakes was a problem? There is now something like a crater here? A giant pit in front of the dungeon entrance, the overflowing monsters are falling right into it. Let¡¯s try sprinkling some poisonous mushroom powder? Ooh, they are crying and trashing in agony, but I don¡¯t really care to see middle-aged men or monsters writhing around? It¡¯s annoying?

    I bribed the Dancing Girl Lady with crepes. She is currently taking care of the seventh dungeon. Worrying about her is just as silly as worrying about Armored Pres-san or Slime-san. After all, although that dungeon might be relatively close to the Frontier, it¡¯s still merely a dungeon outside the Frontier. I don¡¯t think any monsters there would be capable of wounding the Frontier¡¯s strongest Dungeon Emperor-class but if they put even a scratch on that alluring skin I absolutely won¡¯t forgive them! But it¡¯s also difficult to refuse the option of then providing a personal medical attention, rubbing in a healing salve made from mushrooms! And I¡¯m sure my hands will slip, I will slip both of my hands, going straight for those magnificent peaks. Definitely!

    And at the fourth dungeon that we reached first, the Royal Girl was annihilating monsters left and right, with the Royal Family pride and Royal Guard at her side she was obliterating incoming monsters. This family gets very dullahan-like when it comes to protecting the people of the Kingdom, running about while carrying their heads around, but that is precisely the reason why there is no wavering in the Royal Family¡¯s pride. That¡¯s why I could leave it to her.

    At the seventh dungeon Stalker Girl was doing something dumb again, wobbling about, she kept throwing grenades with her little hands that swelled from internal bleeding and had nails cleanly torn off. Since she didn¡¯t have enough strength left to make a proper throw, she crawled all the way to the dungeon entrance while getting her skin scraped off, and continued to throw while taking on blasts from explosions with her entire body, becoming a bloodied mess in the process. I really had it with nothing but idiots around. So since she pissed me off I knocked her on the head. I crammed a mushroom into her mouth, so she should recover soon enough. Good grief, Poster Girl would cry if something happened to Stalker Girl or she got injured, like, she¡¯d cry a river! Which will get Slime-san furious, and will scold me, and then the girls will also give me a sermon, it¡¯s a whole lots of trouble, you know? I wish everyone would be more mindful about how it will affect me?

    Both father and daughter are out cold with mushrooms sticking out of their mouths, but whatever?

    Now, I sort of don¡¯t get what is going on anymore, and since I don¡¯t get it, I guess simply killing everyone should solve the problem?

    The sixth and the seventh, which we weren¡¯t particularly cautious about, are overflowing, when the fifth one is still silent. In that case, there is no telling what is happening at the distant eighth and ninth. They are so far away that even Stalker Girl¡¯s clan isn¡¯t vigilant about them. But for now it¡¯s the sixth dungeon. Quite often, leaving things that can be taken care of later for later, allows not to think about them in the end at all? Well, it quite often simply becomes too late, but one simply has to destroy the evidence without anyone finding out. Most things can be solved by killing everything. Turn them into magic stones and then get rich through destruction of evidence, perfect solution?

    Using¡ºMagic Wrap¡»I put on everything I can without holding back, and then jump into the fray in buffed up state. Slashed monsters are being stabbed to death, and stepping forward with repeated lunges ends up with me cutting monsters apart from behind. Yeah, I give up.

    Cutting monsters up without any idea of what is going on, I continue to pile up corpses of monsters without any idea of how any of this is happening. I¡¯m sure the monsters are just as confused.

    Fighting without comprehending what you are doing is quite challenging? Who would¡¯ve thought that my self-styled fencing technique that I practiced back in the 8th grade would end up so useful in another world.

    But this random barrage is easy to break through. It works thanks to this hole, but without it¡¯d have to chase them around. Why flying here right after getting chased around by middle-aged men I now need to chase after monsters? Actually, the entire thing would¡¯ve solved itself if the middle-aged men just chased after the monsters! I mean, that¡¯s what the military is for! This has nothing to do with me! I¡¯ll be more than happy to be chased around or chase after an overflow of pretty girls, but it doesn¡¯t seem like any is coming? More like, there is a severe deficit?

    Trying to save up in case of something, it always ends up with me clubbing enemies with Staff of the World Tree, I just go around and keep hitting monsters trying to climb out of the hole. This world is ultimately just Whack-A-Monster, a far cry from Monster Drum Master. Personally, I¡¯d like to wait for the release of Monster Monster Revolution, but they might go completely extinct before that.

    Just as I was about to say¡ºWe won¡», with the end finally being in sight, two additional red flares appeared in the sky, which were immediately followed by two black ones. In other words, more dungeons are overflowing. Why this world is so adamant about not letting me go¡ºYeah¡»? But there is no point to this now? The Geeks and Idiots didn¡¯t make it in time. They must¡¯ve had something they had to do. And they decided themselves to do it, so they won¡¯t be coming.

    And since they won¡¯t be coming, they went for a launch? It¡¯s a plane? It¡¯s a balloon? No, it¡¯s a¡­

    Using Farsight, I see hordes of monsters flooding out from the two dungeon. The overflows from the eighth and ninth dungeons have already made it outside their dungeons and are now making their way in a stampede towards the Frontier. With such a distance from the Frontier the stampedes also become that much more wide-range, making it impossible to suppress them, but looks like there is no issue with earring them? I mean, there is an endlessly stretching swarm of jiggly balls, and there is nothing that an infinite number of Gluttony-san won¡¯t be able to devour? Although it might choose to run away if it¡¯s a swarm of roaches!

    Well, the Geeks must¡¯ve seen that they aren¡¯t going to make it and thought of something. The idiots didn¡¯t think of anything, for sure. And then they tried to make something and ended up with something? Probably long-range ballistic Slime-san cannon. If it then uses¡ºDivision¡»in the air and downpours from the sky, then two swampedes are bound to become nothing more than a meal.

    A carpet bombing of balls, balls, and balls covering the entire sky. And also carpet eating.

    I have no idea what it ate in the woods of the Beastmen Country, but perfectly executed¡ºDivision¡»covered the entire area in swarm of Slime-sans. A dungeon overflow might be an obsolete concept by now? It rushes through the area devouring dungeon monsters like it¡¯s nothing. I think by now it¡¯s possible to destroy the world with just Slime-san. I mean, at this rate, it might devour the world itself along the way. I¡¯m so worried about the food expenses!

    Looking into the distance with Rajingan¡¯s ¡ºFarsight¡», or rather, while just looking away, I continue whacking monsters, but it seems like there is no need to worry about there. That one bouncing around like a pinball and beating the hell out of floor and dungeon masters must be Slime-san¡¯s main body. The difference in strength so clearly apparent that things went from alright straight into dungeon master bullying category.

    Armored Pres-san is taking care of the first one. Yes, it¡¯s the biggest and the deepest one, but so what?

    The Pres and others are suppressing the second one, or rather, exterminating it while preserving strength. They seem to be planning to go to the other ones too if needs be.

    The Frontier Army is working hard at the third one, or rather, they keep jumping into charge assaults from encircling and annihilating, even though this was supposed to be a defensive battle. Let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t see that.

    Royal Girl and Royal Guard are at the fourth one, Maid Girl should be there too. While having a tough battle they are holding the line with precise orders, and when a big shot appears Royal Girl jumps in with Maid Girl to quickly dispatch it. The Kingdom¡¯s elite army lead by the Sword Princess.

    The sixth one is currently getting whacked by myself? Yeah, still very much whacking in a very present tense? I mean, they are still coming? But the dungeon seems like nothing much.

    The seventh is something completely out of this world by now. She is of the same type as Armored Pres-san and Slime-san, with her strength appearing unfathomable, so thinking about it is pointless. She would make for the most formidable enemy if she turns on us, but we have two scariest allies on this side, so it still should be possible to pin her down. And while we are at it someone¡¯s hand might also slip and accidentally hold or touch or strip various parts, but in any case, it should be possible to restrain her! Rather, restraining my inner wild highschool boy might be more of a problem, as that lewd body threatens to push me into synchronization overload with it, making it go berserk (stampede)! [1]

    And the eighth and ninth ones became a treat, or a feast? Endlessly devoured by infinite jiggling balls they are going to be a mere swarm of tasty snacks until the overflow ends.

    Pulling out everything we somehow narrowly managed to get everything covered. Completely out of chips, moves, and tricks, forget trump cards, there is not a single card left to play. We used everything.

    And yet there are red and black flares from the fifth dungeon. That is the closest one to the Murimuri Castle. And at the moment, it¡¯s nothing more than a simple building, completely empty. There are no people and no cards to play.

 CH 293

    Chapter 293: Everyone is well aware of this, so it isn¡¯t really the fact that the history has to record.

    Day 71 ¨C Afternoon, Murimuri Castle

    The Fake Dungeon that was protecting the Frontier until now is no more, with all of its traps destroyed or filled in. It had no strength to stop a stampede anymore, the gates that were safeguarding the frontier have crumbled.

    The stone golems, fulfilling the role of its guardian spirits, were crushed by the sheer numbers of monsters. They fought to the bitter end while being smashed up, but were broken to pieces without a chance to regenerate.

    The last trap, collapse of the Fake Dungeon accompanied by a large-scale explosion, fire, poisonous, and debuffing powder and strong adhesives, also was broken though. Even two rocky mountains of master golems coming to crush them couldn¡¯t annihilate all of the monsters. While it caused great damage and vastly reduced their numbers, it wasn¡¯t enough to annihilate all of them. Even the last trap of the Fake Dungeon couldn¡¯t stop them.

    The only thing left is the fortress, which only recently received the name of New Murimuri Castle. However, angry roars could be heard coming from its walls.

    ¡¸They aren¡¯t getting into the Frontier, exterminate them all!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸UwoooOOoo.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The swarm of monsters heading for the Frontier has begun to run amok, but then the gates of the empty fortress have swung open. Instead of attempting to defend the castle, a crowd of demons rushed out from there in a counterattack to finish the work.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t let monsters defile the Frontier¡¯s happiness, DESTROY THEM!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Uwoooo!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    That was a picture of hell. Mere moments before a beatdown of a century is unleashed.

    The disaster of the horde of monsters heading for the Frontier that was left without its protectors is smashed and torn to pieces under the accompaniment of angry bellows. Even if there is no one to protect it, this is the edge of the world. The domain of the scariest monsters on the continent. The people living there are all descendants of the ones who managed to survive on the farthest end of the world. The Frontier, where monsters run rampart and regularly go on rampage, is the place where descendants of heroes have lived for a long, long time.

    Who was it who decided that its inhabitants are weak and in need of protection. Are the offspring of the heroes who survived in this land, created families, made kids and managed to protect and raise them, really someone in need of protection?

    Where did that idea, that the people, who survived for generations in the Frontier that mercilessly weeded out the weak and allowed only the strong to live on, could be weak, came from?

    Every person who managed to survive in this land is a descendant of a hero. All of their ancestors managed to live long enough to make kids, and did what it took to keep them safe. What possible reason could they have to be afraid of monsters from outside the Frontier.

    ¡¸Everything that we¡¯ve received was won through blood by our ancestors! Don¡¯t let them take it!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸UwoooooOo!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Even the people who had nothing were helping each other. They managed to get back up even after losing everything. That¡¯s why the people of the Frontier have not perished yet. This is the strength, this is what makes the strong.

    And a miracle happened at the Frontier.

    Something that everyone kept dreaming of.

    The fleeting and ephemeral dream.

    That everyone could live smiling.

    Merely that small of a happiness.

    How much blood the Frontier has spilled just for that little.

    How many people have sacrificed themselves simply to protect that dream.

    That¡¯s how they lived.

    And that¡¯s how they survived.

    Without losing to the land of calamity, they fought against monsters, and carried on living surrounded by the most dreadful horror.

    And they finally grasped that happiness.

    Everyone is finally able to smile.

    Why do they have to give up on that?

    Why would they want to let go of it?

    Why do they have to be the weak who are only robbed of what is dear to them?

    If they give up, everything will be over. But, there were people who refused to give up until happiness comes to the Frontier, the people who tried to bring the dream to the Frontier.

    How can they give up on the hopes that those people entrusted to them.

    How can those hopes be erased?

    Then, a boy who refused to give up appeared in the Frontier, and took back all of the dreams that the people of the Frontier were robbed of despite their refusal to abandon them.

    Were they to give up on that¡­ Even the right to have dreams will be lost to them.

    ¡¸They can call it the land of demons, they can call it the cursed land, even so, we won¡¯t let them have our homeland, that our ancestors protected!¡¹

    This is the dream protected at the cost of countless lives, and it is the current people of the Frontier who have to carry its weight now.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t let that boy fight alone. If there is no army, then we¡¯ll simply have to fight ourselves, if there are no heroes, then we¡¯ll simply have to become heroes ourselves. This is the fortress carrying my Murimur Shim Omui¡¯s name, Murimuri Castle, I absolutely won¡¯t allow it to fall! I absolutely won¡¯t allow anyone to pass through it! Drown those lowly monsters in their own blood and protect the Frontier!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸UWOOOOOOOO!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The Frontier¡¯s adventurers, militia protecting towns and villages, retired army veterans, hunters, men, women, elderly, and even children, everyone who is able to fight have gathered.

    Annihilation of all of the most fearsome and formidable monsters at the cursed edge of the world had brought happiness to the Frontier. The great price of that was paid in blood, flesh, pain and suffering.

    As if they¡¯d let some swarm of puny monsters from outside the Frontier ruin their dream.

    There is no way such a thing would be allowed.

    ¡¸Adventurers, hunt down the floor masters and the dungeon master. The rest of that rabble can pummeled and trampled them to death! ¡¹

    There wouldn¡¯t be much meaning in saving the Frontier that can¡¯t survive without being protected by others. Failing to protect it would mean treating with disdain the feelings of everyone that fought for it.

    ¡¸The weapons (clubs) given to us exist for the sake of smashing enemies, they were handed to us to crush into dust everyone who tries to take from us!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸UWOOOOOOOo!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The charge of the monsters was broken, leaving them to stand in a packed crowd, unable to move. Which means that all that is required is to kill them until every last of the monsters is dead.

    ¡¸Skirmishers reserve force, the Annihilation Squad of Housewives charge! Slaughter them all, turn them into magic stones, and use them to cover the cost of side dishes for dinner!!!!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸WHAAAARYAAAH!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    As the monsters¡¯ stampede was halted in its advance, turning them into a mere mob, it was swallowed by a rampage (stampede) of aunties. The vanguard was led by the Knight Princess of the previous generation ¡ºMurimur The Brutal¡». Wearing armor over her dress she cut open the way for others, turning monsters into meat chunks with each swing of her colossal greatsword, immediately followed by aunties brandishing clubs who swallowed up the horde of monsters akin to a muddy stream. Overwhelmed by the forces of devastation, the monsters were trampled down, smashed with clubs, and turned into money for the future meals.

    Later, it would be known by history that for quite a few it became the source of their secret savings.

    The boy once fearfully named this place a town of demons or town of carnage, and today, the demons of carnage were unleashed. Foolish pests that dared to challenge armored housewives were crushed, destroyed, and exterminated. That¡¯s because all of them are champions of the most terrifying battles on the Frontier, the maiden wars (bargain sales). Veterans who competed against the heroic girls. They weren¡¯t opponents monsters from outside of the Frontier could challenge.

    Thus, the war of the Kingdom has reached its conclusion. It goes without saying that the most important lesson that the war history would draw from this event is¡ºAunties are scary!¡». No, seriously?

    Kind of?

 CH 294.1

    Chapter 294: As I thought, this castle seems to be haunted by middle-aged men. Part 1

    Day 71 ¨C Nighttime, New Murimuri Castle

    Everyone is dancing with smiles. Everything is over, finally, the peace has come. Everyone has won the peace. That¡¯s why¡ª

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s feast!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Uwoooo!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle~!)

    A great uproar with drinking, singing, and sweets making. The feast and the festival are co-starring in this collaboration of great excitement and elation.

    ¡¸More deep-fried meat they say, and add mayo too~. I won¡¯t let lemon juice off~!¡¹

    ¡¸Bring an extra extra extra large portion of skewers! Bring so much that we call it Count Impaler!¡¹

    ¡¸Kyaaa, broiled eel, broiled eel!¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    All of the culprits of this crazed feast are familiar faces, but add more fried potatoes! And extra ketchup too!

    And in the middle of this agitated and bustling atmosphere, there is a transcendent beauty single-mindedly focused on consuming the food. Possessing looks in no way inferior to the peerless beauty (Angelica-san), she eludes a bewitching aura as she is slurping yakisoba.

    With the charm and elegance that makes one lose themselves watching her in fascination, wondering if Cleopatra, the beauty that is said to have changed the world, looked just as pretty, she is now stuffing her cheeks with pork cutlets and rice.

    But she possesses not only beauty, but also the strength rivaling Angelica-san and Slime-san, who Haruka-kun claims to be in Dungeon Emperor-tier. When we asked Stalker Girl, who saw her fighting up close she replied with a dazzled¡ºShe was beautiful. Fluttering like a vision from dreams she scattered monsters in a dance¡». The strength on the level that would intoxicate Stalker Girl-chan, who saw the way two others from Dungeon Emperor class fight. Dashingly joining the fight for meat skewers with that strength she sinks her teeth into fried pork.

    Her hair is in a long bob with bangs, which in turn makes her pretty facial features stand out even more. And for some reason, her incredibly suggestive outfit is being covered up with a school jersey given to her by Haruka-kun. She now has a hot dog in her mouth.

    The stampede from the fifth dungeon, that made us think that it¡¯s all over, reached all the way to this Murimuri Castle, but was wiped out here. The people of the Frontier repelled it with their strength.

    As Haruka-kun claims, he confirmed with¡ºRajingan¡»that it probably was rippled effect from the release of the mysterious girl and and Rise from the Dead that made the Church¡¯s contraptions go out of control, that¡¯s why it¡¯s no one¡¯s mistake that they couldn¡¯t detect preliminary sings. He strongly insisted on that, which is what makes it somewhat suspicious, but if no one gets it and Haruka-kun says that it¡¯s alright then it¡¯s fine that way. After all, if it was negligence or a really stupid mistake then Haruka-kun would¡¯ve said anything, he wouldn¡¯t even have spoken at all. So if Haruka-kun says it¡¯s fine, then it¡¯s fine.

    And the main culprit and the winner of a special prize for regular sermon attendance without an atom of remorse to his entire being, is now very busy with cooking. He is muttering complaints aloud, but around him, countless extravagant dishes are being piled up, while the heroes that prevailed over stampedes are one after another collapse, defeated by this stampede of food. This will require construction of a stadium for collective ONE MORE SET!

    Thank goodness Slime-san made it to the two distant unobserved dungeons. It apparently was a Cluster Explosive Meal from Long-range ballistic Slime-san cannon? What¡¯s that? Some sort of a skill? Even since Slime-san came back it¡¯s constantly frolicking around Haruka-kun, following him like a puppy.

    While it took us a while, we managed to finish at our place without any injuries and still had strength to spare. We also beat up and captured some stray escaping nobles while we were at it. The iron hammer of justice has fallen on those that overindulged on manju. That wasn¡¯t enough to make us forgive them, but we let them off easy since it seems they are still going to be put on trial in the Capital? The grudge of manju is scary, remember that!

    And Haruka-kun was doing as usual, beating and beating monsters that were crawling out of the hole, he was apparently busy with BEAT MANIANING and DRUM MASTERING. He was very nonchalant about it, speaking with almost disinterested expression, mentioning almost like in an off-hand comment. In the past I would¡¯ve thought, oh, is that so, after all, that¡¯s what I always thought until now. Thinking things turned out to be exactly as they seemed,¡ºAh, as expected, Haruka-kun was totally fine¡».

    But now I can tell. After being together for two months I now can tell. He is all worn-out. His entire body is in tatters, nerves in shreds, and flesh and bones a barely reattached mess. That¡¯s why he is keeping cool and keeps making mountains of food. When he is making a racket about being near death, it¡¯s nothing serious, but when he is acting casual, when he is being all-nonchalant, the more unfazed he appears, the less alright he is in truth.

    He doesn¡¯t want to say that it hurts and make others worry.

    He doesn¡¯t want to say that it¡¯s painful and make others worry.

    That¡¯s why he acts so laid-back and keeps making silly complaints while being noisy with everyone.

    That¡¯s why he is smiling. After all, it was for the sake of seeing everyone smile that he was pushing himself so hard.

    That¡¯s why I smile.

    He was working so hard because he wanted to see everyone smile, so we must smile in return. That¡¯s why everyone is doing their best, making such a racket with laughs.

    We laugh with our all, doing our best to convey that we did get happiness.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m telling you! I was quietly being a shut-in when a horde of middle-aged men swarmed in and marked the place with the stink of middle-aged men, and the stink was so foul, that I had to move and be a shut-in at another place? I mean, it reeked of middle-aged men? No way I can shut myself in such a place! I mean, with 40,000 Rise from the Dead Eternal body odor is Forever? Of course I¡¯d move from such a place. So I set it on fire and after deodorization with hellfire buried it underground and sealed it. It really stunk?¡¹

    We were wondering what happened to the castle when we came back, and the culprit turned out to be a freely-moving type of shut-in crazed on construction. Hikikomori-san with an even more irresponsibly mobile residence than that of a hermit crab, who is habitually taking over residences of others for temporary stay! I mean, he actually is a new type of high-speed Hikikomori-san who while flying around expands his housing, possessing multiple residences all over the Kingdom, and even trying to convert dungeons into his housing! A rather unusual global shut-in. And he is perfectly self-sufficient too!

    A bamboo thicket and a lake had appeared out of thin air, and New Murimuri Castle, despite supposedly being a hurried construction meant for the decisive battle, has an even more gorgeous interior, with recreation rooms and the salon coming equipped with massage chairs. Isn¡¯t this the reason why his mana was barely enough? Naturally, baths became even more extravagant too.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸A drink to the Frontier!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Soldiers, adventurers that rushed to help, townsfolk, Aunties (Supreme overlords), are drinking and laughing loudly together, all enjoying the festival to the fullest. They managed to protect the Frontier¡¯s happiness after all. The happy Frontier remained untouched behind this castle. The happiness was preserved and they gained the future in which they can pass it on. Everyone believes that this is where the Frontier¡¯s future is going to begin. That¡¯s why they are smiling from the bottom of their hearts.

    The miracle could happen because all of this was arranged beforehand. Haruka-kun managed to destroy the plot of the biggest organization on the continent by himself because he continuously worked on preparations. Without any pause he kept going on and on for the sake of peace and happiness. In fact, it was because Haruka-kun kept freely distributing lots of mushroom potions that everything miraculously ended with no fatalities. It¡¯s because everyone survived that everyone can laugh so wholeheartedly. They managed to survive, and they managed to protect.

 CH 294.2

    Chapter 294: As I thought, this castle seems to be haunted by middle-aged men. Part 2

    Omui-sama is engaged in a matrimonial quarrel, but he seems to be at great disadvantage, almost on the verge of crying. He apparently heard that Murimur-sama was fighting in vanguard and went to scold her for taking such risks, but then Haruka-kun tattled on him, telling about Omui-sama performing charge attacks at monsters. He was doing that again¡­

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Toast to Shino clan.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Hail to the Frontier Army~!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle~!)

    Everyone is praising each other, hugging, crying, and congratulating. Haruka-kun resolutely stated that he doesn¡¯t want any hugs from middle-aged men or aunties and is frantically running around from them, even making free use of ¡ºClone¡» for that. But is it bad manners to run on walls and ceiling? He should have injuries all over his body, but he appears very lively.

    He is really not being honest.

    But he can¡¯t honestly celebrate. He alone is still lamenting the errors. While the result was fine, even Haruka-kun¡¯s failsafe plan wasn¡¯t good enough. The Frontier should¡¯ve failed. If Omui-sama didn¡¯t make it in time, if Royal Girl didn¡¯t participate, if that mysterious beauty didn¡¯t appear and help, if Stalker Girl and her father didn¡¯t risk their lives to hold back the stampedes, if Oda-kun and others didn¡¯t launch Slime-san, if Adventurers and townsfolk didn¡¯t join as reinforcement, if the Church had at least one more trick, it would¡¯ve been destroyed. Everything merely happened to go just right, so he is still lamenting his failure.

    And that¡¯s why he is a big idiot. Even if everything went well only by chance, it was him who created that chance. Such a miracle was possible only because everything that he was working on until now (cards) came together to make a winning hand. And the one who did that is the super lucky Limit-Breakingly softhearted contrarian, who is regularly cheating possibilities , betting all in on luck, a fake villain who obstinately refuses to give up on happiness! That¡¯s why it¡¯s a lie that he could¡¯ve done it! There is no way he would fail to grasp happiness! That¡¯s why everyone came here.

    After all, as long as the chance is not zero, Haruka-kun can do something about it. And he worked so hard to prevent it from becoming zero. That¡¯s why he should be honestly celebrating, it¡¯s unforgivable that he doesn¡¯t celebrate after working so hard!

    But he seems to be enjoying himself?

    Aah, so there was a problem that only Shield Girl got a bra with air pads, and also that only culture clubs¡¯ girls got thongs. That¡¯s one error with 0 percent chance of survival. Highschool girl bodypile 3rd impact [1] has occurred. He managed to suppress stampedes from nine different dungeons, but is on the verge of happily dying from being squished by highschool girls stampede, triggered by a demand for bras with air pads? Well, he seems happy and content with it, so I guess it¡¯s fine? After all, I¡¯m participating too? Swallowed by the bodypile of lightly-dressed highschool girls that complying with safety standards for injured Haruka-kun¡¯s sake doesn¡¯t have anyone wearing combat equipment, he has finally fallen asleep. Just a very happy ¡°corpse¡±-san.

    Then, taking up the bath for ourselves we are holding a Girls-only meeting there..

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Whooa. So sexy! And enviable!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The mysterious pretty girl joined us too. A short while ago she was deep in talk with Angelica-san, seemingly hitting it off, or rather is she Angelica-san¡¯s fan? She was really happy getting a handshake.

    ¡¸Delicious. Food and sweets. Tamed.¡¹

    She is already brimming with desire to be Tamed. The amber-like skin on her slender, yet soft hands and feet, appears very seductive splashed by bath water. It seems like this mysterious beauty with oriental appearance and expressionless look has already been domesticated with food. And she seems to have joined the crepe faction. The Manju faction is currently losing, being put at a disadvantage by its inferior numbers.

    ¡¸Toned yet soft, the silk skin has a texture of well-trained body beneath it, aaah.¡¹

    The otherworldly beauty with Cleopatra-san¡¯s lovely look is Nefertiri-san. An immortal mummy, a dancer, and a warring shrine maiden, who possesses titles of Holy Knights, Great Sage, and Heathen Saint. At the moment Princess Shariceres is washing her all over in a great excitement. That alluring figure¡­ Looks like in addition to Angelica-san ONE MORE SET we also need Nefertiri-san¡¯s DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION! She is already bombarded with requests, I¡¯m going to apply too! I mean, she has an amazing waist-line! And her buttocks are tight and lifted up, but there is a supple and plump feeling to them, a sensual, enchanting, and tempting gorgeous body.

    Will Haruka-kun be able to welcome the morning tomorrow? Angelica-san is already making plans to thoroughly violate and ravish Haruka-kun together with Nefertiri-san, having a nasty look on her face. Nefertiri-san too seems to be very motivated to fall to Haruka-kun¡¯s Taming while also being very motivated about assaulting him, being fully on board with Angelica-san¡¯s plan.These two transcendent beauties with ultimate proportions coming at him together¡­ A team far more dangerous than 40,000 middle-aged men was just formed.

    ¡¸Mistress. Number two. Legal wives, please treat me well.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Legal wives?¡­¡­And a mistress, huh.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like she is in a monster category, just like Angelica-san? And as we expected, just as usual, she also got saved by him. Being put by the Church into¡ºCollar of Subordination ¨C a collar that forces into obedience¡», she was locked inside a dark and narrow coffin all the time. And at the time she was woken up, it always meant massacre. On the orders of the Church, regardless of her own will, she was hurting people that opposed it. And she was finally released from that. She finally became able to act on her volition. That¡¯s why she asked to be killed. She kept wishing for death all this time, so she ended up asking for it.

    But she got unlucky with her opponent.

    He wouldn¡¯t hear that wish. It wouldn¡¯t be granted no matter how much one wishes for it. After all, he is egoistic and astoundingly selfish walking arrogance, a tyrannical savage when he stands, a memory-lacking inhuman when he sits, his walking figure is exactly that of a rampaging demon. That¡¯s why he is definitely not going to acknowledge such a request. He won¡¯t permit, he won¡¯t tolerate, he won¡¯t grant it, and the only future such a wish holds is being eternally crushed to pieces in a hell of massacred middle-aged men. After all, he is a serial destroyer of misfortune.

    That¡¯s why she was saved. Presented with a mountain of food and sweets the likes of which she never seen before, she was preached, persuaded, and brainwashed with the idea that as long as she lives she will still have lots of delicious stuff and many happy moments, and if she lacks for it, then why not just plunder it from somewhere? He went and did it again.

    This time the target had enough learning ability not to fall for ¡ºTaming¡», but she herself seems to have fully fallen for food and is very motivated to end up ¡ºTamed¡». It¡¯s only obvious that after being saved from such despair she¡¯d want to follow him, but unable to notice the most obvious things he is probably panicking about what to do, seeking advice from Slime-san and getting jiggles in response.

    After all, he didn¡¯t order her. She was afraid that made unable to resist an order, she was going to end up in the same situation as with the Church, when she would end up having to kill someone against her will. Without making any orders he instead asked her ¡ºCould you help me for three crepes? Dungeons are overflowing and the Frontier is in a super big pinch, and we are super short on people, so I¡¯m willing to borrow even a cat¡¯s hand,[2] or rather paw, but if I do borrow it, I¡¯m not giving it back, nyan? Well, that¡¯s how it is, as a contingency fee I will also add all you can eat feast?¡». He earnestly pleaded with someone he could force to obey with a single order. He was panicking and desperate, but even so, he didn¡¯t make an order. That¡¯s why she could believe him.

    That¡¯s why she chose to follow him for five crepes. That¡¯s two up from the initial offer, so her Girl Power has to be high!

    Moreover, both Angelica-san and Slime-san don¡¯t require food or sleep, they can survive without them on Magical Essence and mana. However, it¡¯s merely not required, but both of them enjoy having delicious food daily.

    But Nefertiri-san never received any food, since she didn¡¯t require it.

    Meanwhile, Haruka-kun, while being aware that it¡¯s not required, not, still chose to offer her a feast, without much care about the necessity, rather, it¡¯s like he did it precisely because it was not necessary. He actually told her to just wait while eating delicious stuff, without trying to attach any conditions to it. And Nefertiri-san, without being ordered anything, went out and caught the remaining archpriests by herself. There is no way she wouldn¡¯t get attached to him after he went so far! He even made strawberry crepe-san for her!

    Nefertiri-san must¡¯ve been astonished and moved, while for us it¡¯s just how it is. After all, there is not a single person under Taming that ever received an order from him. He is always asking, pleading, negotiating, luring with sweets, apologizing, and getting scolded, but he never made an order. Haruka-kun is a master that never gave an order to anyone. That¡¯s why everyone trusts him.

    He is probably still asking Slime-san for advice on what to do, but it¡¯s too late for that? Everything is too late by now, after all, Haruka-kun¡¯s infection keeps spreading from the Frontier to The Kingdom in an ever growing pandemic. No one is going to consider giving up now. It¡¯s way too late for any of that? Everyone will gladly follow him. After all, they trust him and strive after him? Everyone already learned about not giving up?

 CH 295

    Chapter 295: Some stories can¡¯t be told without tears, or rather, true sadness prevents words from coming out.

    Day 71 ¨C Nighttime, New Murimuri Castle.

    Soaking in the bath I enjoy the feeling of soft and tender jiggliness that I was missing for a while, rubbing and petting it I get my fill. Naturally, I¡¯m speaking about Slime-san.

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    Slime-san is also enjoying the bath. There, Slime-san and I are having a deep discussion on the future treatment of that charming sexy amber-skinned lady. Since she isn¡¯t under ¡ºTaming¡» her level didn¡¯t reset, so she is still Lv100. But with Slime-san back, there shouldn¡¯t be a risk of defeat with both Armored Pres-san and Slime-san around. Even if they are losing in levels, Armored Pres-san has incredibly overpowered gear and Slime-san also returned stronger than it was before. Well, after eating so much it was bound to pick up a ton of new skills.

    She is dangerous, but I don¡¯t want to kill her.

    She wanted to die, but I ended up taking her with me. It would be wrong to end it like this after being ordered by others with her free will and everything else stolen away, constantly suffering without a single good thing happening to her. In life there is no pleasure without pain, so after the pain, she has to have pleasures. Especially considering her pain and suffering so far, she must have Sukhavati-level [1] of bliss and delights, which I¡¯d also like to partake in, but putting that aside, she should be able to freely enjoy and savor pleasures in her own way.

    After all, she was just like Armored Pres-san. Completely engulfed in magic power she was suppressing it, desperately struggling against it. Wearing the worst kind of a collar, capable of controlling even her mind, she still was fighting against it. Being restricted with such a vast amount of mana should have been insanely painful, and yet she was resisting it, perhaps in hopes that it would destroy her body. And while being constantly surrounded in such amounts of mana, no one would be able to approach her, much less touch. But she continued to endure that eternal solitude while keeping her sense of self (ego) intact and resisting. Just like Armored Pres-san. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to kill her.

    But she is free now, although she is so crazy strong that it raises the question if it¡¯s really fine to set free such a power. Well, I think it¡¯s fine to just take it easy and release her after calmly confirming her disposition, but it seems like Slime-san is of the opposite opinion?

    ¡¸Is it alright to use ¡ºTaming¡» on your comrades? Jiggle jiggle? I don¡¯t think ¡ºTaming¡» should be used so willy-nilly and if for example Slime-san wishes for it, I will release the effect, and we can stay together even without ¡ºTaming¡»? It¡¯s a skill that robs others of their freedom, and if possible, better left unused? Bounce-bounce? No, that¡¯s an extreme argument, in general universal common logic it¡¯s not good. After all, everyone is getting along even without Taming, so that¡¯s Jiggle~Jiggle there. Well, it¡¯s not like she is in a hurry to leave, so it¡¯s not the time to rush yet, or rather, seeing that enthralling body line triggers a rush of highschool boy-like spirit (passion) in me, or rather yearning, in any case, that¡¯s dangerous! Kind of?¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    It seems like Slime-san took a great liking to her. Well, she is a good girl, and the way she ate must¡¯ve scored quite a few points with Slime-san. Eventually, she might start eating from a bucket too.

    And after exchanging constructive and multi-layered arguments, and arguing for the compromise, we had to grope in the dark for the conclusion? Alright, I¡¯ve warmed up enough, time to get out?

    The sense of liberation from finally being liberated had come to an end. It still wasn¡¯t over?! Or rather, it¡¯s definitely over, I mean the necessity is nil, or rather, their very existence is nil?

    ¡¸¡¸Finally found you! What do you mean bra making has ended at one round! This is a discrimination! This is a discrimination and abuse towards the girls of more modest disposition! ¡¹¡¹

    Vice Pres A and C snapped? They seem extremely infuriated and super-duper enraged.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t just make it a round with us!¡¹

    ¡¸No, I mean¡­ Do you even need it?¡¹

    ¡¸We do! Very much so!¡¹

    I think it¡¯s safe to say that they never had any bra-related issues during combat? They don¡¯t have anything to cause them after all. Rather, having less surface value in profile, it can even be said that they are safer from projectiles coming from flanks¡­ No? I didn¡¯t say anything? Oh, you borrowed morning stars? Aah, those are your own. Just how many morning stars have the girls acquired? The Capital is a dreadful place!

    ¡¸No, look, ¡ºWrap that what doesn¡¯t exist¡», or ¡ºPush up that what has no weight¡», is not in realm of physics anymore, so how about asking a philosopher?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t say they don¡¯t exist! We have them too! We do! They exist!¡¹

    ¡¸For the sake of the argument, suppose we assume it¡¯s true, but supporting a flat surface with a curve is¡­ Buuuabaaakuaaah ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t say flat surface! It¡¯s a gentle slope! Gentle and modest!¡¹¡¹

    Gentle and modest people don¡¯t hit people with morning stars, you know? However, wearing full battle gear even right after leaving the bath, I have no openings to exploit, but it still hurts. I might not be able to take the next combo!

    ¡¸We know that you were enduring the embarrassment, making them for safety¡¯s sake, but we too¡­ But we too wanted to wear pretty bras like everyone. We know that it¡¯s not what the original intention was, but we were looking forward to our turn too¡­ Although we were put the very last!¡¹

    Aah, so in the end, it¡¯s my fault again? I should¡¯ve known this from seeing Armored Pres-san, no one likes being left out, she wants to wear cute clothes and show off, all of the clothes of this world belong to me, the Lord of Avarice~! Is what I¡¯m well familiar with, but somehow, I didn¡¯t realize this.

    It¡¯s not surprising they will get angry and jump at me. At the very least they aren¡¯t biting like the Bitches.

    ¡¸Aaah, I got it? No, actually, the humanity doesn¡¯t quite get nothingness yet, and I don¡¯t really understand nothingness too, but I understood your feelings, not really, but I understand that if I don¡¯t understand them, the rotation of morning stars is going to get even faster, so I¡¯ll just make it like I understand, and will work on bras, so let¡¯s put away those morning stars, alright? Don¡¯t try to hide them in your chests though? I hate fake enlargements, but the main issue is that those steel balls have spikes on them, so it will hurt?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Yaaay! But stop saying nothingness!!¡¹¡¹

    I hurriedly began the work, but since it was so urgent and unexpected, Blindfold Pres is absent. I wonder why I have more confidence in the blindfolding when she is not around though? But lately, Blindfold-san has gotten into some radical brute force moves like physically forcing the eyes open, going beyond just having no intentions of hiding anything into making sure that I¡¯ll see everything! There is not a single shred of trust to be had there, but for some reason none of the girls are raising objection against this mysterious Blindfold Pres-san, even though with the long history of abuse of her position there shouldn¡¯t be merely claims but wide-spread movement to have her recalled from the position, but since she is not around today I feel very at peace.

    And the handmade blindfold¡­ Still had holes opened in it by Armored Pres-san. I say holes, but those are giant openings almost exceeding the cloth surface, this blindfold gives such a clear vision that it makes one wonder if it was supposed to be glasses. Looks like Blindfold Pres is on bad terms with Real Blindfold-san?

    So I tried asking Slime-san. As expected of a being with undefined form it instantly wrapped around me and covered my eyes, but¡­

    ¡¸Slime-san? You were black just a second ago, no? What are you raising your transparency ratio for? Or rather, it¡¯s so high that you are fully transparent! An SF-like blindfold that resembles goggles from fiction about the near future is covering my eyes, but it¡¯s not blocking my vision at all? Or rather, it¡¯s sort of like a VR headset, but even if it¡¯s made 3D with virtual reality, it¡¯s still a 2D surface, virtually non-existent flatness¡­¡­(*Thud!*)¡¹

    I got hit. No, this actually was Slime-san¡¯s doing, and I was merely drawing attention to it, and by no means was drawing delight from¡­ Nevermind. I¡¯m just going to empty my mind and focus on bra making? Yeah, mind and body (chests) being filled with nothingness together ¡­¡­(*BANG*)

    ¡¸Eerm, the overall shape is finished, or rather, pasted together, or rather, isn¡¯t this¡­ A pectoralis major correction supporter? Muscle muscle?¡¹

    (*Thud!*) (*Smack!*) (*Whack!*) (*Booom*) (*Snap*)¡­and further beating.

    ¡¸¡¸We need BRAAAAAAAAAAS! Not a pectoralis major supporter! BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS!!!¡¹¡¹

    Looks like this isn¡¯t it?

    ¡¸But training pectoralis major muscle should give bust up effects and also increase the measurement too?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Guuuhhh¡­ Please add pectoralis major correction function too!¡¹¡¹

    Looks like they need it after all?

    They are squeezing them together with quite desperation. Looks like not having one is a problem both when they are trying cute clothes or want to be fashionable. However, it seems like a certain portion of the girls has an overwhelmingly greater demand for this, but I¡¯ll be hit if I said that. After all, they are already giving me a very intense flat gaze, holding morning stars in their hands!

    ¡¸Eeehm? Then trying to push them together¡­ them? Together?¡­Pushing up¡­ Maybe from above¡­ How about we add some air cushion for safety? (Crying)¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡­Thanks (Tears of gratitude)¡¹¡¹

    Certainly, in breast armor kind of sense, the safety efficiency was extremely low, with almost zero shock absorption ability, but since it¡¯s still related to safety it¡¯s fine, I guess? They must want to dress up too, so if it¡¯s just a bit then even high school boys from the original world will look the other way with warm gazes. Well, they seem to be extremely happy, so it¡¯s fine, I guess.

    Then, we move to the bottoms.

    However, in the case of Shrimp Tanuki Girl, maybe it would¡¯ve been more appropriate to go with a correction cast for small animals to prevent the belly from poking out? Or maybe a training belt with a lead? While wondering if it¡¯s alright to let her roam free like that, I continue to work, but in any case, there were no issues with the top for both of them.

    But doing the bottoms turned out to be very tough. The reason being, Vice Pres A-san has the most outrageous bottom in the class! While her chest is modest and humble, her figure itself is no different than that of a supermodel. With her beautiful long legs and great thighs she has an outstanding figure (except for the chest area)!

    That was a close call, but I somehow managed to resist the Frenzied Temptation Attack of those beautiful legs. It could be said that Evil Hands were rubbing them more relentlessly than usual, but I managed to get through. I managed to get though, but two people kept expressing their admiration to the precise and delicate technique of Evil Hands in ¡ºUhyaaah!¡» or ¡ºHyarahehyaheee!¡» or ¡ºKyauuuh!¡» until they collapsed.

    Armored Pres-san also returned, but after taking a look inside the room, she made a sly grin and saying ¡ºEnjoy yourselves¡» tried to leave? Could you please not? Or rather, weren¡¯t you Blindfold Pres-san, even if only just for show? Can¡¯t say that I see any necessity to it though, I mean, nothing was being hidden?

    I¡¯m actually going to carry them, so help me here? Yup, it¡¯s another group that went unconscious stark naked? I do want to enjoy myself, you know? But that would be a crime, plain and simple, with an immediate guilty sentence and possible decapitation, so there is no way I¡¯m going there. But what was that? Ah~ that¡¯s what it was! My level went up! This explains why Evil Hands feel enhanced, in more ways than one? It seems they were amazing.

 CH 296

    Chapter 296: Not sure if it should be finally MaX or still MaX, the future is concerning.

    Day 71 ¨C Nighttime, New Murimuri Castle

    I¡¯m so tired, mainly emotionally! Yeah, it can be said that only a highschool boy being energetic could be a big problem. Armored Pres-san and company dressed up an unconscious naked girl and butt-naked tanuki and carried them away. When they come back we¡¯ll have to discuss with Dancing Girl how things are going to be from now on.

    Dancing Girl has been freed only recently so she might as well spend some time having fun while considering the future at ease, but considering that she possesses power on par with Dungeon Emperor Class, I have the responsibility to make sure if it¡¯s really alright to set her free, but what¡¯s even more important I have to burn the sight of her enthralling figure into my eyes.

    At the moment, I might be able to force ¡ºTaming¡» on her, but that¡¯s something that shouldn¡¯t be done. After all, she just got her freedom. She can now live as she pleases without taking unpleasant orders from anyone. That¡¯s why she should be given true freedom without being bound by anyone.

    Now, I avoided looking at it all this time, I mean, looking at it pisses me off? Not wanting to see it is actually a big part of it? Or rather, since seeing it still won¡¯t explain anything I seriously don¡¯t want to see it. And what¡¯s more important, getting used to seeing it will lead to getting deceived. If one gets used to it, they will stop sensing how out of place it is.

    In fact, the classmates are checking their Status daily, seeing it as something completely ordinary. Coming from a world that had no such thing, they now lost any feeling of discomfort towards such an unnatural thing. And that¡¯s why the people of this world, who were born with Status, don¡¯t doubt it, they trust it fully and unconditionally.

    ¡¸Status¡¹

    NAME: Haruka

    Race: Human

    AGE 16

    HP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ ¡¡415¡¡¡¡ (37Up)

    MP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ 488¡¡¡¡ (59Up)

    ViT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡358¡¡¡¡ (22Up)

    PoW¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡365 ¡¡ (26Up)

    SpE¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡490 ¡¡¡¡(59Up)

    DeX¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡476¡¡¡¡ (58Up)

    MiN¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡480¡¡ ¡¡(52Up)

    InT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡520¡¡¡¡ (61Up)

    Luk¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ Max (Limit Break)

    SP¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ 1,528

    Martial Arts:¡¸Path of the Staff Lv 9¡¹(Up) ¡¸Uncanny Dodge Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Magic Wrapping Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Kyojitsu LvMaX¡¹(Up) ¡¸Instantaneous Movement Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Fluidity Lv 6¡¹ ¡¸D¨­jutsu Lv 1¡¹ ¡¸Adamantine Fists Lv 3¡¹ ¡¸Random Attack Lv 3¡¹(New 2Up)

    Magic:¡¸Atomic Manipulation Lv 2¡¹ ¡¸Teleportation Lv 7¡¹ ¡¸Gravity Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Holding Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Elemental Sorcery Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Wood Magic Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Lightning Magic Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Ice Magic Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Alchemy Lv 6¡¹(2Up) ¡¸Spatial Magic Lv 4¡¹(2Up)

    Skills:¡¸Health Lv MaX¡¹(Up) ¡¸Sensitive Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Body Control Lv 9¡¹(Up) ¡¸Swift Foot Lv 8¡¹(Up) ¡¸Taming Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Improved Detect Presence Lv 6¡¹(Up) ¡¸Mana Mastery Lv 9¡¹(Up) ¡¸Erase Presence Lv 9¡¹(Up) ¡¸Stealth Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Concealment Lv MaX¡¹ ¡¸Empty Mind Lv 8¡¹(Up) ¡¸Physical Damage Negation Lv 4¡¹(2Up) ¡¸MP Absorption Lv 6¡¹(Up) ¡¸Regeneration Lv 6¡¹(Up) ¡¸Apex Thinking Lv 7¡¹(Up) ¡¸Rush Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Air Walk Lv 7¡¹ ¡¸Extreme Velocity Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Rajingan Lv 5¡¹(Up) ¡¸High Sexual Vigor Lv MaX¡¹(2 Up) ¡¸Insatiable Libido Lv MaX¡¹(2 Up)

    Titles:¡¸Hikikomori Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸NEET Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Loner Lv 8¡¹ ¡¸Grand Mage Lv 5¡¹(Up) ¡¸Swordmaster Lv 4¡¹(Up) ¡¸Alchemist Lv 6¡¹(2 Up)

    Unknown:¡¸Report?Inform?Consult Lv 9¡¹(Up) ¡¸Jack of All Trades Lv 9¡¹ ¡¸Muppet Lv 9¡¹

    Items:¡¸Staff of the World Tree¡¹ ¡¸Plain Clothes?¡¹ ¡¸Leather Gloves?¡¹ ¡¸Leather Boots?¡¹ ¡¸Cloak?¡¹ ¡¸Rajingan¡¹ ¡¸Soul Ring¡¹ ¡¸Item Bag¡¹ ¡¸Bracelet PoW£«53% SpE +45% ViT +31%¡¹ ¡¸Black Hat¡¹

    I went up two levels after all. Despite the slow speed at which I gain levels, I went up two at once. Well, even if they are just low-level middle-aged men, 40,000 of them could¡¯ve given a considerable amount of EXP, but even the Great Dungeon only gave me six levels? And the last time I checked my status was before I started digging the mine. We have beaten quite a few dungeons since then, but it didn¡¯t give me even one level.

    This time I got two levels at once despite not gaining any levels for so long. Of course there is a chance that I had exp points accumulated from earlier. Even so, the way in which levels rise feels strange. Earlier I was ignoring it, reasoning that 10th or 5th levels take a while, but this time I went from 21 to 23 so it should have nothing to do with that. Is there an issue with Status itself, or is something up with only my Status? There are so many suspicious points that I¡¯m not even sure. But now I managed to narrow it down. There is only one thing that can be causing this.

    I didn¡¯t check it for a long time, so it must¡¯ve failed to process everything. The precision of ¡ºEvil Hands¡» right now was noticeably too high.

    As I thought¡­ From everyone¡¯s point of view my Status was Lv 21, even Reroreroing old man said so. I always felt that my level had risen, but I never checked it. Which led to everyone saying that my level is 21, regardless if they used ¡ºAppraisal¡» or ¡ºInsight¡», in other words, my status alone doesn¡¯t update until I check it.

    Siiigh, until now my Status was acting pretty weird, with my skills, magic, and equipment lying to me, so I got a bit suspicious and it turned out exactly as I thought. My Status is being overwritten. It gets rewritten at the moment I check it myself, so it ends up getting out of sync. That¡¯s why I was waiting for it to go off-sync. And double up is the most likely timing for that. And it¡¯s just as I thought.

    Then, the only one capable of such a thing has to be ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san. It¡¯s probably hiding my skills by disguising them in order to restrain my strength. In fact, when I noticed ¡ºAtomic Manipulation¡» I lost consciousness and had a nosebleed which refused to stop, so it was really dangerous.

    My body is already being destroyed, unable to keep up with the power of the skills far surpassing my limits. And it¡¯s going to get even worse. That¡¯s why it was hiding them from me. But the fight today was way too crazy, so it unleashed hidden abilities. That¡¯s why I was able to jump precisely in front of the enemies that were 50 meters away with ¡ºTeleportation¡» and mow them down with ¡ºKyojitsu¡». And since I also tore muscles in my whole body, broke numerous bones, and began bleeding all over, barely not losing consciousness, the output clearly exceeded my capacity. That¡¯s why those abilities were hidden and restrained.

    But by what means ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san is able to do such a thing?

    In the first place, the ¡ºThinking¡»-type skills like ¡ºQuick Thinking Lv 1¡» or ¡ºParallel Thinking¡» that became the foundation for ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san don¡¯t exist?

    If I were to process the enormous, far surpassing my limit, volume of information associated with my skills, my brain (InT) would be destroyed. And ¡ºApex Thinking¡»-san must be the skill created for the sake of providing calculation and operational capacity required to isolate and process that excessive information. Then who was it who created it, and who is feeding, receiving, and operating information to and from Apex Thinking-san?

    Hey, ¡ºReport?Inform?Consult¡»-san, who haven¡¯t Reported, Informed, or Consulted me even once, and instead moving behind my back, processing massive amounts of information, don¡¯t you have something to tell me~?

    ¡ºReport?Inform?Consult Lv 9¡» ¡ºApex Thinking Lv 7¡»¡ú¡ºWisdom Lv 1¡» (New?)

    Here it is. As expected, it¡¯s going to hide until I expose it, huh?

    But Wisdom, huh. Intelligence and knowledge have a complex relationship. Knowledge (Data) and intelligence (Process). Knowledge alone is just like having a giant encyclopedia with no means to use or apply information within, and having Intelligence but without any information also bears no meaning. It¡¯s like having a super fast calculator but with only the zero button. Only coupled together knowledge and Intelligence gain meaning, and that¡¯s Wisdom-san. AI-equipped supercomputer-like deluxe skill-san was hiding and helping me out. It kept itself concealed because it must be too dangerous for me to use it. But if I don¡¯t use it, this is the limit of what I can do with my Abilities (skills). It¡¯s much more dangerous to have my skills continue to grow stronger in this uncontrollable state. While Wisdom might fry my brain or lead to some sort of self-destruction, the damage will be limited to myself, but if active skills were to go out of control it could endanger everyone around me. Although I¡¯m not sure how I¡¯d feel if I regenerated even after getting my brain fried? But it has to be done.

    Or rather, for goodness sake, stop hiding! Well, I¡¯m getting helped with you hiding, so I can¡¯t really complain. I mean, it¡¯s bizarre that I¡¯m still alive with my Status, so I¡¯m sure there is something else hiding beside ¡ºWisdom¡», but I can¡¯t spot it yet. And the foundation of everything must be¡­ Siiiiigh.

    The only new skill is ¡ºRandom Attack Lv 3¡» (New 2Up) which should be that mysterious attack. It finally turned into a skill in that inexplicable and uncontrollable state. And since it became a skill, it is going to get even stronger and harder to use as its level rises. And even though I was unable to control it because of ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡» leading to it becoming a skill in the form of ¡ºRandom Attack¡», that ¡ºRandom Attack¡» itself is now also can be wrapped with ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡» leading to even more chaos. Well, since ¡ºWisdom¡»-san finally revealed itself, so I might as well push the entire problem onto it.

    In fact, drawn-out combat turned out to be way more dangerous than I expected. At the moment, there seems to be no other choice but to dive into dungeons, after I get back to the Frontier, and gather up ViT equipment? My body is getting destroyed because my ViT can¡¯t keep up with the power of the skills. Well, usually, ¡ºPhysical Enhancement¡» would be used for that, but in my case the advanced version of ¡ºPhysical Enhancement¡»-¡ºMagic Wrapping¡» is the very thing that it¡¯s causing the damage, so it won¡¯t work. Or rather, what kind of destructive power it has if even with my stats buffed by ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡» and even wrapped in ¡ºRegeneration¡» I¡¯m still crumbling!? You are my skill, so destroy enemies instead of me!

    ¡¸Well, this is it for now, so I can think about the rest later, or rather, even if I think about it now I won¡¯t understand it anyway, and I¡¯m pretty tired, but I still have to deal with a mountain of issues piled up on top of each other like some sort of a jenga, which is locked in a miraculous balance, but keeps getting more and more tiles thrown on top? Isn¡¯t this just a punishment game? But the Church is crazy. Since they released that Dancing Girl, despite not having full control over her, does that mean that even if they ended up attacked by her they could somehow handle it? Does it mean that they still have something else? Moreover, the danger will remain if we don¡¯t destroy all of the dungeons in the Frontier, but since they keep popping up like mushrooms in the Frontier, that artificial overflow technique is a real pain.¡¹

    But when the Geeks and Idiots come back they might be able to take care of two dungeons even at the Frontier. Even the Frontier Army, if the dungeon is only of medium depth, they should be able to handle one. And then there are Armored Pres-san and Slime-san, plus if I can do something about one too, we might be able to suppress six dungeons. Aah, but the Frontier¡¯s dungeons are on another level. This time we somehow managed because it were the outside dungeons. And even so, the closest 5th one survived Fake Dungeon¡¯s explosion, collapse, and Master Golem¡¯s crushing attack, and reached all the way to Murimuri Castle. In merely one battle the Fake Dungeon and Murimuri Castle, that I thought to be perfect, had fallen.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped since I was drawing them in, but exploding middle-aged men and ¡ºRise from the Dead¡» and the Dancing Girl were too dangerous. Well, since I was drawing them in I also got to rip them off and rake huge profits. Were I to melt down the gold coins I got from the Confederation and the Theocracy I¡¯d be able to build a modest golden palace, I also got tons of goods and equipment, although the latter is kind of shabby, so I¡¯ll probably have to pawn it off? But even if I build a golden house, gold is soft, so the Bitches might cause a collapse by biting at it. It¡¯s not like there is anything better to do in this world? I mean, even the Capital had no book stores¡­¡¹

    The Capital even had eels and I also was able to buy up a large quantity of red sake, volatile oil was useful, but I can¡¯t use it in cooking? And in terms of development the Frontier was ahead. Clothes, furniture, weapons, all were shabby, so there aren¡¯t many results. Rather, it¡¯s puzzling why they had so many morning stars, and sickle and chains, but since they have none left it doesn¡¯t really matter. I mean, the girls bought all of them? All of them have My Morning Star in the equipment now, but just what are they trying to do?

    Skill ¡ºWisdom¡» must be automatically working while I¡¯m thinking all of this, but unless I test it, I won¡¯t know the limit, that¡¯s why let¡¯s manually activate ¡ºWisdom¡» and seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee¡­¡­¡­¡­

    WHA¡­¡­T¡­¡­¡­¡­?

    HA¡­¡­HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENS?

 CH 297

    Chapter 297: From two mountains to the Eden in a devil¡¯s triangle that seems to have volcanic activity.

    Day 71 ¨C Late at Night, New Murimuri Castle

    When I woke up, there was a beautiful face to my right and a beautiful face to my left?

    My head feels hazy¡­ But what is going on? Or rather¡­ This is bad! My highschool boy is going crazy!

    There is a face of artistic beauty resting a chin at each of my shoulders, beautiful snow white and amber arms resting on my chest, entwined with each other, an enchanting soft amber-colored thigh is lying on my stomach, meanwhile Glorious Foot-sama is located at the most risky spot for a waking up highschool boy, while her leg is entangled with a smooth pure white Foot-sama, I¡¯m being sandwiched between the two amber and pure white stark naked goddesses. A shocking and extreme stimulation so exciting I can come three times over, or rather, a dream?

    Aah, so I¡¯m still sleeping? I mean, this dreamy feeling with a superb view is completely out of this world, so I have to be still sleeping. Like, my right arm is being held in between two soft mountains, while the hand is caught in between the thighs, ending up in a very heavenly place. The left arm is also held in between two bouncy mountains, and is being caught in a marvelous and risky devil¡¯s triangle.

    Yeah, I have no recollection? How did this happen? Kind of?

    A naked beauty to the right, a naked beauty to the right, a naked highschool in the middle? If this were othello I¡¯d have been flipped! [1]

    Well, there is a danger that asking to which color an Asian is supposed to be flipping when flanked by white and amber might develop into a complicated ethnic argument, but at the moment I must worry about highschool boy issues instead of racial ones! That¡¯s because all of the highschool boys are just highschool boys, so this situation has a highschool boy, that lost his sense of reason, at risk of going out of control, and that dangerous thigh riding on my lower body creates a risky danger of touch, pressing closely and rubbing, having active highschool boy volcano on the verge of overflowing with magma, or rather it¡¯s already building up to that so this is really bad!

    Whoooa, wait, wait, wait, this is really bad.

    But with both of my arms held tightly, I can feel 4 soft objects going jiggle jiggle and squish squish against them. There is also a head resting on each of my shoulders, so I can¡¯t get up or move, the upper half of my body is fully restrained, while there are also four long legs intertwined on the lower half, pinning me down. And as the sensation of bare skin rubbing and pressing against me on the right and left continues, as they keep stimulating me, my entire body is engulfed in heavenly paradise, but this is hell! Crap, highschool boy urges that went over permissive limit is on the brink of uprising and charging into the era of upheaval. Or rather, Dancing Girl is even doing in my bed naked, clinging, hugging, and stimulating a highschool boy so passionately?

    Pleasant sensations are transmitted from the left and right, with pleasant touches being felt here and there. This is Koumei¡¯s trap! I mean, this is so much of a trap that even Koumei-san would shudder, with trap card continuously activated it¡¯s always LEWD¡¯s Turn? Noc¡¯s turne? This is really bad!

    ¡¸Or rather, since a while ago your touching and rubbing is getting so exquisite and high technique that there is no way you are not doing this on purpose. You shouldn¡¯t pretend to be asleep to sexually harass a highschool boy making his good morning into GOD morning, because something beside that highschool boy is going to rise too?¡¹

    No, these movements can¡¯t be accidental! Cooperation and calculation can be felt from the movements of their combination attack! Moreover, having me already restrained they are continuously assaulting my sense of reason in a pincer attack¡­ Am, am I about to be overwhelmed?!

    ¡¸Definitely, seduce, get tamed.¡¹£¨Aamh£©

    (Locked in a fierce battle)

    There was a fight that as a highschool boy I couldn¡¯t or could afford to lose, but it was very pleasant?

    ¡¸¡­¡­I won¡¯t be able to marry anymore? Your mounted rodeo girl twin tandem wave assault from flanking and overwhelming was magnificent, but¡­ ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡» and ¡ºInsatiable Libido¡»-san just became MaX level, reaching peak limit and the climax of their attack power and ¡ºRegeneration¡» also became Lv 6, so I can survive drawn-out battles too? Kind of?¡¹

    But if ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor¡» and ¡ºInsatiable Libido¡» didn¡¯t reach max level I would¡¯ve been overwhelmed. I mean even Lv 6 of ¡ºRegeneration¡» was barely enough!

    But the cause of their defeat lies in the fact that my black mantle was left within my reach. Managing to repel the restraint of the four hands and legs entangling me and getting mounted I was able to attack from below with perpendicular martial techniques and once my hands were able to reach the black mantle from the reverse mounted position there was no possibility of defeat. If there are two opponents then I have infinite hands of ¡ºEvil Hands¡»-san on my side, countering their assault I subdue them in return, even throwing Vibration Magic into the mix, but with the new ¡ºWisdom¡» Skill my control over them reached a terrific level, the sensation felt if I suddenly got one million fingers or hands and was able to freely control every single one of them, and while it was tough to handle a million hands at once, what a lovely sensation it was, but perhaps it was an overkill since both of them have fainted with very immodest expressions?

    Well, they should be alright even if I don¡¯t stuff mushrooms into their mouths? But it seems like it was a bit painful for Dancing Girl , so let¡¯s give her one, just in case. Her mouth is conveniently open as well?

    And now, it¡¯s time for a sermon. Having being assaulted by the two with such beautiful and bewitching bodies, there going bounce-bounce, squish-squish there, lick-licky here, it was a really tough, hard, an unwinnable battle for a highschool boy, although I managed to prevail, I had to do my best on the counteroffensive as a rebellious highschool boy? Thank you very much?

    Nonono, it¡¯s a sermon, there is an order and proper sequence to all things, so they should refrain from pulling such highschool boy-like moves like making a sudden assault. Highschool boys are highschool boys so in a highschool boy-like way it can¡¯t be helped, but assaulting a highschool boy is an issue! Thank you for the treat?

    No, I must sternly tell them off here, I feel plenty that it¡¯s very much too late for this, but despite all of the wonderful and pleasant things that I felt, I have to scold them.

    ¡¸Why would you do such a thing? And even you, Armored Pres-san, joining in on this? I¡¯m very happy¡­ No, I wouldn¡¯t say that I¡¯m against it, and while on one hand I also can¡¯t necessarily deny that I enjoyed it, I also can¡¯t deny it on the other hand, but putting that marvelous thing very aside. I¡¯m angry? I mean, Dancing Girl just obtained her freedom, and it was the moment when she should¡¯ve used to deliberate on what to do in the future, why suddenly assault me? This is not a thing you should be doing out of gratitude or anything of that sort, and even if you wanted to stay together, that¡¯s a completely unrelated issue, which should be properly talked out, or rather, I¡¯m actually talking here, so could you stop nibbling on my ears? And Dancing Girl, what are you doing between my legs? No, you are currently being given a scolding called a sermon, so you should be more earnest in listening to my earnest gentlemanly words¡­No, I didn¡¯t mean sucking more earnestly? Also, I¡¯m sternly pointing out the issues, so why are you immediately suchking them with no hesitation~? No, I didn¡¯t mean that you should lick them either? And what are you so casually locking your legs around me for, wai¡­ WhOOOA!¡¹

    (Return match)

    I guess it should be said as expected, physical ability of the two in Dungeon Emperor class seem to be in a different dimension. I mean, they are recovering no matter how many times I make them go unconscious? They too have ¡ºRegeneration¡»!

    Oh no, if the sides are evenly matched, then the one with greater numbers holds the advantage in prolonged battle. A direct attack has lovely legs wrapping around my neck, aah, those voluptuous thighs, smooth skin, squeezing, HUH, a triangle choke?!

    ¡¸Deed done, delicious food, contract established¡­¡­ Being alone. Hate.¡¹

    Guha, while the lovely amber legs had me downed, holding in a triangle choke, the tender snow white got me in a tight north¨Csouth position! [2]

    Ah, this position is dangerous. And to be more accurate, it¡¯s dangerous in a highschool boy sort of way, a dangerous softness is attacking my highschool boy in what should be designated a forbidden technique¡­ Wait, gulp? Guuuaaah!

    (Revenge match?)

    Phew, not even a challenge. If I¡¯m locked in a north¨Csouth position then I have an ideal special superb tongue technique, enhanced with Vibration Magic! North¨Csouth position ¨C defeated.

    And there are no opponents who can withstand a clutch dream-like collaboration of my Texas cloverleaf hold [3], tentacles, and vibration magic, and then comes an unexpected reverse figure-four lock on my neck?! [4]

    Getting both my upper and lower body restricted is dangerous, especially the lower half, in a highschool boy¡¯s sort of way!

    Kuh! With Dancing Girl¡¯s super flexible body her movements are impossible to predict, but I¡¯m sure ¡ºWisdom¡»-san awakened precisely for the sake of this! Double the number of Evil Hands, here goes a special offer of two million~!

    Guh, as expected, those two marvelous legs are tough to overcome, in that case, precise concentrated attack with Evil Hands from Double half Boston Crab. [5] Ah, this time from behind, now that I think of it, using grappling moves in 1 vs 2 situations might be a bad idea? Even though I was vigilant of their legs while suppressing hands! And here comes a mouth! Guwaaaaaah!

    (Chain of revenge?)

    The Sun has begun to rise outside, but it has to be something different from ¡ºMorning after¡». I mean, it was a carnal feast with so much talking done directly with our bodies through martial techniques that I might get ¡ºGrappling¡» skill soon, which exhausted myself and my flesh? By now exhaustion is so great that it surpassed ¡ºRegeneration¡» ability. Even the limits of my highschool boy like urges are being put to a test.

    But persistent legs that refuse to give up are still reaching for me. I thought that she is merely a superb technician, who is freely using the flexibility of her body to perform attacks from irregular positions, but her vigor is something else! A chilling gaze, she is serious! Wait, oh no! This position is not good..

    ¡¸¡­Together, tame, promise¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­ I got it¡­ I got it¡­ I¡¯ll Tame you, I give up¡­ Or rather, on this highschool boy, I have no regret? [6] Or rather, I feel like I¡¯ve used all of my highschool boy soul to the last drop. So I give up! I got it, really. Siigh, ¡ºTaming¡». ¡­I told you I give up, I already put you under Taming!¡¹

    No, I mean, I have nothing against being locked in a grapple in a highschool boy-like sort of way, but I don¡¯t like embarrassing holds? I think all highschool boys like seeing, but not getting subjected to them? There is no demand for that either? Give up?

 CH 298

    Chapter 298: While I like ripping off and hate getting ripped off I have nothing against suspicious stores, but getting highschool girls enrolled is a crime.

    Day 72 ¨C Morning, New Murimuri Castle.

    Nefertiri-san, who ended up getting Tamed after all, is smiling triumphantly. Haruka-kun looks exhausted, and worn out, but has the expression of satisfied resignation.

    Well, putting satisfaction aside, it looks like he had finally given in. After all, there is no way one could refuse if being asked with so much desperation and determination while being embraced with that alluring seductive body. Much less with super sexy-san also joining in on the action, there was no way he could withstand Beauty Pair¡¯s assault. Even so, he kept going until the morning. Well, he must¡¯ve tried way too hard and is now completely drained and exhausted.

    Aside from that, it¡¯s a peaceful morning.

    ¡¸It¡¯s finally peace, right~?¡¹

    ¡¸It might not be, but all of the enemies were defeated. They can¡¯t fight after getting annihilated~. Although it doesn¡¯t sound peaceful.¡¹

    No conclusion was reached with the Theocracy or the Merchant Confederation, neither in military, nor in political terms. It seems they haven¡¯t even entered proper negotiations yet, let alone establish a ceasefire. But for now it¡¯s safe.

    ¡¸Well, the Confederation is in the middle of a huge discord and internal conflict, so they seem not to be a country anymore?¡¹

    Even if they pose as a state, they are still a union of merchants. With those merchants having a large portion of their assets ripped off by someone and entering internal dispute, preventing them from functioning as a country, their elite troops and mercenaries gone missing on beastmen hunting expedition, and some weird pirates sinking their ships one after another, they are crumbling and not in a condition to attempt anything.

    ¡¸The Theocracy too, pouring such a fortune only to have all of it stolen~.¡¹

    The Theocracy also poured a colossal sum of money, all of which ended up being plundered, on top of losing an elite force, having archpriest captured, and unique equipment stolen. Even though they even used their precious magic stones for this, they got nothing to show for it, causing a complete loss of face, which sparked a power struggle, so they are also in a middle of discord. And losing the ability to produce magic tools the Theocracy should immediately lose a lot of their influence.

    ¡¸And Nefertiri-san is now here on top of that, so they probably can¡¯t make a move?¡¹

    Most importantly, the Theocracy lost one of its greatest weapons, Nefertiri-san. Moreover, she was stolen from them, which must¡¯ve hurt them much worse both strategically and politically than losing money.

    ¡¸They probably have a lot more tricks left, but this should¡¯ve rendered them powerless for now~.¡¹

    That¡¯s why even though peace didn¡¯t come, no one can fight a war. Peace negotiations haven¡¯t started, but since the military and economy were thoroughly destroyed, it¡¯s peaceful. That¡¯s why peace didn¡¯t come, but instead it was forcibly made peaceful. They simply can¡¯t wage war.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Then let¡¯s go and pick up the kids!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    They must be waiting for us.

    Although we made a promise, they still must be anxious. Older kids understood that we are going into battle. And this must be something especially worrisome for orphans who lost their parents. That¡¯s why we are going to pick them up.

    Haruka-kun is coming with an ultra-extravagant security detail. Angelica-san on his right, Nefertiri-san on his left, and Slime-san riding on top of his head. Beauty SP bodyguards and escorts?

    It¡¯s not new for Angelica-san to be weirdly overprotective at times, but it must mean that he hasn¡¯t fully recovered yet. He is still all worn out. And he spent all night in a carnal pro wrestling tournament with that tattered body, continuing fighting until the morning which concluded with Taming. I suspect that this might be the reason why he hasn¡¯t recovered, but Nefertiri-san was desperate. Her resolve was something else. A pure desire to stay together even if it kills her. And she made him surrender with pinning techniques. She kept fighting even after being taken down with that taboo for maidens Texas cloverleaf hold! That was amazing!

    Nefertiri-san looks delighted. Although she remains expressionless, the warmth of a smile still could be felt, telling how much she is enjoying being with everyone. She is finally not alone, she is finally surrounded by the smiles of others. That¡¯s why she looks so glad.

    This must be what Angelica-san meant when she spoke about the sadness and loneliness of no longer being human and becoming a monster. An eternal solitude of losing all connection to others. The sorrow and terror of understanding that you are something different from humans now, and also, despair. It¡¯s an unending loneliness from which no one can save them. But it was useless. After all, he can¡¯t even tell the difference between humans and monsters. Earlier Stalker Girl-chan mentioned ¡ºHe couldn¡¯t tell if the mayor looked like an orc or an orc was the mayor¡», but for him it doesn¡¯t matter either way. He only differentiates on the basis of whether he likes them or not, so he has no interest in such a thing, and it¡¯s also questionable if he himself is a human. That¡¯s why Angelica-san is not alone anymore. She is no longer sad or terrified, she is just our comrade and another Girls-Only gathering member, like everyone else.

    Nefertiri-san must¡¯ve been scared too. Since she is a monster, not a human, she had no place where she belonged, and nowhere to go, which must¡¯ve made her uneasy and frightened. Even if she was told that it doesn¡¯t matter, she still would feel lonely. But she wasn¡¯t told anything? At all? After all he doesn¡¯t care, he doesn¡¯t think of it, and it¡¯s dubious if he even understands it, since he has no interest in it. Because to Haruka-kun it is something utterly trivial. That¡¯s why she felt safe with him, and that¡¯s why she was desperate. She stumbled upon a place where she could belong. A place where everyone was smiling. That¡¯s why she looks so happy at Haruka-kun¡¯s side.

    She became a comrade, because this is that sort of a place.

    So, why do arrangements, or rather, preparation to welcome the children include bringing out such fiendish post-apocalyptic-looking object? Aunties (overlords) have already gone home?

    ¡¸I remodeled a carriage that I requisitioned from the Church, tuning it for the orphans running wild, so we can have an explosive welcome for Highway Stars (high speed orphans), you can see past the sound barrier with it, but since the scenery kind of disappears I don¡¯t recommend trying? Well, it also can¡¯t turn so it¡¯s a bit dangerous, but it¡¯s collision safety is proportionate to its destructive power and breakthrough ability, a special grade, totally safe, so it¡¯s an assault vehicle, in which one can safely perform hit-and-run, to totally dominate the Kingdom¡¯s roads, bringing much joy to the orphans? It also comes with Power Leveling functional, just riding in it gives you EXP? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Just make it into an ordinary safe carriage! You don¡¯t have to teach the children about running wild!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A sharp and angular brutal-looking carriage with shocking avant-garde design which by itself seems capable of destroying and transforming children¡¯s aesthetic sensibilities into post-apocalyptic tastes which could get them heading to become the next supreme ruler of the nuclear desert. It¡¯s all covered in spikes and even has weapons installed. No one in their right mind would want to attack such a carriage, and rather would run in panic upon laying their eyes on it, even so, it¡¯s a very Haruka-kun-like design. The Capital had just been liberated, but if this carriage showed up the poor Second Division would end up shutting the gates and preparing for siege while crying.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s fast, you know? You keep saying that we should pick them up ASAP, so I tuned it aiming to reach the limits of highest speed, ending up with this juvenile delinquents¡¯ leader¡¯s heavy-armored dragster car-type carriage, was it no good? Is it because of the drill? Or did this aeroral wing that downforced the impression? Spikes also can be cute though? ¡¹

    ¡¸First of all, a carriage that needs an aero wing producing constant downforce to prevent it from rising in the air is not a carriage anymore, make it properly run on the ground? Like fluid mechanics and air resistance are all important, but let¡¯s take better care of common sense too? You really should? It¡¯s in such a precarious condition at the very limit of fluid mechanics that a single gust of a wind can blow it away. Poor Common Sense-san has no air resistance at all, but please give it a chance to shine from time to time too? Poor thing was probably neglected ever since we came to this world, without getting a single chance to get into the spotlight.¡¹

    In the first place, this ¡ºShin Guards of Acceleration¡» ¡ºHorse Armor of Acceleration¡» ¡ºReins of Acceleration¡» ¡ºSaddle of Acceleration¡» ¡ºHeadpiece of Acceleration¡» ¡ºHorseshoe of Acceleration¡» ¡ºRibbon of Acceleration¡» horse gear stacked with tons of speed buffs for super acceleration. Ribbon of Acceleration is tied to the tail poking from under the heavy horse armor as it¡¯s waving it around. Wait, ribbons are a new product, I have to place an order!

    However, the interior was neat and spacious. Although the exterior looks savage and deformed.

    ¡¸If only we had this we could¡¯ve eaten beef bowls while riding a carriage~.¡¹

    It¡¯s not like you have to eat a beef bowl every time we travel somewhere? And once we departed, it turned out to be really fast, too fast even, even faster than our travel speed? What the hell?! Did he teach Shukuchi to the horse or something? This is the effect of stacking Acceleration Equipment, which seems to be the reason why it¡¯s impossible to turn this carriage?

    Haruka-kun¡¯s ¡ºLuxurious and Gorgeous Carriage for Passionately Welcoming and Entertaining Lovely-type Sexy Female Knights DELUXE¡» is leading the way, scanning the surroundings far ahead, so there shouldn¡¯t be an issue with traveling at ultra high-speed in a straight line, but why every time I hear the name of that carriage it changes and gets even longer? Its equipment and interior also became even more extravagant, he is brimming with intentions of welcoming them, but I don¡¯t think a woman knight capable of jumping over to a carriage traveling at such a high speed exists?

    But now he can finally rest.

    The plunderer-san who continued fighting non-stop and put an end to everything, not allowing a shred of happiness to be stolen, while robbing the enemies of everything can finally rest at ease. Even though we don¡¯t have to rush so much, he must be worried about the children. He must be worried that the children are lonely and crying, that¡¯s why he went as far as making such a carriage. And now we have to go to the Capital while riding such a villainous-looking carriage.

    He made things peaceful so we can go back for the children, and made sure to protect happiness so they can keep smiling. He must be sleeping, completely exhausted by now.

    As expected, after exchanging grappling techniques all night long in bed, he will fall asleep, given the chance.

    ¡¸But we aren¡¯t going back to the Frontier right away, right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I heard Omui-sama, the Princess, and others are coming to the Capital too.¡¹

    ¡¸Which reminds me~, they asked me if we had dresses~? I replied that everyone has one~.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Dresses? Don¡¯t tell me they are going to call us to some sort of official ceremony? Will there be a ball too?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Well, if asked if we have dresses, everyone certainly has one, but¡­ We forget an official ceremony, we can¡¯t even show in public wearing those! I mean, all of the dresses are extremely lewd!

    If this is not a formal ceremony, then I think it¡¯s fine to go in our casual clothes. The clothes that Haruka-kun made for us have both high defense and resistances, ¡ºStorage¡» so we can carry our weapons around, and even have the ability to change colors at will.

    But dresses are a problem. First of all, we have no idea what sort of dresses are considered normal here, moreover, there is no telling what will come out if we asked Haruka-kun to take care of this! I mean, even the Princess¡¯ dress was lewd! Or rather, her dress was the lewdest one? I think instead of a ball party he might need a steel ball party.

    ¡¸My dress is super short, like a micro-mini!¡¹

    ¡¸Aah, and mine has that long slit¡­ All the way to the hipbone.¡¹

    ¡¸And my has the back open all the way to the butt!¡¹

    Everyone, what were you thinking ordering such things? But mine is also no good, coming with a deep slit and exposed shoulders and back!

    I mean, in our daily lives here, our Girl Power was directly linked to the level of protection provided by our armor, as the recoil from that, the desired degree of exposure has increased? That must be the reason why all of the heavy armored girls were especially inclined to such risque clothes! The entire vanguard is in danger!

    I mean, I¡¯m sure those dresses must be too avant-garde for this world. Like, many things can almost be seen? Yeah, as the results of pushing the limits, the dresses ended up with no chance to be worn.

    Those dresses are not for attending parties. If everyone put on those dresses it would end up looking like some sort of a suspicious establishment. We might be able to rip-off Haruka-kun with that!

 CH 299

    Chapter 299: The man everyone wants to catch No.1 should be of greater interest than Best Prisonist Laureate.

    Day 72 ¨C Daytime, Road

    We departed on three carriages, but ¡ºLuxurious and Gorgeous Carriage for Passionately Welcoming and Entertaining Lovely-type Sexy Female Knights DELUXE¡»in which I¡¯m riding with Armored Pres-san, Slime-san, and Dancing Girl, still has no signs of Sexy Female Knights returning? Just how they went to change clothes? I¡¯ve heard that women take a while to prepare, but it looks like they still need more time.

    ¡¸In the end, he plundered this prisoner transport too, huh?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, it was transformed beyond recognition, and Horsie-san also turned into something terrifying, so they probably couldn¡¯t do anything about it?¡¹

    ¡¸In a way, it¡¯s rare to see a person whom temporary prison cell or prisoner transport fits that well, so they could¡¯ve given it to him? Like Best Prisonist Award?¡¹

    The public riding in ¡ºHIGHWAY STAR¡»that follows after us is blasting me with inconsiderate criticisms, but I¡¯m in a very lenient mood right now, so I¡¯m going to let it pass. I mean, as the carriage is rocking the right of me is going bounce-bounce, the left jiggle-jiggle, and on top of me is spring-spring, this is a pretty delightful trip. I¡¯m glad I loosened the suspension before we departed. Moreover, with the entire interior being a bed, every jolt and bump results in us tumbling around on the bed, getting tangled with each other, marvelous specifications! An enjoyable journey.

    Well, we are going to have orphans with us on the way back, so this is the fun we can have only on the way there, so let¡¯s enjoy ourselves.

    As I¡¯m drowsily nodding off the carriage is making its way towards the Capital. We should arrive in a day. It¡¯s fine to take it easy, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m pretty tired, so this is just fine.

    I took Demon Scythes with me, so the carriage¡¯s protection is covered. We also took a look at the remains of overflown dungeons while taking stops for rest, but they were really pitiful. A tiny dungeon with only 30 floors without any hidden rooms. Destroy this much for crying out loud!

    And then we had lunch at what previously was a dungeon. It¡¯s unexpectedly raining?

    ¡¸Uuh, even though I already overate yesterday and ONE MORE SET is no longer enough~.¡¹

    ¡¸But it should be alright, we also have Nefertiri-san¡¯s Dance Revo!¡¹

    ¡¸I let my guard down, to think Carbonara-san would be manifested here!¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I wanted to hold back today¡­ Even though I decided to hold back today~.¡¹

    It turned out pretty good when I attempted to make it, so I treated everyone to it. However, while delicious, it¡¯s still a sham. However, if I can at least recreate the felling, it would seem like they¡¯ve recovered something. In the end, they¡¯ve lost far too much to get back everything. I mean, smartphones are straight up impossible? I¡¯ve never even touched one? Yeah, I didn¡¯t have an ordinary flip phone either, since I didn¡¯t have anyone to call? Just leave me be!

    ¡¸Sadly, it¡¯s just a carbonara-style dish, or rather, pasta-like something with pork, mushrooms, mysterious milk, unidentified eggs, and wheat flour, stretched into this, with sauce topping and plenty of black pepper something something? Kind of?¡¹

    Yup, I still haven¡¯t gotten hold of cheese and cream.

    But I managed to confirm their existence! When the time comes everyone will surely bow down to the advent of Pizza-san, although I¡¯m sure cola is impossible too?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Loading a mountain of pasta-like something on a giant plate I hand out 22 small plates and a bucket, but¡­ The sauce is flying all over the place! Why are you playing tag of war with pasta?! Why are you fighting over pasta, rolling it up until Carbonara-san becomes one giant ball?! Or rather, there are even some wielding two forks. Although Dancing Girl¡¯s became level 1 because of Taming, she was strong nonetheless. Winding up pasta like in swirl, she then retreats with dance-like footwork. Fighting, pulling, and stuffing themselves they go back to fighting for another portion of pasta. Their Girl (fighting) Power is at full display. Carbonara is fearsome!

    Well, they seem to be having fun so it¡¯s fine I guess. But highschool girls leaking white liquid from their white liquid-smeared mouths as white liquid is dripping from their lips will cause Mosaic-san to get called? Licking it up with your tongues is also quite a bit that? I don¡¯t think there is any helping your manners, femininity, or ONE MORE SET?

    And once again rocking in a carriage, or rather, I¡¯ve made it so it rocks, or even if it didn¡¯t I¡¯m going to cause it to rock, or rather, I tried rocking it?

    The horses of¡ºHIGHWAY STAR¡»seems to be still full of energy? Due to the effects of¡ºAcceleration¡»the speed keeps growing with inertia, so they are running by leaping over large distances in a fashion similar to ¡ºShukuchi¡». Well, that¡¯s why that carriage can only go in a straight line? Yeah, horses aren¡¯t going to make curves. But they are faster than I expected. Let¡¯s give them recovery mushrooms as a reward later.

    And another mysterious issue was clarified. The culprit was Dancing Girl!

    ¡¸Royalty, education, sexual techniques¡¯ zenith.¡¹

    I thought that it¡¯s weird how much of technician she is, and even Armored Pres-san got more formidable, dishing our various new moves, but turns out, long ago, Dancing Girl was an imperial princess, and was taught the most sophisticated sexual techniques? Which seems to have included pro wrestling moves too? What that empire was trying to accomplish? By all means, I¡¯d have gladly moved and settled there, but it seems to have perished. And now she instructed Armored Pres-san in the secret techniques of the Imperial Family, causing revolution in her skills, and leading to obtaining exquisite secret arts! Well, her heights of sexual techniques were a bit too extreme, pushing the cornered highschool boy to the most extreme limits of extremity, but forceful counterattack with enforced embarrassing correction and double knockdown sent them to sleep. Yeah, let¡¯s do some side job while I have a chance.

    Body to body communication in a certain kind of grappling body language has led to ¡ºAdamantine Fists¡» going up by two levels. As expected, the Dungeon Emperor Pair got hands. At the very least, Skill-wise it seems to have been recognized as hand-to-hand combat?

    And with this and that I¡¯m rocking inside the carriage while doing my side job, request tickets have been piling up lately. Some even want a ribbon like the one the Horsie-san has on its tail. Do they like horses that much? Or maybe it¡¯s about riding? In a nighttime grappling competition sort of way?! Well, the Pres often ties her hair in a ponytail, so she probably wants to get a matching ribbon to get along with Horsie-san.

    It¡¯s not like we are in a hurry, and there won¡¯t be much to do once we reach the Capital anyway?

    I mean, even if we make it there early, we will still have to wait for Royal Girl and Meripapa-san. A bloody baldie, or rather, an archbishop and old men without scalps, and the nobles, who the Pres captured, that were beaten into such a miserable state that it was impossible to tell if this is a person, a monster, or a mineral, are also going to be transported to the capital. Manju are really scary!

    Also, one of the girls that was working at the general store agreed to manage the Capital branch of the Souvenir Store and should be now on her way there with her family.

    While working on the requests, since there isn¡¯t anything better to do, I focus on shortening the duration of the return trip, creating pavement as we make our way to the Capital. It¡¯s with a good even road that the true value of ¡ºHIGHWAY STAR¡»can be seen! I¡¯m sure the orphans will be overjoyed too.

    Finally recovered?

    ¡¸Now, let¡¯s take care of some custom orders too? I mean, I was surprised by a sudden flood of leotard orders, but turns out that Dancing Girl¡¯s aerobics class started with great reception, and combined with ONE MORE SET! makes for a comprehensive plan to obtain the bodyline of your dreams, but does Dancing Girl need a leotard too? Yeah, Armored Pres-san has many leotards, but only a select few can be worn in public. Despite the support for the black leotard faction, we also tried to appeal to the white faction and reconciled with the light blue faction, but with the appearance of the gray faction, the battle situation changed completely. With so many leotards I¡¯m very busy with dressing her up and stripping down. Kind of~.¡¹

    ¡¸Desire, everything, options included.¡¹

    Looks like she also needs leg warmers, head bands, and volleyball shoes? Why did she even start giving dance lessons? By the way, the girls are also flooding me with inquiries about belly dance outfits. All of those are very lovely suggestions with great worth to making them a reality, but the dancer outfit is currently being designed by the Bitches and Culture Clubs¡¯ Girls in the following carriages.

    Well, since I Tamed her I do have to make Dancing Girl¡¯s clothes too. During our battle at the limit yesterday, tentacles played an active part, so I got a perfect reading of her measurements and shapes, and also had them burned into my Rajingan. She has a super flexible body, difficult to make clothes for, but I already learned the approach from the time with Gymnastics Girl, so I¡¯m now busy sewing, fitting, putting clothes on her, stripping clothes on her, currently going into the round 16, but while they have unfair advantage of tag team, I also get double the enjoyment, but the counterattack of a captured highschool boy surrounded on all sides by breasts, butts, and thighs have quickly earned me level 7 of¡ºRegeneration¡».

    Traveling in a great chaos, the unending battle has entered the war of attrition, even though I¡¯m busy with work. Well, this is not a scene that can be shown to the orphans, so this is a special kind of fun that can only be had on our way there, and I¡¯m kind of almost there?

    I¡¯d also like to work on equipment, but¡ºAncient Sarcophagus ¨C Armament, Complete Immunity, Automatic Defense, Auto Mending, Enhance ALL, Magic Sword Dance, ?, ?, ?£«ATT, +DEF¡»in which Dancing Girl was sealed is a cheat item on par with Armored Pres-san¡¯s equipment, so there is no need to tweak with it. But when equipped it turns into an armor with a tower shield, concealing that collaboration of lovely, charming, alluring, and enchanting of a body, so let¡¯s hide it for now. Yup, I couldn¡¯t cut this thing even with full power Dimension Slash with a divine sword, so I obviously carried it off with me? I mean, it was just lying on the ground?

    As for the equipment that I painstakingly forced myself to tear from the middle-aged men, the barrier device¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary¡» that Archpriest, or rather Archbishop, well, an old man? was using to create a barrier, which I couldn¡¯t detect even with Rajingan, turned out to be a disappointment. It¡¯s not that I couldn¡¯t detect him, he simply wasn¡¯t there? Stepping into Absolute Boundary he was merely traveling with the coffin, and couldn¡¯t actually move by himself, and could only look, without even hearing anything. He simply showed up because he saw that I was badly injured, and lost an arm with the weapon, otherwise, he couldn¡¯t even undo the seal on Dancing Girl from inside of that barrier. Actually, it was that old man who should be given the title of hikikomori? Why me!

    But even so,¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary ¨C 30% UP ALL, Sorcery Mastery, Absolute Boundary, Seal, MP Increase¡», it has 30% buff to all stats. The biggest issue at the moment is self-disintegration due to the lack of ViT, even if it can¡¯t be completely stopped, anything that can at least somewhat soften the damage is nice to have.¡ºSorcery Mastery¡»and InT might improve control over Magic Wrap, and since it will also boost MP which was just barely enough the last time, I¡¯ll take it. ¡ºAbsolute Boundary¡»allow only to observe surroundings without being able to move, so it can¡¯t even be used for peeping. A tool that wouldn¡¯t allow to make an escape if something goes wrong cannot be trusted! ¡ºSeal¡»also must be powerless to seal sermons. Looks like that still hasn¡¯t manifested as a skill? Well, the Geeks have¡ºSeal¡»too, so I can ask them how it¡¯s used when they return. Maybe I should also seal their ¡ºBarrier¡»skill and burn their heads while I¡¯m at it?

    With¡ºWisdom¡»and¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary¡»I should have better control now, but since its level also grew there is no telling what the actual result will be. And for the part that I can¡¯t control, I¡¯ll have to compensate by gathering ViT gear. I went up two levels, but ViT grew the least of all stats. It was about only one third of InT so my ViT is most likely not going to grow much at all. Which means I have to try to keep it in check with InT.

    The rest was premium equipment, but with everything focusing on either Mental Resistance or Mental Attack I don¡¯t see where I can use it, but it is also too dangerous to sell, and with this crappy design highschool girls also won¡¯t be interested. Highschool girls have pretty strict standards, you know? Well, dismantling those for materials is an option too. I mean, since I found those? Yeah, I found them lying in a pile in which I stacked the equipment I took off the knights? Finders keepers?

    I¡¯d like to finish the business in the Capital ASAP, pick up the orphans, go back to the Frontier and dive into some dungeons, but it seems like it will take a while to get to that. But just as I thought, having no ViT turned out to be self-destructive and suicidal. And since my HP is also low, I¡¯m going to end up on the verge of death in every fight that isn¡¯t over in an instant. Or rather, it hurts.

    Picking up a torn-off hand and sticking it back just like that feels somehow wrong for a human, but perhaps it¡¯s just my imagination? Well, this time I once again had¡ºRace: Human¡»in my Status, which must be a proof that there is nothing wrong with that! The name and race are probably the only two entries that can be trusted in that Status. Seriously, that¡¯s one entry that I don¡¯t want to doubt?

    It¡¯s about time for dinner, but since it¡¯s still raining I went and gave the girls riding in the following carriage lunch boxes with rice with bamboo shoots. Everyone must be tired, so they are slouching super hard! I even warned them before entering, but no one made an effort to put clothes on? Everyone was wearing tank tops, tube tops, short pants and even mini skirts or leggings. Possessing such a vast collection of clothes they are dressed casually with a high degree of exposure when by themselves. Should I just make pajamas for them? They are going to laze around anyway?

    The following¡ºHIGHWAY STAR¡»carriages number one and two have ten people riding in each, but each time I bring them lunch boxes they are trying to pull me inside an already crowded carriage, and since everyone is dressed like that, I¡¯m each time greeted by 20 bare highschool girl legs. I¡¯m convinced they had their femininity and shame converted into ViT and HP from how defenseless their chest area looks, threatening to spill the poorly concealed flesh, or rather, I worked so hard on those bras, so wear them for crying out loud? Leggings also turned out to be an unexpectedly dangerous item, giving me a hard time with finding where to look, in a highschool boy sort of way, making me go into Overdrive with taking close up shots with Rajingan. Yeah, even if I avert my gaze I still can stare directly in 360 degrees at once? Wisdom-san also seems to be already busy with recording and organizing new data.

    Well, we are traveling at ease, so lazing around is fine too. Since the war is finally over and everything somehow ended without anyone dying.

 CH 300

    Chapter 300: Important business that disappears when an important thing is stated twice is probably not that important.

    Day 73 ¨C Morning, The Capital

    The gates of the Capital are open, and numerous carriages lined up on the road, it¡¯s been just a few days, but the Capital already feels nostalgic. However, it looks like the Capital doesn¡¯t share this sentiment? Although we properly joined the queue and are slowly moving along with it, But soldiers are rushing out in a crowd, thank goodness, a normal reaction, I would¡¯ve been actually worried if this villainous looking carriage managed to pass through without getting stopped.

    A person from the Second Division swiftly appeared at the scene, and the very moment they saw Haruka-kun, who came out of¡ºLuxurious and Gorgeous Carriage for Passionately Welcoming and Entertaining Lovely-type Sexy Female Knights DELUXE¡» gave him a salute and promptly lead him inside the Capital. Our ¡ºHIGHWAY STAR¡»one and two also were allowed to pass. Meanwhile, surrounding merchants are throwing weird fearful glances at the carriages. I think driving such a thing through the Capital should be a crime, but we were allowed to pass. I was hoping that if possible, they¡¯ll get confiscated, but we were allowed to pass.

    When we reached the slums and the orphanage there, the children rushed outside to meet us.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Welcome baaack.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Overwhelmed by the crowd of children that sprinted to hug him, Haruka-kun ended up buried under a small mountain of children. A human pyramid? Nefertiri-san is nodding to herself, does it mean that she approves?

    Crawling out from the top of the human pyramid, Haruka-kun began shouting¡ºI won¡¯t back down, compromise, or regret!! Kind of~?¡»[1] but was quickly swarmed and buried under the children again. He is the orphans favorite spot.

    The elven little sister also came out to welcome us. Making a full recovery, she was nothing like her previous sickly and haggard self, and looked like a beautiful lady. Perhaps because she is an eld, her chest is slightly on the modest side, but it still seems quite average? Vice Pres A and C are looking dejected, staring at Erailia-san¡¯s chest. Looks like they lost even with air pads. Let¡¯s console them later.

    ¡¸Welcome back, both the orphanage and the souvenir store were doing well in your absence. The people of the Capital have been treating us very favorably. Nothing of note took place.¡¹

    There also were people from the Second Division stationed at the front, and guards could be seen patrolling the slums here and there. They were making sure to keep the slums safe.

    ¡¸Big sis, were you alright? You weren¡¯t injured?¡¹

    ¡¸We are totally alright~, the bad people also were brutally eradicated by the bad older brother~.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, the scary people had an even scarier time, and are probably shaking even now, the cruel people went through a cruel experience, and probably had their minds broken? ¡¹

    So peaceful. After all, those who tried murder others have all died, those who tried to plunder were robbed of everything, those who tried to suppress others through force were shut down through force. That¡¯s why everyone he tried to save was saved. Pacifying conflict through violence, viciously annihilating the wickedness, he butchered all of the evil with overwhelming atrocities.

    And bringing the children a happiness greater than they could even hope for, the Plunderer-san, who forcibly made everything peaceful through sheer violence and villainy, is now buried under a pile of happy children,

    ¡¸Heavy, hot, cramped, and hard to breathe, why do you keep climbing on me? Or rather, why do you keep jumping on me! PATRIOT orphan girl System is a defense plan of a trap card that should be used on suspicious people, not me, or rather, why is it always the orphans turn all the time with me constantly being attacked due to triggering trap cards when I haven¡¯t made a turn yet? Or rather you are heavy, and Orangutan Girl is seriously heavy? Orangutan Girl drumming her chest on top of a mountain of orphans?¡¹

    ¡¸Who the hell is Orangutan Girl?! That¡¯s even worse than being called a tanuki or raccoon. Orangutan maiden sounds like a horror too, so please, no! ¡¹

    The children¡¯s happy faces, a bit teary eyed, but those are tears of relief.

    Everyone is clinging to Haruka-kun. He acts very annoyed, and tries to brush them off, constantly complaining, but everyone likes him anyway. The children can instinctively tell that he is a good person¡­ Well, not exactly, but he is kind¡­ Putting aside that he is also kind of lewd. They understand that there is safety and happiness.

    They are probably the same as Nefertiri-san and others. He doesn¡¯t see them as miserable or lonely. He doesn¡¯t pity them, doesn¡¯t look at them with compassion, doesn¡¯t patronize, he just does as he pleases so he doesn¡¯t need any words of gratitude nor does he want to be thanked. It¡¯s not that he is not pushing his kindness on them, it¡¯s more like a coercive bombardment of happiness, fully ignoring even the possibility of considering the orphans thoughts, they are sentenced to compulsory happiness. He is simply a tyrant that absolutely wouldn¡¯t permit sorrow with a mission to see them laugh from the very bottom of their hearts.

    Dragging along the children that refuse to let go of him, Haruka-kun walks forward. It looks like a small mountain of children is moving on it¡¯s own, but he keeps dragging them along. He is going to spend the entire day today babysitting them. A destroyer of language education and natural enemy of aesthetic sense, who carries tons of questionable educational influence, but they aren¡¯t going to leave him alone for a while.

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t get hurt?~¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not hurt, but I had the misfortune of witnessing a terrible disaster of middle-aged men tearing hairs from each other, so it was pretty hairy, and very middle-aged men? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸Are we moving?¡¹

    ¡¸Moving, or more like leaving the Capital, or more like dropping the Capital? Wait, didn¡¯t we come to take the Capital? Well, it¡¯s just the Playking, so it¡¯s not like destroying it is a big¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We liberated the Capital, right? Why do you want to take it after liberating it? Usually liberation comes after taking, so you don¡¯t have to take it after liberating!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looking at him now, a nursery school teacher begins to look like the perfect job for him, but if there was such a villainous teacher around, the parents would end up running away in tears with children in their arms.

    The souvenir store is out of stock on clothes, manju and sweets, selling out most of the merchandise, but even so the store is crowded. It¡¯s old ladies, who must¡¯ve come to see the children, housewives, awaiting arrival of new clothes, and new floor for¡ºFrontier¡»goods, the popularity of which still haven¡¯t decreased.

    The epic tale of how Omui-sama and the princess stopped dungeon stampedes became a theater play, and is now very popular at the Capital. Meriel-sama seems to be wildly popular too. It¡¯s insane that they managed to prepare a play in just one day! But our portrayal as¡ºbeautiful black-haired warrior maidens¡»was embarrassing. Also, we weren¡¯t fighting in such sexy outfits? But for some reason, the poster for the play has black-haired maidens wearing bikini armor, wait, so it¡¯s biki from bikini? [2]

    I wish they could stop with that. Haruka-kun is already working on bikini armor even without anyone nudging him like this. The info came from Angelica-san, so it¡¯s for certain. After all, she is the very person who was trying it on. Naturally, the real battle apparently began after the armor was taken off, so wearing it didn¡¯t seem possible for her.

    But according to what she told us, its effects were amazing. In return for intense mana consumption it creates an armor-like protective barrier, providing better defensive capabilities than a full plate of the highest quality. But it rapidly drains mana, and due the excessive strength of the barrier all other clothing, aside from the bikini armor itself, gets destroyed by it. And currently, using it at its limit, will also destroy the armor itself. Alright, let¡¯s arrest him!

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not like that, or rather it is, but it¡¯s actually a bikini tournament of misunderstanding, the intention was to have it used like protective charms worn as underwear. I was working on a protective barrier for emergencies, but it turned out that unless it¡¯s attached to the body the effect only lasts an instant, so I tried to fashion it into underwear-like armor, but the barrier turned out to be so strong that it destroys both clothes and protective equipment, a fortunate miscalculation that lead to three rounds of friendly fire, in a highschool boy sort of way, but it¡¯s a protective charm! Yeah, it¡¯s protection doesn¡¯t cover quite a lot of things, or it actually doesn¡¯t cover, or rather pushes the limits, but this is a great push! Alright, putting that aside, it has wide range of possible applications, from being worn under plain clothes as emergency protection to being worn under equipment as the last resort defensive option, but the area it can hide is extremely small, making for a very indecent marvelous piece of equipment that surely even enemies will end up being fascinated with. So I did nothing wrong, okay?¡¹

    It can indeed protect one¡¯s life in case of emergency, but it does nothing to protect our maidenhood! At best bikini, at worst stark naked, the item meant to protect our life is actually a threat to our girlhood.

    And since making parts smaller makes them harder, it¡¯s impossible to make moveable parts with it, in the end making a bikini the only possible form. Well, he might have some sort of intentions of improving on that part, but there is no telling what exactly he is going to improve, but even so, it makes sense?

    What do we do if we get supplied with those?

    As we were helping around the store, taking turns to rest while eating, talking, and playing with the children, a kid tasked with notifications ran up to me, saying that Terrysel-san of the Second Division came to the store. Haruka-kun was calling her Messenger Girl, so he clearly has no intentions of memorizing her name, as usual.

    And so I head to the work room in the back to call the one-man state industry level ultra high-speed mass production machine¡­ It got even crazier than before. It¡¯s impossible to see manufacturing process even for me, who crossed over level 100 and possesses¡ºTrue Sight¡». Several types of clothing are being manufactured at the same time with various daily necessities, while manju are being produced at the other side of the room. It¡¯s no longer a manufacture, but an actual magic. Large amounts of goods pile up, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. Since we can¡¯t see production process it looks simply as finished products materializing out of nothing. It became even more amazing. Quality of clothes seems to have went up, and manju also feel tastier.

    Seeing that lovely sight I almost jumped in there without thinking, but then remembered that I came to call him, manju can wait for later.

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, are you busy? There is Terrysel-sama¡­¡­ The big shot from the Second Division came, saying he needs to talk, can you stop your hands for a moment?¡¹

    ¡¸I mean, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m using them right now, Evil Hands are doing all of the work. But why though? My hands can talk on their own, so I don¡¯t think it will be possible to have a conversation with them alone? Why did he even come to talk with my hands? So puzzling? Wait, maybe he wants to have a conversation in sign language? But I don¡¯t actually know it? And we previously were talking just fine, why does he suddenly seek knowledge of sign language from me? If he is recruiting for some sort of sign language convention then could you please refuse him for me? No, wait, if there is a beautiful sign language expert who¡¯ll lead me by hand through everything, then I¡¯m going! Rather, if you can chase out the middle-aged man and bring me that beautiful sign language expert then I will gladly lend my hand, leg, highschool boy, or whatever else, and happily engage in body-to-body conversation about any topic in the world!¡¹

    At this point it might be better if we just sealed that mouth of his and had him talk in sign language instead, but I¡¯m sure he isn¡¯t going to make more sense even in sign language. Good grief, he apparently cracked the true identity of that nonsensical ¡ºReport?Inform?Consult¡», but it ended up disappearing without ever performing any of its Report?Inform?Consult functions. Ah, so it escaped!

    Well, even if it tried to Report to Haruka-kun, he probably wouldn¡¯t get it, he isn¡¯t likely to listen to attempts of Informing him, and if by some twisted turn of fate it ever tried to Consult with him Skill-san would¡¯ve probably undergone self destruction. In way, ¡ºReport?Inform?Consult¡»was a superb skill simply for the very reason of not attempting to do any of that.

    ¡¸I¡¯m asking if you can stop working and come with me, who would talk to a hand?! What do you have that meaninglessly blabbering, irresponsible mouth of yours for? What¡¯s really puzzling is the inner workings of your mind and the meaning of its existence!¡¹

    I let my guard down, I ended up approaching conversation with him seriously. Speaking with him in long sentences is dangerous. One has to speak straight to the point, otherwise he will spin and stir and confuse everything, throwing things into chaos. I¡¯m sure the way Nefertiri-san does it is the correct one!

    ¡¸Eerrh, a guest, come, manju too.¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you talking like Dancing Girl!?¡¹

    Looks like it worked. It seems that stating only three main points is the most effective?

    ¡¸Hurry, manju, manju it is.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s just a demand for manju! Moreover, since you stated the important part twice the Second Division¡¯s middle-aged man got erased from the picture! W-what a terrible pres girl!¡¹

    But freshly-made still warm manju in manju condition are manju and there are so many of them and manju and Slime-san keeps snatching manju by itself! ¡ºManju by manju of manju for manju? I want to eat them?¡»So please, hurry? Manju.

 CH 301

    Chapter 301: Highschool boy abduction and confinement with forced lace weaving, but it seems goblins and kobolds aren¡¯t invited.

    Day 73 ¨C Daytime, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    Here is the big shot from the Second Division, tasked with protecting the Capital, who didn¡¯t show up in a while. And that big shot came with a message from Playking. Good grief, making important people run errands, Playking is really flippant. He probably was saying something like ¡ºLET¡¯S message, YEEAH.¡». As I thought, reviving such a frivolous creature with five wives was a mistake. If I ¡ºSeal¡» the flippant Play part of the Playking with the newly obtained skill, the remaining part is just a middle-aged man, so might as well throw him underground after that.

    ¡¸Eehm, so to sum that up in other words to the very essence of the gist, the Royalty said ¡ºDance, dance, highschoolers, show me Hell~¡»[1] so we should just beat the hell out of the Playking without care if there is play or no play? Sort of?¡¹

    ¡¸Why summing up an invitation to a ball gives such a long and completely unrelated sentence! And you still were angry about him having five wives!¡¹

    But it was shorter than something like ¡ºGentlemen, I love lewd~¡»?

    ¡¸Yes, in a few days the Princess will return to the Capital. Omui-sama should be able to come too. On this occasion, the King expressed the desire to invite all of you as a token of the utmost gratitude from the Kingdom. The Royal Family will arrange the suitable time and date, so please accept it. The King also seemed keen on coming incognito to thank you in person, but was caught by Sir Wismregzero, so this is how this came to be.¡¹

    ¡¸In other words, ONE MORE SET is going to be held by the Kingdom, and a BIG CAMP by Instructor Armored Pres will be taking place, so I have hunch of premonition by my six sense in big profits coming from leotard mass production, which might be getting my seventh sense awakened along the way, turning the cosmos ashen white? I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We told you it¡¯s a ball! Why would we need to do ONE MORE SET at a dance party in the castle?!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    No, I mean, you do need it? After all, when we were leaving I made a large quantity of manju, and we are out of stock already? I thought that it¡¯s strange and tried to ask around, but none of the girls would look me in the eyes? The Pres even used ¡ºShukuchi¡» and ¡ºGreater Acceleration¡» to avoid eye contact? At this rate she might get skill ¡ºManju¡» through her ¡ºPlunder¡»! Is this a skill that makes one rounder? One more set?

    And it seems they need dresses, and I apparently need a tuxedo? It¡¯s about time the Geeks and Idiots come back, so I put a sign at the waterway ¡ºTo the Geeks and Idiots, go to the Capital, the idiocy is critical? Kind of?¡» so they should be heading this way, but do they need tuxedos too? Do I have to make it? Well, aside from the girls¡¯ dresses, the rest doesn¡¯t matter that much, but they should have dresses already, but order again?

    (((Haruka-kun in tuxedo, that¡¯s a rare sight!)))

    ¡¸Mermaid, white mermaid for me!¡¹

    ¡¸Eh! But I¡¯m getting white mermaid though?¡¹

    ¡¸Then white princess for me!¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder if a furisode will be alright? A white furisode?¡¹ [3]

    ¡¸I want the skirt to be long and fluffy!¡¹

    ¡¸I want¡­ It to¡­ Come with a hat.¡¹

    ¡¸Dress, matching? Me too.¡¹

    (Boing Boing)

    Eh? Slime-san is going to wear a dress too? And why does everyone want white? Whatever, I¡¯m going to make it with multicolor anyway, since they need to have defensive capabilities and status resistances.

    ¡¸Putting dresses aside for now, I¡¯d say there is also a necessity to boost combat performance with accessories? With dresses and shoes alone you won¡¯t be able to clear intermediate floors at the Frontier. How about some metal plating? No? What else¡­ Maybe wrapping some chains? Since the skirts are going to be long, weapons can be put in ¡ºStorage¡» there, but what what would be best? I¡¯d like to supplement performance with accessories or some small items?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Veils and gloves!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸No need for plating or chains, but add a corsage!¡¹

    ¡¸Also, we were called to a royal palace, not to a dungeon, just how much of combat readiness do you want to have at a dance party?¡¹

    ¡¸He probably can¡¯t tell the difference between dance party and martial tournament, and thinks that Royal Palace is some kind of a dungeon.¡¹[4]

    ¡¸Aah, so he thinks we should participate in a martial arts tournament in a dungeon in full battle gear (dresses)~~, he wants to kill the Playking, doesn¡¯t he~?¡¹

    What is this pressure! And all of them are asking for two outfits¡­

    ¡¸I see, Abnormal Status Effect Resistance on the corsage, ¡ºMesmerize¡» and some Evasion-type effects on the veil, then for the gloves it¡¯s protection, and Attack Increase (ATT), and for the shoes evasion and speed skills, huh. But this alone will have you vulnerable to magic, so maybe some necklaces too? That leaves rings¡­ But you have tons of your own so you can take care of that yourself, right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Need rings too! With brilliant cut!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Shaping magic stones with a brilliant cut, how original! But please don¡¯t push, your eyes are red! It¡¯s scary, so switch to flat gaze?

    And then I was thrown into the workshop? No, didn¡¯t the big shot from the Second Division say that there is no need for hurry? Like, any day will do, no?

    Well, with the pressure they were exuding I don¡¯t think I¡¯m getting to leave the room without finishing the work? Highschool boy confinement? Yeah, I don¡¯t think anyone asked for that.

    Most likely, everything will end up in lacework. Since I¡¯ll have to spin for that, I create threads with Alchemy and spin them giving them a new life. Applying magic stone coating to the readied strings, I continue to spin, putting everything in order with Alchemy. Fine and elastic it gives a nice beautiful luster to it. I mean, I did add some iron wire too? Yup, with this it might be able to reach +DEF and Slashing and Blunt Damage Nullification.

    Weaving it like a lace I turn it into a fabric. I have to let them make their pick after making fabric, or there is going to be another Maiden War. A pattern is the main point of this weave. With the effect being held by a simple magic circle, physical and magic defense will be drastically increased when mana is poured into it, is what was even mentioned in the forbidden book ¡ºLet¡¯s GO Magic Tools!¡». However, weaving it in is a very complicated process, it takes a tremendous amount of time, so I wasn¡¯t able to do it previously, but it was finished in the blink of an eye. This is the true worth of ¡ºEvil Hands¡» manifested with superior control of¡ºWisdom¡». I can weave as many magic circles as I want, so I might as well plant magic stones like in rhinestone deco, and turn it into a mana accumulator. Wait a moment? This could end up being more powerful than normal equipment? If I mithrilify these it will be perfectly viable for dungeon exploration!

    I weave, adding defense and resistance effects into the lining too. Until now, mass producing something this complex and in such a short period of time was impossible, but now, Evil Hands are capable of performing several or several dozens more precise and minute tasks at the same time than previously. This technical revolution by ¡ºWisdom¡» is terrific. Items surpassing equipment so far are being swiftly produced. To put it in easier to understand terms, it¡¯s the side job¡¯s turn again, having to review and remake everyone¡¯s equipment and clothing, and then there surely will be more additional orders for underwear with production turn, and it¡¯s always the side job¡¯s turn!

    But it¡¯s necessary. The times when one is not armed are the most dangerous. The truly scary ones are people. Monsters don¡¯t lie or deceive. That church¡¯s equipment was specialized for deception and manipulation, and even their weapons had nothing but poisons or various debuffs. They pose a danger different from that of monsters. It¡¯s about time to review the equipment. And additional orders are urgent too.

    ¡¸I think I¡¯m about to create something crazy here. Simply mithrilifying iron threads woven into strings drastically boosted the performance creating a transcendently strongest piece of a gear that is a dress, but is this really something that can be worn in a dungeon~? But this thing has higher defense value than the vanguard¡¯s armor?¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    The great surface area allows for more complex and numerous patterns which directly translates into stronger defensive effects, and greater number of applied effects. And also my overtime work. But this is going to become something amazing.

    I¡¯ve woven the fabric. Now I only have to increase the variety of weaves.

    The dress is gradually forming into something outrageous, but the design is unfit both for dungeon exploration or daily life. Well, I¡¯m making it with freedom of movement and elasticity in mind, so there should be absolutely no problem with it in combat. The problem is obliterating monsters wearing a dress. What kind of full battle dress dungeon conquest party is that? I¡¯m sure even monsters will be surprised. No one called them to the monsters¡¯ party, and yet they barge in, wearing dresses, and murder everyone.

    Well, for the Geeks, the Idiots, and me it¡¯s going to be tuxedos, or rather tailcoats? Well, anything will work. Just add a metal plate, the visuals don¡¯t matter that much.

    However, my house is a cave in a forest, with nothing but goblins and kobolds around. Even if I make a tuxedo I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have an occasion to wear it? I¡¯m not going to LET¡¯S PARTY with goblins and kobolds. Yeah, even if they were to invite me, I¡¯m not going. They won¡¯t though? Yeah, since I¡¯m a loner?

 CH 302

    Chapter 302: Sharp, elegant, and princess-like are fake, the real one was selling hamburgers the other day.

    Day 73 ¨C Evening, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    White bodies are twisting, entwining, and collapsing to the floor of a dim-lit room. Or rather, you are making my work way more difficult if you can¡¯t stand still. Since you keep thrashing around, it takes extra time and effort, forcing Evil Hands to crawl around even more?

    ¡¸Uuuah¡­ Aaaaamh. Haaah, aahAAhAAhahA¡­ HaaaH~.¡¹

    ¡¸AhAahAno¡­ Hya~! N-not theeeeereeeeeeeeeee~!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not your character! Why ¡ºAh, nooo!¡»is coming from the Bitches? You are the squad that always talks about biting heads off, stop with noo~? And you are chewing anyway?¡¹

    Since the Bitches brought dress designs that were finally finished with collective girls¡¯ effort, I tried to make some temporary sewings, but¡ºWisdom¡»-san¡¯s precise and fine measuring investigation through elaborate and delicate fondling, rubbing, and crawling all over the skin is currently destroying the Bitches¡¯ personas?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Haah, haaah, haaah, compared to before¡­ didn¡¯t fitting¡¯s attack power¡­ get way crazier?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    There are 5 times more Evil Hands, each capable of even more precise and complex movements, so now it¡¯s an ultimate skill that can make even two dungeon emperors scream and squirm from excessive ecstasy? Yeah, it leveled up so much that it gives such an effect when used normally, so when used not normally in that kind of situations, stimulating there and also there, even the Dungeon Emperors Duo ends up losing consciousness, convulsing in ecstasy, But how come everything beside my own level keeps going up? A truly profound mystery?

    ¡¸Heeey, Haruka-kuun, it¡¯s still only evening~, and there are children around~, so please don¡¯t do anything too indecent to Shimazaki-chan and others~, okay? You¡¯ll have to take responsibility, if they can¡¯t be married anymore~, keep that in mind~. Enjoy yourselves quietly~, sorry for interrupting you~.¡¹

    ¡¸This is a perfectly normal and family-friendly temporary sewing for dresses, but the lewd bitches insist on moaning like lewd bitches, turning everything indecent? I wish they could keep their horniness in check when I¡¯m earnestly working on dresses. Also, Vice Pres B-san, when the girls are done with the designs bring them to me. I probably can make 10 at once, or rather, I think I can go even with 20 at once, but the room is small and if the lewd bitches are pressed too hard they might start biting, it seems like it would be better for you to come in turns? Looks like? I¡¯m not looking through? But as a humble highschool boy who couldn¡¯t even join the electorate I can¡¯t help but to have my doubts towards the system that still wouldn¡¯t dismiss the Blindfold Representative that is standing behind me, desperately trying to pry open my eyes? If you put just a bit more strength you¡¯ll tear off my eyelids, so please stop? Well, without eyelids I¡¯d definitely have no choice but to stare hard, but even if they are going to regenerate you still shouldn¡¯t do that? Because it hurts? Or rather, let¡¯s properly focus on actually covering my eyes instead? Wait, they are wearing underwear so it might be alright~? No, even in underwear it¡¯s a no! And you were trying to force my eyes open even when they were butt naked! Well, that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m the only one here who is diligently doing wholesome work? Kind of?¡¹

    Strolling in with Slime-san in her hands Vice Pres B-san made some outrageous accusations. Good grief, trio of Slime-sans is constantly going Jiggle-Jiggle, unable to stop chatting? Jiggling somehow became a chorus, I wonder why?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸*Gasping for air* Who are you calling lewd bitches!.. We aren¡¯t lewd, but this is crazy!¡­ Wait, and we aren¡¯t bitches!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Were it simply dresses it wouldn¡¯t have led to such a commotion though? The bottom would¡¯ve been done in frill flare or mermaid balloon, so there was no issue, but those lewd bitches had to come asking for lewd white frill garter belts, forcing me to do risky things in risque places with risky things getting them into such a risque state, so I¡¯m not at fault at all? Good grief, I¡¯ve already repeated that I did nothing wrong 1 million times at the Capital alone, but why does no one get it? Even The Cat that Lived a Million Times [1] only went up to 1,000,001 times, but Sermon-san denied my innocence 1,000,000 times, and though I even kept appealing with sweets, I still had 1,000,008th time just now? What a tough problem.

    Even so, long train, overskirt, tacking skirt, tiered skirt, gathered skirt, and then balloon skirt and even draped skirt, bustle line is¡­ the hem is going to drag on the ground! Sheer dress, and also Big Bows dress, is she going to equip a ballista or something?

    For how much racket they made about lewd dresses being inappropriate, while everyone picked a long skirt, all of their designs lean towards having see-through sheer for the top, or sweetheart neckline, bare top, off shoulder, and so on. Is this the latest fad of this world?

    So I thought I¡¯d least do the Bitches share, and thoroughly measuring, remeasuring, adjusting, and fixing, I adjust, aiming for the perfect fit, for the sake of which I keep adding amendments and corrections, pushing for the perfect balance. The Bitches quieted down by now, or rather, they are just silently convulsing. Well, if they have no complaints, then it should be fine.

    By the time I finished I had a few dead bodies in beautiful dresses, lying on the floor with inappropriate expressions and eyes rolled up, but since they are twitching from time to time, they should be alright? The final result is pretty good. As I thought, with the increase in control and calculation ability the technique of my side job has gotten even more amazing, but why do I have to perfect the technique of side jobbing even coming to another world? I don¡¯t think that many people transfer to another world for the sake of bra production or garter belt manufacture?

    Well, it¡¯s done?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa, fantastic~!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Once the Bitches finally woke up and went to introduce the dresses to everyone, the girls that were struggling with designs erupted in excited cheers. They are casually striking poses with nonchalant expressions, but a few minutes earlier they were convulsing on the ground, bowlegged, with their eyes rolled up, you know? They are putting on airs, showing off the dresses, but you shouldn¡¯t let yourselves be deceived.

    ¡¸Aaah, maybe I should go with frills too.¡¹

    ¡¸I thought the princess line was kind of plain, but looking at it like this, it¡¯s looks beautiful after all. ¡¹

    ¡¸Lace straps with frills look gorgeous, ah, and the ribbon on the back is cute too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Big sisters, you look really pretty, like princesses.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Being complimented even by the kids the Bitches are acting all shy, but those are not princesses, those are the Bitches, okay? They¡¯ll bite you? Also, the one who was selling hamburgers the other day is a princess, and the one who was running around with a storage crate is a royal princess, you know?

    I¡¯m diligently working, making dinner, and getting bath ready, but the girls are having hard time, clutching design drafts, and also their heads, sighing while looking at tens of design drafts lined up in front of each of them, but it¡¯s two outfits per person? You aren¡¯t getting any more, okay? Or rather, even one is definitely going to be enough!

    Looking at the various fabrics that I made, they are then comparing them with designs, they seem to be pondering very hard, but no one is asking me about various effects, enchantments, or defensive capabilities they possess? Even though I worked so hard on them?

    They won¡¯t be able to decide today at this rate. The Bitches too are groaning, wracking their heads over their second outfit. They seem on the verge of biting and gnawing. Chewing on a dress?

    Well, let¡¯s have dinner, it¡¯s still going to take them a while.

    On the orphans request we are having rice balls, deep-fried hamburger steaks, omelets, and stew in place of soup, all arranged in smorgasbord fashion. [2] Equipping all of the orphans with horned helmets and leather vests we have perfect viking(s). Like, it¡¯s gotten really authentic? Might as well let them invade and assault the Geek¡¯s ship later.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Rice balls!¡¹¡¸Me hamburger.¡¹¡¸Karaage-san~¡¹¡¸Big brother, manju¡¹¡¸Omelet is delicious¡¹¡¸Rice is so tasty¡¹¡¸Dear brother, I want garter belt too.¡¹¡¸Pumpkin pie is great!¡¹¡¸We¡¯ll need padding for the chest area¡­¡¹¡¸More stew!¡¹¡¸Big bro, is chestnut manju yet?¡¹¡¸More karaage¡¹¡­¡­

    The orphans are greedily, lively, noisily, and happily devouring the food. Grow big? The girls are greedily biting in, even mixing in demands for manju and underwear along the way, they¡¯ve gotten bigger, but don¡¯t blame this on me, okay? Well, it seems that BOOTing CAMP and DANCE REVOLUTION is going to start today, so the effectiveness is doubled? I made a ton of money on leotards, but it seems they still need belly dancer outfits too. If you are going to struggle so much with burning calories, how about not eating so much in the first¡­ I didn¡¯t say anything? Eeeat plenty? As much as you want? Yeah, you can help as many second helpings as you want? The chestnut manju are not ready yet since I¡¯m yet to find chestnuts? So put away that fork? That is not a fork meant for meals, but the one meant for battle, okay? W-wait, could this be the famous TRICK or TRIDENT?! Highschool girls will play tricks on me unless I feed them, what a troubling choice, but tricks performed by girls with tridents could have a destructive power that is too much for a highschool boy. Also, tridents seem to be a new equipment for fighting over carbonara. It might be dangerous to serve on a big plate in the future! If the thrust at it with that the plate might not survive! Does the plate need mithrilification?

    And since we got a whole pile of unconscious girls from ONE MORE SET before the bath, I also joined the beating called practice. Slime-san and Dancing Girl are going to be spectators.

    Pouring a bit of mana into the stick of the World Tree I sync it with my body, then wrapping myself with Magic Wrap I sync and fuse mana, skills, and my flesh. I can¡¯t expect her to go easy on me.

    Simply breathing puts a strain on me, with each breath air gets heavier and more viscous, with the body getting duller, as if sinking into the deep. But this is an illusion. It¡¯s not me that is getting slower, it¡¯s the flow of time.

    I already felt slow motion before, but this time it¡¯s so slow that I can clearly perceive it. The effect of¡ºWisdom¡»accelerated my thought process, making the time go slower. Then, the silver armor moved. Unhurriedly, but swiftly, even giving off a certain sense of tranquility to the movements, she performed a slash in an instant. Sword Flash.

    A single sword slash that in Kyojitsu¡¯s fashion is absent of delay, tempo, or anything unnecessary. Since my time axis is different I perceive it as slow, but it¡¯s just a single sword swing. It¡¯s not a killer technique or a secret art or anything, just basics, but because she perfected those basics it¡¯s also a special move. Looks I finally caught up a bit to the Armored Pres-san¡¯s time axis. Which now gave me an even better understanding of how terrifying this is. In other words, yeah, I¡¯m getting beaten up?

    With skills wildly flying about I leave control over¡ºRandom Attack¡», which has even myself, weapons, and attacks randomly flying about, to the subconsciousness, I have to have a clear aim when using it, otherwise it¡¯s no different from shooting blindly. Mastering control over¡ºRandom Attack¡»should lead to Kyojitsu. In the end, Random Attack is just a freaky irregular technique that was born by a fluke. Its power was not coherently consolidated. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t properly use Kyojitsu either, that¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t cut Dancing Girl. Well, it¡¯s actually for the best that I could not, that slim waistline and the grace in her movements, those lovely thighs, and great buttocks rivaling those of Armored Pres-san, when lined up together they¡­

    ¡¸WHOOOOOAGHUEEE! No, you got it all wrong, or rather, this is a sword practice, so why are you swinging a morning star at me? Or rather, that was Flash Swing just now! You have reached the pinnacle of morning star, and now there is another one, not sure if this should be called two-sword style or two morning stars style, wait, you are definitely a founder now! You have breached into a genre that no one had traversed before, also, Dancing Girl, Slime-san, don¡¯t you feel that you should be trying to stop her instead of going yare-yare there? Or rather, don¡¯t you feel you should save me? Eh? No? Aaah, you don¡¯t, I see. I sort of suspected as much.¡¹(Followed by further scolding (beating))

    ¡¸Knock Knock¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    Well, even while self-destructing, I still managed to exchange blows with her. I can sense that I obtained overwhelming power, but with the opponent also holding an overwhelming strength, relative to mine, and in fact, overwhelming me, I can¡¯t really grasp the feeling of it. I mean, if I¡¯m getting beaten up when I¡¯m weak, and then also getting beaten up after getting stronger, it¡¯s really hard to feel the difference? Well, I can very much sense, and feel, and feel up, and fill her up during the night, so that¡¯s fine by me.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Good work. After another ONE MORE SET it¡¯s DANCE REVO tournament, got it?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Having said that, the pres and others gone to get another beating. ¡ºGot it?¡»am I supposed to DANCE REVO too? Unlike certain people, I¡¯m not getting out of¡­ Nevermind, I didn¡¯t say anything? Also, I understand those 20 morning stars, but Armored Pres-san, you don¡¯t have to join in on this, you know? And who the hell was it who supplied Dancing Girl and Slime-san with morning stars too? Alright, I¡¯m sorry, please don¡¯t mind me and go on.

    That was scary.

 CH 303

    Chapter 303: I love looking at leotards, but putting one and joining in is a bit much, or rather, there is no demand for that.

    Day 73 ¨C Nighttime, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    It¡¯s bath time, bath time. No, I¡¯m not taking part in DANCE REVO?

    I mean, I don¡¯t have a leotard? I mean, I do have some in my item bag, but those are Armored Pres-san¡¯s, so while I do have some, they aren¡¯t mine, and I¡¯m not going to wear one, or rather, there is no demand for that!

    Certainly, it¡¯s difficult to let go of the chance to see 20 highschool girls in leotards, with regrets crystallizing into a trial, if there was a paid spectator seat I wouldn¡¯t be against purchasing a ticket, but joining them is impossible. Cheering on them from the bushes is better.

    ¡¸Phaah~, taking bath ahead of everyone~, wait when did you get here, Slime-san?! Ah~, if it¡¯s jiggle jiggle then it can¡¯t be helped, but since you regularly wash, you are constantly in a freshly cleaned state! Well, it feels good so whatever~?¡¹

    (Bounce Bounce)

    They must¡¯ve burned so much from really SUPER MANIAC to SSR(STEP STEP REVOLUTION) that even the cosmos was scorched. Dancing Girl memorized everything after seeing it only once. But that¡¯s HELL Mode!

    But during the training, Dancing Girl was only dancing, without playing tricks or attacking the girls, while the girls were pushed around in aerobic exercise until hitting their limit, and then collapsed after switching to high-speed unaerobic exercise, dropping in droves.

    Even if they can¡¯t learn those steps, they at least should learn the footwork and defensive body movements. A footwork allowing to trifle with 20 levels 100 as a level 1 has a new, different potential hidden within. I mean, even Armored Pres-san is learning? But with DANCE REVO being followed by belly dance it¡¯s rather hard to join in? Outfit-wise.

    And while I was once again beaten up by Armored Pres-san, the results were amazing. Until now I was getting beaten up without any idea what is going on, but now I¡¯ve been reborn! I was able to get beaten up while having an idea of what is going on! Well, I got beaten up anyway, but this time my mind was able to keep up with the Armored Pres-san¡¯s speed, and Rajingan provided the visuals, in other words, I was taking hits while thinking¡ºah, that¡¯s where this is going to hit¡»or¡ºAh, if I don¡¯t evade this, I¡¯m going to eat an entire combo¡», it was a beating but one with comprehension. Is it my imagination that it hurts more this way?

    The information is being analyzed with¡ºWisdom¡»¡¯s thought fragmentation and parallel high speed processing, which greatly boosted thought speed and data processing ability, plus the effects of new gear.

    It must¡¯ve been level up and a new item that I slotted into the staff¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary ¨C 30% UP ALL, Sorcery Mastery, Absolute Boundary, Seal, MP Increase¡»and plus¡ºWisdom¡»synergy, but ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»¡¯s nature has changed. I felt more refined. I still can¡¯t control it, but at the very least it¡¯s now possible to predict what is about to happen.In other words, a possibility of controlling¡ºRandom Attack¡»has finally emerged, and the path to¡ºKyojitsu¡»also has opened. Well, trying to advance through that newly opened path got me beaten up and I even got a heavy debuff to movement from an iron ball that wouldn¡¯t allow me to walk, but it hurts?

    If I used even more abilities at once it would¡¯ve put my body at risk. Let¡¯s not think about what posed a greater danger, my abilities or the iron ball.

    Most likely, ¡ºMana Mastery¡»-type that I posses and¡ºSorcery Mastery¡»on Staff of Absolute Boundary are of different type. Most likely magic-type skills like¡ºTeleportation¡»,¡ºGravity¡»or¡ºAtomic Manipulation¡»were the cause of Magic Wrapping going out of control, and they now were brought under control, and being applied to¡ºMagic Wrapping¡» with even better controlled¡ºHolding¡»magic, a semblance of actual mastery had appeared. But all of that was possible because of¡ºWisdom¡»capable of processing all of it.

    I can finally see the path ahead. With this I won¡¯t end up losing the strength to fight. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s all just trickery, deception, or illusion, as long as I can fight it¡¯s all good. I thought that if I can make Pres and others into walking Cheats all will be safe and sound, and I get to retire to the life of ease and comfort, but I was naive. The Pres and others are too honest and direct for this world.

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    I¡¯ve properly warmed up, Slime-san seems to have finished the 600 seconds countdown. Let¡¯s get out.

    Stepping out of the bath and trying some control practice named side job, it seems that my power has finally awakened. Infinite hands might not be possible, but I can now handle it without external aid.

    Looks like the flow of the battle has changed! The divine wind is blowing for me!

    The battle is not the numbers, the numbers are the battle! Fufufufu.

    And looks like the Girls-only gathering is over. Advancing from the flanks to encircle me, they must be aiming to overwhelm me using the time window when I¡¯m not wearing the mantle.

    Grasping the amber right hand, and white left hand, I tightly lock with them, that¡¯s right, I can hold them!

    Two tentacles grasped opposite hands of the two, checking and holding them back.

    Then, as the long snow-white and amber legs are stretching to twine around me, the tentacles coiling around them instead. They don¡¯t have the same versatility as Evil Hands, but that can be compensated with numbers!

    Since I wasn¡¯t wearing the black mantle they must¡¯ve thought that they had won. Certainly, I can¡¯t use ¡ºInfinite Evil Hands¡» without the mantle. But now, having obtained ¡ºWisdom¡», even if upper tier¡ºEvil Hands¡»are impossible, I still can use¡ºTentacles¡»even without the mantle¡¯s¡ºInfinite Evil Hands¡», controlling them from ¡ºMagic Wrap¡». Naturally, even after restraining their limbs, I still have lots of tentacles to spare, and this great lot of tentacles can fight freely squirming around and with a nice added bonus of Vibration Magic too!

    While ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡» gave an overall boost to everything, control-type and perception-types received an especially great buff, giving an accurate grasp on a wide spectrum of information. An astounding cognitive ability capable of instantly processing the flood of information provided by Rajingan, sorting, quantifying and datafying it.

    In other words, all of the Armored Pres-san¡¯s and Dancing Girl¡¯s weak points are being exposed. From the neck to the back and from the stomach to the waist, huh, from Inguinal ligament to Anterior superior iliac spine? What a maniac weak point! Let¡¯s try play-biting a bit?

    (Nibble Nibble)

    ¡¸¡­Ah. £¨*Drop*£©¡¹

    It is a weak point!

    (Lick Lick)

    ¡¸¡­Hya (*Drop*)¡¹

    Their number advantage was completely overturned. It¡¯s fine to even call this one-sided. They are being overwhelmed in this battle. I mean, they have collapsed twitching? Let¡¯s dig in?

    And turning this into one on one I defeat them the moment they try to get up , intercepting them individually I engage in a series of skirmishes over and over again, to preventing them from fully recovering, instantly making them go down as they come up. Finally, coming to another world, I obtained highschool boy power to defeat two Dungeon Emperor class opponents at once! Only at night, but I¡¯ve got it? During the day I¡¯m getting another beating?

    And the name of that power is¡ºSex King¡». With ¡ºHigh Sexual Vigor Lv MaX¡»and¡ºInsatiable Libido Lv MaX¡»they finally fused and evolved into a higher tier skill. Changing into¡ºLewd Techniques Lv 1¡», and in the titles appeared ¡ºSex King Lv 1¡» ?

    And they come with stamina, recovery, observation, and techniques bonuses? I guess the combination of ¡ºRajingan¡», ¡ºWisdom¡», ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡», and ¡ºEvil Hands¡»gave birth to a new power, wait, what the hell this world even wants me to do? If nothing, then why call me in the first place? Well, I¡¯m glad that I came though, in more ways than once, no, I didn¡¯t want to come? But this is a very good thing? (Rub Rub)

    Now, let¡¯s do some side job while they are still downed. I still have plenty of clothes I need to make for Dancing Girl.

    She is probably lonely, being suddenly awakened and set free in a world that doesn¡¯t have anyone she knew left. She is getting along with the girls, taking part in Girls-only Gatherings, but there is no way her uneasiness has dissipated by now. That¡¯s why she keeps entangling me and pushing me down, she has no intention of having a talk.

    But if I make tons of stuff for her, dress her up, and feed her tons of delicious stuff, getting her to have fun with everyone, her loneliness might fade a bit. Sorrow and loneliness can never completely disappear, what lost won¡¯t come back, hence comes substitutes. She needs something to fill the emptiness in their heart, even if in the end it¡¯s all sham. I don¡¯t want to see her with such sad and empty eyes.

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to make it! Miniskirt nurse outfit, and miniskirt maid outfit must be necessary too, it surely will fit her. I¡¯m looking forward to it?

    Diligently making various outfits for Dancing Girl, I mass produce both clothes and underwear. I¡¯ve been doing measurements since the day we met, measuring her over, and over, and over, touching and rubbing, and investigating, so this part is perfect. Her equipment is still a mystery to me, so for now it¡¯s fine to prioritize clothes. Ah~, hairbrushes, a toothbrush, nail clippers, and daily necessities are also important. She seems to have taken a great liking to the body soap, allowing me to enjoy a smooth and silky skin one wouldn¡¯t expect from an ex-mummy-san. Thank you for a treat?

    She is already very popular at DANCE REVO and Girls-only Gatherings. She surely will soon become friends with everyone and forget about her loneliness. Well, it would be lonely not to have her cling to me anymore, but Dancing Girl¡¯s happiness is more important. Well, even if she stops clinging to me, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll still enjoy getting pushed down by her, so it¡¯s fine?

    Since I brought her with me I want her to become happy. I¡¯m certainly happy about her coiling around me and doing such amazing things to me in such positions, but if she gets along with everyone, not just Armored Pres-san, she should be able to find the place where she truly belongs. It¡¯s very soothing for me too, but a lewd figure has popped out from the blanket?

    Pushing down Armored Pres-san who just got up I continue my work. Making Dancing Girl that just recovered surrender I continue my work, engaging in a fierce battle with Armored Pres-san who just rose up, I defeat her, and continue my work, slamming Dancing Girl that just woke up with my overflowing Highschool Boy and defeating her, continue my work. I mean, seeing those four beautiful legs sticking out of the blanket is too distracting? Like, I¡¯m staring at them non-stop? Even now?

    ¡¸I guess I¡¯ve made about the same amount of clothing as Armored Pres-san has? I don¡¯t think she needs as many hats though, so the rest can be made after asking about her preferences. Yeah, naturally, I¡¯ve already made all of the clothes that suit my preferences! I¡¯m sure white cheongsam will look great with that amber skin, and of course, there is a mini version toO! I want to see it~!¡¹

    That leaves accessories, but they also can be made after finding out what she prefers. I¡¯ve made a ton in Egyptian style, so if we end up with extra they could be sold along with belly dancer outfits. But since everyone hasn¡¯t been in dungeons lately, they are penniless. The overflown dungeons were pretty shabby, so they didn¡¯t bring much profit. Well, I was the one who dragged them into this, so I¡¯ll give them a discount¡­ It¡¯s the maidens¡¯ war time! (bargain sale)

    Now, I¡¯ve finished with the side job, so¡­ Oh no, I¡¯m out of mana! And Armored Pres-san unexpectedly revived at the same time with Dancing Girl. I¡¯m already being dragged into the bed, held from both sides, but I can¡¯t bring out even a single¡ºTentacle¡»! As I thought, prolonged fights are not for me. Or rather, putting away Item Bag with Mana Accumulator, I¡¯d obviously run out of mana? As expected, revenge (lewd) breeds revenge (lewd), and now, a tragic payback is about to befall me. Eehm, please be gentle? Eh? Shake-shake? It¡¯s a no, it seems! (Violation in process£©

 CH 304

    Chapter 304: The suspicious individuals were apprehended on eyewitness report, serving as a disaster prevention training.

    Day 74 ¨C Morning, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    A case for public concern emerged in the morning. Yeah, suspicious person eyewitness reports? Or rather, I see nine of them right in front of me¡­ I mean, their eyes are crazy!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸UOOOOOOOOOOH! Little girls!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸All hands, capture them! Dead or Alive!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Jaa!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Thus, suspicious people (the geeks) were apprehended and isolated. The threat to the orphan girls have passed. Alright, let¡¯s burn them.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oooh, Haruka! We are back! And yeah, we plundered tons of goods and money, but Oda-kun and others gave away everything to Beastfolk, so we got nothing?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The Idiots are left to roam free, but they while do pose some issue in educational sense, it¡¯s fine, I¡¯m sure seeing them the orphans will try they hardest not to turn out like that. In a way, this idiots are the top-tier educational material for what not to do.

    ¡¸Long time no see~, I¡¯m actually surprised that you came back, I¡¯ve already begun to think that you found your new calling in the life of banditry and piracy and going feral returned to the forest? Is this the fruits of Pres-sama¡¯s training? Like, House(come back)? Sort of?¡¹

    I thought that they might¡¯ve made a jackpot, but they returned penniless, as usual idiots. I¡¯m sure they simply came back because they got hungry. Stray idiots?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun, why are we being detained and tied up immediately after coming back?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s just an arrest operation carried out on eyewitness reports of suspicious individuals? The crime was prevented in a timely manner, so the best course of action would be burning to death, like, in a disaster prevention educational way? Kind of?¡¹

    And the criminals began complaining. Letting them step into an orphanage too great of a risk after all!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Suspicious individuals? Weren¡¯t we classmates?!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸We finished the mission and went back, we came here only because on the way we found the sign telling us to come here?¡¹

    ¡¸To think we would get apprehended before even getting¡ºWelcome back¡»¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We just were surprised since there were so many children¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Nonono, you didn¡¯t get ¡ºWelcome back¡» because before saying¡ºWe¡¯re back¡»you began super overreacting to the children, okay? It¡¯s an orphanage, so of course there would be children, if there weren¡¯t any and it instead had only middle-aged men I would¡¯ve long since burned down the place! In the first place, with your first line being¡ºLittle girls!¡»uttered in unison, you aren¡¯t just suspicious, you are real criminals! The very fact that you reacted only to the little girls makes you suspicious individuals among suspicious individuals worthy of apprehension, the guilty verdict with trial omitted upon the report and instant execution! You Suspicious Geeks! If you are going to react only to the little girls, the little tanuki is going to be sad and start stress eating, getting a round belly despite not having any bre¡­ GYUWAAAAAA!! ¡¹

    I got bitten! The dangerous small animal seems to have snuck up on me before I noticed. That¡¯s right, in the flock of orphans, there is an imposter mimicking¡­ them not, she is just being her usual self, but the fact that she is lurking among them is scary! That aside, can some remove this small animal gnawing me on the head already? Yeah, she is biting in pretty hurt, so it hurts.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸And so, we are back.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸For starters, I¡¯d like you to remove these ropes?¡¹

    Then, a portion of girls is pressing them for the reason why the didn¡¯t return right away. Even though that much is obvious without asking?

    Yeah, they finally got angry. That¡¯s all.

    And so, with the Geeks giving an incoherent retelling of events, additionally supplemented by the Idiots¡¯ nonsensical commentary, the explanation reached heights of confusing, but Translator Pres-san seems to have solved all of the mysteries. Yeah, it¡¯s amazing that she can understand such nonsensical rubbish?

    ¡¸Eerm, in other words, you annihilated the Confederation¡¯s beastmen hunting force, and also managed to free beastmen captured by them, but then you chased after the ships carrying beastmen captured before that, and ended storming into the Confederation¡¯s harbors, which led to naval combat, and you thought you¡¯d run away since you freed beastmen already, but then Kakizaki-kun and others jumped on the enemy ships and begun to rampage, so you couldn¡¯t go back on your own, and since you went to board all other ships in the harbor along the way, freeing all of the beastmen slaves you saw and sinking all of the ships, it took you a while? Then you went back to the Beastmen Country to bring rescued beastmen to a safe place, gave them all of the goods you plundered, which delayed you even further? Is that it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸What¡¯s what we said.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Perfect translation! As expected of Translation President-san. Her reasoning is so flawless that she might¡¯ve already Plundered skills¡ºInterpretation¡»or¡ºTranslation¡»somewhere.

    I mean, she managed to get that from¡¸Animal ears¡¸The fluff¡¸We got to touch them¡¸I wanted to touch it so much!¡¸Haruka, I¡¯m hungry¡¹After all, the formation of the ships¡¸No, the bunny ears¡¸What are you talking about, the Tail-sama was¡¸Haruka, you got anything to eat?!¡¹And so we chased the animal ears, and then¡¸Those were some good animals ears!¡¸But being too scared, their fluffiness¡¸Haruka, I want rice!¡¹And so Kakizaki-kun and others went berserk¡¸Yeah, like the real leap of¡¸And if you ask us why we made a cannon¡¸That¡¯s right, we couldn¡¯t hit anything with the projectile even when we threw them by hand?¡¸But when we made the cannon to shoot, Slime-san¡¸Yeah, Jiggle-Jiggle, it said¡¹and so we turned in the direction it was pointing, and it was the Frontier?¡¸And so it flew away¡­ And we were wondering if something happened.¡¹But Fluffiness is Justice!¡¸And so we went to return them, but they were still afraid¡¸And the villages were burned down¡­¡­¡¸Haruka, I¡¯m about to starve here!¡¹so we left everything there¡¹ ! By the way, the nine of them were speaking all at once, and 10 times that. Well, it goes without saying that 90% of that was about animal ears and fluff.

    For now, they are being noisy, so let¡¯s have breakfast. Naturally, the Geeks are getting the farthest seats from the orphans.

    ¡¸¡­Sorry, Haruka-kun, we didn¡¯t make it in time. The beastfolk warriors fought so desperately¡­ Trying to save children¡­ Fought and died. Sorry¡­ We didn¡¯t make it in time.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    As I thought, I made another mistake. That¡¯s why they went to get back the captured. But they couldn¡¯t make it in time anyway¡­ In the end, I failed to protect everything again. And the Geeks also understand that they didn¡¯t actually rescue them, but came too late instead. Because the possibility was there. Even so, I overlooked it, that¡¯s why they didn¡¯t make it in time.

    ¡¸By the way, who is that stunning beauty that chained us up?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, an oriental pretty girl hath descended?¡¹

    ¡¸How is she able to tie us up and disable the barrier in the brief moment before its activation?!¡¹

    ¡¸Pretty girls in another world are of higher level than 2D!¡¹

    ¡¸Aah, you mean Dancing Girl? She is that, that stuff that often happens, that, you know, how should I put it, she is well, that? Well, I¡­ Tamed her? (Tehepero)¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaah¡­ he did it again!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Just explode already!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like tehepero doesn¡¯t work for me the same way it does for Armored Pres-san? Well, she is sly, but also cute, so you end up forgiving her, you know? Yeah, being pretty has benefits?

    After calling Dancing Girl and having them greet each other I then warn her not to get anywhere near them to avoid getting infection. Then I let them say hello to the orphans, and told them to immediately report if the Geeks were to approach them.

    (I¡¯m saying just in case, but her actual name is not Dancing Girl-san, it¡¯s Nefertiri-san.)

    (((No, we were confident that¡¯s not her name!)))

    (((She seems very strong¡­ Did he save her as well?)))

    (Yup, again. The orphans here, Nefertiri-san, everything and everyone.)

    (((So it was that dangerous here. We are very sorry for being late!)))

    (You did what was necessary, didn¡¯t you? Haruka-kun was happy with that, saying that you are finally fighting on your on volition.)

    (¡­I see.)

    Pres-san is chatting with the Geeks? Well, it must be another sermon. Savor the taste of Pres-sama¡¯s terrifying sermon! I¡¯m getting x20 that daily! Moreover, at least 15 times per day!!!

    And we also learned the reason why Slime-san returned by flight. It really was a Slime Cannon. I gave the Geeks magic stone high-explosive projectiles and magic stone bombs for the sake of naval combat. But due to their clumsiness, they couldn¡¯t hit the target even when throwing by hand. Just how clumsy can you be!

    So they made a gun barrel and tried to shoot from it, and apparently got 100% accuracy ratio even at long range. Just how skillful are they?!

    Normally, it should be a complete reverse, getting a good angle of fire on a shaking ship is more difficult. How come their dexterity isn¡¯t getting improved despite getting enhanced by DeX stat? Looks like their Geekness Skill is overriding it.

    And sensing the crisis, Slime-san made the Geeks turn the cannon to the Frontier, climbed inside, and launched itself, sending Continental Ballistic Cluster Slime-san. That¡¯s why the Frontier was saved.

    It sensed the danger from such a distance¡­ Is it because of Taming?

    ¡¸So, what about about animal ears and fluffiness?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸They were afraid of humans, so we tried to keep our distance, so forget fluff-fluff, we didn¡¯t even get to talk¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    That¡¯s not surprising. They met in the worst way possible. Even if they saved them, from the beastfolk¡¯s point of view they are the same humans. It could¡¯ve been different if they made in time. But since they didn¡¯t¡­ As humans they are nothing more than an object of hatred and fear.

    ¡¸Then what about the people, or rather beastfolk, at the villages?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸They were observing us from cover, so we extinguished fires at the villages, arbitrarily made graves, and after loudly declaring¡ºWe¡¯ll leave this here¡»left, leaving the captured children and goods at the villages.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Forget coming in touch, it seems they were unable to establish any communication at all. Well, it¡¯s the Geeks and Idiots, so it¡¯s a question if they would¡¯ve been able to communicate properly even under normal circumstances. The Confederation¡¯s fleet was annihilated as the result, so the Beastmen Country should be safe for a while. Even more so if they had their battalion annihilated. They can¡¯t afford to carelessly meddle with the Beastmen Country anymore.

    And the Geeks hesitant aura have dissipated. They¡¯ve finally made their resolve. Perhaps it¡¯s not what they were hoping for, but they still became heroes in another world. Although the world they desired was probably not as bad as this¡­ That¡¯s why the finally resolved themselves.

    ¡¸Well¡­ Good work?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yes, we are back?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Haruka, another serving¡¸Hey, this bucket is too small¡¸Not enough burgers¡¸A bucket of rice balls!¡¹, what about karaage?¡¹Another one!!¡¹

    It¡¯s getting noisy again. Am I not allowed to bury them underground? The middle-aged men were supposedly rescued by now, so it should be an empty area. Ah¡­ But Underground Dwellers probably would be very annoyed!

    No, those are the Idiots, so they might on the contrary find a way to get along¡­ Let¡¯s leave them alone, I guess?

 CH 305

    Chapter 305: Trying to sneak out to watch the play with black-haired ladies in bikinis got me scolded?

    Day 74 ¨C Daytime, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    Looks like everyone has finally calmed down. There was the matter of Oda-kun and others returning, the issue of suspicious individuals, but the true reason for the uproar among the girls is the current maidens¡¯ predicament, the ascension of ¡ºSex King¡»!

    The monster of Lewd Arts that Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san somehow managed to subjugate together after making him run out of mana. The King of Sex that freely uses battle techniques out of an entirely different league.

    Hearing detailed accounts of his exquisite skills and secret moves the girls are dropping one after another, covering their noses. The ultimate technique. The ability to erotically play with the two Dungeon Emperors, that brought them to their knees, and forced them to collapse. That skill to discern the weak point and envelop the entire body with an otherworldly stimulation is terrifying.

    Shimazaki-san and others also had a crazy experience during dress fitting, spending the entire time in a daze unable to stand. It seems those fearsome¡ºEvil Hands¡»have became even more insane. And now ¡ºSex King¡» powers were added to that.

    ¡¸That is dangerous, pleasure, drives mad.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s more¡­ dangerous, than dying.¡¹

    However, when he is making underwear or dresses, unlike the times with Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san, he is only measuring or adjusting, and yet, there is such destructive power! That can actually be used as a legitimate attack! Or rather running his lips along the inguinal ligament while licking it with a tip of his tongue, play-biting while kissing on superior iliac spine, ah, ah, play-biting!? AH-AWAWAWAWAWAWwawa~

    (Overheating)

    And so the morning started with everyone making a racket and giving Haruka-kun glancing looks full of fear and interest, but it seems they finally calmed down. There also was a short course on the heights of sexual technique, organized by Nefertiri-san, creating quite a weird mood, but it finally calmed down.

    But if it takes two Dungeon Emperors working together, then for us it would be four? No, maybe five people¡­ Pinning him down with five people and then¡­ Eerhm, according to what we learned from the heights of sexual technique, gently caress it with fingers tips, making sure to maintain the touch so light that it would barely feel like touching, caress, and then, and then! Take it into the mo-mo-mou¡­ (*plonk*)

    (Corruption of maidens in process?)

    ¡¸MEDIC! The pres once again got KO¡¯ed by her own wild fantasies? Stuff a mushroom into her mouth.¡¹

    ¡¸Jaa. (*Nom*)¡¹

    Mmmn. Such being the case, we also learned what Oda-kun¡¯s and others were doing. Just as Haruka-kun anticipated, beastmen in the Beastmen Country were targeted. Letting the Kingdom and the Theocracy fight each other they were reaching for magic stones concessions while also suppressing mushroom production to raise prices in order to rake profits. And in the meantime, using the timing when two countries were unable to take an action, they also launched an attack on the Beastmen Country in an attempt to get as many slaves for themselves as possible. No matter which part of the plan were to fail, it still would¡¯ve turned profit for them, but that is precisely why it was read, and failed in its entirety, leading to them reaping enormous losses and currently being in the process of collapse. Beating Merchants Confederation by ripping them off¡­ It seems that his rip-offs have finally violated national laws for fraudulent business practices.

    ¡¸Oda and others look kinda different, aren¡¯t they?¡¹

    ¡¸They killed with resolve, in order to protect others.¡¹

    ¡¸And we were forced to deal with monsters again.¡¹

    ¡¸The God said that was impossible¡­ But Haruka-kun probably still hasn¡¯t given up on sending us back to our world. That¡¯s why he is making sure we wouldn¡¯t have to kill other people.¡¹

    That¡¯s right, he hasn¡¯t given up.

    ¡¸But what about Oda-kun, Kakizaki-kun, and others? They¡¯ve already killed a few people, right? And Haruka-kun himself too¡­ That¡¯s just¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The boys must have no intentions of going back anymore. They will stay here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, no way! Then, if we go back¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right~, so you have to make a decision~, before Haruka-kun finds a way to go back~. What will you do~, what do you want to do~.¡¹

    There is no way it¡¯s possible. Even that absurd higher being with powers in a completely different league, even that elderly god, even he said that it was impossible, even going as far as to bow his head to apologize to us. So that is absolutely impossible.

    But if it¡¯s Haruka-kun, it might not be so certain. That¡¯s why we have to make the choice on our own. We have to make our own decision and say out loud that we aren¡¯t going back not because we can¡¯t but because we won¡¯t. Otherwise there is no meaning to it.

    And now, there are crowds. With Haruka-kun¡¯s return there is an abundance of goods again, as the result, the store is extremely busy since the morning. Word of mouth has customers flooding the store from all corners of the Capital. Women clothes are selling incredibly well, and with the impact from the theater play¡ºFrontier¡»goods are sold out as soon as new party arrives. But the people in the Frontier aren¡¯t wearing¡ºFrontier¡»T-shirts, you know?

    ¡¸Such popularity makes you curious to see the play too, right?¡¹

    ¡¸But the black-haired maiden warriors in bikinis? Also, that scenario has Haruka-kun hiding in the castle while letting the girls do all the fighting¡­ ¡¹

    ¡¸This might be better than the reality of middle-aged men massacre? I mean, that bamboo village¡­ That was a blasphemy towards the real bamboo village!¡¹

    ¡¸Meriel-san fought alongside the Royal Guard, but the store has her singlehandedly annihilating the Theocracy¡¯s knights?¡¹

    Piecing together the bits from the customers¡¯ conversations it became clear that they don¡¯t have an accurate picture of events, and simply glued together what they knew into the play. Which created the mysterious youth, who leaves fighting to maiden warriors, while playing the role of a strategist, trapping enemies from the castle. Well, calling him a strategist wouldn¡¯t be that far off, but he is a super offensive frontline strategist who directly attacks enemies, performing the worst of atrocities on them?

    ¡¸In the play, the strategist apparently ends up running around from the enemies that invaded the castle, and gets rescued by Murimur-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸That strategist runs around to gather all enemies in one spot to obliterate them in one go, deserving ¡ºDo not touch! Dangerous!¡»label, so doesn¡¯t actually need any rescue?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, but he was running around from the elderly odor? Is that something he needs to be rescued from?¡¹

    ¡¸Everyone in Haruka-kun¡¯s group, be it Haruka-kun, or Angelica-san, or Slime-san, or Nefertiri-san, fought solo, so they probably don¡¯t know about them.¡¹

    That¡¯s right, no one knows about the four that fought in the most dangerous of places.

    The play where the ones who should be praised the most either don¡¯t appear at all or are relegated to supporting roles. The play where the true saviors of the Frontier are nowhere to be seen.

    On the contrary, the running strategist is a comic relief.

    It¡¯s the world without much entertainment, so in truth everyone wants to see it. The issue with bikini warriors also can be solved by hiding our hair when we go there.

    But we surely will be infuriated by it.

    Even though the Capital just became peaceful and is excited about the play.

    But we surely will shout.

    It¡¯s finally become peaceful, but we can¡¯t forgive the play mocking Haruka-kun who kept fighting and fighting to make it happen.

    That¡¯s why we aren¡¯t going to watch it. We understand that they probably simply don¡¯t know, but we still can¡¯t forgive it.

    That alone we cannot yield. That alone is something we shouldn¡¯t forgive.

    It doesn¡¯t matter if no one else knows. The person in question isn¡¯t going to mention it anyway.

    But what right do they have to laugh at him? Where in this world is at least a single person who can ridicule Haruka-kun?

    Why does Haruka-kun, who fought until the very end to protect everyone¡¯s happiness, have to be a laughingstock?

    That¡¯s why we are definitely not going to watch it. Because I¡¯m sure we will end up destroying and burning the entire play if we did.

    Even now, Haruka-kun is driving himself insane with trial and error, trying to add weapons to our party dresses, to make sure we won¡¯t come to any danger. He is constantly wracking his brains trying to protect everything, attempting outrageous things as the result. That might be wild and comical in a way.

    But the only one allowed to ridicule, laugh, and sneer at that is the one who managed to save the world all by themself. The people who aren¡¯t trying to save anything aren¡¯t allowed to laugh at Haruka-kun desperately struggling to save everything. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s a mistake or a play, I surely will be enraged upon seeing that.

    But please don¡¯t add weapons to dresses? And no chains too? And remove those spiky shoulders pads as well? It¡¯s a dance party, not a dungeon attack?

 CH 306

    Chapter 306: Since the lost Geekness was the main part, the rest is just a waste, so it should be fine to incinerate it?

    Day 74 ¨C Evening, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    It was very, very troublesome, but I made tuxedos for the Geeks and Idiots¡­ But when they tried them on it looked terrible. No, there is no issue with the size or the design. It¡¯s a mass producible design made with pattern paper, but the pattern paper was made for the Geeks and Idiots, so there is no issue. The issue was with the models!

    For starters, there are the Idiots, who should look presentable in the right clothes, tall, muscular, and well-toned, as much as it pisses me off, but they have good-looking faces too, justifying the fan letters they were getting from all over Japan. In other words, not only do they have no other issues aside from being idiots, but judging by appearances alone, they are actually pretty high level. And yet, how did it become like this? For some reason it¡¯s so terrible that one can almost hear the music from Godfather in the background. Those are without a doubt mafia hitmen. And for some reason, the more formal the outfit gets the more dangerous they look. At this rate they might not even be allowed into the palace. Okay, let¡¯s abandon them if they get stopped and arrested.

    And then there are the Geeks, can¡¯t say I didn¡¯t expect this, but they still went into an unexpected direction. They have a medium build and got in shape coming here, so there should be no issue physique-wise, but why do they look so fishy and suspicious? Like professional crooks, or rather evil wizards? Their long unkempt hair also adds to the overall shadiness.

    Well, I got them tuxedos, so the rest doesn¡¯t matter? They probably will get arrested the moment they try to pass through the gates of the Royal Palace, but it doesn¡¯t matter. In a way, arresting the is the correct decision.

    Perhaps because the girls are still hesitating, no orders for dresses are coming. Everyone is still comparing five papers with different designs, so it¡¯s still going to take a while.

    Or maybe they are scared of Evil Hands. The way the Bitches broke down was abnormal. Even Vice A and Vice C before that were quite bad.

    It¡¯s only a guess, but Evil Hands are formed from mana, so perhaps they are clad in other skills in Magic Wrap fashion? So a delicate touch made with Wisdom-san¡¯s control greatly increases attack power.

    If that is correct, then there is a danger of it now being buffed with¡ºSex King¡»and¡ºLewd Arts¡»too. It doesn¡¯t seem like this behavior can be disabled, so I¡¯m not sure what to do about this, but the situation is clearly not okay.

    However, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll need to make more shorts, and even if a new order comes, it should be alright to make them with the previous measurements. Or rather, it would be a huge problem handling measurements with those uncontrollable lewd tentacles if not! Getting too immodest and improper can give a raise to certain highschool boy-like highschool boy issues, causing highschool boy much highschool boy like suffering and frustration? Kind of?

    However, while I think that dresses and garter belts should be alright, it¡¯s also a fact that after seeing the way Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl were excessively overreacting yesterday, I can¡¯t help but feel uneasy. While I enjoyed being able to touch them all over countless hands, having a marvelous experience, for them the stimulation was apparently quite much? They show quite an extreme reaction to what seemed to be an relentless and fierce stimulation, so it seems it was tough. In the end, here I too have glass cannon build, I have to take them down before they get me! No, like, those moves from the peak of sexual techniques are a parade of dangerous undefendable techniques whose advance bears temptation and pleasure to great for highschool boy to resist?

    Armored Pres-san kept scolding me every morning that she thought she was going to die, but this really has a risk of sending one on a one-way trip to heaven. Yesterday, I ended up at their mercy after running out of mana, being subjected to this and that from both sides I felt like I¡¯m about to ascend from this mortal coil from their service, assaulting my entire body in waves, while keeping me pincered from two fronts in heaven and hell-like RE:like Loop.

    Well, the Geeks and Idiots.

    ¡¸Or rather, those unkempt heads of hours are gloomy and annoying, that¡¯s why I¡¯m always offering to burn them, but you keep being all modest and refusing, letting such a mess grow your heads? Alright, let¡¯s burn it!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t! Just cut it normally, or rather, Haruka-kun, you hair haven¡¯t grown at all, but the hairstyle subtly changed?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m cutting my hair, obviously?¡¹

    Yeah, since going to a hairdresser is a bother I was doing it myself for a long while already, so I¡¯m used to it. I¡¯m good with both scissors and razor, you know? I prefer shaggy hair by the way.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Just cut it, no need to burn it! Or rather, you had scissors, huh.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, alright, I¡¯ll cut it~, Sword Flash!¡¹

    The summit which I should pursue is Armored Pres-san¡¯s ¡ºSword Flash¡»after all. Well, pursuing only, it can¡¯t be realistically replicated, but it should be enough to cut the Geeks¡¯ heads¡­

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Wait a moment!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Kuh! They deployed a barrier in a split second?! Looks like they improved, or rather, they are cheapskates, they taught me how to use Seal, but refuse to let me used it on them? Yeah, I couldn¡¯t seal Barrier skill.

    ¡¸That¡¯s the wrong ¡ºCut¡»!¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean¡ºSword Flash!¡»?! Don¡¯t use Angelica-san¡¯s ultimate move to cut hair!¡¹

    ¡¸And what was that low stance for? From such posture you¡¯d cut our heads, not hair!¡¹

    ¡¸Eerm, please leave sidelocks?¡¹

    ¡¸Eeeh, but cutting your hair one by one is such a bother? Cutting heads will take only one slash for all four¡­¡¹

    Since cutting men¡¯s hair is not enjoyable, I thought I¡¯d at least enjoy cutting off their heads, but even such modest wish was rejected?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We¡¯ll pay you double, so please just cut it normally!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Double! Thank you for patronage?¡¹

    If I¡¯m getting money for it, then it¡¯s work, if so, then sadly, I¡¯ll have to diligently cut their hair. If it¡¯s double, then it can¡¯t be helped. I wonder if mohawks will suit them? Hyaahaa?

    Slapping a water ball on their heads, I endure with just cutting their hair with razors into shaggy, arrange it a bit, and using well-balanced scissors add finishing touches. Evil Hands played an active part, combing their hair with 12 combs, cutting with 16 razors, and adjusting with 8 scissors.

    ¡¸Well, you are just the geeks, so this will do, wait¡­ Hm? Your Geekness is gone!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸What do you mean Geekness! Ah, but you are right, it¡¯s kind of embarrassing.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    They are barbershop regulars. Barbers use their professional techniques to cut the hair in the proper length according to the shape of the head, the actual looks often come second. Beauticians, on the other hand, make appearance the priority. That¡¯s why they might be cut in irregular or even shapes. And it¡¯s the beauticians¡¯ era, so they ended up looking more modern-like and lost their geekness!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Ah, they are cutting hair on their own, that¡¯s soooo unfair!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Oda-kun and others got such fashionable cuts!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t call it fashionable! It¡¯s pretty embarrassing.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Oh~, it suits you~¡¹¡¸Yeah, you look cooler this way¡¹¡¸That unkempt impression is gone!¡¹¡¸You even appear more attractive¡¹¡¸Hunkness 50% UP?¡¹¡¸Ah, he even did a bit of gradation cut! Such attention to details¡¹¡¸Cutting with razor gave it a natural look¡¹¡¸Nice, you look more refreshing, you know?¡¹¡¸If you also dye it you can make you debut as playboys?¡¹¡¸Aaaah! It might actually suit them!¡¹¡¸Are they going to become playgeeks?¡¹¡¸That overlaps with someone.¡¹¡¸They look better this way, like serious and nice guys.¡¹¡¸Yeah, this is definitely better.¡¹

    Being surrounded and complemented by the girls, the Geeks are acting bashful with bright red faces. With this they might become more conscious about their appearance? I might even be able to rip them off on clothes!

    The Geeks have a very strong rejection towards our original world. Their hearts are probably closed even to the classmates. That¡¯s why they were living in dreams of another world.

    But they really came there. If it¡¯s in another world, then they might even be able to find love with someone from this world. ¡­Should I report them?

    For how embarrassed they were about being praised by the girls, they sure look happy, so it¡¯s not like they are twisted, they simply were embarrassed since they aren¡¯t used to getting compliments.

    Ah, the Idiot¡¯s noticed them! Just arrange your long hair yourself, is what I¡¯d like to say, but might as well rip them off too, maybe that will weaken that mafia-like impression a bit. I mean, if they put long coats on top of tuxedos and took shotguns in their hands they¡¯d look super authentic!

    Finishing cutting and styling the Idiots¡¯ hair I also trim the orphans¡¯ hair. Many people in this world have naturally curly hair, so it¡¯s a bit difficult. The orphan girls especially have many demands. Apparently, they want to become princess-like? Do they want to sell hamburgers? Alright, let¡¯s teach them the princess-like way of stomping on the floor next time.

    ¡¸You look cute.¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Really?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Yeah, very cute.¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaaay!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Everyone is cute like angels.¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yaay.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I¡¯m happy that they are happy, but I¡¯m uncertified both as a beautician or barber? Totally self-taught back-street hairdresser? Or rather, why do the girls even have illustrations with hairstyles prepared? Aaah, I¡¯m going to do this too? Yeah, I kind of expected this, but their demands are so detailed! Also, don¡¯t even ask for perm! Let¡¯s sell the hot curlers next time.

    Preparing dinner, for some reason in viking-like scenery again, I¡¯m also operating a beauty salon at the same time. I don¡¯t think anyone would ever give a permit to a hair cutting buffet, but since Evil Hands wouldn¡¯t let even a single hair drop, there are no sanitation issues at all. Aah~, let¡¯s get the bath ready too.

    With the souvenir store¡¯s business hours now over everyone has gathered, making a huge ruckus.

    ¡¸Eeh, am I supposed to do braids too?¡¹

    ¡¸Big brother, do braids for me too.¡¹¡¸Me too.¡¹¡¸Big brother, manju¡¹¡¸Big brother, how about three dresses per person?¡¹¡¸I want long hair¡¹¡¸Me ¨C a princess!¡¹¡¸Dear brother, I would like a kimono?¡¹¡¸Haruka-kun is being called big brother by little girls! How envious!¡¹¡¸We are out of karaage~¡¹¡¸I can wash dishes¡¹¡¸Me too¡¹¡¸Me? Me?¡¹¡¸Cut mine short?¡¹¡¸Big brother, what about chestnut manju?¡¹¡¸Haruka, I¡¯m hungry¡¹¡¸I, I, I¡¯d like the hair like that sister¡¹¡¸Then~, I too~ will have braids~¡¹¡¸Hurry, hurry!¡¹¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¡£¨And further chaos£©

    For some reason I¡¯m beginning to feel more like a trimmer than a beautician? I wonder why? The next one¡­ poodle cut for the little tanuki? Kind of?

 CH 307

    Chapter 307: If you want a slimmer waistline, then why not just stop eating sweets, said certain M-san¡­ She had no idea of the risks (Crying)

    Day 74 ¨C Nighttime, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch, Girls-only Gathering.

    The bath is engulfed in a weird mood. We already had the children leave and started an adult Girls-only Gathering, entering the second educational session of heights of sexual technique course¡­ Talk about the experiences! But since there is only one partner, it means¡­

    ¡¸Caress, rub, stroke.¡¹

    Taking everyone by hand, the lecturer Nefertiri-sensei guides each girl through the differences individually. A lecture by the great Hero that managed to defeat that wicked Sex King.

    ¡¸Aah, so when caressing, you¡¯d slide along skin, and rubbing is that but a bit stronger? And when stroking you¡¯d move the skin too¡­ Stroking it, huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Back of tongue, plenty of saliva, lick?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­(Gulp)¡¹¡¹¡¹

    It was very practical! Everyone received a mushroom as a study material, which was deliciously consumed after the class?

    The children were in high spirits, getting haircuts and care from Haruka-kun. They lived having no one to rely on but each other, so they were overjoyed, beaming with smiles, having someone who¡¯d look after them and spoil them. They looked so happy that I could feel tears welling up just from seeing that.

    Delicious food is a happiness. Pretty clothes are a happiness too, and clean and warm home is a happiness as well. But that¡¯s merely it. A happy place, it¡¯s not just a house, it¡¯s a place where you can feel at ease and your heart is satisfied, a place where you belong. A place where it isn¡¯t just fine to stay, but where you are welcome like it¡¯s natural for you to be here. This is why That became the favorite spot of the children.

    Oda-kun and others¡¯ image change was surprising, but what¡¯s up with Haruka-kun¡¯s skillfulness and knowledge? He apparently was cutting his own hair himself all this time, but isn¡¯t the variation way too great?

    Kakizaki-kun and others also got their hair cut, but since they keep long hair, they only had it arranged and trimmed, transforming them from wild-type into clean and fashionable.

    The girls were cutting each other¡¯s hair, but the difference is clear as day. Haruka-kun has a different touch, his way of handling scissors is smooth and masterful. The result looks natural, pretty, and has a good sense of volume. It seems he is going to introduce hair iron next, so Shimazaki-san and co were overjoyed.

    And today again, everyone was enjoying food to their heart content with all-you-can-eat buffet, then, after cleaning up together, bathing the children, doing ONE MORE SET and belly dance, it¡¯s adult time.

    However, while the legs got toned with DANCE REVO yesterday, belly dance puts a big strain on stomach and lower back! It requires muscles that usually aren¡¯t put to much use, so it seemed highly effective. This should slim the stomach and lift up the buttocks! But tomorrow will be classroom on tango-like footwork.

    Then, we entered the Bath Girls-only Gathering, but the contents of the class were too risky. Then even Angelica-san joined in, explaining the effects! Doing this led to that, and doing that to that resulted in that, and the differences in reaction when licking or tracking with lips, she carefully went into all of that in great detail. Ah, another one sunk!

    ¡¸Take, down, first¡­ Can¡¯t be, on the receiving end¡­ you¡¯ll die? Go mad? Will go¡­ un, con, sci, ous.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaaa (*bubble bubble*)¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Apparently, it¡¯s offensive power that matters, and guarding is pointless. Failing to push through will result in receiving a counter, and taking such a stimulating attack that it would feel like you are about to die or go insane, which will make you faint! Sex Kind is terrifying!

    ¡¸Mind. Memory. Blank¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Nooooooooo (*blub blub*)¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The girls are having blood rush to their heads and sink one after another. Time to pull up and retreat to the room.

    The elven little sister, Erailia, joined Girls-only gathering after she got the children to sleep, but it seems that for her first participation the contents were too much, as she kept drowning with a bright red face, but after coming back to her senses, she earnestly listened to the continuation while clenching her fists with a bright red blush.

    Everyone is hurrying, anxious to hear what¡¯s next, but still taking their time to carefully comb their hair. It was Haruka-kun who cut it after all, and even this brush was made by Haruka-kun. It was expensive though.

    Then, putting hair bands which went on sale along with leotards we moved to the room. From here on it¡¯s a practical lecture with demonstration on top of the bed.

    ¡¸The-the tongue from below even if pinned down!¡¹

    ¡¸E-eeeh, spotting the weakness he¡¯d play bite there!?¡¹

    ¡¸Even with hands and legs restrained, the tentacles are still squirming around¡­¡¹

    ¡¸And-and he freely uses Vibration Magic too? A simple touch can come with a vibration?!¡¹

    Looks like obtaining skills in this world gave birth to a terrifying monster. He should¡¯ve had nothing but junk skills, but what is this direction they are collectively taking? Well, he did manage to defeat the Dungeon Emperors duo?

    ¡¸Even tracing with a finger is dangerous?¡­ ¡ºLewd Arts¡»are crazy!¡¹

    ¡¸The effects extend even to the tentacles¡­ The Great Demon Lord of Tentacles and Sex King!¡¹

    ¡¸An offense has to be carried out while gluing to him, or he will get away and it will become completely one-sided, but sticking tight to him means those tentacles and vibration¡­¡¹

    ¡¸And with Regeneration Lv 7 he recovers immediately! Pawooo?!¡¹

    No, no one said pawoo? I don¡¯t think That elephant-san can trumpet? But well, instant recovery is certainly terrifying. In a drawn-out battle it will leave one completely at his mercy. A monster with menacing fighting power, combat durability, and recovery strength, that is Sex King.

    ¡¸But if we are talking about regeneration~, then we have the pres here~. ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Oh, right.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Then the pres will be tanking attacks, the rest is on offense.¡¹

    ¡¸She is going to tank them¡­ With her own body while regenerating.¡¹

    ¡¸Whoooa, taking those maddening attacks while infinitely regenerating?¡¹

    ¡¸She is going to take that tentacle hell with her own body? Won¡¯t she melt?¡¹

    Why am I the tank? Why am I pushed alone into this like a sacrifice?! Or rather, I never said a thing about taking him on? And m-m-melting!¡­

    ¡¸W-w-w-why am, am, am I supposed to be the one taking him on?! S-S-Such, tons of tentacles with Vibration and Lewd Arts crawling all over the body, n-n-n-no way! And, and, and Haruka-kun using his t-tongue to li-li-lick, to lick such ah! Ah, and p-play-biting¡­. (*phweeee*)¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Medic~, the usual mushroom please~.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    (*nom*)

    ¡¸Such a coward, it¡¯s going to take a while.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Perhaps because I was irritated about drama play, but looks like being teased by everyone hit me in the soft spot. I know this myself, but it¡¯s still frustrating. And Haruka-kun who is trying to watch it without any care is also Haruka-kun! I mean, what he wants to see is definitely not the play, but the Warrior Maidens in bikinis!

    Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san made up their resolve, and sharpening their minds dressed up and went to Haruka-kun¡¯s room. Today there are body-conscious mini one-pieces dresses.

    And another battle is going to begin.

    Both of them just want to please Haruka-kun and see him happy? Why does he fight against it? They are offering him their deepest gratitude and most intimate love, but he has to counterattack them, creating chaotic skirmishes every night, competing for the best pleasure (takedown) score. I¡¯m sure that tonight too, sparks will scatter on the battlefield, and an endless battle will unfold, exhausting the limits of Lewd Arts. Heights of Sexual Technique is a form of expression of respect, loyalty, and courtesy to someone one respects and loves by devoting to them one¡¯s body and self, so why does it become an endless hell of Sexual Vs Lewd arts? That¡¯s kind of lewd?

 CH 308

    Chapter 308: Just when Rajingan became the Eye of Naked Body?

    Day 74 ¨C Nighttime, the Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    Partly as an experiment, I¡¯m making new anklets. Anklets with many charms that can be used for belly dance.

    And with three effects applied to them, ¡ºAcceleration¡»¡ºEvasion¡»¡ºFlash Step¡»they make for an extraordinary piece of equipment. I mean, previously, with an ordinary-tier magic stone only one effect could¡¯ve been applied? Getting two with a high-tier magic stone was a good outcome, you know? And now, with what is most likely E or D tier magic stone, it¡¯s three. With improvement in technical skill the quality of resulting items have also greatly increased.

    ¡¸As I thought, it improved, or rather, the difference is so clear that it¡¯s more like, there is a gap by an order of magnitude?¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    With ¡ºWisdom¡» revolutionizing crafting techniques, and boosting¡ºEvil Hands¡» efficiency, accuracy, precision, and speed had entered a new dimension. But more importantly, the control is easy. It was hiding because of this superb performance, so if this went out of control there is a good chance it can be life threatening. Well, it¡¯s always life threatening, so there is no point in worrying about such a thing.

    I¡¯ll have to fully renew the equipment of the classmates. The difference in performance with new items is so remarkable, that updating equipment can be considered essential. This is going to protect their lives, and increase the probability of survival.

    ¡¸ In other words, I¡¯ll have to make everything again, huh. With basic performance being this different, I probably should redo things from the measurement and drafting stage. But considering Evil Hands¡¯ current impact, it seems too dangerous to do bottom, most likely, bras are the limit. Even gather belts are too risky.¡¹

    At the moment, nothing beats good dungeon items after they are mitrilified, however, the dresses I¡¯m making right now will end up an equipment of higher rank than ordinary dungeon items after mithrilification. There is a need to revise everything in regards to equipment, and I also now can make certain items from¡ºLet¡¯s Go Magic Tools!¡»which I previously couldn¡¯t touch due to the excessive degree of difficulty.

    ¡¸Casual clothes are going to become unbeatable, no? Well, I also have¡ºOn Alchemy and Smithing¡», so perhaps I may be able to make weapons too. Even though the speed of manufacturing has increased, since it also comes with an increase in complexity of work, I still end up with overtime on side job. Side Job-san¡¯s turn just never ends, huh?¡¹

    (Jiggle Jiggle)

    But first, rings. I want to boost Abnormal Status Resistance as much as possible.But a diamond on prongs isn¡¯t suited for everyday use?

    Well, I can just consider it a practice. I feel like it¡¯s a waste of high-grade magic stones, but the girls really wanted this, so might as well do it. I have more than enough magic stones anyway. But considering that they can be turned into mana batteries, it¡¯s certainly a waste. Dungeon exploration brings more benefit than war. Magic stones and equipment are more valuable than gold, you know?

    ¡¸Making the ring out of a magic stone, then turning platinum color¡­ What do I do about the stone? I do have diamonds, Performance-wise, it¡¯s peaky. Although it can provide a high instantaneous resistance, it would last only for several tens of seconds.Well, if you use good magic stones, basic performance alone should be enough. But it kind of feels like a waste~?¡¹

    (Bounce Bounce)

    So diamonds after all. I have more than a hundred, so using 22 is not a big deal, but using high grade magic stones hurts a bit. I have like a mountain of them stockpiled, but a waste still feels like a waste. If we were diving into dungeons daily I probably wouldn¡¯t have thought this way, since I was even troubled by how fast they were accumulating, but when the reserves only keep depleting it does feel like a waste?

    I¡¯m currently holding a colossal fortune, actually being a hyper magnate, but turns out, there is unexpectedly no way of spending this money? No, there is, but actual goods have more value.

    I already bought up everything of note that the Capital had. Diamonds were part of that. I thought that I could exploit their instantaneous explosive ability increase to create long range shooting staffs (sniper rifle), but looks like they are going to become rings? I bought a whole lot of various stuff, but everyone is demanding diamonds. I wonder why the girls want burst buffs for Abnormal Status Resistances?

    The crown part of the ring is going to be large, but I guess it¡¯s better not to bury the stone in. Well, they are going to wear gloves with the dresses, so if they are going to put rings on top of the gloves, then I guess a bit excessive design would be better?

    For the dresses, I made 3 samples each of mermaid, princess, and frills, with temporary sewing, as they seemed to be in highest demand, but if they get stuck on this, they might never make up their minds, going through infinite variations? They must be still wracking their heads and groaning over this at Girls-only gathering. Which reminds me, they often come for healing mushrooms lately, is there a fever going around? Let¡¯s give them some bigger ones next time.

    Along the way, I also made various samples of lace gloves, frilled garters, low heel pumps and lace veils. It goes without saying that the size of torsos was adjusted for Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san. Since it¡¯s made with Multicolor, I set everything to red or blue, but for some reason, everyone is really insistent on white, just why is it? Something to do with the Kingdom¡¯s fashion trends?

    However, those two have such great figures that they look sexy even as just torsos. It¡¯s a secret that I unintentionally tried to gently caress them. And it¡¯s an absolute secret that I groped them a bit too.

    As I focused on the work, the originals of those erotic torsos came back. They must¡¯ve had fun at the Girls-only gathering today too, both of them are smiling widely.

    ¡¸We¡­ are back.¡¹¡¸Back home. Back to the room. Together.¡¹

    ¡¸Welcome back, did you have fun? I¡¯m slightly busy right now, if you want something from the finished items, let me know? I can adjust them immediately, and I also accept orders for custom-made stuff~? The dresses over there are for you, so you can show them off to everyone tomorrow?¡¹

    The two immediately had their eyes fixed on the newly made dresses. Their gazes entranced and even intoxicated? Well, I guess dresses are special for girls. They also have high stats.

    And as I¡¯m working towards a good point to pause for today, the two sat down on the bed, looking my way. I very much want to join them, but it¡¯s a delightful boundary from which there is no return, crossing that there is no coming back, and the moment you look back, you are gone again, a direct one-way ticket for galaxy express leading past the threshold into the Shangri-la of infinite pleasures!

    Forcing myself to persevere, I focus on the side job. Naturally, Rajingan is super staring at them. After all, two beautiful girls in tight mini dresses are sitting there constantly changing poses, crossing their legs, W-Sitting, continuously making long-range flashing attack, which are accomplishing far more than just setting my highschool boy¡¯s heart on fire, counting instead as a large-scale arson, creating a small Honn¨­-ji [1] in the room. T-They set me up?

    However,the strain from ¡ºWisdom¡»-san is huge. If I focus too much, I get this weird feeling as if my brain is getting stirred. Even so, I want to raise the safety of the gear. If this can save their lives, then I don¡¯t care about some strain or pain. I don¡¯t care, but I keep catching glimpses of something nice¡­

    Kuh, it¡¯s a trap!

    To think the two would sit grasping their knees while wearing super tight mini ones-pieces! Moreover, they are opening their legs bit-by-bit, flashing from M-pose which looks more like W(elcome) from here, inviting a highschool boy into the danger zone with its dangerous temptation, a Charm Trap that ignores resists! Is this the effect of Temptation?

    Armored Pres-san is wearing a black off-shoulder dress on pure white skin, with snow-white thighs visible in Absolute Territory between the tight mini skirt and black kneesocks, from which she is casting Temptation on me!

    Dancing Girl-san beside her is wearing a white high-neck sleeveless tight mini dress, exposing her amber skin, while her soft thighs are jiggling, following the winding of her long legs in transparent black stockings, bewitching me with Aphrodisiac effect!

    This is a monochrome Temptation magic! I-I can¡¯t resist this spell! What an outrageous design, no, I actually was the one who made those? Yeah, I did?

    Eye of Naked Body already began automatically recording, as expected of¡ºWisdom¡»-san, it knows what¡¯s up Wait, just when Rajingan was renamed to Eye of Naked Body? It¡¯s Rajingan, okay! I kind of feel like it¡¯s not exactly wrong too, since both are used for the same purpose, it¡¯s fine, I guess.

    Then, casually moving her hand to Mysterious triangle zone she is nonchalantly moving it there, casting Berserk. T-The monochrome attack from under there tooooooo!!!

    ¡¸New item. Anklet. Put it on?¡¹

    ¡¸Put it¡­ On me too¡­ Please¡­¡¹

    Saying that the two stretched their long and beautiful legs towards me¡­ Putting anklets on tho-tho-those legs, oooooHHH! (Highschool boy supernova!)

    It goes without saying, but the level of¡ºSex King¡» has increased. Yeah, at this rate I might get the skill¡ºLimit Break¡»!

 CH 309

    Chapter 309: Affection Rating-san finally requires cosmic-scale expedition.

    Day 75 ¨C Morning, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch.

    Despite severe lack of sleep, it¡¯s a very refreshing morning. Waking up with full refreshing strength, my highschool boy-like awakening also followed, which was then lickingly attacked over and over again with such vigor that not even Regeneration Lv 7 could help me last. That aside, I wonder why am I restrained with chains in a star pose as soon as I wake up?

    Kuh, they got me! Or rather, they tied me? This must be a nice morning payback for last night¡¯s frenzied pleasant hell of vibrating Evil Hands with Lewd Arts.

    Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are running their tongues over a raw mushroom from two sides. Taking turns putting it into their mouths they are hungrily sucking on it. That¡¯s right, it¡¯s the endless one-sided massacre with a highschool boy repeatedly getting defeated after recovering through forced restoration! Yup, I¡¯m wide awake now!!

    Then, I head to the dining hall, rushed by the duo, who are strangely merry since the morning, even though it¡¯s entirely their fault that I¡¯m getting late? But well, they seem happy, so whatever, or rather, it seems they are delighted over being over to exact their revenge. Fine, then tonight it¡¯s Revenger Highschool boy time.

    And in the dinner hall, among the usual faces, were Royal Girl and Merimeri-san, hanging out with the girls?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Kyaaa, so pretty, so lovely, charming, and dazzling!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girls-san arrived wearing the dresses that I finished yesterday, commotion erupted among the girls, and the children are also making a ruckus.

    The boys? Completed the art of being the same with the air, might soon become thousand winds? [1] They could start calling themselves Thousand Winds! But if they went with Windows it probably would spread better!

    While I¡¯m wondering what business could¡¯ve brought Royal Girl and Merimeri-san here, they are making a huge uproar looking at Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san¡¯s dresses from all sides. Well, I never paid them a penny of salary, so there is no issue with payment in kind, but there is currently a big issue with measurements that it would require.

    The girls are giving them first-hand accounts of their experience with measurements, but despite having a bright red blush on their faces, out of all things, they are clinging super hard to the part about underwear! And then one flashing it is as expected Vice Pres B-san, as expected, she was actually a very dangerous character! Just which part of her allowed her to get¡ºFirst Place in Good Person Ranking¡»? Ah, but that is some good stuff, they are bouncing? (bounce bounce)

    And since she is opening her clothes to show off her bra, the boys, who already were one with the air, had vaporized, polluting the air? Looks like a powerful air cleaner is required.

    ¡¸¡¸Haruka-san! Please make them for us too, we¡¯ll work for it!¡¹¡¹

    Aah, well, after so much showing off, they would end up wanting the same. but I already gave dresses to Royal Girl and Merimeri-san? Royal Girl¡¯s one was super lewd though.

    Apparently, Royal Girl wants red and Merimeri-san pink, but it¡¯s Multicolor? Just set the color yourself?

    And apparently, I¡¯m going to be taking measurements in the morning. Normally, there would be no issues with taking measurements during the morning, but I¡¯m sure it is going to become a huge problem, incident, and uproar. Well, since it¡¯s a rare occasion, let¡¯s make one for Maid Girl as well. I mean, they have the same physique anyway, since she is a body double for Royal Girl, so it¡¯s quite convenient.

    ¡¸S-s-s-s-s-s-stripping Her Highness naked, s-s-s-s-such insolence! A crime! It¡¯s a criminal indecency with treacherous intent toward the Royal Family! Even capital punishment is too lenient! You should be arrested under special indecency laws!¡¹

    ¡¸Come on, I told you, there will be a proper¡­ Proper? Well, there is a Blindfold President, in name only, who is going to make sure to keep my eyes covered, so in theory, I¡¯m not going to see a thing, so will be fine, or rather, she still wasn¡¯t dismissed, I wonder why? For some reason, the visibility keeps going up, while vision blocking ability keeps dropping, despite already being despairingly low? Kind of?¡¹

    How come a person, who is covering my mouth or trying to pull open my eyes with so much force that she is threatening to tear my eyelids off, was able to become Blindfold President, and not a single person is raising any objections to that? Perhaps she was able to overcome the resistance with her authority as Dungeon Emperor? But she retired from that position quite some time ago?

    ¡¸¡¸¡­We will be in your care!¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸You absolutely mustn¡¯t look, alright? I will gouge out your eyeballs if you dare to open them. ¡¹

    My first concern would be still about my eyelids being torn off, that will probably make gouging eyes out a lot easier!

    ¡¸Please tell that to the person in charge of blindfolding and not to me? Or rather, I can actually do this while facing the other way, but she keeps trying to force me look over here, holding my head with both hands and using all her might, which should be more than suspicious, and is a cause to make all of alarms go off, but she still remains the person in charge of blindfolding. This person in charge of blindfolding, puts such an emphasis on transparency and full disclosure of information, that I wish someone would properly tell her off already. I¡¯m rather serious?¡¹

    And now, deploy Evil Hands.

    Activate.

    And here comes pandemonium.

    Pandemonium, originally emerged as the name of the palace built in the middle of Hell, in John Milton¡¯s Paradise Lost, created by combining Greek pan ¨C all, with Latin daemonium ¨C evil spirit, but came to mean wild and noisy disorder or confusion¡­ Well, it¡¯s something?

    ¡¸AAAAAaaah! A, A, A, A, A AGH, AGHAGHA, GAH, GAGAAGAGAGAh¡­¡¹(*flop*)

    ¡¸Kyyah, Aah, wai-, in-in-in-insolence, wha-a-ah-AAGGAGHHAAAAAAHH¡¹(*flop*)

    ¡¸Hyawawawah! Hya, Ah, eh, not thereee, eeh, eh, eEHEEEHEooh¡­¡¹(*flop*)

    I thought that they wouldn¡¯t last long, so I tried to deploy a large number of Evil Hands, performing measurements at very high speed, but this in turn seems to have increased the stimulation, transforming it into destructive power. They didn¡¯t last even a minute¡­ RIP?

    It¡¯s rather difficult to work with them lying on the floor, there is no doubt about that, and I¡¯m always having troubles with this, but well¡­? They are hanging now?

    Considerate Dancing Girl saw the issue and restraining them with chains, nicely hanged them from the ceiling in hooray pose, how thoughtful of her? I can¡¯t say that I don¡¯t feel that there is some sort of an issue with this, but this definitely makes adjustments a lot easier. Since they are going to struggle again when they wake up, I¡¯ll try to finish adjustments and revisions while I have this chance. But wonder do I get this feeling that my Affection Rating-san is going further and further away, putting already cosmic scale distances between us? Just why?

    The tempting curves of Royal Girl and her body double¡¯s super sexy bodies lead Evil Hands astray, becoming a major reason for accidental slips with their smooth and silky skins, and while I had my feel of feedback from Evil Hands, I finished underwear and dresses¡¯ base. Naturally, a garter belt is a part of baseline equipment too. The rest of adjustments and design modification can be done after hearing out their comments when they wake up and try them up.

    Merimeri-san appeared like a middle-schooler to me, but she already has greatly outdone Vice Pres A-san and C-san, and that gap with only continue to increase with her growth period. Yeah, she is getting bigger. The basic design is that of princess line but with lace and drills arranged in three-roll-two drape, giving off a pomp feel. This leaves only to add some corrections and balance adjustments and it should be good. Now that I think of it, a naked middle-school girl hanging on chains does give me a certain suspicion that this is not a scene that would be particularly well-received by a society, so I think it would be better if I don¡¯t think any further about this? It certainly would¡¯ve been a crime if I was stripping her, but since I¡¯m doing the exact opposite, making clothes, and putting them on her, it¡¯s probably alright?

    And well, since they are already hanging, I use the opportunity to also make shoes for all three, marking the completion of work for now. I think it didn¡¯t take me even 15 minutes? That¡¯s fast. But considering their violent twitching, the offensive power has gone up way too much.

    They are already fully equipped with underwear, dresses, shoes, gloves, and garter belts on, so there should be no issue with opening my eyes, there should¡¯ve been no issues, but that¡¯s definitely not the case.

    Yeah, having a kingdom¡¯s princess, a young lady of a noble house, and accompanying maid, hanging from the ceiling unconscious, bound by chains, kind of makes for a fatally villainously brutish image seeping with plenty of wickedness worth an infinite number of negative Affection Rating. Why does it make me feel that my Affection Rating-san has run away at lightspeed with such momentum as if it¡¯s trying to get to the other side of the macrocosm?

    ¡¸No, I mean, I simply made clothes for them? They asked me to do it, so I did, so what the hell with Affection Rating-san escaping at the speed of 299792458m/s?¡¹

    Well, let¡¯s just give up if the speed goes over 300000km per second. Now then, I should be able to finish dresses for the girls tonight, and Royal Girl and company also had outfits prepared. Then dance battle conquest of the Royal Palace and Playking¡¯s subjugation could be carried out tomorrow, I guess? Well, this can be left up to Meripapa-san to decide, I guess?

    The equipment is perfect, the only question left is how the nobles will react.

    With the decadent nobles being purged from the Capital and the real power falling into the hands of upstanding nobles and the Royal Family leading them, there is should be no issues left. There might be some small fries left here and there, but as proper structure solidifies, they should be left with no room left to meddle, or a chance to ever come to prominence. But countryside nobles are different. Among the Four Great Marquess Houses, one sided with the First Prince¡­ but the pig faction has lost its power, so it¡¯s going to be demolished, another one supported the Second Prince¡­ the monkey faction also was purged, so it¡¯s going to remain in name only, but in fact is also to be demolished. But, that leaves two houses that didn¡¯t join the rebel forces since they were at odds with those two houses, but also didn¡¯t act for the sake of the Royal Family.

    The battle for the Kingdom is over. Are they going to kneel and pledge their loyalty? Or are they going to try to do something? If they aren¡¯t on our side, then they are the same as enemies, and if they are enemies, we must be prepared and have means to crush them. It¡¯s an instant victory if it¡¯s about military power, it¡¯s an easy victory if it¡¯s about economic power, and even in terms of political power, the Royal Family has formed a unified front with the Frontier¡¯s count and the Capital¡¯s nobles. Well, I guess it¡¯s underhanded means then?

    But even now, after such a long wait, and all of the signboards that I installed at every corner, to guide and welcome the would-be attackers, there is not a single assassin (beautiful female assassin) showing up. Just when Beautiful Female Assassins are going to come?

    This scene looks way too suspicious, reminding of That sort of thing, and leaving them unconscious is also kind of pitiful, so I showed three healing mushrooms of the lowest tier into their mouths, and oh, how wondrous, the scene looks even worse than before? I wonder why?

    As expected, making shorts is way too dangerous, and leads to the most outrageous outcome. Yeah, I think this is the face one shouldn¡¯t make before one gets married?

    ¡¸Haruka-kuun, when you are done with this, please make more women¡¯s clothes¡­ Wait, what the hell are you doing here?! This is definitely GUILTY! We¡¯ll be taking you into custody!¡¹

    Yeah, this entire scene kind of smelt like a crime, so I thought I might get scolded, and I got scolded after all? Or rather, I¡¯m being hauled off as caught red-handed?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Do you have anything to say in your defense?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    This pattern again. Looks like I¡¯m going to have to explain the mechanism of this world, in other words, me doing nothing wrong at all, again.

    ¡¸No, you got it all wrong. They asked me to make clothes for them, so I was making them clothes, and then they all collapsed, and just when I thought that it¡¯s difficult to work with them lying on the floor, a passing-by nice lady in the face Dancing Girl-san hang them on chains and since wasting that kindness would¡¯ve been infinitely cruel, I made clothes while they were handing and in my thorough care fully dressed them, and also prepared shoes, fully finishing the outfits, but since they just wouldn¡¯t wake up I went for the first aid and introduced some mushrooms into their mouths, so I did nothing wrong? I merely made clothes and provided some medical attention. I haven¡¯t done anything indecent or dirty, but it kind of does feel like oops, I¡¯ve done it, but I wasn¡¯t the one who hung them? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸GUILTY, why you just left them hanging like that!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I mean, if I left them down, the dresses that I just made would get wrinkles and dirt on them, but it got me scolded anyway? No, I¡¯m pretty sure if I undressed them to avoid wrinkles when I put them down, I still would¡¯ve gotten scolded? It seems that this world is overflowing with all sorts of false accusations, matching the number of existing possibilities. Like, I get falsely accused no matter what I do? It¡¯s so puzzling?

 CH 310

    Chapter 310: The King of Playas, Playking, was plain, despite being a playa.

    Day 75 ¨C Daytime, the Capital, the Royal Palace

    The top floor of the Royal Castle Diorer. Absolutely impenetrable marvel of defense that none can infiltrate. There, in a certain room for noble visitors, a boy in a black mantle is eating a packed lunch. It seems tasty.

    ¡¸Finally here. Errr, if it¡¯s tomorrow or after, then any day is fine, I¡¯ve finished with weaponry preparations, and with everyone gathered and ready to move out in full battle gear I think we can beat the Royal Palace immediately, but do we have to get invited every time? Or rather, I¡¯ve already been here dozens of times for a restocking, a regular visitor if you will, even without a guide, I completely memorized the layout of the underground storage, and have full grasp of hidden rooms and corridors, so I can come and go any time and reach any area? Is what I came to say?¡¹

    It seems this is what he came to say.

    Certainly, he is now casually eating a meal in the most well-guarded room inside the fortress under protection of¡ºUltimate Lock¡»and the Royal Guard. He appeared before the messenger that was sent to his place could return. In such a case he¡¯d have no problem taking both the Capital and the Royal Castle. Killing Kuzaryusvery (Second Prince) at any given moment was within his ability, as well as even destroying the Royal Castle itself.

    This boy, who isn¡¯t just acting nonchalant in the presence of Mellotosam Shim Omui hailed as the Kingdom of the Frontier, but chattering with hints of the entire situation being somewhat of a bother to him, is that black-haired strategist, the foreigner called Haruka. That is our benefactor and the savior of the Kingdom, and the very person behind the miracle of the Frontier.

    ¡¸Tomorrow is just right, the nobles and the visitors have already gathered, so let¡¯s ask that King over there¡¸King, it¡¯s cool, right?¡¹, it seems it is, so tomorrow night¡­ I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up, so could you allow yourself to be invited? No, it¡¯s not a problem if you just waltz in on your own, but you are being welcomed as an invitee, so if that¡¯s not possible, just attend normally, no need to beat anyone. Or rather, Haruka-kun, there is not a single massage chair in the Royal Castle, could you place at least one here? Long journeys really take a toll on my back. Good grief, getting called here over and over again like I work at this place or something.¡¹

    When I came to talk privately with Mellotosam, I found that this boy in a black cloak was here as well. Wismregzero-dono, the legendary magic swordsman, considered by some the strongest bodyguard on the continent, was merely looking with a smile.

    And this careless attitude. It¡¯s nothing out of the ordinary for Mellotosam outside of the public¡¯s eyes, but this boy, facing the Kingdom¡¯s King, and being well aware of that, is still casually making small talk like he doesn¡¯t care at all.

    Dungeon Slayer, the Lord of the Frontier, the Mushroom Evangelist, the Lord of the Evil Forest, the Strategist of Annihilation, Slaughterer of Monsters, Dungeon Ruler, Souvenir Store Manager, the Slum¡¯s Messiah, the Liberator of the Capital, the Master of Scythes of Death, Elusive Phantom of Death, the black-haired boy known to everyone by a different nickname. God of War Mellotosam calls him benefactor of the Frontier, the previous Knight Princess Murimur called him Killer of Tragedies, and Miss Meriel called him One who doesn¡¯t accept the impossible.

    Just as his names would have it, he annihilated the stampedes from the nine dungeons that would¡¯ve destroyed the Kingdom, and wiped out the nobles army which numbers are said to have been somewhere in between 40,000 or 50,000 people strong.

    ¡¸Since I was unconscious the last time, this makes it our first meeting, Haruka-kun. Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Diarusez di Diorer that was saved by you, for my job, I¡¯m employed as the King here, more or less, though I¡¯m just a foolish King, so it¡¯s just in name only. Let me formally thank you for saving the Frontier and this Kingdom. Although mere thanks definitely wouldn¡¯t be enough, and as I heard you even saved my daughter¡­ And I think my brother must¡¯ve caused you trouble too, but let me thank you as their family too. And I¡¯m really sorry for my foolish sons.¡¹

    I guess it¡¯s good that it¡¯s a private meeting? There are too many nobles and bureaucrats who would¡¯ve had issues with their King bowing head to anyone. However, not showing gratitude and respect to the ones deserving of it is far greater of an issue, and it doesn¡¯t matter how much we thank this person, it still wouldn¡¯t be anywhere near enough. The nameless foreigner? While his name itself isn¡¯t known, is there anyone in the Kingdom who hasn¡¯t heard of the Dungeon Slayer? Is there any citizen of the Capital, who hasn¡¯t heard of the Slum¡¯s Messiah? If all of the rumors currently circulating through the Kingdom are about him, then it¡¯s only natural to bow head in gratitude.

    Mellotosam was narrating with tears in his eyes, Lady Murimur was talking as if she was gazing at the great heights, and the princess of the Frontier Lady Meriel replied with a troubled expression, but all of them were overflowing with gratitude. The Kingdom left alone to its demise the Frontier, where the entire continent pushed their tragedies to seal them for good. The benefactors of the entire continent, House Omui, shouldered those tragedies and continuously protected the Frontier. Doomed Omui of the Farthest Land.

    And he is the one who is said to have brought them happiness.

    Allowing everyone to smile.

    It¡¯s not strange to find it hard to believe.

    But looking at the orphans in the slums, I can tell.

    They did become happy.

    It is not possible, no one can do anything about this, it¡¯s hopeless, even trying is pointless, it¡¯s already beyond help, this is what everyone was saying in unison, instead of voicing any ideas to remedy the situation, let alone actual solutions. The sealed fates that everyone already gave up on. One of the rumored black-haired maidens was calling him ¡ºMass killer of tragedies¡», and another one¡ºDestroyer of the impossible¡»and another one ¡ºNatural enemy of common sense¡».

    The tragic fate of the Frontier was killed.

    The inescapable doom of destruction was crushed.

    Along with the common sense calling it impossible.

    That¡¯s why Mellotosam is calling the boy who made the impossible dream come true¡ºBenefactors of all successive generations of Omui¡».

    And that boy,

    ¡¸He doesn¡¯t seem like a playa! Wait, is he fake? But if Playking lacks play-part¡­ Then what he¡¯s even called?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a King, told you already. Eerm, and could you please treat that like a King in public? I mean, it¡¯s like the Kingdom¡¯s main poster?¡¹

    It¡¯s, like¡­ a poster?¡­ After all that happened, I wouldn¡¯t be able to complain if my incompetent self was killed either by this boy or Omui House, but isn¡¯t this treatment a bit much?

    ¡¸I mean, if it¡¯s Playking, he has to be saying stuff like ¡ºLet¡¯s rock this joint¡»or¡ºLet¡¯s party~¡», right? That¡¯s the one we are talking about?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s rock? Joint? If necessary, we can have that say it?¡ºLet¡¯s rock this joint¡», right? And we are going to have a party (ball) too? You are invited, you remember? It¡¯s not a big deal if you forget That, but please remember this? Also, it¡¯s fine not to memorize That¡¯s name, but could you remember my name already? It¡¯s all Meri or Muri but Mello is not coming up at all. Even though I¡¯m Mellotosam, Meripapa-san is kind of close, but not quite.¡¹

    That¡­ And they are going to make me say something?! Let¡¯s rock this joint? Is that some sort of foreign greeting? I¡¯ve not heard it before, but it sounds kind of irritating? Do I have to say it?

    ¡¸Which reminds me, Shariceres went to the Souvenir Store, weren¡¯t you together? I hope at least she isn¡¯t causing you any troubles, she is a stubborn girl whose only interests lie with fighting, giving me quite a lot of headache in the past, but when I saw her recently, after finally waking up, she had changed beyond recognition. That was quite a surprise. She must¡¯ve learned her lesson in the Frontier. Sorry for both parent and daughter causing trouble?¡­ Don¡¯t tell me that my brother did something too? Was everything alright? He is quite serious at his core, and also bullheaded, obsessing over formalities, but he is doing his best in his own way.¡¹

    ¡¸Shari? Sharishari-san? Ah, you mean Royal Girl? Yeah, she dropped by. She and Merimeri-san seemed to have much fun trying clothes, hanging, sucking, and going hooray, so I left them there? Yeah, they are like, aren¡¯t getting up?¡¹

    Just what these girls are doing? I can understand trying clothes, but what is it about having fun handing, sucking and hooraying?

    ¡¸Does the party have some sort of a limit for the number of participants? Even if there is, it doesn¡¯t really matter, since we can just enter on our own regardless, but the hidden passages here are narrow, so if we try to squeeze with a large crown we might end up with a situation where the party wouldn¡¯t be among our concerns, having to survive a marvelous threat to my life as my HP drops into single digits, just barely holding out against the waves of squishy, and jiggly flesh, pressuring me with lovely smooth skin, totally blocking the passage and causing a traffic jam? Kind of?¡¹

    ¡¸Any number is fine, he will welcome everyone. No need to worry about how much you eat, fuss, or break, That will do something about it. ¡¹

    So this is a conversation between the King of the Frontier and the Dungeon Slayer¡­ A king is nothing but¡ºThat¡»? ¡ºThat will do something¡», huh, well, I¡¯ll do anything. If it¡¯s within my power, then anything is fine. I owe them much more than that. I¡¯m sure I owe them countless debts none of which I can hope to ever pay back. I¡¯m eternally indebted to those two, there is no way for me to say no to them.

    They are poking fun and joking, but normally, it would¡¯ve been only natural for me to be killed by now. Being harshly rebuked and belittled is but a matter of course, I¡¯m not even in a position to laugh it off. Since everything is ultimately my responsibility as a king, but those two shouldered all of it, fought, and won.

    The Royal Family is no different than a decoration, and I¡¯m in turn also but a decorative king. But if everyone is fine with that, then I can at least take responsibility, and perform my duty that way, since putting this head of mine on the line and taking responsibility for everything is the only thing I can do.

    I¡¯m not a person worth including in heroic epics, then I can at least be a figurehead to shoulder responsibility for the heroes.

    Ever since my friend succeeded as the lord of the Frontier, anguish was carved into his face, with deep exhaustion showing even through his smile, but today I was able to see him happily laugh from the bottom of his heart, that alone is enough for me.

    Our Royal Family put this burden upon him and forced him to fight alone against inevitable doom, if he was able to make him smile, then that alone makes him a benefactor of our Royal Family. Our Royal Family was unable to repay the generations of Omui, if he is a benefactor of successive generations of Omui, then it makes him a benefactor of successive generations of our Royal Family. Let¡¯s include¡ºKingdom¡¯s Benefactor¡»among his names too.

    ¡­But what Shariceres was sucking?

 CH 311

    Chapter 311: The younger sister who is sure to win the top prize in the wonderful younger sister championship is having a dress made for her with the money from selling her older brother.

    Day 75 ¨C Evening, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    A highschool boy with a side job in message delivery came with a notice. Stalker Girl and her Father, are still recouping and their clansmen were left at the Frontier to keep an eye over the situation, so the store managing highschool boy with a side job in message delivery has to run around.

    ¡¸It was decided that the raid on the Royal Palace that we¡¯ve been invited to happens on the night of tomorrow, so hurry up and make up your minds on the dresses already? Also, there won¡¯t be a need to change outfits! So one dress should be enough after all, so why are all of you demanding three changes of clothes? Why every time I see you there are even more design drafts? Just look at this, ¡ºA party dress for afterparty party¡», the ball is the party! This one is¡ºEvening Dress too¡», the evening dress is for an event that is held in evening, if you are going to order that at least call it afternoon dress, but since the event is in evening, the evening dress is what you need first!¡¹

    Just how many dresses are they intending to take with them? I don¡¯t think there will be any use for them once we go back to the Frontier? I mean, the only noble there is Meripapa-san, who only keeps inviting trouble without ever inviting to any parties? If he ever has any business with me, in 90% of cases, it¡¯s about new massage chairs or adding new functions.

    ¡¸Alright, then we¡¯ll bear with one dress for now, and then the second one later?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, we won¡¯t be able to decide until tomorrow night, so two outfits can wait for later.¡¹

    ¡¸Aaah, which one should I pick? Two for tomorrow, and then two more later?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That works too!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t! Stop right there! The number didn¡¯t just casually go up, it went up with quite a majestic openness? How come the conversation moved from not needing more than one back to two and the almost deciding on three only to make a sudden unanimous decision on four with only eye contact, completely passing the deliberation phase, and even placing an order to me with a through pass in a direct pass, and the goal is somehow wide open!¡¹

    The number of outfits increasing to four right after I complained that one should be enough is the greatest mystery of this world, but I suspect the number might increase to eight if I unravel it, so let¡¯s just withdraw for now. The vertical spike in the rate at which additional orders are coming, is so steep that even the greatest of mountaineers would be shaken from looking at it!

    The boys, on the other hand, have no demands at all. Rather giving off the impression that they want to wear none of this at all. I¡¯m the same, you know? I mean, tuxedo and a bowtie? That¡¯s too much to bother with, so I absolutely won¡¯t allow you to escape on your own! If I¡¯m going down I¡¯m taking the Geeks with me? Being able to take the Idiots as a bonus is PRICELESS?

    ¡¸Haruka-kun, I decided, this one, please! A garter and underwear included, I¡¯m fully resolved! Main emphasis on the defensive power, I¡¯m sure I will be able to protect everyone with this dress!¡¹

    The Shield Pres is holding two tightly gripped fists in front of her to signify her resolve. A drape-line long dress with a large puffy skirt. In contrast with the voluminous skirt design, which emphasizes defense, the upper part is sleeveless with a halter neck and the back is fully open? Protection for the legs only? Well, mana protection can cover that part easily, even bikini armor could work even, but it seems they don¡¯t want to participate in the ball wearing bikinis together? Even though they are so popular now? Bikini-wearing maidens, or rather, they are the ones on whom the characters were based though? But they are against it.

    And I also received orders for everyone¡¯s belly dance outfits. Doing everything at once should also reduce damages. For some reason after having clothing orders forced on me, and going through the trouble of making everything despite the embarrassment, they come to scold me with blushing faces? What? Be gentler? Tell that to Evil Hands, not to me? If they wanted more lewder, that I diligently study and practice daily, but gentler? Evil Hands already have a very gentle soft touch? I don¡¯t get it?

    ¡¸Haruka-san, are you sure about making a dress even for me? My idiot of a brother caused you such trouble, and you even provided me with medical treatment, or rather, I was given such precious mushrooms, and yet allowed to live such a nice lifestyle, and now, on top of all that, even a dress¡­?¡¹

    Eraera-san, was it? Anyway, Elven Little Sister Girl seems to have also finally made up her mind on design. She still seems to have some reservations about this, which is unexpected considering how hard she was wracking her brains trying to decide on the design. Little sister looking with upturned eyes as if in hopes is cute by itself, but this one is also a pretty elf-san, and despite being an elf has a sizable chest, this Elven Little Sister Girl-san would¡¯ve certainly won the top prize in the wonderful younger sister championship.

    Healthy color has returned to her face that previously had a sickly look due to her losing so much weight over the course of the long illness, and while it¡¯s hard to tell with her pale skin, her complexion seems to have improved too. The daily mushroom menu has restored her body while also improving her weight, so with this lovely appearance and marvelous forms regaining healthy look she will surely look great in a dress. Moreover, she was also looking after the orphans in our absence, so something as trivial as dress can be considered part of the payment. Even the payment for the mushrooms is easily covered by the money I made from selling Reroreroing Stupid Brother, with a huge margin even. However, to think middle-aged man can be sold for such a sum, what the world has come to¡­ Is the end of the world upon us?!

    And with 21 girls all coming in one crowd in the end, plus the person in charge of blindfolding, the person in charge of hanging on chains, and jiggle-jiggle in charge of therapy, the work room is way too small for 25 people!

    Wait, 21? Which means the Bitches have snuck in, casually trying to get another dress made! But since they are so close in such a confined space, they might bite me if I complain, so let¡¯s keep quiet.

    ¡¸It¡¯s cramped in here, are we going to do everyone at once? Why is everyone butt naked? Is there some sort of an event? If there is like¡ºNaked Festival Full of Highschool Girls¡»currently going on, then I¡¯d not only gladly buy tickets, but also consider getting annual subscription with great forethought, but where do I even buy tickets in this world? Or rather, I might summon scalpers from another world to make them queue for not only all top seats in the center but also premium-tier seats as well, where are they selling those tickets? I¡¯d like to see that~! ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t look! There aren¡¯t any for sale! Also, there is no such festival!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like I don¡¯t have to summon middle-aged scalpers. I¡¯d certainly like to avoid increasing middle-aged men ratio any further, but for the sake of¡ºExciting  Naked Festival Full of Highschool Girls¡»I was ready to bite the bullet and do what is necessary, but since there is no bullets around I thought maybe I can lovingly bite Armored Pres-san instead, but looks like there is no need. How regretful, for both of those.

    ¡¸Alright, I¡¯ll be starting then¡­ You are too close though! Or rather, it¡¯s too cramped in here. There is no space to make clothes, the only development I can imagine from here is a shameless-tentacle-hell-on-an-overcrowded-train play, are we really going to do this? What are you, some sort of nymphos?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸We are doing this, but we aren¡¯t nymphos! We have to do it together or it¡¯s too embarrassing! ¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The room, jam-packed with naked highschool girls and even Elf Girl thrown into the mix, seems to have no room for consideration for highschool boy-like embarrassment. They are probably shy about getting touched and having their voices heard one by one, so they thought if they come all together, it will be impossible to tell who made which sound. But ¡ºWisdom¡»-san can distinguish even 100 people with synchronous Parallel Thinking, but since no one asked me about this, let¡¯s keep quiet. It¡¯s kind of scary with them surrounding me like this?

    Even with my eyes covered, I can still sharply sense their presence, allowing me to visualize everything inside my brain in a vivid panorama of 21 highschool girls + Elf Girl densely packed and me sitting in the middle of this gorgeous sea of bashful flesh¡­¡­ What did I come to this world for?

    I want to think it wasn¡¯t for underwear manufacture. Being brought to another world for such a reason would be so unreasonable that even Marie-san would be outraged? She¡¯d sure say something like¡ºIf there is nothing but women¡¯s bodies all around, then why not become a woman yourself?¡», wait, Marie-san, you were interested in Sex Change stuff?! I can see her queuing to buy some doujinshi on the topic!

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll do it in one go, so try to make as much space between you as possible and do your best to avoid collapsing for as long as possible? From what I¡¯ve seen so far, not like I¡¯ve seen anything though, doing your best seems so useless that I might as well say it thrice, useless, useless, useless, but since the final result seems everyone hanging in chains and me getting scolded, please do your best? No need to do your best at sermons? Well, here we go¡­¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»¡ºEvil Hands¡»¡ºHolding¡»¡ºLewd¡­¡», ah, no, Lewd Arts aren¡¯t needed, huh? If I didn¡¯t activate it the disastrous sight will manifest itself in a never before expected 360 degree view?¡¹

    Kuh, this is tough! My brain, my brain is melting? I mean, detailed data on 21 naked bodies is being sent into my brain where it¡¯s rendered into a 3D image in full color with a touch of Virtual Reality feeling, but if I open my eyes, that virtual reality is very real, which makes it even more dangerous! And the virtual image is pretty much the same as the actual picture, but what¡¯s more important, since they are so close, I can feel their body warmth and smell for very real, making it very tough in a highschool boy-like sort of way. Yup, this is tough.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸AAAAAAhHAAAAAAAAGYAAAAAAAAA GAGAGAGAAGAGAAAAAAAAAHGAHGHAGAGAGAH GAGAGHGAHGAHAGAGAAAAAAAAAAGAGAGA, Kyaan. (*Flop*)¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Hang? Everyone. The order.¡¹

    No, I¡¯m not at fault here, okay? This is because there were too many of them, so the first girls who were unable to endure it further faltered and bumped into others, causing a domino effect, as the result of which, Evil Hands, who were avoiding super dangerous spots ended up repeatedly attacking them with pin-point accuracy, and with the girls and Evil Hands tangling up, falling over, and rolling around, the effects of ¡ºSex King¡»and¡ºLewd Arts¡»flowed into their whole bodies as they struggled, getting them tangled up even more while continuously pumping them with the effect of the skills¡­ Well, total annihilation? Sort of?

    Right, it can be said that this is a tragedy created by highschool girls being packed too densely. But while I¡¯m also buried under the squishy, the overworking highschool boy-like cog-wheel of this world keeps spinning wild in overgear as my eyes are busy spinning around, enjoying the dizzying paradise-like utopia, but could you please move them away soon? Yeah, the highschool boy began a pretty dangerous metamorphosis, so it¡¯s really risky right now?

    Well, let¡¯s wrap this up while they are hanging. It¡¯s actually easier to work this way, but I¡¯ll likely get scolded if I actually say this. It¡¯s great that everyone conveniently chose sleeveless designs? With their arms raised in hooray and all?

    And it seems they finally woke up.

    Looks like the utopia didn¡¯t require hunting and massacring blue birds and actually was right here all this time. Concentrated Flat Gaze bombardment from encirclement of Highschool girls WITH Elf Girl, wearing just finished gorgeous dresses! They are still hanging though. Let¡¯s pull them down already, okay? For some reason, all the scolding for this will be on me, you know? Well, I¡¯m the master after all.

    Then, when I brought out the large mirror, which was still in the trial stage as a new product, all of the girls lined up, captivated by their own appearance. If I don¡¯t add more mirrors another jam is going to begin. It¡¯ll break if you push it like that, you know?

    I¡¯ve been trying my hand at making some small mirrors from time to time and pushing them to girls, ripping them off, but it seems there is still some dissatisfaction with the quality. The glass should¡¯ve gotten quite smooth by now, and has only slight distortions. Evil Hands are making those under control of¡ºWisdom¡», so there should be no issues on that part, the fact that the reflection is still unsatisfactory has to do with glass composition and the iron plate on the backside.

    The trial and error with glass composition has made the glass more transparent, and it¡¯s safe to say that there are pretty much no impurities by now. I¡¯m doing it through Holding Magic, also under control of ¡ºWisdom¡», so the quality should be fine.

    The issue is the iron plate. I kept refining and polishing it, but miniscule gaps between it and the glass surface are forming anyway, creating distortions. Perhaps it¡¯s because of the lack of materials, The mirror¡¯s original plating process is a type of surface treatment that coats the surface of the material with a thin film of metal, and it¡¯s a technique that should be possible to recreate with it with magic, but when I tried making it as a trial, I could see through it. ? Both from the back and from the front, moreover, it cracks and peels off over time. I don¡¯t know the manufacturing method, it should be just spraying silver on the surface, but since it doesn¡¯t go as intended, there either should be some additional steps, or there is some sort of an error in my process.

    Well, it gives reflection, so it¡¯s fine, I guess? They are happy with it after all?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Amazing, all big sisters are princesses!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The orphan girls cheered and shouted at the sight of the girls who appeared in the dining hall in dresses. Even if they are little, they still seem to like dresses.

    So let¡¯s make dresses for the orphan girls too. The orphan boys will probably hate tuxedos but let¡¯s drag them into this as well. Yeah, I have no desire to wear it either.

 CH 312

    Chapter 312: Dancing holding hands with a girl is embarrassing for a highschool boy, you know? And tentacles seem not allowed too?

    Day 75 ¨C Nighttime, the Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    During the night we took a rest after doing ONE MORE SET, and then focused on the practice for the ball. The princess and Meriel-sama taught us the basics, But Nefertiri-san managed to memorize everything from seeing it just once, and is now instructing us with a perfect arrangement of her own. The boys ran away. Only Haruka-kun stuck around until getting one passing mark and immediately escaped to the bath.

    Nefertiri-san¡¯s educational policy says that it¡¯s beneficial to learn both male and female parts. So it¡¯s an extra hard ball ball (DANCE DANCE) practice with girls only. But she has a point, after trying to lead in male part, you have an easier time understanding movements in the female part. Vice Pres A-san is especially superb at leading, to which Haruka-kun, who returned from bath, blurted out¡ºLook, you don¡¯t have any anyway, so maybe go with tailcoat too. Should I make one? Wait, it might actually suit you really well!¡», which led to him currently being chased around with a morning star.

    Saying that is taboo, you know? Back at school she was getting tons of fan and love letters from female students every day, so she is very conscious of that. And ¡ºYou don¡¯t have any¡» is even more of a taboo.

    ¡¸The dress looks gorgeous even if you are just spinning around, but he said it also has iron threads¡­ It¡¯s mitrilified?! ¡¹

    ¡¸He said that an attack from a level 50¡¯s sword not only wouldn¡¯t be able to hurt the wearer, but also won¡¯t even cut the fabric itself?¡¹

    ¡¸I thought that having a full made-to-order dress was something completely out of my reach something that I will never get.¡¹

    ¡¸On top of being better than top quality items, it is also loaded with enchantments and has high defensive stats¡­ It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s higher level than my armor, isn¡¯t it?!¡¹

    We have no idea about the movements of the remaining two great noble houses. Everything has already been pretty much decided, but we still cannot afford to let our guard down. Even so, I think this is not it? This is basically dungeon equipment or even better. Moreover, it also comes with numerous accessories for combat versus people, weapons stashed in¡ºStorage¡», and lots of concealed weapons.

    They look like wonderful dresses straight out of girls¡¯ dreams. No, they look even more marvelous, easily surpassing our imagination in their splendor. But¡­ The gloves have retractable iron claws, and also can fire iron needles? The lovely corsage will explode if thrown, the beautiful lace coiling around in frills can transform into a whip, the pumps have a hidden knife, and the dress itself is crammed with needles, allowing to basically transform into a hedgehog, or launch them into all sides? Those aren¡¯t countermeasures versus assassins, this is the most terrifying equipment for assassination! Forget trying to stealthily assassinate someone, with such equipment one can just take knights head on and wipe the floor with them?

    Both defenses and weaponry are so excessive then there is no issue with raiding a dungeon in this equipment. Yeah, we are heading to the Royal Palace now, right?

    ¡¸Multicolor gives this very bargain feeling. Although the debt keeps piling up¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s lovely, isn¡¯t it¡­ Gotta make tons of money when we return to the Frontier!¡¹

    ¡¸Since the fabric was formed with mana the size can be adjusted too, like, in the stomach area for example?¡¹

    ¡¸What to do about the second dress though¡­ How about hitting dungeons for a bit?¡¹

    Everyone is going deep in debt, after all, we¡¯ve been working for free for a while now, earning nothing! Well, we are getting a huge salary, but it¡¯s not keeping up with our spending. Or rather, due to the effects of ¡ºWisdom¡»-san Haruka-kun is dishing out new products one after another, so we are being plucked of everything!

    The stampedes had nothing but low level monsters, so the earnings were nothing compared to the Frontier. We didn¡¯t get any dungeon items either. Haruka-kun went through the beaten dungeons, and was later grumbling that all of them turned out to be inferior dungeons without a single hidden room. Buying too many manjus was also fatal, but they were delicious!

    ¡¸At this rate, even before we get¡ºTamed¡», we might end up¡­ Having to sell ourselves?¡¹

    ¡¸Ending up as debt slaves instead of legal wives or whatever?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, let¡¯s return to the Frontier!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    If there¡¯s a place we can earn big it¡¯s the Frontier, and it¡¯s also the place where we¡¯ve got to be fighting now, since we¡¯ve gotten stronger.

    There is Haruka-kun¡¯s cave (home) in the forest, and in the town the Poster Girl is awaiting us in the inn.

    We shed a lot of tears there, but we¡¯ve also laughed even more.

    By now, being away from the town for two weeks is enough to make us miss it. Everyone is saying¡ºReturn¡»when talking about going back to the Frontier. Yeah, we even bought¡ºWe  Frontier¡»T-shirts. Just felt like buying one?

    Round and round and round, make a circle while dancing, revolve following an 8 figure, spin dancing back and forth.

    If you adjust your posture, your center of gravity will be determined, and if you move your legs to match the center of gravity, your body will dance. If you entrust your body to the footwork, your body will dance, and if you put your movement on the sound, a rhythm will be born and your body will dance.

    Combat techniques learned in this world become dance steps, moving the body, and if the moves connected together, they become a dance. If conscious of the proper movements and sequence, the limbs will naturally move, making the body dance.

    Moving our bodies while tracing an image of Nefertiri-san¡¯s beautiful dance seared into our minds, our bodies begin to dance like feathers. Yes, it¡¯s like magic.

    A magic that makes one dance, when entrusting oneself to beautiful music. The physical abilities we obtained in this world allow us to freely control our bodies. That¡¯s why we can dance with such an ease, as if by magic.

    While shocked by their own ability to dance, everyone is dancing and spinning around in joy.

    I¡¯m sure this is something we would¡¯ve never experienced without coming to this world. We wouldn¡¯t have had such lovely outfits, or bodies of top athletes with full mastery over our own movements, or skills and real magic making impossible possible. A ball at a palace that girls are dreaming about, I¡¯m sure Haruka-kun doesn¡¯t want to go since it¡¯s too much of a bother, but he still accepted the invitation without saying anything even though he must¡¯ve wanted to refuse.

    Even while worrying that it might be dangerous, he wanted to make everyone¡¯s dream come true. Doing lots of research into dresses, going around asking everyone questions, making prototypes over and over, practicing many times¡­ And he finally made such marvelous dresses. That¡¯s why Haruka-kun is everyone¡¯s wizard. He even took care of music, making a sound recorder working on magic stones, he recorded dance music on it. Our unceremonious gentle magician that makes anything and everything appear as if by magic.

 CH 313

    Chapter 313: It seems like it would be dangerous if the over-nutritioned gluttons, whose growth period is ending, grow up quickly.

    Day 75 ¨C Nighttime, The Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    Aah, what a bother, what a drag, I can already feel the time stretching like a cheese, speaking of which, how about some noodles with it? No, even if I ask how about, I still haven¡¯t gotten to proper ramen, and thinking of curry is even more absurd, even so, it¡¯s such a drag.

    The ball is exactly the place for the person known under the pen name of M-san to make an appearance and go on guillotine-swinging rampage, which actually sounds a lot more fun! I mean, it¡¯s such a pain, but Royal Girl and Merimeri-san said they are going to stay here for tonight, so I won¡¯t be able to make an escape. Or rather, the girls seem to be looking forward to it a lot, practicing dance even now with zealous enthusiasm.

    Getting it canceled would be too much of a pity, so I have no choice but to go.

    Ending up in such a world they kept going from one battle with monsters to another, and this time even got involved in a war, going through lots of hardship, so it should be fine to have a bit of fun. They are that overjoyed about this, so let¡¯s put up with a bit of trouble. Holding hands with a girl is embarrassing for a highschool boy, you know? But tentacles seem not allowed.

    I¡¯m also not letting the Geeks and Idiots get away tomorrow. I¡¯ve just tied them up and threw them into the underground jail to prevent them from escaping, so it should be fine. Yeah, they were trying to run away on their own, can you imagine? I knew they¡¯d try something like that, so I had Demon Scythes monitoring them, and turns out I was right. They aren¡¯t going anywhere.

    Well, I have no intentions or desire to dance, but since I might get scolded I learned the dance anyway. Yeah, all I had to do is observe it with ¡ºRajingan¡», record it with¡ºWisdom¡»and then move my body with ¡ºMuppet¡»and¡ºBody Control¡», so it was easy. After all, it¡¯s simple motions (dance) that don¡¯t involve any magic power, skills, or unique body manipulation.

    ¡¸Well, a necktie, or rather ribbon tie, or rather, I¡¯d like to fly away, or rather, I wish I was a butterfly? Not really, but my white ribbon tie is being a butterfly, flapping around due to the butterfly effect? So it¡¯s annoying? Just who came up with this? What exactly is the fun part? I struggle to comprehend. Well, getting close and personal with the girls might be fun, but if that was the point then I would¡¯ve been better off in highschool girl body pile, with a closer than close contact with added bonus of disheveled clothes, threatening to send me on one-way trip to paradise with densely squished bodies, which is a bit of an open secret of sorts, not like I¡¯m trying to hide it though?¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Since it¡¯s a social dance, it must involve socializing, but I have no business getting chummy with the Kingdom¡¯s nobles. It also serves as a place for young nobles to make acquaintances, and meet potential partners, but it has nothing to do with us since we are not nobles. What did Playking call us for? What if he only wanted to say LET¡¯S PARTY?! Damn that Playking, unforgivable.

    However, while Dancing Girl¡¯s dance surpassed all imagination, Armored Pres-san was also amazing. The Dance Goddess¡¯ dance combined the incredibly blazingly hot dynamic feeling like that of a high pressure boost of twin-turbo and peaceful tranquility as if the time itself has stopped. A pure and passionate dance, so captivating that it seemed capable of taking the very souls of the viewers. Naturally, she is good at the other types of dance too. An intense struggle for the place of the champion is taking place every night. Yesterday she surprised me with a powerbomb, with ¡ºNom¡»as a finisher while maintaining the hold!

    (Bounce Bounce)

    Slime-san memorized all the dances in one try. But while I can understand a waltz, was there a need to learn tango too? I think the break dance at the end was unnecessary too. I mean, the only person who did break dance in this world was Poster Girl? But while Poster Girl¡¯s windmill was amazing, Slime-san¡¯s reply with flare into swipes was also crazy. Now that I think of it, dance battles back at the inn might be way more impressive than a ball!

    ¡¸Just what does everyone want to do at tomorrow¡¯s ball? A waltz alone is already huge, but they said that they are going to do a slow foxtrot too? But the Viennese waltz is overdoing it, and at a momentum threatening to turn it into an athletic competition they even learned quickstep, so I guess they are planning to utterly dominate the ball? But why even tango?¡¹

    No matter how you think about it, normally it should be just waltz, spinning around, with the skirts fluttering too¡­ That¡¯s the standard and the most popular dance that princes and princesses generally dance in their stories? While also being a waltz written in 3/4 time Viennese waltz is twice as fast and with more rotations, like the ones you¡¯d seen in movies? Slow foxtrot has smooth flowing movements, going well with fancy jazz-like melodies, so I can still understand that, but Quickstep, while fun, requires a footwork with a busy rhythm and involves long strides with hops and leaps across the dancefloor, so are they planning to take over the ballroom after all? Will such an uptempo tune be played? And on top of that tango¡­ While it might be a standard, does this world have Argentina? I think it¡¯s a bit different from the west?

    At the moment, 25 girls are dancing at the underground hall, and I don¡¯t think a single person capable of being their dance partner exists in medieval society? To take them on with raw stats might be rough even for level 200, like, your arms might come off!

    By the way, it seems there will be another separate class on five Latin dances, is what they told me, but I don¡¯t really have to go, do I? Rather, teaching the geeks and making them learn something like Geek Samba should be more fun. Let¡¯s give them a topknot too.

    However, those super difficult, high-paced, extremely technical dances uniting modern techniques from our world and skills from this world¡­ Don¡¯t seem very sociable at all! There is no one who will be able to go along with that. As I thought, let¡¯s make a tailcoat for Vice Pres A-san after all. The Geeks and Idiots aren¡¯t thinking of anything aside from escaping anyway.

    The outfits for the orphans are ready too. They are going to outgrow them right away, so I made them by pattern paper with plenty of room for adjustments, so it will be fine with just having them try the clothes on and then making just some minute adjustments. They are in their growth period while being previously malnutritioned, so this much is just fine. The over-nutritioned gluttons whose growth period is nearing its end, are dancing, burning the excessive meat. Probing with Detect Presence shows them spinning around in a crowd. I¡¯ve got pattern papers for dresses now, so let¡¯s make some for Poster Girl and Stalking Girl when we get back to the inn. Wait, what do the commoners do though? Folkdance? Folkdance-like dresses should sell, let¡¯s make some prototypes.

    Profits from the souvenir store are rising with the increase in the speed and quality of my side jobbing. I¡¯m also exporting goods to the general store back at the Frontier, and they seem to be selling extremely well over there as well. After all, one royal coin was sent to me¡­¡­ It¡¯s 100 million ere, just what am I supposed to do with it? Just how many stores exist capable of giving change if paid with 100 million ere coin?

    If I¡¯m getting such enormous profits, it must mean that investments I made are beginning to pay off. The wealth has finally reached the Frontier and started to circulate properly. They finally went from poor to normal, so there is still a long way ahead. This much won¡¯t cover even the interest for the price paid by the Frontier. I mean, I¡¯m the one calculating interest rates after all.

    Now, I wonder what is going to pop out tomorrow. If nothing happens, the rule of the Royal Family will be set in stone. If they are going to do something, it has to be tomorrow. And the one who is going to be targeted is me.

    They can¡¯t meddle with the Royal family anymore, even if they wanted to try, it¡¯s going to be far in the future. Which means, I¡¯m the target. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to drag the girls in, but the ball is the issue. They are too enthusiastic about it.

    All this time, I refrained from mithrilifying my own equipment to suppress my skills from going further out of control. If abilities improve it will reflect upon Magic Wrapping, starting uncontrollable self-destruction again. But I won¡¯t allow them to do anything tomorrow. The staff is probably going to be the only thing I will be able to carry in. The Staff of the World Tree can change both size and shape, I can turn it into a wand, or even a bracelet.

    Thus, there are three items to mithrilify¡ºSpatial Staff ¨C Greatly Effective for people capable of using space magic¡»,¡ºElder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Mana Control Increase¡», and¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary ¨C 30% UP ALL, Sorcery Mastery, Absolute Boundary, Seal, MP Increase¡».¡ºSpatial Staff¡»¡¯s Space Perception is useful in searching for enemies,¡ºElder Treant Cane¡»improves control of mana, and¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary¡», that I picked up, can improve detection ability through increasing control over magic, and in case of emergency can be used to create¡ºAbsolute Boundary¡». Even if my Detection ability suddenly goes through the roof, ¡ºWisdom¡»should be able to control it since with the increase in Sorcery Mastery¡ºWisdom¡»should also get a bonus.

    The body breaking down also can¡¯t be helped.¡ºRegeneration¡»will be also buffed, so let¡¯s put it to work. As for cladding the buffed¡ºSex King¡»¡­ What do I do if I get reported?

    ¡ºSpatial Staff ¨C Greatly Effective for people capable of using space magic¡»¡ú¡ºDimension-Space Staff ¨C Int 30% UP, Spatial and Dimensional Magic Effectiveness (EX)¡»

    ¡ºElder Treant Cane ¨C Magic Power 50% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Greater), Mana Control Increase¡»¡ú¡ºElder Treant Magic Cane¡» Magic Power 70% Up, Elemental Affinity Increase (Max), Mana Control Increase(EX)¡»

    ¡ºStaff of Absolute Boundary ¨C 30% UP ALL, Sorcery Mastery, Absolute Boundary, Seal, MP Increase¡»¡ú¡ºHoly Staff of Absolute Boundary ¨C 50% UP ALL, Sorcery Mastery(EX), Absolute Boundary, Seal, MP Increase(EX)¡»

    A certain opinion that this isn¡¯t looking good is being raised by advisory staff one after another allowing no formal objection to be made with its irrefutability. Spatial and Dimensional magic¡­ Which means Dimension Slash is going to get even crazier! A dangerous move, that I¡¯m still struggling to control, which when used at full power threatens to drain all of my mana, got a direct buff!

    However, Mastery-type skills were also improved together, and my MP also got boosted, so I could try to practice¡­ Wait, the last time I lost consciousness after running out of mana I woke up stripped naked and was ravaged, so for now, let¡¯s not. It¡¯s too dangerous!

    Well, now I only have to slot them back into Staff of the World Tree¡­ Wait? The Seven-Branched Sword also shows¡º7 Slots¡»now? I tried taking it apart, and ¡ºMistletoe¡»also had it, and naturally ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»too. So the single Wooden Stick can store up to 21 items? Sounds like the best deal of this world ever? Or rather, how much equipment do I have to gather before I¡¯ll be able to fill it up? Isn¡¯t this greedy?

    If I slotted all of that and then used¡ºMagic Wrap¡»with it I¡¯d probably die. Regeneration won¡¯t help me if I explode on the spot. If I regenerated from pieces of flesh and splatters of blood that managed to gather together by themselves that¡¯s already¡ºSelf-Resurrection¡»with guaranteed and immediate eviction from ¡ºHuman¡»race at mach speed. I don¡¯t even want to try it.

    But with this I should be capable of spotting even ¡ºAbsolute Boundary¡». Now I should be able to detect any possible danger. As long as I can deny surprise attacks and ambushes it¡¯s all good. If I find something, I can just ¡ºTeleport¡»and it should work out one way or another. Being brought to such a world and dying to an assassination is too much of a bad joke, and shouldn¡¯t be allowed, so I absolutely won¡¯t let it happen?

    Pouring just a tiny bit of into the NEW Staff of the World Tree¡­ It pulsed, crap, this pattern is¡­ My MP was stolen? Yup, completely out of mana. The dangerous demons are coming back. The most terrifying devils (succubi) I won¡¯t be able to resist without mana!

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have time! I¡¯m also hungry, I hurriedly sprinkle red pepper on¡ºBroiled MP mushrooms with soy sauce, the secret ingredient is red sake¡» and deliciously wolf it down, which makes for quite a sight that hardly anyone wants to see, but I don¡¯t have time to waste! Ah!¡¹

    ¡¸We are¡­ Back¡¹(*Grin*)

    ¡¸Came back, with the dance, over?¡¹(*Smirk*)

    Realizing that I¡¯m out of mana at the first glance, I guess it should be said ¨C as expected? Yeah, they are already holding me from both sides, carrying me to the bed?¡¸Eeem, please be gentle?¡¹, tried saying, just in case?

    (*Shake Shake*) (*Shake Shake*)

    They are shaking their heads in refusal. Well, that¡¯s to be expected. Sandwiched between two beauties and completely at their mercy I¡¯m then treated to a full course of the peak of sexual techniques. Completely in between the two I have no chance against in terms of PoW stat I¡¯m forcibly taken by them, with my Highschool Boy deliciously devoured until the very last drop. If only¡­ If only I had tentacles¡­ Regretful, or rather, there is soft and bouncy stuff in front of my face? Yeah, I can¡¯t go no more?

    (Vessel Sex King Hit)

    Looks like I¡¯m not getting Skill¡ºUnsinkable¡»yet¡­¡­But I¡¯ve got or rather was gotten skill ¡ºLimit Break¡»? What sort of skill was that?¡¡Wasn¡¯t it a pretty cool combat-type skill?!¡¡No, this is a battlefield too¡­¡­(*squish-squish, glug-glug*)¡­¡­ Guahaaaaah!

    (Vessel Sex King Sunk)

 CH 314

    Chapter 314: It has been said since the olden times that one can rise early thrice, but it¡¯s one-hit sure kill which is important.

    Day 76 ¨C Morning, the Capital Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    A refreshing morning. Even ancient proverbs say¡ºEarly riser can do three people¡»or¡ºDo good fortune while it¡¯s still asleep¡». Yeah, I¡¯ve paid them back twofold for yesterday. Well, since there are two of them, it¡¯s actually 1.5fold? Probably?

    And in such a refreshing morning there are two peerless beauties with blush on their drool and tears and other fluid-covered beautiful faces with wide open eyes staring into an empty space, or rather, pretty much completely rolled back? Their mouths, twisted in something resembling a wide smile like they are out of their minds¡­ have their tongues sticking out? Tehepero? Their beautiful and luscious bodies, soaked in sweat, are weakly convulsing, as they are lying on top of the bed in no condition to even speak anymore. Yeah, yesterday they did something even more crazy to me? So Vengeance Is Mine, or rather, I had plenty of plenty of right to retaliation. I won.

    ¡¸Now, it¡¯s a refreshing morning, but certain someone is lying with rolled back eyes, or rather dilated pupils, or rather the eyes wide open and out of focus, or rather the focus totally lost and missing on the way to heaven, or rather someone who went all the way to seventh heaven? Putting that aside, such a refreshing morning and awakening calls for a healthy breakfast, but it seems that someone might need mushrooms before they will be able to eat, so here you go.(*Nom/Nom*)¡¹

    I¡¯m sure payback will be insanely crazy, but for now, victory is victory. I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be allowed to escape with my win and day after day is going to be filled with combat, but there is no end to Highschool Boy¡¯s battle. Yeah, conflict is a cruel thing.

    Now, while there is a colossal downpour of some amazing Flat Gaze in the morning, the weather is great, I guess loud screams in the morning were a problem? How improper of the young ladies, what do we even do with them?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Having fun in the morning, huh!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Power up effects from the Staff of the World Tree were terrific. I¡¯m currently wearing it transformed into a ring. Its powers instantly rendered the two of the Dungeon Emperor class into a writhing, out of their minds, mess. Mastery of ¡ºTentacles¡»has reached its utmost limit, and with the application of ¡ºLewd Arts¡»and¡ºSex King¡»with¡ºMagic Wrap¡»synergy produced unimaginable results.

    (((This.. .Isn¡¯t alright? Isn¡¯t it?)))

    (I thought¡­ I¡¯m going, to die? I went, insane, and died, but undead?£©

    (¡­The most terrifying Sex King. The Demon King of Lewd Arts has descended. Forced invitation¡­ to the hell of superb Lewd Arts.)

    (((¡­Sex King has gotten even stronger!)))

    For some reason, a girls-only meeting started in the morning, with the girls falling down while holding their noses? Aah, they must be impatient for the ball to begin. They had lots of fun, practicing like crazy since yesterday. Their faces are all red too?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Good morning.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The orphans have also gathered after washing their faces. Coming to the dining table in a big crowd they are now awaiting the food. Therefore, it¡¯s time for me to show my new power!

    Instantly cooking, and shaping rice into rice balls inside the space controlled by¡ºHolding¡»I put them on the table. New corn potage has also joined the party, lining up and raising steam from the plates, followed by sizzling bacon and eggs that jump on everyone¡¯s plates as soon as they are done, with a rain of cabbage and mushroom salad, minced by Evil Hands, pouring into a bowl. As I thought, I¡¯ve gotten remarkably faster at this.

    ¡¸W-W-What is this ultra high-speed cooking! It¡¯s even faster than before.¡¹

    ¡¸Ha-Haruka-kun¡¯s girl power is¡­ I-Impossible to measure?¡¹

    ¡¸And he has got even better at cooking on top of that?! W-what kind of a monster is he?!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Looks delicious! Let¡¯s dig in!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A short while ago the orphans have finally started to eat food normally. They finally stopped crying even when they had tasty food every day. They finally began to think of this as normal, but they still remain big crybabies.

    Until now, they were eating while going¡ºIs this a dream?¡»or¡ºI can¡¯t believe¡»in tears, and according to the girls, they were also crying from happiness in bath.

    After all, they were living in extreme poverty the entire time, relying only on each other to survive. Such a little bit of happiness is only natural, entirely expected, and so obvious that it¡¯s totally not enough? It seems like the orphans are yet to understand the true path of ripping off, but they can learn it later at the Frontier. Take back everything that was taken from you, and then also take excessive profits and additional interest, and while at it take everything else, claiming that it¡¯s a commission fee, plundering anything and everything, that is the proper way of ripping off. That¡¯s why this much is not enough at all.

    And the souvenir store is closed today. Adjustments will be required before the ball. I¡¯ve finished adjusting the clothes, so it¡¯s time to readjust my own abilities. Having thought so, I head to the large underground hall, and for some reason, Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san tagged along with very delighted smiles. Yeah, they look happy¡­ Looks like the chain of revenge is going to continue!

    Slowly adjusting my breathing, I then relax, and envelop myself with¡ºMagic Wrapping¡», making it one with my body. The sensation is clearly different from before. I can sense and understand detailed changes and abilities. In other words, when I move, I get an alert screaming that it¡¯s dangerous. Well, no other choice but to probe for the ways to cope by accumulating information and experience while getting destroyed. Ah, that one snapped?

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯m coming, please go soft on me? Why are you shaking your head so hard even before I finish? Just how much do you hate the softness!? A bit of softness wouldn¡¯t hurt, or rather that soft squishiness holds the key to a dazzling wonderland, with the land of beauty lying on the other side of those wonderful thighs¡­ Guwaaah.¡¹

    Battle started.

    Looks like they were outraged by the surprise attack this morning, and were waiting for the opportunity to give me a good beating under the name of sermon. Their over motivated eagerness is giving me chills. Yeah, looks like to go to the dance party I first will have to survive the dance of death. I mean, even Dancing Girl-san is warming up?

    As I pour mana into the staff and spin it around, my body immediately begins making creaking sounds. Even so, I need this power¡­ Without it, I will be overwhelmed and ravaged again, just like yesterday!

    The body begins to move, obeying my will. Synching my body, mind, and magic power to match my breathing, I¡¯m reborn.

    Stepping forward with a breath, the flow of the world becomes heavy, dense, and viscous. Time axis has shifted, and the world is becoming slower than myself.

    She is smiling¡­ Armored Pres-san is smiling with delight. Yeah, there is a smile on her face, but her eyes are scaring me!

    Both of us swayed, and following that, vanished, without leaving even an afterimage.

    Just like a mirage, if you can see her, she is not there, I can¡¯t react in time if I rely on my eyes, so instead of that I Observe.

    I observe what I see with my eyes, what I can¡¯t see, future possibilities, everything at once. Wrapping¡ºMagic Eye¡»,¡ºGod Eye¡»,¡ºFuture Sight¡»,¡ºWisdom Eye¡»,¡ºImitation¡»all at once I observe.

    Optimally controlling the body, as if I¡¯m swimming in heavy water depths, I operate it with the utmost accuracy. I accelerate simply striving for the fastest, most optimal, limitlessly close to ideal course of motions.

    With¡ºLimit Break¡»removing their limiters, the skills are rampaging, destroying and restoring my body, as I¡¯m steering back under control mixing and blending them with each other. Like in a weird merry-go-round they keep rushing about in circles, stirring, transforming, and reacting with each other.

    Repeatedly slashing, hacking, cutting, and cleaving, I just keep going through a slash after slash after slash. Dancing, making a circle, hopping, making a circle, we are hopping in a dance, making a circle.

    It makes sense that Armored Pres-san is that good at waltz. That was simply a swordless sword dance, and now it¡¯s a waltz with a sword (beating).

    Powerful slashes flicker and sparks scatter, moving like in a dance we slash at each other. A series of ultra-high-speed attacks transforms into an elegant dance in slow motion of accelerated thought, with slashes repeating one after another like in a dance performed in a fully transparent water.

    The deadly dance continues without end. The dance shows no signs of slowing down as attacks are endlessly flying around. Well, in other words, I¡¯m getting the hell beaten out of me the very moment I¡¯ll stop moving? Yeah, my ¡ºFuture Sight¡» can see infinite possibilities of beating awaiting me in the future. Potential possibilities spread infinitely like a kaleidoscope, presenting an infinite, rich and boundless possibilities of future beating¡­ Yeah, there is nothing but beatings?

    (*Thud Thud*!)

    (Jiggle Jiggle!)

    I¡¯ve fully and utterly lost the sense of time. While the beating felt like an eternity, it also felt like a brief moment between one instant and another. Well, I¡¯ve been getting beaten for an eternity-like moment. I¡¯m definitely exacting my revenge tonight!

    ¡¸Next is me.¡¹

    Dancing Girl is still level 1. So since accidentally hitting her might be too dangerous I had her pull out ¡ºAncient Sarcophagus¡»and equip it, but then¡­ She became a heavy armored great shield knight? She seemed dissatisfied with that, so she went to Armored Pres-san and began adjusting the design of the armor while looking at ¡ºSilver Plate Armor¡»¡­ Well, it¡¯s a lewd armor now. It transforms before my very eyes into a lovely armor that reveals the body line.

    ¡¸Preparation. Complete. Coming.¡¹

    Hiding behind the greatshield she is swinging her sword up and down, left and right. She is wielding a sword with a peculiar scythe-like curve, khopesh, and aiming to utilize that curve to its utmost, she is dancing while hiding behind her shield, while swiping with it at me, trying to grab or hook my weapon like with a talon, making for quite a nasty technique.

    With a diverse and extremely varied footwork on top of high-speed movement, she is using her sword in a fluid and unrestrained manner. I didn¡¯t expect a high-speed, irregularly-moving evasion-type tank with a greatshield!

    On top of that, the greatshield is spinning. Before I could figure out if the greatshield is spinning by itself or if the Dancing Girl is making cartwheels with it, a sword slashed at me from a weird angle, appearing from where I least expected it.

    This is already troublesome as it is, but there are also chains and another sword on top of that. With her super irregular high-speed attacks from behind the shield it¡¯s like fighting thousand-armored Kannon in full armor. There is no opening at all.

    And even if I were to use ¡ºAir Walk¡» to jump over her, she instantly closes the distance and pushes me with the shield. And at point-blank range I can¡¯t see her behind the giant shield at all, which messes with predictions from ¡ºFuture Sight¡».

    But it¡¯s about time.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯m coming~, no complaints later, okay? I mean, it¡¯s a troublesome skill already has tons of claims filed against it? Or rather ¡ºRandom Attack¡»?¡¹

    Instantly zooming towards the shield I simply swing my staff horizontally. Halting for a brief instant, Dancing Girl then immediately looked back, and turning the shield launched a few dozen chains in a counter attack. Splendid¡­ But attacks made from Random Attack evade interception by¡ºTeleporting¡»to make a direct hit. Yeah, that one can¡¯t be blocked, you know?

    ¡¸Cowardly, cheating, unfair!¡¹

    Dancing Girl-san is dissatisfied? Well, no one would be able to accept it. However, even in her current weakened state, being level 1 and all, she almost managed to defend from an attack launched from behind after¡ºTeleportation¡». From my instantaneous attack from¡ºTeleportation¡», despite having 5 times less SpE stat, and seeing it for the first time.

    Random Attack is going to lose it¡¯s effectiveness very soon. As I thought, I can¡¯t beat Dungeon Emperor, even if they are level 1. After all, that¡ºAncient Sarcophagus¡»serving as her shield and armor is a super cheat among cheaters that was undamaged even after taking my Dimension Slash at maximum power.

    ¡¸Or rather, it¡¯s almost noon, so how about changing clothes and going into the town after a meal? What was the original plan? Kill time until evening and then kill the King? Well, since we were called we¡¯ll see once we get there, or rather let¡¯s go.¡¹

    Well, once the ball is over we are going to return, and we should be able to raise Dancing Girl¡¯s level even on the way to the Frontier. There were 32 of us when we left the Frontier, but we are going back with a quite larger crowd.

 CH 315

    Chapter 315: I can¡¯t remember so many names at once, but they are going to vanish soon enough anyway.

    Day 7X? The Capital, Royal Palace Interior, Room for noble visitors

    The great marquis houses of long history and tradition. Two of the four great noble families that were supposed to keep the Royal Family in check were crushed, upsetting the balance of power. There is an opportunity in other great marquis families falling into ruin, but there is an issue with the Royal Family becoming too powerful.

    That¡¯s because once the Royal Family has a grip on real power, they will definitely come to weaken great marquis houses. Just like we did to the Royal Family, but this time it¡¯s our turn to be on the receiving end. But the possibility of surviving this predicament with those twins as potential heirs is slim to none.

    They are capable in both sciences and sword, as a hefty sum was spent to make sure they receive an adequate education, but they are debauched womanizers who do nothing aside from playing around. Both of them are wicked lady-killers only good at evil deeds and love affairs. I¡¯m long since fed up covering up after their mess¡­ But life is a strange thing.

    ¡¸Can¡¯t mess with the Royal Family anymore, so how about seducing the Princess and aiming for the throne through her?¡¹

    ¡¸In that case there will be two positions to fill, new King, and head of our family, so that¡¯s just perfect.¡¹

    They have education and talent, as well as valor and skill with the sword. But they care for nothing but women¡­ But to think that is what is going to become a key to turn around this hopeless situation.

    ¡¸But will that stiff princess be swayed?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡­Women exist to fall for men, Father.¡¹¡¹

    Princess Shariceres¡¯ is low on the line of succession, but the First and the Second Princes have vanished, dragging other great marquis houses with them. And on top of the other princes being still very young, the Capital is in uproar over the heroic tales of Princess Shariceres¡¯ deeds. The theater play about Omui of the Frontier and the Kingdom¡¯s Princess fighting against the overflowing dungeons has gained the highest popularity even in the Capital.

    You can get the throne and fame at the same time. However, as long as the ball is a celebration of victory, having not participated in the war even a great marquis family would be forced together with other rabble, without an ability to get closer to the seats of honor without being called.

    ¡¸But you won¡¯t even get to sit at the foot of the table. Mere outsiders on the banquet of heroes have no right to even come close.¡¹

    Domain of our house Kasgir is located in the west and doesn¡¯t share borders with any foreign countries. We became prominent as a city of commerce, but the accursed Rondanull on the south joined hands with the Merchant Confederation, and taking a tight grip on the economy of the central lands, propped up the Second Prince, the one of their bloodline.

    Our family hasn¡¯t had any daughters, and hence was unable to produce a queen, which hurts, but even commerce was taken over by the Confederation in one swoop. That¡¯s why even when House Giesdat from the east joined efforts with the Theocracy in an attempt to take over the Kingdom we couldn¡¯t team up with Rondanull of the south. As a result, we became bystanders, without taking any action.

    There are still no movements in the north. The head of the family was overcome with an illness, and their only daughter, being commander of the First Division, cannot move marquis¡¯ troops. However, as House Skobathus of the north has also refused the Royal Princes¡¯ request for troops, just like us, they are also at fault.

    But two of the great marquis houses have already perished, and House Shkobathus had circumstances to consider, in addition, their daughter has an accomplishment of defending the border with the First Division. In contrast to that, if our House Kasgir was blamed for simply sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing, we wouldn¡¯t be able to make excuses.

    While two nuisances of the noble families were crushed, we are in a state where we can¡¯t do anything. But if the Princess were to be seduced the story changes greatly.

    No, even if the Princess herself is impossible, getting the Frontier¡¯s Princess Meriel, who climbed ranks of legends along with her, is enough. I¡¯ve heard that the Frontier has stabilized, and turned into a prosperous domain lately, and this would also get the formidable §¡rontier army on our side. But what¡¯s even more important, if we can monopolize magic stones, it will create great commercial opportunities, allowing us to operate on the scale of not losing even to the Confederation.

    ¡¸Can you get Princess Shariceres, and Meriel of Omui? Either would mean a success greater than succeeding House Kasgir, but there is no way for you to get close.¡¹

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter if there is a way or not, one simply has to create one, Father.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, we can create a path by first getting some of those black-haired maidens that became famous throughout the Capital with that play.¡¹

    Both the Princess and Omui¡¯s girl are said to frequent the black-haired maidens¡¯ store, so maybe a connection can be made that way?

    Marrying the Princess and Omui¡¯s girl and welcoming the black-haired maidens as concubines, the Kingdom itself will fall in our grasp. Those two are only good at chasing skirts, but when it comes to women, they are lady-killers that won¡¯t let any girl slip by. As unworthy these sons of mine might be, at such a time they are very reliable.

    ¡¸But you won¡¯t be able to get close even to those maidens?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸The black-haired strategist. We just have to win over or threaten that coward that was running around in the play. When the necessity arises we can kill him, and then someone who can take the maidens in will be required.¡¹¡¹

    That clown in a black cloak, huh. Then it might work.

    Black-haired maidens are merely servants of the clown. And even if he is called a strategist, he is simply a sly coward, only good at making traps. This is an important matter that will decide whether we will decline and come to ruin or obtain the Kingdom. I¡¯m not going to be thrifty, but if he is going to defy us then death is the only path for him.

    ¡¸What do you need? Gold? Troops?¡¹

    ¡¸Money first. Troops come the very last, Father.¡¹

    ¡¸Preparations are going to cost. We will have to get other young nobles on our side too.¡¹

    Deception and trickery is but a norm to them, threaten the social status, corner with money, rob of reason with dodgy drugs, and manipulate with suspicious equipment. And if nothing works, kidnap and take them by force. Turns out, even the sons that I thought to be a disgrace for a military family, have their own use. I wasted quite a bit of money cleaning up matters after them, but looks like it might not have been all in vain. They¡¯ve been buying up drugs from shady apothecaries and purchasing all items with questionable effects they could get their hands on. In that aspect, they are the most distinguished lady-killers. Not even to mention that inexperienced young ladies who know nothing but combat have no chance of resisting them.

    ¡¸Specially-made drugs will be needed. Ordinary drugs will be neutralized, and we also can¡¯t afford to be exposed.¡¹

    ¡¸And we also would want to seduce the Royal Castle¡¯s maids beforehand, so we can carry in the equipment.¡¹

    Tall, handsome, and coming from a prominent marquis house. They are smooth in talk, quick to act, and on top of that, they are crafty and would always make a woman they are aiming for fall, regardless of the means they¡¯ll have to use. To think a day would come when I¡¯d think of them as reliable¡­ In such a case, I won¡¯t hold back in financial support.

    ¡¸Is this enough? Tell me if you need more. But don¡¯t think that you will be able to get away with a failure after using so much.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸You can count on us, Father.¡¹¡¹

    I¡¯ll also need to gather assassins and masters of subterfuge, with the Royal Castle as a stage, military might is pointless.

    We might¡¯ve lost in political finesse, but our house still can take the Kingdom by seducing and finessing women.

    ¡¸Bear in mind that your failure would mean not only ruin for our house but the end of your lives too. Our House Kasgir is backed against the wall.¡¹

    If this doesn¡¯t go as planned, the great marquis house will end up demoted to the status of common nobles, and if the entire matter comes to light then even a complete destruction might not be out of the question.

    ¡¸Well, seducing them is nothing, and if push comes to shove there is always that option.¡¹

    ¡¸Right, once the deed is done, they can be easily handled afterwards.¡¹

    ¡¸That is assuming you can buy that clown of a strategist.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, killing him is simple too. After all, there is also the option of having a duel.¡¹

    ¡¸If he cooperates, fine, but if he gets in our way.¡¹ ¡¸¡¸We¡¯ll kill him.¡¹¡¹

    Good grief, these are dueling masters of rapier for you. Completely useless against monsters, but so insufferably smug when it¡¯s about duels.

    I¡¯ve lost count how many times they¡¯ve stirred trouble because of women, but no matter how many duels they got into because of that, they always emerged victorious without a single wound. Since their fencing is all about tricking people, it¡¯s useless for military or monster hunting, but as long as their opponents are people, they are incredibly dangerous, which makes them all more difficult to deal with. But when I think that all of that was for the sake of this day, I almost want to give them praise.

    ¡¸If you are going to kill then make it certain. The rest can be somehow handled one way or another.¡¹

    The Kingdom¡¯s power balance has completely collapsed. The marquis houses cannot rival the Royal Family in military might anymore. Even our economic strength will be gradually lost at this rate.

    But if we get hold of the Royal Family and the Frontier then the Kingdom is as good as ours. Seeing popular dramas can be useful at times.

    They were so nice as to reveal the weakness (the clown) to us in this predicament. That¡¯s why we are going to bite and tear.

    That black-haired clown, that in the play was comically running around the castle while crying, will be attending the ball. We have to complete all of the preparations until then.

    We are about to get our hands on the heights that the now destroyed Giesdat and Rondanull Houses aimed for but couldn¡¯t reach. Obtaining the Kingdom will surely give way to another crisis, but if we are going to suffer anyway, I¡¯d prefer to do it while sitting as high as I can. First, the Royal Family and the Frontier. Then, the Kingdom will be ours.

 CH 316

    Chapter 316: The orphans¡¯ social studies field trip is also Exciting  Capital Sightseeing Tour Full of Highschool Girls but it seems there won¡¯t be happy accidents.

    Day 76 ¨C Daytime, the Capital, Souvenir Store Orphanage Branch

    Now, the time has come for Avarice-san and others¡¯ wasteful spending party under the name of the orphans¡¯ social studies field trip. The leading Pres is dishing out orders already. She even managed to discipline the Idiots, so handling the orphans should be nothing for her.

    ¡¸Everyone, gather up, make sure to join hands.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yees.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The leading Pres is leading orphans.

    ¡¸Alright. Everyone, join hands.¡¹

    Elf Girl-san is guiding orphans too.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yees.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like Tanuki Girl is fully intending on being led today! She has completely blended in with the orphans. Or rather, she has fully assimilated and implanted herself?

    Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san also seem very motivated to provide guidance, dressed in bus guide uniforms. The flag in their hands has ¡ºExciting  Capital Sightseeing Tour Full of Highschool Girls¡» written on it, no happy accidents? How sad.

    And currently the biggest issue, the Geeks and Idiots, are being chained together, to make sure they won¡¯t get lost. However, disappointingly, electric shock seems to be getting Resisted.

    ¡¸Ehhm, turn right around Kinkaku temple[1] and head towards Kiyomizu temple. No, wait, turn to the left from Ginkaku temple[2] and then follow the path in between Kamo Shrines[3], until you enter the path through the bamboo thicket around Nijo Castle[4] then cross Togetsukyo Bridge [5] and once you pass through Fushimi Inari Taisha you will see the torii for the exit?¡¹¡¸Hm? The road from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine[6] won¡¯t do?¡¹¡¸What about the shopping district of The Philosopher¡¯s (rip-off) Walk [7] that goes from Nanzen Temple [8] towards the aqueducts?¡¹¡¸Yeah, wouldn¡¯t it be closer if we go straight from the corner of Yasaka Shrine [9]?¡¹¡¸Eh? So that was not Saiho temple [10] but Ninna temple [11] instead?!¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah, there are even more buildings now and the layout has changed again!?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Leaving the orphanage¡¯s Byodo-in Seimei¡¯s Shrine [12] comes in sight, Tanukidani-san Fud¨­-in Temple[13] is in the backstreet, Daiun temple [14] on the corner, and we already passed Rengeo-in Sanjusangendo,[15] so we should be already close.There are more people going through the slums those days, or rather, there are crowds of people coming for sightseeing, so to avoid someone getting lost it¡¯s better to pick routes with less people on them.

    ¡¸If someone from Kyoto saw this they¡¯d probably go crazy?¡¹¡¸Yeah, there are even Todai Temple [16] and Kofuku Temple [17] from Nara [18] just casually standing here? So they¡¯ll probably just give up?¡¹

    Who cares about people from Kyoto, just chase them around with some rice with tea on it and they¡¯ll scatter on their own. [19] And if they come with complaints there is always an option of burying them and having them join the underground dwellers.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think anyone would say anything by now even if there is Izumo Shrine [20] standing right between them~. Oh, look, there is Koto Temple now~?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Stop adding new buildings every day! That¡¯s the reason people keep getting lost! Why are you making it into a Fake Kyoto Maze Town!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    A maze makes for an optimal crime prevention measure, but they seem dissatisfied. Still, it¡¯s all because they refuse to wear¡ºBracelet of the Poor¡» which comes with navigation function, that they get lost? These girls are so whimsical.

    ¡¸I got it, he was trying to expand the slums because he wants to build the waterway and Itsukushima Shrine! [22] With what kind of a luxurious slums are you trying to suppress the Capital?¡¹

    Walking at the orphans¡¯ pace makes this take a while. As I thought, I have to speed up the plan for¡ºAcceleration¡» equipment for orphans. However, the orphans are also little punks that for some reason like to dive at me at top speed, so Acceleration might be dangerous. Dive and Hug of those flying orphans has high accuracy and rapid-fire ratio! Pretty much PATRIOT Orphans.

    ¡¸There is another pair of statues of the two guardian Deva kings[23]¡­ And even more statues of arhats¡­ Why Benten-sama[24] is the only one in full color and in such captivating detail!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸GUILTY!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸No, I mean, naked Benzaiten is a pretty normal and popular depiction of Benten-sama. This one comes with a bit of a modern interpretation, bizarre add-ons, and MG-X biwa, but respect for the artists manifested in a Benten Thunder Beats, giving a crazy Premium SSR gacha character feel, so I did nothing wrong? Look, the Geeks are literally worshiping her? Kind of?¡¹

    That¡¯s right, the Geeks began geeking from the side while I was making the statue, and even drew an illustration, endlessly shoving it into my face while I was working¡­ And, oh, what a surprise? A giant figurine of Benzaiten rocker modified beyond belief has descended upon the world, that¡¯s certainly the Geeks fault, so I did nothing wrong, okay? Yeah, it looks like something can be seen, but actually can¡¯t, so this is Safe?

    I got scolded.

    Passing through a long long line of torii we finally step onto streets of the Capital. 70% of the Noble District has been absorbed by the slums already, so leaving them is not easy. And with the flood of people interested to move in there, the slums seem to have become a first-class housing district. There are also many tourists, so it looks like a pretty celebrity slums.

    ¡¸Everyone has their¡ºOrphan¡¯s Bracelet¡»? If you get lost, raise the bracelet to the sky, and pour strength into it. Also if bad people approach you, make sure to kick them hard with ¡ºOrphan Shoes¡». Yup, that will send most people flying? I actually tested it on the Geeks, and got a pretty long shot with a good roaring sound?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yees. We have them on!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    With this, even if someone gets lost, they can send an emergency rescue signal, and we¡¯ll be able to quickly find them. I¡¯ve also added a simple protective barrier, and the clothes themselves have high defense and resistances. Besides, low-tier delinquents can be dealt with the orphan kick. As long as they can make a successful drop kick they should even be able to kill a low level goblin.

    The Royal Palace is actually not that far from the slums. Since the slums have been swallowing up the Noble District, that lies in between, like crazy, they are basically neighbors now. So we are just killing time until the evening.

    They are supposed to send carriages for us, but we¡¯ll make it faster on our own. I¡¯ve already attached passenger wagons to¡ºHighway Star¡»one and two, remodeling them into ¡ºHighway Star Trains¡», so there should be enough space for everyone to ride.

    The orphans haven¡¯t used their salary even once. Even if I try to give it to them, they keep trying to give it back as a payment for food. Even if we send them out into the city, they come back after simply stocking on foodstuff and ingredients. Yup, this is a very concerning issue of them not acting like children.

    Therefore, a role model is required. And here we have not only bankrupt shopping-addicted girls, but also the Avatar of Avarice, plenty of perfect examples, wasting money at full speed! Working hard every day without being unable to waste money is an intolerable activity. At this rate they won¡¯t become fine adults when they grow up, becoming adults with Peter Pan syndrome who can¡¯t shop like grown-ups! Yes, this is where we must show them the girls¡¯ sloppy ways of handling money, and plant seeds of greed into innocent hearts of the children.

    That¡¯s right, if they learn how to waste money, they should become splendid children.

    I mean, worrying about tomorrow is not something kids should do, much less doing something absurd like saving money. Children should do children¡¯s things, like sleeping while excitedly thinking about what they should play tomorrow. That¡¯s their job. Being allowed to have a matter of fact belief that tomorrow will be another good day is the privilege of being a child. In that case, money has to be wasted, fun has to be had, that is the main road of the path of ripping off that leads to the life of a magnate!

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯m going to provide you with the pocket money for today, everyone, queue up¡­ Wait, even though the tanuki was just blending in with the children, she is now standing right in front of the group with her hand out?! Hey, I don¡¯t care if a certain orangutan girl who doesn¡¯t even have intentions to mimic as Orphan Girl at this point goes on another food shopping spree and gets herself an even bigger belly that wouldn¡¯t go away eternally turning her dress into maternity fashion? What is it? 53th month? Judging by the condition?¡¹

    ¡¸53 months of maternity?! What kind of belly are you implying I have?! I don¡¯t have a belly, it¡¯s just a bit plump!¡¹

    But she is still standing with her hand extended. Or rather, all of the girls have joined the line. Even the Geeks and Idiots who had no presence so far have cheekily got into the line!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Big brother, pocket money!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸No, why are the people who should be in the role of the guardians lining up with hands extended even though the orphans are holding back out of reservation? Big brother? We are classmates, so I¡¯m pretty sure we were the same age, no?¡¹

    As expected of the exemplary specimen picked for their ability to waste money. They joined the line with their hands out without even a moment of hesitation. Well, this is indeed very exemplary of them.

    Handing everyone small bags with 5,000 ere each one by one, when the Geeks and Idiots turn came, I threw their bags at them with all my might. Well, I knew that I¡¯m not taking down the Idiots with this, but even the Geeks managed to barely deploy the barrier at the last second to catch them, which is pissing me off! As expected of levels 100 with loads of Cheats. Even without any motor reflexes of their own, they were able to respond with Skills.

    And in contrast to the troubled-looking orphans, the girls immediately began going through the store in rapid succession, dragging the children with them. At this rate they should soon enough get infected themselves while going along.

    The Capital¡¯s toys and sweets are, how should I put it, questionable and just shabby. The souvenir store is a level above in both the assortment and quality of goods. Even so, it¡¯s the very act of wasting money that is fun. It¡¯s important to make them understand that even if they waste money today, tomorrow is still going to be alright? Well, it might be too late for the Forever-in-Debt gang though, but it¡¯s definitely their own fault, and there is nothing to get angry at me for!

    Looks like they are finally getting used to it. While they were pretty nervous about buying anything at first, by now, the kids began buying sweets with smiles, and bragging to each other about the stuff they bought. Yeah, that¡¯s how kids should be. They don¡¯t have to become adults so soon¡­ But let¡¯s be careful with borrowing money, okay? Or you¡¯ll become like those girls?

    Well, that¡¯s not something the kids can imitate even if asked¡­ I mean, the girls already spent all of the money and are glancing this way?!

    TL Notes:

    [0] Evil Hands was changed to Magic Hands. I couldn¡¯t bear it anymore so I went through every chapter since they first appeared. The skill evolving from tentacles as well as being an actual word plus the entire mood around the skill initially led me astray a bit, creating this¡­ term. Sorry for the confusion.

    If I happened to miss some, let me know in the comments or in the report corrections channel on discord.

    [1] Kinkaku-ji (½ðéwËÂ, literally ¡°Temple of the Golden Pavilion¡±), officially named Rokuon-ji (Â¹Ô·ËÂ, lit.?¡¯Deer Garden Temple¡¯), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is one of the most popular buildings in Kyoto, attracting many visitors annually. Kinkaku-ji was ranked the No. 85 Most Holy Place on Earth by religious leaders, writers and scholars in the Patheos multi-faith religion project Sacred Spaces: The 100 Most Holy Places on Earth.

    [2] Ginkaku-ji (ãyéwËÂ, lit. ¡°Temple of the Silver Pavilion¡±), officially named Jish¨­-ji (´ÈÕÕËÂ, lit. ¡°Temple of Shining Mercy¡±), is a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto. Like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji was originally built to serve as a place of rest and solitude for the Sh¨­gun. During his reign as Sh¨­gun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa inspired a new outpouring of traditional culture, which came to be known as Higashiyama Bunka (the Culture of the Eastern Mountain). Having retired to the villa, it is said Yoshimasa sat in the pavilion, contemplating the calm and beauty of the gardens as the ¨­nin War worsened and Kyoto was burned to the ground.

    [3] Kamo Shrine (ÙRÃ¯ÉñÉç, Kamo-jinja) is a general term for an important Shinto sanctuary complex on both banks of the Kamo River in northeast Kyoto.

    [4] Nij¨­ Castle (¶þÌõ³Ç, Nij¨­-j¨­) is a flatland castle in Kyoto. Built in 1679 and is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

    [5] Togetsukyo Bridge (¶ÉÔÂ˜ò), Kyoto. A wooden bridge stood in that location from the 17th century, and was replaced by one from steel and reinforced concrete in the 1900s, which however, to retain harmony with the surroundings, inherited its design from the old wooden bridge, and perhaps as a part of that, still has wooden guardrails.

    [6] Heian Shrine, established In 1895 for the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-ky¨­ (old name of Kyoto), and is a partial reproduction of the old Heian Palace from Heian-ky¨­ in in 5/8th scale (in length).

    [7] Tetsugaku No Michi (ÕÜÑ§¤ÎµÀ) The Philosopher¡¯s Walk is a pedestrian path that follows a cherry-tree-lined canal in Kyoto, Japan between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.

    [8] Nanzen-ji (ÄÏìøËÂ, Nanzen-ji), or Zuiryusan Nanzen-ji, formerly Zenrin-ji (ìøÁÖËÂ, Zenrin-ji), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Emperor Kameyama established it in 1291 on the site of his previous detached palace. It is also the headquarters of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. The precincts of Nanzen-ji are a nationally designated Historic Site, and its H¨­j¨­ gardens is a Place of Scenic Beauty. While not one of the ¡°five great Zen temples of Kyoto¡±; however, it does play an important role in the ¡°Five Mountain System¡± which was modified from Chinese roots. The Aqueduct passing through the temple grounds was Constructed In 1890, to carry irrigation water from the Lake Biwa Canal.

 CH 317.1

    Chapter 317: Elderly tend to speak to no end, so letting them talk is a mistake.

    Day 76 ¨C Evening, The Capital, The Royal Palace

    Just as I began considering going into retirement, having reached an advanced age, everything turned upside down. The King became bedridden with illness. And with the Kingdom in a state of decline and decay, it finally came to the princes rising in a rebellion. However, while we could but passively observe the state of affairs, everything gradually was resolved, and that¡¯s how it ended¡­ That¡¯s how it was ended. And it would seem that this ball in celebration of victory is to become my last big job as the Grand Chamberlain.

    In my long years of service in the Royal Palace I¡¯ve been forced to see quite a few things I would¡¯ve preferred not to. But if my last task is the celebration of the Kingdom¡¯s salvation, then I ought to do a work worthy of that, otherwise I won¡¯t be able to say that I have fulfilled my long-standing duty.

    Attendants and maids quietly but busily rushing around the empty hall where at the moment only a few nobles who had been invited to the hall so far are gathered sparsely. Soon, the swordless battle among the royalty and the nobility that will decide the fate of the Kingdom will take a place here. Be it the count of the Frontier, or the heroes, here, we are the ones ought to protect them.

    Only sounds of instruments being tuned are ringing through the hall. This is the most grand venue in the palace¡­ The Royal Palace has several dance halls but the one used this time ranks the highest among them all. If it was merely about the size, the palace still has a few comparably spacious ones, However, when it comes to the venue for this ball, not only the size but also the formalities are important. On this occasion, we are to extol the heroes of the Kingdom. This is going to be the greatest celebration since the foundation of the Kingdom¡­ Which might also become its worst battlefield.

    Thus, while making arrangements to make sure everything is up to the par, I closely observe how the instructions are carried out. Not the slightest imperfection can be tolerated when it comes to the ball meant to express the highest gratitude of the King. With that atmosphere hanging in the air, all of the castle¡¯s servants are wearing tense expressions. As soon as attendance begins, they fulfill their duties while feeling such a heavy pressure that their faces turn stiff.

    A ball is not just a place to dance, it¡¯s also an event where rewards are given and achievements are celebrated, and all the while intense power struggle is taking place under the surface. It is also a gorgeous stage meant to hide the ugly underbelly of treachery and secret deals made as people flock together to strengthen relations and form cliques. Aristocrats gather on that flashy stage in pompous outfits, exchanging harmless and unassuming words and greetings. Without them showing what lies beneath those smiling masks, a friendly atmosphere envelops the venue filled with laughter and calm music.

    The ball this time is held by the King himself, with every invited person holding a high status, position, or a post. There are but a few nobles capable of disregarding an invitation from the King, and as a result, all sorts of nobles are going to gather, regardless of the factions to which they belong.

    The custom has it that those of the lower status are to be announced and admitted into the hall first, and now it¡¯s a preliminary skirmish where the regional nobles of each faction are trying the waters.

    It¡¯s the perfect opportunity to investigate, create ties, and resolve differences for nobles of rivaling factions, who wouldn¡¯t be able to meet under normal circumstances. After all, two of the four great marquis houses have perished, and the position of the remaining two remains unclear. The alternative power system, separate from court ranks, that of factions, have crumbled, leaving everyone to fumble in confusion, searching for houses to side with.

    This ball has everyone desperately investigating into the state of affairs of each other, creating a crowd of nobles who are wandering around in search of connections, ready to grasp at straws, despite the fake smiles they are wearing. Unlike the ugly balls of melancholy and gloom of the past, where everyone was too busy trying to set up each other, this time they are eagerly greeting and calling out to everyone like pitiful children that lost their parents, trying to find new appreciative friends or means of self-protection.

    The closer one is to the entrance, the lower is their status. The later one is announced, the further they proceed into the hall. In accordance to that, appropriate furnishing and implements are set up, representing the status of attending families.

    One after another, nobles arrive into the hall, and under the pretense of greetings are probing into each other. With the arrival of numerous nobles the venue is gradually beginning to liven up. Gorgeous interior arrangements fitting for the event held by the Royal Family and gaudy outfits matching the ladies in flashy and extravagant dresses color the hall. Wearing gentle smiles they are chatting with friendly looks on their faces. Exchanging mundane greetings and honeyed words they are making a display of calmly discussing situations in the domains, weather, rumors, each other¡¯s appearances, pastimes, without any signs of trouble. Social intercourse, the nobles¡¯ long long probing into each other under the guise of courtesy.

    While probing into other houses and factions, trying to get a peek into their state of affairs, creating connections, and looking for negotiation opportunities, they are bluffing and applying pressure in order to avoid appearing weak, competing for the hierarchy and position in the power relationship, and at the same time, devouring information while looking for someone to follow. Quagmire-like conversation plays with lies and bargaining unfold everywhere, and the venue quietly grows busier as deception and music intermingle.

 CH 317.2

    Chapter 317: Elderly tend to speak to no end, so letting them talk is a mistake

    While exchanging greetings with smiles, noble ladies and their sons and daughters that they brought along are also proving each other¡¯s positions, chatting about hairstyles and clothes, while appraising each other. Investigating while covering behind the mask of friendliness, they are looking for cracks in the opponent¡¯s mask, closely examining them. Looking for friends and foes, Matching the tune played by the orchestra, they hide their malice in the gaps between their silly conversations and flowery words.

    From small talk the conversations turn to gossip, and the true colors that they were hiding come out. Acting strong while shaking from fear, they are opposing each other while seeking allies. This ball is a microcosm of the extremely ugly aristocratic society.

    The disingenuous talks began to shift topics to recent events. Trying to grasp information about each others factions from unassuming chat about the great marquis houses, they are making feints and putting checks on each other while wearing those fake smiles, trying to steal any information they can. This is the true conversation between nobles.

    The subject changes to the count of the Frontier. There is no one in aristocratic society who does not know that person, a living legend itself, and considering their conducts so far, just how many nobles do not harbor fears of his revenge?

    Called the King of the Frontier, he, however, doesn¡¯t get involved too deeply with the noble society. A true warrior who leads the Kingdom¡¯s strongest army, continuing to fight in a hellish Frontier despite the unfavorable situation. And it seems that after going through everyone they knew, they realized that no one here has ties to him, thus rendering further investigation meaningless.

    Conclusion of the war appears among the sporadically changing topics, but no one tries to touch the essence of the matter. They tip-toe around the topic as if in fear, and divert the conversation towards the theater play that became extremely popular in the Capital.

    Since the purpose of the ball is to celebrate the victory, avoiding this topic is next to impossible.

    Until now, everything had been moving through the power relationship of the noble society, but by now, half of the nobles have fallen to ruin and perished. While hiding their laughter about the fate of such nobles, they are terrified of meetings the same fate, thus desperately looking for allies.

    While praising luxurious food and high-class drinks aloud, they have no time to taste them anymore, being forced to scramble to greet every newly arrived high-noble, and repeat their probing there.

    The servants are arranging the tables, distributing the dishes, and carrying drinks in elegant but quick steps. The orchestra is quietly playing the tune, spinning the melody to match the atmosphere.

    The rank of the arriving nobles rose, and the sound of the instruments also grew louder with the growth of the crowd. And it seems that the nobles sensed that the ball had started from those notes.

    The ones exchanging looks, the ones running about in search of connections with influential people, ladies praising each other¡¯s dresses while seething with envy, and young nobles looking around for the most high-ranking company. The hall is gradually beginning to fill with impure desires, and invisible to the eye muddy malice is spread all over the luxuriously decorated carpets.

    Among such a muddy and sticky atmosphere, hollow and vain flowery words fill the hall as jealousy, suspicions, and ambitions are beginning to swirl and swell¡­ Yes, this is the noble society.

    Master of ceremonies is announcing names of entering nobles one after another. Only a few left. The rest are high-ranking nobles and the main guests of the event.

    ¡¸Marquis Kasgir, the Great Marquis of the East.¡¹

    For the nobles, this order is everything, the only ranking that shows the hierarchy of nobility. With later appearance signifying a higher rank. The act of unsightly pulling each other¡¯s feet even if only to get at least one name later proves how important it is to them.

    And with the Royal Family hosting the event, this order is the Royal Family¡¯s will. By now, the Royal Family is about to become the absolute power in the Kingdom, which is almost equivalent to weakening of the nobility.

    For that reason, the order decided by the Royal Family bears tremendous significance. There are disputes over being moved further into the hall despite having the same rank, but what¡¯s really important is when that surpasses their court rank. That would be a death sentence for a noble.

    A clear ranking was given to the two remaining great marquis houses. A quiet stir spreads through the hall, and the same words chain through it in hushed voices.

    This means that the Skobathus family, which was the lowest of the grand marquis families, will rise to the top. The ridiculousness of the nobles of each faction changing in expressions in their own way, colors the venue in an ugly fashion.

    ¡¸Marquis Skobathus, the Great Marquis of the North.¡¹

    Delighted cheers and voices filled with resentment mix together, showing their piritufl lost and confused state, as they appear unable to keep up with the world changing without their knowledge. Even though it¡¯s not over yet.

    ¡¸From here on, these are the ones invited as guests of honor. Viscount ¡­¡­, Baron ¡­¡­, Viscount ¡­¡­, Viscount¡­¡­, Baron ¡­¡­, ¡­¡­¡¹

    The commotion immediately died down as everyone had their breath taken away. Shock and despair now could be read in their eyes.

    That¡¯s but natural. While they are invited as guests of honor, even so, barons, those of the lowest noble rank, and viscounts, are being announced after the great marquises, and are walking to the seats of honor. Something that previously would¡¯ve been impossible under the hierarchy of nobility.

    The nobles are staring in blank amazement as a few dozen ruined nobles, the names of which they¡¯ve never heard before, that barely could even be considered as such, are walking past them. With the looks of utter bewilderment, unable to comprehend what is happening, they are just gazing at them going by.

    There aren¡¯t that many fools incapable of guessing what kind of retaliation will befall nobility as a whole were a disturbance or an assassination occur on a ball hosted by the Royal Family. And yet, there are more than enough fools here, congregating and working out strategies. There is no telling what might happen with this many nobles gathering together and letting their ambitions and desires run wild, so I can¡¯t let my guard down.

    ¡¸Commander of the First Division Lady Barebarela, and Commander of the Second Division Baron Terrysel.¡¹

    The venue is now filled with all sorts of ugly faces, those that pale with fear, those that are red with anger, those that are so shaken they look like they might faint any moment now.

    And commanders are calmly walking in front of them.

    ¡¸Commander of the Royal Guard Princess Shariceres di Diorer.¡¹

    The new hero Princess Shariceres advances with an air of composure, wearing a luxurious and gorgeous dress, but stops midway, and moves to the side.

    ¡¸Count Mellotosam Shim Omui, Countess Murimur Shim Omui, Miss Meriel Shim Omui.¡¹

    The count of the Frontier appeared after the Kingdom¡¯s princess. Everyone gasped for breath, understanding the implication.

    Then¡­ They saw it with their own eyes.

    The aura around them was completely different. The world they lived in was different. Overwhelmed by the power that they radiated, everyone unconsciously took a step back, opening a path for them. Beside the King of the Frontier Sir Mellotosam is the previous Knight Princess Murimur, followed by the Twin-Sword Princess from the Farthest End, the Frontier¡¯s Princess Meriel. The surrounding crowd is overawed and can¡¯t help but pull back as the three heroes, who triumphed over dungeon stampedes, are merely walking. This is the lineage of heroes, Omui, hailed in heroic tales through the continent.

    Then, moving about midway in, miss Meriel stands on the opposite side of Princess Shariceres.

    ¡¸Finally, a guest from a foreign land and a benefactor of the Kingdom, Haruka and his party.¡¹

    No one could breathe anymore, even the band forgot about playing their instruments, and the servants and maids stopped their feet, fascinated by that miracle.

    This is the black-haired strategist and the maidens.

    It was like a scene from heaven descended to our world. As if the palace¡¯s hall was illuminated by the radiance of supreme beauty. Everyone is petrified, captivated by that transcendent beauty, unable to even breathe. They alone looked like they were enveloped by the light of a different world. Truly a sight out of this world.

    The beautiful maidens who have become legends of the kingdom, dressed in gorgeous pure white dresses that almost appear shining, and hiding their beauty under veils, calmly advance in a line. As if surrounding the tactician in black to protect him, they are slowly walking with a grace that makes it seem like they are gliding over the floor instead of making steps. In the middle of them, a black-haired boy with a grumpy face walks sluggishly.

    Nonchalantly commanding the matchless beauties that are rumored to have destroyed three dungeons with just 20 of them, the boy calmly walks past the portraits of the previous kings, looking as if the royal palace itself belongs to him.

    As they make it halfway through the hall, the Princess Shariceres and Miss Meriel who were waiting there, also join the procession. The brilliance of the previously dazzling venue fades, as it loses color, eclipsed by that sublime beauty.

    That is a legend, those are heroes. When the group that almost seems to be flaunting the difference of the worlds they live in passes by the nobles, who had turned into nothing but riffraff, sighs are heard from the crowd, as if they had finally remembered to breathe.

    Not only does he pay no respect to the nobles present, he doesn¡¯t acknowledge their presence itself, not even sparing them a single look. He is simply walking past them sullenly, as if considering them some sorts of boring mannequins.

    And even making it all the way to the King¡¯s side, he doesn¡¯t kneel, or bow, or even greet him, simply turning around, and saying the following.

    ¡¸Ah, I kinda forgot. Come in, they have free food that you can eat as much as you want. No idea if there¡¯s going to be a food battle for whoever eats it, but we can¡¯t start without our main stars, so come on in.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeees!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Commotion started in the venue as angel-like children who looked as if they came down from heaven, dressed up in lovely gorgeous dresses and extravagant tailcoats, bustled into the hall.

    They are followed by boys in tailcoats, walking in a nonchalant, and yet smooth manner. Stalwart bodyguards serving the nobles draw back as if in fear.

    The assembly of the most influential people in the Kingdom is being overwhelmed by 30 youths and 50 or 60 children.

    And making it all the way to the King¡¯s side, the miraculous parade of heavens finally halted.

    ¡¸Ehm, Haruka-kun. ¡­Who are those children? No, it¡¯s not like there is an issue with you bringing them?¡¹

    Count Omui asks in a casual tone with a wry smile on his face. Then,

    ¡¸Aaah, was it your first time meeting them? Those are the orphans that the Kingdom has abandoned, and almost exploited to death? They are the ones who have the strongest right to eat the food here, so I brought them along? Kind of?¡¹

    An abrupt silence, not even a breath can be heard. The words were clearly hinting at the nobles who were exploiting such small children and stealing funding from them. Smiling quietly, he declared in a monotone voice, as if it¡¯s not a big deal. But that pressure froze the entire venue, paralyzing every single person present. His smile terrified, and his voice had an intensity that wouldn¡¯t even allow one to faint.

    No one could move, they couldn¡¯t even breathe, let alone raise a voice. This won¡¯t be forgiven.

    Only Count Omui erased his wry smile, and was now radiating anger with an expressionless look.

    A long time that felt like an eternity, when everyone was terrified and felt death hanging over them. The King broke that silence, but that wasn¡¯t a reprimand for impoliteness, nor a rebuke for insolence¡­

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, little ones. Being unable to protect the most vulnerable subjects of the kingdom is my failure as a King. I¡¯m to blame for being unable to extend a helping hand even though you were suffering before my eyes. Forgive me.¡¹

    The king of a country descends from the throne, and then kneels, bowing deeply to unknown orphans. Queen consorts and young princes join him, and all of the nobles in the seats of honor also follow suit.

    Facing frightened children that looked at them with troubled expressions, they are apologizing on their knees. That must be why he brought them here¡­ This is the decay of the Kingdom, this is the result brought by the ugliness of the noble society. And the most vulnerable, the young children who had lost parents, became the worst victim of that.

    It is said that until just the other day, the children, now dressed in brand-new clothes and laughing like angels, were huddled together in a corner of an abandoned house in the slums, wearing nothing but rags and on the verge of starving to death. And now they were told to their faces that this is the Kingdom¡¯s crime.

    With just one line, a refined ball became an execution site with ¡ºDeath¡» hanging over it. It was turned into one.

    The gorgeous venue with tables buried under abundance of fine food and expensive drinks. The meaning of that sin, the lives that could¡¯ve been saved with just a small piece of what went there, were thrust before their eyes.

    The Noble District visible from the Palace, and the dark side of the Capital, hidden in its shadow, the slums. Children were starving right next to them. High-class cuisine was served every day to entertain demands of the nobles, if only a tiny bit of that reached the children, they would¡¯ve been saved. Those are the children that should¡¯ve been dead, because no one extended them a helping hand.

    There is not much importance to the head of a mere castle servant who was meaninglessly lowering his head in courtesy to the nobles every day, thousands, tens of thousands of times. Even so, here, I have to lower my head and apologize from the bottom of my heart. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s meaningless, if I can¡¯t bow my head and apologize here, my entire life will end just as ugly as the nobles glaring at those children.

    No, that¡¯s just an excuse. I simply want to apologize. Even knowing that I won¡¯t be forgiven, I still want to. Apologize to these children and to the Kingdom.

    For the King of a kingdom to step down from his throne and apologize is an unprecedented scandal, and the grand chamberlain should not be silent.

    However, the King deeply bowing his head to the children, is the true King of the Kingdom. The young prince that I¡¯ve observed since he was just a child, eventually ascended to the throne. But it¡¯s only now that he first became the true King.

    All of that is our fault. I¡¯ve been tasked with overseeing the King¡¯s education since his childhood. Be it myself, other tutors, or the late King, everyone spoke in unison¡ºBe dignified as a King¡», or¡ºPeople are ruled by the nobles, a King is to rule the nobles¡», or¡ºA King equal his country, never lower your head¡», disciplining him under the pretense of education. This is the answer, this is the result of that.

    These children are my fault. Those children are the crime that should be paid by us, servants of the castle.

    Since when did we misunderstand the meaning? We, the old people, were wrong, and the one kneeling and bowing his head to the orphans is the true King of the Kingdom of Diorer.

    Because the letters engraved on the Diorer throne, which I have been polishing every day, are simply, ¡ºRoyal Family for the sake of the people¡». Just that alone.

 CH 318

    Chapter 318: Stuffing a mushroom into a middle-aged man¡¯s mouth seems to be the most depressing act in the world.

    Day 76 ¨C Nighttime, the Capital, the Royal Palace

    The King is to simply sit and wait. My buttocks hurt, and it¡¯s also hard on my back. I¡¯d like to get one of those massage chairs too, but I wonder if he can make a throne? Umu, let¡¯s send a messenger to the souvenir store later.

    Things are still quiet for now. If it ends like this the Royal Family will restore its authority and will be able to seize power. In that case, this calmness is eerie for the ball that will become the last party for the corrupt nobles.

    Elegant music is playing in the hall, and fancily-dressed lords are chatting with fake smiles. A muddy dance party of the nobles, no different from usual, where corrupted desires are mixed with the intrigues and scheming. But that warped atmosphere was drowned out and turned into a fun feast mixed with the voices of children running around.

    But that is true only for the seats of honor, the lower portion of the hall is in chaos. The ones that glance around in confusion, those anxiously talking together, bunching up as if out of fear, and those that hatefully scowl in discontent. Only a small number finds this pleasant.

    What is noble of a lady who enviously stares at the laughing children and clicks her tongue? Jealous of the gorgeous dresses of the orphans, enraged by them sitting in their higher position than themselves, resenting their crime being brought to light and openly discussed, disgusted at having lowly orphans in the same room, they make their displeasure and irritation apparent.

    Even though Mellotosam and others are playing with the children, those have rotten to the point of being unable to see their fault?

    How ugly. Heinousness too unsightly to tolerate.

    And this is the Kingdom. Even though¡ºThe King controls the nobility, the nobility protects the people¡» is the pledge made upon receive a rank of nobility, not only are they not protecting the people, they are holding them in contempt.

    ¡¸Your Majesty, Marquis Skobathus is asking for a permission for greeting.¡¹

    ¡¸He came despite his illness, let¡¯s meet him. ¡­Old man, what do you think seeing that scene?¡¹

    The grand chamberlain that has been looking after me since my childhood is about to retire due to his age. That¡¯s why I want to know what his thoughts are.

    ¡¸I apologize for the insolent utterance in spite of my incompetence. What I taught and passed down are indeed traditions of the Royal Family, however, what I ended up teaching Your Majesty is but a mere skeleton of tradition, full of errors. Please forget all of the ancient customs that I have taught you. The Royal Family¡¯s motto was simply¡ºRoyal Family for the sake of the people¡». That alone was something that never should have been forgotten. That what I was reminded of by seeing the smiles of the children.¡¹

    The old man looked at the children, and bowed his head to the black-haired boy. Then, went to bring Marquis Skobathus. He is one stern, stubborn, inflexible old man, but¡­ He can smile like that too, huh.

    ¡¸Your Majesty, congratulations on the recovery and on this victory. I apologize for my incompetent self that could not be of any help in the time of need.¡¹

    Marquis Skobathus kneels leaning on his cane and supported by the chamberlain. There was not even a shadow of the giant bear-like man that he was before, giving off an impression like he aged a few decades overnight.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped, you couldn¡¯t have led an army while suffering from an illness. And with Miss Barebarela entrusted with the First Division, there really was no way around. Miss Barebarela¡¯s service has compensated for House Skobathus in full¡­ *whispering* (and the one who was completely useless this time was myself¡­ And it¡¯s not like I could ask you to entrust your army to my younger brother)¡¹

    ¡¸¡­I¡¯m deeply grateful for those words.¡¹

    Boorish and completely devoted to warfare, failing to participate in the war must be vexing for them. But that is something that the nobles arbitrarily decided on their own. Hedged in by restrictions, House Skobathus was cleverly cut off from both the Frontier and the Capital. So their ability to act was sealed.

    ¡¸But the scene just now gave me chills. I can¡¯t recall when was the last time I have experienced such terror, be it on the battlefield or in a dungeon.¡¹

    The smile that appeared on his emaciated face still retained his past ferocious intensity. No, he is simply excited after being hit by that spirit.

    ¡¸There are too few of those that understand this. The majority of them are running all flustered without any idea what actually happened¡­ To think that these are the sword (nobles) of the Kingdom, how deplorable. What possible can they protect if they can¡¯t even recognize a mortal danger?¡¹

    It could not have been helped even if all of us were killed at that moment, and most likely, it was possible. That is not the kind of an issue that can be solved with an apology. He backed off with that, but it¡¯s not like we were forgiven. Because we by no means should ever be forgiven.

    ¡¸My liege, what are you going to do? I arrived here fully expecting this to be my place of death, so please give your order.¡¹

    ¡¸Shariceres told me, if I want to adhere to the Royal Family¡¯s covenant, I need to be resolved to kill the Kingdom. ¡¹

    By the time I woke up from my long sleep my daughter has become an adult. My stupid daughter that knew nothing but sword and warfare has become a princess of a kingdom. What did she see, what did she learn¡­ Her eyes, filled with resolve and determination, had an unshakable will within them.

    The Royal Family¡¯s covenant lies in protecting its subjects. And its enemies right now are the nobles. Descendants of the comrades that gathered together to bring forth the Royal Family and who swore to protect the people together¡­ Those very nobles.

    ¡¸At what point have this Kingdom gone so wrong¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It did not. They are the ones who betrayed the aspirations of their own ancestors. There is nothing more to it.¡¹

    It¡¯s peaceful. That¡¯s because all of the people in the seats of honor can be trusted and there also aren¡¯t that many of them. However, once the preliminary phase ends and the actual ball begins the partition will be gone, and there will be no such thing as seats of honor and lower seats. Once the lines are maintained by etiquette alone, people are going to come and go. Will everything end without an issue?

    ¡¸Please rest at ease, I might have aged, but I will definitely make sure to protect those children, that¡¯s the most I can do to atone for my crime. Naturally, the same goes for the black-haired foreign guests as well. Although for them it¡¯s a needless concern.¡¹

    This ball is going to change the fate of the Kingdom. If the nobles will keep their weapons sheathed, then we will be able to make progress with reforms, even if at a slow pace. But if they won¡¯t consent it would mean a civil war.

    ¡¸Aaaah, not only do middle-aged men have unpleasant-looking faces but also a poor color of that face, like, not a single good point to them, which is kind of natural for middle-aged men, but having such a unhealthy-looking middle-aged man around is detrimental for the orphans healthy development, and stuffing it into a middle-aged man¡¯s mouth is not only not fun at all, but is actually deeply depressing, and absolutely not sought by anymore, so there is not a single good thing about this, but¡­ Open your mouth? HOORYAAA!¡¹

    The black-haired boy suddenly appeared, and shoving a mushroom in lord Skobathus¡¯ mouth with an incomprehensible words, forcibly made him swallow it down. Beside him, Mellotosam and lady Murimur are laughing as they watch that act?

    ¡¸Well, as expected, the real Mushroom Evangelist is totally different. When I was trying to stuff the mushroom into That (the king), I had quite a hard time since he just wouldn¡¯t swallow it, you know? Is there some trick to it?¡¹

    So it means¡­ The same was done to me as well.

    ¡¸Nope! And who even cares! For some reason, I¡¯m taking tons of Emotional Damage from merely shoving a mushroom into middle-aged man¡¯s mouth, so I totally didn¡¯t need you painting such a disgusting scene of middle-aged dude stuffing a mushroom into another middle-aged dude¡¯s mouth, or rather, middle-aged men themselves aren¡¯t needed in this world!¡¹

    Middle-aged dude¡­ Well, it certainly doesn¡¯t make for a pretty picture. While I do think he could¡¯ve normally offered it as a medicine, I can¡¯t complain after having my life saved.

    ¡¸However, lord Skobathus seems to be convulsing, is he alright?¡¹

    Darting his eyes in confusion he is shaking and twitching. While it does seem like there is some redness to his face, it also makes one wonder if he is simply choking on a mushroom stuck in his throat.

    ¡¸Eeeeh?! I mean, if he chokes to death there will be one less middle-aged man in the world, and if he survives, he will return to a healthy middle-aged man, exacerbating middle-aged menofication phenomenon, and polluting the atmosphere with middle-aged men stink, which would be a great problem! Kind of?¡¹

    He got up. But even though lord Skobathus was sick, to think that he¡¯d be able to shove a mushroom into the mouth of such a renowned warrior in a mere instant, that¡¯s some amazing technique.

    ¡¸Ooh, was that the legendary Recovery Mushroom?! Haruka-dono, was it? I¡¯m greatly grateful for the precious and valuable healing mushroom. Please allow me to express my thanks, You can call me Old man Skobathus, if you care, the pain in my body have completely vanished!¡¹

    Having said that, he deeply lowered his head. Just some moment ago he couldn¡¯t even stand without leaning on a cane, but as he straightened up and stood proud now, he even appeared to be larger than before.

    ¡¸Ah, how sly, Sir Skobathus! Haruka-kun, instead of this middle-aged man that just popped out of nowhere, could you please remember my name already? Or rather, can you at least remember House Omui¡¯s name? Since it¡¯s also the name of the town? Every plan you bring a new paper it has¡ºOmusomething town? Like, the plan for that crazy down with mountains of clubs? Kind of?¡», which got even officials depressed?¡¹

    Nice, looks Mellotosam didn¡¯t get his name memorized yet. So there is still a chance. I mean, he doesn¡¯t remember the name of this country either. The boy can¡¯t retain in his memory neither the name of the Frontier that he gave a new life, nor the name of the Kingdom that he saved, as if saying that he has no interest in something of that sort. However, I can¡¯t be careless. After all, the person closest to being called by their actual name is Madam Murimur at Murimuri-san, and the runner-up is Mellotosam himself at Meripapa-san. Even my daughter is still stuck at Sharishari-san.

    But to think that the Royal Palace, which felt like an oppressive prison my entire life, could have delighted children¡¯s laughs fill its halls, feeling so bright, and even joyous.

    Speaking of which, among the countless nicknames this boy possesses, there was¡­¡ºNatural Enemy of Common Sense¡».

    The burden, the chains called the Kingdom¡¯s traditions and the Royal Family¡¯s formalities also were nothing but common sense made up by somebody. Convincing ourselves that it is something absolute, we acted the same as someone who had wandered into a blind alley and then began lamenting that there is no way out of it. That¡¯s right, we simply had to crush it like that boy did. Unable to do such a simple thing, we trapped ourselves into a prison of our misconceptions, and this Royal Palace is the symbol of that.

    But my common sense was shattered the moment I saw the boy who was casually walking in and out of an impenetrable and impregnable fortress as he saw fit, and even was eating a boxed lunch there. What we thought to be a labyrinth (Royal Palace) with no escape was so easy to enter and leave. But that was only natural, because the most famous nickname of the boy here is ¡ºDungeon (labyrinth) Killer¡».

    The inescapable maze of common sense has long since been destroyed. Yes, from the moment I saw him eating his lunch box. However, that lunch box surely looked tasty.

 CH 319

    Chapter 319: Wouldn¡¯t I accidentally get a response if I just shout about it in the middle of the hall? part 1

    Day 76 ¨C Nighttime, the Capital, Royal Palace

    Are they not not acting yet? Are they not acting anymore? Or perhaps they can¡¯t act?

    It seems that at the dangerous outside, reroreroing middle-aged man is disposing of all assassinish-looking people that were hiding, so the ball is proceeding without any issues. At the moment, only a few pairs are dancing in a tiny space in front of the orchestra, so the main part of the ball must be still ahead.

    I¡¯m going to send the orphans to rest in a large room before it begins, and with Slime-san as their bodyguard, there is nothing to worry about. I¡¯ve also asked the Big Shot from the Second Division to look after them, and it seems Royal Girl is going to deploy some Royal Guards too. When it starts the food is going to be put away anyway, leaving only some light snacks alongside the walls, so let¡¯s have them eat as much as they can while still possible.

    Each orphan has a small Slime-san with them, which is probably busy stuffing itself with food by now. The orphans are completely safe, each equipped with portable Slime-san. Be it an assassin, a kidnapper, a Dungeon Master, or a Demon Lord, they all would end up devoured, so the kids are totally safe? It also would alleviate food expenses so that actually would be a great help.

    After all, for now it¡¯s still socializing time for greetings and introductions, once the main part begins, the tables will be removed, and this entire hall will become a dance floor, with the partition for lower seats and seats of honor also gone, the nobles with be all jumbled together and attendants are going to start moving around the venue.

    And unexpectedly greatly contributing Elf Little Sister Girl-san has a super rare skill ¡ºDetect Emotions¡»which apparently allows her to sense malice and killing intent. However, with the swirl of emotions on the clamoring lower seat side of the hall, where killing intent, malice, spite, hatred, resentment, envy, and prejudice are all jumbled together with an addition of fear, desire, and even lust, it¡¯s impossible to make out anything, so at the moment, she is focusing on strong killing intent or particular emotions linked to ¡ºPoison¡»,¡ºDrugs¡»or¡ºMagic¡».

    Extremely sadly, there are no Sexy Female Assassins around, even though I finally got to see real maids.

    I¡¯ve even probed the surrounding for suspicious maids with Detect Presence, in case there is a hope they might accidentally reply if I yell ¡ºAre there any beautiful female assassins among the guests?¡»right in the middle of the hall, but sadly, it seems the only maid harboring murderous intent is Maid Girl? Yeah, she is glaring at me from Royal Girl¡¯s shadow. She must be still pissed because of what happened during dress making. Well, certainly, considering that she is going hide in the shadows anyway, Maid Girl probably didn¡¯t need a dress, so there was no need for her to go through hanging and insane measurements hell, is the kind of rumor one might¡¯ve heard 75 days ago, but since I wasn¡¯t even in this world back then, it¡¯s totally not my fault? Yup, everything must be the old fart¡¯s (god) fault, so if there are any complaints, go burn a church or something? I have some good oil for that, you know?

    There are so many nobles glancing this way that even though I¡¯m memorizing them with ¡ºWisdom¡»the number is too great, and there is actually only a handful of nobles not looking here, so it¡¯s probably completely pointless. Well, Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are both peerless beauties who might render one so speechless with their beauty it could cause one to scream in despair, and the Pres and others are also in a full force of the class of beauties (which however includes a raccoon) which is said to have caused even some distant schools to come on observation tours just to see them. It is because they have good looks that they can wear such gorgeous dresses without being worn by them. Merely being able to elegantly wear luxurious dresses puts them (Which includes one beautiful raccoon) on the same level as Armored Pres-san. It¡¯s hard not to look at that. This is the most superb sight in the venue. The rest are just wallflowers.

    Elf Little Sister Girl-san was complaining that there are actually more than just a few openly glaring ladies, making using¡ºDetect Emotions¡» to spot them quite difficult, but she doesn¡¯t seem to be aware of also being one of the targets of their gazes. And with the addition of Royal Girl and Merimeri-san, those glares become only natural. Yup, putting so much effort into your appearance for the sake of the ball only to encounter a group of such transcendent beauties there has to be insanely unpleasant. They stand out a lot.

    Even so, I can¡¯t stand this, what is this? A new sort of bullying?

    All of the girls are silently following me in a line, and once I stop, they smoothly get into a formation, encircling me, and looking my way? Their faces are covered with veils, but it¡¯s still possible to make out their features and expressions, and they don¡¯t seem to have Flat Gazes? Disappointing.

    As a result of that even I stand out. It¡¯s because they are taking the attitude of some sort of obedient servants that even I end up as a center of attention.

    Those people are violent bludgeonists who were trying to beat me with morning stars before we stepped into the palace, you know? Instead of silently obeying they were about to turn me into a silent corpse?

    When I hand them a plate with the food, saying¡¸Wanna try it? Here you go¡¹,

    They reply with ¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you, I¡¯ll have it¡¹¡¹¡¹, bowing their heads and giving it a taste, but their quiet demeanor doesn¡¯t change?

    Well, they might not be hungry since they were fighting with tridents over fried pasta (mountain) with mushroom cream topping, which I offered to wrap up the lunch, in a grand battle that could eclipse Annals of the Three Kingdoms¡­ But where did all of that energy go? They even made numerous holes in the mithrilified plate that I made just for how? Those forks definitely weren¡¯t meant for eating!

    ?

    ?

    ?

    My foolish sons that were evaluating noble ladies in a vulgar manner mixed with obscene ridicule while having dirty smiles plastered on their faces went completely silent with the arrival of the Princess and the Margrave¡¯s young lady, while their expressions turned even more indecent. The simple thought that these are my sons who will succeed House Kasgir is enough to fill me with shame, but there is no doubt that they are the best ladykillers in the Kingdom.

    By now, the only way for our House to avoid collapse is to take either the Princess or the Frontier¡¯s young lady, and if we can get both, the Kingdom itself will become ours.

    But the beauty of the princess and Omui¡¯s young lady, far surpassing that of those around them, seems to have finally gotten them motivated. Both are beautiful maidens praised throughout the Kingdom, but neither is participating in high society. Not to mention that this time, instead of armor, they are wearing elegant dresses, overflowing with beauty akin to blooming flowers.

    The mood of the venue completely changed.

    But that group that was invited last as visitors from afar. All of the nobles present in the hall couldn¡¯t produce a word once the rumored clown and black-haired maidens made their appearance. The princess and Omui¡¯s young lady caused quite a bit of murmur and sighs of admiration, but now, forget speaking, everyone seems to have forgotten how to even breathe.

    Peerless beauties clad in gorgeous shiningly pure white dresses. The Capital is singing praises to their lustrous hair, black as a raven¡¯s wing, and dark eyes resembling polished obsidian, but it seems the rumors didn¡¯t lie, rather, they didn¡¯t praise them enough.

    And now, adding to his preposterous insolence and outrageously arrogant demeanor, paying no respect to us, nobles, and bringing lowly orphans to mess around in the seats of honor of such a noble gathering, also the sheer hubris of having not only black-haired maidens waiting upon him, but also the Princess, the Frontier¡¯s young lady, an elf, and foreign beauties, he is now looked with the eyes filled with murderous intent by everyone.

    ¡¸If we are to bring that clown to our side, we are ought to act quick, or he might be poisoned right away.¡¹

    ¡¸I changed my mind, Father, let¡¯s kill him.¡¹

    ¡¸Agreed, let¡¯s have him die, and take all of the women.¡¹

    Well, the looks of those heavenly maidens are enough to make lust surge from all of the nobles that saw them, not just my sons, putting plots and schemes in motion. Just how many nobles would be willing to silently let such pretty women slip by. No one must¡¯ve had a taste of such first-class goods. Merely obtaining these women and putting them into one¡¯s own service could be enough to take a country.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    Even when it came to an official occasion, the boy¡¯s status still hasn¡¯t been revealed, but that has nothing to do with me. He is the strategist that after saving the Capital, sought no honor or commendations for that and immediately departed for the Frontier by himself, toying with and destroying 40,000 enemies there. I¡¯d like to attend to him today, but with him being a person not fond of ceremonious greetings and concealing his status, I limited myself to a simple greeting.

    Not only does he not fret standing next to our King, he is even teasing him along with Omui-sama. He might be able to conceal his status, but the difference in caliber is too apparent.

    And on top of that, now even the summoned marquis Skobathus is prostrating himself, thanking him. He might¡¯ve fallen ill, but he still was called a ferocious tiger, one of the best warriors in the Kingdom, and the head of one of the four great marquis houses. The sight of him deeply bowing his head is making a stir through the hall.

    Everything must be because of that disrespectful theater play.

    Because of that play, the true liberator who saved the Capital without shedding a single drop of blood, the true hero that protected the Frontier all by himself, and led his comrades to suppress overflowing dungeons, became known as a laughable boastful stupid coward and a clown, without anyone learning of his true achievements. To mock the benefactor of the Kingdom and all of the Kingdom¡¯s subjects in such a fashion is way over the line.

    Hearing about this I immediately went to see it with my own eyes. Although I managed to restrain myself since I was surrounded by the jubilant citizens, overjoyed over the finally arrived peace, but the urge to behead the entire troupe involved in this outrageously rude play and then yell out the truth made me so angry, that simply suppressing it made me dizzy.

    It was that awful. There is no way it could be allowed to insult and ridicule the person that saved the Kingdom, in such a fashion. Even now, merely thinking back on how great of a miracle he brought to the Kingdom and the Frontier, despite being completely unrelated to all of this, makes me want to hang the entire troupe and display them at the castle gates.

    The actor (clown) in a black wig and black cloak was acting with an arrogant swagger, giving out orders to the maidens, while he sat doing nothing in the safe rear. Once enemies appeared in the castle he would run tumbling on the stage in the most ridiculously comical manner while screaming hysterically, while the audience would laugh and jeer, pointing fingers and throwing insults at him. At our savior. At the protector of our Kingdom. They would point fingers at the person who fought to protect the lives of every single citizen of the Capital who was present there and laugh at him. Is there anything more vexing than that? What possibly could be more wretched and enraging?

    Enduring it for a maddeningly long time and seeing the play to its end, I then went backstage, after confirming that all of the audience had left the scene. Screw my position as the Second Division Commander, I might as well murder them all, and at least have them apologize with their lives, is what I thought as I stormed in with a yell into the dressing room, and that¡¯s where I encountered the scriptwriter for the play, who was holding the permit for the performance, issued by me.

    Which is only natural, since I was the one who gave it to that person.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    Wait upon him, making sure not to leave his side, that¡¯s our objective.

    Everyone in the Capital is hailing the Princess, Meriel-sama, and us, as heroes.

    And everyone is making fun of the black-haired strategist. Apparently, at the theater, the audience would boo the moment he appeared, and once his life is in danger, they would erupt in cheers, and throw insults while he is running around. Unforgivable.

    Words are meaningless here, everyone sees us as powerless servants or attendants, obedient to his command.

    That¡¯s why we asked the Princess and Meriel-sama to cooperate as well. We won¡¯t allow any insults, mocking, or banter, to reach Haruka-kun. We also won¡¯t allow any false accusations or meddling either.

    If that¡¯s what they want to think then we are fine with being followers or servants, in such a case, what¡¯s the problem for us to be protecting our master?

    That is our very desire that we are powerless to make true.

    This Master-san doesn¡¯t give orders to anyone, be it servants, attendants, classmates, comrades, friends, even if they are under his Taming, and goes to do the most dangerous stuff by himself.

    He probably wouldn¡¯t care no matter how they boo, mock, or insult him.

    He probably protected everything that he wanted and doesn¡¯t care about the rest.

    But we cannot permit such a thing.

    He kept going from one dangerous gamble to another, constantly betting his life, so why does he have to be ridiculed and laughed at by people that he worked so hard to save? How can they do such a cruel thing?

    I¡¯m sure the nobles have seen the play as well. That¡¯s why we are going to protect. We won¡¯t allow them to approach or mock him. There is no way we¡¯d allow some nobles, who didn¡¯t move a finger to protect the people, to mock Haruka-kun, who protected everything.

    So today there is no playing around. Our feelings are decided. We don¡¯t care about being seen as servants, rather, we¡¯d like to become his shield. It doesn¡¯t matter if we get Tamed or become his slaves if it means that we can protect him.

    After all, our lives, our happiness, our joy, our delight, all of it was given to us by Haruka-kun. If we are seen as servants, then poor manners of servants would bring shame to the master, that¡¯s why today we are going to be the shield and the sword for Haruka-kun (master). If he was attacked by swords or spears then it wouldn¡¯t be an issue, even poison is not a big deal, but when it comes to scorn or disdain, not only does he have no means to protect himself, he lacks even the desire to do so. That¡¯s why we are absolutely not allowing anyone through.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    The orchestra and the venue are ready, the music begins to grow louder, and several groups of men and women have already started dancing, and the ball is finally about to begin.

    The King began his speech. There are many nobles in the Capital who have been given rewards for their deeds on arms and have been raised in rank on this occasion, but awarding starts from those of the lower ranks and lesser accomplishments.

    Certainly, they haven¡¯t done anything, but even after their families went into decline, eventually coming to ruin, they still remained a faithful sword to the King.

    They are the saviors of the Kingdom. Those who learned of the plight of the orphans and tried to help them, but were driven out of the noble district for refusing to participate in the corruption and actively opposing it, becoming nobles in name only, unable to take any public office, and who yet hurried to the Palace when they learned of the danger to the Royal Family, arming themselves with their own very modest funds. It was plainly obvious that with the King collapsed from illness, the Palace must¡¯ve been usurped, and yet they rushed not to the Second Prince or the Great Nobles, but to the King¡¯s side instead. They arrived knowing full well that only defeat is awaiting them. Certainly, they didn¡¯t get to do anything, but even so, they are the true nobles. The fact that there was someone who tried to reach out to the orphans was a small salvation for the Kingdom, and the day there is no one to help those in need is when the Kingdom will truly end.

    Each division is also being awarded accordingly. The Royal Prince seems to have turned down the award, claiming that he didn¡¯t do anything, much less anything worthy of reward.

    From a young age, he was clumsy in his way of life and desperately tried to follow the rules we taught him. If the Royal Prince is called a foolish King, then the blame is on us and our teachings.¡ºCommoners, nobles, royalty, each have their own responsibilities, so do not get involved¡»or¡ºA smart King makes a decision after carefully considering opinions of nobles¡», as a result, the Royal Prince ended up accepting all of the insults thrown at him. This is our responsibility.

    The Royal Prince was openly criticized and badmouthed on the streets. Every time I heard it, I felt remorseful for my unspeakable sins, and I guess it was thanks to that Play that the public dissatisfaction with the Royal Prince disappeared.

    The black-haired tactician hinders, tricks, and deceives the Royal Prince, weaving his sinister traps, and he is just a foolish ruler, toyed by him.

    But it is because of the pact, what that foolish ruler risked his life to make, that the black-haired maidens destroyed the dungeons. It is because that foolish king kept desperately struggling that the black-haired strategist lost his way out and was forced to send out the maidens to fight. The story is about a foolish King saving the Kingdom through his although foolish but sincere actions.

    In short, the black-haired boy was made a villain, and had even the Kingdom¡¯s failures forced upon him.

    That¡¯s why the people forgave the Royal Family, allowing the princess¡¯ achievements to win back the trust for the royalty. All of their failures were pushed on a single clown.

    Thus, the black-haired boy cannot be formally awarded for anything that he has done. Only the maidens and the boys that are said to have saved the Beastmen Country are going to be officially rewarded. All because of the pretext that they acted under the orders of the Royal Family. As a result, their achievements also become achievements of the Royal family by proxy, earning great praises from the people.

    There wasn¡¯t even a single person in the Royal Palace who was aware of the Beastmen Country¡¯s distress. A rescue mission went there without anyone¡¯s knowledge and resolved the situation without anyone learning of it, handing to the Royal Family only the merit itself.

    If treated as acting under the Royal Family¡¯s orders then it will save the Kingdom¡¯s face before the Beastemen Country, and it would also soften the blow to the Royal Family¡¯s reputation. For the Kingdom, this is the most ideal plan and the best result.

    The margrave¡¯s reputation as a hero also was boosted even higher, as he is being praised alongside the Royal Family.

    Nothing but vainglory, with every honor and achievement handed to them by him. And the boy who accomplished all of that is given no honors, instead being ridiculed and despised by the people ignorant of all of this.

    The King, who kept objecting to this plan until the very end, had finally given in. This was the only path to protect the Kingdom. In order to protect the Kingdom¡¯s subject he was forced to make this bitter decision.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    The instruments fill the venue with music, and the stage is complete.

    In the end, all of this is just an opening to a comedy playing out in the palm of the clown¡¯s (hermit) hand. Even the gorgeous ball is just another stage.

 CH 320

    Chapter 320: No one would let me rest, jumping in one after another, making it a super hard labor with no way to escape.

    Day 76 ¨C Nighttime, the Capital, the Royal Palace.

    It is my duty to oversee this ball, which will be my last one as the grand chamberlain, and I cannot allow any harm or embarrassment to come to that black-haired boy, even if it means offending the nobles.

    The guest from a faraway land that saved the Frontier, saved the Kingdom, and even refused to take any credit for that to save the Royal Family. And I was entrusted with a party to welcome him. And the matter with the orphans even saved the Royal Family itself. The Royal family¡¯s reason for existence, which seems to have gotten mistakenly lost in the long tradition, was pointed out.

    The nobles are vigilantly looking out for an opportunity to ridicule and mock that benefactor. The atmosphere of the venue went beyond threatening and reeks of clear malice. The majority is driven by envy and the desire to illicit love from those maidens. They wouldn¡¯t shy from any measures if it¡¯s for the sake of taking them away from that boy.

    The nobles take pride in their refined education, so they must be intending to point out faults in regards to dancing, and after inventing some sort of pretext, make a conflict out of it. After all, the dance is the special privilege of the nobles, hammered into them from a tender age.

    Even so, the ball is going to begin.

    The sound of music being played begins to spread, and the atmosphere in the venue starts to change.The partition that separated the lower seats from seats of honor is no more, and the tables are moved to the wall.

    The award ceremony is over and the event is about to proceed to the ball. Formally, the black-haired boy received no honors or rewards. But being announced and entering the very last he is treated as the most privileged guest.

    The most privileged guest walks to the center of the hall¡­ Alone? ¡­He stands listlessly in the very middle of the floor by himself.

    Seeing that the nobles snicker and jeer at him,¡ºAbandoned by his partner¡»or¡ºA country bumpkin who doesn¡¯t even know how to dance¡»or¡ºBeing alone is just perfect for a clown¡», ridiculing and pointing fingers.

    Then, the music starts.

    The melody produced by the orchestra resounds through the venue.

    That is a divine dance.

    Everyone has their breath taken away as they are gazing at it with their eyes wide open in a mute amazement. Dancing in elegant and yet free movements they create afterimages flickering around like mirages due the complexity of the footwork.

    The boy that stood at the center of the hall, getting ridiculed by everyone, raised his right hand and took a step forward with the first opening notes, just one step.

    In just one step, he reappeared in front of the maidens awaiting at the side of the hall, in turn, the maiden with blonde hair moved towards him, and the next moment was in his embrace, leaning against him, with his hand on her waist. It all happened at the very first sounds of the music.

    And the next moment, the grand venue was completely taken over. A dream-like sashay leaving only countless afterimages behind, etched with every single dancing step, combining both elegance and splendor their movements are extremely swift. Even a spin seems like gliding, making the pure-white dress appear flowing away. They fly around the ballroom in a divine dance with heel, flat, inside edge, outside edge, and seemingly countless combinations of footworks, leaving behind beautiful afterimages all across the floor as the lead with infinite variety, which seems like it couldn¡¯t possible have any routine behind it, is being followed by the maidens in the most natural manner. A reverse turn with a composition so complex that it is impossible to distinguish with the naked eye is performed without a change in breathing, posture, a hold or even the distance between each other.

    A perfect footwork far beyond the technique of social dance. Sashay or weave from PP, curved feather from cross, twist turn and numbers of artistically beautiful spins, combined together in a perfect uninterrupted flow of steps and swings.

    While based on the Kingdom¡¯s ballroom¡¯s dance, which uses only a few types of steps that have been passed down since the olden times, they also combine it with fast and big movements with unprecedented footwork and turns, resulting in elegant and aesthetic dance with a beautiful flow which however holds passion that takes one¡¯s breath away. Giving the impression of the sharpness of sword dance with the goddess of war, and the heavenly dance unfolds, keeping the venue hall silently mesmerized.

    As soon as one song ends, the partner changes to a black-haired maiden, and in a complete change from before, they dance in a tranquil and graceful manner, gliding across the ballroom in large slides. Only sighs can be heard from the captivated audience as the song ends and the partner is changed to another maiden. They have a complete monopoly as no one is able to step onto the floor where that dreamlike beautiful spectacle unfolds.

    They managed to completely shut down the never-closing mouths of the nobles through dance alone, allowing no room for schemes or intrigues.

    Be it an assassin, a bowman, a swordsman, or a mage, no one can keep up with that dance. While quick, elegant, and involving large motions, it¡¯s however complex and advanced to the point of seeming irregularity, making it impossible to attack him as one wouldn¡¯t even be able to read the incoming movements. The moment you think they are right before you, they are already dancing on the other edge of the floor, leaving only a mirage behind.

    Even the Princess and the Count¡¯s young lady took their turns to dance, but no one else dares to take a step onto the floor. No one can intrude on that supreme masterpiece of a dance.

    Turning every noble of the Kingdom into a wallflower, he completely took over (hijacked) the ball. There is but one main character, and the Kingdom¡¯s nobles are just a rabble (mob).

    The boy for the sake of just the black-haired alone, who dances with one maiden after another.

    Even the nobles who were relegated to mere spectators of a solo performance can¡¯t step past the afterimage curtain created by this divine dance.

    While glaring at him, enraged with jealousy, they are still intoxicated and captivated by the dream-like beauty of the dance, admiring and envying it. Observing with wide-open bloodshot eyes in an attempt to steal the technique, they end up stunned by the degree of its complexity and difficulty.

    Dozens of the maidens took turns dancing on the floor, as the black-haired boy made their beauty bloom in full glory. He merely obliged the invitation and came for a dance, and with that dance alone he completely overpowered the nobles. He made all plots, conspiracies, and assassination ploys impossible.

    Even if an army encircled and swooped down at him, they would be powerless to grasp that divine dance. Even if 100 people were swinging swords at him all together, they wouldn¡¯t be able to even graze him.

    Not a single noble among those that were leering at the beautiful maidens, or even lusting after them, can even ask them for a dance. The reason being, if they were to try to dance with them, they¡¯ll have their arms cleanly torn off. There is no other person who can serve as a partner to the maidens in their intense and passionate dance aside from that boy.

    And looking at the maidens¡¯ attitude, akin to that of loyal servants waiting upon their master, which changes to delighted smiles while they are dancing with him, the nobles are seething with envy, understanding full well that they don¡¯t have even a shadow of a chance of wooing them.

    Even utterly depraved nobles, freely using money and power to obtain any beautiful woman that caught their fancy, are just looking at them with the eyes of envy. Even noble ladies in extravagant dresses and weary of their lavish lifestyle,don¡¯t have the courage to step onto that floor. Trying to rival these beauties is nothing short of a laughable suicidal action.

    Fools who don¡¯t understand the significance of dungeon killing, and who have forgotten their duty as nobles, just stare at them wistfully. It¡¯s not the dimension where low-level lazy nobles who don¡¯t even bother to fight can hope to accomplish anything.

    And the last song. The first half of the ball ends here, and we enter a break. While I was just staring at them, holding my breath, several hours had passed. The dream-like hours passed in a flash.

    The maiden that appeared next was a peerless beauty with amber skin. Having such a line-up of matchless beauties is almost scary.

    No hold? They both take poses with their hands away, standing so close that they might touch, but without actually touching, just gazing at each other.

    In that stillness, the last song begins. This is a foreign composition that the black-haired boy specifically requested to the orchestra. Then, they begin to move to the tune of a fervent yet beautiful melody.

    Everyone is entranced by the smooth foreign dance the likes of which they¡¯ve never seen before. A dance which involved stamping one¡¯s feet on the floor and clapping hands, colored in deep passion and intense desire.

    But there is nothing vulgar about it, far from that, there is a polished artistic refinement. The level of technique that is impossible to imitate has everyone mesmerized, as they look without even breathing.

    As the tune grows more intense, the dance also becomes even more feverish and passionate, in a beautiful display of technique. And with the melody reaching the climax, the dance ends with her leaning back in his embrace.

    The hall erupts in a thunderous applause, even those that aren¡¯t fond of the boy are still clapping their hands. It¡¯s obvious that claiming to not recognize its beauty is equal to lowering one¡¯s own status. Clearly hating it, they are still clapping their hands.

    They might¡¯ve forgotten their pride as nobles, but the education they were going through since childhood still remains. Getting thorough training in manners and dance as a part of etiquette, they realize that that sublime dancing technique signifies his refined equation, thus, if one desires to mock him, a dance superior to that would be expected from them, so there is no way they could do such a thing.

    The nobles who came with an idea of mocking and making fun of that boy after seeing that play had their mouths shut. It¡¯s obvious that one can only bring embarrassment to oneself by trying to find faults with him. Because he managed to shut up all of the Kingdom¡¯s nobles through dance alone, their own forte. Thus, he sealed their mouths. The nobles who are good only at arguments had their greatest weapon destroyed.

    Unable to trip him up and make him fall, bump into him on purpose and create a pretext for a quarrel, splash wine on him, trample his feet, or carry out any other kind of harassment that the nobles like so much they ended up just frozen in place with their mouth sealed. Trying to trip or bump into that is next to impossible. Not to mention that they couldn¡¯t even join the dancing. Because that means their defeat in terms of education as nobility. That¡¯s why they can¡¯t do anything.

    The commander of the Second Division Sir Terrysel had once said that it¡¯s utterly presumptuous for us to even worry about that boy, and he was exactly right. It was I who was underestimating him.

    That is a living legend in the form of a boy. Because that boy is the real hero, that no one knows about, in the Kingdom¡¯s miraculous heroic tale.

 CH 321

    Chapter 321: I don¡¯t think frail maidens in need of protection would be running around swinging morning stars every day.

    Day 76 ¨C Nighttime, the Capital, Royal Palace

    Haruka-kun is endlessly complaining about being exhausted, but we¡¯ve heard from Angelica-san, that when his ears are a bit red, it means that he actually feels embarrassed.

    It seems he is embarrassed about joining hands or having to hold his hand around our waists. Such a shy guy. But is it alright for Sex King to be getting all bashful about something of this level?

    ¡¸Aaaaaaaaaah, I¡¯m tired, like, dead tired? Why does everyone have to dance with me? Are you going to start a battle royal among yourself or something? Or rather, when did the Geeks and Idiots escape? They can dance too, you know? Take those nine, and then put a tuxedo on Vice Pres A-san and¡­ Nevermind. My, you look wicked fine in this dress, enough to put a wicked smile on the face? Like the one you have right now?¡¹

    I hurry to Vice Pres A-san and quietly try to soothe her wrath.

    (You shouldn¡¯t. Patience. You can strangle him later.)

    (((Yeah, I¡¯ll even help you, so please endure it for now? Don¡¯t pull out your morning star here.)))

    We are trying to make Haruka-kun look good today. The nobles haven¡¯t fully given up yet. We keep constantly Resisting for a long while now, which means, someone keeps trying to apply some sort of Abnormal Status Effect, triggering Resist.

    We can¡¯t get a break from spiked drinks and food too. Servants and maids are getting caught one after another, but there are no signs of improvement.

    But the contemptuous attitude towards Haruka-kun has disappeared. Unable to mock him, they just keep glaring, but we might as well pluck their eyes out later.

    It¡¯s pissing me off that they are looking down on him because of that play and awards. It¡¯s unforgivable to have a person, who worked more than anyone, getting insulted like that. Let¡¯s blind them.

    However, they keep glaring at him over and over, but what are they planning to do if Haruka-kun glares back?

    Haruka-kun¡¯s Glare is so dangerous that even monsters of the lower floors of the Great Dungeons are said to have broken into tears, failing to Resist it. I¡¯m sure all of the nobles would die from shock, but for some reason, they keep glaring at him. It¡¯s really bold of them to stare like that at a person more dangerous than an Evil Eye, a monster capable of instantly killing with its gaze.

    And everyone¡¯s rings keep shining. The transparent diamonds on our rings are busily going from red to blue.

    This means that various Mental Attacks, like ¡ºTemptation¡»,¡ºHypnosis¡»,¡ºSuggestion¡»keep barraging like a hail. Darts and needles smeared with drugs also keep flying our way, but we remain waiting, without making a fuss.

    The actual problem lies with the mental attacks like¡ºTemptation¡», ¡ºHypnosis¡», and¡ºSuggestion¡», from a girl¡¯s point of view, such attacks are nothing short of sacrilege towards a maiden¡¯s soul and body, and absolutely cannot be forgiven. It pisses me off so much that I¡¯d like to go and kill them this very instant.

    But I remain by Haruka-kun¡¯s side. After all, there definitely won¡¯t be any issue.

    ¡ºTemptation¡», ¡ºHypnosis¡», and¡ºSuggestion¡»? Moreover, low power and lower level. Be it the higher tier of ¡ºSeduction¡»or even the legendary¡ºCharm¡», with this equipment given to us by Haruka-kun neither will have any effect. On top of that, it even has a very eco-friendly design which allows it to absorb the effects as mana?

    Forget needles and darts, it can deflect even bows, ballistas, and cannons. Those dresses have higher defensive stats than the armor worn by the Royal Knights, given to them by Haruka-kun, that previously was said to be of legendary grade. But still, even if there is a risk of assassination, I don¡¯t think anyone would attempt to use a ballista or a cannon for it? That would require a very audacious assassin?

    But Haruka-kun is waiting for something, it doesn¡¯t seem like he is planning to let things end like this. So for now we endure. If everything ends like this without problems the Royal Family¡¯s authority will be established and the nobles will go into decline.

    If they are going to try something they will aim either for Haruka-kun or us. We are guests of honor today, and are also connected to the Princess and lady Meriel. They must think that not only can destroy the influence of the ball organized by the Royal Family through this, but if things go well, they might even be able to make a connection to the Princess or Lady Meriel. So perhaps he is baiting them?

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ¡¸Shit, why doesn¡¯t it work?!¡¹

    ¡¸Drugs have no effect either, and we are about to run out of magic stones for magic tools.¡¹

    ¡¸If you fail this, there is no future for us. Valets and maids were captured already. Once the ball ends we are done for too.¡¹

    Just when I thought that this trash might be useful for once, this is what I get. They couldn¡¯t even approach them, forget striking a conversation, and once they were given an opportunity to greet them, not only they didn¡¯t get a reply, they were completely ignored, unable to even get their existence acknowledged. Despite all their womanizing boasting, in the end, they are just incompetent trash that relies on the status of their family, drugs, and Skills to get women.

    ¡¸One of you will have to take responsibility for this with his life. Decide among yourselves on which one it will be. All other paths to survival have been shut down.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸Father¡­¡­¡¹¡¹

    No other choice but to cast away one of my foolish sons. And since they are twins, it makes no difference which one remains.

    (Send people outside. No other way but to kill that brat outside and kidnap the women.)

    (At once.)

    We won¡¯t be able to back off once it comes to violence in the very Capital. But if we withdraw without doing anything after having such beauties flaunted before us and getting humiliated like this, we wouldn¡¯t be able to keep other nobles in line even with our status as a Great Marquis House, which will lead to them lacking proper respect, distancing, and eventually deserting us.

    But if we manage to obtain the maidens, other nobles will be frequenting our house in droves, and will have no choice but to obey my will. There is no man who can look at these women and resist trying them himself.

    And if things go well, there is even a chance that the Frontier¡¯s young lady or the Princess will be with them too. We just have to ignore the tactics of that clown of a tactician and make them surrender through sheer force. The question is will we be able to escape the Capital¡¯s military and make it into our domain. I¡¯d like to have either the Princess or the young lady as a hostage, but there is no choice but to take a risk there. If losing and not taking the gamble both mean decline then victory is the only path left.

    Will it become a glorious parting gift for my sons, or will he die in vain. There is but one path to survival left.

    A cheap drama has begun. I wonder how much Ere a cheap drama is worth?

    Aah, it¡¯s a bother, but I immediately managed to bait someone.

    ¡¸Honorable noblemen of the Kingdom, on behalf of the Great Marquis House, I accuse this person. This black-haired clown is using forbidden magic to enslave women. As honorable nobles, we must take those women under our protection. If there are objections, I¡¯m willing to resolve them through a duel with this so-called black-haired strategist. Even a coward, who knows only how to run away, still should be able to wield a sword.¡¹

    Ooh, so that¡¯s the approach they are going to take? I was pretty sure they would attempt something like a robbery or a surprise attack, but they came with a duel instead, how archaic, wait, it is medieval here, so perhaps it¡¯s normal? Well, there are indeed a few girls Tamed with a forbidden? A prohibited? Skill-san, but to call them slaves is a bit much? Like, I don¡¯t think there are that many enslaved girls chasing their master around while swinging morning stars?

    ¡¸Or rather, who? No need to answer, I don¡¯t plan on remembering you anyway? Well, if you are going to bet on that duel, I¡¯m totally on it, but what are you going to wager? Also, you need approval of at the very least 5 other nobles to make a forced duel happen, so what are you doing getting all excited all by yourself? First get an approval, then decide on the terms of the duel, and only then start kicking a fuss.¡¹

    Well, if I can cull them here, then I might as well cull as many of them as I can. It¡¯s not like they are going to honestly obey the Royal Family, or stop doing nasty stuff in secret. Even if they get destroyed by the Royal Family once they actually do something, by the time that happens, there will be victims of that something already, and there is no telling how much damage will be done until their wrongdoings come to the light. So them taking a bait is actually convenient for me.

    ¡¸My fellow honorable noblemen, I ask those of the virtuous heart, willing to save and shelter those ladies from this man, to give your approval for this duel. Naturally, it¡¯s fine for those that provide their approval to join in on the wager as well. The time for our noble judgment has come.¡¹

    ¡¸Ooh, I approve.¡¹

    ¡¸Me too, 3,000,000 Ere from me.¡¹

    ¡¸Fine, our House will join with 5,000,000 Ere.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You have approval of our count house too, 4,000,000 Ere.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m on as well¡­¡¹

    ¡­(Followed by many more)

    They are laughing. Looks like since they can wager, they want to raise the stakes so much that the duel will become impossible. As expected, they aren¡¯t walking around with more than a few million Ere on hand, but if you pile up enough garbage it can become a mountain too, as the total sum has gone over 80,000,000 Ere already and keeps going up. The loophole in the noble duels is the wager system. If I don¡¯t have enough money to match their wager then it¡¯s my loss by default, so my money would automatically be confiscated, and they will be free to openly take the girls away, hence, even the nobles that were still on the fence are jumping on the bet.

    ¡¸Then our House Kasgir will wager 10,000,000 Ere, for a total of 100,000,000 Ere. Now, accept the duel.¡¹

    For starters, I signaled with my eyes to Dancing Girl-san and had Meripapa and the big shot from the Second Division restrained. The Royal Family cannot interfere with the decisions of the nobles, but since it seemed like he might act out anyway, I had the Playking tied up too. Convinced that no one could help me, the nobles rushed to join the bet all together.

    ¡¸If you cannot produce 100,000,000 Ere then the bet is invalid. Your wealth shall be confiscated and we will also be taking the ladies into our custody. Guards, capture this man!¡¹

    ¡¸Sure. 100,000,000 Ere? Or rather, a royal coin? Are you fine with just one? Wanna bet more?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Huh?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    No, I mean, I couldn¡¯t find a single store where I could use a 100,000,000 coin! Yeah, I thought I¡¯d enjoy some rich man life, but turns out it¡¯s a hated coin that not a single store or a stall would accept, so it¡¯s just lying around?

    ¡¸It, it is indeed a royal coin!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Kuh¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    No, you are the one who asked me to pull it out? Don¡¯t tell me that even these guys hate that coin? Just what were they thinking issuing such a detested coin¡­ Ah, is it this world¡¯s version of 2,000 yet banknote? Yeah, makes sense it would be hated. I hate it too.

    And while I¡¯m looking away wearily, he is observing my breathing¡­ And then suddenly stabs at me, a sudden attack with a rapier. The sword is also smeared with poison, so he seems very keen on killing me. Continuing his surprise attack with a series of consecutive attacks he is closing the distance.

    ¡¸Cowardice¡­ (*mmph-mpnh*)¡¹

    Just as Meripapa-san snapped and was about to jump in, he got tied up by Dancing Girl and has a handkerchief stuffed into his mouth, is it actually tasty?

    Well, it¡¯s indeed unusual to see a duel where one side launches a surprise attack on an unarmed opponent. But it¡¯s merely a rapier with deadly poison. Compared to a heavy downpour of morning star blows and a typhoon of deadly swings that I have to live with on a daily basis, this much is cute. From his irregular technique and the focus on attacking the legs and waist area, the parts that are difficult to move or moving which will break your posture, this has to be a dueling fencing style meant for fighting people.

    But this is nothing. I¡¯m different from the people of this world who can¡¯t handle more than a waltz, you know? Targeting legs? That¡¯s great, but lukewarm common sense of this world can¡¯t be applied here. In the world where we lived the extreme limits of footwork were constantly pursued. Yeah, don¡¯t look down on DANCE REVO?

    Things that were impossible in the original world, become possible in this one with skills and stats. That¡¯s right, attempting to stab my legs, that can now do ¡ºPARANOiA ¡«HADES¡« CHALLENGE DOUBLE¡»without handrails, is way too naive. Go back and retry all the way from whack-a-mole.

    Trying to stab me, who has become the True God of Footwork through graceful yet high-speed leg movement capable of passing a waterfall-like barrage coming at super speed of 300 BPM, and hitting 12 steps per seconds in SLOWDOWN is such a laughably absurd notion that laughing myself to death is a far greater risk at the moment.

    A fencing technique of this level can be easily dealt with even through casual ground stomping, hm? Is this why Merimeri-san was practicing her stomping so much? Was this the noble society¡¯s version of DDR? Well, anyway, this ain¡¯t going to him me.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    The Grand Marquis House has made their move, huh. Instigating other nobles, they brought things to a duel, and betting large sums of money raised the wager to, what they thought, was a sum impossible for him to accept, laughing, convinced of their victory, until the boy casually pulled out a royal coin of 100,000,000 Ere, petrifying them. Inexplicable, just what made them think that they will be able to beat in wealth someone whose fortune exceeds that of the entire Kingdom?

    Even though it is plainly obvious what kind of enormous wealth a matchless Dungeon Slayers, who obtained artifacts of the Great Dungeon on top of various treasures from dungeon masters that he was killing one after another, would possess. That boy¡¯s assets have long since surpassed the riches of the entire Kingdom, so it¡¯s quite puzzling how they arrived to the idea that they might have enough just because some rich nobles contributed some of their gold

    Then, he suddenly attacked. Throwing even semblance of duel etiquette he simply lunged at the unarmed boy, some duel that is. I was about to jump in and kill that guy with my bare hands, but got restrained by one of the maidens from among the boy¡¯s comrades.

    Well, this must mean that there is no need for interference. As the guy is desperately swinging and thrusting his sword, the boy is handling it with something that on one hand has too much rhythm and regularity to be called a footwork, and yet is too heterogeneous to be called a dance. There is no touching that. There is no way a sword can catch something moving in such unpredictable and incomprehensible way.

    A unique fencing technique which has the user launching thrusting attacks from a bizarre and peculiar low stance. It must be specialized for dueling. In a match of two armorless swordsmen, having the opponent obstinately attack one¡¯s lower half from such a low stance, would leave one in no position for offense, as stepping forward would mean being slashed, which would result in being one-sidedly carved up. Such a style would be quite useless in real combat, but is enormously effective in a duel.

    But it can¡¯t even scratch him. That is a style meant to corner and mince the opponent, but while the boy is moving his feet a lot, furiously stamping on the floor, he hasn¡¯t actually retreated even a single step from where he was initially standing. Even though the opponent¡¯s fencing style is focused entirely around pushing the other party back and preventing them from attacking, he is reduced to a laughingstock, clumsily thrusting his sword, with his head wide open for an attack.

    Completely exhausted by now, there is not even a shadow of that swiftness in his attacks that he displayed at the beginning. Crying, sobbing, and even dripping snot, he continues swinging his sword, but it can¡¯t graze even afterimages of those feet anymore. This fight is long since settled, but the boy continues performing complicated and mysterious dance steps, seemingly enjoying himself.

    But that guy can¡¯t back down, if he cannot finish off the boy here, he will be treated as a rebel, who pulled out a sword in the Royal Palace, while also breaching duel etiquette. If he doesn¡¯t want to be executed, he has to kill the boy here, and get the nobles on his side.

    However, the strange dance of countless stomps on the floor is growing faster, as the boy continues knocking the rhythm as if he is bouncing off the floor with each stomp. The rhythm hits one into the very body like a frenzied pounding of a drum. It¡¯s not something one can hope to imitate even with power obtained from leveling up. Then, the wild dance¡¯s drumming of frenzied feet stomps suddenly stopped, to which everyone inadvertently almost started clapping, admiring the performance.

    He is down. The boy, of course, still keeps going at it, full of energy. It actually looks pretty fun. But why is he starting another dance even though the duel just ended?

    Now, the enormous wager is going to be seized by the boy, and the numerous nobles that approved the duel will be implicated as accomplices. They went for a reckless bet, blinded by their lust for the maidens, so they have no one to blame for their downfall. These are descendants of the people that once rose up to protect the people and support the King, the descendants of the ones who built up this country. But this is only a natural finale for those that forgot their purpose and had rotten to their core.

    Everything came to an end as the boy simply answered the invitation and danced. With this, the nobles that attacked the honored guests and those that supported them lost their last way out through legality too. Since he was unable to kill him in a duel their rank is as good as gone. Not to mention, since he didn¡¯t follow the proper formalities of the duel, he will be given a verdict without a chance to defend himself.

    By simply dancing, the boy stomped the corrupt nobles into dust.

    The boy, who obtained two royal coins of which only a few dozen is said to exist in the entire Kingdom, is gazing at them with a very annoyed expression. With this he is also going to receive a vast fortune from the confiscated assets of the nobles. Certainly, it only makes sense that he has no need for rewards, since even treasures of the Royal Family can¡¯t rival the boy¡¯s earnings. He earned a royal coin with just the ball and the play. An actor with 100,000,000 Ere performance fee is too much for the Kingdom.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    Arrested nobles are being marched off. With their use of Mind attacks during the duel exposed and added to confessions of caught servants, revealing their use of poisons and debuffs since a while ago there is more than enough to charge them with, making them unable to escape legally, or physically, as they are being captured one after another when attempting to do so. They are shouting, trying to put the blame on the boy, but he merely came here to dance. He haven¡¯t even pulled out a blade, so what blame can be put on him. He has no blame, but he seems to have complaints?

    ¡¸Profiting like a rich man, I somehow got another 2,000 yet banknote for ripping them off, an unusable currency is just a currency, or rather, since it can¡¯t be used, it basically abandoned it¡¯s duty as a currency, so it¡¯s just as pointless as a certain Blindfolding Pres-san, and now I have twice that, so make it double! Look, look, if I rub them together, there are now three of them~, and there is nothing fun about it!¡¹

    And this is the end of illustrious noble families. As they ruined their long legacy, their house names are going to vanish into obscurity too.

    On top of being plundered for 100,000,000 Ere, the nobles also had their assets confiscated, since they dared to demand the maidens, so the only thing awaiting them now is fading into nothing, as their ranks are as good as forfeit too. Mere invitation to the ball and a dance from him played all of the nobles to their ruin.

    With this, the nobility has lost their power, and the country is going to transform under the leadership of the Royal Family, while confiscated assets will replenish the emptied national treasury.

    ¡¸Mellotosam, am I dreaming? All of the Royal Family¡¯s woes were resolved by a dance. What is going on here?¡¹

    I ask my friend, who is lying tied up next to me. It doesn¡¯t seem like there is anyone else who would provide me with the answer.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why I notified you from the Frontier -¡ºNo idea what happened, but it got resolved¡», it can¡¯t be comprehended, so that leaves you with no idea of what happened.¡¹

    That letter of his was truly incomprehensible, but looks like it actually was an accurate account of events. Since it cannot be comprehended, there is nothing wrong about the notification also becoming cryptic.

    Terrysel, who is also bound up next to us, is laughing with delight. That straight-laced stone-faced Terrysel is laughing out loud, as if he is watching the funniest spectacle.

    ¡¸They were fooled like idiots by that theater play, created for the sake of this ball.

    It¡¯s impossible for the likes of me to even guess how close to the scenario it went, but turns out, the finale of that long long performance, that continues from that play, which is so popular in the Capital right now, was a comedy.

    The nobles must¡¯ve assumed that the black-haired clown would be easy to handle after seeing that, and thus decided to target him.

    Without even knowing that all of it, be it that play, or this stage, were both scenarios written by that very clown. They arrived at the dance party, without even realizing that they were going to dance in the palm of that clown¡¯s hand¡­

    All of that was just a comedy about foolish clowns challenging a jester, capable of slaying dungeon masters, and destroying themselves.

    The Capital was fooled and made to laugh through the scenario written by that very foolish clown that they were laughing at on the stage.¡¹

    The one who everyone was pointing their fingers at and laughing turned out to be a trickster. Not a fool to be laughed at, but a jester (trickster) who makes others laugh. Although everyone was dancing in his palm, I am also quite a clown to invite that jester to the ball. After all, I am also one of those who was captivated and fooled by that performance. Even though I was supposed to be among the audience for that play, I too ended up being played.

    Wicked schemes of crafty and treacherous nobles, who lived all their lives in the noble¡¯s paradise of intrigues and conspiracies, weren¡¯t enough to get the dark-eyed strategist. There was no way for them to win, since they were already caught up in his scheme before they couldn¡¯t make one of their own.

    And by the time they noticed the trick of the jester (swindler), it was all over. Now, I wonder if there will be a curtain call?

 CH 322

    Chapter 322: Since I plundered the orphans¡¯ share too I thought I¡¯d give them some pocket money, but somehow it feels like only my classmates are lining up?

    Day 76 ¨C Late Night, The Capital, Noble District

    Leaving the Royal Palace I go through the Noble District, located right in front of it, heading towards the entrance to the Slums, and immediately get warmly welcomed by a very hospitable bunch that was waiting there. Well, that¡¯s actually the reason why I came here, we are supposed to stay for the night, but those guys were waiting for us, you know?

    I mean, the orphans are already sleeping at the Royal Palace, so no matter how anxiously they wait in ambush here, we had no plans of going back to begin with?

    The uninvited kidnappers that had an incredibly unpleasant idea of getting their hands on the orphans were hunted down by Rerorero middle-aged man and the Geeks and Idiots, and by now must be questioned about their masters in a place far more amazing than hell. They can be turned into cripples or unburnable waste for all I care, or would they technically count as burnable?

    ¡¸Since I went out of my way to come here, can¡¯t I at least have a nice welcome from a sexy female swordswoman? The main idea must be capture and torture anyway, but there is rumour going around that it is still nicer than the training (beating) I¡¯m having, so I thought if there is a Sexy Female Interrogator-san I might as well go and turn myself in? I¡¯d gladly confess to the stuff that no one asked me about, spilling it all out, all over the place, coming out with all sorts of lovely secrets as coming soon is looming on the horizon, but whom should I let capture me? At this point I¡¯m won¡¯t even be picky, if there is a Sexy Female Interrogator I¡¯m totally fine with it, I mean, even if I ask to be gentle no one listens anyway, but gentle torture seems kind of lewd, which sounds fantastic, but if a door to the new world (fetish) ends up opening for me, it might lead to all of the doors flying off the hinges, as the feelings that were trapped will¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸TOOO LOONG! And don¡¯t casually make weird coming outs!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    They ruined my precious cool line. Even though I just got into the flow¡­

    Well, indeed, I shouldn¡¯t talk too much about doors to the new worlds in front of the girls. No matter how I think of it, Pres-sama with a whip is far more dangerous than any sexy female interrogator.

    They seemed to be waiting for me, so loitering around the Noble Distinct results in the obvious, countless middle-aged men keep swarming from all sides without reading the mood, as usual. It¡¯s a mass outbreak. Leaving them to wait here late at night was kind of harsh, so I took pity and went outside? Yeah, even if they sat in an ambush all night, we actually were going to stay at the palace.

    Nonetheless, it¡¯s the long-awaited walking pile of evidence.

    Seeing me in tuxedo and the girls in dresses, they assumed that we were unarmed, and thinking that it¡¯s the chance, crawled out of hiding, surrounding us. They rushed out probably intending to kill or kidnap, but¡­ They are getting the hell beaten out of them.

    Perhaps giving up on the idea of kidnapping, but they also started attacking from distance with bows and magic, but attacks of this level can be Resisted. Or rather, this won¡¯t be enough to stop the bloodthirsty demons? (the girls)

    Yup, the girls are angry about the kidnapping attempt on the orphans? And then there is this thing with the girls getting ¡ºHypnosis¡» and ¡ºTemptation¡» cast on them, so they are pretty royally pissed. But how come that they won¡¯t let me undo Taming despite this?

    Since the Royal Family has recovered and made a good display of its power and authority at the ball, there are only two paths left for the corrupt nobles, be purged or collapse, which must be forcing them into quite a panic. It seems they sent out all the heavily armored private troops they could, but they are getting crushed and obliterated in a head-on fight by the girls in dresses. Yup, the difference in defensive power is so overwhelming that they don¡¯t even need to evade? Swords and spears are being repelled by the dresses, and rain of arrows is powerless to do anything either. Even spells are being absorbed by the dresses, thank you very much for mana.

    Upper floors of some crappy dungeon is the limit with the middle-aged men¡¯s gear, meanwhile, the girls can easily handle middle floors of a large dungeon in those dresses. There is also a difference in levels, so the fight was decided before it even began.

    It¡¯s the first battle for those dresses, but in this gear they probably would¡¯ve been able to overcome even that horde of mummies on the floor with the Sphinx. I mean, they¡¯ve been deflecting javelins for some time now? Like, they seem to have stopped even trying to evade, just for fun?

    Certainly, the enemies are too scared of invincible dresses to launch an attack now, but they are also unable to escape, as the entire area is sealed off with Dancing Girl¡¯s chains?

    And since it¡¯s the Noble District, no matter how badly we wreck it or level it entirely, it wouldn¡¯t bother us at all, quite the opposite, it¡¯s quite fun and it will also make rebuilding it easier. Or rather, everyone is slamming the enemies into the buildings on purpose, aren¡¯t they? Moreover, they are using morning stars instead of swords, so they can cause as much pain and suffering as possible without killing them. Dozens of morning stars are revolving in a tempest of steel. For some reason, I really want to run away?

    The dresses are fluttering around, leaving only white afterimages behind, as the middle-aged men are sent flying. The middle-aged men can¡¯t put up a fight at all, so how were they planning to kidnap them? Were they thinking that some thousand or two of private troops will be enough to capture them? Partially destroying the Noble District, the girls are now purposefully cornering the troops into yet unharmed areas. They are fully intending to destroy them along with the buildings.

    ¡¸W-why! Why a sword can¡¯t cut through a dress?! GBOUGH!¡¹

    I mean, they have Slashing Resistance and Physical Resistance, you know?

    ¡¸Arrows won¡¯t piece, what the hell are those dresses? There is no way such frilly dresses can deflect¡­ DWAGH!¡¹

    As if an arrow can go through a fabric with mithril-enhance metal-wire weaved in. Those dresses are level 100 equipment, okay?

    ¡¸Retreat to the mansion, wait, the mansion¡­ It, it¡¯s collapsing! GUAH!¡¹

    Yup, it was a very timely invitation, since we were awaiting the chance to destroy the Noble District. After all, in this case, we can frame it as a legitimate self-defense, so the entire blame can be put on the attackers and their masters, so I¡¯m like so totally innocent that I could even win the contest for the most innocent person?

    Despite obstinately using Mind attacks and Assassination tools so much during the ball, neither steel nor magic could do anything at all, and yet they decided to make another attack. It goes beyond stubbornness into plain stupidity territory¡­ Well, they are middle-aged men, after all.

    But swinging morning stars outside like that after I went through such lengths to install various hidden weapons as a countermeasure for assassinations, as well as putting weapons into Storage in case we might get ambushed in the castle¡­ Like, they might¡¯ve as well went out in a proper armor, no?

    But well, now the nobles can¡¯t talk their way out of this. Now, most of the corrupt nobles should perish, and the small fries that haven¡¯t made a move until now will have to give up and quietly obey the Royal Family.

    But this is one hell of a rampage? Well, they are beating them only half to death, but there is still no mercy. Yup, let¡¯s hurry up and take them back to the Frontier. Looks like the girls were starved for violence since there are no dungeons around. And I¡¯m sure having no dungeons also means that they don¡¯t have enough money. But it doesn¡¯t matter how many middle-aged men you beat, they aren¡¯t going to turn into magic stones, you know? Those are just middle-aged men, okay?

    Normally, the girls should be able to suppress opponents of this level in an instant, but they are closing the distance slowly instead, without even trying to avoid, and demolish the enemies through brute force, wrecking the buildings around in the process. Literal gods of destruction. The middle-aged men are scared out of their minds by now.

    This might¡¯ve been a ploy to lure us out and kidnap the orphans, but they have the strongest defensive and excessive offensive force by their side in Slime-san, the Geeks, the Idiots, and Rerorero. Royal Girl, Maid Girl and Merimeri-san ended up tagging along with us, but they have more than enough people.

    But Elven Little Sister Girl is strong. I wonder though, why does it feel like it is my first time seeing a proper mage since coming to this world of sword and magic?

    It doesn¡¯t seem to be Mana Wrapping, but the principle appears to be somewhat the same? It¡¯s probably ¡ºMagic Wrapping¡»which allows to wrap magic, so wrapping herself in Wind Magic she is knocking away the middle-aged men one after another. Why am I the only one who also have to wrap stuff like ¡ºLewd Arts¡»or¡ºSex King¡»?

    Well, the rest is not even worth watching. The only ones at risk of injuries are the middle-aged men, it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s necessary injury or now, I¡¯m going to roast them until they lose all their hair, okay?

    Looks like the middle-aged men got a bright idea of capturing and using me as a hostage, so they are rushing my way, while the girls have taken a formation to block them. In other words, I¡¯m standing right in the middle of the action without anything to do. Is this an effect of Loner? Man, this is boring.

    Well, I¡¯m quite tattered after the dance at the ball, so this is fine, I guess? Yup, I simply observed Dancing Girl¡¯s dance with¡ºRajingan¡»recorded and analyzed it with¡ºWisdom¡»and then forcibly recreated it through¡ºMuppet¡». By the time it came to Dancing Girl¡¯s turn my body was in quite a bad shape? It¡¯s absolutely impossible!

    Since I don¡¯t have anything to do I stick to quietly and very casually dismantling still tenaciously standing mansions while picking up valuables scattered all over the place. This district is in a pretty neglected condition, with the stuff dropped around everywhere, so picking it all up is quite a chore. Ah, a safe is dropped over there!

    There are a few somewhat dangerous opponents in the mix, but we have someone far more dangerous on our side, so there is no issue. I mean, there is no way some high level assassins or swordsmen can do anything to Dungeon Emperors. Like, even one Dungeon Emperor is enough to annihilate them? But the two seem to be having a lot of fun fighting together with everyone. It must be because they know the eternal solitude that they can enjoy kicking up a fuss with everyone so much. It¡¯s quite a pity for the middle-aged men who they are happily beating up, I wonder why do I feel a bit of sympathy for them?

    ¡¸Looks like there is no one left, but what do we do? The countryside nobles still should have their domains left, right?¡¹

    It would appear they have beaten up all of the middle-aged men to the last. Well, it¡¯s part of the natural order for middle-aged men to be getting beaten, so there is no problem, but while them being scattered around as far as the eye can see makes for very unsightly scenery, let¡¯s at least burn their heads.

    With this, the nobles of the Capital, who were stripped of their titles, lost estates, and had all of their wealth picked up by me, became penniless. That¡¯s the same treatment that the orphans had, so they can¡¯t complain.

    But if we let the countryside nobles escape, they still have their territories and assets. I could go on a business trip to make them drop all of their stuff so I can pick it up, but troublesome things are still troublesome. If they could be so nice as to drop everything in one place at once I¡¯d gladly pick it up, but those middle-aged men are very inconsiderate.

    Well, it¡¯s not like they can escape.

    ¡¸Well, it seems that the ball today was attended by everyone, so be it lords or their families, they all ended up in ropes, but leaving that lovely tortoise shell bondage to Maso Pres Girl-san¡­ GuwaARGUUAHAAAAAAAAH~! Wait! Dual wielding a morning star and a whip does make for a very novel fighting style, but you might seriously blow my head off, so please put them away! I¡¯m seriously sorry, it¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve totally forgotten everything, or rather, before I could even forget everything, I totally haven¡¯t seen that marvelous cat¡¯s cradle which led to the tortoise shell bondage biting into the tightly bound flesh, so I have no recollection of that at all? So please put the whip away? Like, I forgot about it so hard that I can¡¯t even recall the name, so it¡¯s alright? Kind of?¡¹

    I got this wrong? It seems? And everyone is staring at me? Flat Gaze all around?

    ¡¸Well then, looks like the Second Division brought a military police regiment, so let¡¯s go back? The orphans are sleeping, so we are stopping at the Palace anyway. If they woke up from all this noise then the Geeks and Idiots are getting a sermon (punishment) from the Pres-sama? But what do we do if a sermon (punishment) awakens something (a fetish) in them, opening a door into a new world?!¡¹

    ¡¸Keep it closed! Or rather, stop adding weird meaning to scoldings!¡¹

    However, while the cat¡¯s cradle turns her into bondage maso highschool girl pres-san, she also masterfully handles a whip and a morning star. Looks like I won¡¯t see the legendary tortoise shell bondage pres. It¡¯s sad but since she changed the whip from the default metal one that came with the dress to¡ºChain Whip of Savage Lightning¡»let¡¯s just quietly go back. Yup, that one is dangerous.

    I mean, there is nothing fun in seeing a bunch of middle-aged men lying tied up on the ground? I don¡¯t think there is anything wrong in a highschool boy being more interested in tortoise shell bondage maso highschool girl pres-san? I mean, it would be too much if it was in reverse? A highschool boy getting excited about a bunch of tightly tied-up muscular middle-aged men with burnt heads would be way too cringe.

    By now, Rerorero middle-aged man, and Geeks and Idiots should¡¯ve finished beating up all the nobles who were trying to escape to their domains. No matter what kind of masters they had there, there is no way they can beat them fighting indoors. Matchless cheat owners and the strongest dueling specialist should¡¯ve ended everything while protecting the orphans.

    The orphans must be soundly asleep, the bad adults (the nobles) who were bullying them are no more, the nightmare is finally over¡­ I took plenty of gold in compensation, so the whole thing turned a big profit?

    Another fun day is awaiting them once they wake up. I plundered the orphans¡¯ share too, so let¡¯s give them some pocket money tomorrow as well. They¡¯ll probably be delighted.

 CH 323

    Chapter 323: I checked, just in case, but even the catalogs for the Palace¡¯s treasury didn¡¯t have my Affection Rating-san listed anywhere.

    Day 76 ¨C Late Night, The Capital

    In the end, not even 30% of noble families remained. And the remaining decent noble families had their strength reduced, leaving them with little spare strength to create branch families.

    However, those that were connected to the corrupted nobles, wouldn¡¯t ever be allowed to assume a public post, enter into the service of some noble house, or be restored in rank. We lack both noble houses and personnel, but the black-haired boy and his associates flat out refused becoming nobility.

    Handing over all of the achievements to the Royal Family without taking any rewards and refusing to accept a rank, and having no interest in fame and honor. The only thing he wants is apparently ¡ºAffection Rating¡», as I understood, it an important item which prevents one from being scolded despite doing nothing wrong, but after checking the palace¡¯s vaults and records, just in case, I found nothing of the sort¡­ I would¡¯ve been shocked if there was such a thing there. Well, allowing him to quietly carry off some stuff from the Royal Treasure, can be considered a sort of a gratitude, even if in form only, but considering that it¡¯s a treasure of a broke Royal Family without anything of value left there, it would¡¯ve hardly been enough to make up to him even if he took everything.

    ¡¸Mellotosam, we don¡¯t have enough noble families. It¡¯s going to hinder proper administration, do you have any capable individuals who can be given a title? I¡¯m sure you have lots of such people in the Frontier, so gimme some.¡¹

    ¡¸Nope. Also, nobility has low popularity in the Frontier, you know? Our house, for once, is quite poor, and the overall image of nobility is ¡ºDangerous¡», ¡ºArduous¡», ¡ºWill be teased by the boy¡», so there hardly would be anyone interested in becoming one.¡¹

    It was an unpopular profession! No, that¡¯s actually the correct outlook. If people look with envy at nobility who are supposed to work and fight for their sake, then there is something very wrong going on. But to think there is such an opposition to receiving a title, is Omui doing alright?

    But that¡¯s the Count of the Frontier, so this much is expected.

    House Omui¡¯s history is a series of endless fights and death against the strongest monsters without any assistance or support. That¡¯s why no one wants to become a noble themselves. And that¡¯s why everyone admires and idolizes them. A great difference from the Royal Family.

    But to think that being teased by the boy is a part of nobility¡¯s image¡­

    ¡¸Reporting, they took the bait. End of report.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean, end of report! Are the boy and his companions safe, is probably a silly question, they obviously are¡­ But what about the numbers?¡¹

    A message from Terrysel arrived. The boy and his companions became bait, luring in all of the rebellious nobles by flaunting such a last chance to them. If they go out defenseless and unarmed, bringing the Princess and the young lady of the Frontier, then surely, the nobles would rush to abduct them, and if they are that stupid, then they would have no one to blame for their downfall but themselves.

    In fact, the letter that previously came from the Frontier is the perfect answer to that.

    ¡ºFor what reason the nobles of the country awaiting its destruction at the hands of dungeon masters are picking a fight with a person capable of slaying those dungeon masters? If this is a suicide attempt then please don¡¯t come here and die on your own. By Omui.¡» that letter marked the breakdown of negotiations, which led to the split in the Kingdom. The culprit responsible for that letter is currently sitting next to me, monopolizing a massage chair.

    But that is the answer. All those things that made the nobles go blind with greed, be it the maidens¡¯ beauty, the enormous wealth, or royal blood, are nothing more than a nice extra, while their true nature is that of Dungeon Slayers. Trying to abduct the strongest combat unit on the continent¡­ If they were capable of pulling off such a feat, they would¡¯ve been able to kill a dungeon master on their own, don¡¯t they understand that?

    The beauty of the maidens and two royal coins that he purposely flashed in their faces, overwhelmed the nobles with greed. And with them underestimating him due to the effect of the theater play, they ended up completely duped.

    No sort of a noble would be able to escape the punishment after assaulting the guest of the highest honor invited personally by the King. Crushing their families wouldn¡¯t raise any legal challenges. They were cornered and pushed down to the point where they no longer can snake their way out of the issue. From the beginning to the end, everything was part of the trap, and its bait were the strongest executioners.

    ¡¸It¡¯s over.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah.¡¹

    The history of the Kingdom is over. The comrades that shared the same will and rose up for the sake of the people are the current noble families, and 70 percent of them are now gone. 70% no longer had that will.

    The heroic tale of the Kingdom¡¯s foundation decayed and died out. But since the Royal Family remains, that will must be carried over even so.

    ¡¸Mellotosam¡­ What do we do?¡¹

    With 70% of the nobles gone, governing the land is impossible, having said that, leaving a corrupt administration is also meaningless. We cannot let everything go to waste in such a fashion after having so much done for us.

    ¡¸What kind of question is that? If there was something you could do, you would¡¯ve done that a long time ago, no? Since you haven¡¯t done anything, there is nothing you can do. It¡¯s impossible for you.¡¹

    ¡¸Even so, something has to be done¡­ Even if it¡¯s not possible, I absolutely cannot afford to give up after what that boy has done for us.¡¹

    The nobles¡¯ administration resorted to secret accounting without reporting the actual numbers. The documents were tampered with, making it impossible to even tell which one is correct. There isn¡¯t enough information to govern the land. It¡¯s to the point that there is no telling how long it would take until it¡¯s possible to properly govern the country again if we start everything from zero. But even if we can¡¯t finish it during my reign, it is still something that has to be done. We have to press forward, no matter how slow the pace might be.

    But in the end, disorder in the Kingdom means suffering of the people. This chaos is bound to spread into the provinces too. But it¡¯s unavoidable since we had to dispose of the nobles who were supposed to do that, and without enough successors it will take an enormous amount of time to go through all of the investigation and research required to compile the necessary information. In the end, the people will end up being inconvenienced the most by it.

    (*Thud*)

    ¡¸I said that it¡¯s impossible for you, Diarusez. And it¡¯s not like I can do either.¡¹

    Having said that, he threw several bulky books at me. The title of the first one is ¡ºSomething-something¡­ Playkingdom? No idea what it¡¯s actually called, but these are the management proposals for the Kingdom of that Playking dude, or more like a plan, I guess? Kind of?¡» and the contests are¡­ Complete information on the state of the Kingdom in minute details, including unaltered taxation numbers, harvest volumes, population, precise figures and information for villages and towns, all compiled together.

    The truth that the Royal Family couldn¡¯t obtain no matter what means we used is neatly put together here. This is¡­ If this is true, then more than half of the Kingdom¡¯s taxes was pocketed by the nobles, while the people were taxed at almost double the prescribed rate¡­ To think the corruption that continued for dozens or hundreds of years was this fatal. The Kingdom was bound to perish at this rate.

    If all of the figures known to the Royal Family were altered and falsified then it¡¯s only natural that any countermeasure made based on them can only make the situation worse, and how many mines are there in towns and villages that the royal family doesn¡¯t know about¡­ Such a thing is impossible without the Capital¡¯s bureaucracy also being in cahoots.

    And another book ¡ºPockets with pocketed money? Well, not literally? Probably?¡» is the list of official and shadow accounts. Who moved money where under what pretext and how it was hidden is written down in great detail¡­ As expected, there were accomplices, huh. First provincial officials would embezzle, and report falsified numbers to their local lord, then, the lord of the domain would embezzled themselves and only then pay their share of tax to the Kingdom, which is then embezzled by the Kingdom¡¯s bureaucracy before it makes its way into the treasury. The money that reached us was ¡®pocketed¡¯ multiple times and all of the numbers falsified. Everything was rotten to the very core.

    With this 70% of the officials are going to disappear too. The entire administration will have to be rebuilt from zero. But it¡¯s possible with this book. The entire structure of the pointless rights, interests, and concessions is already written down here without any need to investigate it, so everything can be handled with just a third of the initial budget and manpower. In the end, 70% were simply embezzling money without doing any work anyway. And that is on top of being paid a large salary.

    The suggestions are listed with the descriptions of procedures that have to be followed to carry them out, potential issues that might arise, and ways to counter them. ¡­With this book not only government officials, but even regional lords and even the King might as well be mere decorations. Simply following this is enough. But even if we follow this book to the letter, there is no future for the country unless we obtain a proper understanding of it. To govern this Kingdom for the ages to come we have to develop the ability on par with this book.

    Not to mention that the Kingdom was saved.

    The writings are perfectly compiled and backed up by thorough research. In other words, everything was settled from the beginning. It means that it was already decided that the Kingdom is to die and be established anew.

    Just how much time it took to carry out such a meticulous investigation, and then compile, understand, and calculate all of the vast information involved? Such a terrific amount of survey and reports would require several years of work from an entire country. Moreover, not only does it mention what should be done, but also what action will lead to which result, a blueprint for the Kingdom¡¯s future.

    ¡¸So this is the power that gave the Frontier a new life¡­ I¡¯m just being handed everything on a silver platter.¡¹

    ¡¸The same goes for the Frontier. And the Frontier¡¯s version is even more detailed than this. It¡¯s alright.¡¹

    So something even more amazing than this exists?! From what I heard, there are all sorts of books, from those on specific industrial and agricultural policies to public works schedules and budget plans, from mine development plans to new crops, city plans, flood control, and even defense plans. Makes sense that the territory will be reborn. It¡¯s enough to found a new country.

    In other words, they could¡¯ve abandoned the Kingdom, propping up Omui as a new state, while leaving the Kingdom to its demise.

    That¡¯s what it must mean. That¡¯s how far we have driven the Frontier into the corner.

    ¡¸Reporting, all of the nobles¡¯ troops were captured and taken into custody. The noble district was devastated and collapsed in the process. It¡¯s currently being converted into an empty lot. End of report.¡¹

    So that¡¯s why they went outside to lure them out. Now, even if the nobles won¡¯t be executed, they will have nothing left, losing their rank, mansions, and assets. Yes, just like those orphans.

    In other words, they were outraged for the orphans. The Kingdom and the nobles are just a little something that happened along the way. Those that bullied the children were bullied out of everything in turn, while we ended up getting saved for the sake of creating the future for them, getting handed those books for that purpose. As if saying, follow through with your ¡ºRoyal Family for the People(children)¡» properly.

    We were entrusted with the future of the children that we once failed. We have to carry this through. The thing we were entrusted with is way too great after all.

 CH 324

    Chapter 324: They might appear graceful and ladylike today, but it doesn¡¯t mean things were like that when those were made.

    Day 77 ¨C Morning, the Capital

    And it¡¯s been a non-stop sermon since returning to the guest room yesterday§ð I got super scolded?

    It seems there was some sort of an issue with selling the scenario for the play? Is it about maidens in bikinis? But it¡¯s super profitable? It¡¯s a still performing play that definitely was a great hit and great success, which makes loads of money everyday. This world had no bras, in other words, they weren¡¯t ready for the impact of bikinis! I got to freely rip them off!

    I mean, dramas in this world are pretty meh. They simply follow the script dispassionately, loudly delivering their lines.

    In short, it¡¯s boring.

    It¡¯s a far cry even from the level of the classic theater, forget modern theater standards. The scripts have no mentions of movements, being limited to a mere list of lines, without any dynamic to it.

    After all, at that time in the Capital, I had the latest information about the war, and could even write a script for a play, so the scenario sold immediately and I got a large share of profit. Yup, I made good money from that.

    So it sells?

    A heroic epic about victory is bound to sell when people are starved for entertainment and information, and are also anxious about the war.

    Citizens of the Capital are very familiar with heroic epics, and it¡¯s better to use something well known. The Frontier is very popular here, Royal Girl is pretty liked too, and unexpectedly, even Playking has a positive image.

    This settles the question of the main heroes, and if it was your typical theater play of this world ¨C this would be it. That¡¯s why theaters here are boring.

    With nobles and foreign states as enemies the choice of villains is obvious, but a play where heroes and villains have no connection cannot be interesting, and simply defeating the villains would make for a pretty stale story.

    But there is the middle-aged Royal Prince as a foolish ruler who can fill the role of a character that does have a connection and can enliven the story. Meaning, the opposite version of King Lear.

    A tale of a foolish ruler who kept stupidly struggling in the shadow of the heroes, ultimately being the one who makes the victory possible. It subverts expectations, and unexpected twists are the most effective for livening up a story, which means, it also needs a jester, and I also would like some sex appeal to be present?

    Yeah, there is nothing fun about King Lear without a jester, and as a highschool boy I can¡¯t tolerate the lack of sex appeal. I also would¡¯ve liked some wardrobe accidents, but the ladies playing the maidens were pretty shocked even by bikinis alone, so any further exposure was out of the question¡­ So no happy accidents. Well, if the girls learned of this I would¡¯ve gotten scolded, reprimanded, admonished, and maybe even killed, so I put up with it. Even though I want to see it.

    But I got super scolded, is it because of  Frontier bikinis? No, the people aren¡¯t familiar with the disposition of those characters, so it¡¯s important to make things clear, and sex appeal is also necessary for attracting customers and an absolutely indispensable condition from a highschool boy¡¯s point of view. But what¡¯s more important, the souvenir store profited from that! And how! After all, with  Frontier goods being used as props and the real maidens working at the store, it ended up constantly flooded with customers for those several days!

    This is a heroic epic about familiar heroes. And then, there is the recovery of Playking from the illness that worried citizens of the Capital. There is no way it wouldn¡¯t sell with the combination of previously unseen comedy elements, plot twists, and even sex appeal. In fact, most of the audience are repeat customers, who keep coming to see it again and again. Watching it allows one to actually feel peace and happiness, and if they come to watch it over and over, and it also fills my pockets?

    There are Meripapa-san, Royal Girl, and all others who became heroes, then the King recovers, and the people of the Kingdom shed tears and rejoice to that. Which makes me even richer!

    Art, especially theater, was used for manipulating the masses since the ancient times, and was effective enough at it to warrant patronage from royalty and aristocracy. The play should¡¯ve created an overwhelming difference in support for the heroes that saved the country and the nobles that did nothing. Now, if Playkings condemns nobles that colluded with the Church or the Confederation, and the Kingdom will come together as one.

    The most easy-to-understand and popular tales of old are heroic tales of rewarding good and punishing evil.

    The corrupt nobles are already chained up in the dungeons of the Capital, while the fence sitters are about to lose their estates and be removed from important posts. In the worst case, they might even lose titles and have their property confiscated, so they will drop dead one way or another.

    It appears that sufficiently young children of the nobles will be looked after by the Royal Family and will be given a chance, but there hardly will be any families able to revive. It was all over for them at the point where they could look down at the Slums and think nothing of the situation there.

    Then, the sermon abruptly ended. What a surprise, there was a breakfast planned! That¡¯s right, they haven¡¯t brought anything aside from evening dresses for the night¡­ In other words, it¡¯s side job time again!

    Since we unexpectedly stayed for the night, we are going to be invited for breakfast too! In the end, after that, afternoon dresses for everyone were made in a big hurry, and for some reason they also ordered matching underwear and stockings. So naturally it goes without saying that we ended up with a frenzied squirming mess of 25 girls writhing and collapsing, making for a very clamorous late night side work, which however came with a special pay for urgency, so I made a lot of money from it too, with 50 lovely bare legs of fainted girls twitching in the room.

    Good grief, while I was able to cut off the sound with Spatial Magic, but to be making such lewd voices without any restraint in the room right next to the one where children are sleeping is very unhealthy for their education? And it also gets to me in highschool boy terms, so they really need correction?

    Which led to lots of unexpected miscellaneous chores. Dressing up unconscious girls, carrying them to their rooms, and while I was at it I had to repeatedly get busy with Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san in a highschool boy¡¯s sort of way, so I didn¡¯t even a wink of sleep. Although I slept a lot in highschool boy¡¯s sort of way, I didn¡¯t get any rest.

    And with the morning sun shining brightly, the girls have gathered in their new dresses. In a striking difference from their yesterday¡¯s unbecoming and lewd appearances, today, they look like refined young ladies. They also have washed and cleaned their faces, leaving not a sign of yesterday¡¯s drooling and crying mess to be seen.

    ¡¸Speaking of which, what did Omui-sama want?¡¹

    ¡¸He asked for a plan for the Kingdom, so I gave him one?¡¹

    When I came to the Royal Palace to restock earlier I found a hidden room with tons of books, and after carrying off all of them they turned out to be a mountain of secret documents containing accounting books and secret accounting books, official documents and real documents? Yeah, I skimmed through all of them in case there might be something fun, but there wasn¡¯t even a single folk tale among those.

    So I saw all of those with ¡ºRajingan¡», and ¡ºWisdom¡»memorized it. So I can write one immediately? ¡ºMagic Hands¡»finished in less than three minutes, you know?

    I mean, it¡¯s just about getting rid of what isn¡¯t needed and making things normal, so it¡¯s pretty simple. In short, they simply were obfuscating things, trying to make them as seemingly complex as possible, to prevent nobles and officials from fixing the issues. But knowing all of the tricks, one only has to make things right again. Now I will be able to install 100 paid massage chains in the Royal Palace, so it¡¯s great business.

    Papers on fictional construction works where nothing aside from funneling money was done, newly developed but hidden mines, profits from which the nobles split among themselves, everything was thoroughly investigated and hidden.

    In other words, there was some highly capable official. While corrupted, they were doing their job commendably. And that¡¯s why the accounting was perfectly disguised, so the Royal Family received coherent and consistent reports. It is because they made this effort to investigate and comprehend everything to falsify the data that they were able to slip through all of the audits. This has to be the compilation of the long generations of the corrupt governance that was happening in the Kingdom. And that¡¯s why simply seeing those documents was enough to understand the solution. They were rotten to the core, but their work on reports was admirable, after all, they only lacked good intentions.

    And that¡¯s why I was stuck with side jobbing all this time.

    ¡¸Everyone, preparations for breakfast are complete. I will guide you to the venue.¡¹

    It¡¯s another geezer, even though I was hoping for a maid. We headed to the hall with the girls , who unlike yesterday, appeared lively and gleeful in their new dresses with simple color palette, the orphans, as happy to go out in nice clothes as before, and disgruntled boys, for whom I ended up having to make morning coats¡­ The girls (tyrants) instantly rejected the boys¡¯ idea of going back and eating at the souvenir store since it¡¯s nearby, and desperately did their best to soothe and suppress the orphans opinion of the souvenir store¡¯s food being more delicious.

    ¡¸Hello there, Haruka-kun. I¡¯m sorry for making you to go with the clean-up yesterday.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-, Haruka-kun! What is that massage throne? I want that in the Frontier too? In the audience room!¡¹

    ¡¸Haruka-dono, I don¡¯t know how to thank you for yesterday¡¯s recovery mushrooms, but please come to my house next time¡­¡­¡¹

    Aaah, swarmed by middle-aged men since morning again¡­

    The girls are chatting with noble ladies, even the Geeks and Idiots get to talk with a muscular female commander of the First Division, but only middle-aged men gather around me. However, it seems this world has no noble ladies with drill hair, so once hair iron is complete it might sell quite well.

    Three little princes seem to be present too, but I couldn¡¯t care less about them or the middle-aged men attending. Even the broke noble middle-aged men that I gifted with free clothes at the Souvenir Store have gathered up! Alright, I guess it¡¯s about time to destroy this middle-aged men palace?!

    ¡¸Your Majesty. All of the attendees have gathered and awaiting words of Your Majesty.¡¹

    We finally got to the breakfast part, but it seems Playking has a thing or two to say before that, although Meripapa-san doesn¡¯t seem interested in listening. He is blatantly ignoring Playking, shouting about wanting a massage throne, or rather, a massage count seat.

    Then, Playking began his speech from a platform.

    ¡¸First, let¡¯s drink to this auspicious day, let¡¯s party, yaaay!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸He really was a playking!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Oh my, was it not a greeting from your country?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Haruka-kun, what are you teaching to the King?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Playking is saying something, while I¡¯m running around from the angry girls, trying to get to the ladies, but blocked by the hell of middle-aged men, all while being tackled by the orphans, as usual. I wish I could enjoy a more peaceful morning. Like, going for the 22th round since the sunrise.

    Everyone is going to get busy with rebuilding the Kingdom after this lively breakfast ends, so for a while, they won¡¯t have much time for partying. Well, they have to completely rebuild the administration while being short on people, so that will be tough. But with the 70% that were undermining, twisting, and hindering the country gone, the country is naturally going to come alive. As long as proper forms of administration are established and instructions are issued it might not take that long for it to recover. Now, it¡¯s finally back to being a state, so the rest can be handled by the country.

    Now, let¡¯s go back. Return to the souvenir store, prepare for departure, and this time return to the Frontier. The inn fees to keep the rooms are such a waste.

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325: Adding to the armor that it was freshly worn by highschool girls instantly makes it sound like a great deal, so it might sell for a lot.

    Day 77 ¨C Daytime, the Capital, Royal Palace

    As one would expect from a royal treasury, it¡¯s spacious and has lots of stuff.

    Officially I¡¯m not getting any rewards, but if something is given to me, I¡¯d gladly take it. I mean, equipment sounds very more useful than stuff like prestige or medals?

    Well, can¡¯t expect much though, but if there is anything nice, that¡¯s something. This treasury apparently can¡¯t be opened without the sovereign¡¯s seal, so even Monkey Prince couldn¡¯t get his pawns into it. Yeah, I could enter with ¡ºMagic Key¡», but being too busy with procurement ended up ignoring it, so this my first time going in there, but my expectations are very low.

    ¡¸I mean, it doesn¡¯t seem like they have anything that great, even from simply looking at Royal Girl¡¯s and Royal Prince¡¯s equipment?¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Well, they say they want to give it to me, so I won¡¯t object, and if there is anything nice, I¡¯d consider myself lucky. After all, it¡¯s already been confirmed that my Affection Rating-san is not there!

    Looking around I Appraise everything that comes into sight. Weapons and armor are kind of trash, as expected, there are some somewhat nicer items, but even these still look dubious. The gorgeous spear on the wall is¡ºSpear of Whirlwind ¨C PoW SpE 20% Up, Whirlwind, Wind Attribute (Medium)¡», and that¡¯s the highest level, what an inexplicably dubious item, and that¡¯s apparently the Royal Family¡¯s heirloom.

    At this rate, it might be better to look for items with rare skills instead of high level equipment, but all of them look so questionable, like ¡ºSlipping Prevention¡», ¡ºAdhesion Debuff¡», or ¡ºBane of Inorganic¡», and there are so many of those¡­ So I keep looking, but it¡¯s still dubious. There are some potential picks, but all of them lack something decisive, so they are just super questionable?

    ¡¸Well, going safe and picking some ViT or InT boosting equipment should be fine, but having this many items kind of makes me want to find something rare¡­ Oh,¡ºElven Magic Bow ¨C PoW SpE DeX InT 20% Up, Magic Arrow, Can be used by elves only¡»could be nice for Elven Little Sister Girl¡­ But in terms of actual stats it might be better if I make one myself, so this Elf-only restriction is kind of pointless?¡¹(Bounce-Bounce)

    Right, if only I can find one of those ¡ºUp to 7 items can be slotted¡», it would be a jackpot, and ultimate cheat gear, but 3 slots is the best I can see. Moreover, they have only 10% to 30% stats and the demerits are so heavy that they are totally unusable. 100% bonus can be considered a great find even if it¡¯s only for three or two stats. Even 90% or 80% is enough, but there is nothing. So shabby!

    ¡¸If I could make one of those myself the strength of the gear would skyrocket, but that would also mean having to update equipment for 30 people, and if I also learn how to make items where other items can be slotted¡­ Then the eternity called side job will continue until the end of times, Re:Endless Side Job¡­ But there is nothing, I guess?¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle)

    An item slotted with super high-quality equipment rises to the level of a tactical weapon. That¡¯s right, even my Wooden Stick-san started out small, and became uncontrollable Ultimate Weapon after a steady series of successes! Yeah, I totally crammed too much stuff into it!

    Besides, there are also cases like¡ºMagic Katana¡», who after being upgraded with mithril got promoted to ¡ºDimension Blade¡», giving birth to a special skill like ¡ºDimension Slash¡», so unique equipment can¡¯t be underestimated. Not to mention that if enemies had a divine sword or Dimensional Slash it would be no laughing matter.

    ¡¸Going around clearing dungeons back at the Frontier has better chances of netting something nice than going the Royal Treasury? Is there no wonderful item that can make my heart skip a beat¡­ Something like mythical ¡ºSermon Evasion¡»or the legendary ¡ºAffection Rating Increase¡», something rare¡­ ¡ºCirclet of Intelligence ¨C InT MiN 30% Up, Control (Great), Sorcery (Great), 3 Slots¡»jackpot!¡¡But this circlet¡­¡­Is more of a headband¡­¡­Or more like hairband?¡¹£¨Jiggle-Jiggle£©

    Looks great. Well, this is a good item, so it can be added to the girls¡¯ equipment, but I want ¡ºControl (Great)¡»too. It should boost¡ºMagic Wrap¡»control, and its abilities might greatly improve if upgraded with mithril. ¡ºInT, MiN 30% Up¡», and ¡ºSorcery (Great)¡»are both effects that could help with control.

    And with ¡º3 Slots¡»it¡¯s a great item without any demerits, but headgear be actually put into it? Like Black Hat?

    ¡¸Well? There seem to be no problem with equipping items on top of one another?¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle?)

    In fact, the girls are wearing several bracelets, or anklets at once. So there should be no issue even if I put on the hair band and wear a knitted hat on top. Even if effectiveness was reduced, it¡¯s all good as long as the effects don¡¯t interfere with each other. I mean¡­ wearing a hairband as a man is sort of embarrassing?

    ¡¸Helmets also should be possible to slot, since it¡¯s also a headgear, so seems like a chance to raise ViT and InT?¡¹ (Bounce-Bounce)

    Playking was making a playfuss that even if I took everything it hardly would be enough, but the old man that accompanied me asked to keep the number of items to the number of people, plus ten items personally for me, otherwise, if I really emptied the storage, it would cause issues with awarding in the future. So I have to choose carefully¡­ Naturally, if we count the orphans¡¯ share too, then the possible number of items will easily go over 100? Yeah, there is no problem since they allowed an item per person?

    ¡¸That are only few items which made me go ¡ºThat!¡», but this can cover for the lacking types of equipment? Well, once we get better stuff we just pawn off such items? Slime-san, is there anything you¡¯d like? Please tell me before you eat it, since I won¡¯t be able to appraise what it was after you are it.¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle?)

    Slime-san seems to have taken a liking to ¡ºMirror of Reflection ¨C Reflection/Absorption (EX), Mirror Surfacification¡», but Slime-san can just eat magic or whatever without reflecting it? Aah, probably going for ¡ºAbsorption¡», huh.

    The rest can simply be items with potential, which will later be upgraded with mithril and sold through auction. Everyone is still broke, so there is no need to rush.

    Tons of money that I picked up still remain, and I already bought up everything that I could purchase in the Capital. I even lent two of those super useless royal coins to Playking since he seemed to be in trouble because he had no money. Even so, more than 20% of the enormous fortune that I plundered from the Confederation and the Theocracy still remain. Yup, this is a pretty long run as a rich man.

    ¡¸However, I brought this to seal since it seemed way too dangerous¡­ But aren¡¯t those ¡ºGloves of Poison Touch ¨C ViT DeX 20% Up, Can every type of poison, Resistance Nullification, Mad Hand¡»curious, no?¡¹(Bounce-Bounce)

    This Resistance Nullification property is way too dangerous to allow a chance of it getting into enemies¡¯ hands. If ¡ºAbnormal Status Effect Nullification¡»gets Nullified, then probability-wise, depending on level difference and equipment Abnormal Status Effects can become unavoidable. Yeah, I have to hurry and develop items with¡ºAuto Recovery¡»-type effects, and rip them off?

    ¡¸But I feel like if I equip it and use Magic Wrap, it will make things very dangerous with Poison added?¡¹(Bounce-Bounce?)

    Thinking that I should test it, I equipped it and experimented trying this and that while awaiting analysis from¡ºWisdom¡»-san, also checking the degree of control I can have and¡­ Discovered an unexpected usage.

    ¡¸I can choose the effect and restrict it!¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle?!)

    In other words, if I pick ¡ºPoison¡»everything aside from it will apply. If I set everything to OFF it will cause absolutely no issues with wrapping it. And I can also choose the type of debuff. Which among other things include ¡ºAphrodisiac¡»,¡ºIntoxication¡»,¡ºParalysis¡»,¡ºFaint¡», basically packed with Affection Rating-killing effects, so I thought that I should immediately seal it, but turns out¡­ There was¡ºSensitivity Increase¡»![1] For a moment I thought there might be Affection Rating Increase too, but found nothing!!

    ¡¸This is what really needs testing! Depending on the results I might be even willing to mithrilify it!!¡¹(Bounce-Bounce?!)

    This leaves something with simple bonuses to ViT or InT, but for now, I¡¯m fine with anything as long as it can boost the average. For now it¡¯s quantity over quality, if I have anything left I can remodel it for the classmates and sell.

    As for the orphans, then it¡¯s too early for them, aside for emergency-use weapons. For now, eating lots of food and having lots of fun is more important for them. We can protect them while in the orphanage, and if they themselves decide to become stronger then I can make equipment for them at that time. For now they can just play and have fun, making up for the time they couldn¡¯t¡­ Yeah, and there is no risk of being attacked by monsters in that town?

    ¡¸Well, for safety¡¯s sake I¡¯ve already equipped them with the strongest equipment for kids, so by the standards outside of the Frontier they are on par with adventurers. I mean, it¡¯s for safety¡¯s sake¡­ So it¡¯s fine, right?¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle)

    By the time I noticed I¡¯ve already picked way over 100 items. Since that¡¯s too much, let¡¯s leave them some homemade swords and bows. While they don¡¯t have special effects, they are way better in terms of pure stats, so there should be no complaints.

    ¡¸I mean, Pres-san and other¡¯s gear is in a state of constant upgrade, so I just keep crafting new stuff, making tons of half-baked weapons and equipment prototypes in the process, so I¡¯ve tons of those just gathering dust? Yeah, let¡¯s just secretly donate (throw away) all this stuff!¡¹(Bounce Bounce)

    Weapons and equipment were shabby, but equipment other than accessories and armor was surprisingly good. In other words, it was just a stockpile of unwanted stuff! That¡¯s why no one can blame me for trading it for my handmade gear, rather, in terms of numbers, I left more stuff there, so there is no issue with carrying off a whole lot. Moreover, there is even some fresh armor and protective gear previously worn by high school girls, so it¡¯s a very generous exchange. Well, making middle-aged men happy is kind of annoying, but despite how much they fought in it, it¡¯s fresh?

    ¡¸Well, let¡¯s go back? I¡¯ve got every notable item. And everyone must¡¯ve finished preparations to return to the Frontier by now? The carriages are already remodeled, so this will do, I guess?¡¹(Bounce-Bounce!)

    Then, when I gave the old man that came with me the list of the stuff that I took and added, he froze with wide open eyes, but since he just stood there with an open mouth without actually complaining I hurriedly retreated from the scene. Hm, did I take too much stuff after all?

    ¡¸No, I mean, wouldn¡¯t anyone get a bit greedy after being told to pick anything you like? Seriously picking items would¡¯ve taken way too much time, so I just took 300 items too dubious to select any specific ones? But ultimately, the treasury ended up with more items than before, so this is a good deal for them, regardless if they are going to use those as rewards or equipment? The stuff that I left is more practical and useful for combat anyway? And freshly worn?¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle)

    I¡¯ll have to revise the equipment we have later, so along with mithrilification of new items there are plenty of stuff to do. Yeah, let¡¯s return first.

    Then, after joining the Pres-san and others, who were waiting in front of the carriages in full readiness, we depart. Everyone is waving hands to members of the Royal Family that came to see us off. But Royal Girl is going to come to the Frontier in no time? Yeah, the system for troops deployment to the Frontier was restored, so it was decided that her unit will be the first one to be dispatched to the Frontier. But Playking was still going around with three consorts at his side! How enviably outrageous! Let¡¯s roast him the next time we meet.

    And Rerorero middle-aged man is waving hand too. Elven Little Sister Girl is coming to the Frontier too, so he must¡¯ve come to see her off.

    Elven Little Sister Girl is getting along with both the girls and the orphans and doesn¡¯t want to separate it seems. Also, while I think that she has completely recovered by now, it still would be better to have her accompany us, in order to observe her post-recovery recuperation, is what was decided by majority ruling, apparently. Yeah, the fact that I¡¯m never called for voting is the biggest question here, but Slime-san was actually properly asked for his vote? Could it be that they think that Slime-san is the Master?

    And the First Division¡¯s muscular lady and her companions also came to say goodbye. Or rather, every single one is a muscular sexy lady! It looks like they hit it off with the Idiots and were sparring and stuff. She is a beautiful young lady of a marquis house, but she is super muscular with a height of more than 180cm, however¡­ It seems she was a musclehead, after all.

    The Geeks are still staring at letters. Apparently, correspondence from the Beastmen Country just arrived. Which, among other things, contained letters of thanks for the Geeks and Idiots, but the stuff they are rereading over and over¡­ Are letters with thanks from animal-eared girls.

    For the first time they were angry from the very bottom of their hearts, for the first time they fought on their own volition and saved somebody. And for the first time they were thanked by strangers. Coming to another world that they were dreaming so much about, they finally got to save somebody like in the stories, and were finally acknowledged. That¡¯s why they keep rereading them over and over and over again¡­ Or so I thought, but turns out kemomimi[2] girls were super cute! Let¡¯s burn them after all!!!

    The shop assistant from the Frontier¡¯s general store has arrived and already begun taking over the management, so the souvenir store should do fine too. As the entire family has recovered from an illness, they are going to dedicate themselves to working hard in the Capital. We had hired workers from the Slums, the distribution channels from the Frontier are secured, so the capital¡¯s souvenir store is going to become a branch of the Frontier¡¯s general store. This will allow to purchase stuff from all over the Kingdom, so arranging a couple of buildings is a cheap price. For starters I stuffed the entire underground storage full of merchandise, so it should last for a while.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go home?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeah!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    We are just going back the same way we can, heading to the farthest Frontier to the east of here, but the carriages got quite a lot livelier than before.

    The Capital is getting smaller and smaller¡­ Alright, escape success!

    Yeah, I managed to avoid getting ¡ºEverlasting Trap¡»confiscated. So it should be fine for a while, at the very least until Maid Girl comes!

 Chapter 326

    Day 77 ¨C Afternoon, Outskirts of the Capital

    Travel by carriage. Well, it¡¯s not the first time, but this ride feels like the first carriage ride. The carriage with the Geeks and Idiots went out of sight after running wildly for a while, but how far did they go? Well, who cares?

    Here, we have to slowly start the carriages in order to get the orphans used to them. After all, it¡¯s the first carriage ride in their lives, and their first trip. Not to mention that they are just Lv 1 children. There are worries about their physical strength, and also simple motion sickness concerns too. Well, even if they do feel unwell it can be fixed with mushrooms, but this being their first trip, they must want to observe the scenery until they get tired of it.

    And I too am observing the scenery for the first time. Which reminds me¡­ We always traveled at ultra-high speed, so this is my first time actually seeing it too!

    The Frontier is surrounded by forests and steep mountains, giving it a vague feeling of isolation, while the land outside is a vast plain. There are some hills, but in general, it¡¯s pretty flat, allowing for a great unobstructed view of what feels like endlessly stretching plains. Yes, endlessly stretching nature, which must mean endlessly stretching possibilities for outdoor play, the entire world of pleasure, but¡­ Not doing any of that? Yeah, I mean, I¡¯m getting stares?

    ¡¸Such vast empty plots of lands, which means, as long the population increases, it can be freely developed?¡¹

    There aren¡¯t enough people. Which means that if there are issues with food supply, there might be a point to rewriting the Frontier¡¯s version of the agricultural report, adapting it for the Kingdom. I mean, there is so much land, allowing children to starve while having all this is way too much of a waste¡­ First comes potatoes.

    Norfolk four-course farming is the Geeks specialty, and they even have countermeasures for the fertilizer issue, that was its weak point, so someday this entire area might become a wheat field. But while it¡¯s okay to let them teach, there is no telling what will sprout if they are allowed to farm themselves. Yes, it¡¯s definitely going to be something entirely unrelated to wheat, so clearing it with fire seems like another sort of trouble?!

    While flying, I always have a good view of surroundings, but when falling, all I see is a gray wall. And since I¡¯m simply overlooking things from the sky, I¡¯ve never seen the scenery in proper detail. Yeah, the only thing I have in my memory is a rapidly approaching ground? And when I¡¯m traveling with Armored Pres-san at top-speed it¡¯s nothing but a wall of blue, green, and yellow. That¡¯s why it¡¯s fine to go slowly in the beginning.

    On our way to the Capital, I was doing some soil preparation to kill time, in other words, a straight road to the Frontier was completed.

    ¡¸Yeah, this is the chance to show the limits of ¡ºHighway Star Train Aero¡». If we can go at the speed far higher than when we were going to the Capital, we should be able to reach the Frontier in less a day!¡¹(Hehee~en?)

    The horses are also steadily running over monsters, raising their levels, and growing into splendid post-apocalyptic steeds. The cute horsies from before are nowhere to be found anymore, it¡¯s actually a bit sad?

    The speed is gradually rising, but the orphans seem to be unexpectedly fine, so once they get bored of the view we can accelerate more. The scenery won¡¯t matter once night falls anyway, so let¡¯s just make it all the way over there in one go while they are asleep. I mean, Slime-san is going wild here¡­ Is it that happy about meeting Poster Girl? Or is it looking forward to their dance battle? Oh, in that case even Dancing Girl might join in!

    ¡¸It¡¯s nice that we got such a good weather.¡¹¡¸Is there anyone who feels sick?¡¹¡¸Tell me right away if you feel sick, okay~?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Yes, we are good.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Vice Pres B-san is shaking, shaken by the carriage, and what an outrageous shaking that is, rocking up and down with the movement of the carriage, acting as a shock absorber to the¡­ Oh no!

    ¡¸Don¡¯t get me wrong? I was merely observing the stability of suspension and shock absorption mechanisms, and I have to say they are working marvelously, even though the horses aren¡¯t running wild, double wishbone suspension is going wild on its own, and that double shaking is the WISH, but could you please stop aiming your bows at me? Also, Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san, just when did you evacuate to that carriage? I kind of should evacuate as well, but I also kind of can¡¯t do that since I¡¯m supposed to welcome and entertain Sexy Female Knights here, so no ballistas, okay? As you¡¯d expect, I don¡¯t think the armor here is not that strong? Or rather, why the hell is Geek¡¯s ballista a part of standard equipment of Orphan Carriages?!¡¹

    (Currently escaping pursuit)

    While I¡¯m being scolded, we continue heading east. It¡¯s apparently that way. We don¡¯t even have a compass, so instead east or whatever, calling it the direction of the Frontier, makes more sense. I mean, it¡¯s just a straight unforked path?

    ¡¸But just how far¡ºRoaring Accident-Searching Geeks and Idiots Exclusive Very Fast but super rocky rocking Model Despite Ultra Reinforced Suspension¡»went in its rampage? I still can¡¯t see it? Well, it seems that the horse isn¡¯t obeying anyone at all, so control is actually impossible, but it was super fast and super cheap. Well, they went eastward, so sooner or later they are going to hit the Frontier. Sooner, or later¡­¡­Kind of?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸You talk like it¡¯s about someone else, but you are the culprit, right?!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Things are going well. ¡ºLuxurious and Gorgeous Carriage for Passionately Welcoming and Entertaining Lovely-type Sexy Female Knights DELUXE Rolling SP¡»also had been fully tuned (overengineered) through¡ºWisdom¡»-boosted crafting ability, so this is far from its top speed. The issue is that since the comfort of the ride is too high, and it doesn¡¯t have enough rocking, I can¡¯t enjoy the pleasant softness of the lovely cushions (gorgeous walls of female flesh) on both sides while going ¡ºAaah (monotone)¡»! Alright, let¡¯s loosen the suspension during the next stop!

    We are traveling with just the usual members, so there is no issue with having some fun time, but how should I put it, without some sort of a happy accident-like development that can add even more rocking to the already rocking carriage it, marking the beginning of a heavenly highschool boy-like soul journey it¡¯s kind of lonely?

    Moreover, instead of combat equipment, both of them are wearing new lovely sexy secretary-like tight mini suits in cool black and gray colors, which makes me want to rip off their black stockings and say hello to the delicious bare skin, ah, they are so nice and smooth. Alright, let¡¯s make a detour before going back!

    ¡¾The carriage is shaking extremely hard!¡¿

    Alright, with my mind clear and refreshed, let¡¯s stop for dinner. Yeah, I¡¯m sure the scenery is very nice and refreshing too? Well, it¡¯s already dark though?

    And I begin dinner preparations with highschool boy vigor. The two will surely recover by the time it¡¯s ready. But while the sexy secretaries¡¯ secret places were not-so-secretly-amazing and I couldn¡¯t get enough of those ecstatic faces, covering the entire interior of a narrow carriage in tentacles to stimulate them in the ETERNAL tentacle RAIN seems to have been a bit much. It goes without saying that the staff (highschool boy) later gladly ate everyone up. Yeah, they were even more broken today than usual?  S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The ETERNAL tentacle RAIN looks like nothing but a bunch of tentacles, so it¡¯s not very fun. But covering the two with¡ºInfinite Magic Hands¡»entire, allows to experience normally impossible sensation of touching, rubbing, petting, and fondling every inch of their bodies at once in double due to sensation sync with the magic limbs, a sensation so colossal it might breach the walls of my sanity in a single kick, which seems to come with not small casualties, but since they broke with such happy looks, it¡¯s fine, I guess. Okay, let¡¯s get the meal ready before lecturing begins!

    ¡¸Hm? Why is everyone so red? Motion sickness? Or could it be that this carriage ride has driven you to awakening to Interspecies (Abnormal) Love, getting you blushing for the horsies? Sort of?¡¹

    ¡¸NO! It¡¯s that! It¡¯s¡­ We are just a bit tired!¡¹

    (((To think there was 360 degrees all-surround infinite tentacles paradise in that carriage! (*Gulp!*))))

    Although everyone is still red with a blush, they still are going to eat dinner. The orphans also started running around energetically as soon as they got outside.

    They lived inside the walls of the Capital all this time. In that crumbling building inside the slums. So it must be their first contact with nature, as well as their first trip and their first picnic. Everything is first for them, so they are excited and overjoyed. It wasn¡¯t right for them to sit in that pile of rubble, cold and hungry. Being overly energetic and running around without a point is the proper job for children. That¡¯s what¡¯s normal after all.

    ¡¸Mystery meat meatballs, omelet from eggs of unknown species, something-that-looks-like-asparagus but no one knows that it¡¯s actually, rolls with grilled meat of some sort, cream croquettes with unknown mushrooms, rice balls, sandwiches, teriyaki of something that was flying through the sky, and then also some deep fried stuff will be added later, just wait for a bit. And here come fried potatoes, or rather, stuff your faces?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thanks for the treat!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Aaah, we are so beat and hungry!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    And then there are the Geeks and Idiots who appear only for the meal. Wait a moment, that horse wasn¡¯t listening to anyone¡­ That¡¯s why it didn¡¯t even have a bridle and reins. In other words, it was completely impossible to control, so why is it back? Yeah, and for some reason, it¡¯s standing in line with its own food bucket.

    I tried packing everything into baskets picnic style, but since it¡¯s already late the atmosphere is lacking. But they are easting happily anyway. This is probably the first meal outside in their lives. So we will stick to picnic menu even if it¡¯s already dark. They have to make lots of memories, to make up for everything until now, otherwise, they won¡¯t be able to become splendid kids. And by now it¡¯s kind of pointless to even try to stop the splendid small tanuki. Naturally, it goes without saying that the only splendid thing about her is the belly. The part above is far from splendid, with completely flat plains of sorrow looking like they might even cave-in from their overwhelming sadness¡­ GYUAWAHAAAARAAh!

    ¡¸No, you can eat whatever you like, so don¡¯t bite me on the head? If you bite too much you¡¯ll have to be reclassified into Bitchy Small Tanuki¡­ (*Gnaw Gnaw!*) GAGYGYAAAAH!¡¹

    She actually bit me! Looks like I have to hurry with making that hairband into wearable equipment. Yeah, that¡¯s why I picked it, you know?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸We haven¡¯t bitten anyone ever! And we told you we aren¡¯t bitches!!!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Should we just bite him for real?!¡¹

    Even bites from Small Tanuki hurt. If Bitches start biting me too then I¡¯ll end up all covered in tooth-marks, so I run away. Psychology often explains leaving kiss or teeth marks on a person of the opposite sex as an expression of the desire to monopolize them, but they actually bite with a crunch! Totally unrelated to psychology or whatever, a pure and simple expression of desire for human flesh (cannibalism) and nothing else!

    Naturally, as a highschool boy, I¡¯d be courteously waiting on a place mat if a lovely sexy lady told me¡ºI¡¯m going to eat you?¡», but I don¡¯t want to be chewed by the Bitches! I mean, there is none of that lovely double meaning to it, they¡¯ll do it literally!

    And with meal break being over we start sprinting. The scenery can¡¯t be seen anymore, and having eaten to their heart content the orphans are now sleeping.Now is the time to show the real worth of ¡ºHighway Star Train Aero¡». At this rate, we¡¯ll be in the Frontier by the morning¡­ Yup, this is way too fast?

    ¡¸Metal rings on the wheels are scattering so many sparks that now there are two blazing lines behind us! Yeah, got to find some sort of rubber materials ASAP, otherwise, the picture looks like we are about to go back to the future any moment¡­ Speaking of back, that sounds nice too!¡¹

    Alright, it¡¯s nighttime. Time to do my best! Even though I¡¯m being hit with Scorpion Deathlock from Flip Piledriver [1] inside the carriage, there is a reason I can¡¯t afford to lose. It¡¯s a holy war that a highschool boy is absolutely not allowed to lose. It¡¯s bunny girls after all~ all~ all~ (Echoing until the next morning!)

    And as the tests have shown, ¡ºSensitivity Increase¡»from ¡ºGloves of Poison Touch¡»is a weapon of supreme effectiveness, able to make the bunnies tremble, moan, writhe, and crumble down by merely drawing a circle on their backs, so they ended up getting eaten while making circles around their lower areas. And they lived happily ever after? Kind of sort of?

 Chapter 327

    Day 78 ¨C Morning, The Frontier, The Town of Omui

    We dropped the speed since the children woke up, and also took a break for breakfast¡­ But the town is already in sight. Yeah, I wonder just how many hundreds kilometers per hour we were going during the night? There was no sound or vibration, but we apparently were running super wild.

    Familiar gates, and¡­ The middle-aged gatekeeper that we¡¯re already seen way too many times.

    ¡¸Long time no see, wait, don¡¯t tell me the Frontier only has two gatekeepers?! Well, I¡¯m sure holding any expectations for the inn is pointless too¡­ It¡¯s surely still has the same¡ºWhite Weirdo¡»name. Yeah, I knew it¡­ I mean, I was the who had to make a signboard for it?¡¹

    While Haruka-kun, complaining, is parking the carriage at the inn, the children that just got outside, half asleep, are looking up at the high-rise inn with curious looks and open mouths. Well, there certainly aren¡¯t that many buildings higher than the Royal Palace?

    ¡¸Long time no see Commoner Poster Pleb Girl? How was your commoner life? Well, Those are¡º?Frontier¡»goods, that are now all the rage at the Capital, specialty of the Capital¡¯s Souvenir Store, not really sure how would it look if you wore it in the Frontier though, but it might be an ultimate indispensable item for supreme appreciators of the Frontier, or rather, I¡¯ve just got too many left in stock after going overboard with mass production? Is what the goblins and kobolds in the forest¡¯s neighborhood are said to be rumoring according to the Frontier¡¯s lege¡­ GUOoooH! ¡¹

    Poster Girl-chan jumped at him. Yeah, his chatter takes way too long, and it¡¯s not like there is any meaning to it either? Well, she just lunged at him with open arms, so it ended up in a splendid jumping headbutt, and so, the Sex King of unknown species and cryptic behavior was felled. A perfect rebuttal to his way too long talking. She is clinging to him in tears¡­ She must¡¯ve been very lonely.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Poster Girl-chan, we are home.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸W-W-Welcome back. (crying)¡¹

    Now she is charging this way. Casually side-step her to then hug and pat her on the head, and her expression changes to a loose smile.

    For starters, we step inside the inn, and suddenly, the large building, the entirety of which is reserved by us, feels very nostalgic. Wait, everyone is almost crying already. Haruka-kun is KO¡¯ed. Since his level is as low as before, he is actually just as fragile as ordinary people if he takes the attack directly. And it seems that headbutt was quite powerful!

    This was then followed by a touching reunion of Poster Girl-chan and Slime-san, so a weird dance started, to which a greeting dance of Nefertiri-san was added, creating a pretty weird scene. Angelica-san is shaking her head, but she is very happy about coming back as well.

    After all, Angelica-san¡¯s great memories begin with this inn. That¡¯s where she became friends with everyone, so this is a very emotional place for her too.

    After that we noisily poured into our familiar rooms, left our baggage, and after returning began arguing on what we are going to do from tomorrow, making a ruscus, while loudly clashing opinions.

    The children were seemingly nervous about their first inn stay, but soon became friends with Poster Girl and started dancing as well¡­ What¡¯s this? Preschool dance recital? But who on earth taught them Mayim Mayim?

    We are planning to have them stay at the inn for a while, and once they get used to things here, move them to the orphanage. Haruka-kun mentioned building a new house where everyone can live together, but it wouldn¡¯t be good to treat them so different from the Frontier¡¯s orphans, moreover, at the orphanage they will be able to get simple work and errands in the town, so it is going to be better for their future too. But what¡¯s more important, the orphanage has a school attached.

    The orphanage is a part of the school system that Omui-sama started, and the town kids are attending lessons there, so they will be able to make lots of friends. So the orphanage is going to work better in terms of making them get used to the Frontier faster, is what was decided after a discussion, but Vice Pres C-san is going to miss them.

    But once we go back to dungeon exploration we are barely going to spend any time at the inn. But while leaving them with nothing to do in the meantime is not good, sending them out to work all day long is also bad. Nevertheless, even if we¡¯d like them to stay around, they are still too young to teach them combat.

    And since the orphanage is located near the Adventurers Guild we can drop by at any time, and it¡¯s not that far from the inn too. Saying that no one will get lonely would be a lie, but after discussing with everyone we decided that this is definitely the best course of action. That¡¯s why even Vice Pres C-san didn¡¯t argue against it.

    ¡¸For starters, let¡¯s go around the town with greetings? We still have to get a permit for dungeon subjugation from the guild too?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸I¡¯m in, but what do we do?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸Yeah, wanna split?¡¹

    We were handed mushroom-shaped pennants, and told that we will need souvenirs if we are going around with greetings, but we threw them back as hard as we could.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Don¡¯t give mushroom-shaped pennants to pure maidens!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¸That¡¯s right, the visuals are totally out!!!¡¹

    The culprit was planning some sort of¡ºMushroom Cup ¨C Pennant Race¡»to get rid of the unsold inventory, so let¡¯s beat him up. Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san have recovered too, so he is getting a sermon.

    Finally getting back to the nostalgic town we are walking around it in a bustling crowd, the children are also excited about novel sights. Normally, moving from the Capital to the Frontier, the most remote province, would be considered a downgrade, but while it indeed loses in the number of stores, it¡¯s overwhelmingly dominating in both quality and quantity of goods. Moreover, it kept on developing while we were gone, and has even more stores and traffic now. Everyone is happily shopping and enjoying food. Yes, we managed to protect this. This is what we wanted to protect.

    ¡¸There is a stall with deep-fried food?!¡¹

    ¡¸And that one has hotcakes!!¡¹

    ¡¸Even imagawayaki too!¡¹[1]

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­Kyaaa!!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The Maidens¡¯ Stampede has begun. The children ended up getting dragged along, and even though everyone lined up to get pocket money from Haruka-kun, all of it is about to disappear in the blink of an eye. After all, the sweets workshop started operating. There is no way this world would have red bean paste, or anything called imagawayaki. Even the culprit behind the hotcakes must be the usual true culprit behind everything. Even without making any effort to unravel the mystery, if we simply capture him, he is definitely going to end up being the culprit, no worries about false accusations. The Culprit (Haruka-kun) is always obvious.

    ¡¸T-T-T-That over there is a hotdog stall!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Mister, give us that!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Be it stalls or stores, everything evolved so far that it would¡¯ve been unimaginable back when we first came to the town. Or rather, it¡¯s too far. They are about to catch up with the modern era at this rate. And everything comes from his misdemeanor of scattering modern knowledge around, and magic-stone powered industrial revolution. After all, everyone is buying snacks with tears, and eating them up while crying. Being able to experience an already lost ordinary everyday, they must be feeling like they are having fun at festivals from our world, which everyone was sure we¡¯d never be able to do again.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸That, over there, it¡¯s that? It¡¯s that, right?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Eh! No way,¡ºGrilled Octopus-like squirming something? Kind of?¡»? It¡¯s Takoyaki-san!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    They had neither katsuobushi or aonori, but it was properly takoyaki-san. I¡¯m sure they hid takoyaki, Imagawayaki, pancakes, and hot dogs because he wanted us to experience this. The Frontier¡¯s shopping district was like a festival, how could we possibly hold back from crying. Everyone is gulping down their food while weeping, getting the children pretty worried by now. When we fed it to the kids their eyes went round from how good it was. This is the welcome of the Frontier¡¯s town. We are back home.

    With all of our pocket money being eaten up by emotions, nostalgia, and deliciousness, we reach the guild, and see Haruka-kun being scolded in front of the bulletin board again. While the sight is sort of nostalgic, is he at this again, or rather, is he still doing this?

    And the moment Haruka-kun stepped outside he was kidnapped by General Store¡¯s shopkeeper¡­ He must¡¯ve arrived before the goods that he made while in the Capital. Those carriages are craazy fast without needing a high-speed highway. And since a proper road popped up, there are now more merchants. There are, but we arrived ahead of everyone.

    ¡¸Nothing changed, huh~? Be it the townsfolk~, or Haruka-kun~?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeeah¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    The Frontier¡¯s town was just the same as before. After all, an unapologetic recidivist that never learns is back in town.

    The guild¡¯s lady looked happy, and townsfolk is also laughing looking at Haruka-kun getting dragged away.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll get dungeon report from the guild, everyone can do what you want, but don¡¯t forget to introduce the children, okay?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Roger.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Speaking of which¡­¡­Roger dates back to the days of early radio communications meaning that a message has been received and understood, and simply was the early spoken or phonetic term for ¡ºR¡»used in the radio communications for received and understood, but despite Romeo-san being chosen in the end, Roger-san ended up more famous.

    Yeah, no one is listening. I too had no intention of listening to this, but Haruka-kun explained it anyway, so I ended up remembering it. Although I don¡¯t think this knowledge will ever be of any use.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad that you are back. While there are no activity in the dungeons at the moment, the Evil Forest began revitalizing again.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I thought that the forest was larger than before. I¡¯ll give Haruka-kun a deforestation commision.¡¹

    The Guild Master rushed down the stairs, but Haruka-kun had already left. He certainly seems popular with aged gentlemen. No matter where we go he gets surrounded by a crowd of old men before we even notice.

    ¡¸Here are papers on the current state of the dungeons and exploration permits. There are permits for everyone with the exception for a certain person who isn¡¯t even an adventurer. We appreciate your cooperation. ¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Now we can earn money. Small and weak dungeons outside the Frontier gave only cheap magic stones and barely any items. In other words, if we put aside salary from the Souvenir Store we basically worked for free. The King provides some rewards, but they can¡¯t compare to what can be earned from dungeon exploration.

    The Frontier¡¯s dungeons are just that strong, and also, profitable!  S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    We can get equipment and weapons at impossibly low prices thanks to being with Haruka-kun, but that¡¯s like purchasing national budget-scale weapons at 99% discount. It might be dirt cheap, but that cheap still means an outrageous sum of money. In other words, unless we earn tremendous amounts of money, we will immediately go deep in red, and only non-stop touring dungeons of the frontier can save us from a life of debt¡­ And two dresses already cost us a whole lot, even causing damage to our savings. It¡¯s quite bad!

    ¡¸Alright, let¡¯s start diving tomorrow!¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Yeeeah!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    We have to earn enough to keep up with Haruka-kun¡¯s bargains, auctions, and dessert sales. After all, the quality of clothing went up drastically again. Those dresses were so amazing that even a real princess was stunned. And they also were¡­ Quite, horribly expensive. (sobbing)

 Chapter 328

    Day 78 ¨C Daytime, Omui Town, Adventurers¡¯ Guild

    I finally made it this far. It was an endlessly long journey, and what awaited me at the end was exactly what I expected. So I have to say it!

    ¡¸Well, I was absolutely sure, without any shadow of a doubt, that no matter what happens, this is going to be an unshaking certain inevitability, but just as I expected, there aren¡¯t any new quest on the bulletin board, so what even is going on with this permanent and unchanging existence of this bulletin board-like entity which isn¡¯t serving its bulletin board purpose at all? It has no intention of introducing new work, right? This is such a complete and total denial of its raison d¡¯etre as a bulletin board that it might require legal intervention to prevent adventurers from rising in revolt over such abandonment of its duty as a bulletin board. Just what is the reason that is making the person in charge of the board boycott duty to such an extent? It might be time to post a new notice on this board, announcing recruitment of a new person to take care of this board? Not happening since the person in charge of the board isn¡¯t going to update it, huh? Conflict of interests? Kind of?¡¹(*pant-pant-pant*)

    ¡¸Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh? You have returned? And the first thing you do is go straight to the Adventurers¡¯ Guild, despite not even being an adventurer, and complain about the bulletin board? I¡¯ve been waiting expectantly for the day when you would finally start acting with discretion, as not to attract attention, but I can see that it was in vain, could you please stop constantly coming to openly and loudly complain about the board? This is the bulletin board for A?D?V?E?N?T?U?R?E?R?S!¡¹ (*pant-pant-pant-pant*)

    ¡¸¡¸(*PANT-PANT-PANT*)¡¹¡¹

    Enjoying with great delight my first fill of the Clerk Pres-san¡¯s Flat Gaze in a while I felt a sense of deep satisfaction, but her retorts have gotten even longer and sharper! Looks like the limits of our lung capacity are being put to a test, but even so, there is not a single new post on the board. That¡¯s actually impressive!

    Well then, going to the General Store right now I will surely get a mountain of new orders forced on me, so I thought I¡¯d first drop by the Weapon Store, but the moment I stepped outside I was immediately grabbed by the General Store¡¯s Lady, who was already waiting for me there, and dragged into the General Store¡­ Is she getting withdrawal symptoms since she ran out of mushrooms? But the fingers digging into my skull actually hurt a bit, you know? Judging by this grip strength, it looks like her old wounds have fully healed.

    ¡¸You are late! Way too late! You should¡¯ve just wrapped this stupid war ASAP and went back. We got a huge backlog of orders! Good grief, I thought you¡¯d be back in two or three days.¡¹

    ¡¸Two or three days? There is no chance of ending things that quickly without indiscriminately incinerating both friends and foes¡­ Wait, since there were nothing but middle-aged men, that was a viable option!¡¹

    Well, it would¡¯ve been possible if we stuck to the defensive without going to the Capital, but sitting on defense will only increase expenses without any profit?

    ¡¸Or rather, are there more salesgirls? Did they go through shop-assitant-division or something?¡¹

    ¡¸I hired them! What makes you think that salesgirls can split? Just what do you think salesgirls are?!¡¹

    I thought she¡¯d be short on staff since she sent salesgirls to the Capital, but there are even more employees than before. Apparently, she was going on a mushroom-giving spree, and some of the girls that recovered with their help came to work here to repay the favor. But even with 7-8 people the business is thriving so much that it¡¯s nowhere near enough.

    ¡¸Anyway, clothes! Give me women¡¯s clothing! Make it! Make it now! We¡¯ve been awaiting new arrivals since forever. The workshop alone can¡¯t satisfy the demand for high-class items. So hurry!¡¹

    Her eyes are scary. The aunties must be badly pestering her with this. Those aunties are the champions of the town of invincible demons that can crush even incoming dungeon stampedes. She can¡¯t possibly defy them. Well, I can¡¯t either, so I¡¯ll just make it without talking back.

    Sitting inside an available room I¡¯m processing all of the available fabric stockpile. Grasping fabric with ¡ºHolding¡» I blend in mana, and treat fabric and threads. This single step greatly changes the quality of the fabric, and also makes it more difficult for wrinkles to form.

    Then I proceed to cutting and sewing it. Thanks to¡ºWisdom¡»-san¡¯s control ¡ºEvil Hands¡»¡¯s accuracy and speed have greatly increased, so producing a large quantity of clothes takes only an instant. But since if I don¡¯t make a bit extra I¡¯ll be immediately flooded with orders again, let¡¯s make five times what was originally requested. New clothes pile up into a small mountain as I keep working, adding various tweaks to designs and sizes in the process. Let¡¯s not forget about top-selling shoes and bags as well.

    ¡¸You¡¯ve gotten even faster. ¡­Your pay has piled up quite a bit by now. I¡¯ll leave it here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? But I got royal coin in the Capital?¡¹

    Yeah, one of those annoying coins that no store or stall would accept. A single piece is worth 100,000,000 Ere.

    ¡¸It¡¯s for the last mushroom lunch box that you made in advance. The one that thoroughly even had a note with my name on it. Mushrooms in it weren¡¯t normal! They were amazingly delicious, but more importantly, they cured the injuries that were too old to heal! These were mushrooms of the highest grade, right?! I won¡¯t be able to pay you back even if I spend my entire life on it¡­ Thank you, lad.¡¹

    This lady was pretty strong despite her injuries. But she wouldn¡¯t be able to endure combat with the body impaired by those old wounds. But were Murimuri Castle to fall, she definitely would¡¯ve gone to the frontlines. Even if she wouldn¡¯t have been able to fight with that body, she would¡¯ve jumped into the fight without a moment of hesitation. That¡¯s why I fixed it. I mean, she refused to purchase them from me, claiming that they are too expensive, so they were kind of just left over, piling up without any purpose? Like, they are just growing like mushrooms? Well, they are?

    And in that short while that we were gone, the Evil Forest ended up spreading again, what a dreadful vitality! But it also means an open season for mushrooms, goblins, and kobold hunting, which also means a great chance to make a profit.

    ¡¸Aaah. Wait? I made it to cure addiction of mushroom addicts, but since all it did was heal some old wouldn¡¯t it wasn¡¯t all that effective in the end? So the regular prince of 880 Ere is fine. I mean, everything at the top of the order list is mushroom lunch boxes, moreover, for all the urgency, only mushroom lunch boxes are getting the ASAP mark. Clearly, mushrooms were powerless to cure your acute mushroom addiction! In other words, ineffective mushrooms are just mushrooms? Well, they are literally mushrooms though? I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸*Siiiiigh* Just how much do you think those mushrooms cost? And you also gave those lunch boxes to Murimur-sama, didn¡¯t you? Murimur-sama hasn¡¯t touched the sword since giving birth to the young lady, but she was leading adventurers in the defense of the Frontier. That must¡¯ve been your doing.¡¹

    Even though it¡¯s just mushrooms, she kept insisting that they are too expensive and refused to accept any, I mean, they are literally free? They are just growing all over the place? I just went and picked them.

    So I went with lunchboxes. Moreover, I handed them with a hidden trap of the expiration date being that very same day. If it were simply mushrooms, she would¡¯ve just given them back without eating, but if it¡¯s a lunchbox, by the time she notices the issue, it would be already partially eaten! Moreover, even if she tried to return it anyway, it would already be past the expiration date. A perfect expiration date psychological trap that took advantage of the feeling of wastefulness about eating it flipped it upside down, making her think that not eating it would be more wasteful. But that expiration date stuff is actually all made up? I just don¡¯t want to write the manufacture date.

    I mean, it¡¯s better to have more combat forces than less when push comes to shove. And Murimuri-san is over level 100. And the same goes for this lady. So in order to prepare for the worst case scenario I fed those mushrooms to both of them, but I didn¡¯t think she would come all the way out to Murimuri Castle.

    And be the Frontier¡¯s army or adventurers at Murimuri Castle, they all were properly supplied. Provisions, medical supplies, spare weapons, armor, and even items for a large number of people were transported over that distance. The only person in the Frontier capable of distributing such a large volume of goods is the general store¡¯s shopkeeper, and that is worth way more than those mushrooms.  S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    That¡¯s why the Frontier was saved despite my blunder. Because the Frontier saved itself. However¡­ The aunties of this town went up in levels after that battle! This town is beyond helping. I mean, it¡¯s a town of demons by now, where stampedes can only hope to be crushed. The aunties are really scary here.

    ¡¸Having so much really helps. I¡¯d like to have stores for those girls and their families too. Since they can finally work normally.¡¹

    It¡¯s probably a disease caused by the dense Magical Essence of the Frontier. The question is why Elven Little Sister Girl had it too, but I guess it can be considered the Frontier¡¯s local disease. But dense Magical Essence also causes mushrooms to grow, treatment with which can be used to curb decline of the population. And sufficient weaponry and protection will decrease damage from monsters. Moreover, now, with food issues resolved, the Frontier should experience a proportional growth in population.

    In other words, the return on all of the investments is going to be further multiplied by population explosion so much that even thinking about it is scary. Here it comes, growing from just a magnate into the perpetual Uber Magnate. Well, the mysterious phenomenon of money vanishing regardless of how much I earn keeps diminishing my funds, so by now even the money that I plundered from the Confederation, the Theocracy, and the Kingdom¡¯s nobles are about to run out. Yup, coming back to the Frontier I found quite a few nice items? So even though I thought I still had some surplus, I immediately ran out of money I had on hand after some bulk purchases.

    Actually, my largest sources of income are looting dungeons myself and ripping off the pres and others.Those are the two pillars of my magnate life. Going on a spending spree in the Capital with both of them shattered, following with making massive investments that promised future profits have greatly undermined my finances, which then received a finishing blow through pocket money rush back at the Frontier. The confections workshop began operation, and many new shops can be seen. The orphans spent all of the pocket money in a flash, and as expected, when they came for more, the classmates were lining up with them. Looks like ONE MORE SET is coming back.

    Both the orphans and the Girls are crying while sinking their teeth into cotton candy. Was it enough to make them happy? This is kind of the limit right now? Sort of?

    The weapon store seems vacant though. Well, it makes sense that there won¡¯t be many customers after giving out so many weapons. As I thought, that old man is not suited for business!

    ¡¸Long time no see~, even though I didn¡¯t see you for a long time, you are just as bald, as beardy, and as old man as before¡­ Did you bald head get even shinier?¡¹

    ¡¸It was never shiny in the first place! Finally back, huh, good job. We got through just fine here. Thanks to you.¡¹

    The adventurers that defended Murimuri Castle, village militia, the town¡¯s guards, all were provided with fine equipment. Which must mean that it was this old man that made it. That¡¯s why everything ended without anyone dying. As powerful as healing mushrooms may be, they can¡¯t bring one back to life. It was that armor that protected them and those swords and spears and saved them. That¡¯s how the Frontier saved itself. ¡­And that¡¯s why he has no customers. Yeah, everyone has a full set of equipment.

    For starters, I sell him numerous weapons and armor with dubious effects that were dropped around the Noble District. The colossal volume of precious metal trinkets from there was already sold to the General Store. As the saying goes ¨C one trash¡¯s treasure is some magnate¡¯s profit. In total it became quite nice pocket money. If there is stuff to sell, customers will appear eventually. If everyone is fully equipped, then there is no choice but aim to provide upgrades or replacements. Be it the general store or the weapon store, it¡¯s all because they like to scatter their merchandise all over the place that they go out of stock. How troublesome.

    Then, I borrow the forge for testing. Previously, I succeeded at mass production, but the quality wasn¡¯t up to par. That¡¯s why this time I¡¯m putting full power in every swing, transmuting, forging, tempering, and hammering. Just focusing my all of observing with ¡ºRajingan¡», feeling with¡ºHolding¡», understanding with¡ºWisdom¡», and forging together with¡ºEvil Hands¡». I simply keep hammering, putting faith in my instincts, and the moment I finish, shivers run down my spine. It¡¯s done.

    This is the best I can do at the moment.¡ºSword of Severance ¨C PoW SpE DeX 40% Up, Sword Technique Bonus (Great), Physical Defense Nullification, Severing, +ATT¡», let¡¯s try spears and shields next. The level of equipment will jump up at once if I¡¯m able to mass produce this through Alchemy and then mithrilify it. I guess 100 of each will do for starters. At this level, selling it to the general population becomes dangerous. It can get very bothersome if it falls into an enemy¡¯s hands.

    ¡¸You made something crazy again. If you can forge such items then you can freely call yourself a first-rate blacksmith. As the word among blacksmiths would have it¡ºEven the greatest technique won¡¯t produce enchantments if there are no feelings behind it¡». If you can forge such a thing without magic stones then you are a true blacksmith.¡¹

    Looks like it got a seal of approval. He might be bald, beardy, and old man, but he is still the greatest smith in the Kingdom, and he gave a passing mark. But the quality of the end result will be decided by how much this can be improved with magic stones¡¯ effects and mithrilification. This time, luckily, no one died, we luckily managed to protect, and luckily, everything ended well. In such a case, preparations are required to allow luck to be of any help. Because if things get so bad that even luck wouldn¡¯t be able to change the outcome, then the only thing left will be despair.

    I have to make something that will allow to grasp that hope, something to boost the chances, even if only so slightly, something stronger than the doom this world is so happy to bestow in its inhabitants. After all, I¡¯ve already passed my growth limit. From now on, getting stronger will be accompanied with getting more fragile. I¡¯m way too far past the limitations of my Stats.

    Well, I keep finding, exposing, and then forcibly using hidden skills that were hidden because using them might kill me, mixing them together with other skills that might kill me, so it¡¯s not surprising. I knew that unless my level manages to catch up I¡¯m going to break down eventually¡­ But it seems I went past that threshold way quicker than I expected. The puzzling thing is that ¡ºSex King¡»for some reason is still completely fine? Yeah, I still can keep going? Yeah, the limit is nowhere in sight. Let¡¯s work hard tonight.

 Chapter 329: Invisible Battle â‘¤ Conspiracy and Assault

    Translator: Nat

    ¨CAegir POV¨C

    ¡¸Talk.¡¹

    After putting Myla to bed in her room, I face Leopolt in the office.

    ¡¸As I have said before, we can¡¯t attack in a way that directly harms Zilgray.¡¹

    He did tell me that.

    ¡¸However that doesn¡¯t mean we will go easy on him for our revenge.¡¹

    A half-hearted attack will not satisfy me either.

    ¡¸I suspect Zilgray is already acting based on his hatred towards Lord Hardlett rather than intellectual thought.¡¹

    The initial failed assassination aside, Leopolt said that the second attack was too obvious and wouldn¡¯t be something Zilgray would do if he were thinking calmly.

    ¡¸What a crazed dog needs is not persuasion, but punishment. Even if we were to find a final point of common ground, the best policy is to do so after suitable retaliation.¡¹

    ¡¸I just simply can¡¯t get over it until I punch him.¡¹

    I sit in my chair and rock side to side.

    ¡¸Our attack will be on everything other than his life. His personnel, his assets, his honor. We¡¯ll target almost all of them. It will cause more damage than punching and it will leave longer effects.¡¹

    That¡¯s not really the problem here. Well, I said I would leave it to him so I can¡¯t be selfish.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t tolerate killing any women though. Men getting involved can¡¯t be helped, women aren¡¯t allowed to.¡¹

    Leopolt¡¯s eyes become slightly more narrow. I¡¯m not being selfish here, this is just how the world works so no compromising.

    ¡¸So what¡¯s the plan specifically?¡¹

    I know he¡¯ll do a good job regardless of whether I ask, it¡¯s just that I might cheer up if I hear what he has in store.

    ¡¸We¡¯ll be aiming for Zilgray¡¯s personal assets, in other words his private residence. However he is currently anticipating us to take revenge and will have a tight defense.¡¹

    That goes without saying. If he went to sleep without any precaution knowing the present situation, he would be the stupidest of fools.

    ¡¸Therefore we will first lure Zilgray himself out of his residence. When that happens, a large portion of guards will follow him and it will be easier for us to attack the empty mansion.¡¹

    ¡¸No, wait.¡¹

    It shouldn¡¯t be that easy to get him out of the house. Even if he has to go out, he can prepare various disguises, so I don¡¯t think he would leave the house so simply.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sure he will do something like that. That¡¯s why Lord Hardlett will write this.¡¹

    Leopolt puts down a piece of paper with a rough draft written on it.

    On it is written¨D¨D ¡°It would trouble me if we fought anymore¡±, ¡°I¡¯ll do anything you say so please forgive me¡±, and other such self-deprecating sentences which is pretty much equivalent to a declaration of defeat. At the end, there is also a request for reconciliation under absolute secrecy. The meeting place is the port city on the side of the Magrado General Governorate.

    ¡¸Sure, he might come out happily if something like this is sent to him, but it would be my loss the moment I send it.¡¹

    Adding in the absolute secrecy part will also ensure Zilgray spreads the news that I asked for mercy, as if showing off the head of a demon he killed. Besides, he¡¯ll know it¡¯s me if I try this foul play with the letter.

    ¡¸After Lord Hardlett has written the letter, press this seal at the end.¡¹

    Without answering my question, Leopolt proceeds to take out a stamp of sorts. An imprint with the family crest usually accompanies all official letters of a noble household and normally can only be used by the head of the household.

    In my case, the seal has been passed between Leopolt, Adolph and Celia so I haven¡¯t seen it let alone used it. Not that it really matters.

    ¡¸Once that seal is added, it¡¯ll become an official piece of writing. I¡¯m understanding less and less.¡¹ ¡¸Please have a good look at it.¡¹

    Hmm, was the family stamp always like this?

    ¡¸This¡­¡­ is not it. It looks very similar, but this part and the edge from here to here is slightly off!¡¹

    Before I knew it, Celia is in the room earnestly inspecting the seal.

    ¡¸So you¡¯re telling me that this is a fake seal?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, the fake seal will make the entire document fake. We¡¯ll use the letter to give him a sense of superiority and lure him out, then take the opportunity to attack the mansion while he¡¯s gone. Zilgray will also most likely report the letter to the Kingdom¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸He¡¯ll realize the seal is a fake if he looks at it carefully¡­¡­ Zilgray would not know who sent the fake letter and from where, not to mention he got lured out by it discreetly, plus he will be embarrassed after reporting it to the Kingdom.¡¹ S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Celia looks to Leopolt in admiration.

    So that¡¯s the attack on his honor. How crafty yet amusing.

    ¡¸Zilgray will have an officer of arms though. Will he be tricked so easily?¡¹

    The duty of an officer of arms is to remember each of the feudal lord¡¯s crests and coats of arms. It is preferably done by the head of the household, but there¡¯s a limit to how much he can do. That¡¯s where the officer of arms comes in to help with memorizing, to avoid the blunder of forgetting somebody¡¯s family symbol.

    Celia takes on that role for me, although Leopolt, Adolph and even Nonna knows about most of the seals of the Goldonian nobles.

    Meanwhile Tristan doesn¡¯t know any of them and couldn¡¯t even remember Count Monashi¡¯s family crest. I might not have the right to criticize him when I can¡¯t even recognize my own family crest though.

    Leopolt lines up the real crest and the counterfeit crest side by side with an emotionless look. Celia compares both and groans.

    ¡¸The differences are there¡­¡­ still they look so similar. Even I might not be able to tell if I didn¡¯t get the preface.¡¹ ¡¸I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t. After all, I modified the real crest kept as a spare.¡¹

    Celia becomes speechless and then stares at Leopolt. He doesn¡¯t take his eyes off me.

    ¡¸If Lord Hardlett takes up the pen himself, nobody will realize it¡¯s a fake. If for whatever reason they realize something is off, they¡¯ll only find out it¡¯s an elaborately forged letter. It will have nothing to do with us.¡¹

    I see, it¡¯ll be a big win if we succeed in fooling him. If we fail, it won¡¯t come back and hurt us and we just have to come up with another plan. What a very Leopolt-esque method of doing things.

    ¡¸That takes care of luring him out. What will we do after he¡¯s gone?¡¹

    Even if he¡¯s lured away, the mansion won¡¯t be empty. It¡¯s not like we can dispatch a huge army to siege the building.

    ¡¸If we are only looking to destroy the mansion, soldiers are not necessary. The plan is¨D¨D¨D¨D¡¹

    Leopolt explains the plan to attack the mansion.

    As expected, it¡¯s well thought out. There is one thing I¡¯m uneasy about.

    ¡¸This plan leaves Zilgray himself unharmed, right? We¡¯re just taking out his mansion while he¡¯s away.¡¹

    If I can¡¯t kill him, I still want to get at least one hit on him in the end.

    ¡¸He has a pretty careful nature and will probably have over a hundred protege knights with him. The number of soldiers we can send are limited so we can¡¯t do much more than diversionary tactics. It¡¯s possible to use throwaway pawns which will inevitably be wiped out producing no results, but that would give him a slight sense of victory.¡¹

    ¡¸I guess meeting in absolute secrecy will naturally limit the number of people we can send.¡¹

    Having a small group of elite knights who can rout them is too convenient¨D¨D

    I stand up suddenly and then continue.

    ¡¸What if it¡¯s possible to kill his knights with an extremely small group of people? Is there any merit in doing so?¡¹

    Leopolt seems to open his eyes a tiny bit wider. It was for a split second.

    ¡¸There is. Many of Zilgray¡¯s protege knights are sons of nobles belonging to his faction. If they¡¯re wiped out, its effects would be more than an attack on his assets and honor. ¡­¡­Murdering or inflicting a serious injury on Zilgray would surely invite the Kingdom¡¯s intervention, so we would need perfect command of our soldiers.¡¹

    ¡¸Alright, then let¡¯s crush his knights too. We¡¯ll follow your plans for the rest.¡¹

    I have to go ask quickly.

    I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get lots sucked out so I should also eat food that replenishes my blood on the way. Today is the day I promised to sleep with Nonna, though I have to postpone it for one night.

    She¡¯s going to sulk, but I can¡¯t fuck her with bite marks all over my body. That lovely princess concentrates her fangs on my dick too.

    ¨CThird Person POV¨C

    The Next Day. Magrado General Governorate. Odoros ¨C Governor General Zilgray¡¯s Residence.

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Have a good trip!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Zilgray boards his carriage as the servants bow their heads. Surrounding his carriage tightly are heavily armed knights.

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to inspect the port city¡­¡­ also that Hardlett is crying about how he wants to meet me. I¡¯ll go see him while I¡¯m at it. Geez, how annoying.¡¹

    ¡¸I am impressed with how big a heart you possess to listen to the words of a foolish man.¡¹

    ¡¸Your Excellency, it¡¯s about time we depart.¡¹

    One of the chief vassals riding in the same carriage reminds the Governor General of the time.

    ¡¸Nn, I¡¯m leaving things to you while I¡¯m away, Yir.¡¹

    After nodding in a somewhat annoyed manner, Zilgray takes off.

    It goes without saying that he smiled like he won as soon as the door of the carriage closed.

    ¡¸Now then, we must not let our guard down while the Governor General is away. That Hardlett may have admitted his loss, but some remnants of the rebellion in Magrado are still stubbornly staying alive.¡¹

    The man who was entrusted with the mansion tightens up the atmosphere which tends to loosen in his master¡¯s absence. Still, it cannot be helped that the servants relax now that the abnormally tense Zilgray is gone.

    That was when a merchant pulling a rattling wagon comes along and bows deeply.

    ¡¸My, oh my if it isn¡¯t Yir-sama, thank you for looking after me all the time. I¡¯ve come for the usual offering of food supplies.¡¹ ¡¸Mu, that was today? Very well, then go to the food storehouse¡­¡­¡¹

    Yir¡¯s hand rises up to his chin mid-sentence.

    ¡¸Let me look at your load just in case. There¡¯s no such thing as being too careful.¡¹ ¡¸Of course, look as much as you want.¡¹

    The merchant doesn¡¯t show any resistance and opens up his cargo.

    ¡¸Vegetables¡­¡­ meat¡­¡­ pickles¡­¡­ flour¡­¡­ this is quite a thick barrel.¡¹

    ¡¸Aye, if by any chance the barrel broke, it would not make it to the Governor General-sama¡¯s plate after all.¡¹

    The servants stuck long objects inside to check, but neither was there anybody suspicious hiding inside nor were there any concealed swords or bows.

    ¡¸Fine, go ahead.¡¹ ¡¸Thank ya.¡¹

    The merchant bows almost like he¡¯s groveling and once again pushes his wagon along.

    ¡¸Well, nothing should happen. Even if one or two sneaks in, we have lots of guards here. Also His Excellency the Governor General has 150 of the finest knights with him.¡¹

    As Yir comments, he casually grabs the ass of one of the maids. The maid initially tenses up a bit, but soon smiles back at him fondly.

    ¡¸His Excellency isn¡¯t here today. You don¡¯t have to hold your voice back as I fuck you.¡¹ ¡¸Uu¡­¡­ w-what an honor Yir-sama¡­¡­¡¹

    The maid sadly closes her eyes as she nestles close to the man.

    Late at night.

    ¡¸How does it feel!? Do you like my thing? It¡¯s better than the one your commoner lover in town has, isn¡¯t it!?¡¹ ¡¸Yes¡­¡­ it¡¯s better than his¡­¡­ ah, that hurts! Please, be more gentle¡­¡­ igyii!!¡¹

    The maid cries and does her best to respond to Yir as he pounds her from behind until a guard enters the room without knocking.

    ¡¸Yir-sama, it¡¯s an emergency situation!¡¹ ¡¸Y-you idiot! It¡¯s in the middle of the night!¡¹

    Yir quickly stops moving his hips, which allows the maid to escape from the bed and curl up in the corner of the room.

    ¡¸It¡¯s an emergency! A pillar of fire from the food warehouse¡­¡­¡¹ ¡¸What!?¡¹

    Yir takes a peek in the corridor still completely naked with his crude member hanging out to find that smoke has spread throughout the mansion.

    ¡¸I-impossible! Of all days to happen, it happens when the mansion is entrusted to me!!¡¹

    Allowing the mansion to go up in flames is an executionable offense. Yir scrambles about in the corridor naked in an attempt to suppress the fire before it can grow any bigger.

    ¡¸Is the fire only in the food storehouse!?¡¹ ¡¸For now! With how strong it is, who knows when it will spread elsewhere!¡¹

    £¨I can still make it! The food storehouse is made of stone and has no windows. If I can extinguish it there, I can find some way to fool him.£©

    Yir hurries to the food storehouse where he finds servants and guards gathered in front.

    ¡¸Yir-sama! It¡¯s a disaster!¡¹

    ¡¸I can tell by looking, fool! What started it!?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. By the time I realized, it was already like this¡­¡­ judging on the intensity, the only thing I can think of is oil or something similar caught fire.¡¹

    ¡¸As if something so ridiculous can happen!¡¹

    Oil is not kept in the food storehouse. In addition, torches or lamps which can start a fire are not nearby either.

    ¡¸One of the maids said she heard something pop¡­¡­¡¹ ¡¸Eei, whatever. I¡¯ll listen later. We need to put out the fire first!¡¹

    The servants rush to fetch water with tubs, although pouring the small amount of water didn¡¯t have much effect on such a large fire. Flames are starting to burn the thick wooden door as well, making it useless.

    Barrel after barrel explodes, producing an even greater conflagration.

    ¡¸That wasn¡¯t a barrel of vegetables? Why are the vegetables exploding!?¡¹ ¡¸I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on either¡­¡­¡¹

    While Yir¡¯s subordinates argue with each other, more barrels explode and strengthens the fire. Eventually, those trying to extinguish the fire could not even stand in the corridor in front of the food storehouse because of the heat and smoke.

    ¡¸Yir-sama! It¡¯s impossible to put it out now! Please run away!¡¹ ¡¸Don¡¯t be stupid! How can I just run¡­¡­ running is¡­¡­¡¹

    Yir, who was still splashing water fruitlessly, remains reluctant to leave, and it was only when the carpet and other decorations started to burn that he gave up and ran.

    ¡¸Anyways, have all the guards focus on extinguishing the fire! Then have the items in the treasure room carried out of the mansion.¡¹ ¡¸B-but only His Excellency has the key to the treasure room. We can¡¯t open it!¡¹

    Zilgray doesn¡¯t trust his subordinates enough and always keeps the key to the treasure room close to himself. The key stays with him even at this moment, meaning there is no key in the building.

    ¡¸¡­¡­eeeei! We have to put this out no matter what!¡¹

    The struggle was in vain as it took less than an hour for the entire mansion to be engulfed in the crimson flames. Despite the servants and guards running around, it was like they only added to the fire, gradually making it uncontainable.

    No matter how much they wanted to protect their master¡¯s mansion and their own jobs, nobody could risk their own lives in doing so, and had no other choice except watch the house go down from outside.

    ¡¸Ooh¡­¡­ how¡­¡­ how could this happen¡­¡­¡¹

    Yir falls to his knees feeling devastated, staring blankly at the scene unfolding before his eyes.

    The private residence of Magrado¡¯s Governor General¨D¨D Zilgray¡¯s mansion burned down, leaving no trace of the countless fancy furnishings and most importantly the enormous sum of assets saved in the treasure room.

    The state of the building was seen by everyone in Odoros, those brilliant flames which burned in the darkness stealing the attention of all the citizens. Among them are those whose shoulders were slumped over due to the chaos in the General Governorate, those worried about reworking the labor and taxes, and those who simply caused a ruckus from seeing the fire.

    There were also quite a few people secretly smiling to themselves in the dark.

    Meanwhile.

    ¡¸So we¡¯ll be departing tomorrow morning. That will make us half a day late.¡¹

    ¡¸Fumu, I wanted to be about two days late however staying too long in such a rural area is pretty boring. It¡¯s about time to go.¡¹

    Zilgray stays in a small village to deliberately delay the time of the meeting.

    ¡¸Call Adela over.¡¹ ¡¸Yessir!¡¹

    After giving the order, Zilgray rolls onto the bed. Adela is the name of his lover.

    ¡¸Tch, damn countryside. Do they not have decent beds around here?¡¹

    Zilgray curses about how uncomfortable the feeling of his bed is. He threw the residents out of the village so he and his knights could stay in a few houses there, although naturally the furniture here doesn¡¯t come anywhere close to the level of comfort of his own mansion.

    ¡¸I need to get Hardlett to apologize and promise to repay me back as soon as possible so I can go home.¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry for the wait.¡¹

    Adela prostrates at the feet of Zilgray before removing her clothes and getting into bed.

    ¡¸Take it in all the way to the back of your throat. To the point you¡¯d choke.¡¹ ¡¸Very well.¡¹

    Zilgray receives Adela¡¯s fellatio and listens to her strained moans while talking to himself.

    ¡¸It took such trouble, but it¡¯s practically inevitable that I¡¯m the third power if Hardlett is apologizing to me. No, not only that, those from the factions of the Commissioner of Military Affairs and the Commissioner of Government Affairs might also bend to me.¡¹

    Zilgray grabs Adela¡¯s head with his thick arm and roughly rocks it back and forth.

    ¡¸Uugh! Uueh! Gueh!¡¹

    ¡¸Now then, what should I do about compensation? I want to take everything I can, but it would seem desperate if I ask for too many small things. Umu, I¡¯ll divide it into multiple years and continue taking from him for twenty years. Hahahahaha, this is that idiot we¡¯re talking about. He might not be able to do addition and be happy that things settled cheaply. ¡­¡­Uuuh!¡¹

    Without any warning, Zilgray ejaculates and forces Adela to choke more.

    ¡¸Alright, let¡¯s go with that. After that, I can win over a few ministers with the assets I¡¯ve saved up and the King will acknowledge me too.¡¹

    ¡¸Ugughugh¡­¡­¡¹

    The man happily continues his monologue as he pisses in the girl¡¯s mouth. Despite coughing, the girl swallows everything without spilling.

    Zilgray grabs the girl¡¯s ass and just when he was thinking about how to attack her next, he stops moving after hearing a clamoring sound from outside the window.

    ¡¸Are they tormenting the residents¡­¡­ no, that¡¯s not the same sound. A fight¡­¡­ no, a raid?¡¹

    Before climbing to the position of Governor General, Zilgray had experience being on the battlefield so it wasn¡¯t like he was being raided for the first time.

    He doesn¡¯t get flustered when one of his knights bang on his door.

    ¡¸Is it a raid? How many are there?¡¹ ¡¸Yessir! There are twenty of them! Using the cover of night, I believe they are aiming for Your Excellency¡¯s life.¡¹

    Zilgray scoffs.

    ¡¸How stupid. I have with me 150 elite knights and 200 soldiers from the local governor.¡¹

    He acts as if his victory was guaranteed, not showing a trace of concern.

    £¨More importantly, is this attack simply the remnants of crazed Magrado rebels or a foolish plan by that Hardlett¡­¡­ hmph, either way I¡¯ll use this raid to take even more compensation from him.£©

    ¡¸There¡¯s no need for me to move from here. It would be convenient if you could capture one or two of them¡­¡­ no, it doesn¡¯t matter. Kill them all and cut off their heads. I¡¯ll show it to Hardlett.¡¹

    ¡¸Yessir, as you command!¡¹

    The knight bows and then leaves the room. He also didn¡¯t feel the need for Zilgray to evacuate. Rather, he moved particularly fast because he thought this could be a chance to increase his accomplishments.

    ¡¸What a strange feeling it is to fuck a girl while there are sounds of battle in the background. Get on top.¡¹ ¡¸As you wish, Your Excellency.¡¹

    Adela climbs over Zilgray and bucks her hips. She screams when her nipples are twisted, then throws her head back and cries when nails dig into her white skin. This was all to please the man with a sadistic nature.

    The man¡¯s hips slowly stop moving.

    ¡¸That¡¯s weird, how come I still hear the fighting?¡¹

    He expected to hear the screaming and shouting. It was the sound of the enemy force who came for assassination being hunted by the impossibly large force of knights and soldiers.

    It was 20 vs 350. The victor should have been decided in an instant and all that¡¯s left would be to hunt down all those running away. However, the sound of battle seemed to be getting closer instead of going further away.

    The sound gradually became more distinct as well.

    ¡¸My hand! My hand is gone!¡¹ ¡¸A head was ripped off with bare hands!? What are they!?¡¹ ¡¸I stabbed him! I cut him too, so why won¡¯t he dieee!?¡¹ ¡¸How can they move in the dark like this? Not a single torch is lit!?¡¹

    Zilgray pushes Adela off the bed and runs to the window to take a look outside.

    His allies which supposedly had the overwhelming numerical superiority were already fighting in an area which can be seen from the window. Torches were scattered around, clearly due to the state of panic the knights were in.

    ¡¸Is it because there were more of them than expected? It shouldn¡¯t be that easy to prepare such a large group though¡­¡­ eei, I can¡¯t see!¡¹

    Strangely, the enemy didn¡¯t light a single torch so their numbers or appearances couldn¡¯t be determined.

    ¡¸Hm?¡¹

    At that moment, a torch shone on one of the attackers wearing black clothes for a split second. That shadowy blur passed through his allies as fast as the wind, the severed heads of the knights plopping on the ground like over-ripened fruit.

    ¡¸W-what is that¡­¡­¡¹

    Looking through the gap in the window, Zilgray¡¯s eyes meet with those of the shadow¡¯s eyes.

    It may have gotten close, but there was still a few dozen meters of space between them. The opening was small enough to fit only a pinky finger and tonight was a night with no moon.

    ¡¸I-impossible.¡¹

    Still, Zilgray was sure of what he saw. Those eyes were glowing red. This was the first time he¡¯s ever saw something like that, yet he could tell they didn¡¯t belong to a human.

    Zilgray quickly shuts the window tightly, takes up his sword and stands in the middle of the room.

    ¡¸Um¡­¡­? What about the service?¡¹ ¡¸Shut up! Now¡¯s not the time!¡¹

    Adela gets kicked, bumps her head on a table and faints.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Zilgray looks back and forth from the window to the door, gripping his sword so tightly his fingertips turned white.

    Eventually, the noise dies down and the quiet of night returns.

    ¡¸I-is it over?¡¹

    £¨Who won though¡­¡­?£©

    Zilgray pants heavily as he was about to look out the window to check, only to stop himself after remembering those red eyes.

    £¨No, if we won then they would come immediately to report. Them not coming means¡­¡­£©

    Zilgray hurries to blow out the lamp in his room before crouching down.

    £¨They don¡¯t seem to be checking the houses. Will I get by if I wait it out? No, I might need to escape as soon as I can.£©

    ¡¸Uurgh¡­¡­¡¹

    It was at that moment when Adela holds her head and tries to get up.

    ¡¸Woman, go outside and see what¡¯s going on. Tell me right away if it¡¯s safe!¡¹ ¡¸Eh? B-but¡­¡­¡¹

    Adela hesitates obviously because she also heard the earlier commotion.

    ¡¸Just go! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll kill you right now!¡¹

    ¡¸Understood¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl slowly opens the door and timidly steps outside, her legs trembling with every step. A few seconds later¡­¡­

    ¡¸Nooooooo!! Stoopppp ittt!! Kyaaaaa!!¡¹

    There was a piercing scream, and then an abrupt silence.

    ¡¸-!?¡¹

    Zilgray used cat-like quickness to dive under the bed.

    £¨As I thought, the enemy is still there! Then I was smart to send her. That guy I saw should think Adela was the one who was peeking out of this house.£©

    He just needed to stay hidden until reinforcements arrived. Zilgray concealed his presence, suppressing his breathing under the bed.

    Zilgray waited so long he lost track of time and when he finally thought it was safe, he was about to stick his head out to check.

    It was then that he saw countless red eyes staring at the bed. Not a sound was made and they were already in the room.

    ¡¸He knows.¡¹¡¸He knows.¡¹¡¸We found him.¡¹¡¸We can¡¯t let him go.¡¹¡¸How unfortunate.¡¹

    ¡¸©`©`©`©`!!!¡¹

    Zilgray, the Governor General of Magrado, feels a warm sensation on his crotch before passing out.

    By the time Zilgray woke up, the day broke. Everything that happened yesterday felt like a bad dream and morning came as usual.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹

    Zilgray crawls out from under the bed, fearfully opens the door and walks outside. His hand relaxes and his sword falls to the ground.

    ¡¸¡­¡­am I still having a nightmare?¡¹

    Piles of corpses were strewn around the house he was hiding in.

    ¡¸Is there anyone alive?¡¹

    When he propped up a fallen knight, he noticed the body didn¡¯t have a head.

    ¡¸Is anyone here?¡¹

    When he pulled a knight away from the wall, he saw that the body was missing its right side.

    ¡¸Anyone will do. Answer me!¡¹

    He grabs the hand of his close aide riding on top of a carriage and realizes that the body was lacking its bottom half.

    ¡¸Anyone! If you answer, I¡¯ll make you governor! Osalo! Varek! Adela! Is nobody here!?¡¹

    Out of the scattered corpses, not many of them still resembled a complete human. Upon closer inspection of those that appear to be whole, one would find their hearts or entrails ripped out and their bodies twisted around several times way past the limit allowed by the human body¡¯s natural ability.

    ¡¸Someone answer me©`©`! Anyone©`©`©`!! Please©`©`©`©`!!¡¹

    Zilgray would continue yelling in the middle of all the corpses until an express messenger arrived to tell him about his mansion going up in flames.

    ¨CAegir POV¨C

    At the same time. Rafen ¨C Mansion.

    ¡¸Someone answer me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    No response. Both Nonna and Carla fainted from cumming too much. Leah looked like she was going to say something, but she couldn¡¯t muster the strength and collapsed on the bed weakly.

    ¡¸I-I¡¯m fine.¡¹

    Celia, who saved her strength, was the only one who answered as she settles down against my chest. Her hips are already trembling uncontrollably and it would be impossible to go one more round with her. Maybe we can just talk.

    ¡¸I wonder if Leopolt¡¯s plan went well.¡¹ ¡¸Well nothing was fitted inside the barrels after all, since it was the barrels themselves which were the device.¡¹

    Leopolt used a double-layered barrel, packing the space between layers with oil and gunpowder. If there was a spark, it would make the entire barrel explode regardless of what was inside and spread the fire. Not only that, the barrel needed to be broken apart or else the trick won¡¯t be discovered no matter how much the contents are investigated. That¡¯s how the barrels appeared to be food supplies and carried into the storehouse inside the mansion.

    ¡¸Still, nothing would happen unless there was something to start a fire¡­¡­ what was that thing called?¡¹ ¡¸You mean quicklime?¡¹

    Celia answers as she rubs her face on my chest.

    ¡¸Right, that. What a strange powder it is to burn with the addition of water.¡¹ ¡¸I think so too.¡¹

    Apparently, that strange powder was added to a few of the trick barrels. I¡¯m told that if mixed with a certain amount of water, it will start to burn. The details don¡¯t really make much sense to me.

    ¡¸That was part of the contributions made by the collaborators.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, including the merchant carrying the load as well as the servants of the mansion, many people think poorly of the General Governorate so we easily got our preparations done.¡¹

    Besides putting the tampered barrels in places where water drips, some servants even promised to pretend to put out the fire and splash oil instead of water to spread the fire. As expected, Magrado¡¯s hate towards Goldonia still remains.

    ¡¸With that said, they are helping because they believe Leopolt is one of the remnants of the Magrado rebels. We might be the number one bad guys here.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. There is no proof though.¡¹

    Celia snickers and a sinister grin appears on her face. When I suck on her chest to punish the wicked Celia, she lets out a cute moan and returns to how she usually is.

    ¡¸I wonder how the attack on Zilgray himself is going?¡¹ ¡¸There¡¯s no need to worry about that.¡¹

    A small elite group instantly makes me think of Brynhildr and her vampires.

    It would be a long journey for her personally so the always obedient Siegfried was sent in her place. The one who arranged for them to get there without getting hit by the sun was Leopolt.

    The last time I saw him was a long time ago, but I don¡¯t think any human can beat Siegfried. If my woman wasn¡¯t involved in that fight, I might have lost to him too.

    ¡¸The price for being selfish is big though.¡¹

    I feel the pain and humiliation just thinking about it now. I was prepared for my body and cock to be bitten, except it wasn¡¯t that simple.

    ¡¸W-what kind of price?¡¹

    Brynhildr took out an extra thick dildo from who knows where. Then she shoved it in me. I don¡¯t want to say where.

    ¡¸Tell me what you did!¡¹ ¡¸No. The nosy Celia gets this for punishment.¡¹

    I take a finger and stick it up Celia¡¯s asshole.

    Protagonist: Aegir Hardlett. 24 years old. Summer. Status: Goldonia Kingdom Margrave. Great Feudal Lord of Eastern Area. Mountain Legend. Friend of the Dwarves. Friend of the King of Aless. Dragon Slayer Hero. Elf Mediator. Sex King of White City.

    Citizens: 185,500. Refugees: 24,000. Major Cities ¨C Rafen: 32,000. Lintbloom: 5000. Special Cultivation District: 13,000.

    Army Staying Behind: 8800 men Infantry: 6000, Cavalry: 1100, Archers: 900, Bow Cavalry: 500, Cannoneers: 350 Cannons: 35, Large Cannons: 20, Dwarven Cannons: 16, Chariots: 30

    Troops Dispatched to South: 2200 men Refugee Guards (Light Infantry): 2200

    Other Reserve Army: 2000 men. Security Unit: 200 men.

    Assets: 42,050 (increased military preparations -550), (special construction cost -1000)

 Chapter 331

Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 332: An Intense Briefing

    An Intense Briefing

    Patricia Zylberstein¡¯s mansion was crowded with big names from different countries. Those gathered in the conference room, in particular, were VIPs.

    King of Einbeast, Gerhardt Vatex Anchor. Captain of the Knights of Ponsonia, Lawrence D. Falcon. The Knights of Quinbland¡¯s Deputy Head. Bios¡¯s Temple Knights¡¯ Commander. Forestia¡¯s Army Minister. King of Dream Maker, Doriachi.

    ¡¸First, I would like to thank you all for answering my country¡¯s call.¡¹Patricia started.¡¸Today we will be sharing information in preparation for the expedition next spring.¡¹

    Sitting beside her on the round table was Ville Zentra¡¯s mayor. Her secretary and other officials were on the long table behind her. It was the same for the other countries; one or two representatives were seated on the round table, while their assistants were behind them.

    ¡¸Wait a sec.¡¹Gerhardt raised his hand.¡¸What¡¯s Silver Face doing here?¡¹

    Sitting quietly by the wall was Hikaru in his Silver Face getup.

    ¡¸He¡¯s our biggest patron in our effort to rebuild Dream Maker.¡¹Doriachi said.

    ¡¸Patron? Are you sure he¡¯s not here to steal information or disrupt this meeting?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sure you know that a man of his ability does not even need to show himself.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmm¡­¡¹

    Hikaru didn¡¯t bother hiding to show that he had no ulterior motives. There was no need for him to actually join the meeting, but there might be matters where his statement would be necessary.

    Gerhardt didn¡¯t say any more. However Bios¡¯s Temple Knights¡¯ Commander¡ªa man in his early forties with not much features¡ªdidn¡¯t stop glaring at Hikaru. A vein had popped up on his forehead.

    Hikaru thought.

    Destroying the Pope¡¯s chambers just to show the Blade of Severance, of course, was more than just a ¡°commotion¡±. Hikaru slipped through the temple knights¡¯ security and even escaped their grasp. They probably wanted to kill him so badly.

    ¡¸Next, Dream Maker will explain to us about Grand Dream.¡¹Patricia said.

    Doriachi nodded. It seemed like a civil official, not Doriachi, would be reporting. A young man stood up and began to speak. Information about the new continent was new to many people here, so everyone listened, while secretaries ran their pen at great speed.

    It was overall quite a hopeless situation, now that Hikaru heard it once more. Grand Dream was a bit smaller than this continent, if not the same size. To the south was a vast wasteland, while the rest was covered in dense forests. There were rolling hills and mountain ranges as well. Steep, craggy mountains towered up north, in particular.

    Monsters inhabited all but the wasteland. According to citizens of Dream Maker who actually engaged in battle in this continent, the monsters here were considerably weaker and made their jobs easy.

    Roots, spots that raised the level of monster activity, were scattered throughout the jungles. There was a high possibility that there were more Roots the farther you went north. To top it all off, there was a legend that a gigantic monster lurked in the northernmost part of the continent.

    Hikaru thought. Mentioning evil creatures and Koukimaru would only make matters complicated.

    The official continued. Since the people of Dream Maker didn¡¯t have the aptitude for Spirit magic, they couldn¡¯t be exactly sure, but casting magic seemed to be possible.

    There was an issue with food supply as well. Eating monster meat was highly discouraged as some of them were contaminated.

    ¡¸There are high-purity magicule crystals called dragon stones that some of you might want¡ª¡¹

    ¡¸Dragon stones? How big?¡¹Forestia¡¯s Army Minister asked. He was a balding man with a mustache.

    The official produced five samples and handed them over to Bios, Forestia, Quinbland, Ponsonia, and Einbeast¡¯s representatives. They took it out of small bags and found the fragments to be not bigger than a thumb.

    ¡¸We already gave one to Vireocean. You may have those.¡¹

    ¡¸What the¡ª?!¡¹Bios¡¯s commander was left almost speechless.¡¸Unbelievable. There¡¯s so much mana stored inside. Sounds like the high-purity magicule crystals is true. Are these Roots really scattered throughout the continent?¡¹he said, his face flushed.

    ¡¸Yes. I heard they¡¯re so big that you won¡¯t be able to carry it even with both arms.¡¹

    ¡¸Wow¡­¡¹

    ¡¸We have mines here where we obtain Spirit magic rocks, but none as big as you described.¡¹

    ¡¸Each country will receive their share of the dragon stones based on their contribution.¡¹Doriachi continued.

    The room stirred. Patricia alone stayed composed, as she had already discussed this with the king.

    Small magic rocks were sold at several hundred gilans. Huge ones packed with mana rarely appeared in the market, and tended to be sold at high prices.

    ¡¸Wait a minute.¡¹the commander of the temple knights said.¡¸That doesn¡¯t seem fair. We only brought two hundred men.¡¹

    ¡¸Unfair?¡¹Gerhardt scoffed.¡¸You only think about protecting yourselves. That¡¯s why you didn¡¯t bring enough men.¡¹

    ¡¸With all due respect, Your Majesty, we¡¯re on guard against your country. We did not know how many troops you¡¯d send to this expedition¡ª¡¹

    ¡¸Want to attack while I¡¯m gone, then? I dare you.¡¹

    ¡¸What?!¡¹

    ¡¸That is, if you can. I¡¯m not around. Come on, it¡¯s a huge opportunity.¡¹

    Bios and Einbeast were on awful terms. Gerhardt was obviously baiting the man, yet he couldn¡¯t help but grind his teeth in frustration. The king wore a look that said he was just poking fun at him. That didn¡¯t stop Gotthold from elbowing him from the side, however.

    Patricia opened her mouth with a sigh.¡¸If you wish to send more troops, they can join the second batch, or if they can arrive in a month, we can arrange for them to join the first batch. Though I can¡¯t really recommend marching during winter.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you, Supreme Leader.¡¹The commander finally regained his composure and nodded.

    He handed the bag with the dragon stone to a knight and sent him out the room, presumably to travel back to Bios quick and get the Pope¡¯s opinion.

    ¡¸You should take it easy as well, Sir Gerhardt.¡¹Patricia shot a glance at the Beastman, who wore the same look of feigned ignorance.

    Gotthold bowed deeply. Every country was aware that he was the Beastman king¡¯s chaperone.

    ¡¸By the way, I believe we¡¯ll travel by sea,¡¹Lawrence cut in,¡¸but I heard Silver Face right there possesses a means to shorten the travel time by only hours.¡¹

    S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Hikaru already expected this matter to come up. In fact, it was evident that it would be raised in this meeting¡ªhow he moved thousands of refugees on foot. It was for that reason that Hikaru joined the meeting. Although, the plan was for Doriachi to explain it first. Hikaru didn¡¯t expect Lawrence to bring it up.

    Hikaru raised his hand a little.¡¸I didn¡¯t know you were aware of that, Master Swordsman. I am honored.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t patronize me. I lost against you.¡¹Lawrence said.

    The knight simply told the truth, without any hint of jest in his voice. The room went silent. Knights behind him looked troubled, as though saying ¡°You promised not to say that!¡± Indeed, stories about the Master Swordsman losing to someone would do no good.

    ¡¸Oh¡­ You beat the Master Swordsman too, eh?¡¹Gerhardt said.

    ¡¸Too? Did you fight Silver Face as well?¡¹

    ¡¸I wouldn¡¯t call that a fight. He just made a complete fool out of me.¡¹

    It made sense that he thought that way. After all, Hikaru left a knife at the king¡¯s bedside, and sat on the throne without permission.

    Lawrence¡¯s gaze darted at Hikaru, his eyes asking if what Gerhardt said was true.

    ¡¸Uh¡­ I did it out of necessity?¡¹Hikaru said.

    ¡¸You shouldn¡¯t make fun of people.¡¹Lawrence admonished.

    ¡¸Anyway, moving on.¡¹Hikaru continued.¡¸I can¡¯t use the same method anymore. It¡¯s possible that I might be able to use it in the future, but right now, it¡¯s impossible. So including it in the options is not realistic.¡¹

    ¡¸Is it some kind of a single-use magic item?¡¹

    ¡¸Something like that¡­ There¡¯s not enough energy available to use it. I was able to activate it with a huge dragon stone, and right now we don¡¯t have any.¡¹

    Lawrence didn¡¯t speak anymore, content with Hikaru¡¯s explanation. Experts in sorcery should have understood without any problem. Dragon stones in that continent contained that much mana. For Hikaru, however, these stones were nothing but huge bombs that Drake also happened to eat.

    ¡¸These are data on the Roots.¡¹

    An official from Dream Maker distributed documents, which everyone looked over.

    ¡¸I have a question.¡¹Quinbland¡¯s knights¡¯ deputy head, who was silent up until now, finally spoke. He was a good-looking man with silver hair tied to the back.

    Hikaru thought.

    ¡¸I still find it hard to believe that the monsters over there are that strong.¡¹he said.

    ¡¸Same here.¡¹Forestia¡¯s Army Minister agreed.¡¸We need a precise estimate on their strength, or our training might go to waste.¡¹

    ¡¸We thought you¡¯d say that, so we prepared a little demonstration for you today.¡¹

    Patricia glanced at Doriachi, and the king nodded in response.

 Chapter 333: part 1

    The day after the regular practical exam at the pilot school. I was in Jayanne¡¯s playroom, lying in bed with Light Cruiser-sensei.

    ¡¸Congratulations on your victory by the way.¡¹

    She smiles joyfully when I said that. Our heads are on the same pillow, and we¡¯re close enough that our earlobes touch each other. We are both slightly out of breath because we just finished our first round.

    (It¡¯s been a long time, I got a bit too excited.)

    The reason I congratulated her this late even though I should¡¯ve said it first thing when I met her was because I started the play right away. Right after the apprentice girl left the room I didn¡¯t even give her time to put her lips on the drink that was delivered to us and pushed her down and just start sucking on her.

    ¡ºSaving something up for later that lasted a bit too long.¡»

    This was probably the cause. Light Cruiser-sensei was getting busier and busier before the exam, and her work attendance had been decreasing. It was getting harder to get appointments with her, so I needed to be extra patient.

    (It was very close in the semi-finals, but it was getting tough, especially in the final. I was always on the edge of my seat while watching her.)

    Light Cruiser-sensei and Plain Queen. Both of their Knights must have had very little endurance left then. At the very last moment, she unleashes a series of three super-fast strikes, like multiple lightning bolts falling to the ground at the same time. If she didn¡¯t do that, the victory would have gone to her opponent¡¯s side.

    ¡¸Frankly, I was already prepared to lose.¡¹

    As if to confirm my guess, the winner of the practical exam said quietly.

    ¡¸But at that moment, I could feel the movement around me slowing down.¡¹

    At first, it seems that she thought she would hit the enemy Knight in the jaw and that would be the end of it. She was half expecting a counterattack to come first, but she fired the second blow anyway.

    ¡¸That is when my fist went into her heart, but the whip still didn¡¯t come.¡¹

    Then she decided to thrust her fist out for the third time, and it hit her in the solar plexus, just as she had intended. The flow of time returned to normal when Plain Queen¡¯s Knight began to fall backward.

    (¡­.What the heck? Isn¡¯t that just like the realm of a master already?)

    I can only look back at her with my mouth hanging open. I have heard similar stories, but all of them are from the people who made a name for themselves in sports and martial arts in my previous life.

    (No, I guess bed activities in this world are no less impressive than sports or martial arts.)

    We compete with each other, unleash our techniques, and pour our energy into it while having fun at the same time. Then after it¡¯s over, we take a shower to let off some fresh sweat and call it a day. And this woman is one of the most talented women in the royal capital¡¯s red-light district. I¡¯ve already prepared a center seat for her in the hall of fame in my mind. It would not be surprising at all if she were to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with legendary players.

    (I am fortunate to be able to play against Light Cruiser-sensei in her prime. I should be grateful.)

    As I was thinking about this, a voice called out to me from right beside me.

    ¡¸I have become stronger now.¡¹

    The beautiful woman with long hair turns her face toward me on the pillow and told me that out of nowhere.

    ¡¸I realized this when I go to pilot school while working in the store. As you get better at handling knights, you are also getting more skilled on the bed.¡¹

    When I silently urged her to continue, Light Cruiser-sensei opened and closed one of her fists lightly as she continued.

    ¡¸And then the final yesterday. I was sure that I¡¯d had a breakthrough with that one. Would you like to taste it, Tauro-sama?¡¹

    I stare at her with a strong light in my eyes and think. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    (The skill to operate Knights and skills on the bed. I knew there was a connection between the two.)

    The first round we had just now. I already felt better than usual from the feel of our skin touching.

    ¡ºA few days of not playing with Light Cruiser-sensei.¡»

    It¡¯s not a level of performance that can be explained by such a thing. As I thought, her skills must have risen significantly from the bottom. With a sense of satisfaction that my theory was confirmed, I replied.

    ¡¸With pleasure!¡¹

    I immediately turn my body to the side and start the second round with a hug.

    (It would be rude not to respond to her full strength with my full strength.)

    With our skin touching each other, I activate my magic eye, which can see ¡ºthe other party¡¯s weak points as a color temperature¡». I examine every inch of her body and taking the initiative, stab deeply with my ¡ºAstral Sword¡». It is a sword that, although only by stimulation, I can alter the length, thickness, and shape by cloaking the gentleman between my legs with an aura.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s a very accurate way to poke the other party¡¯s good spots and I can make adjustments based on their reactions.¡»

    This combination of the magic eye and the astral sword can be considered wicked if I do say so myself.

    (I¡¯ll familiarize her used with my shape and make her melt. Just like in the days of ¡ºA hundred days pilgrimage¡».)

    If Light Cruiser-sensei reflected her strength with the miniature Knight, then I¡¯m also going to as an active pilot of the Old Lady. Moreover, Old Lady is a Knight that specializes in sniping from a very long distance.

    (It never misses its aim. You can enjoy the taste of its precision with your body.)

    I keep stabbing her at her weak point which emits a strong light from the first move. Unable to resist, Light Cruiser-sensei¡¯s jaw was pointing up and her waist was shaking. However, that movement was a tricky one.

    Zun Zun Zun!

    Three times in a row. The back-and-forth movement of her hips in a split second gave a shock like a bolt of lightning to my lower body and paralyzed me. My eyes went wide in surprise and when I looked at her, there was a smile on her face.

    (This huh? The technique you used to defeat the Plain Queen.)

    The finishing blow in the final match. Front, middle, and back. The ¡ºGuillotine¡» was activated at three different depths. I managed to survive the blow, but it was only by chance.

    (It¡¯s coming again!)

    Without a pause, she¡¯s going for another triple consecutive attack.

    (I won¡¯t let you!)

    But I, too, the infamous ¡ºDr. Slime¡» of the red-light district. I would not simply fall to my knees in the face of a new technique.

    (Stretch out! Magic Stick*!) ¡¸*TL Note: Uses the Kanji of ÈçÒâ°ô(Ruyi Jingu Bang), Sun Wukong¡¯s weapon.¡¹

    My astral sword changes its shape faster than the movement of Light Cruiser-sensei¡¯s waist. The target is a spot that emits a white light reflected in my magic eye.

    (¡­.Great.)

    I clenched my fist tightly in my heart at the three consecutive attacks. I can¡¯t help but feel proud of myself at least for now. Because I managed to counter all three of them.

    ¡¸Kyaaaaaaaa!!¡¹

    Light Cruiser-sensei let out a cute scream as she squirts various things and faints. Three deadly shots aimed at the vital point. All of that was returned with double damage, so it was only natural that her consciousness was cut off.

    (But there is no doubt that she is getting stronger. The future battles¡­. they¡¯re going to get tougher from now on.)

    Losing has a certain feel-good factor, still. But honestly, I would like to be respected as a formidable enemy if possible.

    (I might be the one who makes that kind of face next time.)

    When I look down, I can see Light Cruiser-sensei with her eyes, that has become white, opened wide.

    (Phew¡­)

    Enjoying the feel of her slender body, which did not stop twitching, I poured a lot of my liquid deep inside her and exhaled heavily. Then I brushed my hands through her long, straight hair while enjoying the scent and feel of it.

 Chapter 337: part 1

    In the northern part of the Ost continent, north of the Empire. Until recently, a paradise for magical beasts called the ¡ºSpirit Forest¡» existed there. Many different types of magic beasts were able to inhabit the forest because of the existence of the ¡ºWorld Tree¡» at its center.

    ¡ºThe only existing outlet for magic power in this world.¡»

    This is the role of the giant tree that reaches 1,000 meters tall and the diameter of the circle drawn by the tips of its outstretched branches is 4,000 meters. The magic power is released high into the sky and spreads throughout the world. It then slowly descends to the earth and the sea and returns to the earth to circulate. However, it is not evenly distributed, and the concentration of magical power around the World Tree is higher. The grasses that grew up with the benefits of the tree created the Spirit Forest, which supported the bottom of the food chain.

    ¡ºHowever, that is only in the past now.¡»

    The reason was the elves and the humans. To be more precise, it was because the elves were involved in a conflict with the Empire, the largest and most powerful nation of the human race on the Ost continent. The trigger must be the burning and destruction of a city of the Empire by the Elves who lived in the Spirit Forest.

    ¡ºThe Imperial capital is next.¡»

    Terrified, the upper echelons of the empire launched an all-out counterattack. They set fire to the elven villages, along with the World Tree, which was used as a weapon by the elves. As a result, the world¡¯s largest tree burned for several months before collapsing, and the elves lost their country.

    ***

    The stage is then set in the subterranean portion of the burned-out World Tree. We move to the deepest point of a giant hollow part of the tree. The walls, floor, and ceiling are all filled with arcane magic circles, and the space is filled with the pale light they emit. In the center, sitting cross-legged, was a humanoid golem, about seventeen meters tall.

    (If this goes on, it won¡¯t be long until I run out of magic power)

    The elegant armor is a sign that it is the exclusive mount of the elven royalty. However, there is a large laceration on the breastplate, probably caused by a sword, and the pilot¡¯s seat inside can be seen from the outside. An inaudible voice can be heard from the figure in the pilot¡¯s seat. The figure¡¯s appearance, however, is not that of a living person. To put it bluntly, it was a ¡ºZombie¡».

    (I have to do something.)

    This zombie is a prince of the elven royalty who lost his life when he was buried alive in the ¡ºBloodless Revolution¡» that took place hundreds of years ago. His innate possession of a great amount of magic power and hatred had transformed him into a lifeless, living entity.

    ¡ºTo take one¡¯s life and to continue its own activities.¡»

    But there is no clear consciousness as there was when he was alive, and only these two desires remained in it.

    ¡ºRiding the Knight, it attacks the elves and feeds on their magic power-filled heads¡»

    He came following the principle of action of the dead who are jealous of the living, but he was stopped by an old warrior in full armor, the commander of the Imperial Army, and his single-bladed sword. After spending half a day regenerating, he saw a sea of fire.

    (I don¡¯t wanna die.)

    It also translates to ¡ºI want to continue to exist¡». The place where the High Elves activated the magic circle for ¡ºFive colored spear and arrows judgment enforcer¡». A place right underneath the hole it¡¯s located.

    ¡ºSpirit Cannon main body.¡»

    It is a place that could be described as a machine room. The former prince, who had dredged up memories of his life during the crisis, escaped with his Knight to this place, following a passage known only to the royal family. The roots of the World Tree still suck up some magic power from the earth and moisten the decayed body. However, the amount was decreasing with time, and it seemed that it would soon reach zero.

    (Let¡¯s make a servant and make them gather some more.)

    After forming a plan based on his instincts, the dead prince decides to carry it out. It was to ¡ºgive magic power to corpses that still wishes to live and make them a zombie¡». If they become like him, they will instinctively start to attack the living.

    ¡ºHalf of the magic he gets is his parents¡¯ share.¡»

    If he uses a contract to tie it up, although there needs to be an initial magic power investment, he should be able to get his share just by sitting and doing nothing. However, if he put every magic power into making only one, the moment he lost it, it would also be the end for him.

    (Small magic beast it is.)

    Starting with a few of them. Fortunately, he¡¯s in the roots of the World Tree. If he put his consciousness on the roots in the shallow part, he can find the corpses that cling to life and turn them into undead.

    (We should avoid danger for the time being.)

    Something as fragile as an egg should never be put together in one basket. The zombie nodded in satisfaction at his own idea.

    ***

    The scene flew all the way to the far southeast and landed at a school in the royal capital. A large banner was hung on the outer wall of the school building so that it could be seen from outside the premises.

    ¡ºGood luck to the Women¡¯s Flower Arrangement Division!¡»

    That¡¯s what is written on it. The ¡ºFlower Arrangement Main Tournament¡» has finally begun. The women¡¯s club, coached by Cool-san, had managed to win up until now even though they got paired up against a strong opponent until the general match. The school was in a bit of a festive mood. This is a clear indication of how popular the Flower Arrangement sport is.

    ¡¸The mamezanmai battle was awesome, wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Classes were over and it was time for either club activities or leaving the school. In the classroom, a group of girls was standing around talking.

    ¡¸No matter how many times her opponent suck on her breast or crotch, she would always shake them off and fight back. If it had been me, I would have given up already by that point.¡¹

    Attacking the three beans located on both breasts and between the legs with one¡¯s mouth and tongue. The other school called this ¡ºMamezanmai¡» and trained it as a powerful technique.

    ¡¸She made her opponent take her mouth off her beans and made her scream, so I guess that means that our fingering technique feels even better than that.¡¹

    ¡¸I want to be touched by her.¡¹

    The girls were excited. They were not expected to win the tournament, so they were very enthusiastic in their conversation. However, a comment came in that put a damper on their excitement.

    ¡¸You guys just caught the other school off guard this time. And they will definitely think of some countermeasures for the next matches, so don¡¯t think you guys can win again.¡¹

    This was uttered by a male student who had not been invited but had joined their conversation on his own from the side. Anyone can watch the official games as long as they can get into the venue. If one lines up all night as he did, it is possible to get a seat in the front row. By the way, the seats he got were on the opposing school¡¯s side.

    ¡ºI¡¯m cool as heck for supporting the enemy.¡»

    Because of this strange sense of value he has, he usually sits across from the other side of his school at any tournament.

    ¡¸What¡¯s with this guy, acting high and mighty?¡¹

    Another girl says to the girl who made an unpleasant expression on her face.

    ¡¸Let him be, that guy always talking arrogantly like that, but most of the time it¡¯s just bs that came out of his mouth.¡¹

    ¡°Ah, is that so?¡± The other girl said and they laugh at him. The boy makes a disgruntled expression, then turn it into a wicked smile.

    ¡¸Take this! Mamezanmai!¡¹

    Suddenly, he shouted and crouched down, and at the same time, he lifted up her skirt to her navel and stuck his head further into her skirt. The girl in front of him who was his target holds his head above her skirt but is unable to stop him. The tip of the boy¡¯s nose reached the bean through the underwear and he began to move it as if to pry it.

    ¡¸This¡­ idiot!!¡¹

    Another female student immediately goes behind the male student and delivers a powerful kick to the insolent man¡¯s groin.

    ¡¸Gah!!!¡¹

    Leaving the feeling of an egg being crushed with the back of her shoe, the boy plunges face-first to the floor. The girls who surrounded the boy who fainted in agony thought about what to do next.

    ¡¸What the hell is he thinking, this guy?¡¹

    This is a world where brothels are the social meeting place for ladies and gentlemen, and the flowers (women) sold are the envy of all. But that does not mean that he can attack female students in the school. He had recently become addicted to the ¡ºBrothel School¡» and so he acted like that without thinking.

    ¡ºI went to a store once, and I just started working part-time to pay for the second visit.¡» sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Since the payment for his labor was not due until half a month from now, he could not contain his pent-up lust.

    ¡¸What should we do about this guy?¡¹

    But such things don¡¯t matter to the girls. Looking down at him with a cold stare, they poke his sides with their toes.

    ¡¸Why don¡¯t we just dump him in front of the men¡¯s flower arrangement hall? They seem to be having a hard time with the lack of club members.¡¹

    Thinking that was a good idea, the girls nodded to each other and dragged him out of the school building by both legs. The flower-type sports are not always popular with both men and women. Flower Arrangement was no exception, so the boys didn¡¯t attract much attention. Some smaller schools do not even have a boys¡¯ club.

    ¡¸Excuse me~ I¡¯ve brought someone who wants to join the club.¡¹

    ¡¸He seems to have plenty of energy, so please give him a good squeeze.¡¹

    ¡¸He seems to be good with his mouth too.¡¹

    The one who came out when called was a senior who is captain of the club. He is in charge of everything since the coach is on a long vacation.

    ¡¸Ohhh, that¡¯s good to hear. Leave it to me.¡¹

    He thanked them and made a circle with his fingers and moves them up and down in the air, winking at them. Imagining the squeezing the boy would receive, the girls cheered excitedly.

    ¡¸Well then, we¡¯ll be going now.¡¹

    The girls leave while sometimes laughing loudly. The captain turns his gaze from their backs to the boy at his feet.

    ¡¸¡­.Good with his mouth, huh.¡¹

    He puts his hand on his chin, then rubs his cheek. It is an imitation of the coach, whom he respects and admires for his clean-shaven appearance. The way he speak and the gesture he makes with his fingers were also done consciously.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s try it out then, shall we?¡¹

    The captain of the men¡¯s flower arrangement club grabs the still dazed boy by both ankles and drags him into the dojo while the crotch inside his blue shorts had already begun to bulge.

 Chapter 335: Mansion of Love

    Translator: Nat

    ¨CAegir POV¨C

    ¡¸Is Dorothea not awake yet?¡¹

    ¡¸No, Mama is still sleeping~¡¹

    A young girl brings over my meal in place of Dorothea and answers with a troubled expression.

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    I briefly inspect the girl. Even though she has a pretty face, her cute ass and breasts are flat, meaning it¡¯s a little too soon for me to lay my hands on her.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because you were so intense with her.¡¹

    Nonna comments during her meal. It¡¯s rare for her to talk while eating, maybe she¡¯s a little angry.

    ¡¸I held back.¡¹ ¡¸How so? Animalistic sounds were echoing throughout the mansion.¡¹

    Nonna¡¯s utensil makes a clang sound. Like I thought, she¡¯s angry.

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Adela who is sitting at the table¡¯s edge also laughs awkwardly. Was it really that loud?

    ¡¸It would have been fine if it was just the girl, but Aegir-sama¡­¡­ sounded like a wild beast roaring.¡¹

    That was probably during the second round. I couldn¡¯t help it when I plunged my rod into the ass of a mature lady.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹

    Celia doesn¡¯t say anything, but her cheeks gradually puff out. Anyone could see she¡¯s sulking even though she¡¯s trying to hide it.

    ¡¸Leopolt-san said that the 20,000 gold to be paid to the palace has just arrived tonight and he¡¯s asking you to take it there tomorrow¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The palace again? That place has become more annoying lately and I don¡¯t want to go.¡¹

    ¡¸Gosh! Don¡¯t say something so thoughtless.¡¹

    Nonna gets angry again.

    I can go home to Rafen after paying the fine, right? Which means I¡¯ll only be in the capital for today and tomorrow.

    ¡¸I plan to go out today and¨D¨D¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸No, you can¡¯t!¡¹¡¹

    Nonna and Celia grab my arms.

    ¡¸You¡¯re thinking of going to the brothel again, right!? Dorothea-san at night and then a prostitute during the day, you¡¯re making me lose face completely!¡¹

    ¡¸This is a time when there aren¡¯t many girls around too¡­¡­ I don¡¯t like it when you leave me alone.¡¹

    Nonna presses her breasts against my arm and looks up adorably at me. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Celia clings to my arm and squeezes tightly so I won¡¯t run away.

    Apparently I¡¯m spending too much time with Dorothea who I didn¡¯t get to see for a while. I¡¯m not stupid enough to go to the brothel after being persuaded this much.

    ¡¸I apologize if I made you feel lonely. Then let¡¯s do it right now! Continuously!¡¹

    I grab one girl in each of my arms and carry them to the bedroom.

    ¡¸This house is totally not good for children¡¯s education.¡¹

    I don¡¯t pay attention to what Adela says. I also ignore how the kids are apparently playing naughty games lately.

    First, I¡¯ll embrace Nonna. Both of them said they prefer one-on-one.

    ¡¸I¡¯m taking it off now.¡¹ ¡¸Ufu, go ahead.¡¹

    I undress Nonna. She¡¯s wearing clothing with lace and strings which makes it hard to pull off her body, but I carefully remove each article, taking care not to rip anything.

    ¡¸Aahn! Geez, take off my clothes first.¡¹

    I surprise her by planting kisses on her neck and chest. Nonna acts like she doesn¡¯t like it, meanwhile there¡¯s a smile on her face.

    ¡¸I¡¯m getting you back!¡¹

    Nonna grabs my head and playfully bites my earlobe.

    We look at each other and then laugh.

    ¡¸Haha, so what will happen when I take this off?¡¹

    She answers with my head in her arms.

    ¡¸Fufu, my breasts will spill out.¡¹

    How terrible. I better undo it quickly then.

    I slowly unravel the string of the exquisite silk underwear. As soon as I finish, her giant mounds get released from their imprisonment.

    ¡¸Aan~ it¡¯s finally been taken off¨D¨D kyaa!!¡¹ ¡¸Uoooh!¡¹

    Unable to control myself, I dive head-first into her boobs.

    ¡¸Ooh, they¡¯re so warm and incredibly soft! They¡¯re the best, I can¡¯t get enough of them!¡¹

    I bury my face in between the two breasts and bring them around my face so I can rub my cheeks against them.

    ¡¸Oh my, you pervert¡­¡­ beast.¡¹

    I feel a soft impact on my head. Nonna resists happily.

    ¡¸These breasts are mine. They belong only to me!¡¹

    I shout into her chest. Nonna squirms her way backward and escapes from my embrace.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not right. My breasts, they belong to me~¡¹

    She lifts up her heavy rack and then takes both nipples into her mouth.

    Sucking on your own nipples is a technique restricted to those who possess large breasts. She glances seductively at me while rolling her cute tongue over the nubs.

    I rush to take my pants off but it was too late.

    ¡¸Hyaa! I-it popped out¡­¡­¡¹

    With a crisp tearing sound, the crotch area of my pants rips apart and unleashes my monstrous cock. The tatters of my pants and underwear proceed to fall to the floor, leaving me completely naked.

    My dick looks more fiendish than usual and is twitching like it has a spring inside.

    ¡¸It¡¯s enormous as always¡­¡­ allow me to attend to it.¡¹

    Nonna crouches before my feet and kisses the head of the snake.

    ¡¸If you can¨D¨D¡¹ ¡¸Use my breasts, right? Fufu, sure thing.¡¹

    With a soft and airy puff, my dick gets swallowed into the valley of her breasts.

    ¡¸Uuh!¡¹

    I unconsciously bend backwards.

    ¡¸Amazing¡­¡­the tip still sticks out when I squeeze so much of it.¡¹

    I can barely see the glans peeking out from her big tits.

    ¡¸You¡¯re the amazing one. Most of my dick is covered.¡¹

    The both of us smile at each other.

    ¡¸Here I go then.¡¹

    Nonna dribbles some saliva down into the valley and rubs my dick by rocking her entire body.

    ¡¸How is it? Does it feel good?¡¹ ¡¸Yeah, really good.¡¹

    The stimulation from getting rubbed like this isn¡¯t strong. It¡¯s almost tantalizing compared to a blowjob and intercourse.

    However the essence of a titfuck is this sight. For a man, those pillows which can be considered dream-like are jiggling in front of me, gently massaging my rod.

    Nonna¡¯s stainless white skin contrasts with my dark cock slick with saliva and sliding in between her boobs. That scene is arousing enough to send shivers down my spine.

    ¡¸The tip has become hard like a rock.¡¹

    She takes the turtle head poking out from her cleavage into her mouth. Of course she does it while sandwiching my rod.

    ¡¸Nnh, nnh, nnh! Nnchyu.¡¹

    Overjoyed by the soft sensation to the shaft and stimulation to the head, my cock bounces around inside her mouth and secretes its pre-cum.

    If I allow things to run its course, it won¡¯t take long for my body to expel its reproductive fluids. But I want to make love to Nonna. I can¡¯t just feel good from her oral service.

    ¡¸It¡¯s about time we connect with each other.¡¹

    I push her down on the bed and steal her lips.

    Nonna¡¯s preferred positions are a frontal sitting position or missionary. I was thinking of doing one or the other today as well, except she twists her body around mine and climbs on top of me.

    ¡¸I want to be on top today.¡¹

    She sits steadily on my stomach, intending to do it in the cowgirl position.

    Nonna adjusts the angle of my dick to match up with her vagina.

    ¡¸Uugh! It might have been easier if you ejaculated once first, this is too big.¡¹

    She has a delicate frame and slender waist to go with those large breasts. Naturally, the entrance to her vagina is also small so she¡¯s having some trouble fitting me inside.

    Nevertheless, she pushes the tip against her pussy and lowers her hips, slowly but surely swallowing my length.

    ¡¸Aaaah, so thick¡­¡­ it feels really tight.¡¹ ¡¸Sorry it¡¯s so big.¡¹

    Her insides stretches to their limits and I can see how much has entered her body by the size of the bulge created in her stomach.

    Nonna stops moving at about the halfway point.

    ¡¸I-it¡¯s in¡­¡­ fuu.¡¹

    I hold her hands to prevent her from falling and then her fingers intertwine securely with mine.

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to move.¡¹ ¡¸Sure, go on.¡¹

    Nonna steadies her breathing and then slowly moves her hips back and forth. She wasn¡¯t moving quickly, however her earnest feelings of wanting to satisfy me gradually heighten my arousal.

    ¡¸Aau! Hiiu! Nnnh!¡¹

    Everytime she rocked her hips, she let out an irresistibly sexy moan.

    ¡¸It¡¯s like a dream to have a beauty like you ride me like this.¡¹

    Those words weren¡¯t just to please her, they are my true feelings.

    ¡¸Fufu, saying this now when I¡¯m already your wife? You know that my everything belongs to Aegir-sama, my heart, my body, my soul¡­¡­ I¡¯ll gladly do anything you desire.¡¹

    Nonna leans down and kisses my nipple. She was the one who groaned from that. My dick reacted to her kiss and swelled up inside her.

    ¡¸Having Aegir-sama embrace me, love me, give me semen¡­¡­ I wish I could stay like this forever¡¹

    ¡¸Hm? What¡¯s that about all of a sudden?¡¹

    Nonna¡¯s face becomes serious.

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing.¡¹

    She shakes her head and her face is dyed with lewdness again.

    ¡¸Aegir-sama really loves my breasts. Maybe you love them more than you love me?¡¹ ¡¸Don¡¯t be ridiculous. They¡¯re only wonderful because they¡¯re attached to you.¡¹

    If her breasts fell to the floor, they would only be strange lumps of flesh. Way too creepy.

    ¡¸Then what if I had breasts like Celia-chan?¡¹

    Fumu, Nonna with Celia¡¯s breasts. It might look a little dismal, but it¡¯s not like she¡¯s losing her heart or her beauty. I don¡¯t think my love for her would decrease at all.

    ¡¸Then what if my breasts were on Celia-chan?¡¹ ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹

    I try imagining that. A pair of large unbalanced fruits on her body¡­¡­ this is the active Celia we¡¯re talking about, so those things would be swinging every which way.

    ¡¸That might be too unnatural¡­¡­¡­¡­did you feel that?¡¹ ¡¸Of course.¡¹

    I can¡¯t try to act like it didn¡¯t happen. I¡¯m connected to Nonna. There¡¯s no way to hide the fact my dick got bigger from picturing a big-breasted Celia in my mind.

    ¡¸I understand how much Aegir-sama loves big breasts now!¡¹

    Nonna separates her hands from mine and then places them behind her own head.

    ¡¸Then what do you think of this?¡¹

    She resumes her hip movements. Instead of doing a back and forth motion like earlier, she moves them up and down, and rather vigorously.

    ¡¸What do you think? You like it?¡¹ ¡¸Ooh, wow!¡¹

    Obviously her emphatic bucking would pleasure my dick, though the more important thing is that her hands are behind her head, meaning nothing is obstructing my view of her wildly jiggling boobs as she bounces up and down.

    ¡¸Eeii! Eei!¡¹

    Nonna doesn¡¯t stop.

    Normally, I would be the one attacking her regardless of position, and now it feels like she¡¯s completely taken the initiative. My toned body and veteran dick can¡¯t do anything about her rampaging udders.

    ¡¸Is that it?¡¹

    Just when I was thinking that my seed would be milked out from me while at my wits¡¯ end, Nonna stops abruptly. She gathers her breasts in her hands and tears up.

    ¡¸¡­¡­my boobs hurt.¡¹ ¡¸I guess they would after that.¡¹

    Nonna doesn¡¯t like cowgirl or doggy style because the intense shaking of her breasts in those positions, especially with her size, is painful. With how heavy they are and how much they swung around, she would naturally feel sore.

    ¡¸The tables have turned.¡¹ ¡¸Kyaa!¡¹

    I flip her while still connected to her and get into position for doggy style.

    I pick up the Nonna¡¯s body which is normally lying flat on the bed and bend it backwards. She¡¯s on her knees with her upper body upright.

    ¡¸T-this is going to-¡¹ ¡¸I know.¡¹

    Her breasts will still swing in this position and it will hurt. However, I reach around from behind and grab the fruits.

    ¡¸If I support them like this, it won¡¯t hurt.¡¹ ¡¸I guess so¡­¡­¡¹

    Nonna has a troubled expression.

    In this position, she wouldn¡¯t be moving much and I would be thrusting from behind. All the initiative will be with me. It looks like things will end with my victory.

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to pound you until you cum. Prepare yourself.¡¹ ¡¸Aau¡­¡­ if you can be gentle¡­¡­¡¹

    I lick Nonna¡¯s ear and reply as she somehow twists her body around.

    ¡¸Nope. I¡¯m going hard.¡¹

    I move my hips fiercely. I know she¡¯s already close to cumming and I won¡¯t hold on for too long either. Time to bring us to climax in one go.

    ¡¸You¡¯re too rough! The sound-! The sound of slapping flesh is echoing!¡¹

    Everytime my hips ram into Nonna¡¯s ass, it makes a loud clap. At this point, it doesn¡¯t really bother me.

    I fondle her breasts while banging her. My meat rod makes wet, sticky noises as it slides in and out of Nonna¡¯s pussy, and a dull thud everytime it hits the back. That would have made her scream and cry if I did this in the beginning.

    ¡¸Does it hurt? It doesn¡¯t, right?¡¹ ¡¸I-it doesn¡¯t hurt! It feels good!¡¹

    In her currently aroused state, it¡¯s unbearable pleasure.

    My attack continues through her piercing shrieks. Her hand is clawing at the air. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she came at any moment.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not one to talk since I¡¯m almost there too.¡¹

    My meat rod is at its limit from all that caressing she did with her breasts and mouth and also from her assertive riding in the cowgirl position. The time for ejaculation is near.

    ¡¸I¡¯m about to cum Nonna.¡¹ ¡¸Aauu! Hauu!¡¹

    Nonna looks at me and nods countless times.

    ¡¸Are you using contraceptives today?¡¹ ¡¸N-no!¡¹

    My cock grows one size larger.

    ¡¸Is it a safe day?¡¹ ¡¸No, the most dangerous!¡¹

    My cock gets harder.

    ¡¸Alright, then I¡¯ll pump you full of seed.¡¹ ¡¸Aaaah¡­¡­ I¡¯m going to get pregnant.¡¹

    It¡¯s hard for Nonna to get pregnant and it took us a lot of work to get a child in her stomach the last time. All of it was simply my fault. I just need to fill her up with thick enough semen to impregnate her. Now is that time.

    A dull pain shoots up from my balls as my dick makes its final pulses. Extra viscous fluid is rising up from my sac.

    ¡¸Aegir-sama, roar for me! Do it loud like you did with Dorothea-san!¡¹

    She has a certain pride as a woman, so I have to respond in kind.

    ¡¸Cumming!¡¹

    At the last moment, I pull back my dick until the entrance and ¨D¨D thrust it back in.

    ¡¸Aagh!¡¹

    I repeat the same motion.

    ¡¸Haagh!¡¹

    For the final thrust, I push my hips forward as if trying to plunge my rod into her womb and then I roar. In response, Nonna¡¯s body starts to spasm and she lets out the loudest moan tonight.

    ¡¸C-cumming! I¡¯m cummingggg! Hiiiiiiiih©`©`©`! Aaaaah©`©`©`!!¡¹ ¡¸Uoooooh! Graaahh!!¡¹

    I cover her body with mine as I yell like I would on the battlefield.

    A few seconds later, a loud rhythmic pumping sound accompanies my ejaculation. I feel like it¡¯s an abnormal amount and density even for me.

    ¡¸So hot! There¡¯s so much of it! And it¡¯s thick!!¡¹

    With Nonna being pinned by me and unable to move, her womb collected all of my endlessly flowing semen. It didn¡¯t take long for her womb to be filled to the brim and her belly inflated as a result. Not even two or three minutes in, I can sense that my ejaculation will last for about ten minutes. Continuing to cum inside while she can¡¯t take anymore risks her stomach bursting.

    ¡¸Let me spray some on you too.¡¹

    I pull my dick out and turn Nonna onto her back.

    My semen splatters on her graceful face, her pretty neck, those giant boobs she¡¯s proud of, and her slender legs.

    ¡¸Aaun¡­¡­ the smell is so intense. It¡¯s so thick¡­¡­it doesn¡¯t drip.¡¹

    ¡¸One more time from behind.¡¹

    I turn Nonna around again so her back is facing me, then shoot my sperm on the nape of her neck, her back, and her ass.

    ¡¸Aah¡­¡­ my entire body is covered¡­¡­ I¡¯m enveloped by Aegir-sama¡­¡­¡¹

    My dick doesn¡¯t stop gushing.

    I grab her already drenched asscheeks and spread them apart, then¨D¨D push my still spurting dick up against her asshole.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­ aaaaaah¡­¡­¡¹

    Using the white globs as lubrication, I proceed to insert my squirting hose into Nonna¡¯s anus.

    ¡¸Let me pour my load here until my ejaculation ends.¡¹

    I kiss the semen-covered Nonna. We always finish our sessions with a kiss.

    ¡¸Please stay¡­¡­ with me¡­¡­ forever¡­¡­¡¹

    Nonna smiles as her insides are being painted white and then loses consciousness.

    ¡¸Sorry to keep you waiting Celia.¡¹

    I rinse my body after having sex with Nonna and then head to Celia¡¯s room.

    ¡¸I can¡¯t really be satisfied. I could hear Nonna¡¯s voice from this room!¡¹

    Celia is a little unhappy.

    ¡¸Hahaha, my bad. I¡¯m going to give you plenty of affection now.¡¹

    Celia and I exchange a tongue-twisting kiss and her clothes start coming off piece by piece.

    Unlike Nonna¡¯s clothes, they have a simpler design so I don¡¯t struggle to take them off. I pull up her tank top from the front and slide her short pants down to reduce her to her underwear. I thought she would be wearing her usual plain underwear, however the one she has on now is pink with a little ribbon attached. How cute.

    ¡¸I will take Aegir-sama¡¯s clothes off!¡¹

    She grabs my clothes in her underwear. It might be her way of seducing me, but she clings to me as she gets me naked.

    ¡¸Now let¡¯s get that underwear off too.¡¹ ¡¸It¡¯s embarrassing¡­¡­¡¹

    She would be stark naked once the last piece of underwear comes off. Being outside a lot, Celia gets nicely tanned in the summer sun. She was never dark-skinned though.

    The tan lines separating her darker skin and lighter skin is inexplicably arousing. My dick is already at an angle.

    ¡¸I will caress you now.¡¹

    The naked Celia gives a peck to my rod before getting it wet with saliva. She looks up at my expression while searching for the most pleasurable place to stimulate.

    I smile and brush her hair gently.

    She¡¯s grown into a fine woman, though this service brings back fond memories and a feeling of immorality.

    ¡¸Hamu.¡¹

    It feels as though my own daughter is sucking me. Her normally serious and slanted eyes have melted and are directed upward at me.

    ¡¸It feels good.¡¹

    My acknowledgement makes them narrow happily.

    Feelings of love dwell within me when I embrace Celia rather than carnal lust. Either way my penis gets bigger.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do it to you too. Come get on top.¡¹

    I know Celia¡¯s going to hold back anyways so I pick her up and position her lower half above my face so we can pleasure each other¡¯s genitals at the same time.

    ¡¸Auu.¡¹

    Apparently she still feels embarrassed when I look at her hole up close like this, even though we¡¯ve made love countless times already. She bashfully wiggles her tight, little ass which is faintly reddish. Since her shorts are usually on, her thighs are tanned while her ass remains white. The tan lines are pretty distinct here.

    ¡¸Your ass is so cute. It doesn¡¯t smell bad either.¡¹ ¡¸Wahiih! Don¡¯t sniff it!¡¹

    She tries to get away when I push my nose against her butt.

    Maybe youth has something to do with the smell being strong or not. Nonna¡¯s smells faint too. Meanwhile Mel and Rita, as more mature ladies, have a richer lewd scent.

    ¡¸Muu!¡¹

    The stimulation to my crotch brings me back to my senses, where I see Celia¡¯s tiny ass resting on my face. She might have found out I was thinking about other girls.

    ¡¸My bad.¡¹

    To distract her, I drag my tongue over her precious bean and her vagina. Celia grabs my cock with both hands and rubs my shaft with her lips.

    We don¡¯t say anything more and let the sounds of caressing dominate the airspace. It wasn¡¯t just simple licking.

    Celia suddenly starts moving faster. She strokes the base of my dick with her hand and uses her small mouth to run along the upper half.

    ¡¸Oooh¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing my groan, she proceeds to lick around the tip too. I can only see her ass and genitals now, but I¡¯m sure she¡¯s making the ¡®got you¡¯ face.

    ¡¸I did it.¡¹

    Celia¡¯s grown up since then, but she¡¯s like my daughter. I can¡¯t lose to her so easily.

    I spread open Celia¡¯s vagina and stick my wet tongue into her hole.

    ¡¸Nnnh!¡¹

    After confirming her reaction, I wiggle my tongue vigorously and stir her up.

    When she tries to twist her body away, I firmly grab her butt to hold her in place. My breath blowing against her also adds another type of stimulation.

    ¡¸Nnn¡­¡­ nnh©`©`!¡¹

    The pleasure to my dick is weakening. At the same time, her pussy is lubricating itself so I don¡¯t need to send more of my saliva.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? Are you giving up?¡¹ ¡¸I¡¯m not! I can still¡­¡­ hyau!¡¹

    Celia tries to resume her fellatio, but I take her clit in my mouth and pull on it lightly, causing her ass to twitch and a jet of fluid to shoot out.

    ¡¸Uuu¡­¡­ it¡¯s my loss¡­¡­¡¹ ¡¸Haha, I won¡¯t lose so easily.¡¹

    I pat her ass lightly before helping the gasping girl stand.

    ¡¸Get up and push your hips out toward me.¡¹ ¡¸It¡¯s been a while since you did it from behind.¡¹

    Celia puts her hands on her knees and sticks out her butt without hesitation. Juice drips from her crotch, telling me she¡¯s ready to go. She braces herself for the insertion as I approach her.

    Unfortunately, I¡¯m not going to simply thrust from behind.

    My hands prop up her thighs and I lift her up in one motion.

    ¡¸Wah!?¡¹

    Taking her by surprise, her arms circle around my neck instinctively.

    I lower Celia onto my dick. My meat rod pushes its way into Celia¡¯s drenched hole and slides to the very back of her canal.

    ¡¸Aaauu©`©`!!¡¹

    Celia lets out a moan and her body bends backward. Like a chain reaction, her pussy clamps down adorably on me.

    ¡¸Does it hurt?¡¹ ¡¸No, I¡¯m fine. I was just surprised.¡¹

    Alright good, today I¡¯ll fuck her like this.

    I move my hips back and forth with Celia held up.

    ¡¸I want to do something for you too~¡¹ ¡¸You don¡¯t have to worry about that. I¡¯m going to thoroughly make love to you today.¡¹

    When I pick up the speed on my hip movements, Celia starts to let out short gasping moans. My dick goes deeper inside her when we have sex this way.

    ¡¸T-then I will at least become your daughter!¡¹

    Isn¡¯t that something you want to do? I don¡¯t say it out loud.

    ¡¸Papa¡­¡­Celia finally did naughty things with Papa¡­¡­¡¹

    I become more aroused when she says it in that sad, painful tone.

    ¡¸Yeah, us family members finally crossed the line.¡¹

    I walk with Celia still connected and stand in front of her favorite mirror.

    ¡¸Ah!¡¹

    Celia shrieks in embarrassment when the part we¡¯re connected is in complete view in the mirror. I don¡¯t show any mercy.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll finish off here. Make sure you keep your eyes on the place we¡¯re joined together.¡¹

    My cock digs deep into Celia¡¯s hole everytime she is lowered.

    ¡¸Auu! Hiuu! Papa! So rough!¡¹

    Celia¡¯s cries matches the timing of my thrusts and I gradually move faster.

    ¡¸Y-you¡¯re purposely making it bigger!¡¹

    Midway through, I start flexing my stomach to expand my cock and make Celia agonize from the pleasure. With her narrow hole squeezing so tightly around me, she can feel any little change in movements.

    ¡¸There, I¡¯ll grind it against you.¡¹

    I change my pumping motion to a more circular motion of my hips.

    ¡¸T-that¡¯s good too! Papa is going wild inside me!¡¹

    Not only does the movement rub the back of her hole, it also pushes against the middle parts. Then as I rotate my hips, the sensation switches from one to the other.

    ¡¸Auuu! Papa, papaaa!¡¹

    Her erect nipples and stretched legs are proof she¡¯s close to climax. Even so, she¡¯s enduring it earnestly so she can finish together with me.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t have to hold back.¡¹ ¡¸But¡­¡­¡¹

    I pinch Celia¡¯s nipples.

    ¡¸My cute Celia, go on and cum.¡¹ ¡¸Uuuuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Her nipples get harder as she gets to the point where it¡¯s hard for her to continue resisting the urge. I¡¯ll deliver the final blow.

    ¡¸Celia.¡¹ ¡¸Yes¡­¡­ Papa¡­¡­¡¹

    Celia answers, still desperately clinging to the edge. I bring my mouth close to her ear.

    ¡¸Get pregnant, Celia.¡¹

    She feels my hot breath as I whisper and I also provide one more deep thrust.

    ¡¸Aah!? ¡­¡­a¡­¡­a¡­¡­aaaahhhhhh!!¡¹

    Celia¡¯s body starts to twitch and then convulses intensely. I know she has used contraceptive, but my words still produce an excellent effect.

    ¡¸I- I can¡¯t anymore! Papa, I¡¯m sorry! Cumming! Auuuu©`©`©`!¡¹

    Her legs stretch out stiffly and her chin tilts up to the ceiling. A lewd moan comes out of her wide open mouth.

    ¡¸Uooooh!¡¹

    My timing syncs up with her and I also go off.

    ¡¸Papa©`! Papaa©`!¡¹ ¡¸Celia¡­¡­ Celia!¡¹

    Our voices fill the room. Oh no, the window was left open. I guess it can¡¯t be helped.

    I can see Celia¡¯s stomach clearly inflating in the mirror. Actually, I can also see the pulsing of my meat rod and the mix of our juices leaking from her hole.

    ¡¸Amazing¡­¡­ so amazing¡­¡­¡¹

    Celia stares at the mirror while she orgasms for as long as she can before becoming powerless.

    ¡¸That felt great.¡¹

    I pull out my cock and lay Celia on the bed gently, who then reaches her hand out to me.

    ¡¸Please continue¡­¡­ Aegir-sama is still hard. I haven¡¯t passed out yet either.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not going to forcefully make you faint.¡¹

    Celia doesn¡¯t let go.

    I hesitate because she¡¯s like my daughter, but I can¡¯t leave her request unfulfilled. With that said, I can¡¯t prolong it or her tight vagina won¡¯t hold up. Even now it¡¯s looking pretty red.

    ¡¸What a helpless daughter.¡¹

    I flip Celia onto her stomach and raise up her hips.

    ¡¸This time you¡¯re going to do it from behind?¡¹

    No, wrong again.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me! Please wait! If you do that now¨D¨D¡¹

    It¡¯s too late.

    I unleashed my killer technique. Celia moaned in agony and then lost consciousness while wetting herself. The window never got closed. I can only hope the guards don¡¯t come in after hearing all that screaming.

    One hour later.

    After we finished, Celia was messed up pretty badly.

    She¡¯s collapsed on the bed and her cute ass is swaying ingratiatingly. A steady stream of liquid is constantly spraying out of her vagina and her eyes are spinning. Bubbles also seem to be foaming from her mouth.

    ¡¸Hahhii¡­¡­ ahiiih¡­¡­¡¹ ¡¸I went overboard. Are you alright?¡¹

    Her consciousness is hazy at best so she probably can¡¯t even hear me.

    ¡¸Sorry. It was too much to finish you off upside down.¡¹ ¡¸Fuhiih¡­¡­¡¹

    Celia answers with another splash of liquid, and then I give her back a kiss before heading to the bathroom.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been waiting for you, master.¡¹

    When I enter the bathroom, Adela is there bowing to me on her knees.

    ¡¸You were waiting this whole time?¡¹ ¡¸No, I just came.¡¹

    Then how did she know we finished having sex? Was she peeking?

    ¡¸The screaming can be heard all over the mansion¡­¡­ well, more like the entire neighborhood could hear it. The moaning after ¡°take this upside down!¡± was especially incredible. I wonder what kind of technique that is.¡¹

    Adela washes my body with soap.

    ¡¸The madam, Celia-sama, Dorothea-sama¡­¡­ all of them were pretty loud. Master is quite the sinful one.¡¹

    After she scrubs me until bubbles cover my body, she gives me a gentle massage. Although the both of us are naked, she doesn¡¯t rub her body against me unnecessarily.

    ¡¸You just finished three rounds. Wouldn¡¯t you prefer a relaxing massage?¡¹

    Adela carefully and politely kneads my body. She touches my dick too, but she only washes the softened meat rod which is spent from emptying its load.

    ¡¸It¡¯s so big even when it¡¯s limp¡­¡­ it would probably reach the floor if the chair was lower.¡¹

    Umu, it hangs pretty nicely.

    ¡¸Your muscles are wonderful too¡­¡­ that scar makes you so manly. You have a handsome face and you¡¯re a man among men.¡¹

    The obvious flattery still makes me happy. Being a self-proclaimed pro lover, Adela can please men in ways outside of bed too.

    ¡¸You¡¯re such a nice woman.¡¹ ¡¸Ufu, thank you. I adore master as well. So please keep me with you for a long time.¡¹

    Our lips meet for a brief kiss.

    ¡¸We¡¯ll eventually make a baby too.¡¹ ¡¸A child¡­¡­¡¹

    Adela¡¯s face is shrouded with shadow and she trails off. It was only for an instant before she once again smiles.

    ¡¸Gosh, if you get a lover pregnant your wife will get angry.¡¹

    Adela looks like she still has something to say. However, she¡¯s probably not ready to say it seeing how she glossed over it. I pretend not to notice and hug her.

    ¡¸By the way, you¡¯re underestimating me.¡¹ ¡¸Sorry?¡¹

    I stand imposingly in front of the confused Adela.

    ¡¸Aahn.¡¹

    I grab her modest breasts and my dick quickly grows bigger.

    ¡¸You¡¯re kidding¡­¡­ you can still go on after sleeping with three girls!?¡¹ ¡¸Yeah, you¡¯ll be the fourth.¡¹

    When I put my hand on top of Adela¡¯s head, she slowly opens her mouth.

    The echoes of a fourth woman orgasming resounded throughout the mansion. Incidentally, the window of the bathroom wasn¡¯t closed either.

 Chapter 338

    Day 80 ¨C Evening, Dungeon 80F

    We came down to the 80th floor but¡ºGround Cloud Lv 80¡»didn¡¯t respawn either. Even though quite enough time have passed. I¡¯m not that hungry, perhaps because I held back on magic and skills and burden on the body wasn¡¯t as great, but even if we stuck around for a bit longer, there are still a few floors ahead, so 80th floor sounds like a good round number to wrap things up for today.

    ¡¸Shall we head back for dinner? Tonight¡¯s meal is an all-red feast featuring hamburg napolitan with loads of ketchup as requested by the orphans. I¡¯ll have to prepare triple portions, or else their share might get eaten too¡­ I really should confiscate those trident forks, huh? At this point, it¡¯s less about eating pasta and more like a full-on Romance of the Three Kingdoms reenactment¡ªso chaotic that even L¨¹ Bu would grab Red Hare and flee! I¡¯m seriously worried about how this is affecting the orphans, not even mentioning the proper table manners¡­ Though for the girls, it might already be too late?¡¹

    (Nod-Nod) (Nodding) (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    The trio blazed through 70th to 80th floors, crushing everything in their way, so I don¡¯t even know what monsters were there? I caught a glimpse of something that looked like a rock, but it was shattered before I had time to identify it. After all that rampage, they must be satisfied and hungry. Lately, triple portions are no longer enough for them, but is alright, calorie-wise? They definitely must be thinking that since everyone is splitting the cost of the ingredients it would be a waste not to eat. High time to revise the billing system.

    The orphans are fine for now, as long as they happily eat to their heart¡¯s content the etiquette and such don¡¯t matter, but the girls¡­ Is it the Idiots¡¯ negative influence? They soon might start eating from buckets as well!

    Using the Gate we return straight to the surface. It¡¯s still bright, but it¡¯s already evening.

    Let¡¯s make a slight detour through the Evil Forest on the way back. I¡¯d like to check on it, and there is also a lumbering request.

    ¡¸Slime-san, can you take care of translation again?¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Labor-management negotiations with¡ºDemon Scythes¡»are in the process. Unlike other tamed ones, ¡ºDemon Scythes¡»were forcibly brought under my command through the power of¡ºDemon Ring:¡¾Dominate Demon (3)¡¿¡», so I suggested setting them free, but they were against it, even so, I felt that they were unsatisfied with the current situation. Since I couldn¡¯t tell what they actually thought, I was having some trouble, and that¡¯s where Slime-san came in as a mediator.

    These¡ºDemon Scythes¡»like sweets, so until now I was asking them to take care of lumbering in exchange for sweets and such, but it seems they have some issues, so I tried negotiating with food, mithril, money, and magic stones, but nothing got their interest, including the release. Moreover, they are still eating sweets, and Slime-san is eating as well? Hey, are you really negotiating?

    I¡¯ve prepared various employment contracts for after their liberation, and while they do follow requests, there¡¯s this subtle sense of dissatisfaction, which refuses to go away. Managing subordinates is truly a difficult task.

    (Shake-Shake?) ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹(Wobble-Wobble?) ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹(Bounce-Bounce) ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹(Jiggle-Jiggle) ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹(Wiggle-Wiggle-Wiggle)¡¸¡­¡­!!¡¹(Wiggle-Wiggle!)

    No idea if they are discussing employment conditions or just eating snacks while chatting, but it looks like sweet potato is justice. Fried Potato-san also going strong?

    That aside, but¡ºDemon Scythes¡»are leveling quite well, no idea if that¡¯s because of the difference in the type of control, but they are already level 77. Seems like a lucky number, but how does that work for demons?

    Hence, they are too strong to be released with no strings attached. I¡¯d like to avoid having to eventually fight them¡­ Are the talks not going well, is there some issue with the conditions, or perhaps they are just eating sweets? It¡¯s a mystery.

    But until now¡ºDemon Scythes¡»took care of pretty much everything that I asked, and I could tell that they were happy about receiving snacks. I was pretty sure that things are going well, but looks like they weren¡¯t, and when I brought up that keeping them under forcible control isn¡¯t good they were further displeased. So I¡¯m willing to accept their conditions, if they actually state them, since I¡¯m totally the one at fault this time.

    I¡¯m already finished kneading hamburgers, what¡¯s left is only to grill them, so we are taking our time walking home while negotiating.

    Ruminating on various whimsical thoughts while being chased by morningstar-swinging Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san I head towards the inn, will I be able to reach it alive though?

    But the thoughts, feelings, and even wills of highschool boys around the world are all pretty much lewd, you know?

    I¡¯m sure if highschool boys were deprived of the lewd portion of their beings, they would lose memories to the point of being unable to recall their own names. After all, the highschool boys these days keep humanizing and turning into cute girls pretty much everything! Like, by now, all of the Tokugawa shoguns throughout history must be remembered in an utterly indecent harem-like state. Now that I think of it though, anyone into cute girl Ietsugu thing must be seriously off in the head! If I ever see someone like that I¡¯m definitely reporting them!

    The drops from today should further increase the overall level of the equipment, and I can practice to adjust tomorrow. Tomorrow we will have to deal with monsters above 80 level, so I should come fully prepared. And with the possibility, as slim as it might be, of instant death attacks or anti-monster skills independent action by Armored Pres-san and others should be avoided as much as possible. I¡¯m most likely the most fragile one, but at the same time, the hardest one to kill, the weakest one, but have means to reliably kill unique enemies.

    (Jiggle Jiggle Jiggle Jiggle, Shake!)

    Ah, I see, so it weren¡¯t any specific complaints, they simply felt left out! How careless of me, I¡¯ve been overly roundabout, convoluted, and suspiciously overthinking things, yet stupidly and clumsily failed to truly understand. How utterly foolish of me. I¡¯m a failure of a master. They simply wanted to be dominated our of their own will, like everyone else. I didn¡¯t even notice despite spending so much time together.

    ¡¸Sorry, it was my bad. I didn¡¯t notice at all,¡ºRelease¡». You are now free, but sorry and thank you for everything until now. And¡­ Could you stay with me after this? With everyone¡­ I see, ¡ºTame¡»,let¡¯s get along? I guess? ¡¹

    A grand feast of sweets! As an apology for everything so far, I¡¯m making up for it with a massive offering of treats.

    It¡¯s probably not that they were lonely inside¡ºDemon Ring¡», they simply wanted to obey out of their own volition. After all, they went right back into¡ºDemon Ring¡»after they finished eating. Wait, they can just freely come and leave like this?! Well, they seem to be used to living there? II¡ºDemon Ring:¡¾Dominate Demon (3)¡¿¡»got freed up, can other demons be put there?

    And so, we arrived at the inn. As soon as dinner was served, it wasn¡¯t just a three-way standoff, it was an all-out war for dominance over the Napolitan! A fierce battle unfolded on the inn¡¯s floor, a feast of truly unrivaled valor! Let¡¯s stop using large plates after all.

    I thought if each party was given one large plate everyone would get along and eat nicely, but here and there pasta roll-up fights and suction battles are sparking. I¡¯d like to have Vongole Bianco?

    Slime-san is eating from a bucket and Armored Pres-san is getting along with Dancing Girl. Maybe because she¡¯s the senior, Armored Pres-san seems to be up on the hierarchy, and while Dancing Girl-san is quite attached to her. Getting along is a beautiful thing, it¡¯s wonderful, it¡¯s alluring and enchanting, and surely, tonight will be another busy one. Meanwhile, at the other tables, only the orphan kids are properly sharing their food¡­ Take notes!

    After splashing with Slime-san in the bath for a while I go back to my room. We are going to delve into the lower floors from tomorrow, so I¡¯d like to get done with equipment today.

    ¡¸Now that I think of it, having no armor or a shield I¡¯m kind of missing critical parts if I wish to raise my ViT? Certainly, if I had a shield with 7 slots I¡¯d be to raise ViT as much as I please, but shields are a bit of a nuisance, both for dodging and offense?¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Since I don¡¯t have ViT or HP to trade blows I wouldn¡¯t be able to use a shield even if I had one. I¡¯d just get smashed to death along with a shield. My only two options are dodging or parrying, but in such a case a shield would get in the way. The same goes for armor, my level isn¡¯t high enough, and it also would get in the way. Well, I can slot armor into¡ºPlain Clothes¡», but I have no business collecting shields, lets sell them.

    ¡¸Eerhm~? 30% was the highest, soo¡­¡¹

    There were more than a hundred ¡ºSoldier Puppet Lv 69¡» on the 69th floor, so there should also be several hundred drop items. At the weapon shop and general store I stopped by on the way back, a few of the items I had ordered had arrived, so I went through and picked out the noteworthy ones before buying them. I also have around 300 items from the royal treasury, so I need to sort through those as well. Highest priority goes to ViT, InT, and mastery, while avoiding PoW and SpE¡­

    ¡¸Hmmm? ¡ºBrute¡¯s Leather Armor ¨C Pow, ViT 20% UP, Recovery (Greater), Muscle Strength Enhancement (Greater) ¡», seems like the best find among these, but is this somehow different from ¡ºMuscle Strength Increase¡»? ¡¹

    If Muscle Strength Increase means boost for ViT, then it¡¯s a win, if PoW, then it will become another cause of self-destruction, if both then plus minus would give zero, but it would also buff ¡ºRecovery¡». Well, let¡¯s leave it as a potential pick, and test it out later.

    ¡¸The currently open slots are 3 for the clothing, 5 for the cloak, but since¡ºMagic Hands¡» is in it, does that make it 4? The gloves 4 slots, the boots are 3, but since¡ºTough Boots ¨C ViT 10% UP¡»is a swap candidate, it¡¯s effectively 4. The ring has 4 slots, and for headgear, well, the circlet still has all 5 slots open. And then the staff in question¡­ The sword has 5 slots, the staff 4, and the spear is completely empty with 7 slots¡­ I wonder if I can put a shield there? ¡­I can!?¡¹

    I¡¯ve already got a base value breaking, common-sense-shattering, self-sabotaging combination of Kusanagi, Mistilteinn, and the Seven-Branched Sword. But who knows, the Spear of Longinus, a real Trident, Excalibur, Durandal, Gram, or even G¨¢e Bolg [0] might show up too. Those are far too dangerous to let enemies get their hands on them, but the recoil from the usage also makes me hesitant to hand them over to allies. So, my only choices are to seal them away or use them myself. In fact, even Armored Pres-san rejected the divine sword. And not because of its holy attribute, but because she feared it might go out of control. When it comes to control skills, the truth is, I¡¯m the only one specialized in it. I didn¡¯t spend all that time honing my control ability with my side gig while also perfecting it in countless night battles for nothing! Sure, I made money and had fun, but if I call it training, then it¡¯s training! Determination can break even the toughest rocks! I mean, it¡¯s not like anyone can refute me, since I¡¯m just talking to myself, so I¡¯m automatically right?

    (Shake-Shake)  S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    I was consoled!

    In the end, I ended up putting¡ºBrute¡¯s Leather Armor ¨C Pow, ViT 20% UP, Recovery (Greater), Muscle Strength Enhancement (Greater) ¡»and¡ºShroud of Arcane Sigil ¨C Physical/Magical Resistance (Greater), Sorcery Mastery (Greater)¡»and¡ºEnchanted Leather Garb ¨C ViT 20% UP, Monstrous Strength¡»into the Clothes for now, to see how the things will work, filling all of the available slots..

    The Cloak got two new items,¡ºCloak of the Mortal Edge ¨C Blunt/Slashing Resistance Increase (Greater), +DEF¡»and¡ºIronthread Cloak ¨C ViT 20% UP, Slashing/Pierce Resistance (Greater), Fortify¡», leaving two slots open.

    Only¡ºAssault Shell Bracers ¨C ViT 20% UP, Physical/Magical Attack Resistance (Greater)¡»for the Gloves, so three more slots to go.

    For the Boots¡ºIron Greaves ¨C ViT 20% UP, Physical Defense Bonus (Greater)¡», ¡ºSteel Carapace Sabatons ¨C ViT 20%, Mana Hardening¡»,¡ºMetal-Tipped Boots ¨C ViT 20% UP¡»,¡ºFull Metal Greaves ¨C ViT 30% UP, Body Protection, Physical Resistance (Greater)¡», for a total of 4 additional slots filled, so¡ºTough Boots ¨C ViT 10% UP¡»became useless. I even spent money for those, feels like a waste now.

    The circlet, or rather, hairband, had all 5 slots open, but I had only¡ºSteel Helmet ¨C ViT 20%, +DEF¡».

    As for the Staff, since it turned our I can put shield into it as well, I added¡ºSoaring Swallow Buckler ¨C ViT PoW 20% UP, Evasion/Defense Bonus (Greater), Evasion (Greater), Recovery (Greater)¡»this one cost a fortune, and also¡ºSilversteel Shield ¨C ViT 20%, Physical Resistance (Lesser), Physical/Magic Bonus (Lesser)¡».

    I still have some items with 10% UP or (lesser) effects, but I can make items with better effects myself. I¡¯ve saved them just in case I need something as a filler or a stopgap, but they are destined to be sold.

    No rings at all though, be it among drops or treasures. Something like the previous¡ºRing of Protection¡»would have been nice, but nothing dropped, and it wasn¡¯t for sale either. On top of still having 4 empty slots, I also have ten fingers. I actually lost two or three, but since they grew back I have a full set. In other words, even if I can¡¯t put anything on thumbs, I still have 7 free fingers, so I should be able to use 11 more rings. I sort of hate it because it gives the air of a new rich, but as a magnate, I could endure it. It¡¯s a secret that this magnate is once again ended up without a penny and is staying at the inn on tab. And with Dancing Girl-san added to the group the fee also went up, you know?

    I should have received extra money for food ingredients, yet there¡¯s nothing left. Well, there¡¯s a mountain of stocked supplies, so there¡¯s no need to buy more, but if they find out I misused the funds, I¡¯ll get another sermon. They said they¡¯d deduct the inn fee from my 50,000 Ere allowance the next time I put it on the tab. If I get caught, my actual spending money will be down to 35,000 Ere, turning me into a poor magnate. At that point, I¡¯d be like a tragic yet oddly entertaining figure, selling matches on a cold, snowy day, hugging a Slime-san inside a church, warming myself by setting fire to both the painting of God and the church itself, taking down both the church and its old men in one swoop, like getting two rabbits with one stone? But now that I think of it, getting a Rabbit Girl into each hand sounds like a great idea!

    I don¡¯t want to sweat right after a bath, but I also want to check my condition, so let¡¯s head to the training grounds. Instructor Slime is already waiting on top of my head.

 Chapter 339

    Day 80 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Training Grounds

    Shroud myself. I can use¡ºWrap¡»as naturally as breathing. That¡¯s the point I¡¯ve reached. But that itself was a problem. I kept using this skill ever since it still was¡ºMana Wrap¡», before understanding its mechanism, before I was even able to clarify uncertainties, I simply kept using it to survive. Unless I fully grasp, deconstruct, comprehend, reassemble, and learn to subconsciously control it, I won¡¯t be able to realize its true value or evolve it further. There is something beyond, I¡¯m barely handling it at the moment after all.

    A moment later a layer of heavy air stick to the body. As if the air around suddenly became a liquid, turning heavy and sticky, coiling around me. I push through the heavy world, dragging myself through as it sticks to me, almost as if swimming, gasping for air with each breath.

    ViT represents physical strength, endurance, and toughness. Since it went up, my body can withstand more punishment, but it still hurts. Any damage I take can be healed with¡ºRegeneration¡»but it still hurts. Damage from physical attacks is also reduced, but pain is still pain. In the end, I even managed to pull off¡ºKyojitsu¡»,but a few muscles tore and a few bones cracked here and there, though they healed quickly, it still hurt! It hurt, but it was usable. But successive usage is not sustainable.

    ¡¸Looks like this is the limit of what can be achieved with equipment improval~? As I thought, mastery and control effects seem to be rare. That¡¯s what I really wanted though. Raising ViT only slows self-destruction, and it still hurts. I regenerate immediately, but since I keep self-destructing it just keeps hurting? It¡¯s painful, you know?¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Oooh, that¡¯s deep. I see, even light feathers can sink a ship if piled up like a mountain. So that means I¡¯ll sink? No way!

    (Bounce-Bounce!)  Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    I got it wrong, it seems? I see, so it¡¯s a matter of a light load breaking the axle, huh? No matter how light is the load, if you pile enough of it, the axle will break? So, does that mean I¡¯ll break too? That¡¯s no good!

    (Shake-Shake-Shake~!)

    Ah~. I see, You¡¯re saying that I should break a leg, going all out? But, like, I¡¯m actually bleeding here? My bones are literally shattering, and my muscles are tearing apart, so this idiom isn¡¯t quite an idiom here?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Why are you making a comedy with Slime-san? A-and you even made matching bow ties just for this!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸The bow tie is the one I wore to the ball, you know? Yup, I also made one for Slime-san, but being busy as orphans¡¯ bodyguard Slime-san couldn¡¯t unveil it back then? There was also a cute spherical dress, but it didn¡¯t have its moment to shine and seemed to get in the way of transformations, so I had to stash it away. Such a waste, right?¡¹

    Looks like they are done bathing.

    And now I¡¯m surrounded by orphans and 23 beauties who just left the bath? Steam is still rising from their bodies, and the skin has a faint cherry blossom hue, slightly flushed. The exposed skin area is overwhelmingly large, with short pants, mini dresses, doing nothing to cover those long nice legs. The upper body is exposed in vulnerable deep V-neck T-shirts, tank tops, or sleeveless, with the shoulders, neckline, and collarbones completely revealed, approaching¡­ or rather, you¡¯re close?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Whoooooa. Onii-chan, are we going to play?¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Dodging the barrage or orphan torpedoes who keep jumping at me as usual I look out for the escape route, but the formation has no openings. Behind the wall of orphans¡¯ barrage they are awaiting me in a perfect battle order.

    ¡¸Onii-chan, a request¡­¡­¡¹¡¸Bro! Expecting a novelty.¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, chestnut buns.¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, I want some fresh cream cake.¡¹¡¸Onii-sama, I¡¯d like a yukata.¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, additional requests¡­¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    MMMmmnm. Crap, it¡¯s a trap!

    In the past, this scenario would be followed by only one development, so this is a sure pattern! Looks like the bras were a perfect fit, the chests are completely packed! No, wait, that¡¯s not the point. This situation is definitely a demand, a request, a petition¡­ or just plain begging. And if I don¡¯t say yes, only one thing awaits: the highschool girl body pile, also known as the ¡ºMugyu-Mugyu Squishy Hell¡» until I give in. But honestly, with all the soft, plump, and squishy pressure closing in, it¡¯s less of a hell and more of a heaven.

    While my Physical Resistance and recovery were boosted by increase in ViT, one shouldn¡¯t be deceived by this tender sensation! This plump, squishy flesh belongs to the ones who transcended over level 100. Being surrounded by this fortress of living flesh, and tossed about in this maelstrom of bare skin, I¡¯m completely at their mercy, with no hope of escape even with computing ability from ¡ºWisdom¡».

    Parting with¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»,¡ºCloak¡»and even¡ºGloves¡»after the training proved fatal. I¡¯m being swallowed up by a torrent of highschool girl bodies, with every fleeting opportunity for escape being instantly sealed off by Dancing Girl-san and Armored Pres-san. There isn¡¯t a single opening. The very moment I try to focus my mind on slipping away with ¡ºTeleport¡»I get hit with SQUISH, as if they were expecting that, making me lose concentration.

    ¡¸Front left!¡¹

    They were totally aiming for this. Elven Little Sister is reading what I¡¯m focusing on, sending signals to the pres, who then gives appropriate instructions to maintain the encirclement, keeping me pressed, squeezed, and entangled by female bodies, wrapped up in their limbs and trapped by their bodies. And since any momentary gap is shut down by the Dungeon Emperors duo, I can¡¯t find an escape route. Of course, were I to use ¡ºMagic Hands¡»with¡ºLewd Techniques¡»,¡ºVibration Magic¡»and¡ºSex King¡», even this skin-colored sea of flesh would forced to part as shivering and twitching mess. But I sense that this would spell trouble both Highschool boy-wise and Affection Rating-wise. Forcing them to go back to the bath after they just left it seems kind of mean. Yeah, taking that at full force leads to all kinds of things so they will need to wash themselves again, you know? At this point I¡¯ve gotten pretty good at drying futons, yeah, it¡¯s pretty rough.

    ¡¸Wait, hold on! I¡¯ll listen to your demands, but demands come first, bodypile comes second! Why are you crushing me to weaken me before making your requests?! That¡¯s no longer a request, that¡¯s something else entirely! For a high school guy, this is a dangerous negotiation, if my self-control slips before I even hear the request, we¡¯re looking at a full-blown catastrophe! I¡¯m already at full alert dealing with all this squishiness! Submit your request forms first, then resort to force if negotiations call for it! Why does it always start with a full-contact assault?!¡¹

    I don¡¯t think I can last any longer! But the equipment was effective enough, my HP barely went down, while MP absorption was more than enough, it didn¡¯t go down at all. Even so, in a high school boy¡¯s sense, this is a completely irresistible attack, it would require specialized gear like ¡ºPlump Resilience¡» or ¡ºSquish Nullification¡» to counter! But even if such a thing existed, it probably wouldn¡¯t work, no high school boy could withstand this. Anyone capable of calmly withstanding that is either into BL or LO.

    Even so, I managed to neutralize physical attacks, so there are no issues equipment-wise. Mentally I¡¯m a highschool boy so it can¡¯t be helped. No, absolutely nothing could be done here!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, please take care of this!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like they made a killing from dungeons. With energy returning to order forms night work also respawned, wait¡­ Huh?

    ¡¸One, two, three¡­¡­ Twenty one. In other words every single one ordered a bunny girl outfit! Are they going to wear that?! Where?! When?! At last, a store with highschool bunny girls is going to open in this world? Or a casino opened somewhere? The price tag is quite steep, I might make quite a lot from this?¡¹

    It¡¯s not that I dislike this, far from that, in fact, I love bunnies so much that I¡¯m even planning, plotting, and scheming to boost my Affection Rating by assuming the role of a kind-hearted, bunny-loving high school boy. I mean, being sandwiched between Armored Pres-san in black bunny outfit and Dancing Girl-san¡¯s white bunny during a blissful carriage ride was pure heaven, so yeah, I love bunnies! However! An inn with highschool bunny girls sounds way too risky to operate, so risky it might be impossible to even get a permit for such enterprise, is what I think, but at the same time, it¡¯s Meripapa-san who¡¯d be issuing such permits, so taking care of that would be a piece of cake, but there is also the question of public perception, ethics, moral, but more importantly, it¡¯s very risky in a highschool boy sort of way.

    That fishnet stocking bunny-san has too much destructive power. With 23 of them around highschool boys will be unable to stand up due to certain physical issues! Does this also count as a physical attack? No, maybe it has a high school boy-exclusive action restrictive effects, but is that really something they should be wearing as standard equipment?

    (Alright, he took the order forms!) (Perfect.) (According to Angelica-san and the others, he¡¯s weak to bunny girls after all¡­) (Yeah, he was totally into Oda-kun¡¯s story about rabbit-eared beastkin girls.) (Does this mean he likes bunnies?) (((¡­In a way, probably?)))

    ¡¸That leaves the yukata proposal, huh¡­ A yukata itself isn¡¯t issue, but since it also involves designs, the work on multicoloring it haven¡¯t progressed much? We¡¯re still waiting on the final yukata design from the bitches here. And this one, they¡¯re requesting new mule designs, but don¡¯t they already have like 20 pairs each? Are they centipedes or something? How many legs do they have? If any more bare legs show up, it¡¯ll push a highschool boy past his limit! And also, this, as expected, well, I was planning to make headbands eventually, but brought it up first.¡¹

    Which leaves the usual swimsuits, new underwear, pajamas for room wear, slippers, and¡­ D-D-D-Don¡¯t request girls daily necessities to a highschool boy!!! But this order form is jointly signed, so I guess it¡¯s for real? Well, basically, I just need to create something that can absorb it, but¡­ The level of details and warning points on this blueprint is kind of disturbing, but the main point¡­ No leaks, no irritation, no itching allowed?! S-So this has been the real objective all along?!

    I was given an unused sample, and I can¡¯t help but be deeply concerned about the Affection Rating of a highschool boy who receives unused sanitary pads from highschool girls¡­ Just where did you go, my Affection Rating?

    Looks like they had trouble bringing that up, but the demand was there for quite a while. But even if they had trouble bringing that up, imagine how I feel! And that¡¯s why they tried to mix it in with other request forms and forced them on me with schoolgirl bodypile. In other words, they very earnest about this. Be it bras or pads, being a girl sure is tough. But making a highschool boy solve that is tough on him, you know?

    But once again it¡¯s pretty complex and high tech. First bras, now pads, isn¡¯t the girls¡¯ stuff the only thing advancing by leaps and bounds? Should this be considered a form of discrimination against men that such advanced technology is exclusively developed for women? The multi-layered surface material prioritizes a soft feel against the skin, while the main absorbent core is designed with leak-proof material, ensuring a one-way absorption system to prevent seepage. On top of that, it even includes anti-slip features to keep everything securely in place¡­ It¡¯s pretty sophisticated, but why is a highschool boy the one who has to explore the depths of that sophistication time after time? I¡¯m getting slightly depressed by how knowledgeable I¡¯m becoming on this, but it is something necessary. The stock is getting low apparently.

    ¡¸Ah, so it was this structure that they kept calling wings and what not¡­ Which reminds me, every time a commercial for it came on, I got this indescribable awkward feeling, I really wish they¡¯d be a little more considerate of high school boys. I see, this part is designed to fit snugly to prevent any leaks through the gaps¡­ So it has to fit like this¡­ The shape is¡­ (Distant gaze, lost in thought)¡¹

    The only options would be either to develop a special fiber or somehow deal with it with magic. Putting aside why a highschool boy has to tackle this issue, unless I resolve this somehow, nothing can be done. While considering the temporary use of cloth napkins as a stopgap, factoring in dungeons and battles, it seems that disposable fiber-based ones are necessary. And not thinking about why a highschool boy is supposed to think about this!

    In a fantasy world without chemical materials, I¡¯d likely need to rely on magic. If I imbue a thread with something like ¡ºAbsorption¡» or ¡ºDesiccation¡» before weaving it into fabric, then cloth napkins would be the way to go. If they are to be reusable reusable, making them in Multicolor and adding a ¡ºDirt Repellent¡» effect should help them last longer. The real question is whether this is something a high school boy should even be worrying about, but with such a complex system, it¡¯s no surprise that finding a solution is difficult.

    ¡ºWisdom¡»already finished analysis and started calculations on blueprints. I¡¯m sure even¡ºWisdom¡»-san is startled. I mean, even I¡¯m surprised, here I was wondering what the hell am I doing making bras in a fantasy world, and now it¡¯s sanitary pads¡­ Just what the heck this isekai stuff was about?

    ¡¸As I thought, that gel is oil based¡­ Moreover, this has the same structure as a cooling gel pad!¡¹

    No worries about being the only one treated like a pervert then. Because apparently, everyone was sticking them on their foreheads, yup, everyone is a pervert!

    Nowhere in all my past reading did I ever come across the structure of a napkin, and if I had, that would have raised some serious questions about what I was reading! When it came to isekai stories, production-type jobs were pretty popular, so I read a lot of them¡­ but did anyone ever make bras or napkins? I don¡¯t remember a single instance! Most of those stories had heroines, but now that I think about it¡­ none of them ever made a bra, let alone anything else! How come?

    However, paper is still prone to trapping moisture. If the fibers swell from humidity, it gets stuffy, and if they absorb moisture without releasing it, ventilation holes can¡¯t be added. That leaves fabric as the only option, but to prevent leaks, the shape becomes crucial. If it doesn¡¯t fit perfectly, movement could cause leaks. A perfect shape¡­ the shape¡­ wait¡­ (Out-of-order, please wait for a while)

    ¡¸Ah, this is it, the one I researched for sports bras, ¡ºMana Molding¡»! With this¡­ I won¡¯t have to do the fitting myself! Because no matter how you look at it, a high school boy manually fitting a cloth napkin to perfectly match a high school girl¡¯s shape is just¡­ no good! That high school boy is done for in so many ways!¡¹

    It¡¯s likely that magical materials would be more advantageous than chemical ones, but in terms of cost, disposables would end up quite expensive. As for fiber-based options, unless some kind of special fantasy material from this world is found, they¡¯d probably only work as a backup. And I sort of hate the idea of adventuring in a fantasy world in search of sanitary pad materials?

    ¡¸If it¡¯s hooked onto the shorts with a clasp, it won¡¯t shift¡­ So, by using ¡ºMana Molding¡» for the gather parts and designing the wing-shaped sections separately, then alternating ¡ºAbsorption¡» and ¡ºDesiccation¡» layers for each piece of fabric¡­ And finally, adding a one-way ¡ºWaterproof¡» effect to prevent leaks~? Ahh~, I¡¯ve somehow ended up making a really well-crafted one, but instead of feeling accomplished, I just feel strangely melancholic. This really isn¡¯t something a high school boy is supposed to fully understand and master, is it? Seriously!¡¹

    And the greatest issue remains¡­ Gotta have them test this first, and then gradually improve based on the results, but those results¡­ ¡ºUsed ones¡­¡»¡­ (Deliberating?)

    Cloth napkins also need to be washed, but with ¡ºDirt Repellent¡» effects and magic-infused fibers, their durability should be outstanding. However¡­ ¡ºI¡¯m the only one who can wash them with magic~¡» (Grieving?)

    That night, there was a lone highschool boy, gazing in sorrowful contemplation at the napkin in his hand, illuminated by a distant sun shining in the night sky. (According to him.) Kind of?

 Chapter 340

    Day 80 ¨C Nighttime, White Weirdo Inn, Girls-only Gathering

    By compiling, studying and repeatedly analyzing the information we had gathered through out continuous effort we finally discovered the weakness of the ¡ºSex King¡»!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸To think it was the Bunny Attribute!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    RIght, we have received the information that during his battle with the bunny girls in the carriage¡ºOnce, captivated, there, goes the chance!¡»and on top of that also¡ºBunny course. He isn¡¯t keen on stipping it. That is the chance!¡». And with the way he jumped on the topic of sexy bunny beastgirls that changed into a conviction. The weakness is bunnies!

    Actually, he seems to be also weak to Chinese dresses, but they seem to have low defense value, so wearing it could get one attacked. Despite the looks, bunny girls seem to have formidable defense.

    ¡¸But were secretaries also a weak point?¡¹

    ¡¸Miniskirts will be immediately assaulted by Sex King!¡¹

    ¡¸But leotards have pretty much the same defense, so isn¡¯t that a weakness too?¡¹  sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ¡¸A leotard can be simply Pulled aside. In a bunny suit, you can attack until stripped!¡¹

    That¡¯s right, apparently taking attacks is no good. We have to one-sidedly attack, and if the offense falls through, we will get done in by a counterattack. What a fearsome destructive power!

    ¡¸But didn¡¯t you say that school swimsuits were a weakness as well?¡¹

    ¡¸That, too¡­ can be slid to the side, and it¡¯s, over. Same, for gym shorts.¡¹

    ¡¸Or rather, isn¡¯t not wearing anything at all is a weakness also?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸If you don¡¯t wear anything you will lose instantly!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    In fact, it seems pretty much everything is a weakness, but because bunny suits are made out of satin-line glossy material, they don¡¯t stretch. And because he doesn¡¯t seem keen on stripping those, there is a certain amount of time before one ends up nude, where the battle can be decided, but even binding him in chains won¡¯t help much¡­ So they tried that too!

    It seems that in this world, devotion and service from women hold significant meaning, and this mindset gets even stronger the further you trace it into the past. Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san¡¯s wholehearted dedication to pleasing Haruka-kun is a display of both love and loyalty. However, because their acts of devotion are returned with even greater interest, they feel the need to give even more, leading to an escalating battle of forcibly returning the favor. A full-on brawl of service ensues, and so far, they¡¯ve been losing overwhelmingly. At this point, their daily goal has become figuring out how to serve him back. But binding someone with chains to service them out of love, loyalty, and devotion¡­ Isn¡¯t that a very different sort of battle already?

    In the old-fashioned way of thinking of this world, a strong and respectable man is expected to have many wives and concubines, all of whom devote themselves wholeheartedly to serving him. In return, the man is supposed to give them beautiful clothes, jewelry, delicacies, and sweets as tokens of appreciation.

    From Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san¡¯s perspective, they¡¯ve been saved, received immeasurable kindness, and have been treated with unbelievable warmth. On top of that, they¡¯re constantly being gifted elegant clothes, precious jewels, and exquisite food and sweets every single day. And every time they try to repay it, they only end up receiving even more affection in return, making them feel like they haven¡¯t been able to return the favor at all.

    ¡¸You are doing alright, you know? He is super overjoyed!¡¹

    ¡¸The clothes, jewelry, food, and sweets are all given to you because he wants to see you happy, so all you have to do is gladly accept and say thank you.¡¹

    ¡¸The same goes for combat and guarding, you are doing a great job.¡¹

    ¡¸And Haruka-kun is happy that you are staying with him, okay? And because he is so happy about that, all those gifts.¡¹

    Yes, it¡¯s Hyper The Gift of the Magi Inflation Infinity Version! [1]

    That¡¯s right, in that story, he sold his silver watch to gift her a hair clip, meanwhile, she sold her hair to buy a chain for his watch. At first glance, it may seem meaningless, but it¡¯s precisely this mutual consideration and heartfelt devotion that make it a true Gift of the Magi.

    However, things escalated into the ultimate present battle where both sides forcefully and thoroughly exchange gifts of extreme, euphoric pleasure. Each night, the Sex King Lust and the Dungeons Emperors devote themselves entirely to serving each other, despite the almost lethal risks of receiving such dangerously overwhelming presents. Publishing this would be difficult, a sales ban is guaranteed?

    Somehow, despite both sides starting from the desire to express mutual gratitude and affection, it somehow turns into a mysterious battle where two peerless beauties unleash the pinnacle of their sensual techniques, only to be met head-on by the King of Lust, wielding his tentacles. Yeah, another fierce battle one cannot afford to miss took place today!

    Having nothing of their own, Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san are trying to devote their entire beings, body and soul to him, meanwhile, the Greedy Plunderer is determined to reclaim everything for them, locking them in yet another intense struggle tonight. It seems that their Great War of the Magi, an Armageddon of love and devotion where both sides relentlessly push happiness onto each other, has no end in sight.

    However, Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san adhere to the traditional viewpoint, according to which the most precious thing a woman could do for her man is to give birth to his child. And¡­ Since the two of them turned into monsters, it most likely would be impossible for them to make a child with a human. They don¡¯t get periods either. And so¡­ since they have nothing else to give back¡­ since all they have is their hearts and bodies¡­ They¡¯re fully intent on attacking him again tonight, meticulously selecting their outfits. It looks like tonight¡¯s choice is gym uniforms and bloomers, but with their ridiculously perfect figures, those outfits look like something completely different.

    ¡¸Ah, I¡¯ll ask for gym shorts too.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, looking at this, it might not be a bad idea.¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Additional orders time!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    If you put additional orders, the debt that we finally were able to reduce with regular trips to dungeons will grow again?

    But they seem to be having fun.

    After being gripped with despair for so long, we obtained happiness in the Frontier.

    This inn and the cave are our happy memories, those are the very treasures that everyone have lost.

    That¡¯s why the look so happy.

    We simply wanted to protect this place and everyone around.

    That¡¯s why there wasn¡¯t a single girl that wanted to become a noble, because that surely would¡¯ve meant parting with this place.

    After all, we were made happy.

    It¡¯s these days that are our most prized possession. Although we lost everything, we also received a great deal of happiness in return.

    That¡¯s why everyone wanted to go back to the Frontier, that¡¯s the only place dear to everyone right now.

    While bathing the children, the girls¡¯ gathering shifts to the topic of new orders

    ¡¸It¡¯s about that time¡­¡¹¡¸But are we really going to ask him for that?¡¹¡¸We don¡¯t have any other options.¡¹¡¸Won¡¯t he get embarrassed and run away?¡¹¡¸We¡¯ve technically been requesting it for a while now~¡¹¡¸Think it¡¯ll work?¡¹¡¸I¡¯d hate to ruin the beautiful underwear he made for us¡­¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Exactly!!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    This is one of the reasons why Angelica-san and Nefertiri-san insist on being merely mistresses and push us into the role of legal wives. The two feel the most guilty for being unable to give birth to the child of their beloved man, and us don¡¯t have that problem¡­ So that leaves the issue of those days.

    Since our levels are so high we don¡¯t feel physical discomfort, and since we are feeling fine, we don¡¯t need a rest either, but we absolutely don¡¯t want to dirty that beautiful underwear that we forced Haruka-kun to make. Be it clothes or underwear, all of it is the treasure for us, who¡¯ve lost everything. All of it are our precious memories.

    ¡¸But it¡¯s hard to ask him that¡­¡­¡¹¡¸But we have to?¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s press him?¡¹¡¹¡¹

    He¡¯ll probably agree if we seriously ask him and explain everything. When we are truly in trouble he wouldn¡¯t refuse to help, regardless of his complaints or embarrassment in the process. But we are embarrassed to explain and ask him in earnest. Sure, it¡¯s embarrassing for Haruka-kun, but it¡¯s also super embarrassing for us.

    We step out of the bath, still deep in thought¡­

    Despite everyone agonizing over what to say, Haruka remains oblivious, casually cracking jokes with Slime-san¡­ Aight, let¡¯s crush him.

    Sensing the danger, Slime-san swiftly stows away its paper fan and flees, leaving Haruka behind to face the barrage of orphan rockets. His steps are flawless, waste-free, and elegant, almost like a dance. Yet, amidst the constant movement, his relentless footwork confuses the children, allowing to intercept them with ease.

    Unless the encirclement is tight and perfectly sealed, allowing virtually no room to escape, he will get away. He¡¯s using ¡ºTeleportation¡» to slip through. For a brief moment, he disappears completely, and something that doesn¡¯t exist, cannot be caught.

    However, our formation is complete, and we also have the elven priestess Erailia-san, with abilities like¡ºDetect Emotions¡»and¡ºSense Thought¡». As long as we understand the timing and direction of Haruka-kun¡¯s ¡ºTeleportation¡»we should be able to suppress him with two-layer encirclement. We¡¯ve gotten stronger as well.

    Haruka-kun hadn¡¯t removed all his equipment yet, so we have to thoroughly envelop and press in on him. However, on the other hand, here we have freshly bathed high school girls, still warm, with smooth skin and glistening bare legs, surrounding him in clingy, thin clothing, radiating sensuality in the alluring JK encirclement. As long as we pin him down we can take him, we can get him!

    ¡¸Onii-chan, I have an order¡­¡¹¡¸Onii! New item, please!¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, chestnut manju!¡¹¡¸Onii-chan, I want to eat a fresh cream cake!¡¹¡¸Onii-sama, I would like a yukata.¡¹¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, additional orders¡­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    As expected, we could just ask him to make that thing for Girls¡¯ Days, so we kept throwing more orders while pressing closer in bodypile. Though he was protesting loudly, his delighted expression showed his focus was already broken. For someone who engages in such intense activities nightly, this so-called Sex King is surprisingly vulnerable to flirtatious teasing, now completely overwhelmed and helpless amidst the jostling crowd.

    ¡¸Hey! Not there! That¡¯s sexual harassme¡­¡­(Burble-Burble)¡¹

    One down. Target has been sunk, but who touched him where?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Onii-chan, good luck!¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    But looks like everyone ordered Bunny Equipment, which should be the weakness of Sex King. With Multicolor we can change it freely to red, white, black, or whatever. I also ordered a tuxedo vest, collar, and sleeve braces, so it should be cute. The issue is whether I¡¯ll get a chance to wear it.

    And then we lead children away as fast as possible. When I glanced back, he was already scratching their head and mumbling with a troubled look. It seems like he is already thinking about making it.

    With this the first obstacle is cleared. But the worst, the vilest, and the most difficult one is still waiting.

    ¡¸I wonder if there will be a fitting session?¡¹

    ¡¸If it¡¯s from cloth~, them perhaps~?¡¹

    ¡¸True, if the fit is not perfect¡­ then¡­ yeah?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸What do you mean fit! What do you mean perfect!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    That¡¯s right, the Sex King, boasting the scariest offensive power, is going to take measurements and adjustments, to ensure the perfect fit for the most vulnerable area. Maidens are about to be wiped out?

    ¡¸Who¡¯s going first?! Huh, I guess the pres?¡¹

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Right!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Right, I have ¡ºRegeneration¡», so I can go for as many rounds as¡­ Hey, wa-wa-wait! EEEH!

    ¡¸Eh? Why me? Why is it already decided? Aren¡¯t we all together in this? Let¡¯s at least do it fairly and draw lots¡­¡¹

    I absolutely can¡¯t do it alone! Or rather, no way I can go first! I-I-I-I mean, m-measuring! Haruka-kun pressing close all the way, making sure every inch snug against me! A-and that spot, that spot¡ª! ¡­¡­(Flap)

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸Medic, the usual.¡¹¡¹¡¹

    ¡¸Roger, here you go.¡¹(Nom)

    A must have item for a maiden, but the danger it brings is too much for a maiden¡­¡­ The manufacturer is the Sex King? No way.

 Chapter 341

    Day 80 ¨C Late Night, White Weirdo Inn

    Well, pads can be considered completed. I¡¯m deeply concerned if this is something a highschool boy is fine to declare as completed, but it¡¯s done.

    There is no telling how they should be improved before they get used, but I¡¯m pretty sure that Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san don¡¯t have Those days. Asking them to try them wouldn¡¯t be a good idea.

    Well, the only way is to hand those over to the Girls and wait for reports from them. Just in case I also made enough buggy shorts with emphasis on¡ºStain Resistance¡»for everyone, they they should have no issues testing those.

    I remove my equipment and line it up on the table. I still don¡¯t have my own anklet and necklace type equipment so these slots are sort of open, but getting all dripped out in jewelry and accessories feels kind of weird for a highschool boy. Even so, as equipment piece these are pretty important.

    And so, I line up today¡¯s haul of somewhat questionable equipment. Since I mostly equipped items from the royal treasury and the ones I bought in town, so there¡¯s still a huge amount of untouched gear with single effect from ¡ºSoldier Puppet¡».

    ¡¸Eehm. This one is ViT 20, and this is InT 20, that one is mastery type, and this one is¡­ dubious?¡¹

    If going by abilities alone, then this¡ºReflective Shield ¨C Reflection¡»or¡ºFlickering Cloak ¨C Flicker¡»looks useful enough on their own. But if I end up applying those effects with Magic Wrap then the control will end up even more complicated and confusing, leading to an increase in self-inflicted damage. Too bad.

    Especially this ¡ºFlicker¡»seems like it would have an immediate effect on footwork. If wearing can enhance overall movement itself and provide an overall boost to physical techniques, then even as a single-effect piece of equipment, its value would still be high. But that would impose that much of a recoil as well. Equipment that can potentially increase the burden should be put off for now.

    For now I should be even considering removing the equipment that I already slotted into my items, but suddenly losing the abilities that I was using is sort of scary. Suddenly getting confused during a combat or being unable to do what I previously could is way too terrifying. All equipment replacements should be made while keeping the overall balance in mind.

    If I slot this ¡ºReflective Shield ¨C Reflection¡» into the staff while replacing the ¡ºCloak of Magic Reflection ¨C Reflects Magic¡», which was slotted in the cloak, it should even out. Additionally, rather than being limited to magic reflection, it should allow for full reflection, granting a physical reflection effect as well. But I can¡¯t really compare those without having a clear idea of their worth, and the real value of equipment often can¡¯t be gauged accurately before upgrading it with mithril, moreover, better equipment tends to require a lot more mithril regardless of its actual size. That¡¯s why merely attempting to mithrilify an item can give a rough idea of its quality.

    ¡¸All of those look pretty good, but I can pretty much guarantee that no matter which one I upgrade, it would make control more difficult? First focus on raising the overall performance, and I guess if some leeway appears, it might be fine to add more abilities. But if skills level up the control will get more difficult again~. Yeah, control-type should be the highest priority.¡¹

    For now, it can be considered as being back to a fighting condition, painful self-inflicted damage from¡ºKyojitsu¡»is nothing new.

    If ViT can be increased, then it¡¯s best to stack as much as possible, but it¡¯s Mastery-type that has to be given the highest priority, all the while buffing support-type skills improves ¡ºRegeneration¡»that help out quite, but they also boost other abilities, which is also a part of a reason for self-destruction.

    Normally, equipment should be put together based on one¡¯s combat style, customizing and adjusting individual pieces as you obtain new items. But with my body getting literally destroyed I don¡¯t have that leisure. To begin with, it¡¯s not clear what my role is, much less combat style. The last time I checked I was still jobless.

    A scout-type who can erase his presence, and detects traps and monsters, yet also a magic specialist who wields all kinds of spells, but also highly specialized in speed and dexterity, focusing on high-speed assaults, such a style doesn¡¯t exist! A sneaky, charge-in spellcaster like this has never been heard of before.

    ¡¸It¡¯s about time to mine more mithril, huh? I¡¯d like to touch up on Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl¡¯s equipment, and it¡¯s not like there can ever be enough of it? There is still plenty iron, but some rare metals might pop up, kind of, what a bother, sort of?¡¹

    Once the materials are obtained, equipment from¡ºLET¡¯S GO MAGIC TOOLS!¡»would be possible to make, but there are too many techniques which I haven¡¯t even tried yet. And most likely, even if I taught them to the classmates they wouldn¡¯t have much success. In the end, pretty much the only girls who haven¡¯t given up yet, are those practicing cooking with Cooking Club Girl as the lead, even though it¡¯s useless? Everyone is capable of some home cooking, but as soon as magic gets involved, it either explodes or goes up in flames. That¡¯s probably the limitation given by Jobs.

    Aside from me, everyone has a combat job. It improves combat skills and makes boosting them cheaper, but I suspect it also imposes penalties on everything else, although it the Geeks case I think it might be some sort of a curse. Like, they were working on a javelin, but ended up with a bench, the orphans took quite a liking to it though.

    ¡¸So maybe a crafter? Well, I¡¯m a jobless to be certain, can¡¯t become anything, but also don¡¯t get penalties for anything, which means I can do everything, I guess?¡¹

    (Bounce-Bounce)

    Yeah, that¡¯s right, there is no such thing as jobless. Usually, one starts with ¡ºVillager¡»and then obtains a job. I had no job to begin with, so no matter what I do I can¡¯t get my hands, or tentacles, on a job?

    Let¡¯s slot this¡ºSpell Spear ¨C Int Increase¡»and also¡ºRod of Enchanted Physique ¨C Use Mana to Strengthen the body¡»seems plain but effective. ¡ºEnchanted Parrying Dagger ¨C Use mana to boost Defences¡»isn¡¯t half bad either¡­¡­What else? Oh, can¡¯t use this one, but¡­

    ¡¸ViT often pops up on armor and boots, so there is enough of it already, you know? And none of it is good enough to merit swapping.¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Eh, the ring?

    Aah, you mean upgrade ¡ºDemon Ring¡»? Well, if it means improvements of labor conditions, then mithrilifying it might be fine, but¡­

    Just in case, lets let Demon Scythes outside and sit them down for some tea and snacks with Slime-san. And upon upgrading it with mithril¡ºDemon God¡¯s Ring ¨C InT MiN 50% UP, Sorcery Mastery (EX), Summon/Control Demons and Devils (Depends on Mana Capacity) ¡», ouch, I almost cut myself on that description. Well, InT 50% and Sorcery Control EX is a jackpot, as for the rest¡­ Let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t see that. I caught a glimpse of some crazy words like Demon God and Summoning, but that must¡¯ve been my imagination, I already have enough with Avarice-san and Gluttony-san! Or perhaps Dancing Girl-san is a lust? What do I do if all three are greed and gluttony at the same time, it¡¯s gonna cost a fortune!

    Sparring again is a bother, so I can test this stuff tomorrow. It shouldn¡¯t be much worse than before.

    ¡¸What¡¯s left is to mithrilify the stuff from the treasure and do some no charge bargain not sale with like three items per person as a limit? That stuff was supposed to be a reward to begin with, and it¡¯s not like there is anything that great?¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    None of those qualify as a good find, but it¡¯s enough to raise the overall item level, and Elven Little Sister Girl also needs equipment?

    While crafting various pieces of equipment, I ended up experimenting with modifications as well, causing my ¡ºWisdom ¡»output to skyrocket, making my head ache, but thanks to my gear¡¯s effects, I can endure it. My control and endurance must have improved as well. I keep building predictions based on complex analysis and calculations, verifying them through testing, and recalculating repeatedly. I thought just understanding the mechanics would be enough, but with materials involved, I might need to go all the way to the fundamental principles to get accurate values. So basically, I need to start from basic research!

    (Wriggle) (Wriggle-Wriggle)

    Bare Legs have returned. Long, beautiful, lonely, toned legs are peeking from the doorway, a mesmerizing combination of pure white and amber hues impossible to take your eyes off. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ¡¸I-m, back.¡¹¡¸I has returned?¡¹

    It would seem that despite me saying it is not necessary, Armored Pres-san keeps drilling a polite way of speaking into Dancing Girl-san. What if she is also coaching her on giving sermons?

    By now¡ºWisdom¡»-san lost its manufacturing capabilities entirely, powerlessly flopping to the floor, it seems to be working hard on recording and saving in tandem with¡ºRajingan¡».

    Amber-colored legs paired with white knee-high socks and indoor shoes, revealing glimpses of her thighs as Dancing Girl-san peeks her face out. Meanwhile, Armored Pres-san shows off pure white legs in navy blue low socks, her thighs and face both making an appearance.

    Beautiful faces and beautiful legs are saying hello from the door?

    Yeah, it is a trap, I know?

    But a highschool boy has times when he must press on, despite knowing that it is a trap, or rather, I already walked into it before I noticed?

    And in that instant, as I attempted to put my equipment back on, I was caught off guard by the overwhelming contrast of fullness, slenderness, and curves displayed by the headstrong duo emerging from the doorway, Armored Pres-san in navy bloomers and Dancing Girl-san in red. Before I could regain my composure, I was captured, bound tightly by ¡ºDivine Chains of Prometheus¡», stripped of both my items and clothing. Carried to the bed, a butt-naked highschool boy was thrown on top of it, and then saddled, and is currently assaulted? What kind of banditry is this!

    The highschool boy¡¯s highschool boy is already doing his highschool boy¡¯s best, in a complete highschool boy attention, but this battle of attrition is too unfavorable. The equipment was thrown all the way to the far corner of the room, way too far away to reach. Trying to at least land an attack on the navy blue bloomers, looming over my face I try to raise my head, but they are looking down on me, just slightly out of my reach. Well, bloomers don¡¯t actually have eyes, but you get what I mean?

    The emergency mushroom that I was hiding by the bedside was snatched away, and my highschool boy mushroom is being swallowed. The mushroom stuffed item bag was thrown away, destroying any hope of reaching Recovery Mushrooms. And my own mushroom-san is not going to hold out for long either!

    With a confident smile on her face Armored Pres-san is putting her mouth on mine, pushing her tongue into my mouth as she kisses me, while Dancing Girl-san does the same but with a mischievous smile on her. And even though they have me completely subdued, they aren¡¯t showing any signs of carelessness. They aren¡¯t showing a single opportunity that can be exploited, remaining full alert the entire time.

    So I¡¯m completely at their mercy. Leaving them free to tease, lick, play, and torment as they please. Or to be more accurate, I¡¯m being thoroughly toyed with and tormented currently! Even with Regeneration Lv. 8, I can¡¯t fully recover from the relentless and persistent oral assault enveloping the high school boy. The sheer speed of those tongue techniques, enough to demolish a soft-serve cone in seconds, is overwhelming. Crushed, regenerating, then collapsing again, the highschool boy¡¯s stumbles chaotically through the highschool boy¡¯s cycle of rebirth.

    Before I noticed, the gym uniforms were rolled up, revealing their navel areas. The two of them, wearing nothing underneath their gym clothes, pressed in close with a clinging, squishy embrace as they launched their intimate assault. Four hands and twenty fingers toyed with me, two tongues licking and exploring while four lips teased, yet their focus remained entirely fixed on the high school boy.

    The Staff of the World Tree is capable of changing both size and shape, so they thoroughly checked my hands, and even used my mouth with their tongues.But the rings are still on me, and the demon scythes secretly passed to me The Staff of the World Tree that I entrusted to them.

    There, I had slotted¡ºStaff of Liberation ¨C Undo Restraints/Shackles, Skill Magic Cancel¡»which I can¡¯t use since it gives no bonus to ViT or InT, but it¡¯s a perfect counter for¡ºDivine Chains of Prometheus¡»!

    ¡¸Release! Release! It¡¯s my turn now! Activate ¡ºHighschool Boy¡»! Or rather, since I¡¯m one it¡¯s always activated, in an excited highschool boy state? In other words, it¡¯s always my sexy turn! KIND OF!¡¹

    Just the new equipment in the staff alone¡ºSoaring Swallow Buckler ¨C ViT PoW 20% UP, Evasion/Defense Bonus (Greater), Evasion (Greater), Recovery (Greater)¡»improving recovery¡ºSilversteel Shield ¨C ViT 20%, Physical Resistance (Lesser), Physical/Magic Bonus (Lesser)¡»boosting resistances, allowing to endure those sweet assault easier¡ºSpell Spear ¨C Int Increase¡»with¡ºRegeneration¡»and¡ºSex King¡»doing their best, and¡ºRod of Enchanted Physique ¨C Use Mana to Strengthen the body¡»making my highschool boy even stronger, and¡ºEnchanted Parrying Dagger ¨C Use mana to boost Defences¡»allowing me to last until the counter offensive, which is going to start with¡ºStaff of Liberation ¨C Undo Restraints/Shackles, Skill Magic Cancel¡»!

    (Shake-Shake) (Pout-Pout)

    The two are trembling while hugging each other? Yeah, I¡¯d like to join them, but there is something that must be done before that? It¡¯s time for revenge!

    That¡¯s right, ViT and InT are not the only things that got buffed with the latest round of improvements, my control has improved as well!¡ºMagic Hands¡»,¡ºTentacles¡», and¡ºVibration Magic¡», and even¡­¡­¡ºSex King¡»had their true power unshackled! Magic Hands, I choose you, one million vibrations!

    ¡¸¡¸Kyaaaaa~~~~~. (Plop, Flop)¡¹¡¹

    The payback is over. After long, drawn-out moans and breathless gasps, they finally collapsed in exhaustion.

    Now I had two beautiful girls in disheveled gym uniforms lay sprawled on the bed, catching their breath with flushed faces.

    But there is always only one highschool boy¡¯s truth!

    ¡¸¡¸Hiyaa~~~~. (Thud, Flop)¡¹¡¹

    Both of them now had their gym uniforms undone, leaving them exposed in a rather improper state. Swearing on highschool boy¡¯s name!

    ¡¸¡¸PyaAaaAa~~~~~h. (Bam, Bang)¡¹¡¹

    Half-undressed like this, two delicious peaches are very¡­ Tempting? And I¡¯m gonna indulge!

    ¡¸¡¸NoOoOoo~~~~ahhn. (Thud, plop)¡¹¡¹

    After enjoying two peaches, four melons seemed to have appeared, complete with a pair of cherries as a bonus. Lucky?

    ¡¸¡¸Kyaaaan~~~~~. (Flop, Plop)¡¹¡¹

    Looks like gym uniforms were unexpectedly dangerous items. But I¡¯m in the shorts faction, you know? Like, bloomers¡­ Just what year do you think it is? Well, spats might be fine too, and it¡¯s not like I hate bloomers? But let¡¯s make shorts anyway!

    I gently placed a blanket over the two, exhausted and fast asleep. If I left them uncovered, it would never end. After all, those soft, round shapes have an almost enchanting allure, an irresistible temptation that captivates the senses, leading to fascination, obsession, and ultimately, complete surrender. Best to keep them hidden, once seen, they mesmerize, dazzle, and before you know it, you¡¯re utterly spellbound. Yeah, it was an irresistible thrill that no highschool boy could possibly resist.

    I¡¯ve gotten a good feel for the equipment, and its effects have been tested in practice. This should be enough to hold out for a while, and I should still be able to level up at least one more time.

    ¡¸But even if I had a manufacturing job I still hate the idea of mass producing sanitary pads? I mean, selling them in the town means targeting old ladies, and I really hate it!¡¹

    I need the means to fight. I¡¯m sure I will be stopped from taking part in fighting once I lose to the pres and others. It¡¯s plainly obvious that I¡¯m way past my limit. Things would¡¯ve been different if my stats reached at least 600-700, but reaching such numbers would require hitting level 30 or higher. I¡¯ll need at least 10 more levels to get there. Since I was unable to go past 10 after farming the entire Evil Forest and barely got to 20 after the Great Dungeon, level 30 must be impossible. Even level 25 sounds tough.

    I¡¯ve managed to get this far by relying on equipment to cover things up as much as possible¡­ but in the meantime, my only option is to take a gamble and hope a hidden skill emerges. The problem is, that very thing is also the biggest contributor to self-inflicted damage. Well, exploring dungeons is the only way. Experience points, equipment, and serenity can all be found there after all.

 Chapter 342

    Day 81 ¨C Morning, White Weirdo Inn.

    The moment the hair irons went on sale in the morning, a tidal wave of girls rushed in, instantly buying them out before retreating to their rooms. And when they finally returned¡­ Well, loose curls are one thing, but even Drill-san is here! To think that my classmates would convert to drill hair! Even nobles ladies didn¡¯t have any!

    But since it¡¯s the Bitches and company¡­ They are going to put helmets over that, right? Yeah, it¡¯s totally pointless since it will be covered anyway, and even if it was visible, the other party are monsters, and by the time they remove helmets the hairdo will be undone?

    The member that didn¡¯t have their own unique weapons were provided with a masterpiece of my making¡ºSword of Severance ¨C PoW SpE DeX 40% Up, Sword Technique Bonus (Great), Physical Defense Nullification, Severing, +ATT¡»at rip-off price, so on average, the sword-wielding classmates should be better equipped than others. Next are spears and shields, after that, hammers, I guess? No morning stars though, I¡¯m not making that, no sickle and chain either!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Let¡¯s dig in.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    For breakfast we are having a tonkatsu sandwich. Lately even the girls have gotten pretty carnivorous. Deep-fried food is pretty high on calories, you know? Well, they are going to burn them by exercising with monsters. Imagine getting killed because someone had too much for breakfast?

    The mugs contain consomm¨¦ soup, basically chicken broth. Those mugs were just made by me yesterday, but everyone is too focused on sandwiches to notice. The plates are also new, but no one is even looking at them. Let¡¯s stop serving food on large plates after all, they already started using skills! Like, Vice Pres A-san activated ¡ºMagic Hands¡»and grabbing 6 sandwiches is munching on all of them at the same time, and there is a tanuki hanging on one of them! What a fierce battle?!

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thanks for the threat.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Since everyone is busy washing dishes I leave the inn first. It would be faster if I washed them, but for some reason they are really motivated about it? Well, it¡¯s also good for the orphans¡¯ education. The Poster Girl and the Stalker GIrl, who are shrewdly joining on the meals, were busy doing the dishes as well. And the boys ran away! Even if they remained, they¡¯d only get in the way though?

    As always, the morning was busy, delivering goods to the general store and weapon shop, stocking up on supplies, and then getting glared at over the quest board issues at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. Looks like there are no quiet mornings for me. Yup, I¡¯ve gotten scolded today again. I mean, the bloomers were calling me? Like, come hither?

    And since we are continuing with the same dungeon, we went back through the gate, starting from 80F. From here on the enemies are nothing short of real monsters, with stats well over 800. And yet, with the Dungeon Emperors here being freakishly stronger, they are getting obliterated helplessly¡­ Starting the day with a cool pose¡­ but no chance to actually do a thing?

    ¡¸Well, let¡¯s go down? There is nothing left here?¡¹

    Yeah, ¡ºThunder Iguanas¡»of 81st floor were converted into Dancing Girl-san¡¯s experience. Wielding two khopeshes and eighth chains she went and farmed all of them without getting as much as a shock. As expected, ¡ºDivine Chains of Prometheus¡»are way too much. Monsters of Lv80 and over are getting torn to shreds in one hit. Hmm, and I was bound by that? Is she washing those properly?!

    Received three ¡ºThunder Iguanas¡» to test the updated gear. There was no discomfort about equipment after some light combat using Magic Wrap, almost no signs of self-destruction. The circular dance movements placed no strain at all. While the off-beat change-ups are still a bit shaky, the form is gradually coming together. The question is can I take it to¡ºKyojitsu¡»or not. I¡¯m sure there will be some self-inflicted damaged, but as long as it doesn¡¯t incapacitate me it¡¯s all good. What do I do if I get hooked on pain? Ah, a new door!

    I admire the two armored figures ahead, their captivating body lines on full display, while heading to the lower floors. Slime-san is also bouncing along energetically, full of enthusiasm. I thought about taking the Demon Scythes with me, but it seems they prefer woods more, so I sent them to continue working on Evil Forest. I also prefer woods, but I¡¯d like to destroy this dungeon as soon as possible. It¡¯s probably almost at 100 floors?

    The red glow shifts to orange, then deepens into a bluish hue, at its core, molten iron ore. Countless incandescent bullets hover in the air, spinning at high speed as they are fired one after another, raining down across the entire floor, piercing and annihilating everything in their path. The good old Fire Bullet have been redesigned through the power of ¡ºWisdom¡», reached new heights of destructive power with the improvement in magic mastery and ability. The spell that could¡¯ve been used only for stalling or massacring hordes of weak mobs, is now burning holes through level 80+ monsters. Although it is still in experimental phase, so mana consumption is nothing to laugh at.

    Gathering up the magic stones from the annihilated swarm of ¡ºArmored Beetle Lv 82¡» on the 82nd floor with everyone. These giant golden beetles, despite their appearance, didn¡¯t drop any money, so they weren¡¯t exactly wealthy, despite their appearance. At nearly a meter in size, they were unsettling to look at, and more than anything, the bug juices were a concern¡­ so we decided to roast them.

    MP consumption is pretty harsh¡­ Even so, being able to burn through an armored level 82 monster is a great success. Moreover, by using an iron ore core to enhance penetration and destructive power, the combination of dum-dum ammunition that crush and incinerate from within and adhesive explosive rounds creates a truly brutal effect. Even a single shot, if fired instantly, becomes a powerful weapon. Yup, let¡¯s stockpile on the bullets.

    Even the Geeks who tried to imitate the technique are yet to produce any results from the bullet practice. It seems that controlling the formation of mana cores and high-speed rotation isn¡¯t possible, so they remain as simple spherical fireballs. Since their stats are higher than mine they had considerable power, but MP consumption was too much plus no rapid fire ability¡­ Perhaps it¡¯s because of Job limitation, but since it¡¯s the Geeks it¡¯s hard to say for sure. Yeah, in their case I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they made fireworks after failing at fire bullets. Sounds fun though!

    ¡¸Maybe because my control skills and InT have increased, I could actually manage as a magic caster? But then again, I¡¯m technically Jobless. Since I don¡¯t have a specific class, I don¡¯t get any job-based bonuses, but at the same time, I don¡¯t suffer from any class penalties either, so does that just mean I end up being an all-rounder? Well, I¡¯ve already turned into a side-job specialist anyway. Yeah, I made a good profit this morning.¡¹

    With the war, or rather, insurrection, being put to rest, the Frontier was flooded with merchants that came to purchase goods. And naturally, no merchant would travel without cargo, so the town is bustling with new sorts of merchandise. In other words, I¡¯ve made tons of money but they are all gone! They say money goes around and around, but in my case, it¡¯s spinning so fast I don¡¯t even have time to grab it, it¡¯s already gone the moment I see it? Was it spinning at such a speed that it got flung away by centrifugal force?

    And also, adventurers, naturally, there are quite a few of them at the guild, but I can spot more of them even roaming the town. Looks like in addition to novices from the frontier, there are also new faces from the outside. Now the edges of Evil Forest and shallow dungeons shouldn¡¯t be a concern. Frontier troops are also diving into dungeons, and seem to be doing quite well, but¡­ a 50th floor is too much for them.  S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Pres and others are stronger than top class adventurers by now, that¡¯s already legends and heroes level. And even they go only up to the middle floors in light parties. From a 50th floor they have to form a light raid of at least two parties to keep a safe margin, and for deep floors a full raid with 6 groups is required. Even so, they can fight on the lowest floors now. They are strong enough to beat the floors impossible for adventurers, there is nothing to rush them, but they desperately continue fighting¡­ Must be because of money! They are buying too much stuff!

    ¡¸When this dungeon is over, I¡¯m going to do some weeding at my home in the Forest Cave!¡¹Even when I try setting up a flag like that, no monsters show up? Now, since Dancing Girl-san¡¯s level grinding and my own training left these two without a turn, they¡¯ve completely gone berserk! Was the grass weeding too weak for a flag? Next, I¡¯ll try gardening. Or maybe bath maintenance sounds more tempting! Fine then, I¡¯ll tinker, tamper, and toy with it all I want! I¡¯m so determined to set this flag that I¡¯d even take off before the flag signal!

    With this and that we are back to the 88th floor. This is where the ¡ºEntwined Branch¡» popped up, turning ¡ºWooden Stick?¡»-san into the World Tree-san. Moreover, a little bluff on, ¡ºMistletoe¡»-san also caused a huge uproar. I tried to take a peek, just in case, but of course there is nothing. Naturally, no sexy female adventurers in the middle of changing either. At this point I¡¯m fine even with sexy female monster girl, but there is no one to be seen. Looks like the flag didn¡¯t trigger.

    ¡¸From here on, it¡¯s the lower floors, so we need to stay sharp, wait, huh? We already did that before? Seriously? But for Dancing Girl-san, this was her first briefing, her first time, her first experience, and what an experience it¡¯s gonna be, doing this and that with¡­ No, never mind. Or rather, Dancing Girl-san, you had a chain and sickle all this time? Ah, well, the present from the girls, huh. I don¡¯t think ordinary high school girls would present things like a chain and sickle or morning stars just because they are getting along with each other? Is that really okay? Oh, they even put a ribbon on it? A pink ribbon on a chain and sickle, that¡¯s very feminine of them, I guess. But, uh, how does that look, visually? Cute, huh? Well, as long as it¡¯s cute.But still, how about dropping the idea of stabbing me with this precious present? I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve mentioned this before, but I don¡¯t think the scythe part is supposed to fly at people, right? Why is everyone so skilled at long-range slashing attacks? Yup, I¡¯m very sorry. Aye, I¡¯ll keep quiet.¡¹

    The passage illuminated by dim lightning, me exposed to flat gaze, this is precisely what dungeon exploration is all about. I accept objections, won¡¯t tolerate arguments, as flat gaze is the light of hope shining upon this world!

    Splitting up on the 89th floor we annihilated¡ºKiller Hounds Lv 89¡»after chasing them around the floor for a while, but most of my prey got snatched away, so the training didn¡¯t accomplish much. Having no time to even splash them with vinegar they got butchered while crying in an absolute terror, but come one, you are KILLER hounds, don¡¯t give me those eyes! You are making this unnecessarily difficult!

    Interweaving ¡ºTeleportation¡» with dance-like footwork, I vary the tempo and emphasize shifts in movement, smooth and sharp, subtle and bold.. By continuously linking spins with dance steps, I maintain the momentum, elegantly chaining together an array of various techniques. It works even on opponents with higher SpE than mine. If only I managed to excavate Affection Rating of mine as well, I¡¯d have no problems left, but it¡¯s still nowhere to be found.

    But I can feel a certain placebo effect of getting just a tiny bit stronger. But what¡¯s far more more important is that I¡¯m barely taking self-inflicted damage. At this rate I¡¯d be able to keep¡ºKyojitsu¡»as a last resort. Moreover with the Sword Dance¡¯s precision I should be able to execute¡ºKyojitsu¡»with far less strain than now. As expected, control of¡ºTeleport¡» and ¡ºGravity¡» is starting to reduce the strain on my body. In the first place, ¡ºHolding¡» magic itself should be a hidden Cheat of control-type abilities, so the fact that I can no longer properly manage the Mana Wrap applied through ¡ºHolding¡» likely means I¡¯ve already reached my limit.

    ¡¸Maybe I should disarm to last longer¡­? It feels like taking off the Divine Sword would make things easier, but not having it is unsettling in its own way. Then again, I already have the Seven-Branched Sword and Mistilteinn, so isn¡¯t the ¡ºHeavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds¡» kind of overkill? Or is that just my imagination? But I can¡¯t shake the feeling that its effect of eradicating evil is actually working¡­¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    Using ¡ºWisdom¡»I¡¯m breaking down everything that¡¯s been woven together, to then study analyze and control. That¡¯s why it¡¯s going to take time, going through all of the data, compiling it, experimenting, practicing, and refining it all in real combat. I have a hunch that once the pieces click, everything should come together like a puzzle. But right now, I can¡¯t even tell if I have too many pieces or if some are missing, which is pretty tantalizing.

    Oh, and then night is very tantalizing as well, so tantalizing, that I wouldn¡¯t mind the Sun just vanishing, leaving us with a forever night. I mean, there are two of them anyway? The frustration of being trapped in such tantalizing torment only adds to the allure of their glistening, damp skin¡ªoh? It seems someone¡¯s coming? And I know who that is. This silent iron ball must be Armored Pres-san¡­ WHOOOAgh!!

    (Bounce-Bounce)

    I simply replayed the scene with four marvelous jiggle-jiggles from tomorrow with Rajingan, but for some reason I¡¯ve got scolded. Well, some might even say that I¡¯ve got the hell beaten out of me. Judging by the feeling of it, looks like ¡ºRegeneration¡»went up another level, let¡¯s work hard tonight!

    And the boss of 90th floor¡ºGreater Guardian Lv 90¡» didn¡¯t respawn either after all. A totally empty floor.

    Last time I collapsed here with a surprise activation of Mistilteinn. Judging by the hole it made in the dungeon not being repaired yet, it¡¯s a pretty dangerous item after all. After that Armored Pres-san and Slime-san went up to the 94th floor to have fun, exterminating everything on the way, so I have no idea what¡¯s there.The real issue is that from the 95th floor onward, the monsters aren¡¯t just respawn-type, they don¡¯t come back after being killed. I don¡¯t think this lineup would be in any danger, but it¡¯s best if we don¡¯t get separated. Dancing Girl-san is not in top shape yet, and I also have no idea how well I will do unless I try, as usual. In my experience, most things can be figured out after killing them, which by that point makes them dead, so it sort of begs the question if there is even a point to figuring that out, but in any case, killing usually solves things.

 Chapter 343

    Day 81 ¨C Daytime, Dungeon, 91F

    SpE is already over 900. Yeah, pretty much double of mine.

    Of course, PoW is over 900 as well. Almost three times?

    Force, in other words kinetic energy, is velocity ¡Á velocity ¡Á mass/2. Mass comes from weight and size, and velocity is SpE. The ability to sustain it until it turns into destructive power is PoW.

    And since kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, getting hit by something at twice the speed might be quite lethal.

    This gap dictated by pure physics is the stats. And the skill to subtly cheat that system, nudging the vector just a bit, discreetly dispersing the point of force, and smoothly shifting the pivot to nullify the impact, that¡¯s technique.

    Yeah, since getting hit means death, I stick to evading, deflecting, and avoiding. I keep dispersing the force, changing its vector, killing the velocity, thus neutralizing incoming attacks.

    That¡¯s what it means dealing with opponents over level 90, that¡¯s just how dangerous level 91 monsters are! Yeah, were they tasty?

    The physical threat was deliciously and nutritiously resolved. Over there, physics are bound in chains and redirected into self-destruction through centrifugal force. And on the other side, the physics are being cut to pieces. Uh, could you please not slice physics itself? Like, if you don¡¯t mind, could you at least try to fight within the bounds of physical phenomena? ¡­Well, from a purely natural science perspective, as long as you kill the problem, it¡¯s technically solved, so whatever, I guess?

    While I was earnestly taking them on one by one, ¡ºMetal Dolls Lv91¡» had already been wiped out. Basically, huge puppets. They simply turn into magic stones when killed, so I was steadily working on dissolving them, but in the end, all that remained was plain iron and lead. The iron hand-to-hand combat doll, with its linear speed, weight, and power, had been a good practice partner for a waltz, but after I stripped it of all the iron, it turned into a magic stone. Yup, no lead remained?

    Using¡ºTeleportation¡»to slip through the iron fist thrown at me by the last one, I sweep away the incoming kick, and strike down the follow up backhand chop. Linear motion doesn¡¯t pair well with circular motion, but with its stubborn, solid lead head, and an equally dense brain, it keeps rampaging mindlessly. Being stupid means low aptitude for learning, and being unable to understand the concept of learning, would make you an idiot.

    For what it¡¯s worth, these ¡ºMetal Dolls Lv 91¡» at least show a hint of intelligence, they may have an abysmally low learning capacity, but they do try changing up their attacks or chaining them together when their strikes don¡¯t land. The Idiots simply hit harder and faster. And because that ends up resolving things, they remain idiots. Finished thinking. Yeah, it seems ¡ºMetal Doll¡»-san had no sense for this at all. I don¡¯t need the iron anyway, so I let its fists veer off with the momentum of my spin, swing my sword along the spiral, and accelerate further with each turn. Dancing, slashing, spinning¡ªnever getting hit, twirling endlessly. Even the world itself must be spinning along with me. Saying the world is spinning might make the church throw a fit, but if that happens, I can just burn the whole church down ¨C problem solved. If they don¡¯t like the spinning, they can just burn to death instead, right?

    Well, anyway, I spun a lot? Like, so much that I kind of expect RpM to show up in my stats.

    ¡¸From here on, things can get very sour very quickly, so let¡¯s fight properly, alright? Well, I¡¯m surely none of you has such intentions, but be very careful not to let your guard slip, no matter how oily or slippery it gets, and it¡¯s not like I¡¯m against getting all slippery, like, if it¡¯s an oil play, I¡¯m actually very up for it, pretty much ready to go at the moments notice¡­ Yeeah, I¡¯m pretty sure your morning stars are in a perfect condition and don¡¯t need any oil? No-no, you don¡¯t have to get so close, I can perfectly see that there is not a single speck of rust anywheeee¡ª So close?! (*ThUD*)¡¹

    Yes, from here on, a single scratch could mean trouble. A single mistake could lead to death. That¡¯s just how tremendously large is the gap in stats. And that¡¯s why oil play will have to wait. They are still glaring at me? Jiiii?

    However, considering the danger, I almost want to strip Armored Pres-san and mithrilify her armor right here. Strip, smear oil all over her, getting all wet, slimy, slippery, hot, and¡­ He-Hey, what are you doin¡ª (Currently Getting Beaten Up)

    I got scolded. I wish they would stick to either scolding or beating me, instead of mixing the two in a perfect synergy!

    When I speak of lewd stuff, they get super embarrassed and attack me, but they also keep going for lewd stuff, even if they have to use force? Well, their way of hiding embarrassment also involves iron balls, so it¡¯s just violence all around.

    While laughing, blushing, getting angry, snacking on sweets, we keep advancing through the dungeon. If possible, I don¡¯t want them to fight out of anger, sorrow, or frustration. I want them to fight so that, in the end, they can smile.Although I¡¯d wish they stop with iron ball attacks too?

    Dancing Girl-san seems to have been staying at the depths of a dungeon, where she was discovered and restrained by the Church. No one here has any particularly good memories of dungeons. Losing humanity at the dungeons¡¯ depths, left with nothing but sorrow, loneliness, and pain. But if they¡¯re willing to follow me, then we should go forward with smiles, eating sweets along the way.

    Also, I¡¯m still a human, okay? I didn¡¯t give up on that? Well, I kind of feel that Slime-san also was always a slime, but I¡¯m also still human! I had it written on my status window? Honestly, I¡¯m not lying?

    Armored Pres-san is the vanguard. Behind, on her left flank is Dancing Girl-san, the right is Slime-san. And behind that triangle, is me, striking a cool pose! A perfect formation. I¡¯ve been left behind by that perfect formation, but I¡¯m doing my best to chase after that while still maintaining a cool pose. Or rather, please don¡¯t leave me behind?

    And just like that we dive into a melee against numerous¡ºDissolution Worms Lv92¡»jumping out from countless holes, scattered like some sort of a maze. The Armored Pres-san at the front cuts them down, while the ones to the left and right are swept away by Dancing Girl-san and Slime-san. And then, striking a perfect finishing pose¡ªme! ¡­Wait, could you leave a few for the ones in the back? The vanguard of our triangle formation leaps forward, slicing through the swarm, then divided¡ºDissolution Worms¡»are mowed down and torn to shreds. In other words, none of them are making it to the rear.

    Since they have ¡ºDissolution¡»in the name, that slimy and slippery stuff has to be a dissolving liquid. That¡¯s a talent I¡¯d very much like to scout to the New Fake Dungeon, but they are getting chopped to pieces. And Slime-san, who is suspected of disliking bugs, seems to be fine with eating worm eyes. And finally, Slime-san learned even¡ºDissolve¡»! Able to use tentacles,¡ºVibration Magic¡»,¡ºAdhesive¡», and even¡ºWeapons and Equipment Destruction¡»it now obtained¡ºDissolve¡»on top of that¡­¡­If I remember correctly, it also had¡ºCorrosion¡»so it actually has a pretty sinister set of skills, but it¡¯s cutely jumping around.

    Lately, this handy and lovely monster started hopping on my shoulders during side job, offering Slime-Body Massage with¡ºVibration Magic¡». And yet its lethality rivals even two Dungeon Emperors. Sure, Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san give massages too, but their massages make me unable to continue working, leading to other side activities. Their hands wander, giving very special attention to very special places that leave a highschool boy very tense and flustered, until they massage it enough to make him happy and relaxed, but it¡¯s kind of a different type of massage?

    And so¡ºDissolution Worms¡»were obliterated by the super cute massagist duo and super cute massagist monsters-san. Naturally, no one got hit with melting attacks, so no wardrobe malfunctions. None at all.

    I was able to participate in the second half of the battle by incinerating ¡ºDissolution Worms¡»that were circling underground, trying to attack from a hole behind us, but I didn¡¯t get to fight. Since ¡ºFuture Sight¡» shows where they¡¯ll appear, I lob a Fire spell into the spot and seal the hole with ¡ºHolding¡». Inside, the slick, slimy things catch fire and go up in flames. I, too, would¡¯ve liked to blaze with fire of passion in the way of a high school boy, but alas, no accidental wardrobe malfunctions occurred, and the battle came to an end. Looks like the flag for the Melting event didn¡¯t trigger.

    For a late lunch, I served up some yakisoba with chicken, cabbage, and mushrooms on a hot iron griddle. The smell of the sauce burning spread throughout the dungeon, but no monsters were lured by it. Well, they are completely annihilated.

    By now, everyone is pretty used to it, Armored Pres-san and the Dancing Girl-san are slurping up the noodles, while Slime-san is in a wanko soba situation, digesting each piece as soon as I throw it in. I handed the noodle-loving girls rice balls, so if they get found out, they¡¯ll complain a whole lot. What should I make for dinner? With limited ingredients, the menu practically decides itself. But abundance creates options, which makes choice a lot harder. If I were cooking by myself, I¡¯d just look at what¡¯s left, what might spoil soon, and what¡¯s cheap at the supermarket. That would automatically decide the menu. But apparently, things in¡ºItem Bag¡» don¡¯t spoil, so now I have a very luxurious worry of actually having to think about the menu.

    If I ask orphans we¡¯d end up with hamburgers again, and the girls will just ask for pasta. The Geeks and Idiots are always asking for nothing but yakiniku. So the entire repertoire would consist of three dishes. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Armored Pres-san, Dancing Girl-san, and Slime-san are eager to eat stuff they have never tried before. I wish I can eventually let them try every dish that I¡¯m aware of. Those three have the right to that in excess.

    We were stuffed, took a little break, and cuddled for a bit, so we head to the 93th floor. I sort of lost motivation for going, but if we can finish it today, then it¡¯s better to do so.

    ¡ºFlare Creature Lv 93¡»a grotesque monster that looked like a clay doll made out of lava. The appearance would¡¯ve been enough to give some girls a scare, but they are getting slashes and devoured without much care. Wouldn¡¯t eating them cause a burn?

    Because Slime-san unexpectedly went for¡ºIce Bound¡», freezing the floor and weakening¡ºFlare Creatures¡»the fight ended in seconds. As I thought, Slime-san ate¡ºJotun¡»after all.

 Chapter 344

    Day 81 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon 94F

    I can¡¯t exactly say I have it under control, but I¡¯m somehow managing? Instant ¡ºTeleportation¡» is still difficult, but by calculating the timing and location ahead of time, a chain of continuous, consecutive of ¡ºTeleportation¡»starts resembling ¡ºVanish¡».

    A relentless downpour of bugs, bugs, bugs, damn bugs!

    Even if it¡¯s just momentary teleportation, if I can chain it together freely, it becomes a crazy technique. While teleporting, there is no body physically present, so their attacks pass right through me, and mine go unblocked.

    Bugs leaping at me, bugs biting at my legs, bugs writhing, trying to coil around me¡ªI ignore them all and push forward.

    But since I can only teleport according to a pattern set beforehand, I can¡¯t react to unexpected attacks. If that pattern is broken even once, I miss the timing for ¡ºTeleportation¡»entirely. It¡¯s that flimsy.

    I slice through the bugs lunging in to bite while impatiently clicking their fangs, cleaving them horizontally, and then sweeping them away with a spin.

    I cut upward in a rising arc, then graze past an enemy and slice through its neck, dashing through like in a dance, soaring up the air with ¡ºAir Walk¡»spinning midair as I swing my blade. Well, it¡¯s a stick though?

    With sword-dance-like flourishes, I slice through the countless legs of centipedes numbering in the hundreds, dancing my way through and scattering them as I go. Stop for even a second, and I¡¯ll get bitten.

    The problem is, it doesn¡¯t feel nearly as tough as sparring (beating) sessions. This is supposed to be live practice in a real battle, and yet I haven¡¯t come even close to danger? When the technique lands, it lands decisively, yet it is when it fails when it becomes a real trial, the issue is, in a real fight, if I fail, it¡¯ll be really dangerous, so I can¡¯t get lax.

    During sparring (beatings), I get wrecked even if I don¡¯t get lax. Because nothing ever lands cleanly. It doesn¡¯t matter if I¡ºTeleport¡» or ¡ºVanish¡», I get wrecked anyway. If I manage to slip past one beating, the next one¡¯s already waiting for me. Like a very thorough and kindly prepared multi-layer packed beating box. Nah, even the strongest lunchbox won¡¯t survive such a dish! S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    3D maneuvering to fly over the swarm feels kinda like cheating, but honestly, there¡¯s no way I can handle all of that. With that many enemies, my processing speed, physical speed, and technique just can¡¯t keep up. In the end, slow motion is just a manufactured time lag created through high-speed calculations. Sure, their movements feel slower, but my own body also moves slower in return. If I can read everything, I can rush in all at once. But with this many enemies, the number of possible outcomes gets too complex. Once that exceeds my accelerated thinking speed, the whole slow-motion illusion collapses.

    I can¡¯t take such risks with a body that will die in one hit. I have to keep it in one piece, at least until tonight! And tonight, obviously, I¡¯m going to use it until it breaks, and then some more, and more, and then regenerate and keep going! Yes, I have to keep this body of mine safe until nighttime!

    With every step I take, I pick up speed, pushing my body into motion. I slip through gaps, tear through them, and carve out new openings to move through. I¡¯d die if I hit a dead end. The moment my movement stops my life would also stop.

    The more effects I stack onto myself, the more my body creaks and my head pounds, but the world slows to a halt as my understanding deepens, and the perfect stage for my swordplay reveals itself. Yeah, it¡¯s a staff, but you know?

    ¡¸Puhhaaah¡­ I can¡¯t help but think that there is something wrong with it being more tough fighting without breaking my body, but yeah, less pain is definitely better, it¡¯s not like I¡¯ve got some masochist kink or something, you know, still, this is seriously mentally exhausting?¡¹

    If I just went full-throttle using ¡ºMagic Wrap¡» and sliced straight through on the shortest, fastest path using ¡ºKyojitsu¡», I wouldn¡¯t need all this high-speed thinking and complex calculations. Everything I hit would just be killed on impact and blasted away, so it¡¯s very simple. I¡¯d just have to keep striking first. All I¡¯d have to do is to move faster. That¡¯s why my body also gets obliterated in the process, but it¡¯s definitely, fast, strong, and certain.

    When I master the movement and footwork of this dance, learn to predict through experience, perfect high-speed calculation, and refine ¡ºKyojitsu¡» into seamless, I¡¯ll see the path leading to Armored Pres-san¡¯s Sword Flash. But I really, truly don¡¯t see myself reaching that point while still alive. Even so, I have to keep going, even if by crawling.

    The 94th floor¡¯s¡ºArmored Centipede Lv94¡»were armored, but that armor is full of gaps. I mean, doesn¡¯t armoring up an arthropod feel kind of pointless? Like, their entire bodies are made of moving parts?

    I wiped them all out, and it did feel like a solid fight. But wait, did you yield them to me? Was it just that no one wanted to get involved with bugs, so you left them to me? Really? I mean, it was good practice, so I don¡¯t mind, yeah, it was just training, probably? Totally. ¡­You didn¡¯t just dump it on me because bugs are gross, right?

    (Currently being consoled)

    Being able to use swordplay facing that many Lv94s while keeping self-inflicted damage to the minimum, that¡¯s definitely progress. A fine example of harmony and progress for a high school boy. However, this also doesn¡¯t bode well for prolonged combat. If it goes on too long, my head starts feeling like it¡¯s going to split open, and in such a state, I¡¯m bound to lose focus somewhere.

    And from here on out, it¡¯s uncharted territory. The 95th floor.

    We advance in the formation. With me currently weakened and Dancing Girl-san still leveling up taking into account, our overall battle power should be lower than during that time when Armored Pres-san and Slime-san went full-on rampage mode. If the enemies are small fry, having one more person means we can exert way more pressure, but in terms of defense, more people also means more weaknesses to cover. We¡¯ve got to stay vigilant, even mid-fight.

    Surrounded by heavy and cold atmosphere, characteristic to dungeons, we move silently, probing surroundings for enemies.

    I¡¯ve won.

    The monster of the 95th floor is the¡ºSwarm Blob Lv95¡». A sphere of flesh, squirming like slime, sprouting tentacles from all over its bloated body.

    There are 318 of them, and about 200 more still haven¡¯t appeared. With a wet squelch, they begin to creep in, all at once stretching out their bumpy, gooey tentacles until the entire area is flooded with them.

    How naive.

    Do you really think a bunch of squishy dungeon meatballs, just sliming around down here, could possibly compete with me, someone who¡¯s been honing the art of tentacle combat every single day, or rather, night?

    Countless tentacles surge toward me, writhing, swarming, and they¡¯re all sliced to ribbons, severed mid-air and scattered across the ground.

    They¡¯re just stretchy flesh tentacles, even if they have some bumps! But even so! Cutting down and shredding to bits flesh tentacles with a fury of high-speed wire-cutter slashes of¡ºWisdom¡»-controlled Magic Hands I proceed onward.

    Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are hiding behind me. Seems they¡¯re completely freaked out by the grotesque meat-blobs and their bumpy, slimy tentacles. Bumps, huh~.

    When it comes to pure defense, sufficiently controlled Wire Cutter is more than enough to keep the tentacles at bay while also slicing through the Swarm Blobs themselves. If I tried moving at high speed and while also using ¡ºTeleportation¡», the calculations would probably get too complicated to manage, but when going slowly, there seems to be no problem at all. I¡¯ve got enough breathing room that I can even casually fire off improved single-shot Fire Bullets at the blobs crawling out of the corridors, cleaning them up as I go.

    Good grief, how foolish of them, trying to take me on in a tentacle battle? While my swordsmanship is still nowhere near Dungeon Emperor class, and I can¡¯t compare in raw combat power, but challenging my Magic Hands, that¡¯ve been crushing and dominating Dungeon Emperors night after night, to a tentacle battle is utterly foolish! An absolute folly!

    Even if I¡¯m Jobless with no class, I¡¯ll never lose when it comes to tentacles.

    ¡¸Slime-san, they are gross, so don¡¯t eat too many of those, okay? You¡¯ll go from cute, squishy slime to horrifying meat-pile slime? You know?¡¹

    (Jiggle-Jiggle)

    In the end, these guys are no match for a tentacle-wielding highschool boy who fights Dungeon Emperors every night.

    Even if I probe the entire floor with Detect Presence, it doesn¡¯t pick up anything. ¡ºSwarm Blobs¡» were completely wiped out. Oh? A hidden room. Wonder if someone¡¯s changing clothes there? I¡¯m not interested if it¡¯s more blobs. Or even blob girls. I mean, that¡¯s still just a lump of meat.

    The massive number of magic stones are large and they all look like they¡¯re high in purity too. I could sell them, or just let them sit in the item pouch and act as a magic battery. The magnate is back in town.

    Still, the bumps, huh~? The path of the tentacle is deeper than I imagined. To truly master it, I¡¯ll have to dive deep again tonight, squirm, writhe, and slither all the way in!

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹ ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹

    Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are looking at me with a flat gaze without sating a word? There aren¡¯t any bad tentacles left, so it¡¯s alright now? I¡¯m just practicing my bumpy tentacle technique. The knobs and folds feel kinda indecent, but the destructive power seems pretty high.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹ ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Now they look straight-up terrified? Seriously, there are no more bad tentacles, okay? These are my good tentacles, and they are very nice, you know? Oh, a mushroom-shaped tip seems fine as well.

    (Bounce-Bounce)

    Alright, looks like dinner¡¯s all wrapped up. Let¡¯s head down to the next floor. Oh, but before that, the hidden room. For some reason, Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are keep a distance? Well, guess I¡¯ll go ahead without them?

 Chapter 345

    Day 81 ¨C Afternoon, Dungeon, 96F

    Peeking inside the hidden room on the 95th floor, I find a cute girl in a middle of changing clothes, but not in this reality, what I find here in fact is¡ºGiga Blob Lv95¡»getting brutally beaten up, and a treasure chest. Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are going so hard, that it almost seems like they have some sort of a grudge against it.

    Aah, bumpy tentacles are getting cut down, hanging down powerlessly. That¡¯s where you should¡¯ve gone to restrain them first, and then grab them by the legs and spread them apart? Yes, yes, those gorgeous legs splayed at a perfect 180-degree split, that¡¯s the real highlight! And then come the true wonders of tentacles, that¡¯s where all those handy appendages really come into play, and yet what is it even doing? Too bad, this tentacle monster is utterly useless. Can¡¯t even do that right. And it¡¯s dead.

    For some reason, they also cut it to pieces after already killing it, and even went for some rare magic attacks, absolutely blasting it, leaving not even dust behind. Even Slime-san is unhappy, since it didn¡¯t get to eat much? I wonder what is with this hate and rage that I¡¯ve felt coming from them?  S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ¡­¡­(Because of this thing a bumpy screw tonight?) (That mushroom, shape, is dangerous¡­ That¡­ thing Is dangerous!!)

    Well, it¡¯s very dead?

    This treasure chest, as expected, also wasn¡¯t locked. Inside was¡ºRing of Necromancy ¨C Int 40% UP, Bonus to Sorcery Control, Instant Death Resistance, Create and Control Undead¡»¡­¡­ Yeah, InT 40% UP and also Bonus to Sorcery Control! Instant Death Resistance is well, whatever? And I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t see the last effect. Without that it¡¯s a pretty good item, and if that¡¯s seen it¡¯s another another Affection Rating Crisis, this time it might end up as a incorporeal spirit and try to cross to the other side for good!

    The rings already had a complicated neighbourship situation with¡ºDemon God¡¯s Ring¡»and¡ºFaerie Ring¡»but now there is also¡ºRing of Necromancy¡»added to the mix. Well, it¡¯s not like I have any fey from¡ºFaerie Ring¡»so I¡¯ll only need to confirm with the Demon Scythes if they are cool with undead.

    And then 96F. I¡¯m conserving my mana for the Dungeon Master fight, using only swordplay to dispatch enemies, so self-inflicted damage is kept to the minimum, but the moment I let my guard down, my hip bone snapped, and now I¡¯m getting a massage. It hurts, you know?

    ¡¸Ah~ The jiggly vibrations feel so nice¡­ But somehow my hands also keep reaching out for the squishy parts of this soft lap pillow, this is such a delight to the touch! It¡¯s so nice that I already want to remodel this floor into a bedroom and proceed to the stuff that would go into the Scene Recollection menu¡­ No, I¡¯m being treated right now, so please no morning stars? Yeah, I couldn¡¯t help myself since they were doing jiggle-jiggle bounce-bounce in front of me? Also, while I did caress the delicious peaches on the other side of the lap pillow, it¡¯s not like I had any malicious intentions? It cannot be helped, I¡¯m a highschool boy after all? Kind of?¡¹

    I¡¯m being indecently healed by the captivating body of now armorless Armored Pres, it¡¯s a secret that I¡¯ve long since regenerated and is totally fine by now! I¡¯m also not against getting stepped on and massaged by those beautiful legs, but if I ask for that now, the bones that just got healed may get shattered with a kick.

    The monsters on this floor are skeletons, something I haven¡¯t seen in a while. Namely ¡ºSkeleton Lord Lv96¡»-sans, masters of orthodox swordsmanship and sorcery, genuine combat specialists.

    I tried taking them on solo, as a part of final tuning before fighting the dungeon master, but they were absurdly strong. Intelligent skeletons possessing level 96¡¯s stats boosted by proper swordsmanship techniques on top of being equipped with shields and armor, are coordinating their attack to corner me. Well, midway it seemed sort of impossible, so I just burned them away? No, I mean, that¡¯s actually impossible!

    Thanks to the effects of¡ºRing of Necromancy¡»I managed to go even deeper into the accelerated world of Slow Motion, but it might¡¯ve been an issue in itself? In the middle of it, , my body sort of couldn¡¯t keep up anymore, so it all crumbled. As I thought, my stats are the biggest issue at this point.

    And as expected, when I attempt to ¡ºVanish¡»through¡ºTeleportation¡»on strong enemies, they target the location where I would reappear with pinpoint accuracy. The moment they read my point of reappearance, I get targeted and cornered. From here on, I can¡¯t make it without using¡ºKyojitsu¡», even if it means self-destruction. It huts though.

    ¡¸Alright, I recovered, so shall we go? No, I mean, as much as I¡¯m reluctant to part with Thighs-san here, serving as my lap pillow, if I linger, I¡¯ll relax, and if I do, I won¡¯t be able to hold back from massaging those lovely thighs, and next thing you know, we¡¯re locked in an endless break time, filled with back-to-back battles, and the looming threat of permanent residence, so I¡¯ve decided to tearfully say goodbye, okay? Yeah, it¡¯s so regrettable!¡¹

    I figured out what needs work in my sword dance, rapid continuous strikes are easy to read. But just carelessly mixing up the rhythm is risky too, once they catch on, the slow parts will get targeted. Irregular tempos only work if you can read your opponent¡¯s movements and draw them into your flow, otherwise, you¡¯ll hit a dead end somewhere.

    Reading and anticipating, turning that into strategy. That¡¯s Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san¡¯s strength ¨C the flow.

    The 97th floor is being trampled in an instant, a total punishment before I could even say,¡ºTeach them a lesson¡» and there¡¯s no time given to reflect, it¡¯s straight-up execution. No intentions of letting them learn any lessons, huh? Well, perhaps they are striking with the back of their weapons? But I¡¯m pretty sure all of the weapons are double edged? In any case, even a blunt weapon is guaranteed to kill if swung at that speed, so the result wouldn¡¯t have changed.

    Muscular green-skinned giants -¡ºDeath Gigant lv97¡», who possessed an instant kill gaze, went extinct as soon as they showed up. Let¡¯s keep going, there are more floors still.

    Dealing with scattered monsters takes a while, but everything ends instantly if they stay as a group or come to us on their own. After all, it¡¯s also much easier to gather magic stones this way. Yeah, in the end, the most time consuming part is picking up magic stones?

    And now the 98th floor, ooh, and it¡¯s still not the last one? This one was really close, huh?

    Grotesque creatures with a warped form, their entire bodies covered in scales,¡ºReptile Chimeras Lv98¡»! The four of us charge in and slash them to ribbons. I go all out, trying to end it swiftly, using¡ºMagic Wrap¡»into¡ºKyojitsu¡», despite the accompanied self-inflicted damage. Dragging this one out is dangerous, they have ¡ºSuper Regeneration¡»after all. Well, they are going to die instantly anyway, so¡ºSuper Regeneration¡»doesn¡¯t really make any difference.

    Yeah, since they are reptile-type chimeras, it¡¯s sort of unfortunate for them. I¡¯m pretty good with reptiles, you know? If those were¡ºInsect Chimeras¡»then everyone would¡¯ve run away. I mean, chances are, they could be part roaches! Can you imagine that?! I¡¯d be getting out!

    When I started freezing them, Slime-san helped out with¡ºIce Bound¡»too, so any¡ºReptile Chimera¡»that wasn¡¯t fire-type turned into a slow, easy target. And even the fire-types, who resisted and nullified the freezing, got eaten in the end, either way, they were fated to be food.

    And finally, the last episode, thanks for everything, everyone. Eh, no, I meant, the last floor. 99F.

    Level 99 Dungeon Master. Yeah, this one is no joke, if such a monster showed up outside it could deal tremendous damage even just on its own, and a stampede from such a dungeon could obliterate the entire Frontier. It¡¯s a Dungeon Master with Undead attribute.

    Wearing armor so dark it seems to swallow the surrounding light, wielding a jet-black sword, a death knight cloaked in black shadow,¡ºShade Lv99¡», the presence is quite ominous.

    That darkness makes my skin crawl, while Armored Pres-san and Dancing Girl-san are clearly afraid. Even Slime-san seems wary.

    ¡¸You three, stand back, I¡¯m having this one, okay~? Maan, it¡¯s been such a long while since I last did anything, so I just have to strike a cool pose here, otherwise my highschool boy-like coolness will miss the last chance to show off, and my Affection Rating will become totally untouchable? So, Please! Okay? ¡¹

    I don¡¯t like this one, it¡¯s super creepy. The ancient and long-forgotten word Choberiba [1] must¡¯ve been made for something like this. This one resembles the darkness shrouding Armored Pres-san when she was trapped in the Great Dungeon. It¡¯s not as deep or sinister, but this disturbing feeling is very similar.

    That¡¯s why I¡¯ll take care of it.

    I won¡¯t allow the darkness to take hold of them again.

    I¡¯ll never let the darkness take anything from them again. I won¡¯t let it steal even the smallest thing. I¡¯ll rob it all back, even the darkness itself, and erase it completely. Yes, that¡¯s my robbing way!

    My dictionary has no word for being stolen from, only for taking from others! Some typos could be present!

    Parrying the giant black sword swung with the power of stats in 4 digits, dodging the black shield, I stab the black armor. As I thought, the black armor has only incorporeal darkness inside. You can¡¯t kill such a thing, that¡¯s why I¡¯ll do it.

    The thing that completely exorcised the darkness once possessing Armored Pres-san back there at the lowest floor of the Great Dungeon, was this ¡ºEvergreen Staff?¡»And its true identity was the¡ºStaff of the World Tree (Yggdrasil)¡». Said to be a being that contains nine worlds within it, a great tree that supports the world, and even connects worlds transcending dimensions! A branch of that? Well, it¡¯s a stick.

    Anyway, the tree from which it¡¯s coming is supposed to be a cosmic one, so even a branch should be amazing! I¡¯m sure of it! That¡¯s what I decided to believe!

    So it should be able to cleanse away darkness, death, and sermons! Well, as expected, sermons might be a bit too much, but the remaining black stuff shouldn¡¯t be a problem. But what actually can counter sermons? It sort of seems like they are getting beyond even cosmic scale.

    A black sword raging like a violent storm, its dangerous slashes howl through the air like a typhoon warning siren.

    I strike back with a sword dance, wild and frenzied, to match the frenzied, raging onslaught of black death.

    I strike down the descending blade, slip past the sweeping horizontal slash.

    I control the space, ¡ºTeleport¡» into the range crossing the swords while keeping the momentum from hyper acceleration, chipping away the darkness.

    The sword and the staff, clasing freely from every direction, creating numerous, no, innumerable, trails of slashes as they accelerate, clash, and dance.

    The wounds inflicted by the black sword are slow to heal. Despite evading clearly I¡¯m still getting cuts, even through Vanish. The cuts aren¡¯t deep, but they keep appearing. And small cuts that should¡¯ve instantly closed with¡ºRegeneration Lv9¡»are still bleeding.

    That¡¯s why I keep diving deeper and deeper, sinking into the heavy and viscous flow of time. With Wisdom accelerated thinking, time stretches endlessly, blue, deep, heavy, and sticky, toward the bottom of slow-motion time.The place closest to death, the end of the flow of time¡­ or maybe just slightly diagonally off to the side of it. No idea, actually? Probably? I guess?

    I bend my body to narrowly evade the sweeping black sword, vanishing like mist, wrapped in Illusion, fading and reappearing as I engrave infinite slashing lines into the black armor with a phantasmal sword dance.

    With no room to hold back, I cross blades using the Seven-Branched Sword, but even that is not enough to overwhelm it.

    I have to keep dodging since I will die in one clean hit, yet at the same time, I must keep landing attacks while dodging, but none are that deeps.

    Even though I¡¯m dodging perfectly, seeing through every attack with Rajingan, but something keeps gnawing on my HP, gradually decreasing it bit by bit. And since regeneration is too slow, it keeps going down.

    While signaling with my eyes to hold back the three who look like they¡¯re about to jump in at any moment, I slip through the space between life and death, slashing and sweeping through the bottom of infinitely delayed, nearly frozen time that never once stops, not even for a blink.

    I¡¯m barely managing to keep the chain of slashes going with¡ºKyojitsu¡», just barely cutting my way through.I¡¯ve slashed off quite a bit of darkness already, but as the fight keeps going, my body is beginning to crumble.

    Not yet, I guess.

    I cut without motion, without rhythm, leaving no gaps, pouring everything into achieving the single result of ¡ºcutting¡»: my body, my skills, my magic power, all wrapped within¡ºMagic Wrap¡»and unleashed.

    I just forcibly make the fact that I ¡ºCut¡»it a reality, forcing the process to obey that conclusion, That is¡ºKyojitsu¡». That¡¯s why my body can¡¯t handle it and starts breaking down.

    And then it made a move.

    The knight of darkness charged forward, holding up its shield. A sacrificial all in attack, it¡¯s aiming to take me down with it.

    And that¡¯s the correct answer.

    Given our overwhelming difference in stats, this becomes the rich approach. That is a surekill attack, impossible to dodge.

    The approaching death is painfully slow, as if it has to crawl through a thick, viscous flow of time. A self-sacrificing, surekill strike with not even the slightest room to evade, not even with¡ºFuture Sight¡», is very gradually drawing near.

    Within this extremely slow and sluggish flow of time, the death under the name of a sword, draws closer and closer. The death knight covered only its soul behind its black shield, discarding everything else. What it was trading for was my life. It had staked everything on this self-sacrificing exchange.

    The black sword it unleashed slowly carved a line through the air, its target unmistakably my life. A fatal, unavoidable, unblockable slash thrown with total abandon, snailing its way through a long long stretch of time toward me¡­ and then it tripped.

    Aight, it¡¯s down. Let¡¯s beat its ass!

    (Beating in process)

    Even though it was going all in, it still hid its soul behind the shield, that was its true weak point. If it¡¯s a death knight, there¡¯s gotta be a soul. And since it tripped, it¡¯s open season for beatings. It might¡¯ve gone all in, but in the very end, it gave away its weak spot, so this isn¡¯t my fault, right? Yeah, basically I¡¯m always doing the right thing, but somehow I always end up under false accusations.

    For some reason I feel some very flat stares at my back, but I¡¯m beating the hell out of it. It¡¯s already dead, but I still have a few kicks to spare. I¡¯ll just keep whacking it until all of that darkness vanishes.

    It just had to trade lives with me, that alone would¡¯ve allowed it to easily win. Don¡¯t be so afraid to part with your life, when you are already a specter. Instead of throwing its life away, The Death Knight decided to gamble it. It took a chance against someone with Epic Luck, LuK Lv MAX with Limit Break, because it held its life too dear. It made a bet¡­ and clung to its life. And that¡¯s why it¡¯s dead.

    To be honest, there was no real chance that¡ºRing of Necromancy ¨C Int 40% Up, Bonus to Sorcery Control, Instant Death Resistance, Create and Control Undead¡»would work on a level 99 dungeon boss, but that bet made it fall, and since it¡¯s down, I¡¯m going to beat it real good. Yeah, a total beating! A very thorough one?

    The reason it stumbled over its own feet when hit with ¡ºUndead Control¡», was that it bet its life while still afraid to lose it. It rolled the dice with its own future, and when it fell, it died.

    A brilliant, elegant, and intellectual victory, yet I¡¯m being stared? No, that was perfect, wasn¡¯t it? Normally, there¡¯s no way to win that. That¡¯s impossible? Huh? Huh~?

    They are just staring at me?

 Chapter 346

    Day 81 ¨C Evening, White Weirdo Inn

    Everyone¡¯s wolfing down their oyakodon, mouths full and steaming, yep, I really want some nori.

    I still feel slightly under the weather, probably something to do with that darkness, but since I have¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»and can also additionally apply its effects with Magic Wrap, I will eventually recover. As I thought, I should be the one taking care of that. There is no telling what would happen if someone else attempted that.

    The fact what that dungeon had 99 floors might be a much bigger issue. Because I¡¯m pretty sure that dungeon wasn¡¯t that old.

    No idea if we somehow missed a sudden rapid growth, but it would¡¯ve hit the limit in with just one more floor, and as soon as a dungeon reaches 100 floors, it becomes drastically stronger. That¡¯s why they have to be crushed before that happens. The problem is, you can¡¯t know how deep it is until you dive in, but once you¡¯ve dived in, you¡¯ve already cleared it, so knowing the depth doesn¡¯t matter anymore.

    ¡¸Haruka, another one!¡¹ ¡¸Onii-chan, me too~¡¹ ¡¸Extra large!¡¹ ¡¸Another helping!¡¹ ¡¸Heavy on the toppings!¡¹ ¡¸More meat?¡¹ ¡¸Then~~ make it soupy~¡¹ ¡¸No meat?¡¹ ¡¸That one! Tamago-don!¡¹ ¡¸Chestnut bun¡­¡¹ ¡¸Onii-chan, soup.¡¹ ¡¸Wait, a bucket with extra!¡¹ (Jiggle-Jiggle!) ¡¸I¡¯m here too~¡¹ ¡­¡­¡­¡­(Currently Feasting)

    It seems that with the increase in stats that accompanies leveling up a person would also consume more food¡­ But this seems to be something else. Yeah, they are just being gluttons. Apparently, at high levels, you waste away if you don¡¯t eat a ton¡ªbut these high school girls are panicking and doing One More Set after eating. Their levels can¡¯t keep up with their excessive energy intake. The food expenses are out of control already, but they are still asking for seconds!

    At the debriefing, it sounded like everyone made it to the mid-floors, so starting tomorrow they¡¯ll be doing floor boss fights on the 50th floors. Just to be safe, they¡¯ll be tackling them with two parties each.

    I thought that we¡¯d also take another dungeon, but I was given a day off. I¡¯m not looking well, apparently. Like, my overall condition? Not me in general? Or particular? Just my condition, okay?

    Whether it¡¯s from too much blood loss, recovering from the darkness, a manifestation of guilty conscience, or just something indecency, I don¡¯t know, but I do feel sluggish. Just in case, I¡¯m wearing¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡» as a bracelet, so I thought I should fully recover by tomorrow, but apparently not. Well, the day after tomorrow I¡¯m getting another deep dungeon, so it¡¯s going to get busy again. Before that, let¡¯s visit my sweet cave home in the forest.

    That¡¯s right, neither Slime-san nor Dancing Girl-san have visited my cozy cave in the forest. Even Armored Pres-san has only been there once. The girls also wanted to go there, so I¡¯d like to do some cleaning, grass cutting, and gob hunting beforehand. Checking on the Evil Forest might also be a good idea.

    ¡¸It seems Meripapa-san is going to be back tomorrow or so, did you hear anything from him?¡¹

    ¡¸Omui-sama seems to be yet to return, but Aide-san dropped by, leaving a request to cut more of the Evil Forest.¡¹

    Taking a look at the map that came with the request, there seems to be three large areas and countless small ones marked for felling. The forest seems to have spread quite a bit, but areas with towns and villages are given a higher priority. i asked Demon Scythes about the progress, turns out they already took care of one large area and a few small ones, and they also had tons of mushrooms. But how are they even gathering them? They somehow even manage to bring magic stones?

    Everyone¡¯s apparently doing Dance Dance Revolution for One More Set, so I¡¯ll head to the bath first. Even the Orphans have started doing DDR, what exactly are they aiming for? Well, it¡¯s called Dance Dance Revolution, but it¡¯s really a training class for all kinds of dance and martial arts. The Orphans are happily doing the Cossack dance. A matinee?

    The lady at the general store and the old man at the weapon shop both smiled saying the Orphans work hard. The guild receptionist said, ¡ºThe Orphans are such good kids¡», but was giving me this long, cold stare? ¡­Is there something she wants to tell me?

    Even in town, the Orphans working wearing their backpacks are very popular, they apparently got loads of sweets. Since we¡¯ve already handed out backpacks to the Orphans at the orphanages in the frontier towns too, now there are tons of kids with randoseru working all over the city. A certain little raccoon can be seen among them from time to time, but since no one can recognize that, let¡¯s just leave her be. She looks way too natural with that backpack.

    Leaving washing dishes to them, I¡¯m currently soaking in the bath with Slime-san.

    ¡¸Pheew~¡¹(Jii~ggle)

    The wounds don¡¯t sting as much as I expected. It¡¯s a bit prickly, but not enough to call it painful. With all the cuts, tears, splits, snaps, and breaks happening on a daily basis this much just barely qualifies as a flesh wound. I¡¯ve been applying the effect from ¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡»all this time, so it should finish healing soon enough. I don¡¯t want anyone connected to that darkness getting close to this, so let¡¯s just hurry and heal up.

    Focusing and wrapping¡ºRegeneration¡», I circulate mana through¡ºStaff of the World Tree¡».Slime-san seems to be also helping, applying¡ºRecovery¡»and¡ºPurification¡». Moreover, this jiggling is very soothing.

    I¡¯ll just enjoy the bath, spacing out as I keep up the healing. There are many things I have to consider, but for now, I should be content with winning today. That alone is enough.

    Appraising the drop from the dungeon master, and the treasure from the hidden room on the last floor, can wait until later. Right now, I just soak slowly in the water without thinking about anything, letting the fatigue wash away.

    ¡¸Aaah~¡¹(Jiggle~)

    It¡¯s a relax time, so whatever. Let¡¯s just dissolve into the water, today is a long bath~.

    After leisurely and lazily getting out of the bath, feeling good, it looks like the One More Set is in its final stretch. Armored Pres-san is drilling them hard while teaching swordsmanship, and Dancing Girl-san is training them with a focus on shields, slipping in special battles and personal lessons in between.

    When Armored Pres-san teaches sword techniques to the Fish Girl, Dancing Girl-san passes on agile martial techniques to Rhythmic Gymnastics Girl. When Armored Pres-san trains the Bitches and the Pres group in sword skills, Dancing Girl-san teaches shield techniques to the Volleyball Club Girls and evasive tanking to the Culture Clubs girls. With two instructors, the variety has increased, and with more things they can learn and do, their chances of survival are getting better. Now there¡¯s even a morning star and chain and sickle class starting, but, seriously, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary? I mean, you are going to use this on me, not on monsters? So you don¡¯t really need to teach this? It hurts, you know?

    ¡¸¡¸¡¸¡¸Thank you very much.¡¹¡¹¡¹¡¹

    Looks like they are done.

    ¡¸The Geeks and Idiots are skipping? Isn¡¯t it unusual for the Idiots to skip combat practice?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, the boys are training on their own.¡¹

    Are they planning to specialize in party-based combat? In raids, the boys made no mistakes. They¡¯re idiots, and geeks, but they¡¯re formidable. If it were about individual skills, they should be getting direct instruction from Armored Pres-san or Dancing Girl-san. The fact that they¡¯re doing something separately must mean they¡¯re focusing on party battles or small-group coordination. Well, in the Geeks¡¯ case, it might just be magic practice.

    Right now, the only parties that really feel safe and reliable are the Geeks, the Idiots, and the Bitches. The Committee stands out, but they lack stability, and as for the Sports Clubs Girls and Culture Club Girls, they still have very obvious strengths and weaknesses. And the Geeks and Idiots already have experience with fighting other humans to death. Thanks to that they gained a very specific alertness, since they learned that lowering their guard could mean death.

    Monsters don¡¯t play tricks, they attack fair and square as monsters. But people are different. They can pretend to be an ally just to stab you in the back. It¡¯s something one is better off not knowing, but it is also something that is far too dangerous to be unaware of, yet, once you learn it¡­ You cannot remain the same. The girls are too gentle for constantly doubting people, layering traps, staying on guard, and reading between the lines, and I wouldn¡¯t want that to change. They don¡¯t have to become like us. It¡¯s obviously better if they won¡¯t turn out the same way. After all, the boys haven¡¯t parted with their weapons even once since they came to this world. Even when they are having fun with everyone at the inn, they are still prepared to fight for their lives.

    I head back to my room to take a break before doing some side work. Yeah, still feeling a bit sluggish.

    I calmly admire bouncing Slime-san.As expected of Slime-san¡ªcompared to a grotesque mass of flesh like a Swarm Blob, even though they¡¯re both blob-like spheres, the difference is like heaven and earth! Slime-san bounces gently across my body while using ¡ºRecovery¡»on me, most of the visible wounds have nearly disappeared by now.

    ¡¸Phew~. Just three months ago, I was just a regular high school boy, and now my wounds regenerate, tentacles grow out, and even though I¡¯ve never had a girlfriend, the number of concubines keeps increasing, and as for Affection Rating¡­ no, now that I think about it, I¡¯ve never actually seen it before. Not even once. I¡¯d kinda like to see it~, at least once, you know?¡¹

    I¡¯ve probably felt extra slugging because my MP was so low. Once my wounds closed and MP somewhat recovered I felt a lot better. Feeling sluggish I couldn¡¯t eat much of the dinner, but for MP recovery, you need food and sleep. However, sleep is difficult! I mean, telling a Highschool Boy to sleep caught in between two beauties? Any highschool boy, lying in bed in between two beautiful women would even be able to Resist ¡ºSleep¡»spell, and dragged into the spiral of lust and desire would transform into a Highschool Boy! Yeah, sleeping is impossible.

    So, food it is. I summon the Demon Scythes and bring in Slime-san for a snack party, everyone¡¯s munching on the stockpiled cookies meant for as orphan countermeasures. The new weapon I developed to deal with the Flying Orphan Launcher ¨C Chaff Cookies. By scattering these decoy cookies (chaff), I can lure away incoming Orphans and use the distraction to escape. It¡¯s a brand-new technique! Now, not just the Royal Capital¡¯s orphan squad, but even the frontier orphan kids have joined in, and their airborne hug-launch assault network is nearly complete across the whole city. Since they¡¯re all out working, they can come flying in at you from literally anywhere in town!

    (Jiggle~Jiggle)¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹¡¹¡¹

    It¡¯s delicious, you say? After processing the flour with alchemy to make it finer and more uniform, then baking it, the result was a whole level tastier.They say good cooking is all about that extra step, but it looks like one extra spell works just as well.

    ¡¸Here you go~, it¡¯s hot milk~. It¡¯s actually hot, so be careful, wait a moment, the temperature is probably not an issue for a slime and demon scythes, but make sure to blow on it anyway? Just in case? Okay?¡¹

    (Puff, Puff)¡¸¡¸¡¸¡­¡­£­,¡­¡­£­¡¹¡¹¡¹

    I was sure that Slime-san could do it, but to think that the scythes can somehow blow too. You really can¡¯t underestimate fantasy worlds!

    There¡¯s a ton of stuff I should be thinking about, the darkness, dungeons¡¯ growth, the bumps on the tentacles, but taking it easy once in a while is also fine. I¡¯ve got more companions now, so I might as well relax a bit. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And as I was taking it easy, two ¡ºTuxedo Bunny Lv ERO¡»came back, and party time resumed. Yes, take it easy, and have some snacks¡­ L-Lovely thighs in fishnet stockings?! No, no, let¡¯s relax and have some hot milk¡ªah! Milky something just touched onto my elbow! N-no, take it easy! Four long bunny ears swaying, two round tails waving¡­ This is a chill snack party!

    It¡¯s a peaceful moment of rest, a time of relaxation for a warrior who fights in the Dungeon day after day.

    On either side of me on the sofa, ultra-beautiful tuxedo bunny girls are nestled close, leaning in as they sit, feeding me sweets in turns while also nibbling on them themselves. It¡¯s a dangerously seductive bunny service! This really feels like the kind of service that¡¯s going to cost me a lot later on! When I lower my gaze, I see amber-toned legs wrapped in fishnet tights, already dangerously alluring, but the glossy black stockings concealing pure white thighs are just as seductive. This, this is a bunny trap!

    Slime-san and Demon Scythes are now sleeping, after stuffing themselves with the sweets. Those four are always early to bed.

    Once it¡¯s just the three of us, the service gets even more excessive. Armored Pres-san, sitting on my right, has her left leg draped over my right leg, sandwiching it between hers. On the left, Dancing Girl-san¡¯s leg is resting on my left leg too, gently pressing in from that side as well.

    Both my arms are enveloped in soft, squishy sensations from either side, my hands nestled between divine thighs. Half-embraced, held close as if clinging to my arms, the two of them take turns feeding me cookies, a bewitching reception from these luxurious high-class bunny girls.

    Well, it¡¯s probably their gratitude.

    It was probably obvious to them that I simply didn¡¯t want them to get near that darkness, but it was still exactly as I said.

    After all, there is no training better than that. where life and death hang on a knife¡¯s edge, with the scales tipped almost entirely toward death, that¡¯s what real combat truly is. Yeah, generally, you get really motivated when death enters the equation.

    Now we¡¯re cuddled up, all lovey-dovey, feeding each other cookies mouth-to-mouth, bodies pressed close in soft, bouncy contact, this isn¡¯t just the closest thing to heaven, it¡¯s way beyond that. It¡¯s top-floor, celestial-level service from a bunny club far above the heavens themselves.

    What happens to be pressed here, or stroked there, with these enchanting bunny girls clinging tightly to me on both sides, is a secret. Even for someone like me, who¡¯s mastered the art of ripping off others, this level of service would have me gladly getting scammed of every penny and coming back every night. That¡¯s how divine this bunny heaven truly is!

    Surely, the very top floor of heaven, 999F, lies Bunny Heaven, and somewhere way beneath even the trash pit at the bottom of the underworld¡­ lies the old geezer¡¯s White Room.That¡¯s lower than 100 floors underground.

    As they playfully laugh while fawning over me, tangled up together in delightful moments, and before I realize it, their bunny outfits are slipping open, revealing their beautiful bare skin for me to fully savor.

    By now, being thoroughly touched, licked, swallowed, the Highschool Boy-san is in a greatly overjoyed state, or rather, in attention for further action. ?

    The bunny girls, with their strikingly beautiful faces, gaze up at me with those upward glances, eyes locked on mine, while their mouths are preoccupied.

    As I thought, they both felt unfathomable danger from that darkness. Even Slime-san appeared afraid. That¡¯s why they were so worried about me facing it alone, and also grateful for taking on that battle. No, I mean¡­ I didn¡¯t feel anything?

    Well, I¡¯m feeling quite a lot right now, taking it in with all the sense and sensibilities of a Highschool Boy, pushing it to the brink, but

    It¡¯s not like the darkness scared me, I just got an unpleasant feeling from it, that¡¯s all. So it¡¯s fine, really. Sure, I thought I might die, but not once did I think I couldn¡¯t win. Because I knew I could kill it. So it was a good decision to call it my prey. That¡¯s about it.

    But this service is definitely welcome, and passionately happily received. The Suitless Bunnygirl version turned out to be simply very long bunny ears, but this is great too!

    If they¡¯re happy, then that¡¯s enough for me, and if I¡¯m the one being pleased, well, that¡¯s fine too! More than fine! I still haven¡¯t found one of those shady nighttime adult establishments¡­ but it looks like the Paradise Bunny-san Heaven-and-Hell Branch was right here all along. (Bun-Bun?)