Chapter 60: Dungeon of the dead

Moving northeast from Mana, there is a place called the Dungeon of the Dead. It used to be a communal catacomb but all the corpses there turned into an undead just because one skeleton has been mixed in. Since then, the catacomb was closed and it became the den of the undead.

“That catacomb should be around here.”

I slowly landed on the ground.

The place where I arrived at was surrounded by a sturdy metal fence and there was a stone building in the center. The entrance of the building is tightly closed with iron bars and it’s securely locked with chains. If you look at it in general, you would assess that one should not enter it.

When I go to the other side of the building, I found a gaping hole in it. It is a hole that can be passed through by an adult crawling. As I’m in my child form, I can afford to go through the hole.

The Dungeon of the Dead is closed to the public but still, it seems to be a famous place for adventurers to collect dark magic stones. I’m glad I asked Freya about this in advance.

“Urk… It smells musty…”

When I entered the building, it was dim and moist. There is only a staircase on the floor leading underground. After confirming that it’s really only just that, I summoned my familiars. Suketarou and ten silver skeletons appeared from the light that appeared on the floor.

【Analysis Result: Homeless Silver Skeleton: Species born from the evolution of the Homeless Skeleton as a sacred beast: Rarity S]

【Status】 Name: Skeleton1 Race: Homeless Silver Skeleton Magic Attributes: Darkness, No Attribute, Holy Magic: Shadow, Shadow field, Shadow bind Skills: Soul Eating ▹Advanced: Swordsmanship ▹Intermediate: Spearmanship, Hammermanship, Archery, Taijutsu A, Taijutsu B, Hardening, Leadership Domination Rate: 100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Evolution Condition: Sword King Technique (Beginner), Hardening (Special Grade), Leadership (Advanced)>

“Katakata”

The eleven skeletons kneeled and bow before me. These ten bodies are elites who have recently turned into sacred beasts by using the Saint Water. Each of their forehead is numbered from 1 to 10 and they all have a special Mithril weapon. I want to level up these ten bodies as corps leaders. Each of them would lead thousand soldiers and finally, their general, Suketarou, would lead them together. As for Sukejiro, as a deputy general, I plan to have him manage a large skeleton unit while assisting Suketarou.

However, what really greatly interests me is Suketarou. These ten Homeless Skeletons did not become golden. With that being the case, it could be considered that only Suketarou is special. Since Bezel’s skeleton actually became golden, it is highly probable that Suketarou was a knight or an adventurer during his lifetime.

“Then from Skeleton1, go down the stairs in order. Me and Suketarou will follow from the rear.”

“Katakata”

The ten bodies clattered their jaws in assent and they began to descend the stairs in order. Then me and Suketarou also went down.

“…There seems to be no enemy around here.”

The area was a brick-like passageway. It continues in a straight line up to the inner part and I could only hear a faint sound of something walking stiffly.

“Let’s move forward.”

Then the ten bodies began to move in two rows. There are sinister looking skull sculptures hollowed out on the walls of the passageway. It feels more like an entrance to hell than to a catacomb. I got multiple reactions on my enemy search skill shortly after. They are four in total and all of them are rapidly approaching here.

“Katakata”

At Suketarou’s command, each of the ten skeletons holds up their weapon. I feel like they can win against them even with their bare hands. However, we are talking about an undead magical beast that had been lockout for more than 500 years. I don’t know what will appear either.

“Katakatakata”

What appeared before us was a very ordinary skeleton. Skeleton1 then quickly cut down the four enemies with its sword. I immediately used familiar creation on them.

“Katakatakata”

The four skeletons became my familiars but their upper body and lower body remained separated because they were cut up by Skeleton1.

“Hmm, should I try the Restoration Space?”

When I used that magic, the four bodies were restored to its original state. After the separated lower body sticks to the upper body, the missing bones on their ribs and fingers appear as if they are a plant growing.

“Katakata”

The four bodies stood up and then they bowed their heads as their red eyes shined brightly. As expected, the Restoration Space seems to be a perfect magic for me.

“Alright then, let’s move on!”

The four newly added skeletons joined the line and then we proceed forward steadily. Shortly after, we encountered a large number of skeletons. I made the skeleton unit form a wall and I start creating more familiars.

I eventually found myself in control of hundreds of soldiers.

“Kuhahaha! Let’s move forward steadily!”

I can’t stop laughing. The skeletons that came in sight became my underlings one after another. The march of my familiars, which used to be in two rows, is now in ten rows and we grandly proceed in line. However, there is still more to go. I will increase the number further from here on.

After I took control of the first floor, we moved on to the second floor next. The second floor of the underground became even wider, and the passageways were intricate like a maze. The number of enemies also increased at once.

“I can’t count them with my enemy search skill huh. Well, nevermind. Let’s go straight as it is.”

The search screen reflected in my field of view was bright red. Everything that is projected in red is an enemy.

I heard from Freya that those who enter this dungeon burn a special herb called magic incense to avoid the skeletons. It seems that the adventurers get a dark magic stone using that opportunity. However, for this time, I will disregard those. Well, my purpose of coming here is not the magic stones but the skeletons themselves.

Skeletons then rush to fill up the passageway. After I made my skeleton unit form into a wall, I quickly turned the skeletons into my familiars.

◇

One day has passed.

I continuously turned the skeletons into my familiars. The current number is over 100,000. With the current me, it takes about 1 second to turn a single skeleton into my familiar. If we have 60 bodies in 60 seconds, it would have been about 28 hours by now.

“I have mixed feelings eating in a graveyard though…”

With the skeletons protecting the surroundings, I decided to take a break for the time being. I put the cooked white rice in a wooden bowl, break the night chicken egg and put it on top of it. I then sprinkle it with mineral-rich rock salt and it’s done.

The egg on the rice shine brightly, and the orange yolk bulges from the white of the egg conveying its freshness. It’s just rice with eggs. Even so, it’s still TKG.

“The long-awaited TKG… Itadakimasu!”

When I pick up the rice with my chopsticks, the sweetness of the rice is entwined with the dense egg yolk, creating a harmony. I still need soy sauce after all, but this is not bad either.

Next, I stuffed my cheeks with the stir-fried night chicken with vegetables. Night chicken is a black bird to the bone so the meat is also black. The crunchy texture and the umami of the simmering fat combined with the crispy vegetables make it very delicious. Furthermore, when I sip on the chicken glass soup made from the night chicken, it felt very heart-warming.

After I finished eating, I sighed blissfully.

“Katakata”

The skeletons around me opened up a path. From that point on, the captured skeletons were brought in. They know what to do even if I don’t order them to. Immediately after turning them into my familiar, the new comrades would bow to me.

“Alright, break is over. Let’s quickly go down.”

I get up and prepare for departure. There are 100,000 skeleton troops, but from now on, about 50,000 will be moved to the first level, and another 50,000 will be on standby in the second level. I decided that the eleven skeletons would be enough to proceed forward.

“Okay, let’s start moving.”

Fifty thousand skeletons move in line. The remaining 50,000 stayed in line as they will be put on standby at this place. They seem to have the ability to think, but they appear to have a fundamentally different sense of time than humans. According to the story I heard from Suketarou, skeletons feel that one year is only about an hour. In other words, even if they are left here for five years, they will not feel any particular agony. Skeletons seem to be the best workers more and more.

I then took the eleven bodies with me and we stepped into the third floor.

“…It’s the same as the second floor huh.”

The third floor was the same as the second floor. Similarly, I can detect a large amount of enemy.

“Alright then, let’s turn them into your companions right away!”

I and the eleven of them started running.

◇

A week has passed since then. We finally reached the eight floor. There are already 700,000 skeletons under my command. The number of troops is much larger than I had planned but I don’t feel like overdid it.

When we came to the 8th floor, I started to see strange skeletons.

It is a skeleton that is incomparable in power and quickness than the general skeletons. Analysis revealed that they were high-human skeletons. As we go down the Dungeon of the Dead, the era also went back to the ancient time. In other words, there used to be more high humans before than they do now.

I tried to turn to them into my familiar and I succeeded in putting all of them under my control.

And then we reached the bottom of the Dungeon of the Dead.

“This is the bottom level huh…”

It’s a large, empty room with a stone casket placed in the center. A picture that seems to represent heaven was carved on the surrounding wall and it seemed to imply that the person sleeping at this bottom level was a high-ranking person.

I opened the casket without any hesitation.

We came this far so I can’t help but look at what’s inside the casket. Or rather, I’m looking forward to it. From the ancient times, tombs have been known as places where treasures sleep. I don’t hate treasure after all.

However, I’m curious about the amount of holes made on it. It could be seen that it was the done by a sword slash attack. There’s also a magic circle engraved on the casket’s lid. It looks like something is sealed inside the casket.

As expected, I need to open it for me to know.

With a click, I opened the casket and the first thing that jumped into my eyes was the white full-body armor. It has a terrifying design as if it’s made out of bones. It also comes with a cloak that looks like a black rag.

I would agree if somebody says that this one belongs to the King of Hell. The next thing that catches my eyes is the sword and shield next to it. It is decorated with gold, and the blade, which is perhaps made of Mithril, shines in silvery light. Similarly, the shield seemed to be made of Mithril too.

Aside from those, there is nothing else.

When I tried to touch the sword, the armor starts to move and the sword slashed at me all of a sudden.

“Uh-!?”

I was momentarily surprised but I wasn’t slashed because I avoided it reflexively. Then the armor rises up and it slowly comes out of the casket. I immediately used my analysis skill.

【Analysis result: Dullahan: It is said to be superior in rank in the undead race. It has excellent defensive power and it is necessary to shatter its main body armor to defeat it: Rarity A】

【Status】 Name: Dullahan Race: Undead Magic attribute: Earth | Darkness Magic: Rock Bullet, Rock Armor, Shadow, Shadow Field, Shadow Bind Skills: Soul Eating ▹Special: Hardening ▹Advanced: Sword King Technique, Enemy Search ▹Intermediate: Taijutsu A, Physical Strengthening, Self-recovery ▹Beginner: Sovereign Shield Technique Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Evolution Condition: Sword King Technique(Special), Enemy Search(Special), Physical Strengthening (Special), Self-Regeneration (Beginner)>

I was now convinced.

It seems that those in the past couldn’t beat it and got things done by sealing Dullahan. Looking at the status, I can see that it is indeed quite strong.

“Everyone, hold him down!”

When I instructed that, Suketarou and the ten skeletons hold their weapons and start running towards Dullahan. The first one it bumped into was Skeleton1. Their swords collided with each other and it sparked in the dark. Skeleton1 seems to have stronger power but Dullahan’s swordsmanship is better than him. When Skeleton1’s sword is thrown in the other direction, Dullahan kick him in the place where there’s an opening in his stance.

“Katakata”

As Skeleton1 was kicked and sent flying, Skeleton5 that is holding an axe turned to attack. After Dullahan used a shield to prevent his attack, it slams the shield into Skeleton5 after seeing an opening. He then knocked down the skeletons one after another.

“Katakata”

Dullahan receives Suketarou’s sword with his sword. They pushed their swords against each other and neither of them seemed to step back. In the meantime, I quickly used my skill to turn Dullahan into my familiar. As expected, the green gauge did not advance easily. This will take time.

“Katakatakata”

The ten skeletons that just back on their feet start running to Dullahan once more. It sensed the danger and tried to quickly escape but Suketarou made a foot sweep kick without delay.

And just like that, Dullahan was easily caught by the skeletons.

“This is the end.”

After enough time has passed, I was finally able to turn Dullahan into my familiar. The white armor turned jet black and its status also changes.

【Analysis Result: Homeless Dullahan: A new race born because of Shinichi Tanaka’s familiar creation skill. A high-ranking race of Dullahan. The sturdy armor cannot be damaged by ordinary magical beasts: Rarity S】

【Status】 Name: Homeless Dullahan Race: Homeless Dullahan Magic attributes: Earth, Darkness, No Attribute Magic: Rock Bullet, Rock Armor, Shadow, Shadow Field, Shadow Bind Skills: Soul Eating ▹Special: Hardening ▹Advanced: Sword King Technique, Enemy Search ▹Intermediate: Spearmanship, Axemanship, Hammermanship, Archery, Taijutsu A, Physical Strengthening, Shock Absorption, Self-recovery ▹Beginner: Sovereign Shield Technique Control rate: 100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Evolution Condition: Sword King Technique(Special), Enemy Search(Special), Physical Strengthening (Special), Self-Regeneration (Beginner)>

I also sprinkle Saint Water on it.

Dullahan begun to suffer and then it turned golden.

【Analysis Result: Homeless Golden Dullahan: A new race born by turning it into a sacred beast. The sturdy armor cannot be damaged by ordinary magical beasts: Rarity SS】

【Status】 Name: Homeless Golden Dullahan Race: Homeless Golden Dullahan Magic Attributes: Earth, Darkness, Holy, No Attribute Magic: Rock Bullet, Rock Armor, Shadow, Shadow Field, Shadow Bind Skills: Soul Eating ▹Special: Hardening ▹Advanced: Sword King Technique, Enemy Search ▹Intermediate: Spearmanship, Axemanship, Hammermanship, Archery, Taijutsu A, Physical Strengthening, Shock Absorption, Self-recovery ▹Beginner: Sovereign Shield Technique Control rate: 100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Evolution Condition: Sword King Technique(Special), Enemy Search(Special), Physical Strengthening (Special), Self-Regeneration (Beginner)>

“Alright, Suketarou should wear it.”

When I ordered that, Suketarou was startled. He was probably surprised. I won’t know it just by looking at his facial expression, but even the magical beasts have emotions too. When Suketaro wore Dullahan, he looked so majestic that I almost feel like I want to prostrate myself before him.

A Golden Skeleton wearing golden armor. The black rag cloak adds to his fierce and majestic look. It’s exactly as what I have imagined. The strongest form of Suketarou that I thought of was now completed.

“You look amazing, Suketarou! From the first glance at the Dullahan, I thought it would be just right to have Suketarou dress into it!”

“Katakata”

Suketarou looks a little shy as he clatters his jaw. Unfortunately, there is no helmet. Although it is called full-body armor, Dullahan does not have a head. That’s why I couldn’t get Suketarou to wear a helmet.

Well, it’s cool enough so I could put up with this. I decided to name Dullahan, who became my familiar, “Duranosuke”. He would live as a Dullahan as per usual, but I plan to have him play an active role as Suketarou’s armor during battle.

In this way, I succeeded in seizing the Dungeon of the Dead.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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