DEATH MARCH KARA HAJIMARU ISEKAI KYUSOUKYOKU

by Kideo11

Suzuki, an adult programmer, suddenly notices that he's been thrown into a different world while wearing a casual clothes at level 1. He gained high levels and treasures after using the 3 times use-disposable-magic, Meteor Shower, at once. After that he intends to do different world "sightseeing tours"? He meets 3 beast girls, beautiful purple and black haired sisters, and an ecce

Chapter 1

Stars wander

Great numbers of them

Sometimes glimpsing a shooting star

When people see such fleeting moments, each recites a wish in their heart.

But isn't the sky divided by the falling meteorites?

Accompanied with thunderous roar, the mass falls upon the earth with overwhelming speed.

There might be people who enjoy seeing them on TV or a video site... but no one would want to see this downpour in close proximity.

Yes, right now hundreds of meteorites are falling down in front of my eyes.

Nay.

I shouldn't say it like it's other people's business. This disaster is unmistakably caused by me.

Due to my thoughtless choice about 10 minutes ago, now meteorites gouge the earth.

Striking dozens of kilometers away, trampling down the [enemies] there. From the corner of my viewpoint, the red dots on the radar are disappearing along with their lives.

And then, a while after most of the meteorites disappear into the earth the slightly delayed sounds reach with a bit of ground tremor.

Before the wave of dust crawling on the ground...

Suddenly, I'm struck with acute pain, like it's some sort of divine punishment

My head feels like it's splitting.

As if my body is being torn apart and scattered away.

Immediately after my consciousness parted from the pain, my body was swept away by the dust wave.

Let's rewind the time a bit.

I'm working on holiday to meet a certain much-delayed project deadline. The so-called smartphone and PC browser game from a major company who dispatched an outsourced subcontractor programmer to complete it.

Even black companies don't normally commission one person for two projects. However the junior programmer disappeared on the verge of release, leaving lots of bugs and specification changes! Deplorable!

Working in a place with a high turnover rate, the only programmer around is the junior and me. Having no means to anticipate the situation, I'm forced to not only manage my own project, but also stuck with my junior's doomed project.

"Alright, completed all the classes, I/O and comment entries, the rest is an auto documenter from source code, relation diagram and seriously squashing the bugs.

I let my neck loose for a bit.

Surveying my surroundings, the office is full house on holiday like always. My neighbor, an outsourced person responsible for debugging, is grumbling while working, but no one shifts their focus. There is no room for that. The surrounding designers and planners work silently with hollow, dead fish-like eyes.

When I returned from getting some coffee, the monitor had already finished displaying the output material needed for debugging.

Even so, with no documentary to work with I can't get fired up.

It can't be helped if the junior who was thrown into OJT right away complains like dying. Among the 4 programmers who were present when the junior entered the company half a year ago, only I remain, I'm not even sure how many there are in the whole company.

"Sa... Suzuki-san, the client claims that the difficulty of WW is too hard for beginners, what do we do?"

You almost said Satou damn you. We've been in the team for half a year, stop getting it wrong!

The overweight director and planner turn his head over here with his usual troubled face.

Moreover, even though such troublesome things arise, he somehow looks happy. Why are there so many M's among developers?

WW is an abbreviation of the smartphone and PC browser game [War World]. It's an orthodox strategy game with a bit of a social aspect in it.

"Didn't they say that the main target market won't play it if we lower the difficulty any more ?"

Yes, the current difficulty level was decided after many meetings with the clients. Those time-wasters were really a waste eh. Miserable.

"Why don't we use the canceled bonus for the first timer, to show all enemies on map and the 3 time map annihilation bomb? And give the skilled guy who doesn't use it a rare title or such as a present for clear condition?

"Since there's no time, let's go with that~. I'm counting on you for the implementation of Suzuki-san."

Mr. Overweight said it as carefree as ever.

"Waitaminute. I'm still debugging the smartphone MMORPG right now, just give the OK to the client for now. There's no time to fix it if it gets rejected due to poor implementation."

"OK. Will immediately tell them on the phone~"

The gigantic figure of Mr. Overweight disappears into the smoking area with phone in hand.

I continue to work while silently muttering to myself.

The GO sign on Mr. Overweight's office lit up, he's out eating junk food late at night.

After correcting numerous superficial errors left behind by my junior, I leave the rest to the debug team.

That reminds me, what was the name again? It didn't usually come out since I always call it MMO or Roleplay. Oh yeah, it's [Freedom Fantasy World]. Because it's easy to mix up with WW's former name, [Fantasy War World], no one called it with the proper name. When I think back on it, the documentary marked it as FFW. Since we removed the [Fantasy] from WW, nowadays it's not ambiguous though.

While the modification for WW goes on for a while, I'm sending the bug I discovered from FFW to the debug team... All-nighter again today huh.

The checking continues until the next morning, Miraculously the client program of the MMO-RPG is delivered.

Of course, there are probably still some bugs remaining, but since the super weapon called [Update Patch] exists for net distributed programs, there's no need to worry. I feel like I can hear booing from users but I'm sleepy. While the debug team is working, I forwarded the modified exe package of WW to Mr. Overweight via intra-company mail, then I retreated to the safe haven under my desk to sleep for the first time in 30 hours.

Ah, bliss. The funtime of a corporate slave. For now, sleep is justice!

Do you know what lucid dreaming is?

Being aware that you're inside your dream.

Right now, I'm in the wilderness.

I'll stop since it looks like a line from Pol-san

Yep, wilderness. I guess it's okay to liken it with the American Grand Canyon.

Why do I know that it's a dream?

One, because I remember sleeping under my desk. Another is because I can see [Icon] for 4 on the lower right and [Menu] written on the upper-right of my vision.

It looks like the thing on WW I worked on earlier.

However! This is the first time that I'm dreaming about the thing I worked on during a debugging Death March. Though I'm not sure why it's wilderness instead of my work room...

Was it because the room was dry, I'm feeling that's the reason.

Somehow the menu opens when I tap it with my finger. A transparent window often used for near-future stuff appears in my vision... I have poor imagination. If I say to myself, I'll never be a planner or designer.

The menu is divided into tabs for [INFO], [MAP], [Unit Management], [Storage], [Exchange], and [Log], as well as [Status], [Equipment], [Magic] and [Skill] menus that don't exist in WW.

Did it get mixed up during the FFW debug last night?

Well, you can't really expect consistency in a dream though.

When I check Status, level is 1, HP, MP, Strength and all other attributes are 10. This is the basic status that hasn't been assigned with bonus points. Come to think of it, the last check was character creation.

Hmm? There's also Job Type and Reward & Punishment parameters that don't exist in FFW? Where did it get mixed in from?

Age: 15 years old... Did I want to have the mentality of a student again?

[Job Type: Management], but I don't even have one subordinate!

Even so, [Affiliation: None], is it a sign that I want to change jobs...

The content truly has hidden meaning in it... Ah, I want a vacation.

The peculiar ability of [Unit Creation] or [Unit Arrangement] probably mixed in from WW, but is there any need for the peculiar ability field to be written in the menu?

Furthermore what is with the last ability being [Indestructible]? What a strange dream.

I'm wearing a Polo shirt, chinos pants and sneakers. Hey, this is my attire just now. In the storage, there is my wallet, mobile phone and a yellow box with impressive nutritional balance food inside, 1 box. Come to think of it, I left it on the desk with the intention of eating but I got drowsy in the end.

[Magic] and [Skill] are blank.

There are 10 skill points but sadly there are no skills to allocate them into.

Opening [Setting], I add a map and radar on the basic indicator. Map displays a wide area and my own position. Radar is almost the same as map but it searches for enemies in the area, and adds color-coding to enemies and neutral units.

I'm shown on radar as a small white point. The surrounding 100 meters is shown in gray, indicating an unexplored region.

"Umu, I cannot see any enemies. It's free time. If only this was grassland I could indulge myself in lying around inactive."

I'm not interested in lying down on rough ground.

I inadvertently stare at the icon "4" on the lower right corner. [All Map Exploration] is 1, [Meteor Shower] is 3. These are the measures for newbies from the arrangement with Mr. overweight.

[All Map Exploration] is just like the name suggests, search all the regions in range. It also makes it possible to view detailed information, including the weak point of all units.

I thought that the scope of information was too much with no practical use for it, but Mr. Overweight pushed for it to be included in the package.

I tried tapping it like on a smartphone.

The radar searched for all enemies and countless red dots appeared. I lower magnification on the radar to display a wider area.

Red dots filled half the map... Aren't there too many enemies?

I choose to keep them company with my own army using [Unit]

I'm getting fired up about having a small army defeating a large one!

...There was an era when I thought about such things.

[Unit Creation]... Possibility to make a unit, none.

[Unit Arrangement]... Can't arrange a nonexistent unit.

"Attacking with a level 1 character lololol"

Truly a dream. Even absurd things are unreasonable.

I glanced at the [Meteor Shower] icon on the lower right.

This is [Meteor Shower], the celestial annihilation.

[Meteor Shower] is set with high tension parameters; it could destroy everything, beside the campaign scenario of the last hidden boss, in a single blow.

It's a message for beginners that says "Bulldoze the map you can't clear with this".

Would you push?

Yes

ＹＥＳ

Heil Braiking!

The last one seems to be a bit different.

Maybe the effects from all-nighter still remain, I tap the icon while thinking about such things.

...The silence hurts.

I expected something amazing but there's nothing happening is it?

I was sad for a moment and proceeded to lie down. My back hurt from the rough ground.

Then I turn my face toward the sky, something comes into view...

Chapter 2

Hello, Suzuki here.

Having a weak presence, I've been called Satou since my school days for some reason, this is Suzuki.

Even though you don't feel pain in a dream, you can still feel the signs of pain when you dream of dental caries.

No?

Well, that's good too.

I seem to have fainted for two hours following the severe pain after the Meteor Shower receded.

Time is displayed on the menu. Convenient.

My body is half buried in the ground.

Huh? I can't get up...

Feels like when you can't get up off the bed during winter.

My hands seem to move but menu operation is troublesome since it feels heavy.

If only I had ESP to operate the menu and check the log.

When I imagined such a thing, it really happened. Truly a dream. It's unrestricted in strange places.

When I see the log while thinking that, the message [Satou Level Up] showed up and harassment-like [Chararacchara~] famous level up SFX rang when I scrolled through the log.

Continuing for a while, I finally found a different message log.

Skill [Summoning Magic: Foreign World] Acquired.

Summoning Magic [Meteor Shower] Acquired.

[Meteor Shower] is that meteorite summoning magic, right?

A magic that does not exist in FFW. Summoning magic is only supposed to summon spirits or golems. Though the world part bugs me. There is no [Foreign World] in either FFW or WW. It bothers me even for a dream.

The [Level Up] messages continue on.

Since there's a time stamp, the order of messages can't be wrong. In order it's [Skill Acquired] [Magic that belongs to the Skill Acquired] [Level up]

In other words, this is the kind of RPG that does not let you automatically learn skill and magic as your level rises!

"No no, why am I doing analysis inside my dream..."

Apparently my habit of analyzing things from the gamer era surfaced.

But it's alright, even if it's embarrassing inside a dream, let's continue the analysis.

Even in this situation, my real body is properly taking a rest anyway!

I closed the log and decided to check the magic and skill tabs.

"But, before that."

I set the [Log] to open by default from [Setting].

It's troublesome to switch every time.

The magic are [Meteor Shower] and [All Map Exploration].

The skills are [Summoning Magic: Foreign World][Nature Magic: Foreign World].

Seems that [All Map Exploration] belongs to the nature magic category.

Are usable magic and skills registered?

But I can't use it if I don't remember it anyway, this time the exclusive use of initial bonus seems to be an irregular pattern. As a programmer I immediately deny the notion.

My status has changed considerably. After all, my level has been raised to 310 from 1. The limit in FFW should have been 50 at the time I went to sleep. Though we raised it to infinity when we ran stress tests for the server, the memory from that time might've affected this dream.

Experience points are lined up to an astronomical 9 digit number. I don't feel like reading it. I want to have a comma splice for every three digits. Let's propose it for the next update.

Strength (STR) and Intelligence (INT) attribute values are 99. The FFW client stopped the value at 99 but there is no actual upper limit. During the time when we lift off level restriction the attribute value also rises accordingly... In other words, the actual value might be higher here too?

Endurance (HP) and MP (Magic Power), and Stamina (SP) became 3100 harmoniously. These were set to rise by a fixed 10 for each level. There are many approaches to reduce consumption by various skills.

It's made this way since, according to the Planner, the adjustment is troublesome if we raise each one differently.

In addition, available skill points are also 3100.

Did it decrease from the acquired skill earlier?

When I properly look at the skill column, both skills just now are grayed out. [Magic Art : Foreign World Lv0] shows up when I tap it. Tapping the Lv text shows [Please Allocate Point (1-10)] confirmation dialogue, so I tried to put 10.

Without any SFX the text becomes white and changes to [Magic Art: Foreign World Lv10]. Skill points become 3090. 1 level = 1 skill point. Easy to understand. When I try to tap on it again, [Maximum Level] message shows up.

On the magic column, [All Map Exploration] text is white while [Meteor Shower] remains in gray.

It seems that you can't meet the condition to use magic if you don't allocate points to the skill level. So I also put 10 points to [Summoning Magic: Foreign World Lv0].

There are also many things added to the title column.

First [Monster Slayer]. Yep, I understand this. Then [Scale Tribe Slayer][Scale Tribe Calamity][Scale Tribe Natural Enemy] I'm not sure what scale tribe means but they're probably reptile monsters. Furthermore, [Wyvern Slayer][Dragon Slayer[Lower]][Dragon Slayer[Infant]][Dragon Slayer[Adult]][Dragon Slayer[Ancient]], and other [Dragon Slayer] with [] inside continue endlessly.

Well, with this many dragons I can understand why such an impossible level-up to the 300 range happened. The map was dyed red before the attack earlier.

Then, just like the title for Scale Tribe, [Dragon Tribe Natural Enemy] appeared and the last title is [God Slayer].

Do you believe in god?

"Wait, when did I kill one?"

I tap the log and search for [God].

Defeated the Dragon God AkonKagura!

There, the cause for god slayer. I see, the meteor shower also killed the god.

I see, I killed it...

Only 2 remain, god slaying technique!

No no, why would I kill them?

However, the log doesn't show damage so I don't know how powerful it was. In FFW and WW, the last blow's damage should have been displayed but... I guess there's no point questioning a dream.

Since it's become easier to move, I raise my body.

I turned off the display icon for [Meteor Shower] in [Setting] since I don't want to become the enemy of humanity by carelessly clicking it.

Oh right, I haven't used the magic column yet.

I switched to the tab with [All Map Exploration] and [Meteor Shower] in it. Now then, how do I use it? I wonder if tapping it normally works.

There is no particular change when I try to use [All Map Exploration].

When I check the log there's [Magic: All Map Exploration used] message. MP became 3090 in the status. Seems like it uses 10 MP. I added HP and MP to the basic indicator since it's annoying to check it every time.

There's nothing reflected in the radar besides myself.

It's nice that there's no enemy but mass killing like this is not funny. No, wait, it's normal for a game.

Since there are no victims I guess it's okay? I slowly tap on [Meteor Shower]. It feels like something is greatly pulling out my vigor. I saw my MP continue to decrease. It stopped after consuming exactly 1000 points.

It didn't feel like this the first time I used it, guess it wasn't using my own magic power back then.

I look up at the sky. There's no meteorite yet. Considering before, it should be soon.

And then groups of meteorites tore apart the cloud.

Huge. What the heck is that?

It's 100 times bigger than the earlier meteorites.

I instinctively run before thinking.

Of course toward the opposite side of the drop zone.

I run as fast as I can with the continuous huge meteorite impact sound in the background.

As if running through water, the air resistance is too strong. It normally feels sluggish when you run in a dream, is it just me?

I rolled over to the other side of a table-like small wall of rocks. Even though I said small, it's about 100 meters in radius so it will do fine as a shield.

A tsunami of dust sweeps apart just right after I went into the shelter. People-sized rocks occasionally roll through the dust cloud, and my spine becomes a bit cold.

I wonder how long it will elapse. When the dust cloud settled I climbed the rock wall to see the fall.

Since the slope is pretty steep I tried jumping over 50 cm high.

Pon. I fly 5 meters feeling like hearing such SFX.

Landing on the ledge of a rock with slight panic.

"This status rise, what a joke~"

I tried to deceive my trembling body by speaking to myself.

"That giant meteorite earlier is probably thanks to INT increase too~"

I run up the wall by alternatively kicking through various ledges and rock edges like some kind of ninja in games and manga. How convenient. Even in a dream, I have pretty high adaptability if I may say so myself.

I can see the collapse of a mushroom cloud in the distance. Most likely, it's sediment that got caught up in the fall. This would create crop failure and health damage disaster if this was the real world, due to reduction of sunshine.

"It's a dream anyway, there's no helping it even if I think about it."

I think it's bad that it's too real.

Chapter 3

"Hello, Suzuki here. My character's name is Satou, but I'm Suzuki."

I want to talk with somebody instead of doing this monologue!

Since the dream continued with no sign of it being over, I decided to look for human habitation.

Thankfully at the edge of the wide map, there looks to be some kind of highway.

Three days since then. I've been walking day and night yet I am still only halfway there.

Stamina gradually decreases, but it's still 2800/3100. It decreased by about 100 each day.

If this was a game, I should be okay for 28 days, but I'm at my limit already.

I'm not sure if it's because of my stat or dream, but I don't feel tired. I did get sleepy but I endured it.

Right now I'm walking, even if I run the stamina decrease rate isn't really different. If I jump around the stamina decreases faster than running but honestly, it's still within margin of error.

Then why am I walking now? That's because I'm free.

You don't understand?

Yeah.

At the start I was singing a one man karaoke while running.

Originally my repertoire was small. I ran out of song immediately.

The surrounding scenery is magnificent but unfortunately it rarely changes.

Then, I decided to read the long log.

I'm not a text maniac but since it's painful to silently walk an aimless road I began reading the log from the very first entry.

Of course, it's hard to read text while running, so I began to walk. Absorbed with reading the log, I forgot my original purpose of getting onto the highway.

The log started with [Magic Art: All Map Exploration is used], then [Defeated~] messages for defeating Lizardmen and Dragonewts until the Dragon God.

Afterwards there's [Defeated All Enemies on the Map] and lastly [Source: Conquered Dragon God Valley]. Source? What's that? Mystery words pop out.

Then the log continues with loot and level up record.

The loot records occupy 80% of the log. Common gold and equipment. Then various dragon materials like horns, fangs and scales. Up to this I can understand the quantity and quality of the loot, but in contrast the remaining ones are strange.

Lizardmen and Dragonewts corpses are stored in the storage. Is it for Necromancer's use?

The rest are probably daily goods used by the scale tribe like food and fuel. I can't lay out such items though... Furthermore, they're all named with [Broken~] as a prefix, aren't they garbage?

As one would expect, reading through tens of thousands of details would be troublesome.

Thankfully, the WW storage window allows you to search and classify by item type and user tag.

I designed them as a common interface to decrease working steps needed. I'm a bit proud of making it on the same level as the latest OS filer.

Of course there's also optional folder functionality, but when you tap the stored item inside the bag, the sub-type will expand and you can take it out without confirming.

.

Of course you can also take out the item by dragging it too. In addition, you can also put user registered items on the custom tab. This was added because it's annoying to input search words every time on a smartphone.

Well, the story wandered off for a bit. I can't blabber on a program scheme for too long.

I open two storage windows to begin organizing items. First, I create a folder for each general type. Then I will create a sub-folder for subtypes inside.

In the setting screen I enabled the [Automatically Stack Identical Item Type] option.

Without this enabled, the total number of items would be too much.

By the way, we call overlapping positions like this as stacking in FFW and WW. The term exists in most RPGs so I will omit the explanation. I wonder if the etymology comes from piling pieces in the old simulation board game?

Anyhow

Gold loot is mostly money.

The most numerous one is [Ancient Empire Gold Coin]. It's 1.001.2000, wow. I tried taking out one, it's quite big and heavy. It's about as big as a 500 Yen coin and as heavy as five 100 Yen coins. If I remember right, it's about 30 grams. Since in real world money, the coin is about 4-7 grams, this one is too big and heavy. If we calculate, the total is 303 Tons... an absurd weight. In the real world, about 2500 Tons of gold is mined a year. Hoarding so much gold like this is very Dragon-ish.

The next largest one is [Saga Empire Gold Coin] of about 40K. I'm interested in whether there are many empires or if it was a new empire built after the former one was destroyed by a dragon. I tried taking out this one too, it's a bit smaller than 500 Yen coin but the weight is only about 7 grams.

And the third, Crimson Treasure 30K. Fantasy-like money appears! Taking it out, it's about half as heavy as the ancient gold coin with a ruby-like appearance. Sometimes it lets out a flash of light from inside creating cyber (chick?) feeling. A bit mysterious.

The rest are 10K of [Ancient Empire] silver and copper coins. [Saga Empire] and [Shiga Kingdom] silver, small silver, big copper, copper, pennies. [Drag Holy Kingdom] big silver, silver, copper, and various money with [~Kingdom] suffix. These are all in total 7000. For now, I sort it by country.

Still, WW and FFW didn't have sets of money... In WW it was called Wol, and in FFW it's Kaane, there's no other currency beside it.

These various currencies may come from the quiz show I saw during my break, impacting this dream.

There are also jewelry, ornaments and works of art besides money. A simple silver ring, emerald fist, ornamental crown, life-sized gold figure, decorative short sword, and many valuable looking things numbered about 300K.

Most are just expensive looking normal items, however there are magic items mixed in around 5% of the total.

The detailed information for the magic items are long so I skimped on reading it. Think of it like reading internet slang that you don't understand the meaning of on a bulletin board. There was no mounted jewelry in WW and FFW.

Understanding some of the explanations, there are some things that catch my attention. Able to produce 100 liters of water a day, [Hell Water Jug (Water Bottle)].

I took out the [Hell Water Jug (Water Bottle)] when I found it and drank the water. I wanted to wash my face and hair with it but gave up since the dust from the meteor shower is still floating around.

Other things are; being able to keep 1000 sheets of money, [Magic Wallet], stacking 30 varied types of up to 30 items, [30 Holding Bag]. I put those 3 things as my favorites.

Since I have infinite storage, there's no point in a magic bag, but I like seeing a long sword slide in and out of the bag.

The second day ended with such feelings after organizing the treasury.

Moving on with this and that on the third day. The clock has crossed 0. I'm not sure if it's really the third day since I slip off the clock every 4 hours.

Since I'd get tired if I sleep on this wasteland's rough ground, I keep walking instead. There's a full moon tonight so there's no problem with visibility.

Having the principle of saving the best dish last, it's time to check for the weapons and armors.

I sort the type to show materials and corpses. According to the log There are only a few lizardmen and dragonewt corpses. This is most likely because of the meteorite, having received the full blow, there won't be many remains. However, there are a lot of dragon's corpses. Defeated Log shows that there are 2-3 times as many. This place becomes like a dragon version of an elephant's graveyard.

Most are materials from body parts, but there are also iron ingots, medicinal plants, timber, and stone. They're probably from the things crushed by the meteorites. Random body parts and scales are many. Regardless of type, there are 7.9600K of them. Even an old dragon skin mold and husk exists.

"Huge, if the scale is this big, wonder how huge is the body."

Losing my curiosity, I took out an adult dragon's scale, it's about 50 cm. While I'm at it, I took out the lower dragon's scale to check its palm size.

[Broken] items are put in a specific folder. I was thinking of throwing it away but stopped since it could become a literal mountain of garbage.

Finally, it's equipment.

There are around 30K things. The Scale tribe's spears are especially abundant, things which begin with [Scale Tribe's~] are around 20K. Neither are magic items, they're all normal items made of copper or iron. There are only a few strange armors.

I tried taking out a scale tribe's spear. a 2 meter long wooden handle with a sharpened bone tip comes out. It can't pierce when I tried it out so it probably isn't a war spear.

The magic items are things like [Dragon Skin Armor] or [Dragon Scale Armor]. It seems like items blessed by the dominant tribe are around 100. Those are probably scale tribe armor.

The remaining 10K of half are [Dragon] based large swords, spears and bows. These are probably legacy from the (scale tribe) people who beat dragons.

The special effects kind are jewelry, but I don't understand the effects so let's put it off for now.

There are several interesting things, especially [Holy Sword] and [Divine Sword]

My long lost Chuuni heart is stimulated.

Why are these [Holy Swords]'s named [Excalibur], [Durandal] and such?

There are also katana's named [Muramasa] and [Kotetsu]

"Tension up~"

I enjoy wielding Excalibur. It should be quite heavy but I swing it carelessly. Beautiful traces of light come out. However for physical weapons isn't sword disadvantageous? But it's popular in flashy games.

Oh yeah, there is no specific name for the Divine Blade.

I expected to get sword skill when I wielded the sword, but it didn't happen. It will likely come out if I defeat an enemy with a sword.

Unusual things also exist. Cannons and ballistas are usually placed on forts to counter flying enemies in the sky. Skimming the descriptions, it seems that it doesn't use gunpowder, but magic power instead.

Another one, it's a gun!

Handgun 100, Rifle 50. Magic powered gun 12. Just for the record, there are no guns in FFW. There are cannons in WW though.

I take out the smallest magic gun.

It's a Derringer sized gun with excessive ornaments. The trigger guard is attached.

In the real world, guns have safety locks, over here it's a switch with 0, 1, 3, 10 scale. I set the scale to 1.

I aim at a rock nearby with one hand and pull the trigger.

A psh sound comes out, yet no trace of the shot could be seen.

When I confirmed the rock, a hole about as big as a 10 yen coin penetrated it. It's a 2 meter thick hard rock. MP consumption is 1. There is no recoil, it's a laser gun like feeling. This is totally SF instead of fantasy.

With scale set at 10, the rock completely crushed. This would kill Ogre level demons in one shoot. MP consumption is 10.

"It's way too efficient."

It's an item that would totally break the balance of a game. No one would want to use magic.

After that, I played around with the gun while moving for 1 hour.

After checking items in general, I began thinking about something that bugged me before.

"What is Source anyway?"

I mutter to myself.

It's about the [Source: Conquered Dragon God Valley] from the log.

...this is probably not related to tax withholding.

Besides on the log, there's no mention of [Source: Conquered Dragon God Valley] anywhere else.

Usually I would have said "It's a dream anyway" but something is bugging me.

Having a change of pace by thinking while running, I feel like coming up with something, I'm immersed in running while feeling good, I feel like anything's good.

I'm incoherent if I do so.

Spending many days without any conversation is no good after all. I'm not suited for that.

I walked for 1 day before I knew it, and finally almost reached the highway.

There is no human habitation according to the map. I can see the highway leading to the northwest.

By the way there's no presence beside me displayed on the map.

I wonder if they ran away in fear of that catastrophe aka meteorite shower with thunderous roaring and earthquakes.

I stopped the half-baked running and began walking.

"I want to take a bath~"

As expected, not having one in 3 days makes my head itchy.

It's not possible to boil water, but there is water. Thankfully the dust cloud has lessened, it's possible to wash off the dirt.

I store my clothes and shoes into storage, find a suitable rock and pour water down from the top of my head.

"It's a bit cold, but I've come back to life."

Feeling relieved, I took out clean clothes from the loot and wiped off the water.

In order to take a refreshing nap, I took out a suitable bed with a canopy from the loot and put it on the ground.

That day I slept for the first time after 3 days.

The next morning, I noticed that I could hang laundry on the canopy so I washed my clothes with a bucket from storage and hung them up, side by side.

After that I laze around on the bed while eating jerky for half a day.

I'm expecting that someone will pass on the highway, but there's no change in radar, even until afternoon.

"If this was a light novel or manga, I would have met a princess being attacked by thief~"

I like templates.

"The service in my dream is so bad."

I turn a blind eye to the fact that I easily get treasures and significant levels, cursing my luck.

A flag would occur if this was a dream or tale, but nothing happened.

After changing into dry clothes, I began walking toward the highway.

Chapter 4

"Hello, Suzuki's here. It's so lonely, I may die of loneliness."

I truly, genuinely want a companion.

After reaching the highway, I got lost on the route; it's been 7 days since then and I still haven't reached a human habitat.

Speaking of which, somehow I got these skills : [Sprint], [3 Dimensional Maneuver], [Jump], [Sing], [Camping] and [Washing].

However, those skills remain gray because I haven't allocated any points to them.

I seemed to have learned [Sprint][3D Maneuver] and [Jump] after the second meteor shower, but overlooked it due to the confusion.

When I was playing around with the gun, the map got in the way so I changed it and the log to icon view, then I noticed something. From the log it's written as a place with a bed and canopy but...

Isn't that a camping ground? I retorted.

On the 8th day, I finally found a village-like place on the wide area map.

I sprinted to the village. However there's no presence of people according to the map. I wonder if they're taking refuge or getting destroyed. No, they should've gone back if they were taking refuge, since it's been one week.

Before long I reached the junction road heading to the village.

There stood a crude guidepost on the roadside. A 1.5 meter commonly made stick nailed to the ground. The destination is written with something like ink.

"I can't read it..."

Something is written there, but I can't read it at all. At least, it's different from all the languages I recognize from the real world. In fact it looks like some sort of fictional writing from a game.

I keep the map on maximum magnification, showing a wide area.

While feeling slightly irritated for not being able to read the long awaited clue, I hit the junction on the map. There's no actual meaning to this action, but this time it seems to be a bull's eye.

"'Welcome to Enikei Village','Seryu City 32Km','Until Kazo Kingdom 105Km'; I can read it! ...Or rather, it's in Japanese!"

Pop up displays pile up above the map, each written in Japanese. Is this an effect of All Map Exploration? Cheers for opportunism.

For the time being, Seryuu City seems to be the closest from here, but it's too plain.

After all this time, let's go to the village first. I know that there's no one there, but I feel like I'm losing if I head straight on!

There might be some hidden quests there! If this is my dream, there must be one!

The village comes into view on the other side of the field in just about 5 minutes. Between the narrow street extends fields that look like they have been abandoned for about a year. It's a world of weeds.

Even from a distance, I can distinguish that many houses look burnt down. Every house has one thing in common; the roof is completely burned down.

Judging from the position it seems to be a "Village Abandoned by the Attack of the Dragons".

There are no bones lying around, but many things like harvest baskets, wooden hoes and various farming tools are scattered around as if they were left behind in a hurry.

As I stared at the tools lying around, though it's too exaggerated to call it a revelation, I got a little idea.

"If I got washing skill from doing laundry. Maybe I'll get something if I dig some farm land?"

I took the hoe and dug the farmland with it.

[Cultivation Skill Acquired]

[Farming Skill Acquired]

It appeared on the log as expected. Though I didn't expect cultivation to pop up.

In order to get better, I'll try many other things.

Suddenly, I pluck what appears to be a vegetable peeping out between the weeds.

[Harvest Skill Acquired]

It's a bit fun.

Even so, it's easy mode, eh?

Come to think of it, what is this vegetable? Is it spinach, komatsuna?

I stared at it and saw an AR message saying "Hisaya Grass, leaf vegetables. It's seldom eaten raw, usually processed as condiment or pickles." popped up over the vegetables.

Yep, it's convenient alright. Seems like this is a different function than the map search.

Incidentally, I tried pulling out weeds.

[Weeding Skill Acquired]

I didn't cut it, I just pulled it.

I went into something that looks like a windbreak, I took out an ax and chopped down a suitable tree.

[Lumbering Skill Acquired]

I wonder what next? I feel like trying some ideas.

I write a mathematical formula on the ground with the hoe.

『1+1=2』, there.

[Arithmetic Skill Acquired]

Fumu, if this is OK then 『E=mc²』

[Lost Knowledge Skill Acquired]

The famous theory of relativity is a lost knowledge?

I'd rather get flying skills or some such...

This time I'm writing some random characters in Japanese.

[Painting Skill Acquired]

Painter-san would be mad.

Next I wrote ○× alternatively which made it look like a children's play.

[Game Skill Acquired]

Is anything fine?

I begin trying one thing after another.

I tried shaving the burned wood on the back of a house with a knife in the shape of a stick.

[Carpenter Skill Acquired]

[Weapon Creation Skill Acquired]

In addition, I wrap the stick with a leather I took out of the storage.

[Leather Craft Skill Acquired]

Making a makeshift broom I sweep it under my foot.

[Cleaning Skill Acquired]

I'm running out of material. When I tried to find more I discovered a cemetery with a native god shrine.

Since I grew up in the countryside, I inadvertently joined hands as if praying for my grandmother.

I offered some jerky and poured some sake cups.

[Prayer Skill Acquired]

[Title: Devout Believer Acquired]

Umu, I didn't intend to get a skill but...

The material is dry already, I began to get tired of the skill acquiring, let's get out of the village.

It's sunset just as I depart on the highway.

I'm walking toward Seryuu City, according to the guidepost. After accustoming my eyes under the moonlight, in the dark, I sprint down the highway.

When it's near dawn, the wide area map showed the whole of Seryuu City. Of course, unlike Enkei Village it has a lot of people.

"Finally, finally civilization~~~"

I cry while trembling with expectation of finally talking with people.

...This is such a long dream. Don't you think so?

Chapter 5

1-5. Fortress City Life Begins!

I finally got to Seryuu city.

Let's strip it naked with [All Map Exploration]!

The population is around 120,000. It's a remote region within Shiga Kingdom ruled by an earl. 95% are from the human tribes, the other 5% are beast tribes, scale tribes and fairy tribes. Average level is 2-3. Highest level is an old man magician who is 48. The knights range from 5-20 with most of them on 8-12. Normal soldiers are around 5-7. There are a lot of bows as a dragon countermeasure. Male to female ratio is 5:6 with lots of females. It's unknown whether it's because of the difference in birth rate or because of a high male mortality rate.

Unexpectedly, townspeople only have a few skills. Most of them have 1-3 skills, some even none. Having 20 or so skills may be the exception rather than the rule.

Only a few magicians exist. There are only around 2000 people with magic skills. 90% of them have Livelihood magic while the remaining 10% seem to belong to the country's army.

It's as expected in a way, but level 310 is truly extraordinary. In addition, I got carried away and learned a lot of useless skills which would make me conspicuous.

The map could show the name of the streets and merchant's houses to some degree. Even though it could not tell you what kind of item they're selling or their reputation, it's still quite useful for a first look at the town. Unfortunately, the search function only works for people, so I could not find shops with it.

Seen from reduced scale, the town is shaped like a 6 Km diameter oval, along with two 3 Km long [くの] shaped, bowing daruma-like objects attached on each side.

I enlarged the map and confirmed each area...

First, closest to the gate, there seems to be a general residential area. Beside the gate are stables and inns. Joining them, the local lord's castle is located in the center of the neighborhood. Something like a temple or magic-something is at the center of the city. Far from the gate, the lord's mansion stands. And a cafeteria that looks too small for city use, but too big as an exclusive for the local lord.

When I tried to search for people with [Adventurer] as a job, I got nothing. There was no [Librarian] either, which probably means there's no library. However, there were some [Slaves]...

After checking so many things, I arrived at the front of the gate. Showing up together with the sun on the horizon, perfect timing! Though the gate is closed at this time.

I thought that there would be other people in front of the gate but there was actually no one.

It would be nice if there are some villagers who are going to sell their vegetables in the morning.

Is it only in my dream that stores don't open until 10 in the morning?!

Wearing a polo shirt and chinos pants might be too noticeable. I searched the storage, found several robes and took out the only non worn-out dark green robe to wear. The remaining robes are magic tools but they're too worn-out, I can't bring myself to wear them. This robe smells a bit like mold.

My body looks like the time when I was 15 with its small stature. The robe is too long and is dragging a little on the floor. Thanks to that, the sneakers are hidden. My mustache didn't even grow after one week. I was so happy and showed it off when it grew during the freshman period of university life. Though, I shaved it immediately when I got a girlfriend...

While having a recollection of the past, I continue to wait for the gate to open.

「●●！ ●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●！！」

When I got near the gate an uncle soldier came out while saying some unknown words.

The long awaited conversation featuring a mysterious language!

Shiga Language Skill Acquired!

I love Easy Mode!

God hasn't forsaken me!

I operated the menu and acquired the Shiga language skills extremely fast! Overenthusiastically allocated 10 skill points with glee.

"What's wrong kiddo? Do you have a stomachache?"

A bearded soldier follows suit. I don't think calling a man in the latter half of his twenties, "kiddo", is right... Oh that's right, my outer appearance is that of a 15 years old.

"Good morning. Yes, I'm fine."

I replied amiably with a vague smile, a trademark of Japanese people. Even if the partner is a middle aged uncle, it's a human after a long time. A smile is only 0 Yen!

The heavy gate opened behind us during the conversation.

"Kiddo, show me your identification per the rules. If you don't have one, pay the 1 copper coin tax."

What-! ID in a dream!

I thought of showing the driver license from my wallet but it looked like it'd be troublesome so I stopped.

"I'm sorry, I don't have an ID card."

I honestly say it. If I got refused then I could just stealthily go in, if I got caught then I'd just run. I'm seriously acting self-important inside this dream! Yes, a dream! This is a dream!

"Did you lose it? We could issue a new one but that'd be 1 silver coin, ya okay with that?"

Oi oi, can you so easily issue a new one?

There are some Shiga silver coins in the storage if I'm not mistaken.

"Please allow me to get a new one! My horse, surprised by the loud roar 8 days ago, escaped while carrying my luggage. If I hadn't got beef jerky in my pocket and didn't find some spring water on the way here, I would have been dead!

I'm a smooth talker if I do say so myself~ I may truly have a talent for swindling.

As if responding to my inner monologue :

[Excuse Skill Acquired]

[Deception Skill Acquired]

[Negotiation Skill Acquired]

Cheap skills!

"Come here kiddo!"

Uncle soldier beckon me to the guard station located beside the gate.

Even after telling excuses with great pain, the uncle soldier just ignored it. His ignorability power-level is too high!

"Just in case, you're not on some wanted list or a thief, right?"

"Yes, of course."

I'm a member of general public unrelated to crime~

"Then, put both of your hands on top of this Yamato stone and speak your name."

Uncle guided me to the place with a 20" wide LCD display inside the guard station. Where in Yamato can this Yamato stone take me? Can it go to space?

For name, it should be character name right~

"Satou."

Right after I spoke my character name. The lithograph started to dimly shine with blue light, and some words appeared.

It's the same letter as the one on the guidepost earlier. I could properly read it thanks to Shiga language skill. I want to improve my English language skills!

"Kiddo, it's fine to release your hand now."

On the lithograph, [Race: Human],[Level: 1],[Class: Commoner],[Affiliation: None],[Occupation Type: Management],[Title: None],[Skill:None],[Reward and Punishment: None] are written.

Eh, isn't the level different?

Leaving me puzzled, uncle soldier smoothly wrote the displayed writing from the lithograph onto a paper using a quill. Finally, he stamped the entry form, [Person Approving: Retainer of Earl Souryuu, Knight Sound], with his ring on the place where his name is written.

"Here, don't lose it next time."

Uncle Soldier passes me the certificate while I give him a silver coin and one big copper coin taken from my pocket.

"What, you can properly put money in your pocket. Aren't you quite watchful! Keep your ID safe from now on."

"Also, don't forget this. Residence permit is only for 10 days. If you want to stay longer, apply your request here or at the ward in the town hall. Wherever it is, the procedure costs 3 copper coins."

"If you're caught in town with an expired permit during a homeless hunt, the penalty will be 1 silver coin. If you can't pay it, you'll be forced to become a slave."

The explanation flowed smoothly, as if he's always doing it.

Let's be careful not to forget it.

Falling from vagrant to slave is severe! I wonder if it's the same with homeless hunting during the Edo period?

"Thank you very much."

"Ou, you're welcome to the guard station for consultation if there's any trouble. Don't mind the fee."

I've heard something good. Thank you, knight Sound.

I go out of the guard station with a polite farewell.

I took quite a bit of time inside the station, as the main road from before to inside the gate is now filled with people with an exotic feel.

There's a semicircular space with a radius of about 20m between the gate and the town. Whether it is there to prevent confusion or for war, I don't know.

The certificate is made with material resembling Japanese paper. Even though the cityscape is in western style, the parchment is... Is it the limit of a dream?

I fold it carefully into my pocket. Of course, I put it directly into the Favorite folder inside my pocket.

Let's look for a change of clothes while strolling the main street for now! Even after many washings, it's painful to only wear one set of clothes.

"I want to take a bath before changing clothes..."

I tried to search for a bathhouse attendant, but it was not applicable. I'm wondering if I got the occupation name wrong or if there are no bathhouses in the first place. If it's the latter then I have no choice but to get hot water and take a bath inside my room in the inn later.

"You there! If you haven't decided on an inn then come to ours! I'll give you some service~!"

"Wh-What..."

"It's fine, it's fine, it's cheaper than all the others- Not, but it is filled with a devotion to delicious food and clean bedding!"

When I was thinking about how to get into a bath, someone suddenly pulled my arm and my consciousness came back. A random high tension girl embraced my arm while pulling it. I wonder if she's a barker, it's a scene you usually see in a campus festival in modern Japan.

I'm dragged to a store that looks like a bar while thoroughly enjoying the soft feeling wrapped around my arm. Because I entered from the main street it feels dim.

"Mom! Mom! I brought a guest!"

Out of consideration for the softness transmitted to my arm, I have no more hesitation in deciding to stay in this inn. Yep, poyopoyo is justice!

"It's the first customer since the stars fell, isn't it... Hm? He doesn't have any luggage, is he really a guest?"

An aunty with a big body came out of the bar's counter-like place. Contrary to her figure, she's a beautiful woman with a face filled with dignity. I think she's about 30? I'm sorry for calling you aunty.

However, even though these mother-daughter pairs are natural beauties, why are they fat! Lose 10, no 20 Kg, and they would be in my strike zone!

Though I'm out if she's a married woman. An affair will only make everyone involved unhappy!

"Because of that, er, starfall? My luggage ran out with my horse due to the uproar... Fortunately my wallet is safe, and I somehow got into this city~"

"That's a disaster. Our inn charges 1 big copper coin for one night. If you're fine with sleeping together with other guests in a big room then it'd be 2 copper coins. Meal is served at this bar for one serving. It's a limited service for accommodation."

Fumu, I don't know the market price, so let's investigate the value of a big copper coin and silver coin by paying for 10 days.

The landlady has arithmetic and cleaning skills so there won't be any mistake with calculation.

"Then, it's for 10 days please."

"Okay, it's exactly 2 silver coins then."

I take out 2 silver coins and pass it to the landlady.

It seems that 5 big copper coins equal 1 silver. It doesn't seem like she miscalculated either.

"Landlady, could I have my meal now? If possible, a light one."

"If it's something like oatmeal, black bread, or vegetables then I could get it out right now. And I'm sorry but meat hasn't appeared in the market, so there's none of that."

"Then black bread and a stew please."

"Okay, I'll bring it immediately, so just sit there. Martha, write a guest book for our customer here."

The landlady goes to a place that looks like a kitchen, and in her place, a poster girl who looks like a head clerk from a historical drama holding a notebook tied up with string, Martha-chan, skips here.

She's cute but she looks around a high schooler's age? A bit too young for me.

"Ye~s, I'm writing for you so can you give me your name?"

"It's Satou."

"Okay Satou. Your occupation and age please."

I almost said 29 year old programmer. According to the Status screen, it should be 15 years old.

"A peddler, 15 years old."

Martha-chan smoothly fills the notebook. It looks to use yellow papers like the one used on Japanese calligraphy.

When Martha attempted to chat after writing the inn registry, the landlady came out and told her to clean the 2nd floor.

The crystal clear stew with consomme-like soup, cabbage and carrot-like vegetables, and as announced before, without meat, is more delicious than I expected. There are 3 slices of about 2 cm thick black bread. It's harder than what I've heard, but feels about as hard as senbei. It looks like it would fill your stomach. I bite it full of curiosity. It feels like a meal full of strange SFX.

Feeling satisfied after a long while, I paid the price. 1 copper coin. Usually it's prepaid.

Come to think of it, Martha and the landlady use loanwords like service and oatmeal normally, but when I observe their lips, I know that they're speaking different words. I wonder if it's an appropriation of the Shiga language words.

[Lip Reading Skill Acquired]

...Ya~y, I can become a spy or a detective~ orz.

Or rather,

"Landlady-san, I intend to buy some groceries and a change of clothes, do you know any good places?"

Although I know the store's location from the map, there are too many of them. I don't feel like going around all of them.

"If you want something with high quality material, then the tailor in the city center would be the best. For something reasonable then the east is good, and if you want it cheap then the west. If you have money in excess then you could tailor it on the high class shop at the inner wall, but you'd need a gold coin. General goods stores usually open near clothing stores, so please plan your budget carefully."

"Thank you very much. I'll go to the east street since tailoring seems like it would take some time."

"Okay, although the public order is good in the east, be careful of pickpockets. Since sometimes there are migrant workers from the west there."

"Yes, I will be careful."

I leave the inn while thanking the landlady for the advice.

It's starting to get hard to say that this is a dream. But I will work hard!

Chapter 6

Satou's here. It's Suzuki but I'm Satou. This is a dream right? Please say that this is a dream, Johny.

A slight unrest began to arise inside my mind, when I went shopping in the earl's territory metropolitan, Seryuu city.

It's a few minutes walk to the east of Martha's mother inn.

Come to think of it, I haven't heard the name of the inn, the map says Monzen Inn; is that it?

Immediately after entering a series of food stalls, I smell something good.

Eh? Isn't this the smell of soy sauce?

Okonomiyaki and crepes are being baked on an iron plate. The seasoning seems to be soy sauce. Just as I thought, it's fine to call this a dream. There's no way soy sauce exists in a fantasy!

Even though I've just had a meal, I bought one of them.

"Yep, it's delicious."

I want pork cutlet sauce rather than soy sauce. The other stalls seem to be frying something that looks like croquettes. What a high food culture for a fantasy!

I'm going around various stalls, trying various foods.

"How much is this gabo for 3 servings?"

"It's 2 Pennies."

"Expensive, isn't it 1 penny?"

"Young maam, like that, we couldn't eat then; How about 2 pennies for 4 then?"

"Give me 5 for 2."

"It can't be helped, since young maam's a beauty, I'll give in."

I listened to some interesting conversation between an aunty and a food stall owner. Haggling basic eh? Since I'm accustomed with just buying what's written on the price tag, it looks difficult.

[Eavesdropping Skill Acquired]

"Anything I can help, young man?"

Fumu, from the conversation earlier a gabo seems to be about 0.4-0.5 pennies a pop. Since this uncle has arithmetic skill, he should've been able to calculate the minimum amount.

"I want to buy 2 gabo, is it alright with 1 penny?"

"You've heard the conversation just now eh? It's alright then. Young men have arithmetic skills too. You're pretty good for such a young man."

It's just normal mental arithmetic though...

I got 2 gabo fruit for 1 penny. Gabo is actually a fist-sized red pumpkin fruit. Incidentally, penny is an oblong shaped coin weighing about 1 gram, it's a yellow-ish copper coin with high impurity.

[Estimation Skill Acquired]

[Haggling Skill Acquired]

But I didn't haggle it?

Is it because I saw the earlier haggle by the aunty?

While wondering what to do with the gabo fruit I looked around me. The stalls are all around the size of half a tatami yet there are many of them. Furthermore they're lively.

While looking around the stalls I raised [Estimation], [Haggling], [Arithmetic], [Negotiation], and [Scamming] skills to the max level.

After strolling around for 10 minutes, I finally found my goal.

I chose a large shoulder bag from one of the stalls. The price is displayed over the bag thanks to the estimation skill. Handy.

It seems that I'd get hated if I suddenly bought it at market price. I understood the knack after 3 stores. I could get it for half the market price if I tried to bargain for 3-4 times... but honestly, it's annoying.

The spoils from the stalls... [Large Shoulder Bag], [A Bit Stylish Bag], [Commoner's Underwear for Top and Bottom + 10 set], [Hand Towel in Various Size, and Handkerchief]. The towel is just two pieces of clothes stacked together. I'm a bit dissatisfied.

Also, even though I can't sew, [2 Meter Hemp Cord - 5 Bundles], [Cotton Thread - 1 Roll], [Sewing Needle - 5], [Sewing Scissors], [Cotton Cloth], somehow there's a lot of them. Since I have the storage, there's no problem even if a lot of them end up unused.

In all it's 4 silver coins. Unexpectedly, clothing is more expensive than food.

I don't think I need to say this, but the first thing I bought, the shoulder bag, is a dummy. I will put things I bought into the bag and directly send it to the storage without being seen. I put some commoner's clothes inside the bag so that it doesn't look flat.

I wanted to buy some robes or cloaks but only worn-out or cheap looking things were available so I didn't.

That's right, I want to confirm the heat retention of the storage. I'll buy some properly hot things and put it inside.

Shopping is fun~

"Now then, I wonder what else?"

Chair lined up ahead of the stalls and there were a lot of old men drinking sake since morning.

"Drinking in the daytime... Oh yea, tableware!"

There should've been a shop that sells them among the ones I've visited so far.

That's right, shoes! I forgot about shoes.

I want a reminder~. There's a memo field inside the [Exchange] tab of the Menu, let's put the shopping list there.

It's been a while since I saw the Exchange tab, over there I found the reason why I was level 1 when I entered the city.

That status was the same as the one written in this page. The upper limit for each attribute is chosen from the drop down box here. Even the skills and title can be chosen as [None].

I could give false info however I want, huh...

I bought a pair of shoes suitable for a rough journey, a robe matching the shoes, and also a sandal for each foot.

I thought of buying everything since I have the storage but I can't find shoes with the correct size. I'll just order it at the main street's shoe store later.

Hungry after a second round trip, I set my eyes on a store selling something that looks like shoyu ramen and went into it. Although the noodles are different, it's a proper ramen.

Other was kneaded flour coiled in a stick varnished with miso-like substance then baked. It felt like a mismatch, but it was properly delicious.

I also bought cups, pots, tableware that caught my attention, I bought them all. Also, a kitchen knife, hot pot and frying pan. Somehow there were no cutting boards, do people here don't use them?

I casually bought a bathtub made of metal. As one would expect, the tub is too big to place into the bag so I brought it quietly to the back of an alley and put it into the storage. And since it would look unnatural if I went back into the east avenue, I decided to exit onto the main street.

At the east street stalls overflow, making the street there squeezed on the center. Here, the main street is about 6 meters wide, horse carriage and human-powered carts are going back and forth on it.

Just like the street earlier, different from what I imagined of a fantasy, the streets here are very clean. There are no bodies of dead animals lying around. There are also no bum on the alleyway.

The stalls are sparse here unlike on the east street, in exchange there are a lot of stores instead. There are many people with good attire walking around the street.

"Are collars popular?"

The people who are pulling carts generally wear a collar. When I search for it, they're slaves. Mysteriously, all the slaves wear collars, reason unknown.

A carriage coming from downtown drops its speed to match the walking speed of the pedestrians.

The carriage passes in front of me. There are around 10 female slaves inside.

My eyes are glued to one of them. A girl befitting to be called Yamato Nadeshiko featuring black hair and black eyes, although she looks like she's been on a long journey. Since the great majority of people look like northern Europeans, this is probably the first time I've seen an Asian face.

The girl set her eyes downcast, our eyes met when she lifted it up and even though there's no dramatic development, somehow the little girl featuring orthodox northern European face with light violet wavy hair standing next to her looked very surprised when she saw me. No well, It's troubling when you stare so hard at me... I'm not into loli.

When I took a long look at the little girl, a pop up with her name and level appeared next to her.

Arisa. Level 10. Her level is high for a little girl.

Further information appears.

i am 11 years old.

Title: [Witch of the Lost Kingdom][Mad Princess]

Skill: Unknown

The carriage disappeared toward the west street.

Frankly, those were some trouble inviting titles... No no, I won't approach it okay? Absolutely!

Let's go back to my original purpose.

I searched the map for tailor or shoemaker, and found them gathered near the side street, so I went there. Most of them had young women clerks which isn't fit for an old man, so I went into the shop with a kindhearted looking middle-aged couple.

"Pardon me, Do you have a solid merchant-like robe with a calm color?"

"Welcome, please come over here, we will bring you sample clothes. There were 5 ready made goods on the rack there, but it's been selling well recently."

The husband guided me to the lounge and took out the samples from the interior. In harmony, the wife brings out a tea-like drink. It's an elegant cup.

"Since it'll be cold from now on, how about this thick fabric? If you're going on a journey then we can also prepare a matching waterproof cloak, how about it sir?"

These are excellent goods. Maybe. These are the types that the largest clothing stores buy a lot with a lot of color variety, The 5 varieties of the well selling goods probably also have cloak order accompanying them .

The tailoring will need 5 days to finish. If I only buy one then it's only 3 days.

5 gold is quite a large sum, but it's money needed for necessary things.

However, I want at least 1 change of robe before the day is over. I feel like I don't know the TPO if I go to the inner wall with this battered robe I'm wearing.

"Master, since this shop is only for tailoring, do you know shops selling ready made goods? As you can see, the robe I'm wearing is worn out from the journey. I want to buy temporary clothes before the tailoring is done."

"For ready clothes, I recommend Poel Clothing on Teputa street. Although it's my stupid son's clothes, I can assure his cloth-making skill. It's quite famous among the commoner so it's quite enough for temporary clothes."

Promoting his son's shop eh... I politely refuse when he's offering to draw a map, it's enough with oral instruction so I get out of the shop. I almost forgot to take the deposit receipt until I was called by the Mrs. Shopkeeper in a hurry.

I bought two robes, one is a calming dark brown color and the other is a gaudy red with yellow stripes. The former is as said before, and the latter, let's omit the story behind it. My line of vision went into the valley of the female clerk...

Of course I also ordered shoes from the tailor. 1 for walking in the city, 2 boots for journey.

When I came back to the Martha's inn after shopping, the sun was already sinking for the day.

Chapter 7

"Satou's here. The petty one who doesn't want to get involved with the dangerous looking slave, Satou."

It's a dream! My self-suggestion is reaching the limit.

It's another world that's most likely a dream, becoming my compromise. Yes, however small the possibility is, I won't give up.

My heart broke when Martha said that a bathroom is not available except at the lord's castle. Since the food and sanitation culture of the town were pretty high, I thought that bathrooms also mattered.

I thought of bathing in the room with the tub, but since it'd get the room moldy due to the moisture, I was told to do it in the backyard since it also has a well.

The backyard is about 6 tatami wide. The well is not that far from the back door, it's not equipped with a pump and is the type that uses buckets to draw water, usually used in older days. I'm using one of the two wooden tubs available.

I thought that I would struggle but thanks to my high (STR) status, it was easy.

Though they said backyard, the fences are only around my waist high. Even though there are only a few pedestrian traffic, there are still some. It's already dim during the dusk but if I take a bath in a place like this, isn't this like an exhibition?

When I look around, there's a partitioning screen near the back door.

I see, am I meant to use this?

After I put up the screen, I started bathing with the cold water.

Though it's only about as high as my waist, it's enough for shielding the view.

...Dang, I forgot to buy soap!

There's probably no shampoo, but if it's just soap it should be available. Let's look for it tomorrow.

A woman comes out of the back door. It's a blond beauty in her late 20. How do I say this, this town has a lot of beautiful women.

Our eyes match.

Iya~n.

...Disgusting. I'm disgusted with myself.

After the woman finished drawing the water into the tub, she started bathing after putting the screen.

There's a screen between us, it is, but!

Whenever she moves a little, the upper body is!

Well, I estimate it to be D cup, purun purun, it's asserting itself!

She did cover it by hand, but it got unexposed occasionally...

No, no, I'm not a DT, I summon all my strength to avert my gaze and go back to wash my body. Restrain yourself, my healthy lower body!

I glanced at the female's face, she's wearing an expression full of deliberate composure!

As I thought, adult women are nice!

I wiped my clean body with the towel... Wonder where I should put the water.

There is no drainage.

"It's okay to sprinkle the water on the garden plants. There's drainage below the plants."

I wonder if I looked pathetic since the woman taught me. I thanked her and went back to the inn after throwing the water.

I want you to overlook my glance during my way back.

[Surveillance Skill Acquired]

[Poker Face Skill Acquired]

I changed into the new robe after bathing, feeling refreshed.

The dinner was still mainly vegetables, but the taste really came out, it was delicious. Though I prefer it to be a tad thicker.

The service was raw salad. I'd be happier if it were meat...

I felt that the protein was a bit insufficient, so I took out jerky from my pocket and gnawed on it.

I wanted to drink sake, but the customers around me drank an unrefined looking local sake, causing my craving to stop. I want to drink some cold beer~

After the meal, there is no light when I come back to my room. Not even light from magic. Work harder, Fantasy!

When I ask the landlady who's struggling with drunken people, "It's 1 copper coin if you want a lamp", so she says. By the way, the lamp has to be returned later. It seems that the guys who are awake stay in the bar to drink the night away, only the guys who want to sleep go back to their room.

The toilet is shared together, scooping styled. When I think about it, doing it outdoors like I always did until yesterday is better than this. There's a bundle of straw that looks like a wiping cloth. Since it seems that I'd get hemorrhoids if I use that, I cut a handkerchief in suitable size and used it. This isn't eco-friendly, but I don't want to save for this kind of thing!

I come back to the room after finishing the business.

The light from the lamp is dim. There's probably some magic items able to be used as illumination among the loots, but I'm afraid that the inn could be half destroyed if I take out the wrong item.

The rented room is 8 tatami wide with a single sized wooden bed, there are also chairs and desks. The chair having no roller legs is a matter of course, but even the desk doesn't have a drawer.

The window is small enough that when you put your face to look outside it feels cramped. I wonder if it's for ventilation, the landlady warned me to close it before I sleep to prevent crime.

Fortunately, I can still see the menu screen even in the dark.

From now on, let's fill the memo column in the menu with objectives.

Act 1. Let's really think about whether this is a dream or reality.

For the time being, as to not have anything that I'd regret later if this was really a real another world, let's temporarily recognize that this is really another world. Yes, temporarily. I can't give up in that regard!

Act 2. Let's be wary of the surroundings.

Even though I could escape from danger thanks to my high level, I should not act so antisocial that it would hinder me from touring another world. Also, although I don't know how strong they are, there are gods here; let's not be overconfident of my own ability and act careless.

Act 3. Let's obtain means for self-defense.

I want to obtain a method to neutralize opponents, or skills and magic to weather through a troublesome situation. I want to refrain from raining meteors every time there's trouble.

Act 4. I want to find a way back to reality.

If it's a dream then a way to wake up, if it's thrown into another world situation then let's find a way to go back. I don't intend to act too positive though.

Act 5. Might as well enjoy the exotic atmosphere.

With how real this all feels, sightseeing is enjoyable. My budget is plentiful anyway.

Let's ask Mr. Knight if there's a do-it-all person who's willing to guide me for a tour.

Are these all?

I added soap in the postscript before I slept.

"This is the first time I've been asked to be a tour guide."

So she says, the 20 years old jack-of-all-trades, Nadi-san, while laughing bashfully. She's not a beauty, but she's full of cute gestures. She must be plainly popular.

Normally she's a contractor for miscellaneous jobs from the worker guild. Apparently, being hired to become a tour guide is quite unusual.

Since walking is a pain, I borrow a roofless horse-drawn carriage to tour the town.

"The west street is not too prosperous so the citizens not only deal with the front store, but also various slightly gray goods in the back."

"For example?"

"Well, something like love potions on the alchemist and pawn shop, moneylender, even brothels exist. The slave company is also located on the same street."

I reacted to the word "slave" word. I don't want to meet that little girl~ I can only feel trouble from her.

"Oh? Do you have an interest in slaves? Guard jobs are impossible, but they can be made to carry your load or chore during your journey. Most peddlers usually employ them."

"Recently they closed after the stars fell before, but they're going to resume. They will open 3 days after the day after tomorrow."

It seems that the slaves that the slave company buys are leftovers from the slave market or in training, there's usually a slave auction held once a month.

"If you want to hire guards for the journey, then there are a lot of them gathered in the bar. Since it's hard to find trustworthy ones, in case the need arises, do ask [Jack-of-All-Trades] by all means!"

The carriage proceeds along the inner wall of the west street.

"Around here is the craftsmen's block. Woodwork, blacksmithing, leather craft and many other craftsmen are here. Most of them don't have an actual store. Generally they open small stores or stalls and directly sell their products to the customer in person."

Can they repair weapons and armor over here?

"If you have a craftsman acquaintance there then there's no problem but generally to prevent trouble, one usually goes to the arms shop as an intermediate. There are high class arms shops within the inner wall for knights, and shops for soldiers and the general public on the Biso street in the eastern town. Hunters like to go to the western town since there are a lot of meat processing stores there along with an arms shop."

Let's just roughly look at each store on the street. It probably won't end in one day.

Come to think of it, isn't the lord's mansion located in the north?

"You're well informed. Do you want to look inside the inner wall for a bit? Though there's only harvest work to be seen there."

Well, I'd hate to be mistaken as a food thief if I walk there on foot.

The carriage proceeds along the western inner wall, toward the narrow street between the inner and outer wall.

After advancing for a while we got to the open gate, the soldiers guarding the gate were present too. The driver nods to the guard and continues to enter the northern district.

There's vast farmland over there. The carriage continued on the farm road. The farmers are harvesting Gabo, the same fruit I bought yesterday.

I don't know if it's normal, but there are a lot of kids around elementary school age helping.

"Those children are probably from the orphanage, since it's currently harvest season, the children from the town might be coming here to work."

Even children work? No more neet?!

My face became strange for a little while.

"If they're not from a wealthy family, then children around that age normally work."

Don't they go to school? WHO please, support Seryuu City!

"School? If they're nobles or come from wealthy families then they usually study in private, but schools only exist in the royal capital."

"Furthermore, the Gabo fruits that children harvest are actually staple foods for people with light wallets."

Hmm? But the inn serves bread and thin rice porridge, sometimes even stew right?

"No well, Monzen inn is relatively high level so they don't serve Gabo fruit. On the west street, most stalls are selling flat bread, gruel, and pickled vegetables. It has a strong smell, bitterness, and is hard to chew, so the wealthy rarely ever eat it. Since you can eat cheap things until your stomach is full, they're not only eaten by the orphanage children but also by about half of the general populace too."

If it's like that, won't normal potatoes suffice?

"The quantity of the yearly harvest differs. Although the harvest area becomes smaller, they could be harvested in one month and rarely fail. Furthermore it has a property that enables it to fertilize fallow. Thanks to Gabo fruit, the number of orphanages has increased dramatically."

What a convenient fantasy fruit. Even opportunism has limits.

Even so, Nadi-san is quite knowledgeable... She looks like a literary woman who graduated from the royal capital school.

"I wasn't raised in the manor inside the wall, the food situation in the rural area was pretty terrible."

She grew up outside eh, I wonder if the lord has a monopoly. It's a subtle mystery.

"It's goblin's favorite food. If it's not a place surrounded by a wall like this, goblins would come in a blink of an eye and devour them greedily."

"Back in the day, there was an explosive increase of goblins in the northern part of the kingdom, the scholar who investigated the cause concluded that it's related to Gabo fruit. In those days, if someone found a Gabo tree they would burn it down, then it began to be used as a food source and now it has become the staple food of the lower strata people. However, even now, if someone finds a Gabo tree, they would burn it down."

The wall around the farm is quite a bit lower than the town's wall. Is it around 2 meters and a half?

I wonder what that tower standing tall 1 kilometer away is? It's been in my mind since before I entered the farm. It's around 20 meters tall and looks surprisingly rugged.

"That's a self defense mechanism built to repulse Wyvern attacks. The one in the castle is for the castle's defense, the one here is used when the attacks come to the farm."

"About 40 years ago when the black dragon attacked, it played a very big role. Back then, although a tower half as tall as this was brought down, the records depicting the successful repelling remain."

Repel... Did it escape through the sky?

"Leaving aside the Wyvern, as expected, defeating the true dragon is impossible. Only someone like the ancestor king, Yamato, who was a great magician or Saga empire's hero, is able to do something like that."

...Hero, eh?

"Saga empire has this hero summoning great magic. Since the compensation is enormous, except when the 66 year Demon King's resurrection cycle begins, it's not performed. Yamato-sama and Saga Empire's founder were also heroes who were summoned when the world was in crisis back in the day. It's so dreamy."

As I thought, these Yamato and Saga-san... I can slightly see through why the holy swords were named Excalibur and such.

When the story was finished, the one lap tour around the farm was also finished. The carriage went back towards the inner wall.

Chapter 8

Satou's here. Dumbfounded because the long awaited route abruptly closed.

An existence that can only be expressed as a demon descended.

Having horns like a ram, dark red glowing eyes, and a jet black gleaming body. Four arms, bat wings, and a split stinger tail. Truly a demon.

The demon mowed down the knights effortlessly.

The plaza became full of toppled carriages and dead bodies scattered around...

It suddenly appeared in the middle of a peaceful afternoon.

The inner wall is mostly occupied by mansions of the nobles and the wealthy, while the shops are only located on the side of the main street leading to the castle.

When we arrived at the inner wall, we got off the carriage and started taking a stroll around the luxury shops guided by Nadi-san.

"This is the shop who sells the high class armor for the knights. The shop doesn't only have metal armor. Sometimes they have magic armor available. You'd need dozens of gold coin for that~"

"This one here is the largest jewelry shop around. Their service for ruby and sapphire is the best in the kingdom. As for commoners, I recommend Liz jewelry across the street."

"If you want robes tailored, then this shop is good. Although it had been on the wane for a bit; last year, after the son who came back from the royal capital succeeded the shop, it became awfully popular. Since 1 article costs around 2-3 gold coins, commoners don't come here but it may be a good idea for merchants who just got a big job to order here to increase their prestige."

Nadi-san is so wiki-certified and knowledgeable. As expected of a jack-of-all-trades?

Although luxurious looking horse-carriages come and go from the castle to the plaza, the traffic is relatively sparse for our carriage to stop on the road.

I wonder if Nadi-san is thirsty after that much talking?

"This is the most popular open terrace shop for sweets and tea among women in Seryuu city."

Nadi-san's eyes are sparkling. It doesn't seem like a plea, just pure longing.

"Nadi-san, my throat has dried up, since we're here already let's take a break there."

"Yes, I understand. Please go ahead, I will wait here."

...hmm?

Suddenly, a lonely decision?!

"You don't want to enter, Nadi-san?"

"I'm sorry, since this is a high class tea shop..."

"Please tell me stories about the castle and the plaza while we drink. Of course, I will pay for the tea and sweets."

Nadi-san's eyes are shining... but it quickly becomes cloudy. Is it that expensive?

Let's be forceful here!

"Let's go."

I tenderly led her hand inside the shop.

I was a bit prepared for it, but a set of tea and sweets are only 1 silver coin. Isn't that cheap? That was what I thought, but considering that amount will let you stay for 5 days in a high class inn, it's probably quite expensive for the general public.

Even though it's an open terrace cafe, they put stylish marble tables there. The teacup and the pot look expensive too.

The tea tastes like an Assam tea. It doesn't seem like they put sugar and milk though.

In exchange, they serve it along with sweet baked cookies. It seems that you eat it with cottage cheese or jam spread.

Is this that desirable? When I look at the girls in the surroundings, everyone is eating something that looks like hotcakes full of honey cream.

So I called the waiter and asked for two servings of hotcakes. It's 3 silver coins.

"Delicious~~~"

It's certainly delicious... Particularly the charming happy expression from Nadi-san's face!

Even while enjoying the sweets, Nadi-san didn't forget her professional duty, she talked about the land reclamation of the Seryuu city castle and various other things.

Such a peaceful afternoon tea time did not last long...

Initially, a big shadow passes through the plaza.

Followed by deep bass screams.

Crossing the plaza, a gigantic fireball pierces into the castle.

One spire crumbles forward.

After the cloud of dust and the sound from the collapsed spire expired, the people who were frozen in the plaza restarted. Screams arise, soldiers urge them to take shelter in an angry voice.

The four armed demon floats in the plaza while spreading his black wings.

"Is there a custom for a demon to come play in the afternoon in this town?"

"There is no such thing! Quickly, let's escape!"

[Nonchalant Skill Acquired]

I said something foolish. Nadi-san pulled my arm to urge me to escape but maybe her waist lost its strength, she can't get up.

Though it's shameful, I look at the situation around me to incite me to act. Somehow I can't digest the acquired information very well. As if my body is moving separately from my head.

When the second fireball crossed through the rampart to the castle wall, a semi-transparent blue barrier stretched in the sky, and the fireball stopped.

Just before the barrier set, groups of knights and magicians come out of the castle wall.

Besiege him! Why don't you guys utilize the castle's defense?

For someone so pathetic he can't even get up off his chair, I cursed at the knights. Even though I got knowledge about battle only from manga and games...

The demon lands on a flower bed in the center of the plaza. He deliberately chooses to fight on the ground instead of in the sky with its advantage.

The heavy infantries in the back let loose a rain of arrows. Sounding like violent rainfall, the plaza is pierced. Unfortunately every arrow that hits the black body of the demon is repelled.

3 cavalry knights holding lances on their left hand line up to assault the demon together. The demon exhales purple breath from his mouth toward the knights. Is that a poisonous breath? The faces of the knights and the horse who got direct hits look pretty terrible. The knights who lose their vigor fell off their mounts and got kicked by the demon, flying to their companions.

From the opposite side of those knights, another 3 cavalry rush forward!

Although the first two knights got mowed down by the demon's tail, the other one who was late successfully impaled the demon's body with their lance.

The knights who got mowed down by the tail stand up, and strike the demon with their swords.

The demon parries the knights' attack with his claws and roars!

Debris and little rocks rise and swirl around the center of the demon's jet black body, the swirling speed gradually increasing...

A chilling premonition crawls up my spine!

I lift my body off the chair. I thought of escaping but Nadi-san, who's still weak in her waist and can't get up, entered my vision.

There is no time. Escape is impossible.

I pulled down Nadi-san from the chair, and directed the thick marble desk toward the demon as a shield.

I couldn't see it from my position, but at this time, the demon unleashed shockwaves of vacuum blades in all directions.

It was close but I managed to hold Nadi-san behind the marble desk.

Heavy impact shook the desk. Part of the marble was blown off from the vacuum blade. The view from the open terrace becomes tragic.

The shops surrounding the plaza are either partially or completely destroyed. One is even struck with a small carriage terribly.

I took a sidelong glance at the demon who began to walk toward the soldiers who were struck with the shockwave, and carried the unconscious Nadi-san to leave the plaza.

I run like the wind toward the main street while carrying Nadi-san.

The people who are evacuating are hustling to the inner wall, it's a dangerous situation.

I turn down a side street before arriving at a packed crowd. Since both my hands are occupied, I operated the menu with thought and raised the [3D Maneuver] and [Jump] skill to level 10.

Approaching the inner wall, I found a big building. Jumping while alternating between the inner wall and the building's wall like a ninja in manga, I cross over the inner wall.

[Retreat Skill Acquired]

When I check the map, it seems that this is the verge of the east town.

I forcibly stop a carriage that happens to pass by and ask the driver to escort Nadi-san to the worker's guild. The coachman is reluctant at first but he cheerfully undertakes the job when I shove him a gold coin.

[Persuasion Skill Acquired]

[Bribing Skill Acquired]

This is not the time to scrimp on money.

I rely on the memory from yesterday, and take out a certain item from the storage while running.

Chapter 9

Satou's here. Finding out my incompetence, Satou.

Real demons are way too scary.

Especially that roar!

Please do try hearing a lion's roar while standing close to the cage in a zoo. No matter how safe you know you actually are, if your heart isn't prepared, scary things are scary.

I came to the rooftop of a building where the plaza can be seen.

From there I could see the demon and dozens of soldiers encircling it. Furthermore, the soldiers from the gate are protecting magicians behind them.

Maybe the knights were seeing a chance for assault, the cavalries joined into formation with the soldiers in the back.

The demon became the victim of the spear thrusts and arrows by the soldiers from the back.

Apparently the demon is playing around.

The assaults didn't do anything, he catches the soldiers who attack him and seems to enjoy breaking their bones.

If the demon has the same existence as the ancient one, the soldiers probably taste terrifying fear and anger from seeing their friends killed.

"Now then, it's good that I'm back, but there is no room to intervene in close combat."

My appearance differs from what I wore earlier, now donning a worn-out cloak with a hood. Since I know that it'll get dirty anyway, I don't wear the expensive one.

I take out the magic gun from my bosom. It's not the handgun type, but the one that resembles a rifle with a big scope.

The demon moves around 300 meters away, so it's hard to take aim.

Right at the time when the soldiers pull away, the magicians cast magic that buries the lower half of the demon's body in the ground.

I pull the trigger on this good opportunity while the demon is unable to move.

And missed.

Apparently I was too tense when I pulled the trigger and the line of fire came down a bit.

Fortunately I did not accidentally shoot the soldier.

The demon continuously gets hit by fire and lightning magic, but encircled by a barrier, he doesn't seem to take any damage.

The moment the demon stopped moving I rapidly fired the magic gun, set at the lowest setting.

The third shot finally hit! Beside the demon a gauge appeared and decreased by a little bit.

"What is this, a game?"

[Shooting Skill Acquired]

[Aiming Skill Acquired]

[Sniping Skill Acquired]

In the corner of my view, the small log window displays messages for acquiring skill.

Looking away was a bad move. Without any time to avoid it, a lightning bolt sent by the demon hit me. After hitting me hard the lightning struck the foothold I'm on. The roof of the building got destroyed.

[Lightning Magic: Demon Skill Acquired]

[Lightning Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Paralyze Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Pain Tolerance Skill Acquired]

"Ouch ouch, my hands and feet are tingling."

If I had to say, it feels like the numbness you got after doing seiza. When I look at my own HP gauge, I've received 5 points of damage.

Come to think of it, I haven't checked the level of the demon...

I lament for a moment.

"How temperamental is that thing?"

For the time being, let's quickly look at the important things. Demon tribe, level 62, [Lightning Magic: Demon], [Wind Magic: Demon], [Darkness Magic: Demon], [Fighting], [Flight] skills.

I push aside the building's wreckage. It doesn't seem like I'm being pursued.

[Self-Healing Skill Acquired]

When I saw my HP bar, before I noticed, it had been recovered. Natural healing huh?

I move toward another building from the back alley.

I assigned skill points for [Pain Tolerance], [Lightning Resistance], [Paralyze Resistance], [Shooting] and [Self-Healing] while moving.

I found a 3 story building 100 meters away from the earlier one. I jump over the wall and onto the roof.

Since the soldiers surrounding the demon have decreased to less than half, the methods to attack the demon increased for me.

I take out a bow & arrow from the storage and aim at the demon. I have never used a bow until now, but thanks to the sniping and shooting skills earlier, I somehow understand the aim.

"Aim and shoot!"

I took a good aim, the moment when the demon stopped... shoot.

And missed.

The hand which pulled the bowstring hurt.

After that, no matter how many I shoot, none hit. Even though I understand how to shoot the bow, there is no result.

The enclosing soldiers have become considerably sparse.

I discovered a route where I could get close to the demon discreetly, after marking the map I dropped down from the roof.

I equipped the scale tribe's spear.

If I knew this would happen I'd have gotten leather armor tailored.

Holding the spear with both hands, I hide in the shadows.

[Spy Skill Acquired]

Since I got a skill that looks useful, I immediately allocate skill points to it.

There are several overturned big carriages on the way to the demon. I head there.

When I invoke the spy skill, my footsteps disappear. Maybe it's just my imagination.

The demon's roar can be heard and the knights get hit by lightning.

That roar seems to be a spellcasting procedure.

When the demon's attention wanders off, I shorten the distance and thrust the spear from behind!

Stab! With that kind of unpleasant sound, the sensation of tearing real flesh is transferred to my hand.

Me being a chicken, unintentionally separated my hand from the spear.

My hands and legs are trembling.

The demon's tail strikes the unmoving me from a blind spot, sending me flying 3 meters away. I stopped at the carriage wreck after rolling on the ground.

[Surprise Attack Skill Acquired]

[Spear Skill Acquired]

[Shock Resistance Skill Acquired]

My HP is only reduced by 1 point. However, I don't know whether this is because of excitement or fear from my first close quarter combat, my trembling limbs don't stop.

Fortunately the demon turned his attention to the knights who restarted their assault. I took a deep breath many times.

The trembling subsided for a little while.

[Fear Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Reckless Courage Skill Acquired]

I equip a small sword and shield made from bronze in the shadow of the wreckage. I left the sword in the scabbard and put it on my waist belt. Usually one would use a metal fixture or special belt to hold it but it can't be helped since I don't have it. Let's buy it later.

I also prepare a small bow with an arrow. It's an arrow with a bone arrowhead. The demon is only a little over 10 meters away but I still don't think I'd hit.

The demon lifted an attacking soldier and threw him at the knights.

I match the timing to his throwing and dash closer. Shooting the arrow at zero distance unnoticed.

[Bow Skill Acquired]

I discard the bow immediately, and slash the demon the moment I unsheathe the sword.

The small sword broke. To break bronze in one hit...

[Iai Skill Acquired]

[One-Handed Sword Skill Acquired]

「▼▼ ▼▼▼▼ ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼！！」

While cursing with incomprehensible words the demon attacked with poisonous claws.

I promptly decide to receive the attack with the shield but it's also coming from the other side, the judgment comes in the spur of the moment, using the broken sword to guard.

Of course, such a thing can't defend against an attack and breaks in a single blow from the poisonous claw.

[Demon Language Skill Acquired]

[Poison Resistance Skill Acquired]

I wanted to immediately enable the poison resistance skill, but there is no leeway to operate the menu on the battlefield.

I prevent the poisonous claw coming from the opposite side with the shield, and throw the grip I have in my hand to the demon.

[Shield Skill Acquired]

[Throwing Skill Acquired]

While trying to take out a weapon from the shadow of my mantle, I neglected my guard, tumbled by the demon's tail I rolled over.

Furthermore his foot tramples in pursuit.

Fumu! Fumu! Fumu! 3 waves of stomping consecutively come, my body finally breaks away from the loop on the 4th attack.

[Evasion Skill Acquired]

Kicking the ground with strange posture I take a distance from the demon.

Finally gaining time, I allocated skill points to [Evasion], [Shield], [Poison Resistance], [Shock Resistance] one by one.

Covered by the mantle, I retrieve a dagger and a firewood club from the storage. I slip the dagger on my belt, and hold the club.

Somehow I got the feeling that a look of ridicule floated on the face of the demon.

I wonder if the demon has self-healing ability, his HP is recovering. There is no such skill in his skill column, is it a specific race characteristic?

From the corner of my view I saw the knights readying for the next assault.

I carefully measure the distance while preparing the club.

Ignoring the knight's assault, the demon keeps his attention here.

I leap and strike the club at the demon's bust. It breaks when it contacts the black body of the demon.

I defend from the demon's poisonous claws with the shield, avoid the tail sweep with minimum movement and jump.

I slash with the dagger. The demon couldn't avoid it but is somehow able to parry with his claws.

[One-Handed Staff Skill Acquired]

[Dagger Skill Acquired]

[Parry Skill Acquired]

The knights begin to run towards us, when they reach the middle of the plaza, I stagger the demon by ramming my shield into it.

I jump backward by using the recoil. Leaping over the horses and their riders.

[Shield Bash Skill Acquired]

The knights attack once then withdraw, then another one does the same, thrusting his lance and withdrawing.

[Cooperation Skill Acquired]

From the 3 man formation, the last one fails to withdraw due to the demon's tail attack. Both the horse and the man topple over.

I kicked at the demon who tried to finish the knight from the flank!

[Kicking Skill Acquired]

I picked up a spear with a broken tip near my foot that had fallen from the soldier and put the dagger back in the scabbard. As expected, a dagger's reach is too short so it's easy to parry, it's troublesome.

I elude the demon by using the spear with a broken tip to gain time so that the knights and soldiers who have fallen from their horses can withdraw.

While parrying I also strike some part of the demon's feet, sometimes hitting the arms carefully so as not to make this into a unilateral defensive battle.

[Two-Handed Staff Skill Acquired]

The spear finally broke after becoming a prey of the poisonous claws.

The demon's eyes are shining!

Because I have a bad feeling about that, I raised the shield and put my whole body in the shadow of my mantle. It's probably some kind of evil gaze attack. Is it charm, paralyze or petrification?

The mantle and the shields turned into stone!

...I endured it somehow, only the mantle and shield got sacrificed.

It might have been dangerous if I moved a bit later.

[Petrification Resistance Skill Acquired]

Since nearing the demon might mean getting petrified, before he comes I allocate skill points to [Parry], [Petrification Resistance].

Petrification attacks might not be exclusive to demons alone...

Chapter 10

"Greetings from the battlefield, the commentator Suzuki Ichirou, will be sent off by me, Satou."

Expect getting even more skills with increasing tension, Satou's here.

While pretending to be dead behind the mantle, I activate many skills but...

I didn't expect for it to cause a situation like that!

Well then, let's start "Let's Dance With the Demon [Final Part]"!

I take out a two-handed sword from the shadow of my mantle.

At the same time, the magicians begin their counterattack, after waiting behind their formation.

Fireball, Firestorm, Wind Blade, Lightning. 3 systematic magics assault the demon one after another, and it also lands on me who is seemingly petrified near the demon.

Furthermore, more attacks come after a bit. Stone Bullet, Sandstorm, Water Ball, Snowstorm.

The last one to arrive is simply a pillar of light piercing through heaven.

[Fire Magic Skill Acquired]

[Wind Magic Skill Acquired]

[Lightning Magic Skill Acquired]

[Fire Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Wind Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Earth Magic Skill Acquired]

[Water Magic Skill Acquired]

[Ice Magic Skill Acquired]

[Earth Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Water Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Ice Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Light Magic Skill Acquired]

[Light Resistance Skill Acquired]

The log flowed at a great speed.

Maybe because of my level the damage isn't much, but unpleasant things are unpleasant.

The demon seems to think the same, and returns lightning magic to the magician's lot.

Probably predicting it, the magicians defended themselves with a barrier before the lightning hit.

Already breaking apart from the magic earlier, I shatter the petrified mantle and shield.

Being a bit away from the demon, I stand up and immediately jump to close the distance. Aiming at the demon's head I swing the two-handed sword.

Since the demon tilted his head, the full attack did not connect, but I succeeded in cutting one of his horns.

[Two-Handed Sword Skill Acquired]

[Helm Splitter Skill Acquired]

[Air Battle Skill Acquired]

[Weapon Destruction Skill Acquired]

The soldiers are looking over here while saying something.

They're probably surprised that someone who just got shot by barrages of magic could calmly fight.

With my disheveled long blond hair swaying on the back and the silver mask reflecting the sunlight, I face the demon.

I thought that a hooded mantle would suffice, but it was a good decision to prepare additional disguises as an insurance.

After receiving that much concentrated fire the demon finally suffered about 20% damage.

I bear the two-handed sword on my shoulder. I have no problem wielding it, but it's hard to balance my body due to the weight. It's good that I become younger and all, but since my body also became lighter it might be a minus in a battle.

For now, the demon is too close to the magicians' base. If I don't somehow lead it away from the plaza...

I don't want you to misunderstand me, this is not because of some sort of heroism of not wanting any victims. The reason is quite selfish; they do damage the demon, however small it is, so it's troubling if they're all annihilated.

The demon attacks during the gap where my thoughts derailed. Dashing on the ground, the poisonous claws rushed towards me!

Even if I tried to shake the demon off with the two-handed sword, it boldly closed the distance, not letting me get away.

I throw the two-handed sword at the demon to elude the poisonous claws, taking out a hatchet from the mantle and using it to cut the demon.

Because the hatchet stuck deeper than I thought, I left it there and avoided the demon's counter.

[One-Handed Ax Skill Acquired]

While empty-handed, I'm exchanging blows with the demon while retreating.

Sometimes, I pick up weapons dropped by the soldiers on the ground to add onto the attack. Since I haven't activated physical attack related skills, the damage I'm doing is small.

Should I break the deadlock soon?

Most knights have wounds all over the body, only a few of them are unhurt. There aren't any useless shots from the magicians either, it seems that they ran out of magic power.

Seemingly, it's not only me who thinks so, from the castle gate several horses come out pulling a cannon.

I positioned myself to divert the demon's attention from the gate until the cannon finished setting up.

When I get near the wreckages I draw the demon's attention, behind the wreckages, I switch my weapon. I put a blacksmith's hammer onto my waist, and wield a two-handed ax and a sledgehammer in each hand.

It's not really practical but thanks to my maxed STR, I can wield it just fine. Maybe because I look ferocious, the demon's expression becomes unpleasant.

I jump from behind the carriage. First let's strike with the sledgehammer!

The demon guarded to the right with both hands but without minding it I slashed from the opposite side with the two-handed ax.

The ax cut through, and the arm fell!

...I remember, from some manga, about an episode of an arm that had been separated from the body attacking independently. Let's pay attention to that arm...

[Two-Handed Ax Skill Acquired]

[Two-Handed Hammer Skill Acquired]

[Dual Wielding Skill Acquired]

[Herculean Strength Skill Acquired]

Though it's a different story with a surprise attack, after all fighting using a sledgehammer with one hand is difficult, I fight single mindedly with the two-handed ax.

The cannon still isn't prepared yet.

The demon inhaled greatly.

Magic!

I close the distance. But, that was a bad move.

The demon let out an acid breath!

Even though I've seen it once! I completely forgot that it has this kind of attack!

I guarded with the ax which immediately broke, the wig and the robe got terribly burnt.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!"

I go to the nearest cover, throw off the robe behind the bronze statue, and wear a new mantle. I wore commoner clothes underneath the robe yet there's also a large hole in it too.

If the surface area of the ax wasn't big, my face would have burned...

[Decay Resistance Skill Acquired]

[Quick Dressing Skill Acquired]

I allocate [Decay Resistance] and [Quick Dressing] with skill points.

I wonder what the variety of skills are, I want a wiki.

Since the ax is no longer usable as a weapon, I throw it away; I try to strike once with the blacksmith hammer from my waist. Since it didn't seem very effective, I put it back when I got the skill.

[One-Handed Hammer Skill Acquired]

[Blacksmith Skill Acquired]

I think blacksmithing is quite different to this...

Meanwhile, the cannon installation is complete, but it seems that it will require some time before it could fire.

I picked up the sledgehammer which I discarded earlier.

Of course the demon doesn't let up his attacks, but whether it's because of the avoid skill, or because I'm getting used to fighting, I've reached the point where I have some margins in this fight.

I should end this soon...

I allocate skill points to [One-Handed Sword].

The cannon seems to be ready to fire. Magicians on both sides of the cannon begin to cast spells.

The demon seems to be really worried about the cannon. It's putting up an air.

The demon charged toward the cannon during the gap when I avoided its tail attack!

I discard the heavy sledgehammer, and pick up a sword lying on the way while chasing the demon.

The demon, with agility belying that huge body, jumps over multiple soldiers who block the way.

The light soldier with spears immediately covers but they become prey to the poisonous claw.

But the demon stopped.

Just like the demon, I jump over the soldiers and cut one wing off the demon, then I pierce the sword to its leg and stitch it to the ground. After getting the sword skill, I could understand the principle of swordsmanship. The demon only has 30% remaining on its HP gauge.

Furthermore, I pull the only remaining arm of the demon to the ground.

I intersect the demon's arm to its leg, and with my free hand pick a spear left by the killed soldiers earlier to use it to crucify the demon on the ground.

[Fighting Skill Acquired]

[Capture Skill Acquired]

I look at a person who looks like a commander besides the cannon who's measuring the timing to shoot the cannon.

I fixed the demon with another spear, and nodded there.

The commander swung down his arm, at the same time, I jumped off from the line of fire.

The cannon shoots out a buckshot and innumerable wounds appear on the demon's. Moreover, as a final blow, a magic combo like earlier struck.

I wonder if the cannon can't shoot multiple rounds, it didn't finish the dying demon. The magicians probably don't have enough magic power either, only three people cast spells.

I could end it if I run there with the sword but let's give the honor of ending the demon's life to those guys. Like I said earlier, this is not out of goodwill; even if the opponent is a demon, I don't like killing with my own hand. It's really stupid, but I'm from a society unrelated to violence since a long time ago... Even though I eat meat and fish, I shirk on killing.

Putting that aside...

The demon used the tattered hand freed from the stitch to lift up its body from the ground, raised a roar and destroyed the cannon with lightning magic. Is there no one who could use a barrier anymore?!

Then the slightly late magicians use magic to shave a little of the demon's strength (HP).

Furthermore, the knights get off their horses and sidle up to the demon with their long swords ready.

...It'll end after the encircling completely, huh. Amen~

The end can already be seen, but the demon hasn't given up yet.

The hand which has been restrained by the knights is thrust into its own chest, pulling out a dark red heart. The pulled heart is fast and begins to pulse harder. Matching the violent movement, light overflows.

The knights hurriedly try to destroy the heart, but they don't make it in time.

With a loud bursting sound, the heart breaks apart!

When the light subsided, several magicians who set up barriers became corpses in a heap. Only the lower half remains of the demon's dead body. The ground is gouged in a fan shaped form following the demon's direction toward the castle gate, the gate itself has been partially destroyed.

The demon's corpse falls apart and becomes black dust.

I slip into the alley during the clamor and hide myself.

Title [Combat-Ready] Acquired

Title [Skilled Warrior] Acquired

Title [One Who Dances With Demons] Acquired

Title [Hero] Acquired

...I wonder if the last one is sarcasm.

Chapter 11

Satou's here. Feeling like a veteran warrior, but after all I'm just an average citizen, Satou.

Although it's hard to call this a victory, for once, the battle is over.

Hereafter is the battle of lifesaving and rebuilding.

It's about time for a harem candidate to appear, right?

I take off the robe and mantle in a desolate back-alley. Overlapping with all map exploration magic to check for human signs, I also took off my disguise.

Well it's just a wig and a mask though...

I put the disguise set and the robe in the forbidden folder inside the storage.

Which robe should I use now?

I take out a uselessly gaudy robe.

This one should be okay.

I decide to return to the street after changing to the gaudy robe. Of course, using a different route.

There's a soldier's corpse stuck on the tree branch along the way. To be flown to this place... I join my hands to pray for it.

For now let's return to the plaza after performing an obligatory prayer.

"Err... The gaudy person over there~."

...Somehow there's a voice coming down from the tree.

Confirming on the radar, the corpse earlier isn't a corpse at all, somehow it's quite alive.

I look up.

"I'm sorry, could you call some soldiers? It's okay to do it after the battle in the plaza is over."

The first impression is quite favorable due to the absence of "help me".

However, even though the soldier is caught in the tree's branches... The hands and feet aren't turned toward strange directions.

Now then, is there any scaffolding to help the soldier?

...Guess I'll just kick that window and land on the other branch.

I fly to a branch near the soldier. In consideration for possible fracture, I land while trying not to shake the branch.

"Well then, I'll carry you down so please don't move."

"Eh, how did you get here? Please don't push yourself and just call the other soldiers!"

I silently carry the soldier in my arms.

If the soldier has fractured bones then landing on the ground could be dangerous... Since there are at least 4 meters until the ground.

Thus, I jump to the slightly higher roof next to the branch.

"Though I jumped while taking care not to jolt you as much as possible, are you all right?"

"Yes, that surprised me but I'm fine."

I move from roof to roof in search of a house with an exit from atop the roof.

There is a lot of unaired laundry, it probably got left behind after the demon came.

After checking for people on the radar, I get out of the house to the alleyway.

I carry the soldier in a princess hug to the plaza.

"Hey, I have a little question..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Even if you were blown away by the demon, isn't it too far?"

This isn't a gag manga. From the plaza to here is more than 10 meters apart.

"I got blown away by the attack of that demon, since I would have died at that rate, I used magic to decelerate my falling speed. Although I was already running out of magic power. I was at loss when I got caught on that branch."

Magic seems to be usable even if one isn't a magician...

There is a temporary relief station in the plaza.

A bit away from the relief station, mats are placed and several 'people' are lined up there... It's not for the injured but for corpses huh...

"People who were rescued from the wreckages, please gather over here."

A woman in white coat shouted for injured people to assemble over there, so I headed there.

"For people who are holding the patient, please keep a little distance away from their body."

So she says, I stretch my arm to make a gap on my chest.

"I will cleanse the dirt, it may be surprising, so please don't drop them."

"■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■■ Soft Wash."

I got drenched along with the soldier. Certainly the dust and the blood (from the soldier who died first earlier) on the robe are gone.

[Life Magic Acquired]

It's certainly a very useful magic. If there is this kind of magic then I wonder if bathing isn't needed?

"I will dry it immediately."

"■■■ ■■■■■ Dry."

"It's complete. Well then, please wait inside the circle drawn with chalks over there. That's the place where we gather injured people."

The white coat heads toward the next person.

This is the first time I heard magic chants in close proximity but rather than words, I heard irregular sounds instead. I guess it feels like the musical notes from a DTM software?

Though it's not life-threatening the people who have broken bones are gathered there. It's full right after we got in. I don't have any injury, I'm here in order to learn new skills.

Two girls with priestess-like clothes and kind atmospheres quietly approach, each accompanied with their attendants.

"Now the Parion shrine maiden will grant you their miracle. Everyone, please be silent."

The attendant with the big build shouted so to the injured people. And out of nowhere, the attendant with a small build tells the tense people, "Please relax your body~".

After the injured people calmed down, the shrine maiden began the magic chant.

「■■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■」

「■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■■■」

(Omitted... It's too long, priestess-san.)

「■■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ Area Heal.」

Holy Magic: Parion Belief Acquired

Most people seem to be healed by magic just now.

The two attendants go around to give additional healing for people who need them.

The big attendant said, "Since it's a bone fracture, please rest quietly later", while giving first aid to the soldier I carried.

Oh yes, this isn't a BL okay? Even though the soldier is still physically growing, she is an actual woman.

Now then, I've learned various kinds of magic but I don't know what they are, there are magic shops and bookstores that sell magic books in the plaza, but the stores were destroyed so they're probably closed now...

"The good you do for others is the good you do for yourself."

Let's make myself popular with the bookstore and the magic shop by helping them with selfish reasons in mind.

A carriage is half buried under the magic shop.

After confirming that there are no survivors near the carriage, I pull it out.

...When I think about it, I'm standing out by doing this, aren't I?

There's a corpse in terrible condition stuck on the carriage, nausea is swelling up inside me... I'm weak with gore so please pardon me.

The inside of the magic shop has been destroyed but it seems that the people inside are fine because of a back door. Since I see people's figure on the radar beyond the back door, thinking that they're fine I head toward the bookstore.

The front wall of the bookstore is destroyed, it looks like it'll collapse any minute now. When I peek inside, numerous bookshelves have been toppled and books are scattered around.

From the map, it seems that there are two people squashed under the bookshelves.

The bookshelves are lined up edge to edge, thanks to them being made with dense ebony, they're very heavy.

I raise the bookshelves ⇒ I cram the book between the shelves ⇒ Whenever I raise a bookshelf the leftovers get in the way and then I can't raise the next bookshelf so the work takes quite some time. Also partly because I'm afraid that the shelf will break if I try to forcefully raise it.

1 hour after the work began, I was finally able to rescue a person.

It's a boy of around 10 years old. He's unconscious but he's breathing. The HP is about half, I stop working and bring him to the relief station. I didn't forget to tell them that the boy was rescued from the bookstore.

It's not the priestess from earlier, but a person that looks like a magician who heals people with water magic. Huh, healing magic can be done with many elements.

There are more priests now but they all dress differently, I wonder if there are different sects.

Now then let's stop procrastinating and get back to work. Because the one left who needs rescuing is certainly the storekeeper!

I continued the mundane work of raising the bookshelves and stowing away the books, until finally I was able to help the old man storekeeper buried the books.

He didn't get crushed under the bookshelves but he seemed to be squashed by the fallen books, his HP is quite low. He's conscious though.

"Thank you very much for helping me."

It's an austere voice quite fit to be a seiyuu. What a romantic gray haired old man, he must've been quite popular back in the day.

Outside the store, the old woman and the daughter have come back. It seems that they went shopping to the west gate which was closed until just now.

I carried the old man to the relief station. The old woman also follows. The daughter remains in the store to clean things up.

In the relief station, the number of injured people has increased even more. As expected the healer can't catch up. The two healer priestess attendants from earlier run out of MP and are sitting on the couch.

I searched through the storage... there.

I take out 3 MP recovery medicine from my pocket and give it to the two attendants. It's a service for the skill I got earlier.

At first the big attendant was suspicious but after he knew that it was MP recovery medicine he thanked me.

...but, please stop drinking it in one gulp while having one hand on your hip. You look like an old man.

The priestess is silent with a pale face looking down. I wonder if she's tired from using too much magic.

I leave the storekeepers to the relief station and head back to the store to help with the clean up.

I had forgotten the important matter.

The daughter of the bookstore. Her name is Semone-san. She's actually the granddaughter, and big-breasted! It's hidden by the clothes, but it's unmistakably an E cup! With long blond hair and a pair of blue eyes, she's about the same age as Nadi-san!

I'm correcting the bookshelf positioning while having a calm idle talk with her. I'm enjoying the work while placing the books which have lost their bindings in a box.

I love organizing books~

I mark all the interesting books during the placements.

Arrow marks can be seen in plenty through AR.

When the day is about to become dark the storekeepers come back.

I politely refuse the invitation for dinner, I purchase 3 books that catch my attention and go home. They wanted to give it as a thank you, but I compromised with just having slight discounts.

"Royal Capital Tourist Guide","Introductory Book for Life Magic", and "Life Magic Book" which should be 2 gold coins and 3 silver coins become 2 gold coins with the discount.

...Unfortunately, the bookstore daughter is married. The husband is a magician...

Title [One Who Prays for the Dead] Acquired

Title [Rescuer] Acquired

Title [One Who Protects Books] Acquired

Chapter 12

Satou's here, even though there are many encounters, it's too bad that it immediately ends, Satou.

Is it the face! It's the face isn't it!

Because there were various things happening yesterday, I was fast asleep right after dinner.

Today is a reading day!

...Is what I thought, but the room is dark. There is a window for light to get through but it's still not enough to make books readable, it's too dim.

If I'm not mistaken there's an open terrace cafe neighboring this inn.

Let's eat a breakfast special at the coffee shop. I dunno if it exists but...

The tavern on the first floor of the inn is crowded with people who are having breakfast. It seems that the number of customers has increased a bit compared to yesterday.

I give the key to the landlady since I'm going out. Martha-chan happily greets me when I come out of the inn. This old man is dazzled by your morning radiance.

The gate also looks remarkably busier than the day before yesterday. Lots of big carriages are going in and out pulled by peasant-looking people. Do they not use cows or horses to pull it?

I immediately find the coffee shop when I look around outside. It's slightly farther away than what I remember.

It seems that the coffee shop uses the indoor space for meals while the open terrace is for tea time. When I naturally ask the waitress, it doesn't seem that it's the owner's decision to do that. Because the inside of the shop is a bit dark, I secure a seat on the open terrace for easy reading.

For breakfast, I ordered fruit and sandwiches. The sandwich has ham, vegetables and cheese sandwiched between the malt bread. The fruit juice is similar to Citrus. It tastes a bit richer than orange. The cup isn't made of glass but copper but since it's cold, it's still quite delicious. I wonder if it's cooled using life magic? My motivation to learn the magic increases~

Oh, yeah, there are 3 waitresses. A 20 year old plump redhead, a 16 year old slender chestnut-colored hair with an impressive teardrop mole, and the last one is a girl who looks younger than 12 with long black hair.

Everyone is working cheerfully.

While enjoying these sights, I read the introductory book for life magic.

Life magic is a magic not classified in any of the four main elements of magic, it's a collection of magic useful for daily life. It's a magic incomparably weak compared to the elemental one. In exchange the required magic power is not much, at the level where people who can't use attack magic can use it. Nevertheless, even with so many convenient spells, most magicians look down upon life magic. They call magicians who can only use life magic, spell-users, and rather than as magicians, these people are treated as town handymen. Because of this prejudice there are only a few magicians who learn life magic. There are even lamentations regarding this written in the book.

"Good morning, Satou-san!"

I was greeted from outside the terrace. It's Nadi-san.

I thought that she's still in shock from yesterday's event but she looks surprisingly energetic. She's strong even for an energetic archetype!

"Good morning. How is your condition, Nadi-san?"

"Thank you very much for your help yesterday. Not only did you help me get away from a dangerous location, you even sent me with a horse carriage."

"It's fine, it wasn't much."

Since she's here, I offered her a chair.

"Is that a book on life magic?"

"Yes, I bought it yesterday hoping to at least be able to use the basics."

Since my life magic skill is level 10, the only thing remaining is the chants though.

"For life magic, I recommend practicing Water Spring or Dry, depending on your main element. Most books usually recommend Ignition but if you cause fire in the town, it could be dangerous."

Certainly, it's just as she said.

"If it's Water Spring then you can store the water in a bucket, but please don't use the metal cup beside you since it's easy to scratch."

Do I draw the water from vapor?

"If it's Dry then you can practice using wet clothes placed on a hanger."

It's quite a scientific talk. Even though it's fantasy.

"That's right, Does Satou-san not use a cane? You can't use magic if you don't equip a cane."

What! There's such a restriction.

Come to think of it, the magicians from before did have it, the life magic user was also using a cane.

Wait, how about that soldier? And the priestess didn't have one either.

"Do you mean Parion priestess? If so then they have a holy mark in place of a cane. The soldier probably had other kinds of invocation tools or maybe a backup short cane?"

"Nadi-san, what is an invocation tool? Is it different from a cane?"

"Invocation tool is something like a ring or the like of an accessory, functioning like a cane; it's an item used to assist the activation of magic. The effect is lower than a cane, but it's expensive so there are few magicians who have one. Although for a job like magic swordsman where it's not possible to use a cane then it's a necessity."

As expected of the live Wiki. The one woman encyclopedia, Nadi-san.

Cane huh... There are various types of magic wand in the Storage. But the effect is too strong, it's scary. If possible, I'd like to practice with cheap things first.

But the magic shops in the town center won't be in operation for a while, I wonder where I could get one?

"Nadi-san, Do you know anywhere I can buy a short cane?"

"Then the magic shop in the center... But as expected, it's closed because of yesterday, right? I think you can buy one from the alchemy shop in the west town."

I made a note of the way to the alchemist shop from Nadi-san.

Then after telling me the important points to note in the west area, Nadi-san went back to her work.

Now that it's lunch time on the open terrace, the customers have increased.

I finished reading the introductory book just as I finished eating pasta for lunch.

...Why is this fantasy town very peculiar about taste!

10 minutes after I've entered the western area, the content of the dummy purse I've hung on my waist is gone. The bottom of the purse is cut and the content is no more, though there were only pennies inside.

From looking at the log, it was not a pickpocket. It's really a game-like function.

I passed through the area where they're selling daily necessities, and suspicious looking shops began to increase in number. Sexy women and evil looking old men can be seen wandering around.

There's a square in the center of the west area. The alchemy shop is further ahead.

Street stalls are lined up in the square, selling birds, cattle and the like competing with each other.

At the entrance of the square, a merchant is announcing something about the slave market. It seems that it'll be open for 3 days from tomorrow night.

When I look at it carefully there are boys and girls with slave collars on their neck standing in line with cattle. Half of them seem to be hurt. Every one of those slaves have dead eyes. The cattle look healthier than them.

I had the urge to buy them all, but it's only for self-satisfaction so I stopped. It's not the end even after they're released after all. ...Isn't this just an excuse?

Coming out of the square, brothels lined the streetside. I subtly feel like this is a period drama.

Still, lewd professional older women are the best, right? Rather than an unwilling slave, a pro well versed in sexual culture is better.

Tonight, let's go to a shop with beautiful older women! I wonder if there are cabaret? I'd love to have a lewd conversation over a bubble bath but...

The main topic has been grandly derailed.

The alchemy shop seems to be located in the middle of this brothel street. There's probably a high demand for drugs~

I wonder if it's thanks to Nadi-san's advice of only walking on the center of the road, I've arrived at the alchemy shop without being dragged to an alleyway. No wait, there was that pickpocket so it wasn't entirely safe...

"Good afternoon. Are you open for business?"

There's a dwarf on the counter inside the shop. Let me say this, it's not cute at all. It's a small old man about 1 meter tall. Is he a gnome? Or a hobbit?

The AR indicates that he's of a fairy race. When I look better the "Earth Fairy (Gnome)" sign comes up.

"If you're window-shopping, Go away."

Aw, how cold.

...This isn't a pun, okay?

"I'd like to buy a short cane, do you have any in stock?"

"Spell-user eh? There are cheap, expensive, and really expensive ones, which one do you want?"

So rough~

"Please show me the cheap and the expensive one."

The shopkeeper takes a wooden and a copper short cane out. The short canes look like something a certain famous British boy had, it's a simple wand. If you don't understand, then please imagine an orchestra conductor's baton but a bit thicker.

I stare at each of the canes and their performances are displayed on the AR. The wooden one has [Magic Activation Support + 3][Magic Effect Expansion -2], and 2 big copper coins market price, then the copper one beside it has [Magic Activation Support +3],[Magic Focus Support + 2],[Magic Effect Expansion +2], with 3 silver coins quoted as the market price.

To be frank, even if I can see the performance I don't understand where the difference is.

The copper cane seems to have better performance, but the wooden one looks something that a magician would have, so I buy that one.

The shopkeeper looks displeased since I chose the cheaper one.

I might as well buy some medicine here.

That's right, if you're talking about alchemy then it's potion.

"Are there manuals and tools for compounding?"

The shopkeeper grins while laughing. He probably thinks that I'm an easy mark.

[Introductory Book for Medicine Compounding, Practical Writing],[Book of Poison and Antidote][Book of Illness and Treatment], 5 compound tools set with extravagance cases, medicinal plant harvesting set tools, and chemical mixtures for beginner sets. "These are all!" So he said after piling them all up.

...Hmm? Am I being tested?

The magic imbuing tools have a [Magic Imbuing Type Fake] status. The others are genuine.

"Is there no other one for this magic imbuing tool? It's not to my liking."

I openly point out the fake. It's how an adult interacts.

"Fumu, it's a tool used to nitpick an amateur who doesn't understand a thing."

He somehow looks happy. It's not only reflected on his face but the atmosphere has also softened a bit.

This time he takes out 3 imbuing tools.

One is decorated with high-class looking ornaments, another is a tool that looks like it has been used a lot, and the last one is a cheap-looking and obviously fake tool. The high class one is especially equipped with magic, when I hold it up and move my hand, it emits a weak green light. It goes without saying that the expensive one is a fake.

"Then, I choose this one."

Of course I picked the well used one.

The market price is 15 gold coins eh. At any rate, does a beginner spell-user who comes to buy a cheap short cane look like someone who has money?

"I see, so you choose that one... If you have this one, then you won't need another, besides raw materials, even after you've become a veteran alchemist.

"How much is it?"

"10 gold coins."

Eh, isn't it much cheaper than the market price?

The shopkeeper grins when he sees my face.

"Just as I thought, you have the appraisal skill."

The shopkeeper looks proud with his guess. I don't have such a skill.

[Appraisal Skill Acquired]

Let's not argue back...

"Is it really okay with 10 gold coins?"

"Yeah, I'm saved if someone as capable as you studies alchemy."

When I think about it, isn't this thanks to haggling skill?

I pay the price and receive the books among other things. As expected, my bag doesn't fit.

I decided to return to the hotel while holding the books in both hands.

I leave the shop after thanking the shopkeeper.

The things I need to do increase again.

I will learn alchemy after I've learned life magic!

Chapter 13

Satou's here. Waving the short cane, rather than a magician I feel like a conductor.

Conductor skill doesn't appear. I'm a bit disappointed with Satou.

The harem flag seems to be still so far away.

After I returned to the hotel, I put away the alchemy sets.

I wanted to put it inside the , but from what I've heard from Nadi-san during the tour, the item was popular for the wealthy back in the era of the ancestor king Yamato, however, nowadays it's only attainable for the army, higher-ranking nobles, or a very prosperous merchant.

Since it's like that, I can't use it casually. It's not a problem if some thieves caught their eyes on it, but if it was a noble then it could become impossible to continue touring this city.

Following the instruction from Nadi-san yesterday, I filled a bucket full of water from the Hell Water Jug. I dip a cloth into the water and squeeze it. I take out a pot I bought yesterday and put the cloth there.

All right, preparation is complete!

It's time for the chant for Dry!

"Lu lula la li lu... la?"

Even though I can read the word, I can't pronounce it! Do I need to read 100 characters in one minute fast?

What kind of impossible game is this?

Then, I continued to practice chanting while feeling discouraged but I wasn't able to in the end. Clothes will get dry even if I don't use magic but I'm not happy about this at all.

"Okay! Let's ask for some help!"

I get up clenching my hand!

When in trouble it's Nadi-san! Let's ask for some advice from Nadi-san.

"Nadiemo~n, please help me~."

Even while feeling like clinging to a straw, I'm heading to the Workers Guild.

...But unfortunately, Nadi-san is absent.

Since Nadi-san doesn't come back even until evening, I'm going to the bookstore in the central district. There should be other books about Life magic beside the ones I bought.

On the way there, I was called to the clothing store. Apparently, my order has been completed early.

I wonder if the shopkeeper remembered when I said that I didn't have a change of clothes, so he hurried the order.

Let's receive it after that much trouble.

"It really suits you well."

"Yes, you look like an heir of a big company or a noble."

The shopkeeper and his wife praise me highly.

To confirm the size I pose in front of a full-length floor mirror.

However isn't this better than the sample back then? No, it's not a self-praise.

"Indeed, and it's better than the sample."

"That's right! Since it's a rush order, I asked a different tailor than usual, but the fine lines and sewing are well done, truly splendid! Really~ thanks to the customer, I found a nice tailor."

How do I say it, I feel like apologizing.

After this much, let's just wrap my clothes earlier and wear this new one now.

When I got to the gate I was asked to present the ID card. According to the gate soldier, it seems that some thieves got in after the disturbance, so it's now required to present your identification.

In the plaza, most stores along the main road are open. Because most of the fight happened in front of the castle gate, beside a few unlucky shops most were unscathed.

I bought tea leaves in a specialist shop facing the plaza shown by Nadi-san yesterday. I also bought some spices from a spice shop.

At the luxury food store I bought rice, miso, and soy sauce. Like I said, why is this fantasy-(abbreviated)?

In front of a tavern in the plaza, a bard is singing a poem about yesterday's demon and the knights with a full sense of reality.

...Isn't the mysterious silver mask a bastard child of the earl? Such songs are sung. The mask was actually tin but it has been promoted to silver.

Since I relatively enjoyed it, I gave him a silver coin. ...I was a bit ashamed though!

How many detours could it be just to go to a bookstore.

"Satou-san, thank you very much for yesterday!"

Semone-san greets me with a smile inside the bookstore. Apparently, today is her turn to look after the store.

"Hello Semone-san. How is the old man's condition?"

"Yes, he was healed with magic, but since he's of age, my grandmother is watching after him to rest for 2-3 days."

Old man, you've got a good grandchild, I'm envious.

I'm gossiping about miscellaneous things to cushion myself from the real talk.

"You're searching for books regarding the way to practice chanting of life magic?"

"Yes, I was able to understand the explanation in the book I bought before, but I'm struggling to actually chant it..."

"Umm, Satou-san, Life magic skill is relatively easy to remember, but normally you'd need 3-5 years of training to master it. Moreover, even with that much training, 80% people usually end up in failure."

But I got the skill after receiving the life magic once? It's a cheat after all...

"Umm, even if you already have Life magic skill from the beginning, people who can remember the chants are..."

Let's hear it since I have nothing to lose anyway.

"A person who has a gift? Right, There are people who come from a long heritage of a magician family having magic skill right from birth, but a person like that usually has family members who can use magic..."

There is no need to learn from textbooks... is what she wanted to say, eh.

It can't be helped, I'm just gonna buy vocal training and acting related books.

Let's start improving my flow of speech.

The magic shop facing the main street is covered with something that looks like a tarpaulin. It's closed just as I thought.

"Hello, nimble onii-san."

Turning my head, there, a girl wearing a plain yet elegant one piece tilts her body forward while looking at me with upturned eyes. With a slender body and long straight bob hair, she's a charmingly beautiful girl.

"Hello soldier-san, you're wearing a lovely dress today."

[Lip Service Skill Acquired]

Please don't interrupt my talk...

"Ehehe~, since we seldom have rest, there aren't many chances to wear this~"

"About yesterday, have your bone fractures healed?"

"Yes! I want to say that, but the place where it breaks still occasionally hurts so I thought of going to the temple."

Just to make sure, she's the soldier I saved from a tree yesterday.

"Can you not heal yourself?"

"There is no healing method in wind magic you know."

I see, each element has their own forte.

"Ah~ Zena is boy hunting~~!"

"Oh, it's true, Putting aside his face, he's well dressed, furthermore, he's younger! You're good, Zena."

"You girls, please don't make fun of her. Even though she's a late bloomer, that girl works hard, let's just watch over her warmly."

I wonder if they're soldier-san's friends, some noisy girls are standing in front of a shop's entrance while whispering to each other closely. There's a subtle insult mixed in oi.

Soldier-san's name is Zena eh, it's a good nutritious sounding name.

Zena-san is opening and closing her mouth silently with a red face. This kind of reaction is cute~

"Y, you're mistaken. I'm just thanking him for saving me yesterday."

The three girls harden a bit after hearing that.

"By saving you, don't tell me!"

"That silver masked hero-sama?!"

"It can't be! He was brandishing a sledgehammer and a two-handed ax together you know? This delicate looking boy can't possibly do that."

"No... that's not it."

Zena-san's word doesn't reach the three girls.

"But isn't his height match?"

"Isn't the color of the hair different? That gentleman was blond."

"And he's not using a mask."

"Mou, please hear me!"

Zena-san shouts with her whole body!

The three girls finally pay her attention.

"This man carried me, who wasn't able to move due to injury, to the relief station yesterday!"

"Ah, you mean that kind of [[helped me]]."

"But then, that's a golden opportunity in a way!"

"Don't liken her with you, Zena doesn't have such resourcefulness in her."

Yep, it's noisy. This is for Zena-san to meddle with. The three of them feel like they're cheering for her with no malice or sarcasm, they probably cherish her.

I wonder if it's a good time to interrupt them.

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Satou, a peddler. I'm planning to stay in this city for a while, so please make your acquaintance."

"Onii-san, you're really not Zena-cchi's boyfriend?"

"I just met her yesterday. Furthermore, I only knew her name after everyone here called her such."

"But but, for Zena to wear a skirt and go on a date!"

"It is not a date." (Zena)

"But you never wore a skirt, even on holidays before."

Zena-san and the three girls who look the same age as her are exchanging words.

"I'd love for you to go on a date with Zena-san. This girl, even with her age, never takes a walk with the opposite sex, let alone a boyfriend."

"Yep, even if she's a fallen noble with no gold or status, she's a good girl. She's flat-chested but she's an adept wind user with a promising future as a soldier."

The remaining two also recommend Zena-san.

I like her personality. In five years, after she becomes a bit well-rounded, I'd like to make an advance~

Zena-san stops her quarrel and goes back here.

"We're not fallen! My little brother properly inherited the rank. Although it's true that we don't have gold or status in government..."

So Zena-san is a lower noble.

...She didn't object about the flat-chest.

"Let's stop playing around with Zena-san and go back to the castle. If we're late for the shift, the commander's special training awaits."

"La~ter~ then, Zena-cchi. Let's hear about various things thoroughly later~"

"Zena, push through with sex appeal and defenselessness! Show your guts!"

The three girls reluctantly return to the castle.

Zena-san is relieved while looking a bit ashamed.

Hmm? One girl went back here in a trot and gave Zena-san something.

Zena-san initially has a blank look, but after she understands what the handed over thing is, her face turns bright red. Probably expecting this reaction, the girl is going back to her friends while saying "Good luck~".

Zena-san secretly puts the thing she got in her pocket, and I don't intend to pursue it.

Because I'm an adult, yep.

Chapter 14

Satou's here. Rather than a hero, I want to be a magician.

Chanting (aka DTM), such an impossible game, broke my heart.

I was healed a bit after the girl's talk with Zena-san and her friends.

"I'm sorry for all the fuss. They're not bad girls, it's just that it was unusual that I'm with a man..."

She's coming with upturned eyes. It doesn't feel mischievous like in the beginning, this time it really looks timid.

"They look like fun people. I don't particularly dislike it."

"I'm happy if you think that way. That reminds me, you looked troubled in front of the magic shop earlier, is something the matter?"

"Yes, I hit a roadblock in my magic chanting training. I was wondering if they have books concerning chanting practices, but as you see they're closed."

"Satou-san, you're, ummm is it fine to call you Satou-san?"

"Of course it's fine."

I'm already calling you Zena-san without permission.

"Is Satou-san not only a nimble peddler but also a magician in training? That reminds me, today you're not wearing gaudy clothes~, I think this one matches you better."

So fixated on the nimble part, this person is.

"I want to be able to use Life magic so I'm training on it, but I just can't get the chanting part right..."

"Let's see, for wind magic, people usually start with ■■■■ but if they try to forcefully chant it, it usually comes out like, lyu~lia la~lule li la~o. If it's just memorization, then most people can do it."

Zena-san is tilting her head with "I wonder how I should explain this"-look on her face.

"Rhythm. Yes, please try to slowly recite the chanting and remember the rhythm. Then while keeping the rhythm gradually increase the chanting speed so it become ■■■■!"

I see~, however, even if what she said isn't exactly a secret, isn't it still something that shouldn't be easily taught to other people?

"Rhythm huh... I understand, thank you very much professor. I'll practice hard in that direction."

"Yes, I'm happy that I can help you."

Zena-san smiles.

I should give her something as thanks.

I've decided to go together with Zena-san halfway to the Parion temple in the west district.

"Speaking of which, how long did Zena-san practice to be able to use wind magic?"

"The real training was 3 years, but in hindsight, I've done various things during everyday life in preparation to become a magician~"

I wonder what kind of things? ...I hope it's nothing serious.

"In order to learn the history of magicians, from when I was a child, I was made to read aloud picture books for children, poem singing, practice to read lines smoothly, abdominal breathing... Toys for detecting the flow of magic. Even the children's plays were for the sake of training to become a magician."

Zena-san looks a bit gloomy for a second.

"It's not like I bear ill will toward my parents for raising me like that, you know? Learning magic is fun anyway, and I have an objective to fly in the sky someday."

But there is no other road to choose from the beginning...

"Satou-san. Why does Satou-san want to learn life magic? Is it because it's useful for business?"

"No, since there is no bath in the inn, I was thinking if I have magic then I wouldn't have to take a bath outside..."

Ah, she's amazed.

She looks me in the eyes directly, and bursts into laughter.

Is it that interesting?

"Ahahahaha! Th, this is the first time I've seen a person who has such a reason for wanting to become a magician."

Seemingly hitting the spot, Zena-san's laughter doesn't stop.

"Is it that strange?"

I think that it's a relatively proper reason though. Don't you want to make inconvenient things easier?

"It is strange!"

An immediate answer.

"Because if you have the drive and the funds to learn life magic, isn't it faster to just build a bath in your house? And you can just buy slaves for the job of boiling the bath."

It's like that huh~

I will do things I could do myself! I'd like to think like that, but even over here, it's normal to hire people to work, since the labor costs seem to be cheap.

"Mister, please buy some flowers."

When we got to the west street, a little girl carrying a small knitted bag filled with flowers immediately stopped us.

The little girl stops while holding out a flower. I've caught sight of her various times before but this is the first time she calls out to me.

I wonder if people accompanied by women are easier to sell?

She's well thought out even though she's just a little girl.

"Okay, how much is it?"

"A penny for a bundle."

I receive the flowers in exchange for a penny. The little girl happily thanked me and went toward the next customer candidate.

I present the flower to Zena-san.

Zena-san looks surprised.

No, there is no other choice than this isn't there?

"Umm, is it fine to take it?"

"Yes, I'd be troubled if you don't receive it."

Since I can't throw it away.

Zena-san bites her lip while looking very happy.

Huh? Is it something to be so happy about?

...Well, I guess it's fine as long as she's pleased.

"That's right, Satou-san. Do you have any business after this?"

"No, after chanting practice I have nothing in particular "

...There's alchemy, but I can do that anytime.

"Th, then, why don't we go to the street stalls on the way to the temple?"

"Yes, I'm fine with that. If possible, I'd like you to tell me the specialties of this town."

Zena-san probably never had experience of inviting someone herself, her face turns bright red halfway during the suggestion. Since it's just me, you don't have to be so tense you're fumbling words.

That reminds me, when was it decided for me to go along until the temple? She did me a favor regarding the secret of chanting, and I shouldn't complain since it's a date with a girl.

"Specialties, is it? Leave it to me!"

She's full of confidence. I could expect something, maybe.

"This is made from sweet potatoes, steamed sweet potatoes are filtered to become jams which are then kneaded together to make bread. It's been a Seryuu city's specialty since long ago."

Something that looks like a sweet potato kneaded for bread huh. Quite a subtle presence...

"These are deep fried bat wings spread with black miso."

It seems that Zena-san doesn't know the cuisine's name either. The shopkeeper who couldn't stand shutting his mouth any longer tells us. ...It's Dragon Wing Fries.

It seems to be foods said to bring luck.

"And then these are things I'm taught by Lilio. Ah, Lilio is the smallest girl from the trio."

Putting aside the girl's name.

The thing that Zena-san recommends is ...light brown? ...I wonder what is it?

For the time being I bought two servings for two pennies from the stall's uncle seller.

I guzzle the brown liquid using the straw plugged into it handed by the uncle seller.

It's a starch syrup!

"Starch syrup huh. It's nostalgic~"

"You knew about it~"

She looks a bit disappointed. I should have been surprised ...I'm sorry.

"The starch syrup that I know is colorless and transparent, I didn't know what this was."

"Noble-sama, the colorless transparent syrups are high-class items made using expensive grains and sugars, this one is intended for commoners and uses sweet potatoes, gabo fruits and malts so it's light brown."

The uncle seller interrupted with overreaction.

Who's a noble? He didn't say it to Zena-san only.

"Mister, I am a commoner , you know. I got to drink the colorless and transparent syrup from an acquaintance long ago. I didn't know that it's a luxury."

I mean, it's 200 yen a pop for the festival.

Afterwards, we enjoy ourselves by going around various stalls while plodding the crowds. It's a good afternoon.

Chapter 15

Satou's here. "Every cloud has a silver lining", I'm contemplating such a phrase.

The peaceful afternoon I enjoyed yesterday completely changed.

Well then, the afternoon series, troubles arc will begin...

A little distance away from the street stalls, there's a Parion temple.

In the east street, there are only street stalls in the main street.

There are some people gathered in front of the temple.

"I wonder what happened?"

"Let's check it for a bit."

Zena-san rushes over there. Seeing this quick change of pace, she's really a soldier.

Zena-san asks what happened to the big priestess' attendant from yesterday.

Zena-san is flapping her hand around it. She seems to be grateful about something.

I wonder what they're talking about?

When I got closer as I walked I only heard the latter half of the story.

By the way, the conversation that I've heard,

"...then how about the Garleon temple on the east street. The temple there also has military contact so medical treatment shouldn't be a problem. It's on east street but you're accompanied by a man so strange fellows probably won't approach you."

"Yes, even like this, I'm a magician soldier. I'd beat playboys who try to pick me up no matter how many of them come."

From Zena-san, it seems that the priestess is in the middle of meeting with envoys from the royal capital temple. Moreover, since the priestess is only able to use magic for healing injury, light poison and illness, we're forced to go to the other referred temple.

...He's just passing the buck!

In the end, we're going to the Garleon temple on the east street.

It's not like I'm dissatisfied you know?

Even if I get used to it, walking in a European-style city together with a plainly cute girl like this, it's quite enjoyable!

Along the way, about 100 meters away, a public park is there.

I thought that it was just a lawn with weeds, but it's cut short and in the square, some old couples carrying babies are resting, and around 10 young people are practicing martial arts.

"Zena-san, what kind of training is in the military?"

I want to hear it somehow.

"That's right~, I think it's the same training as soldiers everywhere, but for magic soldiers it's about preservation of magic power. We take care to maintain the state where we can use magic at its best."

Variation in training huh?

Certainly, MP-less magicians are useless.

"Magic soldiers and magicians each assigned different roles in accordance with their element. I can only speak from the viewpoint of the military, but except for the fire element, we don't usually use other elements for attacking."

Certainly something like torture by fire is certainly suitable for attack. But you can also use it to heat the bath , you know?

"As for my wind, it's used for protection from arrows, , defending a castle from castle breaker hammer with (Air Cushion), or transmitting instruction with (Whisper), various useful things like those. If we use (Fly) then scouting will be easy, but the Earl doesn't have anyone who can use it."

That reminds me, Zena-san's goal was to fly through the sky isn't it?

"If you manage to fly, then it'd be nice to have a date in the sky~"

I was joking, but Zena-san turns red to her neck and says "P, please leave it to me" while fumbling her words.

It's cute, but I'm worried if she's ever going to be deceived by a bad man~

In the shades of the roadside trees several cats are curling around. Come to think of it, this is the first time I've seen wild cats since I came here.

"That cat is cute~."

Zena-san looks like she'll run there if left alone.

I'm part of cat's faction too, that's why I can't let the cats' afternoon nap be disturbed!

So I bring up this talk.

"That reminds me, there are no wild dogs in this city."

"There's a rumor that wild dogs, if seen, will become meals for the people of the slum..."

"It's a lie, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's a lie.

But a rumor like that does exist, it seems that ripe gabo fruits eaten with dogs are quite addicting. So, ever since that fruit began to be consumed, wild dogs disappeared."

Gabo fruits appear again. Have some restrain!

People catching sights of hunters going to the meat processing plant in the east street with their dog partners seems to be the root of that rumor.

"Punishment for the demon's kin! Receive blessing by striking the demon with these holy stoooones!"

Halfway into the east street, we're hearing a faint voice verging on falsetto like it's coming from an old man. There are also voices of a lot of people.

On the square from the alley turn, there's a fat middle-aged man priest standing in an expensive looking pedestal.

With bloodshot eyes, bubbles fly from his mouth.

"O people with virtue! Do you remember the divine punishment also known as Star Fall from the other day!"

"""Oooo!"""

"""We remember!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

Isn't about half of the shouting people are faking it?

"Furthermore! FurtherMORE! Yesterday, the Earl's castle had been hit by an attack of the demon lord's executive!"

"""Oh Gods!"""

"""Please save us, hero-sama!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

Shouting is a good way to relieve stress huh.

"This is a sign of the dimming of the god's divine protection! Acquire blessings! O people with virtue! Those who gain blessings will be protected from disaster!"

"""Priest-sama! Please save us!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

"""Blessings!"""

Such cheap people.

"Acquires blessing! Do you understand people! Blessings!"

"""Blessings!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

"""Please teach us!"""

This town's people would be easily deceived by fraudulent calls or shady pyramid scheme.

"Look at those fellows!"

The fat priest point at the back of the square.

"Those fellows are demi-human, the washout of the demon, no, the kin of the demon lord! Give divine punishment to those fellows and receive blessings!"

"""Oooooo!"""

"""KILL!"""

Oi oi agitator.

"Wait! People of virtue! Murder is prohibited by the law of the kingdom. Wait!"

"""What should we do, priest-sama!"""

"""KILL!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

There are a lot of people who are just clamoring.

"Killing is prohibited! With these holy stones hit the demon's kin and receive blessings."

"""Priest-sama!"""

"""Give us the stones~!"""

""Oooooo!"""

I look at the direction the fat priest points to. 3 beastkin girls are there.

"But it's not free! Receive the blessings using your own money!"

"""Oooooo!"""

"""Blessings!"""

Dog, Cat, and Lizard beastkin girls are huddling together.

"The holy stones are 1 copper coin each! For this special occasion, you can get 6 stones for one big copper coin!"

Ah, the voices from the people stop. What a calculating populace~

"What's wrong! Pious men and women! There's a limit on these holy stones! Those who receive blessings are those who act fast!"

"""We'll buy it!"""

"""Please sell it to me!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

They sure are weak with limited edition.

"Buy it from my disciples here! Line up! If you don't properly line up, you won't get the blessings!"

"""Oooooo!"""

"""Line up!"""

Fat priest, did you just use mind manipulation magic?

People who have bought the holy stones unreservedly throw it at the beast girls. They don't hesitate there.

Eh~~~? Are you serious?

"I cannot watch this!"

Zena-san pushes her way through the crowds running to the fat priest's place.

I was taken aback and late to respond.

"""Kill the demi-human!"""

"""Oooooo!"""

"""Punishment for the demon kin!"""

The people are heating up and sporadically hit the beast kin girls with the stones.

The lizard girl are protecting the smaller dog and cat girls.

Now then, it's easy to interrupt this from the front, but if the same thing happen again later then there is no meaning to it.

Detailed information from the AR come up like usual when I look at the beast kin girls.

This is!

I quickly chew through the information I've found.

Then, it should be somewhere.

There!

I investigate the guy's information and is convinced.

With this, I should manage somehow!

I whip my gray brain cells to explore the best solution...

Chapter 16

Satou's here. "In any ages, agitators never disappear.", such phrase exist, but let alone in ages, even in different world they don't disappear.

Well then, let's settle this.

Adding another page to the history of Seryuu city...

Staring at the 3 beast kin girls, I found the name of the master of the girls.

It's not the name of the fat priest.

Then, where is the master of the girls?

Thinking the possibilities, either the master is not here, or he can't go against the fat priest... or he's a partner of the fat priest.

Right now, since we can't find the information with just AR, I use the special ability of All Map Exploration.

I search the name of the master.

There, on the edge of the square. It's a small man with fox-like eyes, grinning at the commotion in the square while sitting atop of a wooden box.

I inspect the information displayed on the AR.

The small man's name is Uusu. 39 years old. His skills are [Fraud],[Persuasion] and [Intimidation]. Owned slaves are [Cat kin],[Dog kin],[Lizard kin]。

...Hmm? Do slaves only display their kin's type with no name?

No, those kind of things don't matter.

I need more information.

It's still not enough.

Affiliation [Seryu City, Lower Class Citizen]. Guild [Brown Rat].

This is it, guild [Brown Rat]. Begin Search!

Members are 52 people. Including the 10 people in this square. Excluding Uusu and the bodyguard-like big man behind him, 8 men are fake demonstrators in the square.

I mark all people, including the one not present in this place.

Now then, let's begin the action!

[Inference Skill Acquired]

[Behind the Scene Skill Acquired]

...But the beast kin girls are probably very shaken with those abuses. I had overlooked an important information. I can't turn back the time, but right now, if I delay the first step the result might be different...

Zena-san arrives before the fat priest.

"Pleas stop this inhuman conduct!"

"What's this little girl! Are you an ally of the demon?"

Before one become aware, his followers have disappeared. Moreover, since he can't refute back, the agitators' butt in for him.

"""Allies of the demon are demons too!"""

"""Ooooooo!"""

In the space of the time Zena-san gained, first I have to do something about the fakers in the crowd.

"Please do not be deceived! Does Zaikuon temple intend to break the law of the kingdom!"

"What's wrong with beating the demon with holy stones?"

What a disengaged conversation. No, the priest understand, he's just shifting the point.

I activate [Spy] and slip into the crowd. While moving through the crowd, I also activate [Evasion] and [Fighting].

"""Oooooo!"""

"That's right! Let's throw stones at that little girl!"

"""Oooooo!"""

Zena-san use not only to herself but also to defend the beast kin girls. As expected of a magic soldier of the army.

Now then, while they're still dumbfounded let's put this crowd into order. Even for Zena-san, if a lot people rush together it would be dangerous.

I move beside the (Brown Rat) man who's still trying to incite stone throwing. I wonder if it's the effect of the skill, I was able to choose what kind of attack to neutralize him, and even while being hidden to the surrounding doing it.

I neutralize the (Brown Rat) man with just one attack. And just like that, I throw him to the alley. Because time is precious, I don't have time to restrain him.

[Abduction Skill Acquired]

[Assassination Skill Acquired]

Abduction skill seems to be usable, I raise it to maximum. I don't take the Assassination skill. I won't take it you know?

In the center of the square, a priest with different clothing is helping Zena-san. It's a blue-collar worker handsome middle-aged man.

"Equating demi-human with demon, rather than Zaikuon temple, Isn't it just you who say such thing?"

"Hum, the philanthropist priest from the Garleon temple huh? If you like beasts that much then after this beating, use them as you like, from the front, the back, whichever."

Uwa, he's the worst sexual harasser. Zena-san is turning red... or not. Did she not understand the meaning. Par exellence.

"Kill the demi-human!"

""Oooooo!""

"Punishment for the demon!"

I'll leave the dispute on the stage to Zena-san and her reinforcement, and proceed to exterminate the harmful pests (Brown Rat) here. I successfully knock 2, 3 people unconscious and leave them on a suitable alley. Sake bottles are falling around nearby but I don't have time to spare.

"Do you understand! If you keep fueling anxiety on people, it could end up in revolt! Zaikuon temple will be blamed as the mastermind behind it!"

"Foolish lizard who borrows the skin of dragon! Don't kill the demon you say? Aren't you the traitor here!"

"Kill the demon!"

""Oooooo!""

"Maybe that little girl is a demon in disguise?!"

The extermination is half complete. The crowd's shouting has become considerably less too... There's a particular guy with an awfully loud voice. Though he doesn't seem to be a part of Brown Rat. Let's mark him for now. Let's get in contact after the extermination is complete.

"Everyone from the east street! Everyone else is also anxious just like you! But that's not an excuse to torture the weak like cowards!"

"Did you hear that everyone! Garleon temple deem you as evils! He said that everyone here, eager to receiving blessings, as evils!"

"Kill the demon!"

""Oooooo!""

"You damn fake priest!"

Good, only 2 more remaining.

I bring them down and roll them to the alley.

Before I set up the stages with Uusu, I got into contact with the loud-voice-kun to prepare for the event.

[Conspiracy Skill Acquired]

"Please stop this already. No matter how many of you throw the stones, I will prevent it!"

"You bastard, do you intend to interfere this holy conduct! Foolish one who goes against God!"

The fat priest shout to the point bubbles fly from his mouth, but people who support him are sparse. Even those voices are disappearing 1 by 1 now.

I tap on the shoulder of Uusu.

"It's your turn now."

"Wh, who are you bastard! Oi, Banze! Crush this bastard!"

While surprised, Uusu ordered the big man behind. But he fell into confusion when he look back and couldn't find the man from earlier.

"Banze? Where's that halfwit gone to!"

"That big man (Banze) has gone somewhere with a woman."

In truth, he's currently fainted in the alley though.

I twist the arm of Uusu and take him along up to the stage.

"Everyone, please disband here. If you keep this up, the army will really come! If you are anxious then go to the temple, I'll listen to your worries no matter how much!"

"You bastard, do you intend to interfere this holy conduct! Foolish one who goes against God!"

Aren't you both priests?

I throw Uusu in the middle of them.

"Oh, Uusu-dono! You bastard! What have you done to this pious person who provided the demi-human for this holy conduct! You apostate!"

"Zena-san, please use magic to isolate voices from outside for the slaves."

Before Uusu get up to command the slaves, Zena-san has completed the spell.

"Dog, Cat, Lizard! Beat these guys up!"

Since command didn't reach the slaves, they're tilting their necks looking puzzled.

For once, I pick up a holy stone (lol), and throw it at the solar plexus of the man. Oh, he faints in agony.

"Zena-san, thanks for waiting. Thank you for your hard work too, handsome middle-aged priest (the priest over there)-san. This guy is the ringleader."

"As expected of Satou-san. You're not just nimble!"

"Who are you"

Your praise vector is a bit strange, Zena-san.

"Zena-san, if you still have some magic left, could you cast a spell to make our voices heard throughout the square?"

"Okay! ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■■■ Whisper Wind."

I raise the fainted Uusu with both hand to make him visible.

I plan to use the handsome middle-aged priest as cover to make me look inconspicuous.

Wa, don't move priest-san.

"Everyone, can you see him? This man is the culprit! This man lent his slaves to this Zaikuon temple's priest, agitated your worries and sold common stones to steal your precious money!"

[Condemnation Skill Acquired]

"'GIVE OUR MONEY BACK-!'"

An especially loud voice comes out from the crowd. Fueled by that voice, series of, "Give our money back", shouts begin.

"Furthermore, these guys have other goal! To gain small profit and to use the Zaikuon temple for their true purpose! They want to incite everyone's here and start a revolt on the Earl! They are actually worshipers of the demon!"

Scammer skill at its peak! orz.

The small profit part is probably true though. The remaining two were just something I made up.

In fact, even until now I don't understand the purpose of this man so I'm shaking his up to spit it out.

[False Charge Skill Acquired]

If his purpose is to sell holy stones, even if 100 stones are sold, that's 4 silver coins. It does not match the price of 3 demi-human slaves. From Market skill's judgment, the three are worth for about 6 silver coins. If they had continued the throwing just before, the slaves would undoubtedly be dead.

See? The calculation doesn't fit.

"'That guy is being manipulated by the demon from the shadow, is it...!'"

That guy, I did ask him to put the priest in disadvantageous position, but read the air. This could become another riot.

"I will deliver this man to the lord for attempted revolt. Fat priest (Zaikuon Temple), you were being deceived by this man isn't it?"

The priest's eyes are swimming.

"Ye, Yes, I was deceived. So he was a demon worshiper! I, I'm not in the wrong... noble-sama! I was deceived. That's why I don't have the slightest bit of revolting against the Earl..."

"Yeah, that would be right. Then please give the money back to the people. That will surely give you better treatment."

Of course, it's an empty promise. Scammer skill is scary. Words are coming out fluently...

The fat priest is unwillingly gives the disciples instruction to give the money back. Group of two or three people are leaving the square. Later, a quarrel between people who didn't buy the stones and the disciples break out.

Kukukukuku.

Uusu who got his feet trampled down and can't move laughs creepily.

Did he go crazy, or does he have some kind of plan?

He wouldn't convince anyone with arguments full of holes. He looks like someone who loves to use violence anyway.

But, it was different than what I expected. Even while lying face down and completely unable to move, an attack from a swing of black hand came out.

I was able to dodge by a hairbreadth but the poison claws teared through the fat priest.

Chapter 17

Satou's here. "I must pay attention to his arms", even after I murmured so, I completely forgot about it halfway through.

However, it's just an arm. Let's just crush it and end it soon.

"What the heck is that arm?!"

The fat priest who got his internal organs torn by the sharp claw dies instantly.

And, Uusu who wields that poisonous claw looks like he doesn't understand what's happening...

"T, that arm!"

"From yesterday, isn't it?"

Zena-san nods.

"Do you know something?"

"It's the arm of the higher ranking demon who attacked the lord's castle yesterday."

Zena-san dutifully answered the handsome middle-aged priest's question.

...What kind of situation is this.

Uusu doesn't look like he's a demon from the beginning.

Then, he's probably a host of a demonic parasite, although I don't know the why or how.

Let's check Uusu's information once again.

...There, [Abnormal Status: Demonic Possession]. If only I saw it earlier!

Even though I have cheat, if I don't use it skillfully then it's meaningless... I should reflect on it.

The problem is how to defeat it.

"If I try to pull it out by force, that man is probably going to die, what should we do?"

"We don't have the leisure for such things, let's call for reinforcement immediately!"

"I will try to confine it! ■■■■ ■■■■■ ■■ ■■■■■■..."

The priest's chant is too long.

"Zena-san, please call for reinforcement. It's probably the fastest to call the central with the help of wind magic."

For now, let's keep Zena-san in the safe zone.

After hesitating for a bit, Zena-san runs while saying "I'll be back asap".

The poisonous claw tried to attack here, but Uusu couldn't get up so it didn't reach.

The arm grow from the area around the chest of Uusu.

In the beginning, the arm was about 1 meter long but it continues to grow longer little by little.

Is it growing?

A stone thrown from the crowd hit the side of the head of Uusu. It hit with quite a sound.

This time, an arrow flying from behind pierces through Uusu's neck. When I was dumbfounded, another three arrows hit in a row.

When I look behind, two hunters appear from the shadow.

"...We bring down the prey when we are presented with the chance to."

Since when were you guys here.

However, it's a world which treats life cheaply. For the time being, we're saved without any intervention from me. I may become a peace-loving idiot.

Uusu who should've been dead, get up with straight posture and no bent joint, looking like a Kyonshii (Chinese vampire). From that body, black light(?) emerges.

"You worms, for destroying this annoying host's brain. I thank you."

...Demon-kun, I like you better when you didn't talk.

"...■■■■ ■■■■■ !"

"How impertinent. I laugh."

The demon is looking uninterested, the handsome middle-aged priest invokes the spell which seal the hand of the demon with light magic square.

Even though the demon snickers at it, the magic square persist.

"Gunununu. This isn't a magic that should have been able to be used by human! I miscalculate"

The handsome middle-aged priest has begin casting for another spell.

The hunters withdraw, knowing that it's not an opponent that could be defeated with arrows.

The people who remain in this square are just me, the handsome middle-aged priest, and the three beast kin girls.

Probably interested with the situation, some people are peeking from the shadow of rooftops around the square.

Everyone sure can run fast~

The three beast kin daughters are chained together to a stake stuck in the square, so they can't run away.

For now, let's get the beastkin daughters out of harm way. I shouldn't lose the real reason of why I got into trouble with the fat priest in the first place.

Tearing off the chains would be too conspicuous, so I pull out the stake. Since I didn't look like I use too much force, even if someone saw it they would think that the ground is loose.

"It's dangerous here, quickly get away. Since I can't take off the chain, go hide behind the shadow of a sturdy building together."

"Impossible, nyesu"

The cat girl timidly speaks while occasionally chokes on her words. It seems that Uusu ordered them to "Don't move away from this place", and if they oppose it the collar will put them to death... This is troublesome.

I can't wait for the army to arrive here. Their war potential has fallen from yesterday, and there is not enough road space to bring the cannon here. There is no room for cavalries either. The magicians' number has also decreased sharply.

If it like this, if I play around the victims will only increase. I don't want Zena-san and the three beastkin girls to die here.

Let's disguise into masked hero, and finish the demon when the handsome middle-aged priest cast his holy magic.

I transformed(lol) before the demon begin to do something troublesome.

"That bastard over there. You worm dare to ignore me, I am angry!"

I face the arm demon. The AR indication has changed from Uusu to Demon kin. On the space for the name, phonetic symbols lined up instead of normal letters.

Has Uusu been swallowed completely?

Checking the AR while keeping the demon in sight, the beast kin girls status has also changed to [Master : none].

"You bastard, who are you? I am uncomfortable."

"A confirmation for now, you're not Uusu but a demon right?"

"Wa, wait! I am Uusu! Please take off this arm, I don't want to die! Please help!"

Huh? Is his consciousness intact?

When I think of that for a moment, the arm demon [launches] three poisonous nails.

"Mufufufufu~. Humans always react this way~ I am thrilled."

I block the poisonous nails with the stake in the nick of time. The stake changes color and crumbles in a moment.

"Unununu, you blocked that, I am astonished!"

I pick up a holy stone on the ground. Should I weaken him with this?

The man's jaw start to transform to look like a wolf.

Before the transformation complete, I throw the stone at him but it was blocked with the poisonous claw.

"Fushurururu~. It's easier to talk now. I am excited "

Here, it's painful to hear your way of speaking though.

"■■■ ."

Spear of light formed from thin air flies from the handsome middle-aged priest.

"I ridicule."

The arm demon roars, wall of darkness erupts and divert the course of the light spear.

As I thought, he's not only able to talk easier but also able to use magic now.

"Everyone, please quickly get away from this square! Attack magic is incoming!"

I desperately raise my voice to tell the people who are peeking the square!

[Loudspeaker Skill Acquired]

"All the panic, fear, anxiety, prejudice, arrogance since earlier are truly splendid! I am satisfied."

I'm going to be fine, but at this rate, the beastkin girls are going to die if left alone.

An especially large long roar comes out of the arm demon.

"Therefore, let this place become moi nesting ground. Aren't you happy? I service!"

Should I carry the beastkin girls on my shoulder and run? It can't be helped if I attract attention.

Consequently, while having such needless worry, the situation is changing rapidly.

The ground below is warping like special effects from Showa era shows. Even though the ground is hard, it's flashing dark violet light, warping, twisting, stretching... and the flash [Darken].

When the light settles, I was in a place that look like a cave. Beside the ground which is unchanged, everything else look like bare rocks. In the space of around 10 Meter in radius, I see an exit on one of the wall.

I can somehow see it thanks to the faint purple light coming from the floor.

People who are here include me, the still-chained dog and cat girl I carry in my arms and the lizard girl on my shoulder.

The handsome middle-aged priest and the arm demon who were nearby before, aren't here.

"Welcome to moi Labyritnth. It still doesn't have name, and monsters are being created right now, you can thank moi for it. I am diligent!"

The arm demon's voice are coming from somewhere. It doesn't seem like telepathy.

The dog girl is pointing at the corner of the ceiling. It seems that the voice is coming from the air hole there.

"For the sake of moi complete revival, experience fear at your heart's content. Kill each other! Snatch everything. I encourage!"

After pausing for a bit, the arm demon continues.

"The souls of those who resigns are thin, I hate."

"Therefore, every room are connected to the exit and moi room. I am fair."

"I am expecting the despair that come after the hope. Strive, fodders! I encourage!"

...I see.

This is like the forced event [Escape from the Labyrinth Mission] in video game. Outbreak! That kind of feeling.

Phew.

Title [Labyrinth Explorer] Acquired

Chapter 18

Satou's here. While thinking that it's going to be city adventure, suddenly it become dungeon attack, I am unable to follow the situation, Satou.

The labyrinth was easily created but I wonder if the exit is on the downtown?

An adventure guild could probably be established after some years.

When I'm confirming the map, [Labyrinth of Demon, Bottom Layer], is displayed, the passage ways are not displayed.

...It's not going to be that convenient, is it?

The beastkin girls look anxious.

First of all, let's take care it.

"I'm Satou. A peddler"

"Cat nyesu"

"Dog nanodefu"

"Lizard"

The cat and dog girl choked on their words. While scraping sound can be heard halfway through the lizard girl's words.

It's not only Uusu who did it, even their master from before called them like that. The cat and the dog girls were slaves from birth but the lizard girl wasn't and she seemed to had have a name before becoming a slave. However, it's a long name mixed with incorrigible sound difficult to pronounce.

In the end, since they asked me to give them name that's easy to call, I name them "Pochi","Tama", and "Liza". Don't treat them like pets! You may be angry like that, but I don't have the confidence to remember them right with normal names so please forgive me, at least until we get out of this labyrinth.

Liza is not from Lizard but two words cut from her real name.

Now then, before we begin the escape, let's cure the beastkin girls first.

I take out cloths, a water bottle, and ointments from the bag. The ointments are sample products from the alchemy set. Since it's just a sample, I don't have a lot but it's probably sufficient.

"Disinfect your wounds with this cloths soaked with water from this bottle. After that smear the ointment to the wound and coil it with the cloth. Don't use the cloth you used for the disinfection okay?"

The beastkin girls are perplexed when I hand them over new cloths.

They're probably bewildered to be spoken not in commanding words for the first time, yeah. I feel like I'm back to nursing my smaller relatives back in the days.

"What's wrong? I will face the other way while you girls are treating your wounds, so don't worry."

Apparently it's not because they're embarrassed, but because they rarely ever got good cloth and ointment as slaves.

"Thank you, nanodesu. You don't have to face the other way nanodesu."

"Beautiful cloth. I'm happy~."

"Since the master is dead, we cannot possibly pay you back. It's better to put aside water and medical treatment until after we get out of the labyrinth... um, well... isn't it..."

The incomprehensible words are converted to proper sentences in the brain. It's good isn't it?

Pochi and Tama untie the string that tied the simple clothes they were wearing and undress without hesitation to begin treating their wounds.

Liza-san seems to be the thoughtful type and hesitate a little, but I [Order] her not to mind so she also begin the treatment.

When their treatments are finished, I distribute the baked sweets to the three. I give them 3 palm-sized sweets each. It should be enough for now. The sweets are remainder from the time when I went to various stalls with Zena-san. It's not bitten leftovers though.

Pochi drools all over her face, everyone stare at the sweets, but no one is eating.

"There are no poison in it, so eat it well."

Are they not allowed to eat without orders? Slaves

sure are oppressed~ Pochi chokes on the food so I pass her the water bottle.

"I won't take it away, eat it slowly."

I feel like a baby-sitter for a bit...

I confirm the map once again. It still only displays this room.

...Is the magic ineffective, or is it dispelled...

I open the menu and use the [All Map Exploration] magic. Even though this particular magic is easily usable~.

The whole picture of [Labyrinth of Demon] is displayed. Easy mode is too good!

This looks like an ant's nest, rather than a labyrinth.

The passage from here to the next room is diverged like a tree's root, from that room to the other the passages diverge again like before. In labyrinth-like fashion, there are also secret intertwined secret passage ways that connect rooms.

Searching through the map, there are 109 humans here. In which 7 are demi-human. The remaining 102 are human kins with around a quarter of them being slaves.

The handsome middle-aged Garleon priest is in a considerable remote position. If we can meet up with him, it'd be already near the exit huh? I personally don't want him to end up dead, being a capable person he is, though he probably won't die easily so I will consider it lucky if we can meet him.

I tried searching for the arm demon but I couldn't find him. There's a particular room located in the deepest part, he's probably there...

If I carelessly beat him, the labyrinth may collapse, let's leave him alone for now.

The enemies are around level 10-20 of insect monsters. There were around 20 when I first searched, but now, there are more than 100. Additionally, snake and frog monsters appear too.

Let's give the beastkin girls some weapons since it could be bad if we were sandwiched between the passage.

Okay, let's look for some hidden suitable location in the passage to take some spear and sword from the storage.

After deciding what to do, I tried to go toward the passage but I was stopped by the beastkin girls in a hurry.

"Please don't throw me away! I will do anything!"

"Please don't leave me behind!"

"Mister, I don't mind being a sacrifice but please take me along. Please."

They desperately tried to stop me. Still no one tried to pull my clothes, is it because their experience as slaves or training?

"Don't worry. I was just going to see the state of the passage. I won't abandon you, so please be at ease."

I'm talking as gently as possible. Though I don't think it will fully relieve them, it's better than not saying anything.

After the three girls finished eating, I take out out daggers and magic gun from the bag and equip them (to himself and the girls).

Only Liza who has combat related skill, [Spear]. Since I can't exactly take a spear out of the bag, I take out another dagger and give it to Liza. Probably because it's uncommon for slaves to have weapon, she hesitated but I pushed it to her.

I take the vanguard position, Liza is responsible for surprise attack from the back. Liza wanted to do the battle by herself but I asked her to be on the rear.

Since I have radar, there is no possibility of surprise attack, but I'm giving her the role to ease the girls' uneasiness a little.

The order is me, Tama, Pochi, and Liza. I [Order] them with a strong tone to not participate in battle. Since their level are only around 2-3, if they carelessly receive an attack they could die.

It's an escort mission for real.

The floor on the passages become that of rocks. Since there aren't any paved stones that emit light anymore, it's dark. The fortunate thing? There are several shining stone pillars every few meters so, even though it looks eerie, at least we are able to walk.

The stone pillar is about a waist's height. Since the light only reach around our breast's area, the ceiling is pitch dark, it's unpleasant.

It was probably made so to fuel anxiety.

Such a detestable demon-like thing to do.

When someone got into a room the passages will turn pitch black to encage them inside, there are probably thing like that prepared.

"Tama, if you see anything in the passage ahead, tell me in low voice. Pochi, if you smell or hear anything strange, tell me about it. Liza, please be wary of the back. But please don't focus all your attention on the rear and be late to follow us."

"""Yes"""

I'm still a bit uneasy, but it's a good reply.

[Leadership Skill Acquired]

[Formation Skill Acquired]

Sign of the enemies are detected in the radar. It's quite a bit far ahead.

"I can smell blood from the other side of the passage, nanodesu."

Pochi said that.

It's a straight line from here, but it's still 500 meter away.

I praise Pochi while petting her head. This treatment is like what you're doing to a pet, but her tail flails around with pitter-patter, she's probably happy about it.

I investigate the enemy while walking closer. Level is 20, no special ability. Method of attack is ramming and biting. It seems that there are only one monster in the next room.

I just remember something and take a note of the current stat and abilites of the three, since they also have experience value column, I draw a plan... This really feels like a game.

Since the experience values are displayed as percentage, I don't know the concrete number, but it's still really convenient when gaining levels. Since I can't see the experience value of other person in the map, I wonder if this is restricted to party members? Or are there other conditions to follow?

I saw the light leaking from the room.

I instruct the three to wait and peek at the room. The insect-shaped enemy is single-mindedly eating [Something], paying no attention here. Like I said... I'm weak against gore you know.

I wait until the chewing sound stop, then shoot it with the magic gun.

The single shot blows through the hind leg's joint. The broken parts flies.

I'm not giving the huge cricket any room for counterattack, killing it in rapid-fire.

Good grief, why is this giant cricket appear in anywhere but a desert...

"Amazing, nanodesu."

"Amazing."

"Mister, are you a magician?"

Pochi and Tama are simply in high spirits, but Liza is having a question.

"This is a magic weapon you know. Don't tell this to anyone!"

I gave the warning while grinning badly. I didn't forget to pose with the magic gun.

Pochi and Liza nodded seriously, but Tama said "Ay", while looking so happy. I'm going to give another warning once we get out of the labyrinth.

The chain on the collar is obstructive. Tama is full with just holding the chain on her hand.

That's right, I can cut it with this.

I call Liza and ask her to pull the chain horizontally, then I shoot it with the magic gun.

I did the same thing to Tama and Pochi... but they were probably afraid, their ears were flat down.

I put the chain in the bag and give it to Pochi to hold.

Since the torn foot from the giant cricket was 2 meter long, I make an impromptu spear out of it.

I raised the weapon creation skill to level 1 first.

The nail parts on the toe are loose, so I fix it in place with a piece of wood and a leather strap. Since green fluids are oozing from the cut part, I wrap it with the used cloths from the treatment earlier.

When I'm going to give Liza the cricket spear... She is currently cutting the joint section of the cricket's head, working on something.

Is she hungry?

"Liza, if you eat that kind of thing, you'll have a stomachache."

"Y, You're mistaken. Since it's a monster, it should have a magic core inside, so I'm retrieving it..."

Magic core?

Title [Insect Slayer] Acquired

Chapter 19

Satou's here. I've given up on the idea that this is a dream, but now I'm thinking that this might not be a reality but inside a game instead, I'm having such doubt after being bewildered. If it's like that I would have preferred the world of eroge instead, Satou.

It's just my luck to have a cricket as the first enemy in the labyrinth, although I hope it makes getting out of the labyrinth alive easier.

Without attracting attention that is.

"What is magic core?"

"Magic core can become money. If you give the things from a monster to a peddler, you can get various things."

Liza's answer isn't exactly wrong, but not what I wanted to hear, I guess expecting the jack-of-all-trades Nadi-san's bell-like reply is impossible.

Liza takes out a ball covered with green blood dirt from the monster. It's a red ball about half the size of a fist. Since the color is dull red, it's probably unusable as jewelries.

When she comes back, I pass a pouch from the bag to Liza. I also give her a bit dirty remaining cloth to wipe the clotted blood.

"Put the magic core inside this pouch. Also, use this spear."

I give the pouch to Pochi, and pass the cricket spear to Liza. The dagger which Liza had is handed over to Tama.

Exchanging equipments, truly RPG'stic huh~.

"Liza, for the next magic core retrieval, Tama and Pochi will help you, so teach them how to do it."

"Yes, I understand."

"Okay, nano desu."

"Ay~"

"Oh yeah, Pochi."

"Yes, nano desu."

"You don't have to force yourself to say nanodesu okay?"

"If I don't say it, I'll get spanked, nano desu."

I see, she was instilled to do it huh... Since I'm just a temporary master anyway, there's no need to correct it.

"Okay then, but I won't get mad even if you don't use it, so don't force yourself."

"Yes... nano desu."

We pray for whoever was the victim of the cricket and get out of the room. I wrote the name of the corpse in the memo.

I compared the girls' status before and after the battle, but beside their stamina, nothing has changed.

So they won't get experience just by being together?

Then, how do supply troops or priest raise their levels?

If I can raise the three's level then even if we meet more people in the way, it'd be no problem, however it's not that easy after all.

Since this world is game-like anyway, should I try a game-like approach?

"Tama, if you see a stone about as big as the magic core earlier on the ground pick it up."

"Ay!"

We progress forward smoothly until the passage divides into branches.

They all lead to the same room, but one of the path has another room in the middle of the way. Either of them contains monster but the middle room has two level 10 caterpillar monster. And, there are also human there... Let's help them.

"The road is branching~, nyan."

Just as the junction comes into our view, a report come in from Tama. You don't have to add strange words to establish your character, I said...

I praise Tama while patting her head. She seems ticklish.

Since Pochi looks at us enviously, I also pat her head gently.

Since both of them are about as tall as my chest, they're easy to pat. Are they about 120cm? Liza is a bit taller than me... around 165cm then.

"Let's go to the right passage."

We proceed further. There's something appearing in the radar but what is it?

"There are bugs up there~ nano desu."

Tama warned. This time she's imitating Pochi huh?

Now then, how do we beat invisible enemies?

Since I can grasp its rough position from radar, I look there.

I keep staring there.

AR display pops up with the monster's name and level.

I indiscriminately and repeatedly shoot at the place where the AR is.

Phew phew phew. Bota.

It seems that one of the shot hit, the caterpillar fall onto the ground.

"Tama, hit it with the stone."

Tama hits it for about 3 times. After two hit, the body of the caterpillar repels the stone. It seems that only one of the hit gives damage.

The caterpillar is approaching.

"Pochi, Tama, get back. Liza, come here. Hit it once from behind my back."

While holding back as much as I can, I kicked the caterpillar which was ramming here to gain time.

Liza attacks with the spear during that chance! The caterpillar's HP decreases for about 10%.

After confirming that, I shoot it twice until it die.

"Liza, Tama, I'll leave the recovery of the magic core to you. Pochi, follow me, there's another monster over there."

Tama hands over some stones to Pochi. How many did she pick?

There's the same caterpillar as earlier inside the room.

Furthermore, there are corpses of a young woman and a boy that looks like a slave on the ground. Unlike with the cricket earlier, they're not eaten.

"Pochi, when we get into the room, throw the stone at the monster from my side. When you run out of the stone, go back to Liza's place."

I casually enter the room and shoot the magic gun. As instructed, Pochi throw 2 stones from close range.

The caterpillar who got hit by the stone turn toward Pochi, spitting venom. In the nick of time, I kick the caterpillar's head shifting the direction. The caterpillar dies with just that kick.

Pochi who has finished throwing the stones runs back to the passage.

To the opposite passage that is.

Did she get flustered and mistook the way?

"Pochi, stop!"

I immediately chased after her. Detouring the caterpillar's corpse, I was a bit late.

"Uwa~~~ don't come, don't come here~~~!"

Huh? Who's that? It's not Pochi's voice. It's the man in the passage!

I look at the radar. The position is dangerous.

"Pochi, stop!"

Okay, she can hear me properly now. Pochi is coming back here.

The man from earlier has disappeared from the radar.

Still, why did that young man run away?

Did he mistake Pochi for a monster?

Or did he feel guilty for leaving the two people in the earlier sacrifices...

"Master! Are you alright?"

"You okay?"

Liza and Tama are coming here running.

"Ah, I'm okay. Let's go back to the room earlier to collect the magic core."

"I'm sorry, nano desu."

Pochi is apologizing with her ears falling flat. Her tail is also curling between her thighs.

"Pochi, it's fine to run away. But panicking is not okay. Do you understand?"

"...Yes."

I pat Pochi's head like, pom-pom.

When we got to the room, Liza and Tama were dismantling the caterpillar.

I wrote the names of the two corpses on the memo. I wonder if there's anything useful... I ask Pochi to examine them.

...Since well, you don't usually want to touch corpses, do you?

"Should I strip the clothes?"

Pochi asked, but we didn't exactly need their clothes. I've only noticed just now, but the beastkin girls aren't wearing shoes.

"Take the footwears. Leave the clothes as they are."

Pochi passes over the collected things. The slave boy doesn't have anything, but the woman has a purse and jewelry like rings and necklaces. I created a folder in the storage and named it memento, then I put the mementos there. I will give it to the deceased's family later. I just got an idea to cut the hair of the two and put it in the memento folder.

The sandals are for Pochi and Tama to wear.

Liza, the biggest child, has to wait for her turn later. In the next room with the giant caterpillar, there should be shoes of the young man from earlier, so she wouldn't have to wait for long.

The experiment to attack, however the damage, is apparently successful. Tama and Liza are raised by one level, Pochi by two.

Apparently one automatically learns skill if they level up, Pochi got throwing skill, Tama got collecting skill, and Liza got dismantling skill.

But I don't have the ability to dismantle... I should try cutting fish later.

Wait, there's something strange with Liza's skills.

The dismantling skill is grayed out even though the spear skill is white. Pochi's and Tama's skills are also grayed out.

I wonder if they aren't activated yet. They would be strengthened if I activate it but...

Their attribute values have also increased, but for example, STR is written as 15(18), so it doesn't seem like it instantly rises.

There are still around 100 rooms before the exit anyway, let's solve it until then!

I led the beastkin girls (Tama-Pochi-Liza) out of the room.

Title [Trainer (Tamer)] Acquired

Chapter 20

Satou's here. The weak person who yearns for the sun so much, Satou.

Although the dungeon is fine if it's in a game.

Fighting insects, frogs, insect, snakes in a wet, damp basement is getting tiring.

We've passed 6 rooms since then, but we didn't encounter any more living humans. We came across several corpses though...

"Master, the magic core recovery is complete."

"Alright, let's take a break."

Liza and the others are passing the water bottle around after drinking for a mouthful.

Before I knew it, the way they called me changed from [Danna-sama (Mister)] to [Goshujin-sama (Master)]. Since it seems easier for them to use that, I leave it alone.

Liza drops the water bottle.

Water is spilling from the fallen bottle...

"I, I'm very sorry! Master!"

Liza desperately picks up the water bottle. Her hands seem to be unsteady.

Come to think of it, Pochi's and Tama's throwing accuracy was bad in the battle earlier too...

"Are you tired?"

"I'm very sorry! I wasted the important water. Please punish me in any way."

...You're exaggerating. No, Liza seems to seriously think that.

"Liza, we can just obtain more water. Rather than that, is your body okay?"

"I'm sorry... I feel heavy since earlier, I've tried to move my limbs, but they won't budge."

Pochi and Tama drink the water while lying on the ground looking lifeless.

Confirming their status, there doesn't seem to be any abnormality. They're probably tired.

"The break is canceled, let's take a full rest instead."

I lift Pochi and Tama in my arms and drink the water.

I distribute sweet potato fries to the three. The three look very sleepy, but maybe because they're hungry, they have some vigor left to keep eating.

"After you finish your meal, sleep for 3 hours."

Pochi and Tama sleep with my legs as pillows. Liza shyly curled up into a ball a bit away.

When the three fast asleep, I observe their status.

The attribute values are increasing by 1 every 10 minutes, getting back to its original values. 2 hours after the rest, the grayed out skills turn white.

Speaking of skills, if the three leveled up then their skills would increase right?

They don't get skill just by doing something?

Apparently the improvement from level up is applied after you sleep.

...this is totally like the masterpiece from the labyrinth's classic. It's scary to age if you're not on the stable.

We broke through more rooms after that. The limit before we need to rest was about 3 levels up based on earlier, we should rest after breaking through two more rooms...

"Stop!"

It's rare to see Tama warns without being sluggish.

But there's no enemy on the front?

"What's wrong?"

"The ground is~ strange?"

She answers with a question. There's something wrong with it, but she doesn't know what kind, is it? I watch the ground carefully, the ground texture does look different. Although the color doesn't differ...

Before I can understand what the discrepancy is, an AR display with [Trap: Life Drain] written, pops up.

That's right, this is a labyrinth, there should be traps.

Since there wasn't any until now, I forgot about it.

"Well done, Tama. There's a trap there."

"Ay!"

I stroke Tama's head and cat ears.

I let the three withdraw and try throwing stones at the trap, but it isn't active. From the name of the trap, it probably only reacts to living things.

Since I don't know the range of the trap, I can't be sure if we can safely walk through the edge of the passage either. I won't even consider making the beastkin girls step through it.

There are rat monsters in the room after this, maybe I'll try to lure them here with stones.

I throw 3 stones in a row.

"Rats are coming."

In response to Pochi's report, I made the three fall back. The rats here are only level 10 and weak, but they act in groups. Since I can't be sure if they can break through the trap or not, let's take some distance.

The rats are caught in black spark far from the trap's location. In the end, the 3 rats are all caught up in separate locations. It seems that traps are scattered around in this passage.

[Trap Release Skill Acquired]

[Trap Usage Skill Acquired]

[Trap Discovery Skill Acquired]

Since the trap might be the type that can reactivate, we leave the magic cores behind.

I immediately allocate skill points to just Trap Discovery skill and activate it.

Liza stabs at the giant frog's mouth with all her might. Pochi and Tama then jump from each opposite side to deliver the finishing strike to the frog's head with their daggers.

"Alright! You did well!"

"Yes!"

"Ay!"

"Nano desu!"

I praise them for the first monster kill they did by themselves. Since the opponent was only a simple level 10 with just tongue restrain as a special skill, I tried to let them do it, and do it well they did. The fighting power of beastkin is higher than humans of the same level after all.

This room is 3 times wider than any other room before. There are possibilities of more enemies with this much space, but I can't sense any sign of them.

There's a house on the edge of the room. The roof is cleanly cut in two. It was probably swallowed up with the creation of the labyrinth. Unfortunately, there are no human signs on the radar...

Liza is dismantling the frog, Pochi and Tama are keeping guard of the entrances. This time, it's Liza's turn to dismantle huh. Since there's that skill thing, I've assigned a rotation for the duty.

"Pochi, Tama, let's check out that house. Follow me."

I go toward the house with the two.

There aren't any corpses from casualties in the house but various things instead. Apparently it was the house of a wealthy person.

Two ornamental short swords surprisingly have decent attack power when I checked it with appraisal skill. In a stereotypical fashion, there's a hidden safe behind a wall painting. I blow the lock with a magic gun and check the inside. In addition to a bag of gold and jewels, there's also a magic material called Dragon Powder in a small vial. Was the owner an alchemist?

We collect a small amount of jewelry, but leave the big things, like statues or other work or arts, behind.

Among the works of art, there are a couple of stuffed animals on pedestals. Though I don't really care, I wonder if they were in the process of being repaired? I sort of want to see the stuffing process of fantasy animals.

[Excavation Skill Acquired]

[Treasure Discovery Skill Acquired]

[Treasure Chest Unlock Skill Acquired]

There's an ignition magic tool (Tinder Rod) in the kitchen. That's the only magic tool here, but we put a frying pan, a pot, and tableware for 4 people in the bag.

Since I can get water anytime from the water jug, and there are a lot of small water bottles there, I put oils inside them to make improvised molotov bombs and put them inside the Storage.

"Here, cheese and dried meat! Nano desu~ "

On the collapsed furniture there are big breads, 3 pieces of cheese and some smoked meats inside. After confirming that they're not rotten with the AR, I slice some pieces for Pochi and Tama.

"Let's eat the remainder together with Liza."

"Ay!"

"Yes! Delicious no desu~."

I give the bag with the food to Tama, and bag with accessories and weapons to Pochi, while I'm holding the water jug and tub, we get out.

When we get out, the recovery of the magic core is complete.

"Master, I have a request... Is it alright for me to light fire?"

"Fire underground? What is your reason?"

Liza falters for a bit,

"U, um well, I want to eat the frog's meat... I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize, but is that safe to eat?"

"Yes, it's fine. I've dismantled and eaten frogs from the same family a long time ago. There are internal organs with poison but if we avoid it, it's alright. But if it's not baked there is a danger of poisoning..."

Well, even if this is underground there's an airflow, and we already climbed up for quite a bit so there's no worry of lack of oxygen.

"Alright, I permit it."

Liza instructs Pochi and Tama to cut the frog's legs, while she herself is taking out wood blocks and chips from the bag and preparing it. I see, it was for this reason that she was collecting wood in every room.

I stop Liza from using flint to light fire, and use the ignition magic tool (Tinder Rod) from earlier to ignite fire... Chakka○n?

I give the cookware and the tableware I got from the house to Liza.

Before long, Tama and Pochi hold the leg meat high up their heads.

"Meat~"

"Nano desu~"

...I wonder, they look even happier than with the smoked meat earlier.

Liza cuts the meat into pieces, and lines it up on the frying pan.

She pierces the baked meat with skewers and presents it to me.

...Do I have to eat it?

"Thank you Liza."

I prepare myself and eat it... It tastes a bit like chicken but honestly, it's a bit light. I guess it can't be helped since we don't have seasonings like salt though. It's a hassle to go back to that house just to search for seasoning.

The three people stare at me while eating.

Oh right, they're waiting for permission.

"Stop looking and eat. If you don't properly eat and rest, we can't get out of the labyrinth!"

After getting permission, Pochi and Tama start eating the meat on the frying pan. Liza isn't only frying the meat, she also properly eats it.

I glanced at them while lightly toasting the black bread, cheese and the smoked meat to eat it.

After that, a cycle of dismantling, baking and eating repeat for about 30 minutes, the banquet only finishes after the fuel runs out.

Per the suggestion of Liza, I wrap a lump of meat in cloth and put it in the bag just in case.

If the condition is the same as before, they will get tired after 2,3 battles, so we'll make use of this time to rest to its fullest.

I let the three bathe in the tub, give them new clothes to change, and let them sleep with a blanket.

Although they'll soon get dirty in battle, Don't you feel better to go to sleep with clean clothes?

Chapter 21

Satou's here. Labyrinth from classic series usually has treasures, monsters and mysterious traps.

While the danger is immense, the returns you get from easy level up are also huge, these can be said to be the real thrill of the labyrinth.

A party consisting only of warriors sure has pretty bad balance doesn't it?

After two more rest along the way, we're finally around 80% of the way out of the labyrinth.

Since the end before the last one, we haven't seen any more victim's corpses.

Pochi and Tama's equipment have changed to the ornamental short swords. That's the extent of the equipment change, but the three people are now level 13. It seems that their stats are about 3 levels higher than the average human kin.

Pochi has [Enemy Search], [Throwing], [Dismantling], and [Short Sword] skills, Tama has [Dismantling],[Collecting] and [Short Sword], Liza has [Cooking],[Dismantling], [Spear] and [Thrusting] skills.

It can be said that their strengths are now worlds apart from when I first met them.

If the enemy has no abnormal status attacks then even if it's level 20, the three can handle it. Although it could be dangerous to fight several enemies of the same level since there are no shield users...

"That wall~ is strange?"

Tama senses a strange sensation from the wall inside the room.

When I stared at it, I found a [Hidden Door]. Checking the map, there's certainly a passage behind.

However...

I change the map view point to bird's eye.

About 5 meters from this room, there's a perpendicular shape with a 100 meter diameter right below. A pit, or rather, since it's 3 meter depth, a pitfall trap?

I warn Tama and co not to get close to it.

There's a crossroad after this, beyond that, there seems to be a room with 3 survivors inside. Since they've been resting for 1 hour, it's probably a safe zone there.

Although there are only 5 rooms left before the exit, because they don't have a map, it can't be helped.

"Everyone, stop!"

The radar indicates a red dot indicating the enemy approaching with great speed. Since it's only 1 enemy, I wonder if it's attacking the room earlier?

While falling back I check the enemy's info.

Undead Beast, undead kin, 5 meter length, 2 meter height. The bite can paralyze, attacks include the claws. Very agile. Weakness: Holy element.

"Level is... 40 you say?"

The labyrinth's sweeper huh...

It really does feel like the game of old. An abnormally strong enemy will appear to kill the player who's running out of time.

Before we come into contact with the enemy, we get back to the room.

I evacuated Pochi, Tama and Liza to the corner of the room. As expected, the enemy is dangerous. If they're careless, a single blow could kill them.

The enemy casually appears from the passage. Exerting force only when it's necessary huh...

It's a jet black panther-like beast with a red horn on its forehead.

The Undead Beast disappears from view!

I hurriedly looked at the radar, but its position hadn't changed...

The enemy attacks from above!

It jumps and kicks the ceiling to plunge its body!

Behind my back, I feel that the floor below cracks.

To be so quick even though it's an undead... If it begins to jump around the three beastkin girls could be in danger.

Fighting it frontally is no good.

Seemingly to harass me, the undead beast opens its jaw before starting its bite attack leaving it open.

I threw it to the wall overhead.

The Undead Beast lands on the wall,

I put power in my foot and attack,

...It then breaks through the wall and falls (to the pit). Amen~.

Now then, why don't we join with the survivors?

Beyond the crossroads, the floor is plastered with sticky white threads.

"Sticky Stick~"

"My feet are sticky~ no desu."

"I wonder if it's spider's silks?"

Tama and Pochi clear it with short swords.

In the room, there are 7 cocoons. The 3 survivors are among them. We should rescue them while the spider is gone.

When the person inside the cocoon realizes that we are closing they begin to wriggle.

Just in case, I check the contents inside before we help them.

Nidoran. Slave trader, 40 years old, level 11, [Negotiation], [Torture], and [Arithmetic] skills.

Viscount Jin Belton. Noble, 33 years old, level 15, [Fire Magic], [Flame Magic], and [Social] skills.

Viscount's daughter Tana Belton. Noble, 14 years old, level 3, [Social],[Etiquette] skills.

The viscount is a good potential force.

Even so, why was a noble in that square?

We're splitting the work to save them.

I handle the viscount, Liza the daughter, Pochi and Tama are responsible for the trader.

Halfway through the rescue, a spider coming from below is perceived by the radar. Just like with the undead beast earlier, there seems to be a pit here too.

"It's the enemy! Pochi, Tama, Liza, stop the rescue for the moment and prepare to intercept!"

The beastkin girls ready their weapon for interception.

After a series of battles, these corporations are to be expected.

Fortunately the victim's mouths are clogged up, a blessing in disguise. No noisy things are good.

A spider is crawling out from the hole on the floor.

First I hit its head with stones to deprive its consciousness. Then Liza skewers its head with her spear, while Pochi and Tama slice the joint of its body.

I thought it'd die with the first attack but... To not die even after its head has been pierced, truly a monster.

Liza receives the overhead sweep of the spider's leg, Pochi and Tama slice and dice with the short swords during that gap, shaving off the spider's health.

Since it seems that it would take some time, I threw a pebble in secret to give the finishing blow.

I leave the magic core recovery to Tama, and get back to rescuing with other members.

"I'm saved. I come from the distinguished family of the founder Yamato-sama, the current head of Belton Viscount, Viscount Jin Belton. Expect rewards after we get out of here!"

"Thank you very much, Viscount-sama. I'm Satou, a merchant."

Just as we finished introductions, the viscount's saving is finished. The viscount goes to her daughter's place, takes the knife from Liza and continues the rescue by himself.

Is it because he doesn't want demi-human to touch her daughter, or because he's thinking of saving her himself.

"Thank you for saving me, I'm Nidoren, a merchant. I'd be disliked by the girls, since I deal with slave trading."

"I'm a fledgling merchant, Satou."

"A merchant... is it? I thought that you're surely an adventurer."

While listening to Nidoren-shi, I present him with cold water.

"Do you know about adventurers?"

"Yes... ah! It's explorers in the Shiga kingdom, isn't it? Killing demons in the labyrinth, salvaging magic cores and treasures, it's a high risk high return job."

Tama returns with the magic core and I receive it.

"Putting aside the size of the magic core here, probably because the labyrinth is young, its purity is low."

According to Nidoren-shi, refined magic cores are used in the creation of magic tools, and the higher the purity the more efficient its magic operation is resulting in more advanced magic tools creation.

"Still, it was a brilliant cooperation, the training was certainly long, wasn't it? Such good slaves can easily fetch 20 gold coins each. I'd love to deal with you even once."

It seems to be better to not tell him that they're not officially my slaves. Since it looks like it'd just come back to me.

I'm leaving mementos recovered from the cocoons to the beastkin girls.

I pass foods to

viscount Belton and Nidoren. Of course, it's not the frog meat. The viscount heartily eats even while complaining about the poor food. The viscount's daughter only eats the cheese, and sips the water. Surely, she's exhausted.

3 rooms left before the exit. The viscount has been shouldering the viscount's daughter this whole time. Should I carry her in my back? I suggested that, but it was rejected.

The problem is the next room. Like a dungeon made by a bad GM, located in an unavoidable position is a monster house.

Leading the pack is a level 35 demon, then level 30 Skeleton Knight, Skeleton Deathscythe and Skeleton Warrior. The others are level 10-15 regular Skeleton Soldiers.

Should I change jobs to masked hero?

Checking on the map, the handsome middle-aged priest is 10 rooms apart from here. I intended to join up with him, but the viscount's daughter's exhaustion is extreme. Furthermore, each room is inhabited by 3 monsters from undead type. If we are to join up then the breakthrough would probably require 2-3 hours.

If we manage to break through to the next room then the next after would be a vacant room with no enemy but...

Liza and Tama who were sent for scouting come back.

"Lots of bones~"

"Something spherical with wings is flying in the room. The others are approximately 20 skeleton monsters. I think it's better to search for a detour..."

It's a sound assessment, but the exit is just ahead~

Well then, it's time to exhibit my special deception skill! ...orz.

Chapter 22

Satou's here. It's hard to make people believe something that I don't believe in myself.

A little bit more until the exit.

I want to get back to daily life asap.

"The exit is probably after this. I have two reasons, first, there's a demon who, up until now, was nowhere to be seen. The other, the number of enemies is clearly different than anything before."

Those reasons sure are weak eh~

"...Why do those reasons mean that the exit is just up ahead, I can't understand."

"How about we take a detour as suggested by that demi-human instead?"

You're absolutely right... however! It's my turn now!

"Viscount-sama, did you forget? This is a labyrinth made by demons. They would put their kind in the place where they don't want to let people pass."

Dang, I should've used this reasoning from the start.

"But we are completely outnumbered. I don't think we can beat such large crowds just by ourselves."

I know right~

"Of course we have a chance... That is with the magic of viscount-sama."

I haven't seen him use it even once, but the firestorm used on the demon on the square back then was flashy. It should be enough as a shield.

Oops, I shouldn't have known about the magic of the viscount.

"As you may know, the undead kin are weak to fire. Moreover, I've heard a rumor that says viscount-sama is the best fire magician in the earldom."

"Umu, because even like this, I'm the vice-captain of the magic soldier troops."

The viscount doesn't seem wholly against the idea. So he's a superior of Zena-san huh?

"Viscount-sama, I have a question for the sake of strategy planning, how many times can you use a fire storm?"

"The limit for a fire storm is one use. After casting firestorm we can block the entrance with fire pillar and wait."

Fumu, is it a magic with bad fuel consumption?

It's convenient that the talk has suddenly progressed to doing the battle.

When the view is obstructed by the fire storm, I'd just exterminate the enemies with coin attacks.

[Strategy Skill Acquired]

Viscount Belton's fire storm is raging.

The winged eyeball uttered something in the distance but the battle started without anyone hearing it.

Surprise attack is basic.

"Pochi, Tama, throw stones at enemies who's approaching. Liza, thrust the enemy who passes over the stone throws."

I give commands to the beastkin girls.

Now then, let's smash them before the fire storm disappears.

I hit the center of the eyeball of the winged eyeball with the last piece of holy stone. I don't know what to say to that huge exposed weak point. The holy stone penetrates the demon, smashing the bones on the back, hitting the wall. The roaring sound was masked by the fire storm's sound.

One set of several copper coins are used to destroy 3 high level skeleton monsters. Coin shotgun it is.

When the fire storm subsides, only 7 small fry skeleton monsters with half their health points remain.

For now, let's push the achievement.

"Wonderful viscount-sama. Weakened by the fire storm, the skeletons became brittle and were destroyed one by one with the stones thrown."

"Fumu, the filthy undead monsters were purified by my flame magic."

"That's exactly right, this is the first time I've seen such enormous magic, what a tremendous fire power!"

The viscount with triumphant look along with Nidoren-shi and his praise. I leave him to attend to the viscount's mood, and follow after the cleanup of the small fry (hereafter, zako) skeletons with the beastkin girls.

Liza attacks the feet of a zako skeleton to destroy its balance, then Pochi and Tama strike together to destroy it. Hiding behind the fire left on the ground, I destroy the skeletons with copper coins. I think it's because of throwing skill, the zako skeleton's health is easily depleted by just flicking a copper coin with my thumb ...Is there no rejection skill (Shidan). Even though it's cool.

Title [Undead Slayer] Acquired

Title [Demon Slayer] Acquired

Soon the clean-up of the zako skeletons ends, and we head toward the exit. Since it'd be troublesome if monster reinforcement comes, I leave the magic cores behind.

The passage is different from what we've passed so far, the floor is made of paving stones like the one found inside the room. The passage is 4 meters wide, 3 meters high. Thanks to that, it's bright. The passage continues in a straight line for a while, and breaks into a curve before the last room.

"The outside's smell, nano desu~"

Pochi reports happily while running around me in a circle.

I've become considerably accustomed compared to the first time.

"Let's eat something delicious when we get out."

"Meat~"

"Meat meat~"

Since Liza is in the very back she didn't enter into the conversation, but Pochi and Tama look so happy.

Reflected in the radar, numerous lights appear in succession in the last room.

However, it's not red light which indicates enemy but white light which indicates neutral position instead.

It's probably the territory's army.

The handsome middle-aged priest reached the skeleton room earlier too before I knew it. What kind of trick did he use?

Well it's good either way.

I feel like drinking cold beer and taking a shower right now. Though it's probably unrealizable.

"There are people's voices~"

Pochi said that while pointing to the front.

The passage turn is coming into view. After 3 turns from here, it's the exit.

"Is the wall on the front~ strange?"

Tama reports. I confirmed from the map that there's a pit behind the wall. Maybe it's like the labyrinth shortcut gimmick in a game.

"There's a hidden door here too. Do not touch it."

"Ay!"

"Yes! nano desu~"

When we're passing through the hidden door...

Beast arms break through the hidden door!

I kick the door's fragmented pieces while an enormous body comes into view!

I push both Pochi and Tama to the edge of the passage.

I also want to jump out but if I carelessly avoid, it's certain the three on the back will meet harm's way. I catch the beast, killing its momentum, then it kicks the floor. The beast's jumping power is heavy and powerful, it quickly passes overhead the three to land behind them.

They finally catch up with the unfolding event.

Screams rise. Groan voices. All are overwritten by the roar of the beast.

It's the reappearance of the Undead Beast thought to have been dealt with.

No, it has two horns, different beast huh.

Leaving that aside, what to do?

It climbed all the way up the pit, it's impossible to deal with it like before.

Since there's a level difference, if I ask for the cooperation of the beastkin girls, they could die.

I'd like to ask for the viscount's magic help like in the bone hall, but his magic power is insufficient...

My thought is racing while avoiding the biting attack of the Undead Beast.

"■■■■ ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ Air Hammer"

A mass of invisible compressed air comes from the exit's direction forcing the Undead Beast to retreat.

I was rolled up with it.

Undead Beast, seemingly in an effort to reduce the magic's force, jumps back to near the room's entrance in the back.

The door there opens, and the handsome middle-aged priest comes out of it.

What bad timing.

"Get back to the room, it's the Undead Beast!"

Thanks to the Loudspeaker skill and the echo in the passage, the voice louder than I thought comes out.

The handsome middle-aged priest begins casting spells without panicking.

Ridiculous!

You'll die in a blink of an eye before you even finish the casting.

The Undead Beast turns around after hearing the chanting.

Can't be helped, let's change its target to me and play to avoid war. Then let's defeat it with a strong attack slipped in the middle of the priest's magic.

"■■ Purification (Turn Undead)!"

Short. What's that?

The undead beast stopped moving, and turned back into a stuffed animal.

It can't even stand up on its own, the menace is gone.

GJ, handsome middle-aged priest-san.

"Satou-zannn~~~~"

Before I turn toward the voice, I'm quickly pushed. By Zena-san equipped with leather armor.

"It's good that you're right~~~ It's good~~~~"

Rubbing her head on my chest, she's delighted for the reunion.

The magic earlier was Zena-san's huh. From the other side, soldiers begin to appear, helping to rescue the viscount.

The beastkin girls are coming to my side, but they're standing by in a place a bit far. Liza put Pochi and Tama who tried to come here in check.

"I'm home, Zena-san."

Zena-san scrubs hear tears and lifts her face.

"Welcome back, Satou-san."

The smile of tearful Zena-san looks awfully attractive.

Chapter 23

Satou's here. Not wanting to experience the real dungeon attack again, Satou's.

The arm demon who's missing with the appearance of the labyrinth is on my mind but...

For now I'd like to enjoy a peaceful life for once.

We've come into a vacant lot about as wide as a school yard when we come out of the labyrinth.

Surrounding the edge of the lot are two-meter high fences. It looks to be hastily made.

Since the outer wall can be seen from there, it seems that this is the square where the commotion was.

Looking back at the labyrinth's entrance, it's 3 meters high of sharp jet black rock with a hole. I wonder if it's made of obsidian?

There are 3 turrets 50 meters away surrounding the entrance. Wooden barricades with sharp pointed tips lined up on the places where they don't obstruct the turrets' line of fire.

"Satou-san, come here please."

Zena-san is calling from a tent across the fences.

When we reunited, Zena-san hugged me without letting go, but her co-worker, Lilio, who was late, teased her so she jumped out in panic. ...She was definitely very worried. Did she favor me that much~?

While Pochi and Tama are hanging on both of my hands, we go toward the tent. Liza follows 3 steps back from me. Are we a master and his pupil?

I give our luggages to the woman official at the entrance and go inside the tent. Liza didn't want to leave her spear, but once I urged her, she reluctantly let it go.

The inside of the tent is unexpectedly wide. It's about as wide as a school classroom.

The handsome middle-aged priest who got out earlier is inside, being questioned by officials while getting medical treatment.

The viscount and his daughter aren't here. Are they in another tent?

Since Zena-san beckons me, I head to her.

The handsome middle-aged Garleon priest, Nebinen-shi and the slave trader, Nidoren are also over there.

. The last person is a gray haired knight with bulging muscles and metal armor. The knight looks over here, and laughs. His expression looks like a mischievous boy even though he's already middle-aged.

"Hoo, so you're magician Zena's dearest."

"N, no."

Zena-san attempts to cover and deny the knight's word, but the knight ignores it and continues.

"She was haggard until your safety was confirmed, you know. If her squad didn't watch over her, she was sure to jump into the labyrinth alone, it was that dangerous."

"That, for all the trouble I've caused, I'm very sorry."

I think it's a bit strange for me to apologize, but it's better than being awkwardly silent.

"Hahaha. You don't need to apologize. I just want to look at the person who got the straight laced having-no-interest-beside-magic-training to fall."

"L, like I said I don't..."

Zena-san tries to intercept again, but in the middle of the way, she begins to murmur her words and hangs her head while looking really embarrassed. Experiencing romcoms at this age is painful ...No wait, my body is that of a 15 years old.

The knight looks at Zena-san amusingly, places his hand on his chin, and turns his head to me with an appraising gaze.

"However, even though he does look nimble, to be able to break through a labyrinth with such small number of people, even a great man can't do that."

"If the girls weren't there, far from escaping, I'd have been in the belly of a monster by now."

And so I said that to make a good impression of Liza and co. Pochi and Tama who are quietly crouching beside my feet look up curiously, I pat their heads to deceive them. Liza quietly bows but wisely chooses not to say anything.

"They sure look strong. I would like to make them my subordinates if they weren't demi-human."

This knight, even though he looks like a nice-guy who doesn't care with racial difference, the discrimination against demi-human is really deep-rooted~

I respond while smiling wryly.

"They're good comrades who've been together with me though."

"Fumu, if they weren't, it'd be impossible to break through the labyrinth. I'm sorry, this territory's people are always at odds with demi-human tribes, so they're incompatible no matter what."

So it wasn't just simple prejudices but disputes between races huh... no wonder it's deep-rooted.

"Commander! The preparation is complete."

A woman who wears a magician-like robe calls out.

What preparation?

There's a lithograph put on the pedestal. Yamato stones again after 3 days huh? It's bigger than the one I saw back then.

Commander-san calls out people who have escaped from the labyrinth with loud voices.

"I know that this might be rude, but everyone who has escaped from the labyrinth needs to be checked with this Yamato stone. This is the original Yamato stone specially loaned from the earl. Even abnormal status will be displayed. This is for the sake of proving that no one is possessed by the demon."

Everyone initially looks displeased, but they become quiet after being told that it's to find out whether they're possessed by demons or not. Since everyone here saw the moment when the demon arm came out of Uusu in the square back then.

Still, leaving my level to 1 and no skill even though I've broken through a labyrinth is bad.

It's been a while since I thought about the menu, so I open the exchange tab. Since the beastkin girls are level 13, let's make me a bit lower at 10. Make the skills merchant-like with [Arithmetic] and [Estimation]. Would it be strange to have no battle-related skill? Let's put [Avoid] then.

When my turn came, I put my hand on the Yamato stone. Yep, the stats have been updated with the previously set information.

"Indeed, the [Nimble Merchant] huh."

"...You heard that from Zena-san right?"

"That's right, you know well. Still, even though you're not a soldier or an explorer, to have that level at that age, you must've been through a lot."

"It's not that amazing."

Humility? It is.

In fact, this person is level 30 at 29 years old. Being level 10 at 15 years old is nothing to brag about. Is it because it's hard to level up beside combat-related professionals?

Small shouts are raised from behind.

They seem to be surprised that a slave is so highly leveled at level 13 and even has 4 skills.

Liza is wearing a hard to read expression like always, but her tail is twitching a bit. She's probably a bit proud.

Next is Pochi. Since her hands didn't reach, Liza lifted her up from behind. She looks really happy having her hands and feet loose in the air.

The Yamato stone official tells her to place her hand. Shouts bigger than the time with Liza are raised. For 10 years old to be level 13 is probably amazing. Her skills are 4 too.

Pochi's tail are wagging with a buzz. She looks over here and make a noise with her nose.

The last one is Tama. Just like with Pochi, Liza lifts her. Did she also want to have her hands and feet loose in the air? She looks really happy, her tail swinging on Liza's legs.

When her stats are displayed, the shouts are quieter than the one with Pochi. Her stat is as good as Pochi, but since it's the third time already, the surprise factor is already fading. Tama looks dissatisfied.

"It must have been hard to train demi-human slaves to that degree."

"It's not that much. Because the girls are excellent."

It's true that I struggled, but the girls' excellence is a fact too. Although I wouldn't die even without them, I would undoubtedly have an unpleasant time with the traps.

The inspection with Yamato stone ends with Tama's turn.

It seems that everyone except Nebinen-shi who's in deep talk with the white-haired official is allowed to go home.

"Now then, since the inspection is done, is it fine for us to go home?"

"I'm sorry, I'd like to hear the time when the demon appeared from you for a bit more."

Me, Zena-san, and Nebinen-shi, the three of us, tell the event which unfolded until we were swallowed up by the labyrinth in detail to the commander and white-haired official.

I was embarrassed when Zena-san excessively praised me for the handling of Uusu. Even Nebinen-shi concluded that I've subsided the possibility of rebellion and dealt with the agitator inside the crowd... Well, it's the truth though.

Since I remember the words of the demon when we got into the labyrinth better, Nebinen-shi passed it to me to convey.

"For the sake of full revival huh..."

"I don't know how much magic power is needed for the demon's revival, but it is close to the dragon line."

"Right, since it's near the earth's veins... Even then, it would still take several months right? Before that let's call high level explorer clans from the labyrinth city, Ceribila, and bring it to an end."

Yup, lots of unknown words making it hard to follow the story. On the side, Zena-san who's clenching her fist is nodding with a serious expression.

Let's summarize the words that I understand for now. Is it fine to leave the demon alone for a few months? Before that, defeat it by calling the high level explorers? It's like that, OK?

After that, what kind of monster appears in the labyrinth? How many of them appear at the same time? What kind of traps are there? various things like that were asked.

I only report half of the battle we've been to but I don't hide the type of enemy who came out.

At first it was just common fact checking, when the story arrived at the time we met viscount Belton just before the bone hall, the official's face became strange.

"What's wrong?"

"No well~. Did you really fight that many battles without a spellcaster? Furthermore, judging from the time the labyrinth appeared to your escape, each battle's time is really short I think? Did you properly take breaks?"

"Of course. Since we're not machines."

"Yeah, of course you are." (Most likely Zena)

"Yes, we took 3 rest, each for about 3 hours."

"It doesn't look like you're just bragging."

Huh? Did I make a mistake?

"It must be a party with exceedingly good cooperation. You did well not to get annihilated fighting to the bitter end even with that high pace."

"That's right~ If even one person incurs serious injury, you'd have been annihilated... If I was with you then I could have become the role of support or healer."

Ah, Zena-san's eyes begin to turn teary.

"Along the way, we've found an alchemist hideout, and we found a lot of magic potions. It's partly thanks to that~."

I'll sully myself to stop a girl's cry. Deception skill come on~.

"Umu, as expected if there were no means for recovery, that many battles would have been impossible."

Yep, we went through hardships.

Whenever the beastkin girls were about to surely get hit, I immediately dash and parry the attack. If they are about to get surrounded, I aggro the enemy.

I really want a provocation skill. Let's try to see if I can get it or not next time.

Oh right, I should confirm it before I forget.

"Um, can I ask something?"

"What would that be? I don't mind as long as it's not a military secret. By the way, my daughter is 15 years old with beautiful buttocks and is very popular."

What is this person saying? Let's ignore it magnificently ignore!

"It's about the labyrinth, I think it's spreading considerably. Is it fine to just let the labyrinth spread out like this?"

"Oh, did I not explain it?"

You did not.

"The labyrinth won't spread anywhere beside the outer wall of this square. I can safely declare that there is no danger of the city collapsing."

"I want to hear the reason for that safety if possible..."

"Umu, right. The army, collaborating with the town's magicians and alchemists, have set up a barrier. A consecration ceremony involving all the town's temples is being held. With these double shields, the labyrinth has been restricted from encroaching the city's underground."

I see.

Still, I thought the temple and magicians looked like they're on bad terms.

"I understand what you're thinking. For the temple and magicians who are in bad terms to cooperate together so quickly, it's because of the earl's edict. Even so, this quick isolation of the labyrinth is thanks to the fast report of magician Zena."

"That was thanks to Satou-san giving priority to reporting."

Then, Zena-san's concession and credit passing continued, but the white-haired official and the commander skillfully dealt with it. If left alone, I don't know how long it would continue... GJ white-haired official.

"That's why, As long as the barrier is seriously maintained, the labyrinth won't endanger the city. Have you understood that?"

"Yes, I'm relieved."

What a relief. Since I'm afraid the inn will collapse while I'm asleep!

Chapter 24

Satou's here. Even though slaves are common here, still not getting used to it, Satou.

It would be hard to spread fundamental human rights in this world.

I don't have any intention to do so though ...

After several sessions of questions and answers, we're finally released.

The onee-san officials who was given our luggages passes it back to us.

"The things over here are fine to take back. However, the magic cores over there will be bought by the earl."

Can I deny it? I tried to ask, but she answered me back with a [No] and a smile.

"Since we can't completely confirm the safety of this monster's meat, we will confiscate it. And since this spear is made from the monster's part, we can't allow you to carry it in the town."

Liza over-reacts to that and turns over here. T, the rarely mad Liza, is angry?

Since she seems to really like it, let's negotiate for her.

"Since that spear is powerful, couldn't you ask a person with appraisal skill to check for any danger? Of course, I will bear the cost for the procedure, but could you give it back when it's finished?"

Liza, you're scary. Scary. Look, even the onee-san's smile is cramping.

"I, I understand. I'll arrange it. The new custody receipt will have to be issued and will be ready by tomorrow afternoon, please bring this temporary receipt to the military post then."

"Yes, I'm counting on you."

That's right, let's ask about the treatment for the beastkin girls.

"Um, I have a question if you may..."

It's about the beastkin girls.

"...I see, the slaves' master was dead so you took care of them, and brought them out of the labyrinth, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

Liza also nods. Pochi and Tama lean against Liza's feet listlessly ...Bored, are they?

"If it's like that, then these demi-human slaves are yours."

Is that so? I thought of buying and releasing them if they were brought to slave traders though.

"If slaves' master is dead in a labyrinth, except for the murderer, anyone who found the slaves will take their ownership, just like a lost item. Therefore, customarily and legally, you are these slaves' masters."

Onee-san writes something on a certificate, and presents it to me.

"It's a certificate which claims that you're the master of these slaves. Since this is only valid within the town, it's better to make an official contract with the slave traders on the castle's plaza as soon as possible. It's not enough for thanks for the large quantity of magic cores we've received, but there is no fee for it."

I receive the certificate and give my thanks to her, and along with the beastkin girls, we get out of the tent.

Oh yes, since the magic cores are used as materials for the labyrinth isolation barrier, we're obliged to sell them.

Outside, Zena-san and the three noisy girls from back then are discussing something.

It's bad to disturb their work, but for them to only nod for my greeting is rather cold...

While thinking what's happening, Lilio grins and pokes at Zena-san while laughing, then she points at me.

"Good luck~", While receiving Lilio's support, Zena-san is coming here.

"Satou-san, I see that the procedure is complete. Are you going back to the inn after this?"

"Yes, I'd like to have the slaves rest at the inn too."

"You're really kind. Though, I guess even the stable's barn is more comfortable than the labyrinth's floor."

...Huh? There were some strange words mixed in.

"No, I wouldn't make comrades who stuck together in hardships with me to sleep in the barn. I intend to reserve a proper room in the inn for them."

"Umm. Satou-san. There is no inn who will allow demi-human to lodge in this territory you know. If the master stays in the inn then the slaves will be put in the stable's barn..."

Are you serious? I thought it's just disagreeable at best, that they would let it if I pay more.

Since Zena-san looks so sorry, it doesn't seem to be a joke.

"Zena-san, you don't have to put on that face. Thanks to you, I won't dispute it at the inn."

She still looks sorry, but I keep saying to not worry about it.

Since Zena-san and her group are going to be on watch here until midnight, I thank them for teaching me and get out of here.

Even so, if I didn't get the information from Zena-san beforehand, and was told to put the beastkin girls on the stable, I would probably get out of Gate Inn.

Should I buy a house? Or do I get out of the earl's territory?

It's different from when I first got here, I met Zena-san and many acquaintances in this city so I'm starting to get attached to it. Although I don't intend to stay permanently...

On the way back, let's go to the worker's guild and ask Nadi-san if she's able to arrange for buying a house.

"Master, it's presumptuous of me to say this, but we're satisfied just sleeping in the stable's barn. Since we slept on the outside ground under the roof before..."

"That... even for slaves, that's some excessive abuse."

"I'm sorry."

Why is Liza apologizing? I want to hear the reason.

"No, I didn't want the master to make that face... I want the master to not worry even if we sleep in the barn, but my vocabulary is not enough..."

"So that's it, you were taking me into consideration. Thank you."

Pochi and Tama, who are dangling on my hands, are pulling my sleeves.

I look at where their fingers point, a girl wearing one-piece clothes seems to want to talk. A short stick is held in her hand. A spell-user huh?

"Can I help you with something?"

"Yes, how about some junction magic?"

Is it like the junction healer in MMO?

"For treating injuries?"

"Full treatment is impossible~ how about hemostasis and cleaning? It's refreshing, and if you don't clean your wounds then the meat will rot you know~? Ah, and if you're tired, then I can also use invigoration magic, although it's a bit expensive~?"

"How much is the hemostasis and cleaning?"

"[Soft Wash] and [Dry] set is 12 copper coins. One performance of [Bandage] is 3 copper coins."

Fumu, I guess there's no need for hemostasis. Since any wounds were immediately treated with ointments.

"Then, please 4 sets of Soft Wash and Dry."

"Eh? The demi-human slaves too?"

The spell-user girl is surprised with wide-eyes.

She's counting with her fingers with a pensive look.

"Err~ 40 copper coins and 3?"

"It's 48 copper coins."

Even though you can use magic, can't you do mental arithmetic? Since it looks like I have to pay in advance, I give her 3 silver coins.

The spell-user girl began to calculate by writing on the ground... Are you serious?

"1 silver coin is equal to 20 copper coins."

"U~, I know that, I'm properly calculating now because I know!"

The girl furiously calculates with one hand on her head. After a while, she finally finishes the calculation, and gives back the 12 copper coins.

"Thank you for waiting~ Well then, let's quickly start~! To keep the small children standing still, please hold their shoulders well, okay."

I wonder if it's in the manual for this regard, even with demi-human, she's being careful to be polite.

Pochi and Tama, who were surprised with Soft Wash, tried to get away but I grabbed them so they would not move.

When the Dry spell begins, Pochi, who seems to be feeling good, looks happy, enjoying the drying sensation. In contrast, Tama looks even more displeased than the time with the wash, and tries to get away from Liza who is holding her shoulder.

"Thank you, I feel really refreshed now. Do you always perform magic around here?"

"Today there are a lot of people who look like they've played around in mud coming out so I went to get some extra income. But I'm usually going around some brothels. The income is good since a lot of people there want refreshment."

I see, that's certainly true. She's sharp.

After I tell her that we're the last group of the people who played in the mud, the girl goes back to her usual route.

The day is coming to an end, I guess it's fine to take the official slavery contacts tomorrow.

While thinking about that, I bought 4 servings of delicious looking skewered meats.

Is it goat meat? The meat tastes a bit quirky but the green powder which tastes like pepper stimulates my appetite.

The beastkin girls are eating frantically, hagu hagu sound effects seemingly coming out. Come to think of it, the time with the grilled frog meat was amazing too~.

Even the usually restrained Liza becomes intense when it comes to meat. Seeing her tasting the meat is a sight for my eyes. Her bashfulness when she realized that she was observed is good too.

When the day is becoming dark, the lamps on the main street are being lit by spell-users holding short canes. Is it just my imagination or there are a lot of people.

Since I don't like to shout when some drunkard tries to touch Liza and Pochi, I buy the three of them hooded mantles. Curiously, Tama skillfully walks without getting herself tangled by anyone.

We proceed through hustle and bustle and find out that a stage has been installed in the square. Various carriages with cages are scattered around on the square beside the stage, some merchants are giving speeches here and there.

...Oh yeah, since yesterday, the slave auction has started.

Chapter 25

3-3. At the Slave Market

Satou's here. There's this so-called uncanny relationship, even though I didn't want to, we met again.

It seems to be fate.

The slave market occupies around 200-300 meters in diameter of the square, bonfires are lit every 20 meters away.

Just like in a festival, several slender pillars of woods stood, they're connected with string tied with innumerable thin metal plates which glitters from reflection of the lights from magic. If this wasn't a slave market, this fantastical feeling would have been perfect for dates...

A rope is stretched in the place that looks to be the center of the auction.

The slaves auction hasn't started yet, but several musicians on the stage are playing a tune that feels obscene.

We don't enter the square, and just walk along the square's street while sightseeing.

"Satou-dono!"

Dono? I don't know anyone who calls me...

It was the slave trader whom we saved from the spider on the labyrinth, Nidoren-shi. Coming out from a small tent across the slaves carriage, he's coming here. Girls, who are chained together, are lined up on top of the carriage.

"The slaves on that carriage are the exhibit for auction today. There are those who have arithmetic and secretary skills among them, how about hiring one, Satou-dono? Since they are all properly educated, they're all virgins, but I can guarantee that no one will refuse for the night time."

...Educated huh.

Oops, rather than thinking about the irony, I have other business.

"I'm sorry, but I must make our slaves here go through formal procedure first before thinking of a new one..."

"Oya? Do you want to sell them? If so, please do use our firm! If it's now, you can exchange for beautiful virgin slaves! How about it!"

He sure pushes hard. I don't have the slightest intention though.

...Not one bit, so please don't hold my sleeves while looking up so anxiously. I brush Pochi's and Tama's head briskly. I can't see behind, but I can feel Liza being nervous.

"I've said this before, but I don't have any intention to sell them."

Yes, I do want to release them though.

Pochi and Tama relax their grip on the robe.

"Is that so, that's regrettable. Then what kind of procedures do you want? It's not about releasing the slaves, isn't it?"

"Since we're still on a temporary contract, I thought of doing an official one. Do you know the place where the procedure can be done?"

"If it's that then I can do it. Since I have a subordinate who has the [Contract] skill."

"Then, could you do it?"

"Certainly."

We're invited inside Nidoren-shi's tent and offered chairs. He instructed a subordinate man to prepare for the contract.

Since the document's contents are already fixed, we only need to write the master and slaves name to complete.

"Then, please write your name here. The slaves' names are not written, so please put their thumb marks using this ink."

I sign at the place the man directed. The fixed text's lines are [To whom the slaves belong],[Slaves can't injure their master],[Slaves follow their master's order],[Slaves are to maintain their own body], just 4 of those. It's like the three principles of robots, although the last two orders are reversed.

When we finish writing the written contract, the contract ritual begins.

"■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■■■■■ Contract!"

What did... he?! Is this magic?

After the last (Command Words) is uttered, the documents burnt and from the ashes a blue light wraps me and Liza in a halo then twinkles for 2,3 times and disappears.

When I look at the man's stat, he certainly has [Contract] on his skill column.

Maybe it's a skill that has only one magic?

[Contract Skill Acquired]

Alright, let's try if this skill is usable later.

"With this, the slave contract is complete. If you wish, you can confirm the contract on the simplified Yamato stone at the auction center."

After the contract for the three was complete, I wanted to pay the fee, but it seemed that it's Nidoren-shi's authority, so he asked me to wait. Come to think of it, he came out when the first ritual began. He seems to be back immediately, he sure is busy.

"Thank you, could I ask you something for a bit?"

"Yes, what would that be?"

"Is it rare for a person to release slaves?"

"Right, putting aside the general slaves who have their sentence time decided, I have never seen people who release lower slaves. I've heard stories of people releasing slaves who have worked for years, but I have never seen it in person."

Is it that rare?

"Is it possible to release them then?"

"Yes it's possible. Except for criminal or war criminal slaves. For those kinds, only state officials or senior nobles are allowed to."

"For releasing, is it the same as the contract earlier?"

"That's right. I've done releasing general slaves several times before. With the [Contract] skill earlier, it's possible to annul the contract too."

Since we're here already, should I release the beastkin girls too now?

I can just employ them if they hope for it after the release.

"Master, it's presumptuous of me, but allow me to intrude on the conversation."

Liza who was lowering her head in silence while listening to us begins to talk. I wonder if Pochi and Tama were nervous with the ritual, they're sleeping while hugging Liza's legs.

"It's okay, what is it?"

"If it's no trouble for the master, then please don't release us if possible."

She's saying slowly and clearly.

Are you an esper!

Or rather, why doesn't she want to be released? Isn't it better to be free?

"Certainly, in this earl's territory, Beastkin and Lizardkin can't exist unless they are slaves. If they're seen by the army then they would be exiled, there's also a high possibility of getting lynched to dead."

"Yes, furthermore, my tribe is no more, and just like you've heard back then, Pochi and Tama are in similar circumstances."

They can try to rely on their tribes, but for people who have no relatives, they will be treated lower than slaves.

I'm glad that Pochi and Tama are sleeping.

Seemingly to break the heavy atmosphere, Nidoren-she brings 5 girls in.

The five of them are quite the foreign beauty. They are all wearing thin clothes stopping at the knee. Since it's quite thin, the breast area is transparent.

"Have you finished your contract? Please take a look at them for now."

"Before that, I'd like to pay the fee for the contracts if possible?"

Let's just quickly pay the fee and go home.

"No no, since I was kindly rescued from the labyrinth by you, there is no such thing as a service fee. Of course, since that wouldn't be enough, I'll give you a 30% discount for the slaves."

Kuh, he made the first move. Giving small benefits first to make you easier to talk into next time, it's the same solicitation technique from some shady new religion.

Since it wasn't possible to refuse, it has been decided for Nidoren-shi to introduce slaves in rotation.

Since I'd doze off if I'm just listening to him, I decided to practice appraisal skills on this occasion. Appraisal is an always-active skill but I need to think [I want to know] or [I want to appraise] while looking at an object, then the result of appraisal will come into my mind.

Since the detail would be displayed on the AR no matter what I do, I turn off other indicators beside radar.

During the rotation of two sets of 10 people, I was just half-heartedly replying to give proper responses.

Still, their appeal points were nothing but virgin or their skills, why is that? Do the people of this country love virgins that much?

"Are you tired? Please bear it for a little more, the next one is the last."

So he says while bringing the next set, a black-haired oriental-looking beautiful girl from several days before is mixed among the six girls.

I see, so he brings the best for the last, truly a skilled merchant.

The others are... there. The violet-haired little girl with the dangerous-sounding title is there too. Furthermore she looks here. She's really giving a hard look here.

Not matching her gaze, I look at the other girls. A blond freckled 15 years old girl with a disgruntled look, a tall brown-haired woman who looks to be in her twenties with an oval-shaped face, and a dull blond less-than 10 years old little girl that looks too thin. A braided red-haired 15 years old who looks like a plain literature girl.

A lot of them look inferior to the 10 before them. Do they have some kind of special skills?

When I try to look with appraisal, the freckles girl has [Negotiation], the oval-faced woman has [Sex Technique], the thin little girl has no skill, and the braid girl has [Collecting].

While I'm at it, the violet-haired little girl has no skill, and the black-haired girl has [Etiquette].

What kind of line up is this?

"They all may have inferior looks, but they will work hard for their master."

While saying that, Nidoren-shi explained about them one by one. Subjectively, does he think the black-haired san to be plain too?

"How about it? I could give you 6 sets for the price of 3 gold coins if it's now!"

Nidoren-shi is hard at work promoting them. No matter how you look at it, that's too cheap. That means each is worth two and a half silver coins.

"It's been decided that those who don't sell well for today and tomorrow will be brought to the caravan heading to the mining city."

Hearing the words of Nidoren-shi, the unmotivated slave girls rustle behind me. The panic begins when I look behind.

Shifting the clothes on the shoulder to expose the breast, rolling the skirt, taking strange poses, everyone tries to appeal with various methods. The only two who didn't change are the violet-haired and the black-haired girls. The violet-haired little girl is staring intently like always, while the black haired-girl is downcast.

When the slave girls understand that their appeal isn't working on me, they give up one by one.

Just as Nidoran-shi instructs them to withdraw, the violet-haired little girl regains herself.

"Master! Master thinks that since you have those excellent demi-human slaves you don't need another slave, do you?"

"That's right, I don't need another slave."

Particularly, I don't want to buy you who have such trouble-sounding titles. Absolutely!

"However, those girls are demi-human."

"That's exactly right, but I'm not dissatisfied with that, you know?"

"Yes, just by looking at them, I understand that they're cherished. That's why! Please purchase me."

I don't understand the reasoning.

"Demi-human are shirking in this city. If you only have those girls as slaves then you wouldn't even receive bread if you make them go shopping."

I see, I didn't think about that before.

However, I don't have to buy slaves just for chores, I'd just ask the maid at the inn. Yep, I don't need it after all.

"If I was there, I'd do chores in place of those girls! The price is reasonable too, so please by all means, purchase me."

The violet-haired little girl looked up for appeal. Hair that has been cut to shoulder-length, moist violet-colored iris, thin small lips, trembling small shoulders. If I'm a little girl, then I probably wouldn't hold up.

...I guess I'll buy it?

Even though I'm not into little girls, I thought that she's charming. No wait, I don't need it, do I?

But, I feel like I absolutely have to buy her.

Then I purchased the violet-haired little girl (Arisa), and per her recommendation, I also bought the black-haired girl (Lulu).

Despite still questioning myself, I become the master of the two slave girls in addition to the beastkin girls.

Chapter 26

Satou's here. I think this is an unfortunate fate, to have an inseparable relationship with a person I'm not into.

I'd like to be together with a person of my type for once.

A stark naked little girl is straddling on top of my waist.

...What the heck is this, a dream?

I've experienced a similar situation with my younger cousins during a long vacation at my grandfather's home in the countryside, long ago.

The difference is that the little girl who's riding me now is naked, she doesn't have the same innocent atmosphere as my cousins.

The little girl moves bit by bit, then she greatly trembles, and snuggle against my bare chest. Her expression looks more like an adult woman rather than a little girl.

While looking very calm, I am actually really shaken inside. I'm not a lolicon okay? Absolutely!

Yet what's with this situation!

After purchasing the two from Nidoren-shi the slave trader, we were...

"I will vigorously attend to master without rest, day and night."

The violet-haired little girl-Arisa said such a thing during the ritual of contract. Even though Liza et al and the black-haired girl-Lulu were silent, did she want to appeal to me?

After the slave contract is finished, I pay 1 gold coin to Nidren-shi. Until the morning on the day after tomorrow, he'll be on the place earlier so he asks me to call if I ever need another slave.

We're doing self-introductions outside the tent.

"Then, please let me introduce myself. I am from the now-extinct kingdom of Kubooku, Arisa. My age is 11 years old, there are still 4 years before I become an adult, but I'll gratefully accept to do night service even while I'm clumsy. Please cherish me forever."

While finishing the greeting with fluent words that don't match her age, Arisa slightly picks both ends of her hem and bows. Although that's an elegant gesture, her hem is already short, coupled with her simple clothes, her lower body parts become almost naked.

And so I put my gaze to her face and simply replied "Please take care of me too, my name is Satou."

"...I'm Lulu desu. 14 years old desu. Born in Kubooku kingdom desu. Since I'm plain looking and thin... I'm not fit to be your partner at night, but I'll work hard like a horse... so please don't abandon me."

Lulu introduces herself while looking down and covers her face with her bangs. That clear voice isn't the type for seiyuu but it's a good voice with a soprano feeling. It would have been better if it was not accompanied with trembling.

Though the person herself said thin, she looks to probably be B-cup. Being B-cup at 14 years old is quite promising for the future I think, or is this world of the big-breast faction? As long as it's soft, anything is fine!

Putting that aside, for this beautiful girl to say that she's ugly, that's too much even for humility. Covered with bangs, she looks like Sadako, but if I was to compare her with a beauty contest winner I've seen on TV back then, she would win with a big margin, that's how orthodoxly beautiful her face is.

Frankly said, she's my type. If her personality is agreeable, then I would think of proposing to her when she turns 20.

I wonder if Arisa and Lulu don't have any prejudice against demi-human, even after the beastkin girls took off their hoods, they don't show any disgust. Although Lulu looks afraid of Liza, I don't sense any feeling of disgust. Do people from other kingdoms not dislike demi-human?

Pochi and Tama initially act shy around strangers, but since Arisa and Lulu act normally to them, they immediately become familiar.

"Well then, let's get back to the inn."

I call out to the five and we return back to the street. Arisa smoothly and naturally clings to my left arm. The remaining others are being contested by Pochi and Tama. Since it doesn't seem that it's going to end, Liza carries both of them in both of her arms like luggages. Seemingly giving up, the two quiet down after their hands and legs are in the air ...so they like that pose.

Kyuru Kyuru Kyu~~.

A cute sound resounded. When I look back, Lulu blushes. Figure of the bashful beautiful girl is lovely. I don't think of her as a romantic interest now, but I'm looking forward to the future.

A lot of stalls exude good smells but there aren't many customers. It seems that the auction has started, so the riches and the curious onlookers who want to look at beautiful slaves have flowed there.

Since it's convenient, we go to a stall with tables. I bought chicken soups and flatbreads, assorted intestines and vegetables, and enough meat skewers for this number of people. I ended up buying a lot of meat skewers.

"Itadakimasu." and so the meal starts.

After the beastkin girls started eating, the two newcomers followed. Arisa stuffs herself with meat skewers, saying, "Ah~ Proteins after a long time " while holding her check. So this world has the concept of nutritions too huh, I ignore that while enjoying the scenery of the meal with everyone.

Lulu eats with all her might while still being reserved. But, the two's eating pace is slow compared to the other four, so they didn't eat much from the big combined platter. Next time, let's divide some small portions for them first.

Since I'm not really hungry, I finished my meal in the middle but since Arisa and the beastkin girls don't look like they've had enough, I ordered more intestines and vegetable platters.

"Continue your meal as it is, I'm going to buy cloaks and shoes at the stall for a bit."

"L, let me go, if it's for shopping" "I will go"

Lulu and Liza stand up. Pochi and Tama stop chewing at the meat, and look here with only their eyes.

"Everyone keep eating as you are, this is an 『Order』 you know."

I could have gone when the meal was over, but I kept accidentally seeing Lulu's breast sitting in front of me. I couldn't calm down. I can clearly see the nipple of Arisa who's sitting beside her, but I don't care.

I give cheap cloaks and sandals to the two, bought from the vicinity.

Soon after, the five eat through their plates leaving not even bread crumbs, so we go back to the inn.

[Service Skill Acquired]

Just like Zena-san said, the inn refuses to let demi-human enter.

However, Martha-chan makes a bed from new straws inside the barn for the sake of the three, Pochi and Tama are overjoyed and even Liza reservedly gives thanks. I wonder if it's warm to sleep on the straw covered with the blankets from the labyrinth.

I take out the cookware and foods from among the lot bags of the labyrinth, and leave it to Liza. I also put the short swords of Pochi and Tama inside.

It's forbidden to equip demi-human with arms inside the town, but since it's the things taken from the labyrinth for self-protection, it's probably fine.

As for the foods, "You can eat if you're hungry okay.", I give permission to Liza. With this, I can wake up late tomorrow (lol).

Lulu is going to sleep here together, since the inn accepts them anyway, it's better to sleep inside the room.

I tried to book an additional room from the landlady but there was no free room, so it was decided to add a spare bed in my room.

Since the room is wide, being originally a twin room, even after two beds occupy it, it doesn't feel cramped.

I make Arisa and Lulu sleep together on the new bed, and I sleep on my own bed.

Inside the labyrinth, for the sake of letting the beastkin girls rest, I was the sole watch guard so I didn't even take a wink of sleep. Is it because my eyelids feel heavy?

I surrender myself to drowsiness, and sleep after a long while.

And so we fly back to the beginning.

Why am I sharing a bed with a little girl?!

Calm down Satou! Let's cool down here.

Arisa, who notices me waking up, says "You're awake?" mischievously while whispering and uselessly kisses me.

While receiving that, I comb her hair...

NSFW?

No, wait! I should have pushed her!

...I'll be branded a lolicon if this continues.

Arisa does not stop with my mouth, she kisses my ear, collarbone and chest in turn. Her small hands lightly, very lightly caress.

Responding to that, I gently stroke her nape...

Why-! I don't feel like myself.

Arisa captures my hairless chest, putting her check on my thinly cracked abs while her finger is crawling.

Feeling that lovely actions, I feel like it's okay to let her violate... me?

This thought is strange. No matter how you look at it, there's something wrong.

My blurred mind became a bit clearer. I operate the menu with thought, and make the log display ON. Found it in the log!

I slowly raise my body, lift Arisa who looks here, and put my face on her nape.

Arisa hugs my head while panicking for a bit...

Close to her ears, I 『Order』 gently but firmly.

"Arisa. I forbid the use of magic and skill. This is an order!"

Arisa loosens her hands, and looks at me with a shocked and distorted face.

"Furthermore, cancel the effect of magic and skill that you've used on me. This is an order!"

The order seems to be accepted, the log shows the cancellation of magic effect. The information displayed on AR changed too.

Just in case, I get the [Mind Resistance] skill which comes out in the log to maximum. It seems that I also got [Mind Magic], but it's fine for now.

"Why..."

"Isn't that my line? Using mind magic on me, what's your goal?"

Yes, the time when I bought her and just before this, she was using magic. The first one was [Charm Person] and [Fret] magic, and a little while ago [] and [Heat Heart] were used.

When I used appraisal skill her skill was [None] but the first time I saw her the AR displayed [Unknown]. If only I remembered earlier...

"...Even if master said I'm using mind magic"

"I also forbid the act of deceiving and playing dumb. This is an order, state your goal."

I close her escape route and press for an answer.

[Questioning Skill Acquired]

Alright, let's allocate points and activate them. Let's make the level to be 3 for now.

"I repeat, don't lie and speak your goal."

She seems to have resigned and answers truthfully. She stops using polite language.

"...my goal was to become a master's slave."

"And the goal for the second one?"

"I wanted to serve the master."

She becomes a bit sulky while saying it.

"I don't understand the point, talk a bit more clearly."

"Mou! like I said. I fell in love with you when I first saw you. That thin and soft looking black hair! That defenseless expression! That outlandish baby-face! That delicate-looking body! If such a person is to become my master! And even though such a dreamy boy was before my eyes, he was going to plainly pass by! I can't forgive that! That's why I used magic! To be purchased!"

She piles up her words like a machine gun. Since she looks a bit desperate, I keep listening.

"So, after you've been bought, you intend to brainwash me then?"

"No! Completely false! I've said 『I will vigorously attend to master without rest, day and night』 when I became your slaves right! That's why I seduced the master since it's the slave's job to make her master feel good!"

What kind of reasoning is that? It doesn't look like she's just lying to get through a troublesome thing.

"I understand the facade, so what's your true intention?"

"Even though I was waiting for the master to call me, you really went to sleep... Since it can't be helped, I slip into your bed, and when I see your sleeping face, it's just irresistible~."

It's a teehee face. I'm a bit perturbed so I pull her cheeks. This much punishment is okay, right?

"huuwt, it's huuwwt. iuainohahahyanorokirakenihite~."

This thin cheek sure can stretch. It's fun but since the corner of her eyes are tearing up, I stop.

"Even though I did my best to control myself in the beginning~"

"Then was it because you lost to your lust that you attacked?"

"That's right." so she nods.

"Really, just what are you..."

The AR displays these.

Name : Arisa

Age : 11 years old

Title : [Satou's Slave] [Witch of the Lost Kingdom] [Mad Princess]

Skill : [Mind Magic]

Gift (Innate Skills) :

[Self Status]

[Status Check]

[Hide Skill]

[Item Box]

Special Ability (Ability) :

[Never Give Up]

[Over Boost]

Good grief, it's full of skills I've never seen before.

Arisa answers me teasingly.

"I am Tachibana Arisa, just like you, a Japanese person."

Chapter 27

Satou's here. The typical Japanese who becomes so happy when they meet another Japanese person in a foreign country, he lets his guard down, Satou.

Since we're speaking the same language, and because our sense of value and foundation are close, I become relieved.

"To be exact, Tachibana Arisa was the former Japanese who was reincarnated in Kubooku kingdom with her memory intact. Were you reincarnated too? No, judging from that black hair, you're a summoned hero aren't you? Satou-san?"

The AR doesn't display whether she's originally a Japanese or her real name, Tachibana Arisa.

Since my stats didn't state if I'm a former Japanese, Suzuki Ichirou too, is it the same situation?

"What's wrong, why did you stop talking? You're the second Japanese human that I've met."

Hearing those words, my gaze turns toward Lulu who's sleeping in another bed.

"Lulu is different, you know? It seems that her great-grandfather was a Japanese man, though I've never met him, mind. Atavism is a cruel thing. She could have been an idol if she was born in Japan."

"Your mind magic-"It's not""

Did she use mind magic to make Lulu look ugly? I thought of that but she denied my word.

"This world's sense of beauty thinks that those who have flat faces with thin lips, non-white skin, and small asses are the ideal. She has a lot of those counterpoints. Though thanks to that there weren't many buyers during our slavery days."

The type of beauty changes depending on the time and place huh... that's unfortunate.

"So then, Satou-san, are you a reincarnated person or a summoned person?"

"Are there distinctions for them?"

Should I honestly talk or should I keep it a secret?

She's a mind magic user who didn't hesitate to force her way but she's also undoubtedly a clue. If the time comes for it, I can just order her to 『Don't speak of this to other』.

"Reincarnated person is a person who died in their former world, then reborn in this world. Summoned person is a person who is forcibly abducted from their world to this one. Someone like a hero is a summoned person."

Though it was an explanation coated with prejudice, I'm neither of those, aren't I?

"Does a reincarnated person always reborn as a baby?"

"There's a legend where they are reborn already in adulthood, but in this world a reincarnated person will always be reborn as a baby without fail."

She's very decisive about it. When I try to confirm it.

"Reincarnated persons are told that by the god as they're reincarnating."

So they meet god? If a person is saying such things in Japan, people will doubt his sanity.

"Do summoned persons retain their original appearances? Like their clothes, belongings and figure."

"It seems that the summoned person retained their clothes. And of course, their figures too."

So even their figures are kept, but I became younger, why is that?

"Did you hear it from others?"

"The hero-sama from Saga Empire said so, I don't think it's wrong. Since the only one who could summon heroes from another world is Saga Empire."

Then if I go to Saga Empire, I could find out the way to go home? Let's not forget to check it later.

"I see, but I'm neither of those. I took a nap after work, when I woke up, I was already in a wasteland."

"You didn't see the god?"

"Nope."

Arisa crosses her arms and groans. Put some clothes on already.

"Then, did you get to the summoner's place when you came to this world?"

"No, I was the only one on that wasteland."

"Then were you high-level from the start? Or had infinite magic power? Or got a lot of interesting skills?"

"My level was 1 in the beginning, my magic was also only 10. I didn't have any skills either."

...No, there was that Special Ability (Ability). Like the Meteor Shower.

"What's with that, impossible game?"

Oops, she's sympathizing with me, what to do if she finds out?

"Rather than me, it's about you. Tell me all your skills one by one. The Gift and the Ability too. Just you know, this is an 『Order』."

"I will tell you even without an order you know."

"First, Mind magic is at level 5. Aren't I quite good? I've dedicated the skill points I acquired post-birth to this one."

Since it sounds strange, when I check it, the required points to level for each skills are 2-12 point with an average of 7 (Represented with 2d6 in her case), the required point to level up a skill isn't 1 but different values for each of those skills, it seems that the required point also increases as the skill level increases.

Am I a special case, or is there any specific condition?

"Self-Status is a skill to check my own status. It's more detailed than Yamato Stone. The most important function of this skill is that I can decide which skill I allocate the points I get from level ups."

From what she's saying, she can choose which skill she allocates the point to, it seems that this is a skill that every reincarnated and summoned person always has.

I thought that it's the same special ability that allows me to learn skills easily, but it's actually an inferior version of it instead...

As for the general populace, it seems that they have probability to remember skills depending on their training as they level up.

"Status Check is a skill to see other people's stats. It's convenient~. It'd have been better if it was Analyze, but my Privileged-Reincarnation point wasn't enough."

It seems to be a skill which has the same effect as Yamato Stone.

Similar skills are like [Weapon Check], [Armor Check], [Gem Check], [Coin Check], [Plant Check], etc, and the skill that comprises them all is Analyze.

Privileged-Reincarnation is the point that the god gave her when she reincarnated, she says.

"Hide Skill is a skill used to hide your own skill. Once used, even if you were looked by Analyze or Yamato Stone, it'll show 『Skill None』, until it's canceled."

My AR shows [Skill Unknown], which means that it's from a different branch than Analyze, is it?

"Item Box, it's just as the name implies. It's the same kind of storage that usually exists in a game. Though it's not the same as the one heroes get with their infinite storages (Inventory), the store-able number is limited but it doesn't add to the bulk and there's no weight, it's really convenient~."

From what I heard, the item number limit is 100, and it can stack up to 100 pieces of the same item. For things that have indeterminate shape, like water, it's counted per liter.

My storage is more similar to the infinite storage (Inventory) one, if I have to compare.

After saying that much, Arisa says "My throat is a bit thirsty.", then she theatrically swings her hand horizontally and recites "Item Box, Open".

In front of her, a black hole opens on a level surface, then she puts her hand inside and takes out a water jug which she drinks directly. Her face seen from the side looks so triumphant.

The water she drinks is spilling from her mouth and drawing lines on her naked chest, looking inappropriately erotic. How old is this girl inside?

"At least use a cup.", I asked, but it seems putting things in and out each requires magic power to do, so she's minimizing doing those to the lowest.

It also works slightly differently to my Storage. When she finished drinking water, she wanted to put the jug back, so I let her. How do I say this, if a clueless person saw it, it'll look like someone is putting things inside a black box.

[Item Box Skill Acquired]

I don't need such an inferior version of Storage...

Rather than that, the remaining are [Never Give Up] and [Over Boost], which one of those that let her mind magic to pass over the 300 level differences, I want to know.

"Fufufun, how about it, am I not amazing? There's rarely a slave that has this much skill!"

"Aren't there others too?"

"Ugh" she faltered, "Mou, you're really greedy~" while she pompously held both her hands up like a gaijin.

I give a chop to her head.

"I'm against violence! the others are unique skills, two of them even!"

Amazing isn't it? And since she once again started posing, I'm stroking her head roughly "My hair falls into disorder~", even though she's saying that she looks a bit happy.

"Even Lulu doesn't know these abilities. One is called Over Boost. By using all of my magic power and stamina, the effect of one attack will be raised by many folds? It's exactly the ability fit for a heroine~."

A disposable cannon it is.

"The other one is Never Give Up. It's a power to absolutely never give up no matter how powerful the enemy is! More concretely, no matter how much the level differences or the defense power of the enemy is, an attack or magic will hit with 10% probability! Isn't it great~."

"However it can only be used 3 times. Once I use them all, I'll recover one for every month. Since my magic did not really work against the master, I've spent all three of them."

It was probably this skill that had put me under her magic. There are a lot of [~magic resisted] entries in the log, so it's doubtless.

What a troublesome skill. I should be glad that she's not an enemy, is it?

This is something that I heard later, but it seems that even if this skill is in effect, it's useless against an opponent who has complete resistance. For example, the elementary Water Shoot is ineffective against a Great Water Spirit whose immune against water magic.

"There are several things I want to confirm."

"Go ahead~."

"How did you use mind magic without chanting?"

"Umm~n, it's a hidden function of Self-Status, once I remember a magic, then I can use that magic just by reading the last line of the Command Words in my head."

I expected something, but it's a memorization, I really have to successfully chant it at least once. Is there really no shortcut...

"Are you perhaps unable to use magic?"

"I'm failing to properly chant the spells..."

Yep, it's not a lie. I could use two, but those are quite irregular.

"That's right eh~ I was going to give up when I heard other people's chants too. Eventually I managed to in one and half a year."

"That's right, I've only challenged it for two days, though it's actually two hours."

"What, that's too short~ If one could do it within that period then there would be more magicians."

Since it's getting colder, she's hugging me while saying that but I tear her off me, she falls off the bed and I throw her clothes and the bed cover below.

"I forgot to ask. Who's the first Japanese human you met?"

"Don't use 'you', call me Arisa~."

"Answer me, Arisa."

Arisa unnaturally accumulates her words, and says.

"That's the Saga Empire's hero, Hayato Masaki."

Chapter 28

Satou's here. Heroes are enough just being in games, Satou who thinks that.

How many games out there with heroes in them...

"I see, so the second one is the hero from Saga Empire."

I really don't want to get involved with him. If I carelessly got in touch, I could get tangled in the demon lord's extermination.

"Yes, with a face that doesn't look like an 18 year old, although he is handsome, and with hair sticking out on his macho body."

"No, I don't care about his appearance, how is his personality?"

"He's a perverted gentleman (lolicon). When we first met, 『YES! Lolita, NO! Touch.』, he loudly yelled that, and then got beaten up by his women attendants."

Arisa said with white eyes.

"Isn't he the same kind as you (shota)?"

"I used to be like that a long time ago, but it's different now! I'll whisper with all my might that I love a boy now!"

Please spare me the whisper.

"...Or rather, since you like a boy (shota), isn't a 15 year old outside the scope?"

"Ara! That's not true! I mean you still don't have an Adam's apple, your chin is still smooth even at this hour, and your voice hasn't become strange right? And I've seen it just now, even your legs haven't grown with hairs, it's really smooth isn't it!"

Arisa kicks the bed cover, and stands up while roaring.

I can see various things, so please stop doing imposing stances while you're naked. Or rather, put on some clothes already.

"Okay I understand your enthusiasm, but wear something before I order you already."

"Yes, yes, I know."

She's so excited she's gasping when she answers while wearing clothes. And when you're going to sit back don't do it on my lap.

...I somehow feel like my chastity is in danger.

"The talk strays off too far, I'm not interested in his fetish but his personality."

"Right~ He's a straightforward justice-minded fool, I guess? If people said 『That is evil』, he will directly confront it without even uttering a word of doubt, that kind of type. Originally there was a staff-officer-type glasses-wearing girl around him, but since she was needed in the noble bureaucracy, I don't think she'd participate in the war."

It's a type I'm not good against.

I have a friend who's like that too, those kinds of types will drag you into their problems without even hearing your circumstances. I think I always got involved.

"Since he's a hero, he's surely strong isn't he?"

"Seems like it~ I didn't see him fighting, but it seems that he was already level 50 when he got summoned."

"Did you not check his skill when you met him?"

"Of course I did. His level was 61 with points mostly on basic sword and spear skill and a lot of various other skills. If you're interested I could write down the ones I remember for you."

"Ah, I'm counting on you."

I'll buy paper and pen when the dawn comes.

"However, I don't know about his unique skills, okay?"

"You couldn't see it even with Status Check?"

"Yep, I couldn't. It seems to be an ability of the holy armor he got from Saga Empire, I don't understand why he didn't hide his skills too then."

Indeed. Is it a problem of cost, or is it deliberate to make his opponents let their guard down?

I guess the reason doesn't matter for now.

"But the person himself gave me a hint. Do you want to hear it?"

"Yes, I do."

"『My unique skills are contradictions』 there"

Like that, it's still useless~ says Arisa while laughing.

If he's like Han Feizi then it's fine, but if our ideas can't match then his ability could be problematic.

Alright, if it seems like we got into a situation where we would fight, let's run with all my might!

I'm at a disadvantage at the war on my lap.

Since she looks like a child, it's hard to hit her. Though if she jumps on me, I intend to grab and throw her off...

Arisa pretends to be sleepy and leans on me with her back.

"Boy, the things you wanted to hear, is it over?"

"You're breaking your character, you know?"

Arisa strokes my chin with her fingers.

"Onii-chan, I'm sleepy. Won't you hold me tight until morning?"

"How sly!"

I scoop her up my lap and roll her over next to Lulu.

"I forgot, since when did you notice my identity?"

"If I have to say, from the beginning."

I'm shocked. I thought I had conducted myself well.

"Since you have that Japanese face, I had an incline from the beginning."

"Isn't that too weak for affirmation?"

"The second one was 『Itadakimasu』. There's no such speech in this world."

Arisa put up two fingers while talking.

"The third was 『Protein』. Nutritions only come out in a few books since the era of Yamato-san, most people don't know about it. Furthermore, I said 『Protein』 fully in Japanese, but you ignored, didn't you?"

I was careless...

"And the fourth."

"There's still more?!"

"The next one is the last. When the thing about me being Japanese came out, weren't you upset? You should have set a poker face and asked, what's a Japanese? " instead."

So I was completely caught in her bluff...

"I'm sorry, actually there's one more."

She points at my trunks, "A trunks made from synthetic material with a washing tag attached, there is absolutely no such thing in this world", and she laughs.

"Next, tell me the contents of your item box. It'd be bad if I was killed when I'm asleep if you take out a knife or poison from it."

I'm not forgetting to check for potentially dangerous situations.

"Umm～ 『Mind Magic』 related, five magic books."

She piles it up on top of the bed.

"If you've sold these books, wouldn't it be enough to buy yourself back?"

"Slaves belongings, if taken, it's the end. Besides, if they knew that the writing is about the detested mind magic, I don't know what they'd do..."

"Isn't it better to learn other magic?"

"Only this was available. If there was magic I wanted to know, I had to learn it by myself."

I know that feeling well.

"The remaining ones are just the water jug from a while ago, and various clothes, do I have to take them out too?"

"Ah, take them out. You don't have to use the water jug."

I got a headache after seeing the clothes Arisa took out. Yukata, sailor uniform, and unfinished maid clothes... It seems that they're all hand-made. She doesn't have tailoring skill but it was her specialty before reincarnating.

I take memos for only the titles of the magic books, and allow all the things back to the item box.

"You won't take it?"

"I want to read the magic books next time, but I don't have any intention to take them."

I tell the slightly dubious Arisa clearly.

I'd be treated as a pervert if I carry around little-girl-sized sailor and maid uniforms after all.

After pulling myself together, I ask the last question.

"Why did you make me but not only yourself but Lulu too?"

"Since she's my older sister. Lulu is my half-sister."

"That's why you want to be together huh..."

Arisa goes to the bed and pat Lulu's hair, while looking sad, she talks.

"It's not just that. Master won't scorn Lulu despite how she looks right? Even in our hometown, servants were talking about how ugly she is behind her back."

"Even though she's this beautiful..."

"I think so too. Moreover, I was in the same situation. Don't you think that my violet hair and iris are unusual?"

Arisa lifts her hair with both her hands and looks here.

"Ah, I haven't seen it beside some stylish grandma's dye."

"D, don't put me together with such things..."

Arisa becomes crestfallen, but she's immediately back on her feet and continues.

"Violet hair and iris are considered to be bad omens, although there are few people who know the reason, if anything bad happens then they will be accused of being responsible for everything."

Is that why she was unsold? Is her [Witch of the Lost Kingdom] title due to that too?

"Could you tell me the reason why you became a slave? This isn't an order. If you don't want to tell me then you don't have to."

Arisa is at loss for a bit, but pieces by pieces, she begins to talk.

Chapter 29

Satou's here. There are many tragedies where the hero doesn't come to save the day.

In the fantasy world, I would have liked it if it was happily ever after.

"I failed to make my hometown prosperous using the knowledge from my previous life."

"Even if I'm like this, I was a princess you know." said Arisa ironically.

"In the beginning it was working well, but then it began to be failing unnaturally and the kingdom became ruined, plunged into civil war, and occupied by the neighboring kingdom in the end."

"What did you do?"

"Just normal agricultural reforms. Like making fertilizers from leaves and manures, four-wheeled farming tools, and some basic administration cheats."

I've never heard 'Administrative Cheats' lingo, but I put the pieces together from the administrative and reform parts.

"Even if you fail, could that even ruin the whole kingdom?"

"That's why I said 『Unnatural』. The mountain where we collected leaves for fertilizer died off. A massive insect monster outbreak came out of fertilizer which was fermenting, planted clovers and turnips which should have restored the land, withered it instead."

Indeed, those were some fantasy-like phenomenons, but if we add 『Unnatural』 to this, that means...

"Someone was interfering, was it?"

"Yes, but I only knew long after the fact. At that time, I thought it was because of the difference between the earth and this world, I was really depressed. I even got called [Witch of the Lost Kingdom], or [Mad Princess]."

So those titles were because of this.

It wasn't because she used mind magic to manipulate the king to create a harem of pretty boys for her or something huh.

"Still, if the intention was to occupy your kingdom, if the neighboring kingdom didn't gain any profit, there was no meaning to it, would it? Laying waste to the other kingdom to get it, didn't they get their priority backward?"

"They didn't care at all for territories of a poor country. They probably just wanted the [Withered Labyrinth] below the castle."

"After our country was occupied, they made a public execution of the king and the crown prince for the sake of calming down the populace."

Tears are falling out of her frustrated face.

"Then the remaining princes and princesses were gathered, and they said this."

『This country was destroyed because of your foolishness. You people are not qualified to be royal families.』

"They made the court magicians put coercion(geass) on the princes and princesses, starting from me."

『Live as a slave until you die』

"I was blaming myself for the destruction of the country, so I willingly received that geass and became a slave."

I take out a handkerchief from the storage using the under-bed as a cover, and wipe her tears.

"Why did it have to become slaves..."

"It was for the sake of reviving the 『Withered Labyrinth』 I told you earlier. We couldn't escape if we became slaves, since it was geass and not contract, only a country is able to cancel that..."

She grasps the handkerchief along with both of my hands, and continues.

"Every month, when it was full moon, they sacrificed one person in a suspicious ceremony inside the labyrinth's interior."

"One year later, the labyrinth was resurrected. When the ceremonies were over, only me who had the taboo hair and Lulu, who was an illegitimate child remained. Our confinement was moved from the tower to the royal villa near it. I don't know why they didn't dispose of us right away. But we would probably be spared if the labyrinth ever wither again."

Her grips are losing its strength.

"And then, another tragedy struck when the next full moon happened. A demon appeared, the castle and the town surrounding it were destroyed. The royal villa where we were, was burned down too, and Lulu ran and took refuge on the mountain."

Arisa was forbidden to go out by Order, but when the castle was destroyed, their master seemed to have died in it, thanks to that they were able to escape from the villa.

"I thought that we have no choice but to be burnt to dead but Lulu's indication became 『Master: None』, thanks to that. If I was alone, then I'd have died just like that."

Arisa puts my arms to embrace her and sits on my lap. Since she's trembling a bit in my arms, I let her off.

"Then we just wandered around in the mountains, and just as we were about to die, we got picked up by the wandering slave trader, Nidoren-shi. Since slaves who don't have masters can't enter towns. So I wouldn't be sold to some perverted nobles, I used Hide Skill to hide my skills and Lulu also pretended to have loss of speeches."

She leaned her small head to my arm, her expression wasn't visible.

"Wouldn't it better if you used mind magic to make Nidoran-shi to treats you two like daughters?"

"That's right. I was too desperate to hide my skills, when I realized that, I was already under the Contract to be Nidoren-shi's slave."

"You could just use the magic after that."

"I could have died if I was careless trying to do that and violated the contract."

Hmm? Wait a minute.

I made Arisa face me.

"Didn't you just abuse your magic to push me down earlier? Why was the contract not violated?"

She looks up to me and smiles wryly.

"Because that's a service from a slave. I properly made the oath during the contract, right?"

『I will vigorously attend to master without rest, day and night』

"That's why I use every ounce of myself, including magic, to service you!"

She puts her hands on my side while looking like expecting something, "So embrace me~, indulge yourself on my unripe body~", while trying to hug me, I shoot her down with a chop.

"By the way, who was that demon?"

"I don't know. I didn't directly see the demon. Only heard it from Nidoren-shi's talk with other merchants. I only knew that the town around the castle was burned down and it went somewhere after. Maybe it came to steal the revived labyrinth."

Is it like the arm demon, gathering power in the labyrinth?

I will talk about it to Arisa.

"So the uproar that Nidoren got involved in was about labyrinths?!"

Her face is close.

Bracing myself, I push back the oncoming Arisa, while talking about the demon raid's disturbance, the arm demon's making of the labyrinth, summarizing them all. The silver masked hero was omitted.

"You mean a new labyrinth was made?"

"Seems like it."

Is it a point to be surprised about?

"There are only 6 living labyrinths in this continent. The last labyrinth which appeared, did so 100 years ago. A labyrinth will appear in the place where the corpse of the demon lord is, that's what is written in books."

"That arm demon said that it was created for the sake of the complete resurrection, so I thought that it was just a recovery type shelter item."

"It's not such a cheap thing. That's a Legend class artifact item. I wonder what the objective is..."

"To produce demons to fight the hero maybe?"

Ignoring my nonchalant answer, Arisa ponders with a serious face.

I'm alright with you hanging your hands on my shoulders, but please stop circling my waist tightly with your legs.

"Are there earth veins around this area?"

"It seems there's one called Dragon's Valley."

She says that with a serious face while looking up... Fine, but why are you pressing your thin breast?

"If the demon's goal was to recover one arm, then probably it should have been over. I think full recovery would take many months. It could probably move around in its former form in a short period."

"And that thing is underneath our feet, chilling~", she's shaking.

I don't know how long is a short period, but Zena-san et al who are at the labyrinth's entrance are in danger.

"You're awfully knowledgeable."

Almost like Nadi-san.

"I've read most of the books in the castle's library."

"The letter printing in this world is really small you know~", Arisa said.

"Do you know? When you read books and gain new knowledge, you accumulate experience points~ Thanks to that, my level went up even while secluding myself in a castle."

I see, this isn't a game after all, you can gain level even without going into battles.

"Tell me if you know this."

"Of course~ Master~."

While rubbing your face against my chest, don't grope it with your fingers.

"In this world, to fight against a level 62 demon, how much force would you need?"

"What is the level of the best pieces you can prepare?"

"Around 48."

"Then if you equip them with 6 holy attribute weapons and the party balance is good, you can win~"

"There aren't 6 of them. Level 48 magicians are one person, upper 40 are 3 people, and lower 40 are 2."

"It will be harsh, but if there are 10 level 30 people as back ups in turns, then I think, they could somehow do it. Although there probably would be many sacrifices."

She stops playing with her fingers and looks over here.

"Master, you sure know a lot about this town's forces. Aren't you a merchant?"

"I know an acquaintance in the military. Also, although I call myself a merchant, I've never done any commercial business."

"Master can afford 5 slaves regardless."

"Well yeah, I got a lot of magic cores from the labyrinth after all, I won't have money trouble for a while."

The monies are actually things I pillaged from the dragons, but it seems it'd be troublesome so I just misled her here.

I grab her hands which were playing around on my chest above, seemingly misunderstanding something, she closes her lips shut and attempts to kiss me.

I push her back, peel her body off me, and lay her beside Lulu.

I put on a cheap robe and cloak, and went out of the room.

"Where are you going~", hearing that, "Sleep until morning", I 『Ordered』 Arisa that and got out of the room.

Chapter 30

Satou's here. I've played around imitating a transforming hero when I was a child but I didn't think that I would really stick to being one.

I come back to the labyrinth. Covered in blond haired silver masked hero style (lol).

I left the beastkin girls to rest in the inn, so I'm alone. Since Pochi and Tama aren't here I activate the [Trap Release] skill.

Opening the map, I mark the course to where the arm demon should be located.

Alright, with this I won't have to check the map every time I reach a junction.

I proceed for a bit while having the trap discovery skill find the trap locations. I somehow know where the trap is before the AR indicates it.

I put force to my jump, flying over the trap.

It seems that there are 5 skeleton soldiers in the room ahead. Since pulling out swords is tedious, I just kick them.

The skeleton soldiers are blown away near the wall in tatters, but they immediately get back up.

"Oh dang, that skill was still disabled."

I open the skill screen on the menu and tap [Fighting]. Not the level but the name. [Fighting Lv 10], the indicator changed from gray to white. I disabled it in order to not beat the people at the downtown back then to death, after I got the abduction skill. It seems that the abduction skill has a non-killing effect, that's convenient.

I kick an approaching skeleton. The kick hit the torso part blowing it away like it was shot, and sank it into the wall. The skeleton soldier who has lost its torso pauses for a bit, then it flies backward as if being pulled. Many other skeleton soldiers get entangled and destroyed.

I kick the only remaining skeleton lightly. It doesn't get blown away like it was shot like earlier, but it flies to hit the wall while breaking up.

"I should make sure not to forget to turn off my fighting skills before I get back to the town..."

Since it'd take a lot of time if I thoroughly beat all enemies, I decided to fight only the one who blocks my path.

Jumping over the traps, kicking the enemies around, while galloping through the labyrinth.

I got into the life drain trap once, but it only robbed a small portion of my stamina.

However, there's a place where I'm forced to stop my feet.

『Thou hast to answer my question if thy wish to continue』

That's what is written on the gate. Riddle huh, this is also a labyrinth classic.

『Shonimu is righting the tree, Dareson is eating the fruit, Yurato is planting the seed. Correct our right position.』

Yep, I dunno.

Therefore I decided to do the brute force way.

I take out a sledgehammer from storage, and hit it. Hit. Hit. Hit.

"Is it not good? No wait, I haven't enabled the hammer skill branch."

I allocate points to [Two-Handed Hammer] skill and activate it.

...I somehow understand that it's useless even if I continue to hit it. Is this an effect of the skill too?

I stop minding about it and swing the sledgehammer with all my might!

The handle breaks, and the tips fly to the other end of the room. The door becomes a bit recessed but that's it.

"This door would be a hot sale if I take it home."

I'm considering ignoring the door and just digging through the wall, but referencing the map it looks like it would take some time to finish.

"Should I rely on magic items with unknown effects?"

The frequency of talking to myself increased.

Unfortunately there is no other way around. I have also checked the pit, but there is none that goes to the other side of this door.

I don't have any choice but to deal with the riddle, but this is the type that requires you to know the preamble first.

"Tree, fruit and seed huh... There are some suspicious looking animal pictures, but there is nothing with trees."

I'm at a loss.

"『What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?』, If only it was like that~"

That's right!

I take a pick from Storage, and use it to carve something on the wall.

『What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?』

『It's Man』

[DeRiddle Skill Acquired]

Thank you Sphinx! I don't know the one who answered that, but thanks for you too!

I'm pouring DeRiddle skill with point to the max, and activate it.

Shonimu, Dareson, Yurato, I still don't know what they are. However I knew which of the suspicious looking animal pictures corresponded to which name.

And, I somehow know that the tree, the fruit and the seed aren't in this room.

"Skill get, easy victory~ I thought it'd be like that~"

Despite being disappointed, is this sensation thanks to DeRiddle skill? I understand that there is still more that needs to be done to solve this riddle. I don't know specifically how but...

In a game, it's common for key items to be located in different rooms. I search for rooms with strong-looking enemies on the map.

There are 3 blatantly suspicious rooms, furthermore each have enemies clearly higher-leveled than normal.

"Truly game-like eh~"

I try seeing the closest room. The room's floor is depressed except at the center. In the depression, tree root-like creatures are wriggling around.

There's a pedestal in the center of the room, a statue is put on top of it. That's most likely a key item for the riddle.

It seems to be impossible to jump to the pedestal with a single leap. That said, I don't want to land on those wriggling things.

The AR indicates that it's called Wandering Roots, since it's a colony life form it looks like even if I shoot it directly with the magic gun and destroy its exterior, it still won't die, there'll be no end to it.

That's why I use the molotov bombs I made back then. Since I've activated Fire Resistant skill, my body probably would be fine. If the wig got burned, my disguise would be blown, so I poured the water bottle from the top of my head. With this it won't get burned easily.

I ignite the molotov with the igniter magic tools (Tinder Rod). I casually throw five ignited bottles, and after checking that it's burning nicely, I jump into the fire!

"Like I can!"

Impossible impossible impossible! Even if I know that my body won't burn, it's still impossible.

Comparatively the live trees are burning nicely. I can see that the smoke isn't coming here, I wonder if there's air vents somewhere?

Since it's tedious to just wait, I check other locations.

The second room is like a square.

In the slightly-lower floor-level in the center, a 3 meter great-majin look-alike monster is there. The AR indicates that it's a Stone Golem. Level is 40. It has [Physical Damage Halved],[Spirit Damage Invalid] unique skills.

"Standard golem is usually taken care of by crossing off the E from EMETH so it becomes just METH, right? There's nothing like that written, the letters itself are different anyway~"

Physical damage halved huh... that means half of it still works right.

I maximize spear skill points and activate it.

I take out a steel spear from the storage.

After getting a good aim, I throw the spear!

The spear strikes the Stone Golem diagonally, passing through it and piercing through the earthen wall until its base.

A moment later, the stone golem crumbles from the place where the spear pierced through, demolished in a single blow.

"It's an overkill~"

There's a blue gem in the mouth of the stone golem. This seems to be 『Fruit』.

The third room is a room with a treasure chest in the center.

Traps are laid all over the room up until the treasure chest location, there's only one safe path until there.

Though it's already easy as long as it has one.

I hang a black rapier on my waist, safely go through the traps and get in front of the treasure chest.

"Who~ah, the treasure chest was a mimic!"

Yes, the monster in this room is a dungeon regular, Mimic.

While I equip the rapier, the treasure chest is about to attack by opening its mouth, so I consecutively thrust the rapier. It feels like destroying furniture rather than a living being.

[Continuous Attack Skill Acquired]

The Mimic evaporates while leaving out purple smoke. I involuntarily stepped back and my foot almost got caught up by the trap. Dangerous, dangerous.

Underneath the place where the mimic was, there's a black stone. This one seems to be 『Seed』.

When I get back to the first room the fire has been extinguished, thin and white smoke is rising from the cinders.

The Wandering Root has evacuated somewhere, it's nowhere to be seen.

This is fortunate, I collect the statue from the pedestal. This is probably 『Tree』.

It doesn't seem that a boulder is going to crash down even if I took the statue.

I leave DeRiddle skill to place the collected item in the right position, then the door silently opens.

So that the door won't close when I'm going back, I stab a suitable great sword on the floor.

From there, there was nothing worth talking about until I ran through the target room.

"This is the place where the arm demon should be..."

If he's not revived then I'm going back to indulge on lazing around~

An altar-looking thing is situated in the depths of the room.

I'm closing on it...

The candlesticks around the altar are suddenly lit with blue fire.

"Hahahahaha! I appear!"

A magic circle with purple light emerges from the altar along with the arm demon's voice.

On the center of the magic circle, the arm demon relaxedly rises, no, its whole body has been revived.

"Muhha~~! In perfection I am revived!"

"As usual, what an idiotic way of talking."

"Mumumumu! You bastard! Silver mask! I struggle!"

The demon roars, and black aura rises from its body. It seems to be some kind of support magic. The AR indicates that it's [Physical Damage 90% Cut].

"Unpreparedness is one's greatest enemy! I, do my best!"

The demon roars again. Purple lights are emitting from its nails, horn and tail. The AR indicates that [Physical Attack Power 300% Up].

"Is it fine now?"

I put the sheath of the holy sword on my waist while listening to the demon. I wonder if it's also called sheath for western swords?

Returning my consciousness which went astray to the demon.

"For showing that allowance, it's my turn now! I dash forward!"

The demon attacks while dashing!

While leaving purple afterglows, the demon stabs the poisonous claw with its right hand, but I duck from the attack and counter with an iai flash, slashing from the bottom up.

The blue light track is beautiful like always.

The holy sword tears through the meat smoothly without any resistance, severing the bones.

"Gunununu! I, unyielding!"

The demon who has its arm cut, uses the rotating tail to strike instead. Come to think of it, I was blown away by this tail the first time.

If I don't let my guard down, this isn't a problem. I cut the tail with a single stroke of the sword.

"No way! You bastard! You must be a hero! I was astonished!"

The demon shows its back after using its tail to attack, I cut it into three pieces from behind...

Yep, I'm alright. After defeating so many insects, I got accustomed to it.

"This can't be! Mao-sama... I regret..."

After making sure that the demon's HP is 0, I collect the cut tail and arm and put them on the main body. It's troublesome if it resurrects again like before. Let's cremate it.

I set fire by throwing the rest of the molotov bomb to its body from a bit far.

I monitor the corpse until it's burned down from a place away. Probably because its existence is already thin, it has been burned out leaving only ashes in only 5 minutes .

Having finished my business in the labyrinth, I leave it behind.

Title [Labyrinth Traveler] Acquired

Chapter 31

Intermission: Zena

The invoked magic wraps my body.

Even though it's a sensation that I'm familiar with, right now it's irritating.

To confirm the effect I take a step forward.

Okay, it is working properly.

Together with the wind.

I am running.

I met that person yesterday. Even though it has not been even a full day yet since then, I feel like it has been longer than that.

I thought that I could defend the demon's attack with my magic, but my body became battered instead. My feet and arms were throbbing in pain, I was like a doll, unable to move.

I slightly turn my neck.

Fortunately, before I slammed into the ground, I was caught in roadside tree's branches somewhere.

...Fortunately? Is it really so?

My life force is going to disappear first before that overly strong demon could be defeated and for someone from the army to find me.

Even now, my blood is dripping out little by little.

My consciousness is fading but I come back to myself when I hear someone's footsteps. I muster all of the little energy I have left, and turn my sight.

That someone is wearing a robe so gaudy it's hurting your eyes.

I, who was on the brink of death, still think how out of place it looks in daily life.

I want to go back to (that) daily life too!

Even though I feel exhausted looking at that gaudy robe, I call out for him before he's gone. He has a voice that feels like he's going to be carefree wherever he is.

Running.

Avoiding people, avoiding the wagon, I am running.

Ahead, even a step.

Faster, even a moment.

I am running.

I wonder if I blacked out, after calling him out, he immediately stands beside me.

It's a very calm-looking boy which you wouldn't think would wear that gaudy robe.

I wouldn't call him handsome, but he's someone who's giving you a favorable impression.

After ascertaining my wounds and dealing with my fractures, he gently, yes, very gently lifts me up to his arms.

His robe, which looks really new, is dirtied by my blood and dust.

But he doesn't seem to mind those kinds of things at all.

Despite his delicate appearance, he has enough power to carry me without looking strained.

I wonder how he will bring me down from the tree?

With magic?

Contrary to my expectation, he flies from the branches without even using magic.

I ran through the alley.

Without killing my momentum, I kick the wall to turn at the corner.

I avoid people who are surprised like I'm dancing.

I don't even mind my skirt fluttering around.

I run using every ounce of my strength.

I close my eyes in order to endure the soon-to-come impact.

I hear someone scream annoyingly close to my ears, but it was my own voice.

However the shock never came no matter how long I waited.

When I timidly open my eyes, with worried visage, he tenderly greets me.

He doesn't seem to directly go down below but jumps over a series of branches and goes up the roof.

What a nimble person!

Let's call him Nimble-san from now on.

While carrying me, he's ferrying across several roofs, looking for a place to go down.

He was jumping up and down several times, but he was doing it like a weightless feather. As if he has wings.

I wonder if this is what it feels like to be flying in the sky?

I am losing breath.

But I can't stop now.

I was entrusted to call for reinforcement, for the sake of not letting him die.

I am ignoring the scream of my body.

I will let it rest however much later.

Right now I must be faster, even one step.

When we're going through a cramped house, he's being very careful as to not make my fractured limbs touch the furniture.

I feel like a princess after receiving this much careful attention.

A luxurious thing, considering I had readied myself to die just before.

Whenever he avoids the furniture, our bodies are getting in close contact.

I've done training with male coworkers before, but he has no beast-like body odors unlike those men. On the contrary, I can faintly smell elegant-like fragrance.

His hair is smooth too. I want to touch that for a bit...

The fight has ended in the plaza. Apparently they won.

I am led by him to receive the medical treatment.

He hands me over to the relief station after the treatment is finished, and goes to rescue other people.

During our parting, he turns around and waves at me once.

I don't know if that was for me, but I feel a bit happy.

It's almost the central main street.

A child suddenly jumps out from the sideway.

I cannot avoid him as it is. I jump over the child, performing a somersault in the air.

I know it's shameless since I'm wearing a skirt, but now it's not the time to be concerned about it.

I leave the child's safety to the adults nearby.

Imposing my feet with unreasonableness for the last time.

On the evening of that day, Lilio and my friends made fun of me when they saw me talking with Nimble-san "Spring finally comes to Zena huh~", they said.

I don't understand love even if you tell me.

Whenever I'm thinking about him, I somehow feel like running in a lap.

If this is really love then I can understand why Lilio, who's a love-maniac, is fast to react.

The next day, I somehow went out with a skirt. There is no particular reason.

Before I go to the temple for treatment, I wonder if I can meet him if I go to the bookstore he helped yesterday? I consider that for a bit... This small thought is a secret.

When I really meet him in the bookstore, I feel that this is fate for a moment.

Am I exaggerating?

Lilio will surely make fun of it, "Children really do like fates eh~", no doubt about it.

He tells me that my unfashionable clothes are "Lovely".

Let's not forget to write the diary when I go home today!

I jump into the central street while rolling.

Running on the street, I'm passing through carriages while grazing them.

I will apologize to the coachman who let out abusive language later.

Waiting for my breath to catch up is vexing so I recite the wind magic, Whisper Wind.

There should be a gatekeeper inside the inner wall.

"This is magic soldier Zena speaking! In the east district, purple has appeared on the 13th square near the outer wall."

"Are you using magic? I'm Mondo of the gatekeeper guard unit. Are you certain that it's purple?"

Purple is a military term for a demon.

We can't exactly shout when a demon appears in broad daylight.

"There is no mistake, I've confirmed it visually. Please send reinforcements ASAP. I will go back there to help evacuate the civilians."

"W, wait, alone"

Without listening to Mondo-san's last words, I'm going back to the square where Satou-san is.

In the middle of the way, roars and building breaking come from the direction of the square.

My heart tightens, imagining the worst.

It's okay! I persuade my mind.

Nebiren-sama from Garleon temple is there, he is the best holy magic practitioner in this Seryu city. If it's him, even if he can't defeat the higher-demon, he should be able to buy time.

I recast Wind Walk which had its effect expired.

I reaffirm my trembling legs.

To run again.

Going back to that person's side.

I was given a flower as a present.

A small winter honey flower which has a gentle fragrance.

I wonder if he knows the meaning in flower language?

We went around the shops Lilio taught me. He is exaggeratedly surprised on even the most ordinary things I show him.

It's kind of fun.

The trump card that I reserved from the thing Lilio taught me was a misfire. It's a bit of a shame, but before I know it our hands are joined while we walk together.

The crowds which I always complain about, only for today, I'm grateful to them.

Isn't this what they call a date?

The flower language was "Love which begins to sprout".、If only he knew about it.

I arrived at the square sooner than I expected.

But I don't have time to wonder.

Because, there is only a vacant lot over there...

In despair, I collapse to the ground.

On the center of the lot, an ominous black rock grown with sharp thorns stood. I hear voices from that black rock.

I drag my over abused legs as if it's screaming in protest there.

If I'm not mistaken, the demon said something about [Labyrinth].

I don't understand the connection between the demon and the labyrinth, but Satou-san and the others might be inside.

I was going to jump inside even by myself.

But, I was stopped at the entrance of the black rock. By the commanders who came by riding horses. They seemed to have been in the inner wall when I contacted it earlier.

I was appointed to be a temporary liaison by the commander, to help in securing the square during the construction of a military post.

Since I'm near the commander, I get a hold of various information. The open space and houses surrounding the square seems to have been sucked into the ground. Alongside the people.

I'm sure the nimble Satou-san should be able to take refuge in a safe place somewhere. Let's believe that now.

The consul-sama who came after the military post is complete, looks unusually excited while saying something about the Labyrinth Nucleus (Dungeon Core), but I don't really understand.

We got permission to rush into the labyrinth after more than a full day had passed.

Of course I applied for the first group.

I want to run into the labyrinth immediately, but Lilio does not let go of my arms. Though it doesn't mean that I will secede the vanguard position.

First, we secure the first hall that we have entered.

From here, the plan is to advance the main force whenever we finish securing a room. Although it seems too careful, it's an ironclad rule when you're marching into a labyrinth.

We're advancing slowly through the passage even while I'm feeling frustrated.

Footsteps sound coming from ahead.

I carefully confirm the other side of the corner using a mirror.

You're lying! It's Satou-san!

Not registering this unbelievable good luck, I hesitate for a bit.

I shouldn't have been hesitating.

From the corner of the passage, I see the figure of Satou-san getting attacked by a beast monster that appears from the wall.

I shook off Lilio who was gripping my arms.

As if under the effect of magic, I jump forward like flying.

I make a landing on the wall of the passage's corner.

The beast monster bites Satou-san.

It's okay.

Satou-san avoided it.

My head becomes pure white, but it's not the time for this.

I cast Air Hammer and blast the beast monster away. It doesn't have enough power to defeat it, but let's pull it away from Satou-san first!

Satou-san gets caught in the blast, but the beast monster is successfully separated from him.

Before the beast monster starts its counter attack, Nebinen-sama has managed to defeat it. As expected.

I, who is relieved after seeing Sato-san's face, begin to cry and embrace him without wanting to let go.

Lilio-san makes fun of me like it's other people's problem later.

Even though he has just escaped from such a dangerous place like a labyrinth, Satou-san is like the usual Satou-san.

But it may be so that I don't worry too much.

Since I will be off duty tomorrow, I should make something delicious for him tomorrow morning.

Lilio will most likely make fun of me again.

That kind of ordinary life might be good once in a while.

Chapter 32

Satou's here. There's this thing called the butterfly dream, and I, who think that's it's better for it to be a dream, Satou.

Could I ever go back to the nostalgic world someday?

From the window, I can hear the traffic's noise outside. Did I oversleep?

I was able to obtain various knowledge yesterday, I also now understand Arisa's true color.

After the morning came, I've cooled off compared to the time when I knew that she bought herself with magic, and also, she has found out my true identity, so it would be dangerous to let her go.

I convince myself that she's a clue to go back to my original world. Strangling the neck of a little girl just to be certain, that kind of thing is impossible for me. I'd rather run away to the end of the world.

While contemplating losing myself to the warmth of the bed and going to sleep once again, the door opens with a bang.

There was no knock.

"Satou-san, are you awake~? Your lover has come~"

Martha-chan sure is energetic this early. Behind her, "I, I'm not his love...", is Zena-san who is trying to block Martha-chan's mouth while wa-wa-ing.

"Good morning."

While I might be half-awake. I raise my upper half to greet them.

It's cold. I took off my robe after I had finished the business and went to sleep just like that, but... I see, the shirt I wore under the robe was peeled off by Arisa.

"Oh, that's quite a good body~."

Martha-chan gazes at the half-naked me interestingly. Zena-san is also looking from behind while blushing.

I thought she's accustomed to nude men as a soldier.

"I'm sorry, for making you see such an unsightly figure. I'll go change my clothes immediately."

I place my hand on the bed while trying to get up. "Ahn " ...It's lukewarm.

When I look below, a half-naked little girl is there. My hand is attached to her naked chest... When did she crawl in?

Seeing me sleeping together with a little girl, Zena-san's face changes from red to blue.

"...Master ...If you do that much ...I'll break."

From over there, as if waiting for this timing, Lulu is sleep-talking.

Looking over there, probably because she tossed around in bed, she's sleeping sideways with her back facing here. Since her clothes are short, her cute ass is facing her... I realize that she doesn't wear underwear.

Furthermore the sheet is stained red... Huh? I didn't attack her okay?

"Fi, fi, filthy~~~~! Satou-san is an idiot~~~~!"

Zena-san runs out of the room while crying.

Martha-chan scratches her head, "Sorry for disturbing~ Please take your time~", and she closes the door.

This is the first time I've heard filth in real life. It feels like someone's problem.

"Master, if you have a clean cloth, could you give it to me? Lulu seems to have a period."

I take out a piece of cloth from the bag.

"Thank you. Leaving that aside, do you not chase her? If you don't go soon, you won't be able to fix the misunderstanding you know~"

It's not like she's my girlfriend, but I'd hate it if a friend kept the unpleasant misunderstanding that I'm a lolicon.

Looking at the radar, she's at the main street just outside of this inn. As expected of a soldier, she's fast. As she is, she'll pass this room after a bit.

...This skill is convenient, but it's scary if a stalker obtains it.

While thinking stupid things, I'm wearing the shirt on the floor, since I can't afford to jump out half-naked. It goes without saying that I have had my trousers since the beginning.

Measuring the timing, I jump out from the window to the street.

I land to block Zena-san's route. I catch the surprised Zena-san, and disperse her momentum by rotating once.

"Zena-san, it's a misunderstanding."

"But, you're sleeping with such a cute girl!"

"She just got on the wrong bed when she was half-asleep."

It's safe to sleep together since she's a child right?

I have been properly wearing trousers since yesterday. I want to strongly emphasize my innocence.

I'm not a lolicon!

"There's also another girl with black hair! E, eu..."

"Do you mean the older sister with a bad sleeping posture, it seems to be her period."

Zena-san finally weakened.

"B, but, a man who buys slaves usually makes them attend in the night too, that is according to Lilio!"

Damn you, co-worker Lilio.

"That depends on the person. Those sisters are substitutes for maids you know? The beastkin girls are to act as guards, but they're not suitable for shopping."

"...But"

Even if she understands, her emotion still hasn't caught up huh?

If I say "If I intend to do that then I'd have bought a sexy woman." here, she'd likely be even more angry.

"Today you're wearing something different from the one piece yesterday. There are a lot of neatly arranged frills, it's gorgeous. It's drawing out Zena-san's charm."

At times like this, it's better to praise and leave her in a haze.

Saying, "Such a thing... It's just the clothes...", Zena-san shyly says while looking a bit happy.

"It's lovely, but aren't you cold wearing light clothes?"

"No, Since I've trained myself, it's alright."

That's not a line from a woman, Zena-san.

Here I should have taken her under a man's arm and said "You'll be warm here"!

"That's right, a shop just ahead is selling beautiful stoles. Why don't we see it together?"

"Is that true? I'll go!"

Yosh, I've successfully steered the conversation off the course.

Then, after comparing several dozens of stoles and shawls, and I give her the pink stole she chose herself as a present, her mood has completely gone back to normal.

Women's shopping sure is long eh?

When we got back to the inn, Arisa was calling me from somewhere slightly apart from the stable.

"Welcome back, master. I'm glad that the misunderstanding seems to have been resolved."

The main culprit is saying it like it's not her problem, and gets a poke on her forehead.

"I'm home, what are you doing in a place like this?"

"We're asking Liza-san to share her bread since we were hungry."

"So you've finished eating?"

"Yup, Lulu is still eating inside. She seems to lack appetite..."

I see, for a slow person, smoked meat is probably painful. I hand Arisa several pieces of copper coins and tell her to buy some fruits.

I go back to my room for a change of clothes.

Zena-san is waiting at the inn bar on the first floor while drinking fruit juice.

Back in the room, I pour water to the copper basin on the table from the Hell Water Jug, and use it to wash my face. Since there doesn't seem to be any bad hair, I wet my hand for a bit and used it to comb my hair. Let's look for a hairdresser in this world next time.

I changed into a clean robe, and put on new boots. When I'm tying my boots, I found dried-up fruit.

Did Arisa throw this? Although Martha-chan will clean it even if I leave it alone, I put it inside the storage since there's something that I have in mind.

That remind me, I try to take out the 『Piping Hot Meal』 I put inside it during the first day I came here. It remains piping hot. I bite it after confirming that it's not rotten with appraisal. The taste also remains as it was.

『Piping Hot Meal』 and 『Dried-up Fruit』. Since it's interesting, let's test something out.

I allocate 1 skill point to Item Box skill and activate it. I store the remaining 『Piping Hot Meal』 inside it.

Since I likely will forget about it again, I put a note on the Notebook inside the Exchange tab.

"Thank you for waiting, Zena-san."

"Don't worry, I was just having a chat with Martha-chan."

"This nuisance will disappear~.", and so Martha-chan goes back to work.

In her place, Arisa, Liza and the others are coming back, I call them.

Lulu doesn't look too well so she returns to the room. I ask for a passing-by maid to bring water to the room, and give her a few copper coins for tips.

I go outside with Zena-san, bringing Arisa, Liza and the others.

Putting 10 silver coins in a small bag, I give it to Arisa to buy their change of clothes and other daily necessities.

Liza and the others will act as guards and luggage carriers.

"Master, is it okay to use the extra change money for sweets?"

"As long as it's only as far as 1 big copper coin, it's okay. Since that includes lunch, don't use it all for snacks."

"Yee~s", Arisa departs to the east street while saying so. Pochi and Tama are going along on both her sides, she looks like a children gang boss. Liza who follows from behind is looking like a parent.

"She's a very affable slave isn't she?"

"I don't know if that attitude is fit for a slave, but that girl is an easy-going person."

I don't know how a slave should appropriately act, but if she keeps being that exaggerated to her surroundings, I'm confident that she'd become a failure as a human being later.

Since the weather is quite nice, we decided to take a walk together to a park nearby while chatting.

"Are you off-duty today?"

"No, I will have a duty this afternoon."

"Didn't you also have a night duty just yesterday?"

"That's right, we don't have enough personnels so a half-day holiday is all I could get."

Hmm? You came to meet me despite being that busy? I can't imagine that she has fallen that hard, does she have other business?

"No, it's nothing really important... It was the first experience of real battle for some people in the army, so to calm their heart..."

I see, come to think of it, even if it was something that wouldn't endanger my life, I was curiously calm.

Although there's some lingering memories from the battle yesterday...

No, even while fighting and after the fight with the demon, I was fine, Was it because it didn't feel real?

And even though I have slaughtered an entire community of race similar to Liza, I don't feel even the slightest guilt, why is that?

I wonder if it's an effect of an unknown Special Ability?

Questions are whirling around in my mind...

And it's going in a circle.

A fluffy fragrance tickles my nose. When I raise my eyes, there's a face of worried Zena-san.

"Are you alright? Satou-san."

"I'm sorry, my thoughts just wandered off for a bit. I'm alright."

Even if I think this alone, the answer won't come, guess I'll consult with Arisa tonight...

Then, I ask Zena-san to help me practice spell chanting in the park, but since I couldn't concentrate, it's not working. Even still, I continue the chanting practice as if running away from something. Zena-san patiently guides me who was like that. It lasts until Zena-san's off-duty time is over in the afternoon...

Chapter 33

"Okay~ Here we go~. Everyone, follow me~."

In accordance with Arisa's command, Pochi and Tama follow along. Arisa talks as if she's not a slave but a master. I can't possibly do it, but I'm not thinking of doing it either.

Even if the master allows it, as a slave I shouldn't intervene...

"First of all, it's underwear! So what kind of underwear are you girls wearing?"

While saying so, Arisa rolls up Pochi's mantle and skirt to confirm. Even if she's from a different race and a girl, I think she should be more discreet, but I wonder if it's fine since she's still a kid?

"You're lying~ You're not wearing one! Don't tell me, you too Liza-san?"

"Yes, I'm not wearing underwear."

Arisa says, "I can't believe this~", exaggeratedly with both her hands inter-lapping on her open mouth. It's some kind of expression, but since we are from different races, we don't really understand it.

"We will buy underwear for everyone~ Now, let's go!"

"Oou~."

"Oou~, nano desu~."

Seemingly forgetting something, Arisa led Tama and Pochi by hands while walking together. Since the 3 of them are children, they could become prey for pickpockets or crime, so I follow along closely.

"Still, this country's underwear is knicker too. I guess I have to make it myself If I want cute shorts or bra~"

She seems to be dissatisfied with the selections of the shop. I don't understand the lingo, but maybe it's a type of underwear?

"It's better than having no panties I guess, Liza-san, I'm sorry for a bit."

After saying so, Arisa hugs my waist. Apparently she's measuring the size.

"Uncle, please give me 9 of this size, and 3 for this and that. How much is it?"

She confidently tries to bargain the 10 big copper coins price the shopkeeper called, and she drives it down to 6 big copper coins. Furthermore she also gets 5 decoration strings as a bonus. Does she have negotiation and haggling skills?

No wonder she was entrusted for shopping by master.

The 15 pieces of underwear are put into a bag. Physical labor is my role.

"Kuh~ I'm losing to the sweet smells~."

"Smells good~."

"Nano desu~."

I stop the three people who are unsteadily going toward the stall with a sweet smell and we go back to shopping. While she seems reliable, she is still a child after all.

"Wonder what's available for the clothings~? The materials are from linen or cotton huh~ Uwa, there are clothes from knitted grass too! Everyone, what kind of clothes do you like?"

Pochi and Tama are at loss. These girls have never chosen their clothes before. I have custom ordered clothes only once when I was still with my tribe, but besides that I normally got used clothes from other people. She probably comes from a wealthy family.

"I don't mind what kind, as long as it's wearable. Since I'm fighting with a spear, sturdy clothes would be good."

"I see, let's look for clothes for warriors that look cute! I'm burning!"

"Burning~"

"Nano desu~"

I think it doesn't need to be cute, but not only Arisa, Poch and Tama look happy too. They're probably swept apart by the atmosphere.

"This, how about this one piece? The chartreuse green color is quite pretty, and this cuff's decoration is cute too~ Furthermore the back is open, so when you brush your hair up, you can seduce a man with one blow~."

"Arisa, I'm happy that you're looking for clothes for me, but I'm picking this tunic and pants. It looks easy to fight with and the fabric is thick so it'll last long."

She seems to dislike my choice, Arisa scratches her head which is covered with a mantle. Putting us demi-human aside, why does a human like her hide her head with a mantle? It's mysterious.

In the end, besides Arisa, everyone bought two sets of tunics and trousers, and a one piece recommended by Arisa.

"Arisa, we're satisfied with just one set of clothes. I don't want to waste my master's money..."

"It's not a waste! If we dress too poorly, we're disgracing the master! There's no need for flashy clothes, but we do need the change of clothes!"

Arisa firmly declares. A girl from the same race of master insisted on this far. It surely is necessary then.

We bought from 4 stalls, and as one would expect, 15 pieces of clothes are bulky.

Since it wasn't going to fit on the bag, we bought rucksacks for each person to hold their own shares. Of course I'm carrying the shares of Lulu, who's sleeping in the inn.

We have spent 4 silver coins and 2 big copper coins so far. Is it alright for slaves to spend this much money?

"Next, it's shoes~."

"Shoes~?"

"We have shoes no desu."

Tama tilted her head, Pochi pointed at her own sandals-wearing feet.

It's not limited to slaves like us, even normal poor citizens don't wear shoes.

"Don't you think spare shoes are a bit too luxurious?"

We're spending large amounts of money like it's normal. I'm afraid that it's too extravagant. I don't mind if I'm punished, but when I think that master would be disgusted with me, my heart freezes.

"If you use your body to fight, then sandals are dangerous , you know? Boots or at least shoes from thick leather are better."

"Our skins are sturdy, so it will be fine."

Arisa shocks her head.

"Biting insects, and among them some have poison, creatures like that exist. If your soles got injured, even if you're a hero, you could still die! Therefore, we should buy shoes."

She is push-fully going to the store, but the shopkeeper refuses.

Arisa tries to force through, but the shopkeeper doesn't seem that he's going to compromise.

"Why can't we!"

"Who wants to touch a demi-human foot! These guys are just right barefooted. You're obstructing my business, go away!"

Since he's going to thrust away Arisa, I lift her from behind. The shopkeeper's fist hit my stomach, but the power is too weak, it doesn't hurt at all.

After spending time in the labyrinth together with my master, it seems that I've become strong.

If allowed, I would like to fight in the labyrinth with the master again. That frog's grilled meat was delicious ...No, this isn't for the sake of grilled meat at all. I was happy to be helpful in the labyrinth.

"Now then~ I've pulled myself together, next is general goods!"

"Goods~."

"Nano desu~."

I wonder if Pochi and Tama understand what general goods are...

"Arisa, what kind of things are we buying? If it's tableware or cookware then we have it to some extent."

"Is that so~ then, let's omit things that I have and are unlikely to need."

Arisa is citing the goods as if singing.

"I wonder what's available~ comb, hand-mirror, cup, flask, sewing needles, threads, cloth scissors, towel, pen and ink, and paper, I guess."

"Arisa, isn't a hand mirror too expensive? Besides, what do you want the sewing kit and writing tools for?"

"Writing tools are a request from the master. The sewing kit is going to be used by me. Since I was a self-sufficient cosplayer back then, even without skills, I could use a sewing kit~ I could even make cute underwear and period-related clothing~."

We finished gathering general goods from various shops, but we didn't buy a hand-mirror in the end. Hand-mirror was exactly 3 silver coins. Even after Arisa tried to haggle it, it's still over our budget.

She readily gives up on buying the scissor and needle, but she only gives up on the hand mirror after terribly hesitating about it.

"Alright, mission complete~ Next is the long-awaited snacks~"

"Snacks~ Meat~."

"Meat~ Nano desu~."

"Even though we've just had breakfast in the morning, we're having another meal?"

I thought meals are only for morning and evening, is it different for her?

Certainly we had many meals in the labyrinth, but those were special occasions to recover our strength that had been sapped by continuous fights.

"Sweets are needed for cultural life!"

Master has allowed it, let's not oppose it too much.

Even while we're choosing foods from the stalls, she didn't forget to pick fruits for Lulu. Since Lulu seems to be her big sister, she's a good little sister who thinks of her as a sibling.

"Everyone, what do you want to eat?"

"Meat~!"

"Meat!"

"Meat is nice."

Arisa looks a bit disappointed.

I think there is nothing more delicious than meat, is it different for the human race?

"What kind of meat?"

"The one with skewer~"

"Meat stick on bones nano desu~"

"I'd like roasted bird's leg meat."

After listening to our opinions, Arisa declares.

"Alright, since the budget is aplenty, let's go in turn~."

After that, it's the time of bliss. With moderate salt and oil, brimming with good smells, the grilled mountain mutton meats, I don't understand which kind is it, but it's meat attached to bone having chewing texture out of this world, it tastes a bit like grilled chicken meat. Meat is wonderful after all.

Lastly, I tried eating the sweet paste recommended by Arisa, but it's inferior to meat. Human race's sense of taste different after all?

Even before I became a slave, I could only eat meat during a festival and it was fish meat. When I think about it, I'm lucky to be a master's slave.

Chapter 34

Satou's here. Do you feel like you're dancing at someone's palm?

I feel like Son Goku from Saiyuki...

"What's the matter? Master, your back is slouching you know~?"

My thought which has been going in circles has stopped, Arisa is standing carrying large luggages.

"Your tummy hurts~?"

"Hurt no desu?"

I turn my line of sight to the direction where my robe is pulled, there Pochi and Tama are looking worryingly while crouching near my feet.

Liza calmly stands, but her worries are transmitted here.

"I'm okay, I was just tired after being so busy for the past two days."

I pat Pochi's and Tama's heads.

I'm really disqualified as an adult for worrying these girls. Just by thinking so, the guilt and fear that had been weighing on my mind just before disappear like fallen tides.

...I check the Log just in case any message pops up but there's none.

I really should talk with Arisa tonight. I whispered to Arisa, "Tonight, after Lulu is sleeping, spare some of your time", but, "Eh~ aren't you falling too fast?", an answer full of misunderstanding comes out. I will take that as an OK for now.

When I ask for the result of the shopping, Pochi and Tama happily begin to take out clothes from the bag, I stop them. It has been decided to check them after we get back to the inn.

Liza apologizes for spending too much, but I tell her that it's necessary expenses, so don't think about it.

Even with the current pace of spending money, counting only the Shiga Kingdom's currency I have, it'll take 2-3 years before it's dried up, so there's nothing to worry about.

On the way back to the inn, I'm listening to Arisa and the girls' experience in shopping. Pochi and Tama talk about their first time shopping in glee from beginning to the end, they're telling me how fun it was.

I suggested Liza let me carry half of the luggages and Lulu's clothes, but she gently refused.

Just before the inn, I'm seeing a familiar back. She's walking a bit unsteady.

Martha-chan and the helper girl from the inn are carrying a bunch of firewoods.

"Martha-chan, are you returning from errands?"

"Ah, Satou-san. Is the date over already?"

"Unfortunately, Zena-san had work in the afternoon."

While we're talking, I take some of the firewoods from Marth-chan and the girl. It may be their errands but our destination is the same. It's fine to take it in half.

Liza tries to take it, but I refuse because both her hands are occupied. Pochi and Tama are saying "Give here~" too, but there is no point taking it from little girls just to give it to other little girls, so they give up.

It's not really heavy, although it's at least 2-3 kilos. It's unreasonable for two young girls to carry two bundles of this each. They usually have it delivered but, it seems that today the amount is not enough for training so they went to purchase it.

We enter the courtyard from the back door near the stable. I put the firewood bundles in their place.

[Carriage Skill Acquired]

"Thank you~ Satou-san. Thanks to you, we're saved~"

"Thank you very much, guest-san."

"Don't worry about it."

Martha-chan goes to the kitchen with one bundle of firewood. The helper girl, her name is Yuni. I decided to observe Yuni, who's going to take care of other guests' horses.

I know that there are horses from yesterday, but I've never seen how horses are taken care of, so I'm interested. This is not at all an escape.

Yuni is standing on top of a stool, and doing her best to make her small body reach the horses to brush them. I offered to help, but she said that she would get scolded by the inn lady if she let a guest help her.

After hiding their luggages on the space below the straws, Pochi and Tama come back. Pochi and Tama start helping Yuni. Liza tells me that they've helped in the night and morning too. Is it okay to get help if it's Pochi and the girls?

Seeing the three little girls doing their best to care for the horse, I feel like a parent who came to an athletic meet to cheer for his children, I'm healed.

The little girls became 4 before I knew it, but Arisa doesn't look like she's motivated.

"Since the clothes which I've just bought will be dirty~" so she says while showing town-girl-like clothes under her mantle.

"Liza, I'm going to the temporary military post to get the spear and magic core money, do you want to come along?"

"Yes, I will accompany the master."

"Me too! I'm going too!"

Pochi and Tama stop helping and run here.

"You going somewhere~?", "You go nodesu?", saying as they're coming, but since we would likely become an annoyance if we all go, I tell them to continue helping.

"Ay!","Nano desu~", and so they go back to work while carrying the horse's fodders. I wonder why they look mysteriously happy?

"How is Lulu's condition?"

"She seems to be alright. I've given her change of clothes and underwear, so if you go now you could get to see lucky lewd scenes you know~?"

I knock on Arisa's head for saying stupid things. Are you really half sister of that girl?

"Let's stop for a bit~."

I declared that and go to the Worker Guild.

"Hello Nadi-san."

"Ara, welcome Satou-san. You're together with a cute girl today."

As we entered, Nadi-san greeted courteously from the other side of the counter. There's also an old man, which seems to be the shopkeeper, but he always sleep whenever I come. Does he even work?

I talk to Nadi-san for a request to deliver mementos of the deceased.

Rather than a suspicious guy like me, this town's person like Nadi-san would be better to deliver them. By the way, I tried asking the officials at the temporary military post but I was flat out rejected. Because I conveyed the deceased name and rough figures, she should be able to contact the bereaved families.

"Do you also want me to collect the remuneration on your behalf?"

"Come again? What remuneration?"

After conveying the information about the deceased to Nadi-san who willingly undertake the delivery, I hear some strange things.

It seems that she wanted to know if she's also to act as an agent for receiving the rewards for delivering mementos. I'm just being a busybody so I don't really need rewards...

"Then how about only receive the reward if the family is rich? People like those will get suspicious you're aiming for something if you deliver the mementos without asking rewards."

So it become like that. It was decided to give the worker guild the maximum limit of the fee.

"Nadi-san, I have another matter to ask..."

Since I intend to buy or rent a house, I ask for the market price. In the end, I didn't ask for the intermediation though, and it's not because I can't afford it.

Nadi-san says, "There are a lot of people who dislike living in neighborhood with demi-human, of course this applies in the inner wall, but even in the west district, I don't think anyone would sell you a house. You could find it in the east street if you look for it, but since the public order is bad, if a prosperous person like Satou-san comes to live in, then thieves would attack you on the next day without a doubt.", so I was informed.

"Please sign this transaction document. The expense for appraising the spear has been deducted from the paid amount. The spear's safety has been verified so you can bring it to the town, but please take care as not to give demi-human the weapon."

I sign the document presented by the official, and receive the spear back. I wrap the spear with cloth I brought.

The price of the magic cores is 17 silver coins. The appraisal fee is 2 silver coins, I wonder if that's a proper amount? Honestly, I think you can live just being an appraiser.

Just by going to the labyrinth with 4 of us in a day, we earned 6 Arisa... Wait, that unit is funny. It wouldn't be able to afford skill holder or knowledgeable slaves but if it's for labor slaves then it's plentiful.

If I distribute it for 4 then with our current living expense, it's enough for half a month...

"Eh~ Labyrinth is quite profitable~."

"You're risking your life though."

Arisa who was quiet inside the temporary military post began to cheerfully talk as soon as we got out. Her eyes is literally shining.

"Hey, Master, can you listen to me? Do you want to settle down in this town?"

"No, I don't have such intention."

Since we'll be obstructing people on the entrance, we're talking while continue walking.

"But, but, weren't you going to buy a house just a while ago?"

"I don't want to keep Liza and the girls stay in the barn so I was thinking of buying one but it seems to be impossible~"

Liza was going to say something but lost the moment to Arisa's vigor.

"The lover-san earlier is your local wife?"

"Don't say that unpleasant words Though I do want to get closer, she's not my lover. We've met only 3 days ago you know?"

.

"Then~ I want to go to labyrinth city!"

Arisa declares while raising her hands and posturing with her entire body that it almost feel like she's letting out SFX.

Labyrinth again.

"Labyrinth city that mean there's a labyrinth there isn't it? Don't you feel repulsed to it?"

"Uuun, certainly unpleasant memories feel like they're going to resurface but more importantly! I want to raise my level!"

This isn't a game.

No, precisely because this is not a game that she'd want to level up.

"What do you want to do after you level up?"

"It's going to be demon lord season soon, so I want to level up in order to survive! While I'm at it, I want to raise magic skill that could be used to solve the Geass too."

Demon lord season, they're not cabbages and eggplants you know...

Since it was such a ridiculous phrase, I carelessly pay no attention to it.

Chapter 35

Satou's here. Doing trial and error is the most fun time I ever have.

Although it's depressing when there are too many errors...

"You could die before you could raise your level."

"It's alright, I have plenty of safety margins prepared."

I ignore Arisa who keeps talking in high spirit, and ask for Liza's thought.

"Liza, do you want to go to the labyrinth city too?"

"I will go to wherever master go to."

"I'm grateful for your deep loyalty, but I'd like to hear Liza's opinion. Since I will still be the one who make the final decision, please tell me your honest feeling without refraining."

Listen to subordinate's opinion and implement them as it is ⇒ If it fail, blame the subordinate, I won't be like that. I've decided not to be like that when I was in subordinate's position on my work. Don't impose absurd assignments!

"I would like to go to the labyrinth city if permitted."

"Hey~ I'm having a good speech here, listen~"

"I'll listen to you later."

"Che~, you're treating me differently than Liza-san~"

I ignore Arisa who becomes a bit sulky.

If we go to the labyrinth city, the advantages are as follow, Liza and the girls could go around freely, the discrimination would be minimized (it probably won't disappear), and Arisa and the girls could raise their levels.

The disadvantages are... None? Nono, I'll be parting with people I'm acquainted in this town, like Zena-san and Nadi-san. She worried about me so much, while here I'm thinking such cold-hearted thing.

"Well, I have no intention of settling down in the labyrinth city, but it could be nice to go on a tour there."

"Tour... This isn't like our original world."

Isn't it fine? Different world tour.

"Rather than that, where is this labyrinth city located?"

"I don't know?"

Oy, princess.

"Wait, don't look at me with those eyes. I do know that it is on Shiga Kingdom, but I don't know the exact location."

Should I buy some simple map from the bookstore? My map only display the wilderness from back then and Seryuu city, so it's unusable for this case. I'm not entirely sure of this but it probably could display the whole area only if I've been there first.

"Master you don't have horses or a carriage right?"

"Nope."

"I wonder where they're selling it?"

Since the square near the gate has an area full of big stables, I'll ask there. Usually I would ask Nadi-san, but I've just tasked her with a request earlier, so she's probably not available now.

"Since you can afford a house then you must be able to afford horse and carriage, but for the sake better journey, let's look for hidden treasures for traveling expenses!"

Arisa points at a flea market. This girl sure has an iron heart. Even after she was thoroughly ignored, she's not discouraged.

The flea market is open on the place where the slave auction was held yesterday, on the widest square of the east district.

The slave traders' carriages and tents remain as they were, but the stalls that were selling sake and foods in the midnight are gone, in their places, dozens of merchant open their business showing various junks lined up on a space about as small as a desk. There might be more than 100 of them.

"Master, I have a request before we charge ahead."

"I'll listen for once, what is it?"

"I want permission to use two magics. They're and ."

After she explained the effect of those magics, I give her permission. The former is a magic to "Somehow" able to discern magic tools and the latter is to recognize someone who is approaching with malicious intent.

Since there doesn't seem to be any particular harm, I allow her. Of course I could do it myself even if I don't let her, but I'm not the kind of a person who like to prohibit anything and everything.

"This! This is surely a find!"

The tool that Arisa proudly proclaim is a magic tool for sure, a broken one according to appraisal. The name of tool is [The Invitation of the Dream Flies in the Moonlight Night], that questionable name come up, and the appraisal result is [▲▲▲ but ●●● in order to □□ did ●▲ playing ● namagu]. As usual, description of this world's magic tools feels like harassments. The shape itself looks like a musical instrument or a music box, but the decorations are obscene so it's probably a lewd tool.

"It looks like it's broken, so no."

I go out of the stall while the shopkeeper promote the tool as a work of art, and we look around other stalls. It's fun to go around stalls in this kind of flea market.

Because I see the same short wand I bought back then for less than half the price, I bought two of them. After I bought it, I realized that it was a waste of money... but it could eventually be useful for something.

Other things are ornamental strings to tie Pochi's and Tama's short sword sheath to their belts, I also buy tassel decoration for Liza spear. Each of them only cost several copper coins.

In typical RPG, leather products are usually expensive, strangely, from what I've heard from the nii-chan shopkeeper, in this season they kill a lot of goats who don't hibernate, so they stock up a lot of leather products making it cheaper.

Because prices are considerably cheaper on flea market, it's harder to shop than on normal stalls.

I didn't forget to buy a ribbon as a souvenir for Lulu. It's a pink colored ribbon about 50cm long. The color is lighter than the stole Zena-san bought this morning. I wonder if the dye come from this neighborhood?

A lot of suspicious medicines are being displayed, but according to appraisal skill, they are just fake energy drinks with no effect. I'm interested with the energy drink part, but since the skill doesn't tell me the ingredients, I refrain.

They're also selling soap and pomade among other hair products. I'm not buying the pomade because the smell is too strong, but even though the soap is an expensive item for this market and as much as one big copper coin, I buy it without hesitation since it has nostalgic scents of milk soaps. I only want to buy one but Arisa desperately pleas, "This is good stuff!", I ended up buying all seven of the stocks.

"Master~ this! Buy this~."

The thing that Arisa offered are... glasses. Since these don't have lens, it's just a frame.

"What do you want this for? This kind of thing."

"Of course it's for master to use! There aren't enough glasses boys in this fantasy world! This is the first step to bring the fetish to this world~~~~."

I give a chop to Arisa who started to scream incomprehensible things to silent her. The shopkeeper says that it's one silver coin, but I don't buy it of course.

The neighbor stall has cards-like... Isn't that Karuta. From appraisal, it's an item passed down from the ancestor of Seryuu city's earl from ancient Yamato era. It's not a magic tool but it seems to be under effect of fixture magic. The market price is 10 gold coin.

"Onii-san, you have discerning eyes~ This is a toy from the ancient empire."

Arisa interrupts, "Eh~ How do you play it?", while looking playful.

Ignoring the shopkeeper who start spouting some random things, I'm fascinated with the pile of papers in front of me. There are five 30cm thick stacks of book and papers tied with string, among them one is worth 100 gold coins. It's abnormal compared to the other bundles which are only valued for about one big copper coin each.

"How much is that toy?"

"It's 3 gold coins, but for the cute young lady here, I'll give you 7 silver coins, how about it?"

I pretend to be interested with Karuta and listen to him. Its asking price is about 1/7 of the market price. I could get some profit if I resale it, but it's bothersome to look for the customers.

Arisa loses interest after hearing the price. She seemed to have wanted it because it's nostalgic, but it seems that she didn't really want it to that much.

"It's a bit expensive. How about these bundles of papers, are they some kind of reading material?"

"They don't have any value, but since they're made of papers, burning it would be wasteful, so I'm selling them in bundles."

I casually enter into the topic with the shopkeeper.

It seems that it was disused things from when he was sorting things for a certain wealthy person. He wanted to sift through usable books to be sold later, but found out that most of them are just paper useful only for scribbling.

"How much is it? It looks like most papers are writable on both sides, so it should be able to be used for the children's writing practice."

"Right then, I'll give you one bundle for 3 copper coins. If you buy them all then I'll make it 2 big copper coins."

I decided to buy them all. I'll have the unnecessary papers for Lulu and the girls to learn letters.

I put the papers to the pouch from the bag and give it to Liza. I was going to carry half, but Liza refused.

"Customer, if you want to teach letters, how about you use this item here?"

He shows me cards with Shiga kingdom's vocabularies, while the back sides are drawn with the picture of the corresponding letters. The picture is monochrome but since the lines are highlighted, you can understand how to write it. On the [Water] card, I don't know what's drawn on it, but there are only a few like that.

1 set consist of 100 pieces. They're written with ink pen one by one. It must have been made with enormous effort, but the market price shows that it's only 1 silver coin.

"Those are some interesting cards."

"This is something that I thought myself, I was thinking of using it to teach the children in my hometown."

From what he said, it was originally made from wood wastes and ink. He thought that it would sell well so he earnestly asked a painter acquaintance to make one set, and he promoted it heavily to the chamber of commerce but the production cost and the selling price were too lop-sided. It seems that the production cost 4 silver coins while chamber only want to pay 1 silver coin for it.

"So this was all drawn one by one?"

"Yes, of course it was..."

Won't the cost become cheaper if you use printing?

Arisa stops me. She puts her forefinger on her mouth.

"What?"

"Weren't you trying to suggest printing?"

"Yeah. ...Anything wrong with it?"

"When I was in the castle, I've never seen printing. It's dangerous to carelessly introduce technology you know?"

"Even though there's casting, they don't know printing?"

"Technology seems to be something like that."

Arisa who had failed once insists, I'll stop suggesting the printing.

I apologize to the shopkeeper for having private talk during the negotiation.

"I'm sorry, it was a difficult story to tell."

"I'm sorry too, even though there are only few people who are interested with this..."

"I want to buy 1 set, how much is it?"

So the interest was low? Even though that it could be popular.

He cites 4 silver coins. That's the production cost.

"Is it fine? Then won't you not profit from this?"

"It's fine. If I can give this product to a person who understand its worth."

I'm a bit moved with his melancholy.

It's a good idea, it would be a shame if it just fade away.

"Why don't you think the way to produce them next time? Since there should be demands, you could think about the price afterward. You could look for cheap material, or a way to mass produce them cheaply, it's fun to do various trials and errors."

I thought that he would think that it's just some needless words of the customer during the payment, but maybe because he found a fellow who understand him as an inventor, his eyes start to regain its strength, after confirming that, I go toward other stalls.

Chapter 36

Satou's here. Man who tries to scam with get-rich-quick scheme has the same atmosphere even in different world, I wonder why?

In the first place, in this world, having scam skill is enough to get you arrested...

The Radar which has only been displaying white dots until now, suddenly shows a lone red dot.

It's near.

The man pretends to stagger while plunging straight at me. His hands are holding a box wrapped in velvet cloth. A scammer, or should I say a fraudulent extortionist.

He's coming with a speed and distance that normally would be unavoidable, but I avoid it naturally.

From the surrounding's viewpoint, it probably looks like a man suddenly falls down on his own. The fact that, it is, but...

"Aaah! My heirloom's pot!"

He cried out loud, we cannot not get involved now.

After I avoided the man, I confirmed that Liza and Arisa had completely ignored the man and kept walking, properly following me. Seems that Arisa had also noticed it with her Sense Evil.

"Hey, you! Don't run away!"

The man holds the broken pot with one hand, and grabs me with the other.

Matching the timing with when he grabbed me, I made him faint. The people around should see it as if he fainted because he was too exasperated.

If I only have the Fighting skill then I wouldn't have been able to do it this smoothly, thanks to Abduction skill, I did it without being noticed.

I put the fainted man to the back alley carefully. Before we leave him, I check his status because he might have friends, but he doesn't belong to any criminal guild.

He will probably lose all his belongings before he wakes up, but at least he probably won't die.

"The security here really is bad~"

"Yeah, when I first went into the east district, the contents of my purse quickly got stolen."

Come to think of it, even though this is a district with a bad security problem, there sure are a lot of shops with expensive commodities. Is crime prevention all right?

I begin to worry about other people's problems.

When I observe more carefully, there are several people with good physiques, who clearly aren't merchants, strutting along the area.

Checking on AR, they are called East District Vigilante Corp, one of the watchdog guilds. It seems that several groups are guarding the area together.

Right now we are in the area of the flea market focused on pottery. I bought a bottle with a lid to put medicine and ointment on. The bottle is not made of glass but bisque. This is the same thing as the one from the alchemy introductory set, but won't the medicine have a chemical reaction?

That reminds me, I've bought an alchemy set yet I've never read the book even once.

A crowd formed a bit in front of us.

"I wonder what~" Arisa says while briskly goes into the crowd, she comes back after a while with a bored face.

"What was it?"

"Since they said that it's a magic tool, I expected something good... but it's just a spinning top which moves after you pour it magic power. Furthermore it's 1 gold coin . Those people are also crowding just because they're curious."

What did you say?

"How did he pour the magic power?"

"There's a magic apparatus-like part on the disk section which he uses to directly put the magic power by hand, when he releases his hand the tool begins to move. What? Are you interested in that toy?"

I leave Arisa who excitedly call me "Childish", and head toward the crowd. When the demonstration is finished, the crowd disperses.

According to Appraisal, the thing put on the stall is called [Rolling Ring]. Since the description is like usual, I don't read it. The disk diameter is about 20cm, it's big for a spinning top. The market price is 2 gold coins.

Some children pester the shopkeeper to spin the disk again but he refuses since he has no magic power left.

"Hello, if you're fine with it, I could pour the magic power for you."

"My bad nii-san. Hold the disk with both of your hands, then circulate magic power from your right hand to your left. Blue line light will light on the disk after a bit, you can stop pouring magic power then and gently place the disk on the stand."

It's completely filled after I pour 2 MP.

Looking at Timer, I release it after I find the right time.

The AR displays the number of rotations when I stare at the disk.

It's doing 600 rotations per 10 minutes. Moreover the spinning speed is constant until it runs out of magic power. Depending on its torque, it could be useful for a lot of things.

Some people who are interested like Arisa earlier are coming, but soon go away after hearing the price.

"Shopkeeper-san, I want to try something. I will buy it if it breaks, so will you let me?"

"If possible, I'd like you to buy it before you break it..."

What the shopkeeper is saying is a matter of course, but maybe because couldn't sell it at all, for even the tiniest possibility of selling it, he allows me.

I ask Arisa to put her magic into the disk. It consumes 5 MP this time. Are there differences between individuals?

The rotation speed is the same as earlier. I press the spinning disk from both sides after 3 minutes have elapsed. The children are booing, but I ignore them.

The rotation is surprisingly strong. It has about the same power as a radio controlled motor.

[Experiment Skill Acquired]

[Verification Skill Acquired]

After I take out the gold coins, the shopkeeper readily tells me the maker since he has nothing to lose. It seems that it's the work of Jahad, an old magician from the royal capital.

Seems that he's famous for creating useless magic tools.

I buy 4 for 1 gold coins. It looks useful for a lot of things.

"You, such things "Arisa You're being rude to master."

Arisa is rebuked by Liza. She was unreserved with me all this time but it seems that [You] is unacceptable.

"U~ I'm sorry master."

Arisa is unusually obedient.

Because Liza's anger has force. I'm glad that she is usually mild-mannered.

"Then, what did you want to say?"

"Rather than toys, I want the master to buy me magic books."

"I have books for Life magic, do you want it?"

"I'd like something more useful for battle!"

Yup, I could understand the lament of the Life magic author for a bit.

I want a recovery magic user from the present members.

I promise to bring her along when I go buy a map. I think that the magic shop is still closed now, but she still insists.

"Young master, could I have your time for a bit?"

I didn't think that I was the one who got called, but when I ignored the caller, he looked troubled.

He looks like a gentleman from the outside, but his eyes are like a snake.

"Can I help you with something?"

"Is the young master familiar with an alchemy material called Dragon White Stone?"

"No, I'm uneducated with it."

The gentleman keeps talking with exaggerated grieving gestures.

"I think you might know this but in making antidotes, one needs different materials for each type of poison."

"However, this Dragon White Stone, processed with alchemy, could be used to cure all types of poison!"

"Of course, if you live normally, then you probably won't ever get poisoned."

"Yet, for Explorers who enter labyrinths, they don't know when they will encounter monsters with poison so antidote is necessary."

"But, for the sake of bringing the loot back, Explorers are compelled to bring as little supply as possible."

"Therefore, antidotes made from Dragon White Stones are traded at high price in labyrinth city."

Without letting me cut into it, he had begun a solo sales talk.

I've been ignoring it, so I want him to just get to the point.

"This Dragon White Stone, especially! Especially for the young master (...), I'll give you a special price for it!"

In short, you want me to buy the Dragon White Stone because it's selling well in labyrinth city, that was long just for this.

"I understand the story now, but why don't you go to the labyrinth city yourself?"

"That's what should have been but I must go to the south after this. Therefore, I will hand it over to a young master who is overflowing with business talent."

On what basis is he saying that I'm overflowing with business talent?

Besides, he should sell it to a firm rather than an individual in a place like this. Suspicious, doubtlessly.

"This is a sample, I also have the certificate."

He takes out a pebble sized item, it's a Dragon White Stone according to appraisal. I still don't know if this is really an ingredient for cure-all antidote. I want a reverse look-up too.

The market price for that size is 1 copper coin.

I try to properly decline it, but the sham gentleman strongly presses on it. I can't separate away easily.

In the end, we decided to go to his carriage to look at the stocks.

On top of the carriages, clusters of very small rocks wrapped in waterproof cloth are put.

The sham gentleman pulls the cloth to show off the white rocks(...) and continues the sales talk.

I see a person, who's just right for this, coming here. Let's drag him into this.

"How is it, this quality here? If you bring this to the labyrinth city then it's going to be worth close to 100 gold coins. Because of the brilliance shown by the young master, I will hand it over."

"Unfortunately I don't have 100 gold coins on hand. At most, I only have 20 gold coins."

The sham gentleman looks slightly bitter. But I saw the corner of his eyes moving slightly.

"This is difficult, If it's 30 gold coins then I would've yielded..."

"Is that so, too bad. Well then, let's end this talk here."

And so I pull straight away.

The sham gentleman hurriedly got back.

"No, let's count on the future of the young master. I will yield 20 gold coins this time, for investment."

Ignoring the sham gentleman, I call the gnome who's passing through on the side. It's the manager of the alchemy shop.

"Hello manager-san"

"The heck are you?"

"I'm the beginner who bought the alchemy set in your shop the other day."

"Oh yeah, how's your training?"

"Yes, It's still quite difficult."

"Well yeah, it's not something that could be done overnight."

"Right manager-san, this gentleman here is trading something called Dragon White Stone. How about stocking some for the manager-san's shop?"

Saying so, I point at the lumps of rock salt(...) on the carriage. That's right, the sham gentleman scam tactic is by first showing the real Dragon White Stone pebble to someone and then selling rock salts as the real thing.

"What are you saying, those are rock salts."

"Eeeeh~! So those are rock salts!"

I exaggeratedly acted surprised and said "What is the meaning of this!", sending the fraud into panic.

If he ran away, then I thought of letting him go but the manager's bodyguard with a big body quickly constricts the fraud and drags him away.

You guys are too quick...

"I got dragged into a boring farce."

The manager looks truly indignant.

"Thanks for your help."

"Fuhn, you bastard must've known it from the start with appraisal. Just when I went to the flea market to find a bargain on raw materials, I was made to dispose of small peon instead."

To soothe him, I tell him about the thing with the spinning top earlier, after hearing that he leaves me alone and quickly goes to that stall.

He probably got an idea to use it for mixing materials.

Chapter 37

Satou's here. I do have a driver license but I have never actually driven for years.

As a man who lived in the center of the city, I was already satisfied with the public transport.

Although if I had my own car, it'd have been convenient on a date...

"We only have horse-carriage cabs here. If you want to buy a carriage then order it on the merchant guild inside the inner wall."

I tried talking to the people in the stable areas near the gate, but they didn't sell it there. Is this like trying to buy a car in a taxi stand? I'm a bit ashamed.

"The merchant guild should have them if you're fine with used ones. They were looking for buyers if I'm not mistaken."

A different coachman interrupts while we were talking.

I thanked him, then I rode on his carriage cab to the merchant guild. I asked Arisa and Liza to carry the luggages back to the inn.

The coachman who has escorted me to the merchant guild kindly mediates with the guild for me.

"We don't usually sell to people outside of merchant guild members, but since you're introduced by Yosagu-san, let's make an exception."

Yosagu is the coachman's name. It doesn't really matter, but the merchant here is Sunifun-san.

He shows me two carriages. One of them is a covered wagon. The inside is about 4 tatami wide I think? The other one is a box-shaped carriage. It's about 2 meters high, and has luggage space on the ceiling. The width inside is the same.

The covered wagon is 10 gold coins. The box-shaped carriage is 30 gold coins. The box-shaped carriage is more robust and safer, but you will need 4-6 horses to pull it. The covered wagon depends on its load, if the load is light then you only need 1-2 horses.

I wanted the safe one so I was going to buy the box-shaped carriage, but I'm told that since the center of gravity is tall, the operation of the carriage is difficult, so I stopped.

I have a car license, but driving a carriage? Since I don't have any experience on it, let's proceed carefully.

I ask to be shown the inside before buying. The inside of the covered wagon is, how do I say it, normal. Under the seat for the coachman, there's a hidden space for valuables. It seems that it was remodeled by the previous owner.

"I'd like to buy this covered wagon, but could you also prepare the horses together?"

"Right, we could prepare two Goats horses from the guild for you. We could provide four if it's donkey, but depending on the load and the destination, they may not be suitable."

I tell him that the destination is a labyrinth city and the load is 6 people and their necessities. He recommends the Gotsu horses for the task. If I carry heavy luggages then, even if it's slower, he says that donkeys are better.

If you want to be fast, then Shuberien horses are the ones you want but it seems that they all have been brought by the territory government.

The price for two horses and the wagon are 20 gold coins but I've managed to get it down to 18.

Sunifun-san is surprised to see me paying it fully and in cash.

Normally people will get the bill first, and pay at the later date. "I'm quite hasty, I used to get scolded by the people in my house because of it.", I use the excuse as if I'm a son of a noble who's ignorant of the world.

"Satou-sama, since 6 people are going to the labyrinth city, it would be wasteful if you only bring an empty load."

Is that so?

Certainly, half of the space would be usable. Furthermore, me and Arisa also have plenty of storage capabilities.

"Do you have any products to recommend?"

"Right then, I thought that a crossbow and bolt would have demands in a labyrinth city. Since the crossbows from Seryuu city are made to shoot Wyvern on the sky, its specs are higher than from other regions so it would sell like hot cakes. Also, since it's currently cheap to procure goat leathers and furs due to the season, I think it would be easy to profit on it."

"Excuse me, does Satou-sama have commercials right?"

"Unfortunately, I do not."

So a permit is really necessary?

"That's unfortunate, we can only issue a permit for 10 gold coins."

"That's quite expensive."

"One doesn't need a permit to do the trades in small quantities inside the city, but if you enter a city without one then you won't be exempt from the tariff tax so the profit will be almost nil."

I see then I should put them inside the storage to avert the tariff...

But there's no reason to earn money illegally.

"If you don't go to another city then there's an item that is exempted from tax in the labyrinth city, but since the tax for it in other cities is quite high, there's really no meaning to it."

"What kind of item is it?"

"Because there is no demand in this city, they don't have a name here, but it's in constant demand in the labyrinth city. It's an alchemy material called Dragon White Stone."

I think my face shows it when I heard the name. Since Sunifun-san asks for it, I tell him about the fraud I met in the east district.

"I see, it's natural that you have such a face. However, the ones here are guaranteed by the merchant association."

It seems that they sell one small barrel for 10 gold coins, the same as the market price. By the way, it seems that you could easily sell that amount for 20 gold coins in labyrinth city.

If I could sell it for twice the price then wouldn't I net quite a profit?

So I thought, but he said that because of the tariffs for the entering cities on the way and the transportation cost, the profit ends up to be quite small.

"If the stones don't sell, then you can bring it to the merchant guild, they will buy it at the price you buy here. If you wish, we could make a letter of endorsement to guarantee the quality."

I was almost made to buy in large quantities, but I declined by saying that there won't be enough space for water and food if I bought too many.

I ended up buying 6 small barrels of Dragon White Stone, 100 pieces of goat leather, 100 bundles of wool, 10 crossbows and 1000 bolts.

Because they're all 70 gold coins even after I lowered the price, I signed a temporary contract, and will pay for it tomorrow along with the products exchange.

Right now, I'm riding the covered wagon outside Seryuu city ...That said, it's not like we have departed.

After I had finished the business at the guild, outside, I asked Sunifun-san if he could introduce me to someone who could teach me how to operate the wagon. There, Yosagu-san who was waiting for me to return said, "Then let this old bone teach you.", and that was how the flow went.

As Yosagu-san starts to teach the basics of operating a wagon.

[Marshaling Skill Acquired]

Like always, I allocate 1 skill point to it and activate it. ...So it wasn't included in Operation skill.

It's awkward, but I can control the wagon for once. During the practice, I raise the skill level by 1, it's not as high as Yosagu-san skill level at 3, but since I could already control the wagon fine, I stop raising the level.

"Young guys do learn fast, don't they?"

"Thanks to Yosuga-san good teaching."

Disregarding the cheating from skill, Yosagu-san's teaching is really good. I had failed once but he firmly taught me what to be careful with. He might be suited to be an instructor.

Particularly when I treated it like a car, forgetting that the horses are creatures, he was mad many times...

"You're good enough like this."

"Thank you very much."

"Next I will teach you how to fix and release the yoke that connects the horse to the wagon. The horse's fatigue depends on how good you are at this. If you value your horses, then don't cut corners on this."

Yosagu-san looks more serious than when he taught me to ride the wagon. He probably quite likes horses. After about 1 hour of strict training, I finally got a passing mark from Yosagu-san.

I thought that it had taken a long time, but Yosagu-san said that one normally only scratches the surface in half a day, he's impressed.

Yosagu-san tells me that he was a coachman working for a caravan before he worked as a cab coachman in Seryu city. He teaches me various things like crossbows and spears are good for defending the wagon, or that I should always resupply drinking water at cities since they're not always available at the indicated spot on the map, or that when we take a break, I should not forget to give rock salt to the horse along with water.

We're going to the merchant guild with the wagon. Since Yosagu-san's carriage is left on the guild, we're going there to fetch it.

During the way there, Yosagu-son talks about the brothels in Seryu city. It seems that he's into big breasts.

As a thanks for teaching me various things, I've decided to luxuriously treat him at the shop he recommends, tomorrow evening. Since there are a lot of loli around me recently, this will be fun.

Before returning to the Monzen inn with the covered wagon, I go to receive my clothes. I come just as the delivery, so I'm able to meet the rumored tailor. I feel like I know her face, then I realized that she's the bathtub partner (lol) I met on the first day, it's embarrassing. It's surprising that she also remembers me, but there's no real development, and I thank her for the quality of her clothes as an etiquette.

I ride the wagon into the courtyard of the Monzen inn. Martha-chan is just right at it, so I tell her that I've bought the wagon. Since there are rooms in the stable, it seems that it's all right. However, I have to pay for the parking fee since it's a different charge from a normal inn room.

"Welcome home~?"

"Nano desu~."

When I'm talking with Martha-chan, Pochi and Tama run from the shade behind the courtyard. Tama probably wanted to say welcome. Two people also appear from the shade. The helper girl (Yuni) is also together with them. I wonder if she doesn't have prejudice against demi-human?

Arisa and the girls seem to have been playing in the shade of garden plants in the courtyard. No, those words aren't right. They're trying to learn the letters from the learning cards.

At first, it seems that Martha-chan is teaching, acting as the teacher.

But in the middle, "Let's put the card face up and read the letter, then if you can guess the content in the back right, it's yours to take.", Arisa proposed that game-like study session, but since the other members weren't familiar with the game, they became quite addicted to it.

It has already been going on for two hours. The one who wins the most is Arisa, followed by Pochi, Lulu, Yuni, Tama, and Liza in order.

I leave the horses for everyone else to take care, and bring only Arisa to the room. Lulu's expression becomes a bit cloudy, but I can just clear the misunderstanding later.

Chapter 38

Satou's here. I have finished doing self-analysis and self-development during the days of job hunting.

I'm reluctant to look back at it.

I sit on the bed while putting the bag on the side.

Arisa is taking off her mantle as soon as she enters our bedroom, and when she starts to take off her clothes too, I stop her with a chop to her head.

"Ouchie~ What, didn't you lust for me?"

"Let's decide that after 10 years."

"No way~ This is a chance to violate the precious body of a boy..."

While chattering pointlessly, Arisa still proceeds to wear her clothes back and sits on the opposite bed.

"You said something about consultation at noon right? Did anything happen?"

"Wonder where I should begin..."

"Why don't you tell me all about it? They said that the king has donkey ears~."

Doesn't that story end with everything coming to light?

"Then how about removing the thing that you don't want to say? Though I couldn't tell it to anyone anyway if you order me not to~."

"That's right..."

The disposable long-range skill that I had when I first got here? Then I change the story a little by only telling that it was used to annihilate each community of scale tribes.

I speak in quite a firm tone, but Arisa wryly smiles for some reason.

"What's wrong, I'm not bragging you know?"

"I understand, but unique skill is our trump card, you should hide it properly."

"Sorry, I'll be careful."

"Then, what is the consultation about? Were those scale tribe communities members of Liza's race?"

Arisa listens while hugging her knee on top of the bed. Since her new skirt is long, I'm relieved that her underwear isn't visible.

Liza's tribe lived in wetlands far away from here, they were wiped out after a dispute with the weasel tribe many years ago, Liza told me the story during the frog grill party back then. It seems that she was kidnapped by the slave-hunting human when she was wandering with her family. She also said that she and her family were fearful of Dragon Valley so they didn't dare to get close to it.

"No, it's not that, it's just that even though I accidentally annihilated a whole tribe, I don't feel any guilt. I feel like the guilt was easily and completely turned off like an ON/OFF switch. As if someone is manipulating my heart..."

If I didn't almost get manipulated by Arisa, I probably wouldn't think of this either...

"They call this Paranoia in my old life! but that won't satisfy you, right"

"It's different from paranoia, it's as if the feeling of 『Guilt』 is vacuumed into closet... It's hard to explain."

"Fuh~n? Weren't you originally cold-blooded?"

"Since I was a programmer I do like to think efficiently, but I don't think I was cold-blooded. When the game I made was made fun of (on the internet), I became depressed for days."

"Hee~ So you were a game developer? What kind of game was it?"

"I'll talk about it later. Rather than that"

"Do you want to know the cause for the ON/OFF switch feeling?"

Arisa, who covered my words with hers, subtly smiles mischievously.

"Perhaps your MIND (mental strength) attribute is too high?"

"It's certainly high but..."

"If your VIT (Durability) is high, you become able to take many hits right? MND is the mental version of that. In the first place, you're purposely letting yourself be tormented by guilt, unless you're a masochist, it should disappear fast."

Is that so?

I thought that it was someone's doing, but it was merely a problem of my stat...

"Then the next."

"Ou ke~y, come at m~e"

Arisa is playing around, but it's reassuring to have someone to confide in like this.

"Based on the logic earlier, if I have high INT (Intelligence) then I should have good memory, yet I feel like I become extremely more forgetful than before. What is the meaning of this?"

"Uwah~ eh~, you have amnesia even being this young?"

I'm about to chop her but Arisa quickly takes a guard.

Because her flustered posture looks cute, I'll let this one slide.

"I'm joking, even though comprehension and memory do go up with INT, it doesn't mean that they go up equally. If high INT means that you can't forget then there wouldn't be any careless scholars right?"

No way...

My mentor was a professor extremely close to getting a Nobel prize. His careless episodes, like a revolving lantern, cross my mind.

"...That means, I was really just being paranoid?"

"Looks like it~."

Arisa throws herself onto the bed and laughs.

Speaking of which, I originally became paranoid because of this girl's mind magic attempt...

Even while thinking that, I'm not childish enough to utter it in my mouth.

"Hey Arisa."

"What? Do you want to get sticky?"

"I'll refrain from that."

This girl really likes to utter one word too many.

"What are levels and skills in the first place?"

"Like the ones from RPG, as it is?"

"Any other meanings beside that?"

"I don't know. I didn't ask when I met god, and he didn't answer when I tried to call him after reincarnating."

"Just tell me as far as you know."

"Right then, I guess you can call skill a condensation of experience and knowledge? When you have skill, don't you feel that you 『Somehow』 know the what and how? Maybe it's close to intuition. For example, you could cook even without the skill, but if someone with high level skill cooks with the same ingredients and tools, he will make something more delicious."

I see... However, the appraisal and market price estimation skill are quite obvious though?

Also, 'that' is different too? I confirmed it with Arisa.

"How about something like the contract skill, which clearly demonstrates its effect?"

"Well, contract skill is a kind of magic skill. It has chanting and it also uses magic power for the contract. But it's still basically the same as other skills, you know? Even if you don't have the skill, you could still chant and use the contract spell if you have abundant magic power. However, like other magic skills, if you don't have the contract skill, the required magic power to cast the spell will be drastically increased and the success rate will sharply drop, making it realistically impossible."

I ask about skill level too.

"Here are the standards for skill level; level 1 is Beginner, level 3 is Full-fledged, level 5 is Skilled, level 7 is Expert, and level 9 is Genius. It is said that level 10 is Godly class~ but I've never seen it~."

If that is so, I generally raised my skills to level 10... No wonder I always got the market price right, and almost always succeeded in haggling.

"Don't unique skills have a level?"

"Nope. This was said by the god when I reincarnated, unique skill is a fragment of god power so there is no level. Master it well, he said~"

A fragment of god power?

Certainly Meteor Shower is befitting of its name, but beside that the others are subtle.

"What?! What's with that subtle expression?"

"No well, when you said that unique skill is a fragment of god power, I thought that my unique skill sure is subtle..."

"Enough to make that subtle expression on your face?"

Although I don't have proof for this confidence, I decided to tell her about [Menu].

Despite her behavior and speech, Arisa seems reliable, she looks to be useful if I tell her.

I don't intend to tell her in detail. I'll just roughly tell her about the functions.

"I'm telling because my unique skill is Menu with the same performance as the one Arisa and the heroes have"

"Well, I will listen if you want, but it's better if you keep it a secret you know?"

Arisa advises me.

"I don't mind, however, don't tell anyone. This is an 『Order』."

"Okkey~ I'll bring it to my grave."

Arisa kneels on the bed, and haughtily taps her flat chest.

"My Menu has Self-Status, Status Check, Hide Skill and Inventory like Arisa's skills."

"As expected of a unique skill, it's a cheat~ But Isn't it really common for a unique skill?"

"That's not all. Although I can choose to allocate points at which skill, I can't choose to do so for all skills like Arisa. It's only available for skills that I acquire by experience."

"Uwah, isn't it a degraded version of unique skill?"

"The Hide Skill from the menu is superior. It can hide any skills."

"Looks like it~"

It seems that Arisa has guessed it.

"I mean, didn't you use Appraisal skills in the city? Your line of sight was unnatural, and your decision was too accurate~."

Th, this girl, is she an agent from somewhere?!

"I'm good at observing people. And you also have crisis sensing skills, right? Although your movement with the accident faker was really great, it was amazing how you noticed it in the first place."

"That's also part of the Menu. I can understand the position of people nearby with the radar display. There's also a map display. It also has an auto-mapping function. It gradually fills in according to my walking range. It was a big help inside the labyrinth."

"I see, it's truly 『Menu』. Didn't you think that you were inside a game for having such unique skill without any explanation?"

"I thought that I was in a dream instead."

"Well, it's unbelievable I know~." Arisa nods understandingly.

While we're at it, Arisa-sensei also teaches me about level.

"...That's why you can level up by fighting or studying, so anyway, if you actively learn new things you gain experience. When the experience reaches a fixed value then your level will be raised. It seems that experience goes up faster if you fight certain monsters."

It seems that she heard about the monster thing from the soldier and knight on her homeland.

It gave far more experiences compared to monsters they normally hunted.

"Hoo? Do you know why?"

"Not at all, I've never fought a monster."

"But" Arisa continues.

"If it's master, then you should know right? From what I've heard from Liza and the girls, they raised 10 levels in 1 day in the labyrinth. That's higher than the result from my 7 years of desperate studies, you know?"

"Certainly, it was an abnormal growth when you think about it."

"Isn't it~. That's why, in order to increase our chance of survival chance, we should go to labyrinth city to level up~."

She said the same thing back at noon...

Come to think of it, she said another strange thing back then.

"By the way, what the heck is demon lord season?"

"I wonder if they don't call it that around here? In my country we call it the season when the demon lord attacks after about 66 years."

Chapter 39

Satou's here. I love cherry blossom season.

The dancing falling petals, and the cheerful people welcoming new life.

I like how there are many fireworks too~

"Demon lord you say, the kind that wants to rule the world?"

"Yes, the one who wants to destroy the world."

"Where is it coming from?"

"I don't know, maybe hell?"

Hell huh~.

"Don't look at me with those eyes~ From what was written in the book, it's said that they're invaders from foreign world."

"Is foreign world different from another world?"

"I'm not a scholar so I don't know."

That's right huh, let's ask a scholar next time.

"Is that 66 year cycle thing true?"

"Yep, there are records where the demon lord appears a bit sooner or later, but they generally seem to appear in 66 years."

"So, it has almost been 66 years now?"

"It was 62 years ago since the last demon lord, but it seems that it has been stealthily gaining power while in hiding. Since the demon lord before the last appeared 132 years ago, it wouldn't be strange if the current demon lord appears any day now."

Arisa frowns, forming a duck mouth. The beautiful little girl's look is ruined.

"I see, any sign of its coming?"

"If the world is in crisis, the god will tell it to the oracle~."

As expected of fantasy.

"However if we wait for the oracle then there wouldn't be enough time to raise the hero, so around 3-5 years before the 66 year cycle, they summon the hero."

With that kind of period, it's no wonder that countries will have a lot of time in their hands to prepare.

"Do we know the location where the demon lord will spawn?"

"It seems that they mostly appear in labyrinths or the outskirts around it"

Labyrinth again...

"According to the book I read, it may be because it's easy for the demon lord to raise armies there since there are earth veins deep inside the labyrinth."

"Couldn't it just attack head-on without raising armies?"

"Who knows? Maybe the cost to cross between worlds is great. This is based only from circumstantial evidence, but it seems that only high level demons and the demon lord are able to cross worlds."

So the weak can't cross between worlds?

Or rather, if they could appear in the vicinity of the labyrinth then.

"Then, this Seryuu city is in danger too..."

"Absolutely not."

Arisa nods with a serious look.

"You're very sure."

"Because, this place is close to the Dragon Valley right? If they appear in a place like this, they will be exterminated by hordes of dragons. The legend even says that there's a Dragon God there."

"Are dragons and the demon lord in bad terms?"

"They're natural enemies. Normal dragons wouldn't be a match for the demon lord but if it's from a sub-divine class like the heavenly dragon, then the dragon is stronger for sure."

Dragons are amazing.

The threat of the demon lord should be resolved if we just put one heavenly dragon near the labyrinth but...

"If the dragons are that strong then why would they even bother summoning a hero from another world?"

"That's because~ The battle between the demon too incredible. From songs sung by minstrel about the hero from long ago, there's a story where the hero is defeated by the demon lord. After that, the demon lord destroyed several small countries and met a dragon. The demon lord was defeated in the end but the battle made two great countries sink into a sea of flames. From the rumor said by the minstrel, even the large empire that preceded Saga empire perished because it got mixed up in the fight between the dragon and the demon lord."

I see now~ It's like eliminating a robber with a ballistic missile huh.

According to Arisa, there was once a labyrinth which the dragon encamped. However, from a human's viewpoint, both dragon and demon lord were threats, so they made the hero at that time to fight it. It's unknown which one won, but it's known that there are no labyrinths encamped by dragons right now.

The demon which appeared in Seryuu city might have come to check on the situation of the dragon.

If the fact that the dragons are no more then this city might become the target of the demon lord.

I bring the subject to Arisa.

"Even excluding the dragon, wouldn't it be 100 years before this city becomes a target?"

"Why?"

"The labyrinth is growing. It gives birth to monsters and sucks on the life of the adventurers who come seeking the magic core to grow. When the labyrinth vastly deepened, the monsters also became much stronger."

"I see... a young labyrinth isn't good enough for the demon lord."

Hmm? Wait...

"Hey, by any chance, are labyrinths tools for demon lord raid?"

"Well yes, there are some who think that."

"Then, isn't it better to destroy the labyrinth?"

If we destroy the labyrinth (Spawn Point) then the demon lord will have fewer army forces and the hero's job will get way easier isn't it?

"That may be so, but there are 6 labyrinths in this continent beside the one here. Suppose the probability of a demon lord appearing in each labyrinth is equal, in 400 years, it was recognized as calamity whether or not it appeared. Furthermore, since the labyrinth produces usable materials like magic cores, people treat it as if it's a mine."

"I see, if we destroy it then people will hold grudges huh."

"Yes, Kubooku kingdom was the leader of the small countries in neighborhood during the time when its labyrinth was alive, but when they destroyed the Dungeon Core, they rapidly declined."

"Could the destroyed Dungeon Core be revived?"

"Isn't that so? I wasn't around when they performed the ritual so I don't know the details though."

So the labyrinth is appealing enough for people to even perform such an abominable ritual...

The saying that human greed knows no bounds is really true~

"Still, you sure know a lot, Arisa."

"Now you're saying that after thoroughly questioning me?"

Arisa is amazed. I was sure that she would have said, "You can revere me more~", but if we had the Arisa test, then she would have failed.

"There were a lot of documents pertaining to the labyrinth in the storehouse of the royal family. The explanations earlier may contain deduction and hypothesis, so take heed okay?"

She's good at delivering floods of information. ...I'm nearly drowning from it though.

"I got the things about the demon lord and hero from books, documents, minstrels and storytellers' song tales. That's why fiction and non-fiction may get mixed up. I did carefully examine it though~."

It seems that those were popular as entertainments.

"As for the details about skills and levels, they're from my own experience and the result of observation."

"Is that all you want to know?", she cutely tilts her head. Her figure is such that it would have stirred me with a craving to protect her if I didn't know her true nature.

"That's right, I forgot to ask anyone this, how many days is a year?"

According to Arisa, 1 year is 10 months, 1 month is 30 days. There is no concept of week, a month is divided by 3 parts consisting of the upper moon, middle moon and lower moon.

By the way I thought that my clock was off by 4 hours but now I know that one day is 28 hours here.

Compared to yearly units, this world system is shorter by about 4%.

Since there are still two hours before sunset, I ask Arisa and the girls to buy necessities for our journey.

"Then I'm counting on you to shop for rock salt and preserved foods. Also buy two barrels for water."

"Ye~s.", "Shopping~?", "Nano desu.", I received lively replies.

"For how many days of shares should we buy?"

"Buy the shares for 10 days. Considering the season right now, normal foods should be fine for the first 3 days. The preserved foods shouldn't expire for 240 days, is that right? Seems that we would need quite an amount."

"I'll ask Martha-cchi if there is any wholesale shop around. And, since we probably wouldn't be able to carry it, I'll ask for delivery."

"Yeah, please do."

She's reliable at the time for shopping.

I'd be glad to accompany them, but I decide to go back to the room because there is something that I want to confirm.

There's something that I didn't tell Arisa.

Dragons are natural enemies of demons.

Demons want to eliminate dragons.

Who summoned me to this world?

For what reason did I get summoned to this world?

Why do my powers have discrepancies with those of the heroes?

Yes, I am,

"The one who summoned me might be the demon or the demon lord is it..."

Those words weren't questions...

Chapter 40

Satou's here. The chemistry experiment during the days of junior school was such a fantastic time, wasn't it?

I also remember that there are differences between the things I've learned in school and the actual practice.

It's aggravating to be filled with bad imaginations with no way to prove it. Even if it's the truth, the heroes should win against the demon lord like how it usually goes. If they lose, then I'll take responsibility for defeating the demon lord in place of the dragons.

I take a deep breath several times and I'm becoming calm.

Having high MND (Mental Strength) surprisingly has its merit.

I came back to my room. Returning to the main subject.

I want to do further verification and alchemy. Since the chanting practice needs to be done steadily, I have no choice but to do it on the way to the labyrinth city.

First, let's verify the storage.

I take out the meal.

It's still warm.

I lightly bite it. The taste is still the same.

I put the remaining meal back into storage.

It's a bit late, but the item name is [Seryuu Grill]. It needs a bit more ingenuity.

I added a new memo called Storage Verification. I write the date and the state on the memo.

For now, It can keep something warm, maybe it even has a function to freeze the state of things. I wrote such a memo. I don't think that it could delay or stop time, that's way too improbable.

This time I take out the Seryuu Grill that I've put in an Item Box. This one is already cold. The taste is like a cold grill. It's not rotten. Since it's only been half a day, it's natural.

Let's write that the item box doesn't retain warmth.

Next, I'm testing whether it's possible to move items between the storage and the item box.

I mark a copper coin with ink.

I try putting it inside the item box but it can't go in.

It seems that with skill level 1, it can't enter. I raise the skill level to 2 and inside it goes. I tried putting various accessories, and it seems that it can only hold 4 pieces of 4 types of items. Is it the skill level squared? Let's write this on the memo.

When I open the storage window in the menu, an item box tab appears.

I drag the item to the storage.

When I open the item box and look inside it, the transfer is successful.

I try doing the same thing in reverse, the item can be moved without problem.

Accessing the Item Box from the Storage consumes no MP.

I put this information as a postscript on the storage verification memo.

Let's think about how to use this next time.

Next, I'm trying to see if I can search the content of books inside the storage. It should be convenient to check it secretly in situations like the trouble with the dragon white stone today.

I was able to search for an explanation in the game. Therefore I want to check if I could search for contents ...There were no books in the game though.

I tap the [Royal City Tour] book inside the storage and choose search on the popped-up menu.

I search for [Castle], then the explanations about castle are shown on the search hit. It seems that it can search with no problem.

The search results are displayed.

Ah, I've always wanted this function in real life~ I wouldn't have needed to scan books or OCR! Fantasy is awesome!

I suddenly come up with something and immediately try it.

If I could see the search result then wouldn't I be able to read the content of the book?

Since there is no browse option on the pop-up menu, I search for the blank and it goes well.

I could read the entirety like it's on a PC with a scroll. It feels like a PDF file. Since I could search for words with this, this is more convenient for reading books.

Next I try moving the book to the Item Box.

Unfortunately, this one can't be searched.

I wonder what's the difference?

I take out the alchemy set and put it on top of the table on the corner of the room. The book remains in storage. If it's like this, even in the dark, I could read the book like the menu.

I'm reading [Introductory to Alchemy]. It's the book that the grandfather gnome firmly told me to read first. Rather than a book, shouldn't this be called a pamphlet? It's a thick book with about 20 pages.

The book starts with explanations of the tools. Moreover, it features illustrations so beginners won't get the tools wrong. It's the book that my grandfather told me to read first.

First, I take out the mortar and the pestle. The mortar is not the commonly known white porcelain but something pinkish in color. According to the appraisal, it's made from agate. Isn't agate a jewel?

Following the book, I grind a reagent with 1 dried medicinal plant together, and then I put the crushed medicinal plant to a small bowl filled with water with a thin metal rod.

The compounding is complete 5 minutes from the start. Since it's the first thing to do for beginners, it's very easy.

[Compounding Skill Acquired]

I immediately allocate skill points to the maximum and activate it.

The finished aqueous solution is [Antipyretic Medicine]. Judging from Appraisal, [Antipyretic Medicine -3] is under the name, while the detail says [Liquid medicine for lowering fever. The effect is extremely low, it's just a mere consolation]. This is my first time doing compounding, it can't be helped that it's low quality.

"Those who have magic power go to chapter 2, those who don't go to chapter 4" is written in the next page of the introductory book.

It feels like a manual for business software, or rather, a game book from years ago.

Chapter 2 is about basic refining. Seems that I have to make actual potions. According to the book, drugs made by compounding and potions made by refining have different effects even though they're similar. Production of potions needs a magic catalyst and MP, in exchange the effect will be displayed in real time.

I continue to practice refining according to the book. I put the potion I made earlier inside a metal beaker. Then I mix it with two reagents there.

Seems that I have to pour magic power before the reagents are dissolved. I tuck the beaker between my hands and imagine magic flowing from my right hand to the left.

It was like this with the spinning top, you pour magic by circulating from your right hand to left, I wonder if this is some kind of rule? Or is it just a simple custom?

The two reagents begin to shine faintly when I pour magic power. Since the room is dim, it glitters nicely. Seems that it's complete after it stops glittering.

[Refining Skill Acquired]

It's not an alchemy skill huh. I also get to the max.

The completed Potion is an Antipyretic Potion -4. Since it's wasteful to discard it, I put it inside the bisque pot and put it inside the Storage.

I open the menu to save the compounding recipes in the memo. The menu has a new tab, Production. I open the tab, and [Compound: Antipyretic Medicine], and [Refine: Antipyretic Potion] from the earlier are there. Not just them, there are also [Woodcraft: Club (Improvised)], [Composite: Insect Leg Spear (Improvised)], and [Composite: Insect Leg Spear (Improved)].

I'm sure that it wasn't there before, I wonder if I need to know 5 recipes as a prerequisite? Or maybe it needs a recipe besides an improvised one. But since it's a unique skill, it's useless to try to verify it, so I stop.

I tried tapping on the [Compound: Antipyretic Medicine]. There are 4 sub-menus, they're Compound, Inspect Recipe, Delete Recipe, and Detail. Compound seems to be disabled, it's grayed out. I thought that maybe I could do compounding inside the Storage, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be so. Even after I store the tools and reagents into the Storage, it's still disabled. There might be some conditions.

Then I continue the training to the end of the 6 chapters in the introductory book. Because there is one recipe in each chapter, I got to remember, [Compound: Painkiller], [Compound: Ointment], [Refine: Lower Recovery Medicine], and [Refine: Painkilling Magic Medicine (Potion)], those four.

Probably because I've maxed out the skills to maximum, all the medicines after chapter 3 are attached with [+5]. [The effect is extremely high, it's the highest quality] is written. I'm thinking of verifying the difference in effect next time.

I'm about to start practicing the fifth chapter of the introductory book but...

There are signs of someones' holding their breath on the other side of the door. The two luminous points shown on the radar haven't moved from a while ago.

I stealthily approach the door, and open it at once.

Arisa and Martha-chan come rolling in as if being pulled by the door.

"What are you girls doing?"

I listen to the two while looking from above. My voice has become a bit flat.

"Na, nay.", Arisa is speaking in Kansai dialogue for some reason.

"I, I was just curious since I saw Arisa clinging to the door.", Martha-chan.

Yet you've also been clinging for more than 5 minutes, aren't you?

The two shaking girls are about to step away. They suddenly turn around and dash away to the corridor.

I quickly grab the nape of the two and restrict them.

"Wonder what were you really doing?", I cross-examine again.

"I'm sorry, I was tempted to see Satou-san's embarrassing moment so I peeked."

Martha-chan gallantly apologizes.

"Uu~ because. A boy who's living together with girls! Went back to his room alone?! Don't you think that it's the job of the guardian to see what kind of foolery would unfold?"

Who's the guardian?

Furthermore, foolery... I don't have the mindset of a middle-schooler.

I release the gallant Martha-chan. Arisa isn't properly reflecting, or rather, her lust can plainly be seen so I punish her by poking her forehead 3 times in a row.

Seems that it still hurts even though I held back, she's holding on her forehead while rolling around on the floor. This might be good medicine once in a while.

Chapter 41

Satou's here. I like both lawful shops and shops in gray-zone.

But I'll pass on compensated dating, Satou's.

I take Arisa to the wagon. On the way there, I meet Martha-chan in the tavern, but she doesn't look particularly shy and offers me a meal.

Since I intend to eat outside with Liza and the girls, I decline.

When we got to the courtyard where the wagon is, the 4 girls were waiting while looking bored.

When Liza notices me coming, she comes as the representative.

"Master, is it fine to put the luggage on board?"

"Let's see... Tomorrow, since we'll be picking more luggage from the merchant guild, let's do that tomorrow, but if we leave them here we'll be troubling the landlady huh."

Arisa whispers to me when I'm still thinking about it.

"Let's keep them in my Item Box? Don't you think that it's safer there?"

"There are only people we know now, so it's fine I guess."

I instructed the girls to pile the luggage inside the wagon for now.

The three small girls get up to the wagon to receive the luggage. Since Pochi and Tama have strength stat on par with two large adults, they handle the heavy preserved foods lightly. It looks as if this is some kind of magic show.

Arisa and Lulu are sorting the goods inside.

Needless to say, I and Liza are in charge of uploading the luggage. Since it's wasteful to wear expensive clothes for a heavy duty job, I change into ordinary clothes. It's a simple linen tunic.

When we finished loading the luggage, I made the girls beside Arisa fetch water for 3 small barrels. One small barrel can hold 6 liters of water.

"You don't really need to exclude Lulu. I've talked about my Item Box with Lulu, you know?"

I'm afraid that someone would pick a fight with the beastkin girls if it's just them, so I ask Lulu to go with them.

"For now, let's split the preserved foods in half for each to keep, I'll carry the magic tools. Probably no one would steal the learning cards so put it on the wagon, and let's leave the food that was entrusted to Liza and the girls alone."

"Kaay~", Arisa lightly said while storing the preserved foods into her Item Box. I also store the same amount.

The preserved foods are jerkies, baked black breads, fried beans and dried sweet potatoes.

Others that are in the bag are wheat flours, root crops, rock salts, and various other groceries. Since vegetables are likely to give stomach aches, it seems that they didn't buy it.

I've only noticed after doing this but...

"I'd love baskets or boxes to sort things out."

"Yeah true, I also want some cushioning materials. If we leave this alone, the cookware will be noisy when the wagon shakes."

"I want thin ropes too."

"Ropes? Ah, for airing clothes huh."

"I think that having sturdy ropes is good."

Liza who just came back from getting water suggested.

I can't imagine what it would be used for.

"It's for draining blood from preys during the journey."

Right, we need ropes to tie thieves who may appear.

"You're such a philanthropist~ Thieves are thoroughly good-for-nothings and only bring harm, it's better to snatch away treasures from their hideout and annihilate them afterward. Even that famous thief-hunter girl said so you know~?"

What kind of acquaintance is she?

So there's a person who's famous for that, what a dangerous world.

"Are we not short on anything else?"

Pochi raises her hand while standing on her tiptoes. Did Arisa teach her that?

"Yes, Pochi-kun. Say it."

"A stool! I want one no desu~"

When I ask in detail, she seems to have used a stool when she helped take care of the horse. She's brimming with enthusiasm to take care of the horses during the journey too. She's really reliable.

Tama also raises her hand in the same manner and says, "Brush~?". She tilts her body in a troubling manner while raising her hand, cute. It seems that she wants a tool to brush the horses and clean their hoofs.

Tools for taking care of the horses, I completely forget about them.

Lulu also timidly raises her hand.

"...U, umm."Her face turned bright red just by saying that.

I wonder if it's something that is embarrassing? I glance at Arisa... She winks back. Are you from the Showa era!

"I want a washboard and a bucket."

Is that really embarrassing? I have them in the storage so I've forgotten about it, but it's certainly necessary.

"If it's really possible, I want a mirror! I'm fine with hand-mirror size."

"Arisa, you're too extravagant."

Liza firmly gives a warning to Arisa. It's unusual for Liza to give an opinion before I decide.

I wonder if it's expensive in this world? That reminds me, I don't think I've seen any glassware. But, I'm sure there were mirrors from polished metals.

"I'd like to use one too, let's buy it if it's not too expensive."

"Yay."

Arisa looks unusually happy without acting. Lulu is also smiling. Liza doesn't have any objection since it's my decision. Pochi and Tama... don't seem like they understand.

It's decided that, tomorrow when I'm going to take the commodities from the guild, the five will buy the things we've just discussed.

After changing clothes, we go out to eat together.

That day, we ate dinner at stalls not far away from the gate inn. Since we've been eating meat everyday, I order light soups, and soy bean breads.

Since Pochi and Tama look so sad while we're eating, I order meat skewers for four portions. It's Liza who looks the happiest somehow... but it's okay as long as they're happy.

Since I met Yosagu-san who just came back from work on the way to the inn, we decided to advance the plan to go out during the night a day forward.

Arisa is saying, "Even though you have me, you are an adulterer~", but I make Liza carry her luggage back to the inn.

"Is that okay?"

"It's fine, she's just something like a little sister. The person herself thinks that she's a guardian though."

The east district is crowded just like yesterday.

Yosagu-san, who's chewing a bought skewer from stalls, is greeting girls who are gathering under the outside light, while we press forward to the crowds.

When I ask if they're his acquaintances, he says, "They're courtesans." They usually work as waitresses and courtesans in the inn at the same time, but during the slave auction they seem to look for customers outside.

Confirming from AR, a lot of them have [Sex Technique] skills. ...However, I'm anxious to see that a lot of them have various venereal diseases on the abnormal condition tab. Most are in [Incubation], but nearly 60% of them are suffering from it.

I wonder if it can't be healed with magic?

We enter the red light district and walk for a while. Metal plates of magical light are hung on the shops, illuminating them with cheap-looking light.

Most brothels are two story buildings with verandas on the second floor. Courtesans who wear expensive clothes with high exposures are lining up on the verandas trying to lure guests.

When I look, they raise their skirts and show their bare legs then throw kisses. It's a feature every shop has, interesting.

The people who have [Sex Technique] increase, and proportionally the people who have Venereal Disease[Incubation] decrease by about 30%. As expected there is no one who has Venereal Disease [Diseased].

"Young master, here's the shop. Let's enter quickly."

Yosagu-san pulls me to the shop. This shop seems to be refined, there are no girls attracting guests on the veranda.

When I enter, verandas are installed on the second floor high along the corridor. I lightly wave at the girl who I saw from outside there.

The floor is made from bare wood, but it's well polished. Is it about 30 tatami wide? There is a stove, doors and a stair to the second floor inside. There are 4 rooms shielded with clothes on the left and right.

"Welcome to the Seryuu Branch of Captivating Mansion."

A woman in the later half of her 40 came out from the back door while greeting us with a penetrating voice. The woman is wearing a pink dress with excessive frills, but her fat is too self-asserting, her clothes looks like it'll burst apart at the seams.

Guided by the woman, we went to one of the partitioned rooms.

It seems that this is a room for guests to wait for the girls, since it'd be awkward to meet acquaintances in a brothel. The obese shopkeeper sure knows her stuff.

There is a sofa and three low quality marble tables inside the room. A girl around 10 years old is standing by as a parlor maid.

"Excuse me.", the girl puts a small green sake cup in front of me and Yosaku-san. Transparent liquids are inside of them. It's a distilled liquor from the smell.

According to the AR, the cups are made from jade. The liquor inside the cup is Shiga sake. It's a strong liquor with 50% alcohol content made from wheat.

"Ku~ delicious!"Yosagu-san gulped the liquor in high spirits.

It seems that he forgot to drink this sake when he went to this shop before.

The girl is pouring the sake huh?

I sip it once as a social act. It certainly tastes good. It's like whiskey but transparent instead of amber-colored, I wonder if the processing is different?

Before Yosagu-san had his third cup, the shopkeeper came back with 5 girls.

The first is the most beautiful girl with blond hair and blue eyes. With a small face, thin eyebrows, and strong-willed looking big pupils. Sticky-looking lips. Two large breasts that look like they would spill from the open chest clothes. Most likely, she's the most popular girl in this shop. She's 18 years old.

The second and the third are twins. They're beautiful girls with black hairs and black eyes. Their most notable looks are their western, or rather, French style. One of them has a smaller breast than the other, but it's still around the C cup. It seems that there are a lot of people who spend the night with the two of them together. Of course, the fee will be for two people. They're 16 years old.

The fourth is a woman with droopy eyes. With dull blond hair and reddish brown pupils. Her eyebrows are thick, she's a gentle healing woman. Her breast is the biggest. It seems that there are a lot of repeaters for her. Her voice sounds mellow, it's comforting to hear. She's 21 years old, the oldest in this shop.

The fifth is a girl with red hair and reddish brown pupils. She's pales in comparison with the other girls but she has the nicest expression. She feels lively or rather, fascinatingly wholesomely erotic. Her breast size is average, but still around D cup. For me it's quite enough to be categorized as big breasts. 20 years old. She's the only person in this shop who doesn't have sex technique skills.

Every girl is wearing thin one-piece sticking to their skins looking erotic. The chest and abdomen area are transparent, I cannot help but utter GJ.

"Which girl will you choose?", the shopkeeper asked. Yosagu-san asked with his eyes, "Please don't hesitate to choose your favorite girl.", I said and he really did choose the most beautiful girl without hesitation.

I also aim for her, but I'll yield here.

Yosuga-san drinks down the liquor left in the cup in one gulp, and leaves the room with that girl. It seems that the second floor is for the guests to enjoy themselves.

I was at loss for a bit, but I chose the fifth girl in the end.

The guest room only has a simple bed, but it's clean and smells good so I have no complaints.

When we entered the room, the girl hurriedly took off her clothes and flaunted her body. I enjoy the feel of OPPAI liberated from the clothes, enjoying scooping them with my hands.

It's exactly the festival of OPPAI. Who is it who says that OPPAI contains man's dream?

I hug her waist and we fall down to the bed. It's a mature woman's body after a long time, so I'm taking my time to carefully enjoy it ...in various ways.

Though since the girl's reaction was good, I unintentionally gave too much service. Like this, I'm not sure who desires whom.

We enjoy ourselves until midnight. She faints from too much pleasure in the middle, so I stop.

[Sex Technique Skill Acquired]

[Lover's Talk Skill Acquired]

[Seduction Skill Acquired]

Apparently this body has too much stamina, so the partner couldn't catch up. I use her breasts that I've enjoyed plentifully as pillows and depart to the world of dream.

Chapter 42

Satou's here. I love to make programs without being limited. The last time I did that was when I made a legged robot for my graduate research during college. When I became a working adult, I didn't do it.

This time, it seems that I'll make magic tools.

Yep, it's a good morning.

I walk the town while enjoying the morning sunlight, feeling refreshed.

Yosagu-san was unlike me, yawned constantly looking sleepy. I invited him for breakfast but since he didn't come home his family was probably mad so we decided to part ways outside the shop.

"If I made it big in the labyrinth city, let's come again.", I shouted at him.

Even though it's early in the morning, the people who are having meals on the stalls, and the people who are selling fresh groceries are lively.

The vulgar atmosphere that usually permeates in the east district was probably the fault of the visitors.

I'm smelling something good from the stalls.

Although I'm not particularly hungry, let's buy some souvenirs for the girls. Though I can't buy sushi in wooden box packs like those fathers from Showa era.

I bought a big handbasket made from thin wood from a street stall. It's about as big as two rice bowls. I also bought two lidded containers for soup and put it inside the basket.

I buy warm meals and put them into the Storage through the basket. I keep buying various things to the extent that it doesn't look unnatural.

Soup made from meatless animal bone and vegetables. Thick stew with vegetables and dried meat. Various grilled meats starting from grilled goat meats. Seryu grills. Freshly baked flatbreads. Steamed potatoes. There are some scratched fruits from many fruits I've bought.

I've bought about 30 servings. It's too much for souvenirs but I'll keep some for emergencies. With this much, even if we are in an environment impossible to light fire, I could still provide warm meals. In the first place, I plan to use the Storage so that we don't end up in a desperate situation.

I wanted to buy alchemy materials, but it was closed at the time.

When I get back to the gate inn, Arisa who saw me from the window comes running down.

After she looked at my face, she began to stomp the ground with her foot.

"Uuu~~~~. Mou! That glossy face~~."

She bites the edge of a handkerchief, taking a pose. Every single one of her gestures are old... let's not ask her age before she was reincarnated.

"I was the one who was supposed to take your first time~~"

I don't remember making such a promise.

I keep silent about it since it'd be bad if I don't.

"You're fussy, and this isn't my first time anyway."

"Nooo, even though it was a one in a millennium chance to snatch away the DT of a boy..."

My condolences.

I call for Lulu, and we gather in front of the wagon. The breakfast is potatoes and meat skewers that I've just bought.

I whisper to Arisa to check on Lulu's condition. If she still hasn't recovered, I'll postpone our departure for two days.

According to Arisa, it was only serious on the first day, but it's fine now.

Since it looks painful, let's give her the painkiller I made from practice. There are five of them, that should be enough.

After we finished our simple meal, I proceeded as planned yesterday.

I rode the wagon to the parking space of the Commercial Guild. Horses were easier to fine-drive unlike cars so it was easy.

It's lively here too in the morning. Every carriages which occupy half of the parking lot are unloading their cargo. Every carriage looks well seasoned. The ratio for luggage carriages and covered wagons is fifty-fifty. The carts are loaded with a lot of 10 kilogram bags. The people who are moving the bags look like ruffians who wear villager-like simple long-sleeved shirts and trousers. I can see patchworks on its knee and elbow.

While I look at other carriages out of curiosity, Sunifun-san who has finished confirming the load and assessing the prices comes here.

"Good morning, Satou-sama. You came really early."

"I'm sorry. Am I troubling you by coming too early?"

I don't think that what I'm doing is that bad, but let's apologize for now.

"Not at all. The god of business surely likes people who are quick."

Even though Sunifun-san said that, if I look at the surroundings, it's probably customary to bring in the goods in the morning and bring them out in the afternoon.

I am guided to the warehouse. The goods that I ordered yesterday are put in one of the sections. I confirm the products and their number with the help of an employee. I check the contents of every barrel of the Dragon White Stone and close the lid.

Sunfun-saint watches over me doing that like a grandfather watching over his grandson. Hey, you're not that old right.

I ask the employee to carry the goods to my wagon, while I complete the payment for the transaction at the office.

When I get back to the wagon, the loading is complete so I visually check on the goods. Since I've put tags on the Dragon White Stones, it doesn't seem like it has been swapped. It can't see through if the inside of the barrels are swapped, but they probably wouldn't have enough time to go that far.

I thanked the employee and gave him one big copper coin.

"May you have good business!", Sunifun-san left the words as farewell as I left the guild.

"Welcome nano desu~."

I'm greeted by Pochi when I return to the gate inn. She hugs me as I go down the coach seat, so I rub her head. I separate from her as I pat her head, and I work to unfasten the horses from the wagon.

"I'll help no desu.", she immediately stands on the stoll that we've just bought and begins to help. Might as well teach her the way to unfasten the belt, manage the yoke, etc. It's also good to review myself as I teach others.

"What's everyone else doing?"

"Lulu is washing over there. Others are shopping no desu~."

"So Pochi and Lulu are house sitting huh?"

"I'm watching the luggages no desu~"

Pochi said it pridefully. She's certainly qualified for it. I can somehow imagine Tama sleeping on top of the luggages.

I ask Pochi to take care of the horses in the stables. Meanwhile, I put the goods I bought from the commercial guild into the Storage.

I thought of leaving the goat leathers and wools outside, but the smell was severe so I stowed it away. Let's practice making deodorant next time.

Pochi carried the luggage until it was loaded. Pochi says, "Watching the luggage no desu." from the wagon. Since she's doing her best, I'll go to see Lulu's condition. Since the laundry that Lulu is doing his underwear, I go back without calling her.

After that, I ask Pochi for a house sitting, and take a cab to the plaza before the castle. The flower beds in the center are still being worked on but the pavements are already beautifully set with the paving stones. They sure work fast. They might have used magic since this is fantasy.

The walls on the magic shop are still being repaired, but it seems that it's open for business for once.

"...then... catalyst... scales. If you get your hands on these, I'd like you to deliver them to the magic corps station."

"I'll ask my magicians and alchemist friends. At most, I could get my hands on 1-2 pieces of scales."

As I enter the store, a magician-looking old woman and old man come out while having those conversations.

The old man took a glance at me but left without saying anything.

"Oh, a visitor eh? I'm sorry but I don't deal with love potions or energy drinks. Go to the alchemy store in the east district."

It's a thin and dried up old woman. Wearing clothes appropriate for a magician. Deep blue robes with long sleeves, wide-opening tall hat unwieldy for indoors, wearing numerous rings with suspicious design on her fingers, and with about a 5 cm big emerald pendant designed after the skull on her neck.

"No, I want to buy magic books."

She raised just an eyebrow in surprise after hearing my words. She leaned the cane which was on her hand to the wall and took out a lithograph from under the counter.

Yamato stone again?

"We don't sell magic books to a man without talent, okay? Recently there are a lot of scoundrels of nobles who buy magic books just for prestiges, soiling them. I'll sell the books only to people having a certain amount of magic measured from this instrument."

...Dang, I should've brought Arisa along.

I don't know how far this stone can measure, but it'd be bad if my enormous magic power is known.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid that it'll break if I carelessly touch it."

"Fuhn, excuse huh? If you put magic power on this, it will emit blue light. It's cheap compared to the instrument in the royal capital, but that's exactly why it's robust. So that it won't break if a veteran does his best, magic power stops flowing after it feeds on the required amount. If one has the capability of a full-fledged magician then it will shine blue. Other than that it'll stay red as it is."

Is it safe? If it's as the old woman said that there's no problem but if the punchline is, "Actually it can read the exact value.", that's scary.

"If you don't want to try then go home. I have a business to get Dragon Powder from my alchemist friend after this."

The powder that the old man mentioned earlier is Dragon Powder huh. When I thought that it's a familiar name, I remembered that I obtained some in the labyrinth.

Would she be willing to trade magic books for this?

"Shopkeeper-san, If it's dragon powder then I have it, if you're fine with it I can give it to you?"

I take out 5 vials of Dragon Powder from the bag. I got 6 from the labyrinth, but I decided to keep one in hand.

When I take it out I estimate the market price... 20 gold coins huh?

"Are those real?"

The old woman picks one vial and takes out one earpick worth of powder, then she tests it with some reagents and apparatuses.

"I'll buy it for 10 gold coins a vial."

What a greedy old woman.

When I say that the market price is 20 gold coins, she says, "That's the price on a shop", rejecting it.

Since I don't intend to force the sales and the agreement doesn't seem to be achievable, I'm about to leave the shop, but her hands hold out at the speed that doesn't match her age. Her eyes are fiery and glittering, she's a bit scary.

"W, wait! That thunder old man is probably going to buy them at that price, I'll buy it at 20 gold coins a piece. But I'll pay at the end of the month as the condition. Since the payment from officials is slow."

"I'm sorry but I intend to leave the city tomorrow, so I can't accept that condition."

The negotiation continues until lunch time, and in the end, it's decided that the payment is in the form of magic books. Because magic books higher than intermediate level aren't allowed to be sold to people who aren't citizens of Seryuu city, I'm having a hard time choosing books that are worth 100 gold coins.

First, I'll collect lower-class magic books from every element. Still it's only 40 gold coins, so I buy thesis and investigation, and various miscellaneous notes for reading materials. It's 60 gold coins up to this.

Then I buy canes and amulets. It seems that only those who have permits from the city are allowed to sell magic scrolls, so I can't buy them here.

Furthermore, I buy cheap catalysts for making potions. It seems that they're made from magic cores from lower class monsters.

"Oh, your main job is an alchemist eh. Then, how about these books?"

The old woman takes out two magic books from the back of the store written with, "Magic Catalyst and the Material", "Seeds and Catalysts". I'm a bit worried about those titles, but since the author is named Jahad, I buy it. It's the maker of the spinning disk magic tool if I'm not mistaken.

I bought 5 other books written by this guy.

"There are 15 gold coins remaining. What else do you wish for? I don't have good magic tools left. At best, I have a tool that emits light, or a tool that heats up if you put it above."

Oioi, you're putting out good things in the end.

When I receive them, the first is a crystal ball about as big as a candy ball and the other is something black that looks like a pot stand with 20cm diameter. It's about 3 cm thick and feels like it's made from porcelain. On one side, a copper line is drawn on top of a concentric circle.s

The crystal ball- Light Drop begins emitting light after I pour it magic power. Seems that it shines for 30 minutes every time it's poured with magic power. The pot stand- Light Hot Plate is also the same, by putting magic power on the copper line, it gives warmth for 10 minutes. However, since it only emits heat enough to scald a person yet not enough to boil water, it's not suitable for cooking. That should be usable to warm tea or stew though.

The Light Drop is one gold coin each, while the Light Hot Plate is 3 gold coins. Since the Light Drop is in stock of two, I buy both.

In the end, since I couldn't find good stuff for the remaining 10 gold coins, it's exchanged in cash. I thought that I had to use it all up but that's not good. Dangerous, dangerous.

"Fuhn, putting money aside, it's been a long time since someone bought this much."

"Thank you very much, I was able to buy many nice things."

Thanking the old woman, I ask to deposit the stuff I've bought in the store for a while. After this, I've completely forgotten to buy a map from the bookstore next door.

The old woman kindly agreed to keep the stuff, then I went toward the bookstore.

Chapter 43

Satou's here. I'm not a person who often takes trips, but I've strangely grown attached to a city I've only been to for a few days.

I want to visit notable tourist attractions again.

The bookstore is kept by the already recovered gray haired old man, Semone-san isn't in the shop. I'm not able to worship that glorious proportion... It's regrettable.

The shopkeeper gave me the map to labyrinth city.

How do I say this, it's a map that screams, "Measurement? What's that?". Although I didn't expect it to have map symbols or contours, it's questionable if this thing has the concept of cardinal directions.

Probably it's shown on my face, the old man explains. Accurate maps are classified information so only people from the kingdom's side could get a hold on it. I miss Google Maps.

Since it's better than nothing, I buy 5 maps until they reach the Labyrinth city. Later on, I learned that the merchant guild sells better maps.

My business is over with this, but the shopkeeper, demonstrating his commercial spirit and kindness, recommends me various books.

Books that look like they'll be useful for journeys like, "Journey to Royal Capital", "Dictionary of Herbs", "Carriage Repair Reverse Dictionary", etc. I'm charmed by their titles so I buy all the recommended ones.

There are introductory books for woodworking, smithing, engraving and various manufacture-related books, but since there's no demand and coupled that they're old books, they don't sell well at all.

When I show an interest in it, the shopkeeper begins to pile one book after another. Since they could be bought for 2 gold coins for everything, I decided to buy them all.

Furthermore, he also recommends good reading books for breaks during a journey. Although most of them are about love or heroes, I find exceptions like, "Ancient Battlefield and Withered Labyrinth", "Mad Magician and Death Army", "Man who Created Labyrinths". I bought three of them and 5 popular picture books.

Picture books are good for learning letters.

It was a bit over the budget, so I reduced it to 10 gold coins.

I bought too much indeed. The bag with almost 30 books inside is quite heavy. If I didn't have the status compensation, my waist would have gone bad.

It becomes quite the amount after I receive the stuff I've bought from the magic shop. Though it's not like I could not walk back carrying them, I'll look way to conspicious so I wait for a cab carriage.

"Hello, nimble Onii-san."

I turn toward the voice behind.

With a face as if saying that the prank is successful, it's Zena-san's coworker's girlfriend (Lilio).

"Hello, Lilio-san. Did you imitate Zena-san?"

"Ehehe~ Did I pass? Hey hey, did you skip a beat?"

I somehow understand that I mustn't let Lilio meet Arisa.

"I noticed immediately because your voice is different."

"Eh~ Too bad~ but, but, isn't that love? The power of love?"

Girls really do like love talks huh.

Lilio is coming closer to impose her small body. I have enough loli girls, so push her shoulder back so our body doesn't stick together.

"Are you alone today?"

"Yep, the other soldiers are sleeping~ But Zena, from yesterday noon until midnight today, is keeping on guard the who~le time. Magic troops are lacking in numbers, aren't they?"

I wanted to say some parting words to Zena-san before I leave for the journey but...

Alright, let's change the departure to tomorrow morning.

"Lilio-san, could you deliver a message for Zena-san?"

"Okay~ But no passionate lines that would make my chest hot okay? If it's too intense, it might be interpreted wrong, you know~."

While crossing her arms, Lilio talks with a bad face.

I ask her to tell Zena that I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. Lilio willingly agrees to deliver the message.

"Acha~ Zena's first love ended up unrequited huh~." It seems that she intended it to be a monologue, but I heard it loud and clear.

I don't reply to that and go back to the gate inn with a cab carriage.

On the carriage, I store the books inside the Item Box. When Arisa knew about me going to the bookstore, "Didn't I say to take me along~", she's angry, but after I told her that I bought every elemental beginner magic book, her smile returned.

Besides, you probably haven't learned how to learn Shiga kingdom letters right?

"Then, are we going to depart?"

Since Arisa asked, I tell everyone that we'll depart tomorrow morning.

"I'm going to the alchemist shop in the east district and the general guild to finish some business, so check if there's anything that we forgot to buy. It's fine to play the learning card when it's over."

"Card!", "Nano desu!", Pochi, Tama and Lulu rejoice. It's rare to see the figure of Lulu who looks happy like a normal girl. I click on the REC button in my heart.

"Empty dummy barrels are too light it'll seem unnatural, so I think it's good to store long-lasting potatoes in them."

"It's going to be winter soon, it might be too cold to sleep with just the mantle. I think it's good to purchase a blanket for the master at least."

I agree with Arisa and Liza's opinions and allow them to buy those. Of course the blankets are for four people. Since Arisa saw some made from cotton in the marketplace, I permitted her to buy it after hearing the price.

I go to the alchemy shop alone, and buy a lot of painkiller and deodorant materials and recipe compilations. It's an extravagant worry, but when you're shopping without caring for the remaining money, maybe because there's no fun in hesitating, it's a bit lonely.

In the general guild, I listen to the progress of the request I asked from Nadi-san. Even though it has only been a day, it's already mostly complete. The rest weren't at home so she's going to go back tomorrow.

Nadi-san passes me something as I give her the reward. What she gave me was a big basket filled with things like a small bag with money, vegetables, sandals and various other things.

Poor homes give vegetables or home industry products like sandals instead of money, even things like wood spoons and others. It seems that Nadi-san did say that rewards are unnecessary but she was given them before she could decline.

I tell her that I'm leaving Seryuu city tomorrow and I present her the rewards as a bonus.

"Satou-san, your next destination must be either the royal capital or the duke-sama capital right?"

"No, I intend to go to the labyrinth city."

"There are a lot of demi-human in labyrinth city, life will be easy there."

Come to think of it, I haven't met the most famous demi-human, the elves. I thought that Seryuu city should have them.

"That's right, I'd like to see the elves the most."

Nadi-san is showing a subtle expression after hearing my reply.

She looks at the back and calls the manager. It's the old man who was always sleeping.

"Manager~ please come here for a bit."

The manager comes here while stroking his beard. He's much younger than I thought. He's a bit small and skinny, but he's a handsome man with a matching greenish black long hair.

The manager who got here doesn't say anything, Nadi-san lifts one side of his hair up. They're quite familiar.

Lookie lookie, she points her finger.

The manager's ear, the tip is a bit sharp. Is he demi-human too?

"Satou-san's reaction is too light."

"I'm sorry, what's wrong with manager-san's ear?"」

Nadi-san is mad after hearing my answer.

"Mou~ What are you saying, I'm showing you the proof since you said that you want to see an elf."

"Eh? He's an elf? I thought that elves' ears are longer though?"

Is he a half-elf?

The manager-san looks grumpy from my reply. He goes back to his position and resumes his nap.

Looks like I've offended him with my answer somehow.

"Mou~ manager! Just because you were mistaken for a long-ear tribe (Booch), please don't immediately sulk!"

"What kind of tribe are long-ears tribes? It's said that elves have ears this long from my hometown?"

I make a motion to express long ears with my finger.

"What Satou-san said is a tribe among ears called long ears tribe (Booch). They're taller than normal people on average, and their hair is blond instead of green. They have talent in magic and live as long as the elves. The saga empire's first emperor was an ears tribe and was a king of the hero, so the tribe is considered to be sacred. They seldom ever go out of Saga's empire, since they even have a sanctuary there, so they're rarely seen. However, they're hated by the elves and is called 『False Elf』."

I see, let's not get it wrong next time.

I apologize to the manager for the rudeness. Since the manager answers by fluttering his hand while napping, I take that I'm forgiven.

The next morning, we finished having breakfast in the stalls. I have paid for the inn too.

Martha-chan said, "Stay here next time too~" as a carefree farewell, I left the inn by driving the wagon.

I thought that Zena-san would come to see me off, but she had an all-nighter, she's probably still asleep. Let's send her a letter next time.

When we're departing I inadvertently see a white dot moving along the inner wall.

I greet the knight Sound at the gate entrance and leave the city. I'm troubling people if I wait here.

When I got a bit away from the gate, I heard, "Wait~", from behind.

Since I'd be a hindrance for the traffic here I go to an open space outside the gate and stop the wagon.

The traffic at the gate looks to be in disorder when I look at it. One horse is slipping out from there. I wave my hands from the top of the wagon.

"Satou-san!"

Zena-san is coming here on a horse while smoothing her hair which got disheveled by the wind. She's wearing a dress unsuitable for riding a horse. She wears different cosmetics than usual.

"I'm glad that I made it!"

"Zena-san, I'm also glad that I got to meet you before I leave."

It's good that I don't end up being ungrateful.

"You're going to the labyrinth city right? Please send me a letter when you've settled down. I will absolutely reply back!"

"Yes, I will without fail."

I thought that she'd say that she wants to go together, but I'm glad that it's about letters.

"Pinky swear~", Arisa shows her smirking face from the wagon while saying unnecessary words.

Zena-san bites it and vigorously asks for "I want to pinky swear!", I couldn't refuse and we pinky swear.

Doing it at this age, I'm a bit embarrassed.

I'll properly say farewell to Zena-san who stares at her bent little finger ecstatically.

"Then, let's meet again some other time! I will send you a letter for certain after I arrive at the labyrinth city."

"Yes! I'm looking forward to the day I'll be able to see you again."

It's good that it didn't become a sad farewell.

My reunion with her will happen faster than I thought, but I still don't know at this time.

Zena-san earnestly waves her hand until the knight Soun grabs her by the nape to the station.

Chapter 44

Intermission: A Certain Master and His Vassal's Conversation

"-As has been said, with the cooperation of all temples and magicians, the labyrinth won't expand toward the city, and as long as the ceremony is maintained, the barrier will last. In the future, for the sake of reinforcing the barrier, we'll build several holy monuments in the eastern district. Please sign these documents to secure those sites."

The white-haired official- consul of the earl, Ortes, read the report while adjusting his monocle.

"Then, is it usable? That labyrinth?!"

A man bent his body forward on the desk while having a joyful look- the earl of Seryu.

Can the labyrinth be commercialized? He asked.

"The three great temple, Parion, Garleon and Tension have conducted ceremonies to determine it and the result are 『ġēse』, 『ġīse』, and 『ġēse』. They're relatively favorable."

The consul stops there, and adds, "However."

"Our experts have pointed out several problems."

"The first one must be about the entrance which is inside the city."

"That's exactly right. Other labyrinths have shown that monsters could overflow from it after some years. Therefore, it is necessary to have something to have blockades in case it happens."

"Additional walls outside the barrier huh... quite a lot of expense. Since we already have the quarry from 3 years ago, we only need the workers huh."

"Yes, and we have just secured women and men slaves who look capable from slave dealers."

The earl becomes dubious after hearing the consul.

"Do we need to buy slaves for this? Don't we have enough labor already?"

"The people have become agitated, we'll use the slaves until temporary walls are complete. After we have finished using them we could just put them in the mine. Or we could make the obedient ones to be soldiers."

The earl considers the prior investment before deciding. When the labyrinth is able to steadily supply magic cores, the economy of earldom will most likely quickly grow.

"Have you blocked the entrance for the time being?"

"Our experts said that it's dangerous to completely block it."

"The reason?"

"It could ruin a country, they said."

"You mean 『The Nightmare of Ishtan』? I thought it was just a myth, did it actually happen?"

There was a country called Ishtan 200 years ago. The country suffered significant damage from monsters that emerged from a labyrinth. The king who was worried about that invited a famous magician to seal off the entrance of the labyrinth. For safely closing the labyrinth and making the monster's threat disappear, the king was hailed as the wise king. However, 10 years later, the seal was broken by a tsunami of monsters which overflowed from it and destroyed the entire country in a day.

"Wasn't Ishtan safe for 10 years? Then it should be alright to close it off for a bit, right?"

"Yes, we can't guarantee it but it's most likely fine."

"Alright, then close the labyrinth's entrance after the inner walls' construction is finished."

"I will arrange it at once. Please sign this document."

The consul presents the document which he has prepared beforehand.

The earl signs while reading it and continues to talk with the consul.

"There's another problem in regard to the labyrinth."

"What is it?"

"The Dungeon Master was the senior demon who had attacked this castle some times ago."

The earl breaks his intense expression, and asks the consul expressionless.

"Is that definitive?"

"Yes, a magic soldier who participated with the castle's defense was on the spot. Furthermore, the assistant priest of Garleon, Nebinen, testified for the power of the demon."

"Fumu, we don't know the demon's goal but we've obtained the answers from the oracle. It can't be helped if we're anxious."

The consul furrows his brow a bit, but regains his composure.

"We're obliged to tell the king about the labyrinth, how will you choose the representatives?"

"Yeah, if I'm not mistaken one of the survivors of the labyrinth is a noble."

"It's viscount Belton."

"Then let's make Belton with several officials to be ones."

"I understand. I'll send a messenger to inform Viscount Belton."

The consul summons his subordinate and tells him to prepare the letter for the Viscount while adjusting his monocle.

The report itself has actually been sent to the kingdom with the magic mirror. But it's considered proper for a noble to be the messenger for reporting directly to the king.

"Were those all the things about the labyrinth?"

The earl is confirming while stroking his goatee which doesn't really suit him.

"No, I was wondering if we could send inspection teams to the labyrinth city, Selbira."

"Learning from the pioneer huh. How many do you suppose we should send?"

"Four groups consisting of two military units groups, a merchants group and a general citizens group would be good. Let's make them bring back the know-how about the public order problem, tax, and structure of explorer guild. If possible, I'd like them to invite some high ranking explorers to investigate our labyrinth's rank."

"General citizen? Is there any meaning in sending commoners?"

The earl asks dubiously.

"It's my bad for calling them general citizens. I mean to say 'people who are knowledgeable about the streets.'"

The earl who seemingly agrees with the consul's answer exaggeratedly gives permission.

"Excellent, I'll leave personnels' selection to you. Tell me when you have your candidates."

"I respectfully accept it."

"Were you able to grasp the identity of the silver masked hero?"

The public call him a hero, but no one knows his identity. Since the earl cannot overlook an existence that could equal senior demon hiding in this city, he did not only make his formal investigators but also the consul's spy to investigate.

"We have succeeded in narrowing down the candidates, but we're lacking conclusive evidence."

"Who and who?"

"The first candidate is Sir Kigori from the knight. He has body reinforcement magic and herculean-strength skill. He was off duty so he stayed at home during that day. There are many other things that match like his long blond hair, but he should have been boasting more if he was really the silver mask."

"Right, he's a narcissistic man isn't he?"

"The second candidate is Yasaku-shi the explorer. He's a level 45 warrior. He's not only high-leveled but also equipped with various strong magic tools, so he could possibly endure the demon's attacks. He's accustomed to fighting monsters and demons. However, his hair is black."

"What is such a man doing in this kind of frontier place?"

"Your excellency, please stop belittling your own territory."

The earl is laughing while expressing his gratitude.

"His aim is probably dragon scales from the Dragon's Valley."

"Is he suicidal?"

"No, what I said isn't exactly right, he's probably aiming for dragons which are nesting away from the dragon's valley. As one would expect, he couldn't possibly come back alive if he goes to the Dragon's Valley."

"Yeah, it'd be over just by the scales tribe before he could even meet the dragon."

The consul clears his throat and goes back to the discussion.

"The conversation had wandered off. The third candidate is Yasaku-shi's companion, the magic swordsman, Tan-shi. His level is high at 42, and he's probably used to dealing with demons like Yasaku-shi. He's blond, but he can't possibly fight the senior demon while only being able to use body reinforcing magic."

"Right, it's not like the opponent is unaffected by magic."

"Moreover, explorers usually fight in parties."

After being lost in thought for a while,

"I see, certainly we're lacking the decisive evidence to ascertain who the silver mask is."

"Yes."

"Is there no other candidate?"

"It's not like there isn't, but beside the three above, it's impossible judging by their ability..."

"They might be hiding their true ability, you know?"

The earl is grinning.

"There are four people who were omitted from candidacy. The first one is the Earl predecessor's bastard child, Ratts-dono. He was present in both uproars. His hair and height match the condition. He also has the need to hide his true ability and identity. That said, someone like him probably remained as a spectator until the end."

"That's right, brother-in-law is that kind of guy."

The villainous face of his brother-in-law floats in the earl's mind. It looks like a villain compared to the real person, probably because of the long discord between them.

He's not related with the silver mask, but since he was present during both the incident with the demon, the earl orders the consul to keep an eye on him.

"The second one is the alchemist, Akabana-dono. He wore the same robe as the silver mask, he even had the silver mask in his house. He was present on the day of the uproar, showing his face on the relief station."

"Hou? That's suspicious."

The consul shakes his head at the earl's words.

"However, a silver mask isn't an uncommon thing. Because it's used during the harvest festival to ward off demons, there are probably more than 10 shops which sell it."

"Fumu, was it a man who was fighting?"

"No, the figure was slim and the skin was abnormally pale so it didn't match the strength the silver mask was showing. A friend of mine testified that."

"Maybe he drank medicine that could change his body?"

"The elder confirm the existence of such medicine but the feedback reaction is too strong that it's suicidal for healthy person to drink it."

"Is that so?"

Even if it's possible, if the medicine makes your body handicapped then there would be no meaning in fighting. The earl thinks so and moves his interest to the next candidate.

"The third one is a man called Usu who's affiliated with a criminal guild called Brown Rat."

"It's a guy who's a polar opposite of a hero."

"This man had similar physique and hair and he was confirmed to be present during both uproars. Moreover, the one who was carrying the demon's arm during the rebellion uproar was this guy."

"How? Did he cut the demon's arm and get possessed by it?"

"The possibility exists."

The consul picks a thin document from the stack he's holding and gives it to the earl.

"A hypothesis has arrived from the elder. 'Wasn't the demon who possessed the man called Uusu different from the demon who attacked the castle?' He said."

"For two senior demons to appear at the same time, isn't that impossible?"

"Maybe they were demons who were hiding in hope of creating a labyrinth, he said."

"And then they fought each other because one invaded another's territory, right?"

"It's written as such in the hypothesis."

"How much is the truth from what old man thunder said?"

The earl puts one hand on his chin while thinking.

If it was said by someone else then we would laugh at it together, but the elder that the consul refers to- the earl calls him the old man thunder, is the leading magician in this territory and even in the kingdom he's among the five most powerful ones. Even if what he said seemed absurd, it couldn't be ignored.

"Right then, since there's no evidence I can't say for sure, but if it's the truth then a lot of things would start to make sense."

"Like abnormal endurance?"

"Yes. While fist fighting the demon, he received a concentrated attack from 30 magicians and came out unscathed. He couldn't be human."

It's possible with certain magic tools, but the earl and the consul have no idea about it.

The first three candidates who were mentioned cannot clear this condition too, so they are exempted.

"If he's a demon, then that question is solved huh."

"The knight leader who was commanding also reported that, 『He was strong without no doubt, but his movement was like an amateur.』."

"A senior demon who isn't used to fighting huh..."

"Or maybe, it was confused with the difference of the possessed body compared with its real body..."

If the other demons are able to hide themselves, then the threat can't be ignored.

The earl thinks so and translates it into action.

"Alright, arrest all members of Brown Rat guild. Thoroughly investigate everything about this man called Uusu."

"I understand."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot with the last candidate."

The consul pulls a report from the document stack.

"He's called Satou, a self-proclaimed merchant."

"Self-proclaimed?"

"Yes, the person introduced himself as a merchant but no one in the merchant guild knew him, and he didn't have any business activity during his visit to Seryuu city."

The earl who had his interest piqued chimed in.

"Is he a spy from another country?"

"No, his performance was too poor to be a spy. The only things he did after arriving at this city was just sightseeing and doing tryst with women. He seemed to be well-off but he did nothing but wild merrymaking."

"Sightseeing? In this place... a city with scarce tourist attractions?"

"Yes, it's a good way to check on the city's facilities and roads as a way to confirm the nation's power, but it's too conspicuous."

"That's right, I've never seen anyone who goes on a tour in this city."

The consul continues his talk after clearing his throat.

"This person is like the three earlier, he was present during both uproars, and was a survivor from the labyrinth."

"Self-proclaimed merchant, but actually an explorer eh?"

The earl finds it quite amusing.

"Well, according to viscount Belton, 『He was excellent at commanding the demi-human slaves, but the actual person himself was mediocre. He's a coward who didn't equip a sword, couldn't use magic, and only stealthily threw stones from behind the demi-human slaves.』, he said."

"Is that guy acquainted with Viscount Belton?"

"Rather than an acquaintance, he's the man who rescued Viscount Belton when he was caught by a monster."

"Hou, should we give him some kind of medal?"

"I think it's unnecessary since the viscount himself is giving him rewards..."

The earl nods while getting back to the story.

"Even without fighting strength, he was able to escape from the labyrinth. We should consider that he has some kind of experience."

"Isn't it just because the demi-human slaves were strong?"

"From the Yamato stone check, they're all level 13, around the level of an average knight."

The consul reports it plainly. His expression doesn't show if he discriminates against demi-human.

"All of his slaves? It's not just one slave who is at the same level as an average knight?"

"Yes, the three are."

"That's some battle potential."

"Yes, since they're demi-human slaves they're not allowed to have weapons inside the city so there's no problem with the public order, but it's extraordinary for a self-proclaimed merchant's guards."

The earl is contemplating while the consul waits for his master.

"A son of a noble, or a wealthy merchant's son... No, can't be, someone like that would have humans as their guards. The prince of the lost kingdom..."

"I think you're jumping to conclusions for that one."

"You're right, it's fun to guess his identity but there's no meaning to it."

"Yes."

"Let's scout for people to be put into the inspection team for labyrinth city."

"Are you serious about that?"

"Write the candidates."

"I understand."

"Still, the day after he arrived at Seryuu city, he was at the spot where the demon attacked, moreover, the day after that, he was present during the rebellion, and again, he got dragged into the labyrinth. What an unlucky man."

"If that man is bringing in demons then we should expel him from this territory..."

"That can't be. Nebinen testified that he stopped the rebellion, found out the mastermind behind it and discerned the demon."

The earl raises his eyes after hearing the consul's report.

"He's quite an able man. If what Nebinen said isn't a lie..."

"It's not just Nebinen-dono, a magic soldier who was present also testified the same thing."

"Fumu, a mysterious man huh... I'm interested but I can't get free time to meet him."

"Yes, since you need to reorganize the territory army, rebuild the destroyed city, the isolation of the labyrinth and other things that keep piling."

The earl seemingly doing mischief, grins while crooking his lips.

"About that medal earlier."

"Are you going to really give him one?"

"No, not a medal, let's give him a gentleman 's title."

"...court rank is it?"

The consul is unusually shaken with the earl's world and his words are mixed with thorns.

"You don't mind right? It's a rank given to 10 people a year. We don't need to give him a position or pension either. At most his privileges are being at the lowest seat of nobles and exempted from tax."

"To give a person of unknown birth and parentage a rank, this vassal who has served for generations object."

The earl has anticipated the consul's objection and solemnly states his excuse.

"He saved the oldest member of that vassal, viscount Belton's life, stopped the rebellion, and uncovered the plot of the demon. Aren't those enough for achievements?"

"There is no objection to his achievements but..."

"Furthermore, I'm not giving him a viscount or baron rank but a false noble rank of gentleman."

The consul realizes that the earl isn't serious from his expression.

"Please stop joking. Right now is the important time for the earldom to make rapid progress."

"Sorry, forgive me. I was having fun imagining how my vassal would look if I gave a vagabond a court rank..."

Admonished by the consul, the earl apologizes.

Having finished letting off the steam with the joke, the earl and his consul move to their next agenda. Their night is long.

Chapter 45

Intermission: Friends of Yuni

I've made new friends today.

They're demi-human girls called Pochi-chan and Tama-chan.

All demi-humans that I've ever met were like stray cats ready to bare their fangs, they were scary. But those girls are different.

My morning starts early, because I'd get scolded if I don't get to the gate inn before dawn. When the sky begins to brighten, I leave the orphanage to the main street.

It's dim, but I'm not afraid. Because I'm with other children who are running toward their job's place.

I enter through the back door since the big gate for carriages is closed. The back door is also closed, but for me, I can just slip through the small gap.

I head to the staff door through the courtyard. The water is low when I peek at the water jugs. I must fill it before the landlady wakes up!

I pick up a bucket and go to the well.

"Kuu~~~~~, heavy~~~~."

Hanging on my body weight, I pull the rope connected with the bucket. Drawing water is hard labor. Especially for someone as light as me.

I wonder if the day will come when I can draw water effortlessly like Martha-san?

"Intruder~?"

"Suspicious person nano desu~."

I was surprised by voices from the dark and let go of the ropes.

Ah, even though I was about to succeed...

I turn toward where the voices came from.

From there 4 lights are floating out together with carefree voices!

"Kyaa-!"

"Unyaa-"

"Nyuu-"

I wasn't able to suppress my scream. But anyone would be surprised if they were in the dark.

Encouraged by that fact, I harshly scold the people who are in the dark.

"Don't raise your voice suddenly! I'll have to draw again now!"

"Sorry~?"

"Nano desu~."

Those people are frankly apologizing, making me lose my tension.

The sun gradually rises and I can see the faces of those girls.

Those girls are beast-men.

I was surprised at first and shouted, "Don't come here!".

But Pochi and Tama didn't mind it.

"I'll help~""Nodesu~."

Saying so, they begin pulling water in place of me. Pochi quickly pulls the rope like a joke.

I wonder just how strong beast-men children are. Or maybe these girls are special?

After Pochi is finished drawing the water, this time Tama says, "Unfair~? Tama will also do it~", and begins drawing water. These girls must have thought that this is a play or something!

Oh god I'm sorry, Yuni is a bad girl.

I use the two who are happily playing around until the bucket is full of water. Moreover, not only drawing, they also help me carry the water.

As a thanks, I will share today's meal with these girls.

I break apart the black bread I've received as breakfast and bring it to the two with soup.

The work here is hard but it's nice because I get a delicious meal.

Even without garnish, the soup is far better than the thin soup that is occasionally served at the orphanage, even the slightly sour black beard goes well with it.

There's no the bittt~er steamed gabo fruit or pickled gabi leaves as the only meal!

The two will surely be delighted!

While thinking about it, I went to the stable.

There's a big lizard-man woman beside the two girls there!

I'm scared enough to almost drop the soup bowl, but I can't waste the important meal! I frantically bear it.

"Yuni~?""Nano desu~."

The two girls welcome me.

But, wait?

Hey, what are those in your hands?

"Meat~?""Cheese nano desu~."

No way~~~~!

Eh? Eh? That's a lie right?

You can't eat meat even after so many years right?

How do slaves, two demi-human slaves at that, get that kind of expensive thing?

Furthermore, it's quite a big lump!? Huh?

I hold out to keep my drool.

It came out a bit but I immediately wiped it.

"I thought I'd eat with you together..."

'I'll share you this', giving like I'm above them, would be quite comical.

"Ara, aren't you the errand girl? What's your name again? Since you're here already, why don't we eat together?"

From behind the lizard girl, two girls come out. The one who started talking is a violet-haired girl of the same age as me, and the other is a black-haired Onee-san with a regrettable face.

The violet-haired girl talks in a really bossy way that I wonder if she's really the same age as me, but she, Arisa, is. She cuts the dried meat and cheese lumps and shares it with me.

The lizard girl, called Liza, is going to say something but, Arisa says, "It's fine, the little girl's share is trivial. Master will surely consent! If he's mad then I'll be the only one who'd get scolded, moumantai.", and Liza-san understands. I don't really understand what Arisa is saying but now is the time to savor the taste of these meat and cheese.

I puff my cheeks like a squirrel while thoroughly enjoying the taste many times over. I'm sure that I'll remember this day for a while, and I'm confident that even gabo fruits would taste like meat and cheese!

Rather than dividing my meal as a thanks, I got to eat delicious things instead.

Furthermore, after the meal, Pochi and Tama helped me take care of the horses. The two are really strong.

Even Liza-san, who was bored, helps change the litter boxes of the horses.

I thought that demi-humans are scary, was I wrong?

There are good things and also bad things.

The landlady told me and Martha to buy firewoods from the lumber shop.

Umm? Do we really have to bring these two bundles to the inn?

Martha-san says, "Yosh! Let's do our best~." but you won't be able to easily carry it you know?

Still, I'm an employee, I won't complain. If I carelessly complain I might get fired, and I don't know if I could get another job then. In the future, if possible I don't want to become a courtesan at the street corner.

I lift the firewoods with all my power.

My feet are staggering, but I won't lose.

Since Marathon-chan is carrying a bundle of firewood even bigger than mine!

Carrying the firewoods.

Yes, carrying it.

...Carrying firewoods.

When I'm about to faint, the weight is suddenly no more.

I look up and an unknown man has taken my firewoods.

No, don't take it! I must bring that home!

Before I could complain, Martha-san thanked him.

I said he's unknown, but when I look at him again, it turns out that he's a guest at the inn. He's the person who gave me tips lavishly just by bringing water to his room this morning. It seems he's called Satou-san.

Satou-san not only carries my firewood but also Martha-san's.

A man is strong after all. He's carrying it without breaking a sweat. I didn't notice it before, but Pochi and Tama, who are carrying big rucksacks, are together with him. So the master of the two is this man. It might be good to be a slave to this man, I think.

When I get back to the inn, I continue to take care of the horses. Pochi and Tama also help me in the morning.

That's okay.

It's okay?

But

"Please don't, I'd be scolded by the landlady if I let a guest help me!"

For the master who's wearing such an expensive-looking robe, please don't help me take care of the horses.

Please stop with that disappointed face.

It's like I'm doing something bad!

"Plate!"

I declare so and flip the card.

The plate is drawn on the back.

"Yes~ this is the third!"

I carefully collected the card that I worked hard to get.

This is a tool for learning letters it seems. At first, Martha-san, who can read letters, was teaching us but in the middle, Arisa devised this play.

After that, everyone is engrossed with it! This is the first time I've done this play.

I've always wanted to learn how to read letters, but it was like saying, "I want to fly in the sky". It was such dream-like things...

But now it's different!

Only in a few hours, I've learned how to read 7 letters!

Fun things don't last for long, they said, but this is too much.

Even though I've made new friends, tomorrow Pochi and Tama are going to leave Seryuu city.

But I've made a promise to the two. I will absolutely learn words and write them a letter!

I don't know the cost to send a letter, but I have a secret savings of two copper coins. If I have this much, then I should be able to send a letter.

In the evening, when I've finished my work, Satou-san gives me a bag full of wood blocks. When I look inside, although they're a bit poor, they're the same thing as the learning cards.

He says, "It's a thank you for getting along with our girls.", and gives it to me. I want to thank him immediately, but I don't know how to express this gratitude.

Oh yes, the wood-block cards that Satou-san has become extremely popular at the orphanage. Some interested older children asked for woods waste from the lumber shop and the children who are good with arts drew the pictures.

Even though a week hasn't passed since then, we have already finished making 3 sets.

It'd be nice if everyone becomes able to read letters in one year~

That's my dream.

It's nice if that really happens.

The work is hard as always, but after that day, I'm seeing more happy dreams each day.

Chapter 46

Satou's here. Typically in a game, it's walking in the beginning, carriage in the middle and teleportation or airship in the endgame, getting convenient as it goes.

A friend said that going on an adventure in a carriage is miserable.

Since this isn't an adventure, I guess it's okay to enjoy myself right?

The wagon makes clattering and rumbling noise as it travels through the highway between hills.

"Uuu~."

"Nya~."

Whenever small animals like rabbits and rats show up near the bushes, Pochi and Tama react as if they're going to jump out of the wagon. Every time it happened, Liza seized the two by their waists. Although the wagon is only about 20 Km/H fast, so they won't get hurt even if they jump out.

"Pochi, Tama, you'll fall if you lean over too much, sit on the back of the coachman's stand."

"Yes nano desu."

"Ay~."

The two reply with good answers and place themselves on the left and right sides of the coachman's stand.

Though it's probably only until they find something else.

The winds are slightly cold, but since it's cloudless the warmth from the sunlight is pleasant.

After we got out of Seryuu city for a while, we came into a forest, or rather, a gathering of branching thickets. We came out of it after 1 hour, and now we're advancing through what you'd call hilly areas.

I could see shepherds herding their sheep on the other side of the hills sometimes. I've only seen goat-made products in the city, but there are shepherds too huh.

Gakon. Gakokokon.

The wagon shakes as the wheels are climbing up. From behind, I'm hearing Lulu's small shriek, and Arisa's abusive language, but I'll pretend that I didn't hear it and let it get carried away by the wind.

Since the highway is made to avoid the hills, it's winding. The ground is not paved with stone pavements, the soils are bare. As a result, the wheels stumble into rough spots several times. Although the horses are just moving along the course of the road by themselves, it's the coachman's job to fine tune the wagon.

Even though I'm supported by skill, due to the lack of my actual experience I couldn't avoid them all.

Arisa climbs above Pochi's head and shows her face from behind (me).

"I'd love for you to drive more carefully~."

"Don't be unreasonable to a novice coachman."

I put aside Arisa's protest irresponsibly. Pochi looks troubled with Arisa who nests on top of her head.

Oh, Pochi is counter attacking, she catches Arisa's hands and playfully bites it.

"W, wait Pochi, stop that. The sleeves will get sticky with drools~."

"Hamumu, nyanoresu~."

Arisa who pulls her arm back and Pochi who hounds her rush toward the luggage rack near the coachman's stand.

"Don't get rowdy now~", I warn them lightly. The wagon is shaking, it'd be bad if they fall.

Tama, who sees Arisa and Pochi playing around, looks raring to go.

Ah, Tama also participates in the war.

Since Tama isn't suited for patience or perseverance, I guess this can't be helped.

The trip is more relaxed than I thought it'd be. Since this is a fantasy world, I thought that we would encounter some monsters or something, but there weren't any even up to now.

I tried searching in a wide area but there were no dangerous animals or monsters. At most it was just foxes. I spot packs of wolves sometimes but they're 10 kilometers away at the edge of the forest earlier, so there's no need to be vigilant for the time being.

When I went on a date with Zena-san back then, she said that the military is practicing by regularly eliminating dangerous animals and monsters around the perimeter of Seryuu city. This is probably thanks to that.

Liza, who seemingly couldn't let the little girls who were still playing around any longer, warns them. I had thought that they should be stopped soon, so it's helpful.

Replacing Liza, Lulu who took refuge on the back of the wagon sitting behind me.

Come to think of it, I haven't talked with Lulu much. Communication is important, let's talk with her properly from now on.

"Lulu, are you fine? You don't have motion sickness or the like right?"

"Y, yes!"

I thought that she wouldn't reply, but quite a surprised voice came out.

Right, she moved behind me silently, so she would be surprised if I called her out without turning my head.

The beastkin girls have high physical abilities and I thought that it's natural, but for Lulu who is just a normal girl, it would be surprising. I've almost replaced my common sense with unreasonableness- I should be careful.

"You don't have to be so nervous. Just like Arisa- or rather not, be more like Pochi and the girls who casually interact with me."

"Such things... Since I'm a slave, it's unbecoming."

Lulu lets out a faint voice that sounds as if she's about to disappear, seeming like this will need some time.

For the time being, I should get her to get accustomed to having conversations with me.

"Lulu, do you have anything you like?"

"I like taking care of Arisa."

Is she a siscon? No, it's probably just a normal sisterly love.

I'm reluctant, but I continue to talk about Arisa as the topic. To clear away her reserved attitude, it's important to continue the conversations no matter the topic.

"You really love your younger sister."

"I sometimes question who is the older one."

"Certainly, she really doesn't act like a 11 years-old."

"Arisa is a genius since she was a child."

"How was she?"

Rather than genius, it was because she had the experience from her previous life, but I'd better not talk about it huh?

After that, Lulu continues to brag about Arisa happily until noon. Humans are good at speaking about the thing they love, this is no different even in another world.

Lulu who talks about Arisa, looks very happy. Her eyes are sparkling, her cheeks faintly blush too. Her face which is normally that of beautiful girl, gets even more beautiful. I'm scared that I would fall into a dangerous world (lolicon) if I'm careless.

I could hear Arisa who seems to be in agony for being praised very highly behind but maybe because she understands my intention, it doesn't seem like she would interrupt Lulu's story.

When the wagon goes on a straight line for a while I look at the luggage rack. Arisa is writhing on the floor while Pochi and Tama are mimicking her by lying down on the sides. Noticing my gaze, the two look toward here while still on their mimicking position. I gesture that it's nothing, and then they resume to imitate Arisa happily.

Yup, peaceful is nice~.

Then, Lulu continues to talk about Arisa for nearly one hour after that.

Let's change the story since Lulu's voice started to become hoarse.

Of course, I'm ready to hear Lulu's talk about Arisa anytime. Let's make Arisa participate if I need to punish her.

Just as I try to get the timing, I hear a cute growl from the side.

Confirming on the menu, it's about time for lunch. We could eat in the wagon as it continues but I want to check on the condition of the horses fixtures so I decide to take a break for the lunch. It's not like we are in a rush, and we won't reach town for two or three days anyway.

According to the map, there's a boulders formation just up ahead, so I pick that place for the break.

"Let's have a lunch soon."

"Meal~?""Meat nanodesu!"

Pochi and Tama answer faster than Lulu who has become red on my side. Jumping from back of the wagon, a girl shows her face.

"Shall I cut some cheeses and breads if we're going to eat in the wagon?"

Liza, weren't you just keeping watches on the back of the wagon?

Arisa who has revived follow after Liza. Her voice has become hoarse while her hair is in disorder, she's a bit scary.

"We have a nice weather today, let's eat like we're having a picnic~."

"That's right. Looks like that there's a boulders formation up ahead, let's take a break for 1 hour there."

After that we advance through the road for awhile, in the middle of the way we get out of the highway and climb a hill. The carriage shakes and loses its speed because the ground is underdeveloped grasslands. I advance the wagon carefully.

Soon, we can see the boulders.

Each and every one of them is quite big. The boulders are about 2 meter high and nearly 7 meter wide.

I stop the wagon near on the side of a boulder.

I descend from the coachman's stand, and help Lulu to get off it.

Arisa jump toward me while saying, "Tou!", like some kind of hero, I avoid her.

"Wait~ Aren't your treatment toward me getting worse?"

"That's not true at all. You're cute Arisa.", I answer half-heartedly, and lowered the fixture of the wagon.

"You didn't put your heart into it! You'll stray off the path of delinquent soon~"

Your vocabularies reeks of Showa era like usual.

Pochi and Tama also imitate Arisa, "Tou~?""Tou nano desu~", they're jumping while saying that. It's good that they didn't imitate the pose.

I release the yokes on the horse and tie the veins on the wagon. I check on the fixture of the wagon, and it seems that the horses bodies don't have scratch so it's fine.

Liza comes down with a barrel filled with water, I give it to the horses. I'll give them the priority because they're the ones who work the hardest today.

"Liza, prepare something that's easy to make like sandwich or salad."

I ask Liza for the meal.

Since it's bad to only have Liza to do it, let's try to see whether Lulu or Arisa can cook.

"Unfortunately, Arisa's female power level isn't high enough for cooking."

Arisa said so in monotone while looking toward the day after tomorrow. Is she feeling guilty? I won't say such old-fashioned thing like a woman have to be able to cook, okay.

"I've no experience in cooking, but I could do things like peeling fruits or making tea."

"Then, Lulu will act as Liza's assistant. Help her cooking by following her instruction."

"Yes! I will do my best."

I ask Lulu to help Liza. I wonder if she's happy for being helpful, I feel like she could get her voice out more around me like she has accustomed to me. I wonder if it's too early to think that?

Should I ask Pochi and Tama to collect firewood?

When I look at the two, they're exuding atmosphere like they're about to run toward the meadow. Their faces turn to me, but their ears twitches every time the bushes make sound.

Let's occasionally let them play appropriate for their age~.

"Private Pochi! Private Tama!"

"Ay!"

"Yes nanodesu!"

Good answers.

"I will assign you two a mission! Check the security around the perimeter of the boulders!"

"Ay!""Desu!"

The two begin to run like arrows. Let's remind them, "I'll call you two back when the meal is ready, so don't go too far~", so they won't overdo it.

I guess I'll make Arisa to collect the fuel.

"Arisa, gather things like dead leaves and firewood near the bushes around here."

"Kay~."

I direct Arisa as I give salts to the horses. Arisa who doesn't have any particular complaint go to gather the firewood while singing some minor anime-like songs.

Chapter 47

Satou's here. Hiking is nice, isn't it. When you're surrounded by nature, fully inhaling the scents of the trees and the plants, you completely forget about all the unpleasant affairs at work.

After I've finished taking care of the horses, I begin to compound for deodorants behind the wagon. I want to do something about the intense smells of the goat leather and wool.

During compounding, Liza come to ask if the meal is fine without soup since the firewood isn't enough. It's cold, and the black bread without the soup would be too hard.

I catch a sight of the Light Hot Plate beside me which I've used to heat water for compounding.

I decided to use this to help for cooking. After heating the soup with this, you could put the burning firewood until it's boiled. I'll leave the magic supply for Light Hot Plate to Arisa.

Still, I didn't think that gathering for fuel would be this hard. I should have bought them in Seryuu city.

I'll take out scrap woods from the Storage if we get in a pinch. The fact that the Item Box could only store item with particular size is a bottleneck.

I, who have been making deodorant behind the wagon, could smell the nice aroma from the soup. The finished deodorant is in the form of a white powder. I put it in a small bag and it seems that you used it by mixing it together with the smell source.

I take out the goat leathers and wools from the storage and put them inside the Item Box in a small sack with the deodorant. Since they were too many to get inside, I leveled up the Item Box skill level to 4.

Liza comes to say that the meal is ready exactly right after I've finished my business even though she probably didn't watch me.

Now then, since the meal is ready I should call Pochi and Tama back.

I call them in loud voice.

Yup, let's buy a whistle when we get to a town.

I do have whistles in my Storage but it'd be disastrous if I blow it and make a kaijuu or an angel appear, so I won't.

"A prey nano desu~."

Pochi comes back while boastfully presenting a rabbit on her hand. The ears are short for a rabbit. According the AR, it's called Short-eared Rabbit. Pochi is dirtied with grass and mud from the top of her head to her foot, but she's smiling nicely.

I relay the rabbit I've received to Liza.

I praise Pochi while stroking her head. Since I can't let her have a lunch like she is, I put water to a bucket and wash her face and arms with it. I've made this policy from the time we were in the labyrinth before we had meals, so when she's presented with the water bucket, she's splashing the water around. Lastly, she shakes her head to remove the water without using a towel. This habit of her is irreparable it seems.

"Meat~? I've brought it~."

This time it's Tama who has come back, her voice comes from behind.

I wonder what did Tama catch? Is it a bird~?

"Meat! ...nano desu?", Pochi tilt her head in puzzle midway.

When I turn back, the thing that Tama holds is an about 80-cm high rat... or not. The AR shows that it's a rat-man.

The rat-man seems to be unconscious, but at least he's still alive.

"Tama, please let that one go."

While looking a bit sad, Tama says, "Prey~ No good~?", she's coming here while tilting her head.

I almost allow it involuntarily, but let's not eat men. I should teach her about this gradually.

"You'll hurt your stomach, so no."

"Aye~."

Tama begins to spin on spot while still holding the rat-man. Then, she throws the rat-man across the meadow.

Oioi, that was too wild no matter how you look at it.

The rat-man has its HP decreased by a little, but it seems to be alive.

Since we treated him too rough, I decided to check if he has any external wounds. Before that, I scold Tama properly.

The rat-man doesn't seems to have any injury. According to AR, he doesn't have any skill, age 2. As expected of rats, they grow fast. He's grasping something that look like a ball of mud on his hand, but, since I have no interest on it, I leave it alone. It's probably this child's boxed lunch.

Since he only seems to have fainted, I put him on a meadow a bit away from our camp. I put several fruits beside him as a remuneration for the trouble.

On the other hand, Liza has quickly dismantled the rabbit that Pochi caught and she is grilling it now. The entrails that has been washed then properly cut into tiny pieces by Liza, and fried together with some herbs.

By the way, we're using a dead tree from the other side of the boulder found by Tama as the fuel.

"My stomach is hungry nodesu~."

"Copycat is bad nano desu~."

"Meat~ nano desu~."

Arisa demands for lunch while imitating as Pochi. Pochi protests at her, Tama follows suit.

...this is slightly amusing nanodesu.

Since the rat-man doesn't seem like he'll wake up, we decided to begin our meal.

Liza holds out the biggest piece of meat.

I pass it to Pochi because she's the MVP this time. The second biggest one is given to Tama. She was no good with the prey, but she played an active role in securing the firewood.

The meat of the rabbit is tender and delicious. I don't know if whether this is because of Liza being good at cooking or the fresh ingredient, but good food is good food.

I'm offered the herb fried entrails, but since the meat is enough, I decline.

Kasakasa.

Even if I don't look at the direction of the sounds, I know from the radar that the rat-man who has awakened runs away. When I check on it later, the fruits has been properly taken away.

I'm enjoying a tea break with Liza and Lulu after the meal.

Lulu pours me the tea. She was taught in the royal court even if it was just a small country, so the tea made by Lulu is on different level than the one I usually drank. Truly delicious.

Seemingly not at all dissatisfied when I praise her, even while acting humble, her face is smiling.

Arisa follows Pochi and Tama along to go on a sightseeing of the boulders. The person itself said, "I'm surveying", of course, but I could only saw pleasure trip on her mind from her tension.

I search the map while enjoying the tea's aroma.

I tried to look for rat-men, but the only rat-man around here is the child earlier. I wonder if he's a lost child?

From the map, there's a hidden village dozen of kilometer away southeast from here, so he's probably a lost child from a rat-man village outside of the earl's territory. Fortunately the lost child is running into the direction of the village, and the dangerous animals are only foxes, so he's probably going to be okay even if left alone.

Since I was only searching for monsters' special attacks or levels earlier, I had missed the rat-man. There might be thieves too, so I make an adjustment to the search pattern.

Mumumu, there are thieves. Although there is quite a distance, and the highway is separated from the southeast mountain so we probably won't encounter them anytime soon.

Uoh!

When I narrowed it further, red dots begin to rapidly appear on the screen, but there's nothing when I look around.

Normally insects or small animals won't be shown since I've made it OFF by default.

When I face toward the nearby red dot, something is escaping.

Is it a small animal looking for leftovers? If this was a game, then, animals which likely won't be enemies would be excluded from the start. This is troublesome.

I guess I should exclude anything with level 1 without poison. They won't hurt even if they bite anyway.

Alright, I've excluded anything without poison or special abilities.

Hm~mm, the red dots still aren't decreasing.

No wait, when I look better, are those insects? Mosquito-like insects are flying. Furthermore, they have [Race Characteristic: Blood-sucking]. Right, mosquitoes suck blood, don't they?

Let's put aside this setting only for when we go to mountains or thickets, and exclude anything besides things with poison in normal situations. I'll do something about creatures I see for the first time with AR. If they're level 1 then eliminating them is trivial anyway.

When I'm just about to finish the adjustment, I could hear Arisa's voice calling me from the top of the boulder.

How did she climb that up?

"Is there anything?"

"A bit, come up on top of this rock."

Pochi comes back from the back of the boulder while piggybacking Tama. Apparently, Arisa had made this two to be the stepping stone to go above.

"Arisa is unfair~."

"Pochi also wants to go up nodesu."

Arisa stretch her arm to reach out, but it's impossible to pull us with one arm.

Since the two people looks eager to go on top, I raise them in turn.

Although because I can't find scaffolds for myself, I jump up once to get there at a blind spot of Liza and Lulu.

"See it from here."

I look at the direction where Arisa points at.

I'm seeing collapsed boulders there. What does Arisa want me to see?

"What am I seeing?"

"Mou, look at it properly."

I see. I finally understand what Arisa wants to show.

"Are those stones from shrine's archway (torii)?"

"I can only make conjectures since they've collapsed, but looks like there are 3 collapsed torii lined up. Maybe there was a shrine here."

I stare at the remains of the torii's stones. I tell Arisa the information from AR.

I thought that they were just traces of megalithic civilizations, but...

"It's a broken Travel Gate."

It's a well-known gimmick for shortcuts when you're traveling in a game. The ones here seems to have been broken since ancient times, so I don't know the how or if it's possible to repair.

Hearing that, Arisa enthusiastically says, "You can fix it?!" but I briefly answer, "Impossible."

It is attractive to have shortcuts like the one from games, but I'd like to refrain from jumping into an unknown location.

I didn't think too much about this before I become the person concerned, but I wonder why games' protagonists could so simple-mindedly go through gates.

It seems that the boulders has magic catalyst properties, they momentarily react when I try to pour it magic. Although I don't want it to end up with, [You've been trapped inside a stone], situation if it malfunction, so I'll stop acting rashly.

Right after we depart, the three little girls went straight to the dreamland. As soon as the wagon started running, they immediately went asleep, probably because they're full. Arisa seems to have lost to her physical limit too.

"Master, could you possibly teach me how to drive the wagon?"

"That's fine, you can sit here."

I agree to Liza's request and make a space on the coachman stand.

It'd be helpful to have people who could drive the wagon beside me, let's teach the other members later.

"Do you want to try it too, Lulu?"

"Yes, I'd like to."

I tried to bring this matter to Lulu who's sitting right behind me, and unexpectedly got a good answer.

I stop the wagon for a moment, and change place with Lulu while holding the reins from the luggage rack. I make Lulu to sit on the coachman stand for training of her together with Liza.

"First, it's about the operation of reins."

I give Liza the reins first.

"Hold the reins a bit loose. But be careful not to make it too loose."

I teach the two like how Yosagu-san taught me.

The two only make minor errors which is normal for people who are tense, and have successfully learned how to drive.

Liza's driving is, though a bit rough, enough for a passing mark. She learned it several hours faster than me, and she's already at the level where she could replace me holding the reins.

[Education Skill Acquired]

Lulu's driving is, although a bit more unreliable than Liza, fine enough to drive in a flat plain. It'd be fine if she practices it little by little.

While I and Liza watch over her, the wagon driven by Lulu shakes and rumbles while proceeding along the highway between the hills.

Chapter 48

Satou's here. Although we have what we call pending plans, Death March won''t exist in this world if I could just smoothly schedule the minute details beforehand.

"Yiss~ 10 straight victories!"

"It's only Arisa who wins, unfair~ Pochi also wants to win~."

"Tama too~"

I can hear the little girl's voices from behind. The members beside me have been playing the learning cards for about 2 hours.

Since I couldn't really look away, I don't know the details but it seems that Arisa has continue to childishly won.

"Arisa, here's the commemoration for 10 successive victories."

"What is it? A picture book?"

"If you could win that many, then you should be able to read it right?"

"Nnn~ I could probably do."

"Then read it for Pochi and Tama. If they're only studying the learning cards, they would get bored before they remember the letters."

"Aye aye."

At first Arisa was reluctant with the picture book I held out, but she finally consented and spread the book open on the floor.

Still, it's amazing that she could learn it in two days.

Pochi and Tama who were complaining since a while ago, quietly sat and perked their ears when the story began.

With nothing but Arisa reading the picture book as a BGM, the wagon continues advancing.

I ask for a change of coachman since I want to search the location for our campsite today on the map.

I wanted to ask Liza at first, but since she's listening to Arisa's story with a serious face, I ask Lulu instead.

"Please handle the wagon for a bit."

"Yes, master."

I move to the edge of the coachman stand to make space for Lulu. I pass the reins, and want to concentrate on the map but from Lulu's point of view, I'd look like a master who sits beside her in silent... I don't want that.

I migrate to the luggage rack behind and lean my back on the stand.

I immediately look at the map to select the camping ground. Actually, I've thought of a several candidates before we started the journey, but unfortunately the distance we have traveled is shorter than I thought so they're unusable.

There are about 4 hours more before the nightfall.

If we run on this hill for about 3 hours then we'll get closer to the valley between the east and west mountains. According to the book that I've bought from the bookstore back then, [Journey to the Royal Capila], the valley up ahead is a difficult place so I want to make a camp before it.

From what I've seen on the map, there are two locations that could be used for it. The place up ahead has a pond nearby, should I go there?

Something like water spirits or aquatic monsters would usually appear in fantasy setting, but according to the map there are only big frogs there so it should be okay. Big frogs are different from giant frogs from the labyrinth; they're not monsters but just common amphibians.

I wonder where do you draw the line between monsters and normal creatures?

"Master."

I got called out by Lulu who rarely does it.

Since her voice sounds a bit bewildered, I move the map to the edge of my view.

"What's wrong Lulu?"

"U, um, please look at that."

I put my face beside Lulu and look at the place she's pointing at, black mist is moving from one side of the southeast mountain.

Still, it's quite far. She did well to see them.

"Just a bit ago, birds were flying out from the side of that mountain so I was curious. Then, that black mist appeared."

"I wonder what is that?"

That place is beyond the scope of the map. I look hard there.

The AR indicate that it's [Unidentified Flying Insect Monsters]. The details don't appear because this AR is linked with the map.

Appraisal also doesn't work when I try to use it, it's probably outside of its effective range.

"What what? Is there something~?"

"Arisa, continue~?"

"Something nodesu?"

Arisa hangs over me, popping half of her body outside onto the coachman stand. Furthermore, Tama gets on top of Arisa.

I can only imagine this from the presence, but it seems that Pochi also got on them but she fell.

"There's black mist-looking thing over there."

"What's that?"

"It's black, so, Bats?"

Pochi is pressing forwards with her nose first on the narrow space between me and the wagon's canopy. I'd like to tell her that she's going in the reverse direction.

Our eyes meet for a while, then I open some space in front of me and fix Pochi's direction.

"Black lumpy is moving nodesu."

Oh, amazing. She could look at these distances?

If they're flying-type monsters then they could probably get here in 10 minutes.

In a moment, I decided that I'm going to move the wagon into hiding and go outside to see the situation.

"Lulu, call me if we get close to that forest you can see from here."

"Y, yes."

I put Arisa who was riding on my head beside Lulu.

"Arisa, observe the black mist's movement beside Lulu. Since that black mist might be monsters, get ready for battles."

Liza reacts to the word, 'monsters'.

"Pochi, Tama, get ready for battle."

"Aye aye sir~."

"Roger~ nanodesu."

Who taught them those words. Nah, I don't even need to hear it, there's only one truth like always.

Even though I said to get ready to battle, it's only for Liza to hold the spear and for Pochi and Tama to arm the swords. Tama passes pebbles for stone-throwing from the bag to Pochi.

I thought that her bag looks heavy, so there were those things inside huh.

Liza puts the stones she receives from the two on a small bag tied to her waist.

I take out a crossbow from the box and prepare it. Although I'm just preparing the bowstring. I haven't set the bolts, since it's dangerous.

After I confirmed that Liza and the girls' preparation is complete, I take out 3 additional crossbows and 200 bolts.

"They're coming, a part of that black mist is moving."

It's still not in the map range. When I look at the mountain over Arisa's head, a part of the black mist on the foot of the mountain is certainly moving.

I change place with Lulu to be the coachman and make Arisa and her go back inside the wagon.

After Liza and the girls said that their preparation is complete, I accelerate the wagon.

Arisa asks me in low voice.

"Master, couldn't you see their level with Menu or something?"

"They're out of range. If I could get as close as 10 Km then I would know."

"I wish permission to use magics if the monsters get close."

I give permissions to use magics beside the uniques or the ones she used on the flea market.

"I want to use monster avoiding space (Dodge Field) too. I'd also like to have permission to use Sleep Wave, Sleep Field, and fatigue space ."

I give permission after hearing the description of each magics.

"If the enemies are many, then make them sleep with the sleep magic."

"It's ineffective when the opponents are agitated."

Arisa said while smiling wryly. Then isn't there no meaning for that in battle?

"That's why I want to combo it with ."

"Although you don't use it often, you sure have the knack for it."

"Yep~ But unfortunately, since it doesn't distinguish between friend or foe, it's only for the last resort."

"Don't you have means for direct attack?"

"I could use mind shock bullet (Psycho Ball) and mind shockwave (Shockwave), but at most it could only stun the opponents."

"If you cooperate with Liza, then those two attacks could be quite usable."

I give permissions to use the two magics.

I wonder what those crowds of monsters are chasing?

Monsters emerge from the edge of the map.

"Hexapedal boar (Dash Boar)?"

Rat-men are on the same position as them. The luminous points on the map are moving together. It seems that they're cavalry beasts. Their speed is near 50 Km/H. There are 5 of them.

"What are those?"

"The beasts that the rat-men ride to run away from that black mist."

The dash boars are level 5-6, the rat-men who ride them are level 3-7.

Their positions are bad, if we leave it as it is then they'll come from behind us.

The black mist enters the map range a few minutes late from the cavalries.

"The monsters coming from behind are called Flying Ant, they're only level 2-4 but they're troublesome because of their poison and acid attacks."

"Geh, are the poison and the acid lethal?"

"It seems that the acid burns. The poison is the paralyzing type, so it'd be fine if you're only bitten by one."

That said, if we get carelessly paralyzed, we'd be surrounded to death.

There are already 50 flying ants which have appeared chasing the rat-men.

When our talk is over, the rat cavalries break through the forest 200 meters away from us and cross the highway, missing the hill.

Alright, seems that they won't come here. While apologizing to the horses in my mind, I steel my heart and whip them. Me, Liza and the girls could deal with them, but it'd be dangerous for Lulu and the horses if they catch up.

I can hear loud striking sounds from the other side of the forest. There are 89 in total which chase the rat cavalries.

Let's just let them go past.

My optimistic thought ends when Arisa reports from behind.

"One of them is coming here."

Chapter 49

Satou's here. A member of society with workaholic tendency, Satou.

It's not like I can't understand when people liken hard workers with ants, but I don't want to get along with dog-sized ants.

I know from the radar that there is one flying ant coming here. Since there is a considerable speed difference, it's just a matter of time before it catches up.

"Lulu, evacuate from the coachman stand. Arisa, are you confident with your aim using the stun magics you mentioned earlier?"

"As long as the range is within 20 meters, it's fine."

I take out a cane from the back of the wagon-actually I take it from the Storage- and give it to Lulu who passes it to Arisa.

"Eh~ It's plain, but it's quite a good cane."

I won't speak of it, after all it's more expensive than Arisa.

"Shoot twice then fall back even if you miss and switch with Liza. Pochi and Tama will cover Liza."

"Kay~."

"I understand, master."

Pochi's and Tama's answers are a bit late.

"Nyu~?"

"Is it okay not to throw the stones?"

Oh yeah, I forgot about the throwing stones. Since I want to confirm the stun magics type for now, let's keep them as reserves.

"This time it's fine not to throw the stones. I want you to concentrate on the ant which got onto the wagon."

"Aye aye sir~."

"Roger~ nano desu."

The relative distance is under 100 meters.

The other ants are chasing after the rat cavalries who go toward the hill.

50 meters. Lulu who probably feels uneasy is grabbing the cuff of my clothes.

30 meters. The sound of the wings is approaching.

20 meters.

"Mind Shock Wave (Shock Wave)."

"It falls~?"

"Arisa, amazing nodesu."

The ant which got hit by Arisa's attack seems to have fallen onto the ground. Although according to the map, it's still alive. As expected of insects, they're not so soft as to die from crashing.

"The magic knocked it down, but it's not defeated yet. Though it's fine if we could just kill it before it woke up..."

Certainly, it'd want to return to its nest when it wakes up.

"Ants, lots of them nano desu!"

"Guh, it's impossible to link with these numbers~"

Pochi's voice is a bit late compared to the radar which shows red dots swarming here.

They're forming groups with 8 monsters in each of the 4 groups.

"It's a bit too many."

"Yeah, even if I successfully use Shock Wave, it'll probably only affect three of them."

"Can you fire it continuously?"

"I can't, the chants could make it in time, but I can't cancel it until I release the magic power."

"Pochi, Tama, restrain the enemies by throwing stones at both sides. If they come within Arisa's range, switch with her."

I could be the shooter too but it's impossible to leave the reins to Lulu, what should I do.

"It's Tama's tu~rn."

"I won't lose nodesu~."

I look back at the state of the backseat for a bit. Tama and Pochi are throwing stones. Liza supports them to recover their posture after throwing the stones.

"Did it hit~?"

"They're falling nodesu."

"Yosh, you did great, children! Shock Wave!."

It seems that they've shot down the first four enemies, and the radar reflects-following them, the enemies are decreased by four.

There are two enemies who caught up to the wagon from behind, but one of them is skewered by Liza's spear and the other one who jumped inside is skillfully dealt with by Pochi and Tama.

I'm guessing that's what happened from the noisy sounds from behind and the change of luminous points on the radar.

I can't afford to look back yet.

The ants are swarming on both sides of the wagon, I shoot any ants which go ahead on one side with magic pistol while ants which come from the other side get mercilessly kicked by me.

The kicked ant, becomes part of the scenery while scattering in pieces.

The second wave of the ants is disposed with the same flow too.

But it seems that the ants have moderate intelligence, the third and the fourth waves are attacking from the shadow of the thickets on the left.

The ants are flying in parallel on both side of the thickets 300 meters away from us, it seems that they're waiting for chances. The range is not enough for the magic pistol.

I ease the wagon's speed and leave the reins to Lulu.

I take the crossbow leaned against the coachman stand, an put the bolt on the bowstring.

I can see the ants' bodies from the gap of the trees. I aim for the ant on the tail of the queue.

I aim at its future position-

Shoot.

"No matter how you look at it, you're just wasting arrows."

A luminous dot disappear from the radar.

"It's fine as feints. Arisa, I leave you to watch out for the back."

"Hoi!"

While talking, I shoot at the next ant. I can hardly believe it myself, but after this, every nocked arrow hit its target without fail. Along the way, we're about to leave the forested area, but it's too late. Every ant has been shot down before we passed the area through.

"Lulu, it's okay to lower the speed now."

"Y, yes."

I put back the crossbow, and go to receive the reins from Lulu. Maybe because she holds it with all her might, her hands can't come off, I gently take her finger off the reins one by one.

"Sexual Harassment?"

"Not."

I was looking at Lulu's graceful hands, but I change to look at the inside of the wagon.

Arisa is looking here over her shoulder from the very back of the wagon. I don't have anything to feel guilty about, what an impolite girl.

I must tell everyone that the first stage of the battle is complete.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work, we have successfully repelled the ants it seems."

"What about the ones before this forest area?"

"Seems that they've given up and returned."

I look behind and give everyone words of gratitude. Tama and Pochi are having an argument about the one who defeated the most enemies but Arisa boastfully says "I defeated 7 of them~ ".

"U, um, master... y, your hand."

I turn toward Lulu since I could hear her small voice beside me.

Oops, I've been holding her hand. This is really sexual harrasment then. I separate our hands and apologize to Lulu.

It feels like she's shy about it but doesn't dislike it, it must be my imagination though. I'm not a middle-schooler, I should have limits to misunderstanding.

"Is it fine if you let me be the coachman?"

Lulu asked in modest voice, as a result, I leave Lulu to be the coachman. I sit next to Lulu, open the map, and check on the state of the rat cavalries.

This is bad.

The rat cavalries are reduced to three, but they're going strong.

While bringing along the Flying Ants, they detour the hill by making a big arc.

And with their current course, they will surely cross with this wagon.

I change places with Lulu. I don't want to let Lulu sits on the direction where they will appear.

"The other rat cavalries seem to be coming here while bringing the flying ants. I'm sorry, but prepare for battle once again."

"How many are there?"

"52 ants."

It seems that the rat cavalries have managed to defeat five.

Those rat cavalries show up on top of the hill. I have a feeling that the rat-man with red helmet met eyes with me. The guy's dash boar is larger than the others. Enough to let two people onboard.

That rat cavalry approaches our wagon, and begins to run parallel with it. The other two lower their speeds, seemingly to attract attention of the ants.

When it get beside the wagon, the rat-man lowers his helmet and shows his face, even though he has rat's face it's nihilistically handsome and looks like it's saying something.

"◆◆◆◆! ▼▼▼▼! ●●●●!"

[Ash-Mouse Tribe Language Skill Acquired]

[Green Scales Tribe Language Skill Acquired]

[Elf Language Skill Acquired]

Somehow, I got various languages skills.

After thinking what could happen later, I decided to take the [Elf Language] skill. I raise it to level 3 and activate it.

"Human, words, don't you understand?!"

"Sorry, but, can you quickly get away? I don't want to get involved."

Even though I've purposely learned other language, the Shiga kingdom language came out. I complained back with Elf language, since I'd complain anyway even if I use Shiga language.

Putting me aside, I won't allow our girls to be in danger.

"Oh! You understand Elf language do you, then I have a request!"

Oioi, you're asking now after getting us involved?

"Please take care of the princess. If possible until she gets home, but if you can't then at least until you give her to the same tribe."

After saying that, the red helmet throws someone wrapped in thick coat he has been carrying to here.

I receive her in hurry. It seems that she has fainted.

When I look back, the red helmet has gone back to help the other two fight the ants.

I lay the girl in the wagon and go to very back where Arisa and the girls are. Even without seeing the battle, their (the cavalries) luminous dots are already gone from the radar.

The red helmet most likely chose to die a honorable death. The girl earlier is probably that much important.

However, reality tramples on such thought.

An ant jumps on Arisa and the girls, and another one jumps on this wagon.

Chapter 50

Satou's here. Shooting games were popular a long time ago, but I didn't play it. But since my work was related to FPS, I did play them in game shows...

The flying ants formed groups of 8 ants and then start to head toward this wagon.

I pass 4 crossbows to everyone except Lulu who is handling the wagon, and give them a simple lecture for its operation.

Use the lever to pull the bowstring, then put the bolt on the rail and pull the trigger. If you don't think the hitting the target part, it is actually quite simple.

"Take a stance... shoot!"

Matching my signal, the bolts fly. The target is the approaching swarm.

Three ants were shot down. After setting the next bolts, we shoot once again. This time we hit two.

We won't make it for the next volley, but Arisa unleashes Shock Wave as we've arranged before, and shoots down the remaining three.

Because the next group is getting closer than the one before, after shooting one volley of bolts, we decrease their number with Shock Wave, and then, the remaining two ants fall prey to Liza's spear and my zero-distance bolt shot.

"Master, do you have any MP recovery medicine?"

I give three of it to Arisa. After receiving it, Arisa puts one hand on her waist and gulps down the energy drink in one breath.

"The next one is dangerous."

Yes, for the next wave, three groups are attacking at once. We are already shooting with bolts, but it doesn't look like they're decreasing. The saving grace is the fact that there's still some distance.

"Please give permission for me to use Over Boost. I could somehow do something to half of them."

During the pause of our conversation, Arisa gulps down another medicine.

"I understand, I permit you."

"Thank you, I love you."

Please don't raise a strange flag.

Arisa's light joke is a bit stiff.

"Over Boost!"

Matching Arisa's Command Words, light violet aura gusts forth.

She holds the long cane, and begins to chant orally.

The violet aura are forming great numbers of magic circle on the center of the long cane.

"■■■ ■■■■■■■ ■■■ ■■■■■ Shock Wave"

An invisible shock wave tramples down upon the swarms of ants. The ants who got hit directly, different from what happened until now, die while spilling their bodily fluids from their heads. The other ants who got hit by the aftermath wave are also spinning around until they fall.

Even though Arisa said half, in actuality, all three of the groups become unable to fight. As expected of unique skills.

I gently catch Arisa who blacks out.

"My eyes are spinning~."

"Round and round~ nano desu."

"Perhaps this is the effect of Arisa's magic, I feel a bit dizzy."

The three seems unable to stand due to the after effect. I leave Arisa to Liza, and decide to clean up the remaining five ants which were late.

I have Lulu to stop the wagon.

"Pochi, Tama, pull the strings of the crossbows."

"Aye.""Desu."

The two looks exhausted, but they're doing their best to set up the crossbows.

Whenever I shoot the crossbow, I exchange it with the loaded one from Pochi or Tama.

This feels like Nagashino.

After clearing the swarms up, I fire at high angle aiming at the fainted ants by confirming their position on the radar. I tried to mimic the protagonist from a manga I read long ago, but I didn't think that it would really hit.

Because I have no scope, I shoot continuously at the relative position where the enemies are crowding while learning the fine-tune. Even if the hit rate is no more than 20%, it should be enough.

Several of the ants who got shot down in the beginning are still alive, but it's impossible to hit enemies who are two kilometers away after all. The bolts can't reach them.

We're taking a short break to quench our and the horse's thirsts.

"It's tiring but it's good that everyone is safe."

"Tir~""ring nodesu."

"Arisa still isn't coming to, is she alright?"

"She'd be fine after a night's sleep."

Seen from the AR, Arisa's stamina and magic power which have became zero are gradually getting restored.

Lulu is wiping her sweats with a wet towel.

"Liza and the girls, please collect magic cores, stingers and poison glands."

"The stinger is clear, but I wonder which part is the poison gland."

Since it's hard to explain it, I demonstrate to them by dismantling an ant and show the location of poison gland.

"Put the stingers in this bag and the poison glands in this container. It's enough to just collect 5 of each. Please take care not to get poisoned while doing it."

The remaining ants far in the distance seem to be withdrawing, the dots are decreasing on the map.

I entrust the wagon to Lulu, while I'm compounding several [Antidote: Flying Ant] from the poison glands as the raw materials. One of them could be made into five antidotes.

I lower the "Princess" the red helmet left from the wagon, and put her beside me while I'm compounding. I could put her on the bare ground, but then it'd feel like I'm abusing a child so I spread a sheet on the ground for her.

"Master, Arisa has awoken."

"Wait, no~ Didn't I say that you should tell 『Arisa isn't waking up.』 to master, and guide him to give me MP recovery medicine by mouth~."

It's really Arisa-like, but what are you doing exposing your own evil intention.

Since she did her best today, let's pardon her with just a forehead poke.

Arisa come from inside the wagon borrowing on Lulu's shoulder. She opens her arm and says, "Help me down", so I help her to get down.

Sure enough, she clings on my neck when she's getting down- That's a feint, her real aim is to kiss me.

I barely succeed on avoiding her holding my ground, and hit her with porehead poke α. There's no meaning to the α.

"Auu, love is painful."

"Yes yes, I love you Arisa."

Looking at the wagon, Lulu also shyly stretches her arms. She's probably inspired by Arisa.

For Lulu who rarely shows her spoiled side, I gently hold her to get down. Of course I did not hug her tight.

However, I'd like you to stop staring at me so sheepishly. I feel like I would forget the age differences.

"By the way, what is this? Is she something you got from the rat-tan?"

Rat-tan... she means the red helmet right. That's quite a cute nickname.

"The red helmet said that she's a princess."

"Oh, a princess you said! Even though you have beauties from various races waiting for you, now you even want to add the rat princess into your harem! This is why a man is so!"

You reeks of acting.

"M, master..."

Huh? By any chance, did Lulu take Arisa's words seriously?

"I, I'll also do my best to get your favor."

"Yes, yes, you're cute Lulu. But let's talk about favor after 5 years while refining yourself to be a woman."

Lulu's tension is strange, I wonder if this is an after effect of the battle. I unintentionally answer her like to Arisa.

Lulu puts both her hands on her cheeks, and she is twisting her body. It's cute, but what do I do now.

"We're~""Back~"

"We have come back, master."

The three came back at the right timing. There are 5 poison glands inside the container. The magic cores are plentiful inside the bag. And-

"Why are there a lot of stingers?"

"Yes, master had said that it's enough to collect 5 of them, but I wondered if it's possible to make disposable spears from them so I collected more."

"I see, let's make it next time."

"Yes! Thank you very much."

I likely will forget this, so I make a memo. If I forgot this kind of promise, it would gradually worsen our relationship.

Moreover, Pochi and Tama collected some parts of the red helmet and the rat cavalries equipments. There are no remains of the corpses, and the armor worn by the rat cavalries beside the helmet's were broken so they left it as it is. Also, I forgot about the recollection of bolts, but it seems that they have collected all the bolts besides the broken one.

Liza laments greatly at the fact that there is no meat left from the dash boars.

The "Princess" entrusted by the red helmet still hasn't awoken yet.

Since beasts might possibly gather at the ants' remains, we go ahead several kilometers with the wagon.

The camping ground is an open space with a small pond nearby. Lulu is really afraid with places without a pond. It may be some kind of trauma.

After I've finished taking care of the horse, I'm reading books while drinking the teas brought by Lulu who came during the break of cooking.

I'm skim reading the travel journals I bought back then by unfolding them in the menu. Since I don't want to look like I've gone senile, I open the introductory for life magic book wide turning it vainly.

It's probably better to read normal books, but it's more convenient to use the Menu because I could take memos and search for similar items.

I'm starting to smell a delicious aroma from dinner Liza and Lulu are cooking. They're making bean soup for today's dinner at my request.

"Oo~i""Preys~""We've caught it nodesu~"

The three girls who went hunting come back. I hope that they're not bringing fairies or something~

I slide the book sideway and look at the voices. With Arisa in the lead, Tama and Pochi are holding wild boars- Of course, it's the four-footed ones- high up.

It seems that they also hunt the ants which had fainted from the Shock Wave on the ants remains site.

"Master, please taste this."

Lulu brings a small bowl with soup inside.

Arisa said "Why only master, unfai~r", but she lost interest after being told that it's a bean soup and went to dismantle the boars with Liza.

I taste it. Yup, it tastes good thanks to the peppers I've bought from the high-class restaurant.

"It's delicious, I'll be enjoying the dinner."

"Yes! I'll work hard to help."

Lulu's expression has become quite natural.

I feel warm and fluffy now, but the the rat-men's "princess" who is beside me awaken.

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84

Chapter 85

Chapter 86

Chapter 87

Chapter 88

Chapter 89

Chapter 90

Chapter 91

Chapter 92

Chapter 93

Chapter 94

Chapter 95

Chapter 96

Chapter 97

Chapter 98

Chapter 99

Chapter 100