Author: Yume Neiji

After passing through the territory of Dartan Rock, the landscape gradually changed to the jungle. We often saw fern plants. Colorful flowers and fruits can also be spotted sporadically. The temperature has risen and the humidity is so high that it feels uncomfortable.

“So hot～ Are we not there yet?”

“I think it will take another hour to reach Naji. Didn’t the traveller said so?”

We are riding the unicorn along the road. According to a story I heard from a traveller dwarf that we met a while ago, there seems to be a village of beastmen ahead. For the time being, I’m thinking of going to that village for a break.

“Why is it this hot?”

Erna takes out the water bottle and drinks some water. Apparently, elves are vulnerable to heat. Well, thanks to my well-trained body, I barely feel the heat.

“You don’t have enough training. You should nourish more muscles like I do.”

“…Shinichi, you know you are stupid sometimes.”

Erna looks exasperated as she shakes her head. I feel like asking her to explain what made her say I’m stupid during this one hour time.

Soon after, I can see something that looks like a village at the end of the road. I can’t see anyone resembling a soldier at the entrance of the village so it is unlikely that we will be inspected. When we arrived at the entrance, we get off the unicorn and enter the village.

“Heh-, there are a lot of food stalls here huh. They look delicious.”

Many food stalls lined up in the village. Vegetables and fruits are placed on the table and some shops sell simple light meals. And those clerk are all beastmen. There are men with cat ears and women with dog ears. In addition, there are monkey, mouse and rabbit beastmen buying and selling things as customers and clerks.

“Hmm, beastman race is quite interesting. Are their abilities also similar to animals?”

“Yeah. Dog beastmen are sensitive to odors, and cat beastmen are fine with high places. However, it seems that beastmen are not good at magic. I’ve heard that there aren’t many magicians amongst them.”

As Erna has said, when I look around the village, I didn’t see someone that looks like a mage. Most of them are wearing short sleeves and light shorts. However, when I look closely, there are quite a lot of attractive women here.

The open-chest shirt on a healthy tanned skin are especially eye-catching to me. Besides that, the appearance of those generously exposed long and beautiful legs is truly wonderful. Apparently, I’ve come to a paradise.

“My parūja is delicious! Human brother over there, come and try it!”

A woman with rabbit ears called out to me. It seems to be a food stall, but I’m intrigued by the dish called parūja.

“Then give me two parūja.”

“Thanks for your patronage!”

The woman drips a thick white liquid on an iron plate and stretches it thinly in a circle. When the skin was baked, she sandwiched the vegetables and meat, sprinkled it with sauce, and handed it to me. It’s a crepe-like dish.

I took a bite at once.

“Mmm, this is delicious.”

“True! This is really delicious.”

As we were satisfied with the food, we also bought skewers and soup at the stalls and our stomach became full in an instant. After that, we decided to have tea at a cafe as a meal break.

“I heard that beastmen hate humans but as far as I can see in this village, it doesn’t feel like that.”

I mutter as I took a sip on my tea.

The beastmen on the road don’t seem to care so much even when they see us. And sometimes I also happen to see dwarves. It was very different from the Naji Republic that I heard of.

“That’s because this area is in the countryside, nya! If you go to the City, people who hate humans are crowded there, nya.”

When I turned around after hearing that voice, a beautiful cat-eared woman was looking at me. She has brown short hair and brown cat ears. Her face is very neat and her big cat-like eyes are cute. Unfortunately, her chest is not so big but the curve from her waist to the legs is really beautiful.

From her adventurer-like appearance, I could see that she knows how to fight.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Lena. A great adventurer, nya.”

“…I don’t think a great adventurer would call herself a great adventurer though.”

“Nobody calls me that so I’m just saying it myself, nya! But it’s a fact that I’m amazing, nya!”

Lena sits in a chair without asking for permission and then she casually ordered tea. It looks like she has some matter to talk about to us.

“I’m looking for something at the request of a certain person, nya. I’d love to hear from you guys, nya.”

“That’s fine, but what is it about?”

“I can’t tell you the details but it’s something very important to Naji, nya.”

Hmmm, is it because we are foreigners who suddenly appear here so she want to hear our story? However, when I heard that part, something came to my mind.

“Perhaps…, is it something you wear on your head?”

“Nya?  Yes, you are right. You are well informed, nya. It’s a beautiful thing that glitters, nya.”

“Is it very expensive and is it something the queen wears?”

“Right, it’s very expensive and it’s a precious thing that I want to wear someday, nya.”

No doubt about it. Lena is looking for the tiara. I found that thing in the dungeon. This is an opportunity then.

Given the precedents of Sanargia and the Rock Kingdom, it is unlikely that I could meet the Royal family of the Beastmen easily. With that in mind, given the situation, we should efficiently make use of the tiara we have obtained.

However, surprisingly, Lena is someone who has a loose tongue. It seems that we will know who the client is if we continue to converse like this.

“Isn’t it a tiara?”

When I said so, Lena spit the tea she had in her mouth.

“Nyanya!? H-How did you!?”

“If you say it like that, anybody will realize it you know. And more importantly, I have that tiara.”

“Nya, Nya- You say!?”

Lena immediately reached behind her back and pulls out the dagger on her waist.

“You guys were thieves, nya! Now, return the Queen’s tiara, nya!”

Her reaction is as expected. I knew in advance that the Tiara had been stolen. In that case, there are two possible responses. Either she’ll thank us or suspect that we are thieves.

It’s better to be patient and calm her down first.

“I happened to find it. It’s rude to accuse us as thieves.”

“Then how did you found out that it was the tiara I was looking for nya! Maybe it’s a tiara of a queen from a different country nya!”

“If you think about it normally, the probability is low, right? I have appraisal skills in the first place. Even if I don’t want to, I can know what it is just by looking at the actual product you see.”

“Oh, that’s suspicious nya… but I don’t think I can pursue this any further nya.”

Lena immediately put the dagger in her scabbard. I don’t know if she’s straightforward or stupid. However, I understood that she is not a bad guy.

“Well, sit down first. I didn’t say that I wouldn’t return the tiara, right?”

“Nya nya! Will you return it!? Then please return it now nya!”

“I can’t do it right now. If you can promise me an audience with the King, I’ll give it back.”

“That is the exchange conditions nya?”

“Yes. We came all the way from Rogas Kingdom to meet the king of this kingdom. We can’t just return the tiara for free you see.”

Upon hearing my words, Lena furrows her brow and begins to growl. As expected, it will not be easy to give out such promise.

“Okay, nya! I’ll let you meet the Beast King nya! However, it is possible that he will not meet you nya!”

“It doesn’t matter. For us, entering the royal castle is the first prerequisite. If we cleared that, I can return it.”

“Then that’s a promise nya! If you break it, I’ll behead you as punishment nya!”

“O-Okay…”

To cut off someone’s head, it is quite scary. Erna also had a blue face, perhaps because she felt scared. Once the matter is settled, we decided to head to the place where the unicorns are. However, there was a crowd around the tree where the unicorns were bound.

I call out to a man in the immediate vicinity who is watching the situation.

“What is this gathering about?”

“Oh, there were some guys trying to slaughter the black unicorn but on the contrary, it seems that they were kicked and were the ones who died instead.”

I was startled, I pushed through people and heads for the place. There were two unicorns breathing wildly and six men with weapons lying on the ground. At last, what I was afraid of happened.

“Stupid guys, nya. This is all because they are trying to kill someone else’s horse nya.”

Lena has this kind of attitude where it doesn’t matter to her if a person dies. Right, I should remember that the value of life is low in this world. Being cold-hearted or ruthless is fine, especially for criminals.

You are asking why are there so many people gathering to see our black unicorns?

“A black unicorn may be stronger than a normal unicorn.”

“I understand their thoughts for wanting to kill and rob. However, it’s not a magical beast that can be killed by those around here.”

“Yes, those unicorns are really smart. After blinding their eyes with light magic, they were killed one by one. I’m sure their owner is a wonderful person too.”

Their words made me feel proud. It feels good to be praised for my unicorn. Especially for the woman who spoke last, I want to let her know that I am its wonderful owner.

“Disperse, disperse! Our unicorns are not a spectacle!”

Erna wields a cane to drive people away. Meanwhile, I released the unicorns that were tied up from the tree.

“Alright, shall we go now?”

“Okay, I was able to take a break so let’s get started.”

After we get on the unicorn, we start to move slowly. Then a soft object hit my back.

“I’ll go with you nya!”

Before I knew it, Lena was riding behind me. Erna saw that and begins to get angry.

“Lena come here! Ride with me!”

“Eh?, It’s a hassle nya.”

“Not allowed! You can’t ride behind Shinichi! If you don’t listen to what I say, I’ll magically erase you!”

“Your eyes are serious nya. I’m scared nya.”

Lena reluctantly moved behind Erna. I feel a little disappointed. If possible, I want to relive the sensation of that breast.

After leaving the village, we decided to follow Lena’s instructions to reach the Beast Capital, Ganesha.

◇

According to Lena, the Naji Republic is a kingdom where multiple races are mixed. Various types of beastmen form villages and towns, each living according to their own rules. Among them, Ganesha, the beast Capital, is the central city built by a wide variety of beastmen from all over the kingdom.

It is said to be a city built for the Beast King. From that, I can see how the beastmen value the Beast King.

“The Beast King is the strongest person in this kingdom, nya. He is a brave person who loves power testing and is sure to challenge anyone he meets nya. To be recognized, it is best to leave good results in that power test nya.”

“Hmm, what if you defeat the Beast King?”

“That’s impossible nya. The Beast King is the strongest in the world nya. It’s impossible to defeat the prestigious Beast King, unless the humans do something cowardly nya.”

Lena seemed to show some indignation to what I said. We are already near the Beast Capital Ganesha and we are currently having lunch in a suitable field. I’m hearing from Lena again to organize the information before we arrived in the Capital. By the way, I have already heard from Lena why the beastmen hate humans.

Strength is important to them, and the stronger the beastman is, the more disgusted he is with humans. Weak humans are not equal to beastmen.

That is this kingdom’s way of thinking.

“But what if I defeat the Beast King? Will he listen to me?”

“Hmm, he’ll listen if it’s only one request, I think nya?”

“Hearing that is enough for me. I know what I should do.”

All I have to do is beat the Beast King. It’s really simple and easy to understand. Let’s see whether my muscles are superior or it’s the Beast King’s.

“Right nya! I forgot to say it nya! When will you return the tiara nya?! Without it, I can’t meet His Majesty nya!”

“Don’t worry. I’ll give it to you after we have safely entered the royal palace. I won’t lie to you.”

“Then I’m relieved nya. I’m also doing a living nya. I’m in trouble if my achievement is stolen nya.”

“I’m going to keep my promise. Reputation comes first in everything after all. I’ll give Lena the tiara, don’t worry.”

Lena is a little stupid but she’s a trustworthy adventurer. Those magical beast that come at us several times before we reached here were all defeated by Lena. As she had said, she has some great skill.

“Hey, Shinichi-, show me that tiara a little bit.”

Erna has been begging me to show her the tiara starting from earlier. It can’t be help so let’s show it to her for a little bit.

“It’s a national treasure, don’t break it.”

“Yup”

“Huwaaa-”, Erna made a foolish sound upon receiving the tiara. With a fix gaze on it, Lena also watched it intently with her eyes shining.

“It’s amazing…”

“I’m so impressed seeing it up close nya!”

The two are staring at the tiara like a child. At that time, a butterfly approached Erna’s nose.

“He……chu!”

Erna, who sneezed, broke the tiara. Lena screams when she sees it.

“What did you do nyaa!!”

“……Uh-”

Erna had a strained laugh, like saying “she’d done it” and Lena grips her head as she yells “nya-nya-nya”. I reached for the broken tiara and then I repaired it in the restoration space.

“With this, it is now the same as before. For the time being, I will keep this.”

“I can’t believe it nya! The tiara broken into two is back to normal nya!”

“Let’s not speak a word about the previous event, alright?”

Erna and Lena nod in assent.

No matter how much it has been fixed, it is not good to hear that the queen’s tiara was destroyed. So it should be said that there was no such event. Besides, Lena must have understood that it is safer for me to keep it. Even if it breaks, I can fix it.

After packing up our luggage, we decided to leave for the Beast Capital, Ganesha.

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

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To head to the next kingdom, Naji Republic, we silently rush down a steep mountain road. Perhaps there are many mines in this area, we often see many pits and rail car along the way.

“Whoa, they even dare to work in such a high place huh.”

“Maybe because dwarf race has a strong heart.”

We can see a dwarf working on wooden scaffolding installed on the rock surface of a steep cliff. He scraps the rock surface with a mallet and a chisel and the stones scraped were checked many times with a loupe. It seems to be quite an interesting work if you were just to look at it.

As we you go further along the road, we saw a pit that looks like a quarry again.

“Gyaaaaaaa! A lot of them came out!”

A large number of dwarves emerged from the quarry. Something might have happened so I immediately stopped the unicorn.

“Hey! Elder, what happened inside?”

I called out to an old dwarf who escaped from the quarry.

“For some reason, a lot of gargoyles appeared from behind the wall we were mining. On top of eating ores, their bodies are as hard as rocks. We can’t fight against them.”

“That’s serious then. Alright, let me get rid of it.”

I get off the unicorn and then I head inside the mine. Some say that compassion is not good for you. Still, it will not hurt to help people. Above all, I feel that my intuition is saying that I should help.

“Shinichi, wait!! Don’t leave me.”

Erna chased me from behind. One person is enough for a gargoyle opponent but it is reassuring to have Erna with me. I pulled out my sword and began to move forward.

“Guruaaa!”

As I go down the dim and damp passage, a few gargoyles suddenly appeared and they leap at me. I cut them without any hesitation. Then, starting with that, gargoyles come out from the inner part one after another.

“Shinichi-, close your eyes! Stun light!”

Erna used the light magic, Stun light. This magic gives off a strong light that temporarily robs the enemy of sight. A dazzling flash of light flooded the mine then the gargoyles held their eyes as they rolled to the ground.

“Let me do the finishing blow.”

I activated the skill, Life or Death technique, and then I casually pierced the gargoyles’ death points with my sword. As usual, it has such terrifying effect, the magical beasts that had their acupoints pierced dies in an instant. Only corpses lie around the passage that we passed.

“Shinichi, they are still coming out from the inner area!”

“I know.”

Going forward, Erna shoots stun light again at the gargoyles that appear. Then I used the Life or Death Technique for the finishing blow. As we went deeper and deeper in such setup, we arrived at a hole that seems to be the source of gargoyles. There seemed to be a large space on the other side of the collapsed wall and there was a passage leading further inside.

Just in case, I decided to go to the other side of the collapsed wall.

“Maybe the tunnel and the cave were connected by chance.”

Stalactites were growing on the other side of the wall and the atmosphere was different from the tunnel that we were in earlier. In addition to that, the already damp air has changed to a dense humidity that clings to the skin.

“I can hear something.”

Erna’s ears twitch. I become more vigilant and I tightened my hold on the sword. No matter what kind of enemy appears, one must constantly be one guard. After walking for a few minutes, we were able to reach an open space.

Then I and Erna can’t help but let out a surprised voice. Metal pillars grow on the walls of the space, which can be called a room. Erna’s magical light illuminates the area and the dazzling diffuse reflections burst into our eyes. This was apparently the vein that the gargoyles used as a feeding ground.

“Guruaaaaaaaaa!!”

A magical beast appears from the corner of the room with a roar. It’s somewhat similar to a gargoyle but different in size, color and look. It has a huge body with a height of about 4m and the surface of its body is glossy like that of a steel. When it opened its big mouth, I could see the steel-colored fangs growing sharply in its mouth. The devilish gargoyle appeared to have grown into an even more vicious creature.

【Analysis Result: Gargoyle (Variant): A mutated gargoyle. Its ferocity and power far surpasses ordinary gargoyles, and when hungry, it even eats gargoyles that should have been its comrade: Rarity S】

【Status】 Name: Gargoyle (Variant) Race: Gargoyle (Variant) Magic attribute: Earth Magic: Rock Bullet Skills: Fang strengthening (Special), Nail strengthening (advanced), Physical Strength Enhancement (Advanced), Sense of Touch Enhancement (Special), Eyesight Enhancement (Special), Hardening (Special), Separation (Special), Metal Manipulation (Intermediate), Intimidation (Special) Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Requirements: Fang King (Beginner), Strengthening (Special Grade), Hardening (Special Grade), Metal Manipulation (Special Grade)>

A mutated gargoyle huh. Moreover, it can be judged that it is quite strong. Especially the metal manipulation skill, it smells trouble.

“Gurgaaaa!”

The mutant grabbed the metal pillar on the wall and pulled it out very easily. Then, the metal pillar changed its shape in the hands of the mutant gargoyle, it became a thick and large stake with a length of nearly 2m.

“Erna, avoid it! It’s going to throw that!”

“I know!”

The mutant throws the stake. We predicted the trajectory and avoided it. The walls on which the stakes landed were crushed and the metal pillars that were growing there were also crushed.

It’s like a cannon.

I immediately started running toward the mutant. If such an attack is made many times, this underground cavity will surely collapse.

“Guruaa!”

Right after the mutant squealed, a rock mass was created in front of it. This time it seems that it will hit me with an earth magic, the rock bullet.

“Rock wall!”

Erna’s earth magic made a number of rock walls from the ground. I quickly hid in the cover of the wall. When the rock bullet hits the wall, they both shatter at the same time. With Erna’s magic, which is strengthened by a skill, it seems that even beginner magic can prevent intermediate magic.

I moved to the cover of the next wall and prepared for its attack.

“Guruaaa!”

The next rock bullet is fired. I jumped out of the wall at the right time. Behind me, I heard the sound of the ejected rock colliding with the wall. When the mutant notices that I am coming very close it, it stretches its big arm and its stretched claws swiped at me.

But it was a bad move.

When I jumped down, I quickly amputated its arm from the elbow. The mutant spurts fresh blood and screams in pain. It seems that the strike was a big blow to it.

“Shadow bind!”

Erna’s magic binds the mutant. With it bound like this, it can’t do anything about it. When it can no longer move, I used the life and death technique to kill it.

“Gu… ga…?”

I struck its eyebrows with my sword. The mutant made a loud noise and collapsed. Its heart stopped and both eyes had its pupil wide open.

I immediately used Skill Picking to gain Sense of Touch Enhancement, Separation, Metal manipulation and Intimidation.

【Status】 Name: Shinichi Tanaka Age: 17 years old (56 years old) Race: Homeless (King) <High Dragoneut | Vampire> Occupation: Adventurer Magical Attribute: No Attribute Magic: Restoration Space, Isolation Space Skills: Familiar Creation, Familiar Summoning, Dragon Transformation, Skill Picking, Race Picking, King’s Vessel ▹Special: Stealth, Danger Detection, Sense of Touch Enhancement(New), Taste Enhancement, Eyesight Enhancement, Hearing Enhancement, Smell Enhancement, Super Sensation, Shock Absorption, Hardening, Plant manipulation, Leadership, Indomitable Spirit, Small Dragon Breath, Separation(↑), Intimidation(New) ▹Advanced: Enemy Search, Theft, Digestion Enhancement, Flight, Paralyzing Eye ▹Intermediate: Analysis(↑), Life or Death Technique(↑), Master of War, Limit Breakthrough, Underwater Adaptation, Dragon Beheading Slash, Fist King Technique, Metal Manipulation(New) ▹Beginner: Universal Thread, Division, Self-recovery, Familiar Strengthening

Looking at the status, analysis, separation and life and death technique ranked up.

It’s a decent harvest.

【The conditions have been met. Evolve after integrating skills.】

【Integrated Evolution: Sense of Touch Enhancement + Taste Enhancement + Eyesight Enhancement + Hearing enhancement + Smell enhancement = Nerves Enhancement】

I believed that those sensory skills would evolve in an integrated manner someday and apparently, it really happened.

However, I got stuck with Super Sensation, which is somewhat a similar skill. Perhaps Nerves Enhancement and Super Sensation may eventually evolve in an integrated manner. Thinking so, I’m looking forward to it.

After I put the mutant gargoyle in the bangle, I pick up the metal in the cave. I won’t be punished if I get some metal as a reward.

“Shinichi what are you doing?”

“No, well, I’m thinking of getting some as a reward.”

“Hmm… then, isn’t this good?”

Erna brought a green metal pillar from somewhere.

“This is?”

“Aeronium. It’s a metal with the attribute of wind. Well, other than this, there are also Freinium and Aquanium. However, it seems that there is only Aeronium here.”

Freinium is certainly the metal used for the back hand armor that Pero is equipped with. Does that mean that if you applied magical power on the metal called aeronium, wind will also come out?

Well, I will never get bored of this world after all.

Looking at the other things, I saw green and blue magic stones here and there. The big ones are as big as fists and the magic stones of the national treasure class are all over the place. However, there seems to be no magic jewel here so I immediately give up searching for magic stones.

“Shinichi! Look at this!”

Erna ran with something about the size of a kagami mochi (鏡餅). It has a holographic pattern on its surface and reflects light dazzlingly.

“Is it a metal?”

“This is Adamantite! It’s a phantom metal! It’s harder than Mithril, has a higher magical rate and has a super-rare value! The five great treasures are weapons made with Adamantite!”

I’m not sure but I analyzed the mass on Erna’s hand.

【Analysis Result: Adamantite: A metal that boasts the highest level of hardness. Due to its rarity, it is often processed as an ornament rather than a weapon: Rarity S】

It certainly is an Adamantite, as she says.

However, it looks like something that we can’t afford to have. Erna suddenly hugged it as if to protect the Adamantite, perhaps because she had guessed something.

“I found it so this is mine! I’ll sell this and buy a lot of clothes!”

“It’s not like I will confiscate it you know. Erna found it, so you can do as you like.”

That said, it’s unknown whether there is a decent place willing to buy Adamantite. I can guess that a rare metal can be priced exorbitantly. In that case, if it is in a mediocre place, there is a possibility that they will refuse purchasing it. It would be wise to go back to the kingdom and sell it to the Duke.

I put the metal she wanted in the bangle and we decided to go back the way we came and head outside. When we exited the mine, we were greeted by a large number of dwarves.

“Human brother, how is it inside!? Are the gargoyles still there!?”

A male dwarf calls out and then I reply,

“Most of the gargoyles have been dealt with. We also cleaned up the gargoyle boss so you can feel relieved.”

The dwarves were delighted hearing my words. They immediately thanked us and they even tried to give us gold coins as a reward.

“I can’t take that. We got a decent one from Gargoyle’s residence. More than that would be undue. We are in a hurry, so we will go ahead.”

We jump on the back of the unicorn and they start running dashingly. From behind, I heard the dwarves expressing their gratitude.

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

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Imperial Palace, Audience Room

“So, are you saying that you failed again?”

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“You lost 500 troops and even Bezel! You even shamelessly ran away and come back. Can you refute that?”

Emperor Dragnil, who sits on the throne, is totally fuming. Karl, who is kneeling before him is trembling with his face down. Four people near the wall laugh scornfully at the sight before them.

“B-But… Your Majesty, Shinichi Tanaka of Rogas Kingdom has extraordinary strength. It’s not my sole accountability. Could you give me another soldier? This time I’ll definitely show you that I’ll bring him down.”

“No! If I leave it to you, even if there are many soldiers, they will die in vain again! I hereby remove you from the commander post, you are suspended until the war is over.”

“No! Father!”

“We are not a father and child here! Know your position!”

Karl hurriedly apologizes, “Pardon me, Your Majesty!”

One of the four who saw that walked out of the shadow from wall.

“Your Majesty, Karl aside, losing Bezel is a serious situation. With this, it may show that the empire can’t do anything to the kingdom, it will be hard for us to be recognized by each kingdom then.”

“Grandal huh. You’re right. However, such a thing can be anything if we attain the supremacy. They can say as much as they like now.”

“In line with that, I think we should make Sanargia fall first. What do you think?”

“No, the first one is Rogas Kingdom. It appears that soldiers from each kingdom are gathering there. It would be convenient. I’ll crush them head-on.”

“Then, give that command to this Grandal.”

The second son, Grandal, kneeled on one knee on the floor. The other three who saw it chuckled.

“Should that be entrusted to the eldest daughter?”

The eldest daughter, Rezena, steps forward.

“I can’t leave such a big role to my brother you know. I have to take over.”

The fourth son, Nell also shows up.

“Bullshit! It’s my, the eldest son’s job to lead the whole army.”

As the eldest son Gaen says that, he looks at the emperor. The corner of Emperor Dragnil’s mouth raises when he saw this four siblings.

“Alright then, I’ll let Gaen take command over the entire army. I’ll leave 100,000 troops to each of the other three. Make the kingdom fall with that 300,000 troops.”

「「「「As you will」」」」」

Karl, who still had his head down, was trembling with regret. It’s too humiliating. He was very miserable. If he had been able to kill that silver-haired man, he wouldn’t regret that he attacked the kingdom by this time.

“You can go.”

Five people, including Karl, leave the audience room. The emperor quietly saw off their back.

“Damn! Damn it! Even though I’ve finally risen to this point! Damn Shinichi Tanaka!”

A short distance from the Imperial Palace, Karl was raging in a forest called the Sanctuary. The beautiful trees are wrecked and the flowers were trampled by him.

『Brat, don’t mess with this forest anymore. 』

Karl stopped moving.

There shouldn’t be anyone here, but he certainly heard a voice in his ears. He looked around and searched for the owner of the voice.

“Who!? Where are you!? This should be off limits to anyone other than the imperial family!”

『You don’t seem to know why it’s off limits. Karl Dragnil. 』

“Why do you know my name!? Who are you! Show yourself!”

『Isn’t I right in front of you? 』

He is in the woods. The voice was heard from that small mountain. Then a huge eye appeared in front of him. Karl instinctively moved backwards and fall on his hips.

“M-Monster!”

『I’m not a monster. Look at me properly. 』

The “small mountain” raised its head and rose just above Karl. When he looked closely, it turned out to be the head of a giant dragon. The scales are so beautiful that they can be called emeralds, and it has a ferocious look because it was born as the strongest race. It has imposing horns and its vertically long pupils were yellow, it even has this impression that it could shoot you to death with just its stare.

“Hiiii-, d-dragon!”

『I am the Sacred Beast, Doran. I protect the Estent Empire. This sanctuary is my garden, and even if it’s the imperial family, I will never allow it to be destroyed. 』

“…Sacred beast? No way, that legendary Doran-sama?”

『I don’t know if I’m now treated as a legend. For me, it doesn’t change much be it 100 or 500 years. 』

The dragon, who calls himself Doran, lowered his head again and slowly put his head on the ground again. Karl noticed that he is sitting down so he stands up in a hurry.

“Please pardon me. I’m Karl Dragnil, the tenth son of the Dragnil royal family. It’s an honor to meet the Sacred Beast Doran.”

『Enough with the compliment. Why did you ruin my garden? 』

“It’s shameful but I failed the operation to make the kingdom fall so I was deprived of my position as the commander by His Majesty. Because of uncontrollable anger, I vented it on the trees.”

『Absurd!』

“S-Sorry! Please forgive me!”

Karl kneel down on the ground (dogeza pose) and apologizes to Doran.

Seeing him in that state, Doran said, 『Wrong. 』

『It’s my aggression that I said that. Why does the empire want another kingdom when we have enough territory anyway? I can’t understand it. 』

“But as you have said, elves once ruled this world, then after that, it’s the humans who dominated the world. Why should we, the superior Dragoneuts, be oppressed by such lower races now? I think that it’s now time open up our rule.”

『That’s ridiculous. What do you do after controlling another kingdom? Do you immerse yourself in the joy of enslaving other races? Or do you want to get rid of everything but dragoneuts from the ground? 』

“I’m not thinking of such things. His Majesty wouldn’t want anything more once the other races fell under our feet. This is a battle for the pride of the empire.”

『Do you kill creatures that you don’t even eat because of pride? As usual, men are foolish. But I’m also stupid as I help such foolish creatures. 』

“Then, do you want to participate in the war?”

『I won’t do that. I have decided to move only when the empire is in crisis. The sacred beasts of the other kingdoms will be the same as me. Human conflicts should be ended by yourselves.』

Karl was disappointed hearing Doran’s words. If the sacred beast goes into battle, it is easy for the empire to take control of the whole world. When that happens, the imperial family will surely give him a vast territory. Money, woman, honor, everything that he wants.

“Doran-sama, is it okay to come here once in a while?”

“I don’t mind. I hardly move from here.”

“Thank you! Well then, I’ll go back for now!”

Karl quickly leaves Doran. There was an inspiration in his head.

“If I persuade the Sacred Beast, all the credit for the war is mine. It seems that God hasn’t forsaken me yet.”

With a faint smile, he returned to the Imperial Palace with a light step.

　◇◇◇

“She’s late… She has already been staying there for ten hours now.”

I was lying on the floor while staring at the door. Ten hours have passed since Erna entered the training ground but there is no sign of her coming out. I was gradually worried as the time was longer than planned.

Don’t tell me she’s already dead in there. It’s not strange to think so.

Gakon

The door finally opens. As soon as I ran up, I opened the slightly opened door.

“I…. can’t move anymore…”

Erna, who has opened door, was too exhausted that she came out staggering. I hurriedly held her.

“Hey, are you okay!?”

“Yeah, more than that… let me drink some water.”

I took out the water barrel from the bangle and I put it into a cup for her to easily drink it. Erna who took the cup, gulps the water in one go.

“Ha-, I am dead tired. I thought I would really die.”

“Is it such a difficult training? The duo who came out earlier didn’t look like you though…”

“No. The cause is this.”

Erna hands Moore’s pocket watch to me.

Hn? It’s due to the clock?

“It seems that you can take a special training course with that watch. I was happy at first, but I couldn’t help but want to go home from the middle. Moore-sama is a sadist!”

Erna began to spill tears as she said, “I’m glad I was still alive….”

She dread the tough training she received.

“Anyways, the training is now over, right? For the time being, eat Cure Mushroom to heal your body.”

“Un”

She then munched on the mushrooms. In the meantime, I magically repaired Erna’s worn-out hat and robe. Base from the hat and robe that were torn and burned, I felt that I could see a part of her harsh training.

“I’m feeling much better! Thank you!”

“Good. Then let me see you how strong you are now.”

I used Analysis skill on Erna.

【Analysis Result: Erna Frederia: The second daughter of the Frederia family. She’s shocked that Moore, the great mage she longed for, was a sadist. She don’t want to hear Moore’s name for a while: Rarity S】

【Status】 Name: Erna Frederia Age: 19 years old Race: Founder Elf Occupation: Adventurer Magic Attributes: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, Lightning Magic: Fireball, Fire Arrow, Flame Bomb, Flame Chain, Flame Wall, Flame Burst, Flare Zone, Aqua Ball, Aqua Arrow, Aqua Wall, Aqua Cure, Spear Rain, Aquarius Recovery, Rock Arrow, Rock Wall, Rock Bullet, Rock Armor, Metal Wall, Ground Hammer, Air Ball, Air Arrow, Air Cutter, Air Wall, Lightning, Thunder Ball, Break Tornado, Light, Stun Light, Camouflage, Shadow, Shadow Field, Shadow Bind Skills:  Noble Spirit (New) ▹Special: Extrasensory Perception(↑), Attack Prediction(↑) ▹Advanced: Spearmanship(↑), Essence of Magic(↑) ▹Beginner: Royal Archery Technique, Royal Fist Technique(New), Hell Ear Z(New) Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Requirements: Attack Prediction (Beginner), Noble Spirit, Essence of Magic (Special)>

It’s such a tremendous growth.

Spearmanship, Extrasensory Perception, Attack Prediction and Essence of Magic ranked up. Taijutsu skills has become a Royal Fist Technique, and Hell Ears have evolved into Hell Ears Z. Furthermore, the indomitable spirit has evolved into a noble spirit.

And what’s amazing is the kind of magic she has learned. Before I knew it, she also got the lightning attribute and at a glance, it is no longer possible to tell which magic is which.

“That’s amazing Erna. Your status has changed beyond recognition.”

“I know right? I’ve received that much training so I think it’s natural for me to grow this much.”

“But how did you get the lightning attribute? I don’t think that magic attribute will increase, unless you evolve of course.”

“Ah right! I got Moore-sama teach me something interesting!”

She asked Moore?

I felt uncomfortable with her way of saying it, but it’s better to listen to her first. She then took out some magic stones from her bosom.

“Try swallowing this!”

“A magic stone? It’s not a candy ball, you know?”

“It’s fine, just do it!”

I swallowed the fire magic stone as Erna states.

【Notice: Attribute acquisition from magic stones cannot be done by people with homeless race】

Such words appeared in my field of view. It was written that the attributes could not be learned. In other words, if you are not from a homeless race, you can get attributes from magic stones.

“How is it? Did an attribute appear?”

“No, it was displayed that it could not be learned due to racial characteristics.”

“Eh?! What’s with the homeless race!”

Erna sprawled on the floor. Seeing such appearance, she seems to be very disappointed. She probably remembered that I wanted an attribute. As I think like that, I felt pleased with Erna’s thoughtfulness.

“It’s fine, you know? After all I have Erna who can use a lot of magic.”

“Fufu, that’s right. Shinichi would be no good without me.”

“I didn’t say to that extent.”

I argued, but Erna looks happy with a grin plastered on her face.

“Alright, it’s about time we get out. It’s already night but we can’t stay here.”

“Eh-?? We need to go out now? I don’t want to move yet.”

“Should I carry you on my back?”

I carried Erna on my back, opened the door and go out. I didn’t see the old man at the entrance, he probably already returned home. After we leave the cave, we cross the chain bridge and returned to the original mountain path. The full moon is already up in the sky and the surroundings were so quiet in the darkness of the night.

“Brrrrrrrr”

The two homeless unicorns emerged from the bush. Apparently, they were waiting for us faithfully. After stroking the head of the two, I tried to lower Erna to the ground.

“…Mmmm… I can’t do it anymore Moore-shaamaaa…”

“She’s so tired that she fell asleep huh.”

I took the unicorn down to a large area then I built an isolated space in an appropriate place. The target is me, Erna, and the two unicorns. I entered the space and placed Erna down. I then put a blanket on her.

In fact, I realized a while ago that the isolated space was a magic that was perfect for camping. So I used it many times on this trip. I too wrapped myself in a blanket and then I fell asleep thinking about the journey that would start again tomorrow.

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

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A few hours after we left the city.

After we climb on a steep mountain road, we reached a road that even the unicorns cannot pass. The chain bridge built on the rock wall looks risky and only one adult can pass through. Looking down, probably because of the high altitude, the clouds passed right underneath and I could see Perun, the Rock Capital below.

“It seems that we have to walk from here onwards.”

“No, let’s stop. If we fall, we’ll die.”

“Don’t worry. If you fall, I’ll rescue you.”

“Don’t talk on the premise of falling! It’s scary already!”

Erna is trembling. Apparently, she has fear of heights. After I get off the unicorn, I ordered them to go wherever they want. Well, wherever they go, I can conveniently call them by using my familiar summoning skill.

“Alright, shall we go?”

I set foot on the bridge. The bridge is stronger than I expected, probably because it has been properly inspected. After about 10 steps, I heard a voice from behind saying, “Shinichi! Help me!”

“…What are you doing?”

“I can’t stand up because my legs are weak from fear! Help me!”

Erna was sitting about two steps away. It can’t be helped so I carried her on my back.

“Don’t fall! I can’t fly!”

“Hey, don’t strangle me too hard. It’s painful you know.”

Erna clinging to me like she’s clinging to a straw. I think she’s not good at very high places. As I proceeded, I noticed that there was a large hole in the rock surface of the cliff. I don’t know why the training ground was built in such a place, but I presume that at that time Moore wanted to avoid the public eye as he train. As I enter the cave, Erna slips down from your back.

“It was such a long and steep road…”

“You just got on my back you know.”

We started to follow the passage leading to the back. A torch is installed on the wall, dimly illuminating the inside of the cave.

“This is the deepest part huh”

A heavy door was installed at the back of the cave and an old man was sitting in a chair and sleeping. I called out to the old man.

“Elder, I heard that this is Moore’s training ground, is that correct?”

“Hn? …Oh, a customer huh. I’m sorry but you can’t enter yet. A duo came inside earlier you see.”

“When will the two of them come out?”

“Hmm, let’s see. They’ve stayed inside for about five hours now so it’s about time they come out.”

“Five hours? Didn’t the duo came here for sightseeing?”

The old man laughs at my question.

“This is a tourist attraction but it’s still an active training ground. If you pay the usage fee, you can go inside and do some mage training you know.”

Erna eyes sparkles hearing the words of the old man. Somehow, I can predict what she’ll say.

“Shinichi, let me practice!”

“But we don’t have much time…”

“Please! It’s my lifetime wish!”

Erna clings to my arm. Her big breasts softly squeeze into my arms. Mufufu, this is unbearable.

“It can’t be helped then, just for a while alright. We are leaving as soon as your time is up.”

“Yey! Thank you Shinichi!”

Erna immediately move away from my body. I should have been a little more hesitant. Kuu, it’s my strategy mistake.

Gakon.

The door began to open with a loud noise. A duo wearing a light brown robe comes out from inside. Their face is covered with a hood and cannot be seen well.

“…!? You!!”

One of the duo looked at me and tried to pull out his sword. The other person stops him immediately.

“You have to be patient here. We have something to do.”

“Tsk, that’s right. I’ll just endure it now.”

The duo then left this place, having a conversation in a whisper. I and Erna look at each other and tilted our heads in confusion.

“What was that just now?”

“Who knows. I think they looked like an acquaintance though.”

I quickly paid the old man ten bronze coins and opened the door to enter. The inside was a seamless hemispherical room, unlike the cave outside. There is an additional door in the back of the room.

“Oh, I forgot to say that only the mage that will train goes into the back. If not, wait here.”

The old man opened the door and said so. That said, I seem to have to wait for Erna here.

“Then I should take about five hours.”

“I’ll hand this over to you.”

I give Moore’s pocket watch to Erna. I don’t know if there’s a clock inside, but it’s a good idea to give it just in case.

“I’ll keep it then.”

After Erna received the clock, she headed for the door. She then waved her hand and she quickly opened the door and entered inside.

I’m a little worried, but Erna will get stronger.

　◇

“Uh-, it’s dark. Light”

I created light with my magic, and I quickly bear my fear. The brick-like passage leads to the back, which even creates the illusion of being connected to a monster’s stomach. I want to be so strong not just because I want to be a great mage. It’s also because I am trying to catch up with Shinichi, who is getting stronger and stronger. If I just rely on someone I like, I won’t be able to turn back. So I want to be strong.

It was a trivial matter that made me realize my feelings.

When I met him, I didn’t have any particular thoughts about Shinichi, but I suddenly realized that I was always interested in Shinichi, who was always next to me. Yeah, maybe I’ve noticed this person since I met him. So I think I couldn’t let go of Shinichi.

However, the problem is that Shinichi is more popular than I imagined. I don’t think Shinichi knows that I’m driving away those women who are approaching him. And with a lovestruck face, I know that he is looking at a woman. That third eye is absolutely suspicious.

“Someday, Detective Erna will solve that mystery.”

With a renewed determination, I take a new step forward.

The passageway is only wide enough for an adult to open his hand. It’s very narrow and stuffy. If I didn’t know that Moore had practiced here, I would have turned back. As I walked down the passageway, I arrived at the same hemispherical room as before. A lion’s face was drawn on the floor in the center and I immediately recognized that it was the coat of arms of the Moore family. I walk to the center to look at it.

Creak.

When I stepped on the floor with the coat of arms, I heard a loud noise from the wall. Additionally, green ray of light comes out from the wall and it also gradually rises from the feet. The rays stopped when they reached my waist.

“Is it reacting to the pocket watch?”

When I took the pocket watch out of my pocket, the rays hit the watch and disappeared immediately. Immediately after that, a change appeared in the room.

『Ah-Ah-, test, test. I guess this is fine. Alright, let’s begin. Hello to you who has my watch. 』

An old man in a white pointed hat and a robe appeared in front of me. The person has a long white beard, and in his right hand is a cane that I have seen somewhere. What’s interesting is that the old man is translucent and I could see the other side.

『First of all, let me introduce myself. I am Moore. People call me the great mage. And since you have come this far with my watch, I came to test you, is that alright? 』

“M-Moore-sama!? Ah, I, I’m Erna Frederia! I’m honoured to meet you!”

I crouched down on the floor and I bowed to Moore. I met the great man I longed for, and like the rushing waves, my mind was in chaos.

『As I said earlier, the me in front of you is a recorded video. Greetings are not necessary.』

“Recorded video?”

『Now then, let’s move on to the main subject. I once built this training ground. However, at the same time, a certain mechanism was applied. That is for this “special training course”. The usual training is for fighting against magical beasts, but the training to be given to you is for demon beasts. I don’t know if you’re a descendant of mine or someone else’s, but if you don’t want to learn, go home right away. 』

I was shocked by the unexpected development.

This is because Moore will give me a special guidance. I am enthralled, after all, I am glad I came here.

『…I think you are determined. Let’s move on to the training. First of all, understand that we have limitations. 』

“Limitations? Maybe it’s on the magic we use?”

『The magic we use is easy for former elves to use for other races and limits it. However, for that reason, those who became a mage could not expect further growth. As I feel sad for that, I devised a certain method. That is the “magical art”.』

“Magical art…”

『It’s pretty easy to use magical art. You activate it by cancelling general magic. By doing so, the magical power released from what reason you opted to do will regain its original unrestricted power. However, sufficient training is required to treat it as a means of attack. 』

I am convinced. Father and mother’s original magic always takes a little time to activate. In other words, it was necessary to cancel the general magic once.

『Additionally, image is important for magic. Magical power turns into a phenomenon depending on the imagination of the person who handles it. In other words, if you don’t cultivate your imagination, magic will not show its true value. 』

“But how do I develop my imagination…”

『Are you worried as you don’t have confidence in your imagination? You should be fine. Now that I’m here, it’s all settled. Don’t underestimate me, I will turn even an inexperienced youngster into a full-fledged mage. 』

As part of the wall of the room moved, a small square hole was created. From there come out red, blue, green, yellow, brown and white wisps.

『This is a special magic of mine called Wisp. Each has its own attributes. You infer the attributes of the wisp and defeat it with the opposite attributes. 』

The six fireballs, once around me, were scattered throughout the room.

But what is the reverse attribute?

『Ah right! I’ll explain the reverse attribute. As you know, the general attributes are fire, water, wind, earth, darkness, and light.  But keep in mind that there are other attributes as well. For example, lightning, it is easily equated with the wind attribute.

If it is equated with the wind magic, it would not be strange to misunderstand it. But that is a big mistake. The elves once hid the power of lightning magic because they saw it as a dangerous magic. It is a power that can destroy a kingdom after all.

Oops, I got side tracked. Let’s continue with the topic. The reverse attribute is the weak point of a certain attribute. In other words, for fire, it’s water. If it’s the wind, it’s earth.

By hitting the flying wisps with its opposite attributes, you can learn the relationship between the reflexes and attributes.』

“But my attributes are only up to six…”

『“But I only have one attribute”, If you are worried about that, I’ll give you one piece of advice. If you have scrap magic stones in hand, swallow them right away. If you swallow a magic sphere, your body will burst due to its immense magical power, but if it is about a scrap magic stone, your body will absorb it immediately.』

“Eh!? Swallow magic stones!?”

I am stunned by the shocking facts. I’ve never heard of magic stones being used in such a way. I immediately took out a thunder magic stone from my bosom to see if it was true.

“I should swallow this huh…”

When I think of swallowing a magic stone, my hand stops. But the great mage, Moore-sama says so. I swallowed it deeply.

【Status】 Name: Erna Frederia Age: 19 years old Race: Founder Elf Occupation: Adventurer Magic attributes: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, Lightning Magic: Fireball, Fire Arrow, Flame Bomb, Flame Chain, Flame Wall, Flame Burst, Flare Zone, Aqua Ball, Rock Arrow, Aero Ball, Light, Stan Light, Camouflage, Shadow, Thunder Ball, Lightning Skills: ▹Special: Indomitable Spirit, Hell Ear ▹Advanced: Taijutsu A, Taijutsu B, Extrasensory Perception, Attack Prediction ▹Intermediate: Spearmanship, Essence of Magic

I didn’t know because I hadn’t seen my status for a while, but before I knew it, some skills were ranked up. What went up was hell ears, extrasensory perception, indomitable spirit, and the essence of magic. Also, lightning has been added to the magic attribute.

As Moore says, it seems that the attributes can be increased.

“I can’t believe it… it’s like a dream.”

It’s a great fact that if you swallow a magic stone, the attributes will increase. Will he be pleased if I tell this to Shinichi?

『Are you ready? The Wisp attack will now begin. 』

“W-Wait a minute! I’ll get ready quickly!”

I hurriedly held my staff. A beeping sound was heard from somewhere, and the wisps speeded up all at once. Not only that, the wisps slam and attacks me. I avoided it by using my skill, attack prediction and then I used aqua ball against the red wisp and fire ball against the brown wisp.

“Darkness in white!”

When I hit it with shadow, it didn’t seem to work on the white wisp. I thought it was a light attribute, but it seems that it is different. For the time being, I put off the white one and I focused on removing the other attributes by using the reverse attribute on it. Ultimately, there were two remaining wisps.

Yellow and white.

“What is the weakness of the lightning attribute!?”

I think about it while avoiding the two wisps. Lightning… I don’t know its weaknesses. As for the white one, I don’t know the attribute itself. I wonder what to do.

“Lightning… Lightning… Is it earth?”

With the Rock Arrow, the yellow wisp disappears in an instant. Finally, it’s only the white one but I can’t come up with a good idea. I decided to use the last resort.

“Ugh! uh- It’s cold!?”

I decided to get the white wisp. The touch on my arm was icy. I suddenly realized it.

“The attribute of white is ice! Fireball!”

The white ball was extinguished by the fireball.

『Well cleared. Let’s go to the second stage.』

When Moore applauded, a hundred balls appeared this time.

I’m horrified seeing that.

『What? Fear not. This special training course is a super hard mode divided into twelve stages. You’ll train it properly to an extent that it won’t kill you. Wahahahaha! 』

With a loud click, I heard the sound of the door, the exit was locked!

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

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