Author: Yume Neiji

Without pulling out my weapon, I approached the Estent soldiers as it is. As soon as they noticed me, they stood up while grinning.

“I heard you are the soldiers of the Estent Empire. I don’t know what kind of situation you’re in, but this is the land of Rogas Kingdom. I demand that you leave immediately.”

The soldiers begin to laugh at my words. I have this impression that they somehow hold contempt.

One of them replies back.

“We can’t do that. That’s because we’re here to ask Rogas Kingdom to surrender.”

“With only the fifty of you? As expected, you look down on humans.”

“Of course we look down on you guys. Fifty dragoneuts are enough to force the kingdom of humans who are lower than us to surrender.”

This time, I’m the one who laughed. I’m not pretending, I’m really laughing. You can say that the words of that soldier touched my sense of humor.

“What’s so funny!? Are you mocking the Dragoneuts!?”

“Ah-, my stomach hurts. It’s been a while since I laughed so much. Those words should not be spoken by the race dominated by humans you see.”

The faces of the soldiers turned red as they got angry.

That’s the reason why I feel like saying that they were dominated by humans. They quickly become emotional and it seems that their strength is ranked higher compared to their intelligence. They could probably be rounded up by a human with good ingenuity.

It’s no wonder that Dragoneuts has never been a supreme ruler of this world until now. Not to mention, the moment they despised humans who were once their greatest enemy, Estent Empire’s standing came to light.

“Quiet down!”

A man who stands out amongst the soldiers calmed them down. He has a beautiful long purple hair with an attractive face and figure. Sheep-like horns grew from his head and the dark green armor he wore was more like that of a knight than a soldier.

When that man moved forward, he puts his hand on his mouth and bows. It seems that it’s the Estent Empire’s way of greeting.

“We were the first one to insult you. I apologize for that. But we dreamt of having the supremacy. To do that, the Rogas Kingdom must disappear.”

“I see… Are you planning to make Rogas Kingdom fall as the first step to gain supremacy?”

“That’s right. I also determined that fifty Dragoneuts would be enough to make this weak kingdom fall.”

Apparently, this guy also looks down on humans. At first, I was pleased that a decent person finally came out. However, it seems that recognizing humans as a lower race is firmly established in the Estent Empire.

That for sure, is their biggest weakness.

“I see. Well, let’s just say that I’m also enough to deal with the Estent Empire.”

“Are you saying that you can deal with fifty people by yourself? It’s ridiculous!”

“You’ll find that out if you try. If I win, I’ll have you get out of this kingdom.”

“Very well, let me see that ability.”

One of the soldiers comes forward. He uses a sword-like weapon but his body is huge and his height is close to 3 meters. If the word Dragoneut did not exist, he would be called as giant.

“I’ll play with you then.”

That soldier says so and grins. He’s full of gaps and he doesn’t even look like a strong man who can beat me. I immediately examined him using the appraisal.

【Appraisal result: Bebes: Hybrid Dragoneut. He has a bad personality and often steals money from his fellow’s wallets. Loves gambling: Rarity E】

【Status】 Name:  Bebes Age: 36yrs old Race:  Dragoneut Magic attribute:  Fire Magic:  Fire ball, Fire arrow Skills:  Swordsmanship (Intermediate), Theft(Advanced), Hardening (Intermediate), Self-recovery (Advanced), Small Dragon breath (Intermediate)

It’s a pretty good status. I should especially be careful of that small dragon breath.

“Human, it’s too late to be scared now you know?”

The soldier carelessly approaches me.

Of course, as what he had said, I felt fear. The fear of killing people. I’ve killed many creatures since I came to this world, but it’s the first time I’ve get to take a person’s life with this hand. As a Japanese, it’s weird not to wavering or hesitate.

However, if I did not do it, I’ll be killed.

I quickly closed in on the enemy and swung my sword around his neck. The head danced in the air then it rolled on the ground.

“Compared to what I thought, I’m not even disturbed…”

My heart was as calm as a clear stream. As expected, the mental correction of the skill is working. Or rather, it meant that skills are not just about the techniques.

“W-What was it just now…? I didn’t see it…”

Shock seems to have spread to the enemies. Just now, that was my fastest attack without using my skills. From my point of view, it was normal that it would be avoided.

Well, in that case, I could say that my physical ability alone has already exceeded their abilities.

“Oops, should I pick up the skills?”

While the other side were baffled, I acquired the skill of the enemy I’ve just killed. But I also got another one along with it.

【Status】 Name:  Shinichi Tanaka Age:  17 years old (56 years old) Race:  Homeless (King) < Dragoneut (New)> Occupation:  Adventurer Magic attribute:  No Attribute Magic:  None Skills: Appraisal (Special), Master of War(Beginner), Life or Death Technique(Beginner), Theft(Advanced) new, Stealth (Special), Thread Generation (Special), Thread Manipulation (Advanced), Thread Bomb (Special), Division(Beginner), Danger Detection (Advanced), Enemy Search(Intermediate), Taste Enhancement (Special), Digestion Enhancement (Advanced), Eyesight Enhancement(Special), Hearing Enhancement(Special), Smell Enhancement (Special) , Limit Breakthrough(Beginner), Super Sensation (Advanced), Shock Absorption(Beginner), Underwater Adaptation (Intermediate), Flight (Intermediate), Hardening(Advanced), Self Recovery (Advanced)↑, Plant manipulation (Special), Leadership (Special), Indomitable Spirit (Intermediate), Small Dragon Breath(Intermediate) new, Familiar Creation, Skill Picking, Race Picking, King’s Vessel

The word “Dragoneut” was displayed under the race. The possible cause would be due to the Race Picking skill. It seems that I used it unconsciously so I also acquired the race. However, I don’t really understand the advantage of picking up a race so I don’t know what to say about it.

“It looks like you are not just a human! In that case, kill him with numbers!”

At the command of the man who seemed to be their commander, 48 soldiers rushed in all at once. It would also be convenient for me if they come together.

After I fired thread bomb into the sky, a large amount of thread falls on the enemy from the exploding white sphere. With the thick and sticky thread entwining the soldiers, the forty-eight people struggled and fell to the ground one after another.

“All right, next one is the small dragon breath.”

It’s the skill I just acquired and this is such a great opportunity to try it out. I took a deep breath and blow it out at once toward the enemies.

Goooooooooo, breath of flames were shooting out. The scale of the dragon breath is small, and this attack feels like that of a flamethrower. Still, the firepower was just right for roasting the soldiers.

“Gyaaaaaaaaaa!”

“Hooooot! Help me!”

“Why were humans able to breathe the small dragon breath!? Damn iiiiit!”

The soldiers, with burns on their skin, slipped out of the burnt thread one after another. Since the firepower was so great, they should not end up with burns alone. This race is apparently resistant to fire.

Considering that, since I acquired the Dragoneut race, I’m now also resistant to fire. Perhaps this Race Picking skill is a great ability after all.

“I’ll kill you!”

The soldiers were so enraged then they charge towards me. They did not even learn from their experience earlier as they are recklessly attacking head-on.

In that case, from here on, it may be better to be a little serious. After I touched the magic circle on the handle of the sword, it discharges with a crackle.

I’m ready.

“Fuu!”

After I run to the enemies, I used the Master of War skill to move the blades quickly while we’re passing each other. Sides, thighs, shoulders, chest. Anywhere is fine. When the sword touched them, the soldiers shook their bodies and fell to the ground.

“Ugh-uu-uuu…”

A number of moans echoed, then forty-eight of them were incapacitated in seconds. As expected from the magic sword I made. It has such good performance.

“M-My soldiers…”

The commander fall on his butt clumsily.

I called out with my sword still drawn out.

“Go home. Don’t forget that this Kingdom have me.”

“…What’s your name?”

The commander asked a question. He looked liked he had eaten a bitter bug.

“Shinichi Tanaka”

“I’ll remember that… I’m Karl Dragnil!”

Karl took that opportunity and exhaled a small dragon breathe towards me. As soon as I used my arm to prevent the flame, Karl disappeared the next moment.

“He won’t come back to this kingdom for a while.”

Since they suffered so much damage, it will not be easy for the empire to attack the kingdom again. In that case, the empire will surely put in a full-scale force. It means that we will be seriously crushed.

Before that, it is necessary to solidify the defense of this kingdom.

“It can’t be helped then, should I talk to the Duke via letter?”

With the help of the Life or Death Technique, I pushed the death points of the soldiers who laid on the ground. As their acupoints where pressed, the soldiers died without even being able to utter a word. This skill is too powerful that even I, shudders.

By the way, when I used Skill Picking, I acquired a remarkable skill and my status changed significantly.

【Status】 Name:  Shinichi Tanaka Age:  17 years old (56 years old) Race:  Homeless (King) < Dragoneut > Occupation:  Adventurer Magic attribute:  No Attribute Magic:  None Skills: Appraisal (Special), Master of War(Beginner), Life or Death Technique(Beginner), Theft(Advanced), Stealth (Special), Thread Generation (Special), Thread Manipulation (Special)↑, Thread Bomb (Special), Division(Beginner), Danger Detection (Advanced), Enemy Search(Intermediate), Taste Enhancement (Special), Digestion Enhancement (Advanced), Eyesight Enhancement(Special), Hearing Enhancement(Special), Smell Enhancement (Special) , Limit Breakthrough(Beginner), Super Sensation (Advanced), Shock Absorption(Beginner), Underwater Adaptation (Intermediate), Flight (Intermediate), Hardening(Advanced), Self-Recovery (Special)↑, Plant manipulation (Special), Leadership (Special), Indomitable Spirit (Advanced)↑, Small Dragon Breath(Advanced) ↑, Familiar Creation, Skill Picking, Race Picking, King’s Vessel

First, thread manipulation has reached a special grade. It took a long time, but I guess that a huge amount of experience points is needed to rank up.

Next, self-recovery also became a special grade. There was a guy who had a special grade, so I picked up the skill and got it.

 Similarly, I also acquired a small dragon breath with advanced level.

And finally, it’s the indomitable spirit. Due to the mental load, it seems that indomitable spirit was activated in addition to the mental correction of the skill.

Otherwise, I would have been distressed.

Then the following words appeared in my field of view.

【The conditions are met. Integrate skills to evolve. 】

【Integrated evolution: Thread generation + Thread Manipulation + Thread bomb = Universal Thread】

A new skill was also introduced.

When I produced a thread, not surprisingly, the elastic material changes to a sticky one. Apparently, I can change it to my desired thread even after I put it out. What’s more startling is that the thread moves around freely like a tentacle. It was possible to operate it even if it was separated from me, so it seems that the thread can be used even in a remote place from now on.

By the way, the thread bomb can be used as before. Certainly, it’s universal.

“He-y! Tanaka-dono!”

Freya runs while holding Pero.

“What happened?”

“It can’t be that you killed everyone, right?”

“Ah, I have about two people left.”

Freya looked relieved. Perhaps she intends to get information from the survivors. I’m not that stupid you know? I also thought that far.

Then, soldiers came from the City and all of them salute me.

“Thank you for your repeated contributions to the city! We were impressed by the battle you just did! I was convinced that the sight of Dragoneuts being defeated so easily was the return of the legendary hero!”

Then the soldiers shouted “Hero! Hero!” repeatedly.

I’m embarrassed so I want them to stop but the genuine friendliness was comfortable. With the current me, I feel confident and joyful that I can protect something.

“Oops, I was going to shop in the city today.”

The soldiers will take care of the cleanup so we went back into the city. Martial law has already been lifted in the city, and many people have gone out.

“Father, we will no longer go to the guild?”

Pero in Freya’s arms asked that question. Well, since we received the letter, it may be better to take the request.

“Pero-sama is so smart. You can already talk huh?”

“Yeah, I was taught by Erna.”

Freya doesn’t seem to feel uncomfortable with Pero’s ability to speak human language. Is it a common sense that a sacred beast can speak words?

Anyway…

Mufufu.

I looked at Freya’s body with my third eye. These extrasensory preception allows the armor to become see through, revealing her red bra and pants. Besides that, Freya’s chest is as big and well-shaped as Erna’s. It’s a superb view.

“Tanaka-dono?”

Freya notices my gaze, so I hurriedly closed my third eye. I can’t afford to lose my “paradise” in a place like this.

“Alright then, shall we go to the guild?”

We decided to head to the guild for the time being.

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

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Clang~ Clang~, the hammering sounds could be heard. It’s already the third day since we started building the livestock farm. It took a while, but somehow, that kind of structure was completed.

“Fuu-, my back hurts.”

Erna stretches her back muscles. She is knitting a rope and it is a very delicate work. Because of that, she seems to be worried about eyestrain and stiff shoulders. So I could only use the skill Life or Death technique to press on Erna’s acupoint. Of course, I’m pressing the dots for recovery from fatigue. With the current me, I can understand where and what kind of acupuncture points are there.

“Ah~ I feel so tired~”

When I press the acupuncture points on her neck, Erna’s facial expression relaxes then she drools. The drawback is that the acupuncture points of this Life or Death technique are too effective. It’s enough if it would get rid of the tiredness but even the motivation seemed to be scrapped.

“Hey, you got rid of your tiredness right? Go back to work.”

“Ye~s”

Erna begins knitting the rope again. It is surprisingly difficult to build a building out of bamboo. This is because if you try to use nails like the ones used on ordinary woods, it will crack. However, even if we try to hit the nail after making a hole on it, it’s not possible since there is no machine in this world to make such holes. So when the bamboo was impaled into the ground, we decided to tie the bamboo together with a rope.

All we need is the floor and walls, and the rest is easy. There are no storms on the 24th floor so we only need to install an appropriate roof. The livestock farm was finally completed after noon on the third day. It’s all made of bamboo so there are many bright green huts. The largest building is the one that keeps livestock. It is big enough to hold ten passenger cars and it has sturdy fences. With that, the environment for raising livestock is now ready.

At this moment, the problem is on the livestock’s feed. There is abundant grass growing on this level, so if they graze, they will not starve to death but if it’s like that, building the livestock farm would not make sense then. I think that a livestock farm is an environment that produces the best ingredients.  Therefore, I decided to create a field near the livestock farm. The first step in producing a good quality livestock is with good food.

We planted apple-like trees, barley and wheat. I’m not sure if it will grow up well but I won’t know if I don’t try. As for the vermin that might try to eat them, I’m thinking of making Griffon as a guard dog. Livestock and beasts targeting the fields will be driven away by my Homeless Griffon.

“Let me see, at this floor…. There’s Unicorn, Violet Pig, Milky Cow, and Rolling Sheep.”

We are talking about what to keep in the livestock farm, but when I heard the names, Milky Cow and Rolling Sheep, I tilted my head in puzzlement. Is there such a magical beast?

“Father, that’s a milky cow.”

In the direction that Pero has pointed, a slightly brownish-colored cow was grazing. It’s a cow with a color that looks like that of a cafe au lait with a lot of milk.

“Is it milky? I know that cows are dairy cattle but…”

“Milky cows are rare you know? It’s rumored that the milk squeezed out from it is the finest.”

“Hoh, the finest huh…”

I want to drink that. It’s called milky, so it’s probably has a rich milk.

“Then where is the rolling sheep?”

“Over there.”

When Erna pointed at it, a number of large brown furballs were rolling. If you look closely, you can see that it is a living thing, with four legs coming out of the furball. That’s probably the so called sheep.

“Do they roll as their eyes don’t function well?”

 “Maybe? But when you properly cut its wool, it seems that it can walk with its own feet.”

Surprisingly, it’s a very lazy sheep. Well, if you that much hair, you probably can’t reach the ground. Then it’s indeed faster to roll.

 “All right, let’s keep all these four types.”

“Oh, then we can’t go unless we catch it right away.”

When we left the livestock farm, we captured all the animals we saw. It’s easy because I just formed the thread into a net and throw it to them. The animals we caught were three unicorns, ten violet pigs, two milky cows, and ten rolling sheep.

I don’t know if it’s a lot or if it’s few but for now, let’s see what happens first. By the way, as for the unicorn, when Pero and I approached it, it snorted and I can’t even try to get on its back. It’s likely that it only prefer women.

Hence I decided to make the three of them as my familiar. Unicorns are the only magical beast in the four types of animal here. It’s a wild horse that cannot be called a domestic animal. I decided that it would be better for them to be obedient in consideration of the future.

【Appraisal Result: Homeless Unicorn: A race born by Shinichi Tanaka’s familiar. Overall, it boasts ten times more than a normal unicorn’s power. Its eyes are said to see through the truth. Rarity: A】

【Status】 Name:  Homeless Unicorn Race:  Homeless Unicorn Magic attribute:  Light | No Attribute Magic:  Light, Stun light Skills:  Leg Strengthening (Intermediate), Danger Detection (Intermediate), Indomitable Spirit (Intermediate), Eyes of Truth Control Rate:  100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka.

The body color of the unicorn changes to jet black. Its eyes were now red and the horns growing from the head were golden. I didn’t check its previous status but it seems that the unicorn had something like a unique skill. I presume that’s the Eyes of Truth. It seems that it has the effect of detecting lies base from that information.

The rest is magical attribute. Other than Erna, it is the first time that I saw the light attribute. Compared to the four attributes of fire, water, soil and wind, light and darkness attributes are said to be in the rare category. So the unicorns seem to be a precious magical beast in that sense as well.

“Its mane is pitch black.”

Erna gently stroked the transformed unicorn.

It no longer looks like a unicorn and I’m not sure if it’s fine to still call it as a unicorn. It has a calm temper and a friendly atmosphere though. I give them vegetables as a trial, and with a crunch, they start to bite.

“Ahahaha! It’s fun!”

Pero was already enjoying the ride. I also get on the back of the unicorn and try horseback riding in the farm.

“Uhm, this is difficult… perhaps I need a saddle.”

As expected it is difficult to ride a bare horse unless you are accustomed to it. I should quickly buy a saddle in Mana. Once the livestock farm was set up, I decided to leave the rest to the skeletons.

The person in charge is Suketarou.

It seems that his clumsy side is still there but the skeletons around him are reliable so they can support him. We decided to return to the hideout once we went to the 25th floor.

◇

“Ahhhhh! The bed feels so good!”

I can hear Erna’s voice from the bedroom. After returning to the hideout, we decided to take a rest for the time being. It’s a rest day.

I want to go to the 30^th level immediately, but over eagerness can lead to unnecessary troubles. If I lead the skeletons without being impatient, the remaining four floors will be captured in no time. Thus I’m going to take a good rest here.

After that, I also wanted to go buy what we needed in Mana. I originally had tools such as hammers so I was not inconvenienced, but the number of hoe was insufficient. Timber too and much more. There are many things we need in the livestock farm.

“Shall I go to Mana?”

When I stood up on the sofa I was sitting on, Pero also stood up in the same manner. When I looked at him, his blue eyes were shining. I think he wants to follow me.

“Erna, we’re going to Mana. I’ll leave the house-sitting to you.”

“Oka~y! Take care!”

She only waved her hands from the bed in the bedroom. I wonder if she plans to only idle around. After leaving the hideout, we moved to the ground through the Temple of Teleportation.

“The sun is dazzling…”

Pero squints and looks at the ground. Certainly, the sunlight is intense. It is reflected on the ground as the vegetation looks like it is emitting light. However, when I looked around, there were no adventurers anywhere. Adventurers are usually wandering around to enter the dungeon, but today, there is no one here.

“It’s so unusual…”

While saying that, I check the mailbox installed in the temple. There were three letters in it.

“One from the guild… the other is from the Lord of Mana City. I wonder who this remaining one is from?”

I opened the letter from the guild for the time being. It was written that there’s a nomination request for me so I have to show up. As expected, the popularity of Homeless seems to have expanded. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of request is coming.

The letter from the lord only said, “I want you to come to Mana as soon as possible.” I feel an unpleasant feeling. I felt something like an urgency from the letter.

Don’t tell me it’s what I’m thinking? Did a pseudo dragon come to the city again? Or… is there a new problem?

I decided to go to Mana immediately without opening the third letter.

“Pero, let’s hurry to Mana!”

“Un!”

When we start running, our feet tapped on the ground more powerfully than before. The speed increased rapidly and soon it reached 60 km/h. I still have plenty of strength to spare and I really can’t hide my surprise about this evolved body.

When I looked behind, Pero is following me breathlessly. As expected, the young werewolf is probably doing his best to match my pace. We arrived at Mana in a few minutes. The gate was tightly closed and several soldiers appeared to be watching from the top of the outer wall.

“Hey! Let us in!”

As soon as I called out to the soldiers, the gate begins to open.

“Tanaka-dono! Come inside quickly!”

A few soldiers beckoned, so we quickly went in. There is no sound in the city compared to the usual and it is too quiet. Houses and shops had closed entrances and seemed deserted no matter where I looked.

“Good, this may change the situation a bit.”

A familiar soldier says that and smiles at me. I couldn’t understand the current situation so I decided to ask about the situation for the time being.

“What happened? The Lord wrote to me to come to the city as quickly as possible.”

“I see. The soldiers of the Estent Empire are actually coming to the city. For the time being, they are stuck outside the city but how long will this city last with only a few troops…”

“Estent Empire huh… I heard that there’s something suspicious going on but… So it finally started.”

According to the soldiers, those Estent soldiers are on the west side of the city. It appears that we were able to take such chance so we’re able to enter Mana.

“There are fifty enemies. If it’s a human, we have a chance to win. However when our opponent becomes a Dragoneut, as one would expect we…”

“Fifty huh…”

I think as I listen to the soldier’s words. If there are thousands or millions of enemies, the chances of winning are thin but when it comes to fifty of them, it seems that such number is not that hopeless. I’m not boasting about it but I’m sure that I’m pretty strong now. It’s a good chance to know how strong a Dragoneut is.

“Then let me get rid of those Estent soldiers.”

“A-Are you for real!? Please do!”

Many adventurers and soldiers are gathered on the west side of the city. When they saw my face, they smiled saying, “Hooray! With this, they will withdraw.” It’s been a while that I’ve seen them treating me like a hero. I’m so embarrassed to death!

“That’s an Estent soldier huh…”

When I climbed up to the outer wall and looked out, fifty people were sitting in a place not far away.

It seems that they are sitting and drinking alcohol now, maybe because they are taking a break, but they always have a good form and they even wore dark green armors. What was particularly interesting was their appearance. Their skin was the same as a human but there’s two horns growing on their head. The pupils on their eyes are vertically long, somewhat reminiscent of a reptile.

“They are called Dragoneut, but they are not much different from a human.”

“They don’t look that strong though.”

Pero looks at them and mumbles. In terms of ability, Pero would be better I guess. But we should still be careful as I don’t know what kind of magic or skill they possess.

“Alright, let’s take a look at the situation.”

“Okay”

When Pero and I went to the west gate, they opened it a little for us to go out. Then, a knight jumped out after us.

“Hey, Tanaka-dono! Are you going to leave me!?”

It was Freya who was supposed to be in the Royal Capital.

“Why are you here? You’re the Duke’s knight guard right?”

“What are you saying?! Didn’t you read the letter?!”

Letter?

Oh yeah, there was a letter from an unknown sender in the mailbox. When I recalled that, I opened that letter and it was written that she had retired as the Duke’s knight guard. It was from Freya herself.

…..Retirement??

“Did you do something?”

“No! I got some free time!”

I can’t understand the story. Why is she here after quitting as a knight guard?

“I decided to be an adventurer with my beloved Pero-sama! No one can stop me! Now then, make me a member of Homeless!”

“W-Wait! Don’t grab my chest! I understand, so please let go!”

Well, when I left the Royal Capital, only Freya had a tremendous attachment to Pero. It’s not that I can’t understand but to think that she would leave the Duke’s house… Pero was also liked by a strange one.

“Oh, Pero-sama! Haa-Haa-Haa!”

Freya hugs Pero and rubs her face while giggling crazily. Since it can’t be helped, should I let Pero and Freya watch from here?

“Alright then, Freya and Pero please watch from here.”

“Understood! I’ll watch together with Pero-sama!”

Freya caught him before Pero could move.

I left them there and proceeded to the place where the Estent soldiers are gathered.

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

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“It’s the usual huh…”

The twenty-sixth floor was like the usual as Erna had said. The brick-like passage continues forward and it feels dim and damp.

“-Sniff-Sniff… Father, there’s something that stinks.”

Pero’s nose got some reaction. It seems that an enemy is approaching towards us. When I used the skill enemy search, there is no reaction around the 50m radius. Perhaps it means that they are still further inside.

“Maybe… it’s a skeleton?”

Erna is also searching for the sound with her ears twitching. Her Hell Ears skill not just improves her hearing. It seems that the range of sound collection is further expanded in order to pick up the sound of those who are hostile towards Erna. Considering that, I can see that elves are a race that is sensitive to the bad words of others. I should be careful of making careless remarks.

“Maintain your own attack stance.”

After giving them that instruction, we move forward.

It’s convenient if I have a lot of skeletons. I am looking for manpower to build a livestock barn after all. However, there will be some problem in passing the 25th floor as there’s Saint Water there. I think that even the stronger magical beasts do not come upstairs because of the 25th level’s existence. It looks like it’s difficult to turn those skeletons into sacred beasts too. Well that’s because they can’t drink water since they are only made up of bones.

Kata-kata-kata

After hearing that sound, I also perceived the sound of multiple footsteps. Using the search enemy skill, it shows that more than 100 enemies are approaching us from all sides.

Not good. We were surrounded!

“Shinichi! We are surrounded!”

“I know! I never thought that there were so many enemies!”

The total number of enemies is roughly a thousand. Most adventurers are probably killed in this level. Their performance speaks for itself. For the time being, we escaped towards the straight lined passageway ahead, hold out our weapons and wait for the skeletons to come. In this case, we only have to deal with two directions and besides, our opponents are skeletons after all.

Kata-kata-kata

When the skeletons appeared, their jaws opened and closed as if they were ridiculing us. As expected, when it reached the 26th floor, some skeletons have Mithril weapons. Equipped with good weapons, they challenged this Great Dungeon but they probably end up becoming the companions of the skeletons here.

“Shinichi, I’ll use Flame Burst!”

“Hey! Will that be okay!?”

“Don’t worry! I’ll do it smoothly!”

Erna then raised her wand, her magical power flickers and is sucked into the wand. I’m worried if it’s okay to use it in such a narrow passageway. But since I have this black robe, magical attacks won’t work. I decided to hide Pero between my legs just in case.

“Flame burst!”

A bright red fireball appears and it was fired towards the skeletons. The impact of the blaze spread with the blast as it’s in search of an escape. I also pulled Erna inside the robe and protect the two of them with the explosion on our backs.

“Did the flame went out…?”

After taking them out of the robe, the scorched skeletons are rolling around. Erna’s strategy seems to have worked.

―That’s what I thought. The burnt skeletons got up all at once.

“W-W-Why are they still alive!?”

“I get it, they have darkness attributes! Their shadows reduced the damage by half!”

And just like that, the skeletons rushed towards us again. I’d like to turn them into my familiar but I don’t think I’ll have that much time.

“Erna, Pero! We’re fighting, let’s go!”

We then launched a physical attack. Erna attacked with a bow and Pero smashed the skulls of the skeletons with his fist. Thanks to the master of war skill, I could perfectly comprehend the movements of the skeletons so I can easily cut them up. I was frightened by the numbers but, a skeleton on its own is weak. When we could now afford the fight, an idea came to mind.

“Both of you step back!”

After we got together in one place, I shoot threads at the passageway on the front and back. Well, you could say it’s like a wall of thread. The skeletons were then blocked by the thread, making it difficult for them to approach us.

“Well then, shall I turn them into my familiars?”

I took control over the handy skeletons then they became my familiar one after another. If I have the time to do it, they would not have been our enemies. The white hordes of enemies gradually turn black. The captured skeletons fight back and began to attack the transformed skeletons.

It’s the beginning of a revolution.

While keeping the black group that turned into a homeless army around, I went ahead through the aisle. All the skeletons that I’ve seen became my familiar and the number still increases and it even exceeds a thousand.

“Uhahahaha! What’s up bone bastards?! I did not even sweat!”

I can’t stop laughing. Erna and Pero in my back were having furtive whispers.

“He’s a completely bad guy all right.”

“Father is so cool.”

Aside from Erna, Pero understands me. Every man wants to be a ruler at least once. I aimed to become a manager because I thought like that. Well, the nature is different, but this is also a way to satisfy ones’ desire for control.

And when I noticed it, I was walking with 2,000 skeletons. The white skeletons disappeared so the skeletons under my control capture the other skeletons from somewhere. It seems like it is fine to think that the 26th floor has fallen under my control.

“Well then, it is about time we head to the stairs huh.”

“Are we going to the 27th floor?”

“No, I’m thinking of going back to the 24th floor. Even with only these skeletons present here, they are enough to build the livestock barn.”

“But the 25th floor over there is…”

I understand what Erna is trying to say. Saint Water is a big wall for monsters. Still, I won’t know unless I try it.

We then decided to go back to the 25th floor for the time being.

　◇

As we go up the stairs, the skeletons stopped as expected. This is because they are scared of the Saint Water which is flowing in the 25th floor.

“It’s not dangerous. Walk without stopping.”

When I ordered that, I don’t know what they were thinking but the skeletons formed a line behind me. The road is wide enough so they won’t fall though… Well it’s probably because they don’t want to get close to the water.

As we walk to the twenty-fifth floor, the skeletons march in regular alignment. It’s such a strange feeling as it really seems like I’m leading an army.

However, amongst the skeletons, there is this guy who’s clumsy enough that it even marched off the track. It’s tall but I could see that its body is equipped with heavy armour. Although it looked fine as it appears to be a knight during its lifetime, it had this atmosphere that stirs anxiety just by looking at it. It feels like you’re looking at a clumsy person.

And as expected, the skeleton entwined its legs and tumbled down the ground.

“All unit, Stop!”

I approached that skeleton.

It is not a sin to make a mistake. From how I see it, it looks like a human who was rejected by the society, it would not be a good idea to be short-sighted and blame the magical beast. No matter who, we should support each other.

I extended my hand to the skeleton that fell.

“Kata-kata-kata…”

The skeleton looked up and its jaw clattered. It looks like a skeleton but if you look closely, it’s kind of cute. I don’t think it’s bad to have an undead as my subordinate. The skeleton, which is trying to stand up by holding my hand entwined its legs and tumbled down again. Moreover, it fell from the edge of the road and directly fell into the water.

“Are you okay!?”

I can see that the skeleton that is struggling in the water seemed to be in pain. Though it made a blunder twice, it ended up in a good place. In spite of being a skeleton, its personality is too strong.

Then, the skeleton that fell into the water changes. Its whole body, which was black, turned golden and reflected radiance like that of a bone made of gold. Its bones became thicker, perhaps even stronger, and turned into sturdy ones like a club.

I quickly used appraisal.

【Appraisal Result: Homeless Golden Skeleton: The homeless skeleton has become a sacred beast and has evolved further. Ordinary magical beasts is no match on its power: Rarity SS】

【Status】 Name:  Homeless Golden Skeleton Race:  Homeless Golden Skeleton Magic attribute:  Darkness | Holy | No Attribute Magic:  Shadow, Shadow field, Shadow bind Skills:  Swordsmanship (Intermediate), Axemanship (Intermediate), Spearmanship (Intermediate), Hammermanship (Intermediate), Archery (Intermediate), Taijustu A (Intermediate), Taijutsu B (Intermediate), Intelligence (Beginner), Hardening (Intermediate), Leadership (Intermediate), Soul eating Control Rate:   100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka

Yes!!! Finally! The rarity is even SS!!!

I’m jumping for joy.

The black skeleton is pretty good but the golden skeleton is also cool. I’m glad that I have a strong ally. Moreover, I’m glad with the fact that it copied Leadership amongst my skill. From now on, it may be okay for Golden to lead the skeleton as their commander.

Considering Pero’s case and this time’s occurence, Saint Water may have a function that promotes the absorption of things like one’s experience points. I think that is the reason why they evolved at the same time as becoming a sacred beast.

If that’s indeed the case, it is no wonder that me and Erna are growing rapidly. As the Homeless Golden Skeleton in the water climbs up the road, it tries to return to the skeleton line dripping with water.

“Well, you can walk behind me.”

Golden rattles and nods. However, Homeless Golden Skeleton is long and hard to call. It would be better to give it a name.

“All right, you’re “Suketarou” from now on. Is that okay?”

Suketarou rattles its jaw.

I’m impressed with my good naming.

“Uwaa-, what a lame name…”

“Kuuun…”

Erna and Pero seem to be taken aback. I think Taro is a good name for a man, but it seems that they can’t understand my sense of humor.

Poor guys.

The queue started walking again and it took us several hours to reach the stairs. Immediately after going up to the 24th floor, the griffon descends from the sky.

“We now have all the manpower so we’ll go to the 23rd floor immediately, okay?”

This time, we start running to the 23rd floor. It seems that we can finally build a livestock farm.

　◇

There’s already a long road on the 23rd floor. Bamboo groves sway in the wind and a fence made of bamboo continues to the end of the road. It was a landscape that made me feel nostalgic as if I had returned to Japan.

“We can make a tea room on this floor.”

I muttered out while walking down the road. That said, there is no matcha in this world so I need to make it from scratch. It seems that there is still a long way to go for me to live in this world with peace of mind.

“Kata-kata-kata”

When one of the skeletons discovered me, it clatters its jaw. The road had already reached the stairs. Probably the work has just been completed, the 20 skeletons bowed when they saw me.

Now we can go to the 22nd floor at any time.

I then call out at the skeletons as a whole.

“We already have a road! Next, we will build a livestock farm!”

The skeletons then start to secure large amount of bamboos then they carried it to the 24th floor one after another. Griffon too, with the bamboos tied with a rope, it makes many round trips by air.

As soon as the bamboo was prepared for the planned construction site, we began to destroy the former livestock barn that had fallen apart. This is because a large site is required for grazing.

After destroying the building, the forest was ignited with Erna’s magic. In a blink of an eye, the trees began to burn causing white smoke to rise.

“Haah-, I’m tired! I can’t move anymore!”

Erna sprawled on the ground, Pero too, probably because he was also tired.

“It’s about evening time huh… Alright, we’ll do the construction tomorrow. I’ll prepare our dinner then.”

I take out the pot and the harvested rice out of the bangle. Of course, rice cannot be eaten just by harvesting rice ears. First, the grain will be collected one by one, and then the rice milling work is waiting. Rice before milling is called brown rice, and the outer layer that is stuck to it is called bran. The brown color is due to this bran.

After removing the bran, the white rice that we know is finally born. Machines do everything in Japan, but this is a different world. Of course, everything has to be done manually.

I put the collected brown rice in a jar then I start pounding it with a rod. This method is the so called traditional rice milling method. I don’t know the theory about it but a farmer I knew before said that this was the best.

“Kata-kata-kata”

One of the skeletons who were watching the situation gestured that it will take over the work. Then another skeleton begin to raise its hand to do the same.

“Then, do you want to mill rice as much as you can?”

After taking out many jars from the bangle, I decided to hand over a rod for them to do the rice milling work. Interestingly, they divided into a team that mills rice and a team that collects the grain from the rice ears.

Of course, I didn’t give any orders for that. It seems that it’s better to think that they have human-like thinking ability.

In the meantime, I took out the oil, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, and violet pig meat from the bangle. I seasoned the meat with salt and pepper and coat it in the order of flour → egg → bread crumbs then I drop it in the heated oil. When it turns golden, the milled rice was also cooked. After that, I chopped some vegetables similar to cabbage and serve them on a plate with the meat.

“The pork cutlet set meal is complete!”

It’s a Tonkatsu with a special sauce on rice.

How many times have I dreamed about this? I put my hands together then I start chewing on the meat with rice so that they would mix together. It’s so delicious that it’s hard to describe the taste.

“What is this!? It’s really delicious!”

“The meat is so tender!”

It seems that Erna and Pero are surprised by the pork cutlet. However, it seems that rice is only so-so for them. It’s probably because they are not used to eating it.

While eating rice, I thought about my hometown.

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

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Unfamiliar creatures ran through the meadow in groups. I immediately ask Erna a question,

“What is that? Is it a horse?”

“That’s a unicorn. It’s a magical beast, but it’s said to have a gentle personality and it prefers a human woman.”

“When you say prefer… it eats them?”

“No, it’s different. It’s like they’re fond of them. Unicorns are herbivores so they don’t attack people nor eat them.”

This so called unicorn is a horse with a horn and its whole body is white, it does not look like a magical beast. I followed them for a while but they disappeared beyond the horizon, well, probably because they weren’t interested in us.

According to Erna, unicorns are rare type monsters, and their horn and skin are traded at a high price. It seems that it can also be used as a carriage horse, but it’s uncommon because it is only fond of women and those who dirty their hands just to fetch some money will kill them immediately.

“However it is still popular among the nobles. It’s the best horse because it looks good, it even has fast legs and it’s smart.”

“Ironically, they are targeted because of that.”

Even in Japan, luxury cars are vulnerable to theft. It’s not unusual for tires and parts of it to be stolen when you’re riding a Ferrari. It’s harder to get back on your feet than stealing the car itself. It’s the criminal’s way of thinking.

Well, let’s get back to the topic. When I saw the unicorn, I did wonder if it’s suitable to be ridden. Homeless is currently based in Mana but we may eventually go to some city. When that happens, it will cost too much if each of us rent a horse. On the other hand, it may be possible to keep horses with this 24th floor serving as a ranch. In fact, no one would come here just to kill a horse.

“Let’s capture a unicorn.”

“What!? What are you saying so suddenly!?”

“I decided to capture and keep a unicorn. Don’t we need one for travelling?”

“Well, that’s right but…”

Erna had a complex look hearing my proposal. I know what she wants to say, the unicorns we will capture aren’t just magical beasts. It is a unicorn that lives in the Mohed’s Great Dungeon, the worst dungeon here. In the first place, these unicorns here are different from the unicorns out there. Even if a thief appears, I think it has the ability to kill him. That said, the hordes of unicorns have gone beyond the horizon, so chances of catching them won’t come around for a while.

We then head to the livestock farm, relying on the map.

　◇

After about three hours of walking, we found a building. It looks like a wooden house, but now it’s shabby. And the barn, which should have kept the livestock, had holes in the walls and there were no creatures anywhere. I think that the abandoned livestock escaped from here.

“Maybe… this has been abandoned for over 500 years.”

Erna mutters while looking at the barn. The time when the Great Mage Moore lived was a thousand years ago. It’s a natural answer if you think about it normally. However, the wooden building is still here probably because of the mysterious environment of this dungeon.

“It seems difficult to reuse this building…”

When I touched the wall, it crumbled, probably because it was already weathering. A considerable amount of timber is likely to be needed to turn this into a new ranch.

“Father, can’t you make a house out of bamboo?”

Pero’s words were like an eye-opener. That’s right. Bamboo is growing on the 23rd floor. It might be possible to build a ranch with the help of skeletons.

…No, the skeletons are already paving the way to the 22nd floor.

It would be too bad to interrupt them even if we are able to set up a ranch here.

“I have no choice but to create a new familiar then.”

For the time being, it is necessary to leave the 24th floor and create a new familiar. Speaking of that, I myself want a new familiar. Those skeletons alone are not enough.

We then leave the livestock farm and head for the 25th floor. Soon after, I found a strange creature. It looks like a pig, but its body color is purple and its size is close to 3m. They ate grass in groups and were not on their guard against us.

“Erna, what are those?”

“They are violet pigs. It’s known as a high-class pig.”

“Is it a magical beast?”

“No, it’s a normal livestock.”

That means that the violet pig is a livestock brought in by Moore. It seems better to think that the ancestors of the pigs escaped from the livestock farm and continued to breed in this floor.

As a test, I decided to weaken one pig with the Life and Death technique skill and kill it after. Strangely, looking at the pigs with such strange color makes me hungry. Above all, pork is one of my favorite foods. Only one red dot was displayed on the back of the pig so when I stealthily approached it and pierced that part, the pig lay on the ground without making a sound.

Checking the pig, it died without any hitch. The other pigs leave the place without even noticing that one of their companions died. I killed it too easily that I froze as I don’t understand what had happened.

“This Life and Death technique, don’t tell me it’s as the name suggests… Whether to save or to kill… Is it a skill that can be used depending on the situation?”

I didn’t notice it before because I didn’t have a chance to use it but, I think this is also a cheat type skill. I feel that assassination technique is more accurate for this than calling it as life and death technique.

“I’ll dismantle this for the time being…”

I regained my focus and dismantled the secured violet pig. Unfortunately, I didn’t drain the blood immediately but I let the blood drain even a little while it’s still warm. Eating meat and fish can have a fishy smell. The cause of it is mostly due to the residual blood.

If blood is not drained while the heart is still moving, the reek of blood will inevitably remain. In that case, the original taste of the meat is spoiled. Isn’t it such a waste?

Shortly after dismantling the pig, I cut a thick chunk of meat and cook it in the frying pan.

“Mhmm, this is delicious. It has a lot of fat and it’s soft enough that it melts.”

Erna and Pero also seemed to be happy with the pork. It would be great if there was rice in this place, but there is no point in seeking something that does not exist. Let’s make do on what is here. After we filled our stomachs with pork, we start walking in search of the stairs. The scenery is serene and peaceful, truly just like how it’s called as a meadow. I feel like I want to have some picnic here.

“Father! Birds are flying over there!”

Pero pointed at the ceiling. Certainly, there’s a big bird flying there but its silhouette is different from that of a bird.

“Shinichi! That’s a Griffon!”

Erna screams and holds her cane. The shadow flying in the sky suddenly swoops down and landed in front of us.

“Gururururu”

It has a lion-like body and an eagle-like head. Large wings were growing on its back, and its whole body was covered with white feathers. It has sharp eyes like that of a raptor, with its yellow beaks opening and closing, it shook its head a little. That action looked like a warm-up to catch its prey.

【Appraisal Result: Griffon: A very ferocious magical beast. Famous as an empty hunter, it has excellent power and agility. Its feathers are traded at a high price: Rarity B】

【Status】 Name:  Griffon Race:  Griffon Magic attribute:  Wind Magic:  Air cutter Skills:  Claw Strengthening (Intermediate), Intimidation (Intermediate), Flight (Intermediate)

Its status is not bad.

The white feathers are beautiful and they give off the impression of a unique king who’s a combination of a lion and a hawk. In particular, its ability to fly in the sky is ideal for transportation.

 “Pero, buy me some time!”

“Yes!”

Pero jumps in front of Griffon and attacks it with his fists equipped with knuckles. As soon as its attention went to Pero, I used my Familiar Creation skill.

A red gauge displayed before me then a green gauge start to increase. It took about ten seconds to reach half, but somehow, the Griffon was not willing to give up its control. It must be a stronger magical beast compared to those skeletons. After about a minute, I finally took control.

And during that time, Pero made full use of his trained body and he was attracting it well. I decided to name the griffon that became my familiar as “homeless griffon”.

【Appraisal Result: Homeless Griffon: A species born because a griffon was made into a familiar by Shinichi Tanaka. It’s ten times stronger than general griffons and ranked higher in terms of position: Rarity A】

【Status】 Name:  Homeless Griffon Race:  Homeless Griffon Magic attribute:  Wind | No attribute Magic:  Air cutter Skills:  Danger detection (Intermediate), Taste Enhancement (Intermediate), Digestion Enhancement (Intermediate), Eyesight Enhancement (Intermediate), Hearing Enhancement (Intermediate), Olfactory enhancement (Intermediate), Claw Enhancement (Intermediate), Intimidation (Intermediate), Flight (Intermediate) Control Rate:   100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka

The hair on its whole body turned jet black and its eyes turned red. It looks like a huge crow but its beak is still yellow so it still looks like a griffon. I finally understood the system of the Familiar Creation by looking at its status. It seems that it is copying the skill from me, its master.

In addition, only those magical beasts that are most suitable to become a familiar are selected. Furthermore, it looks like it’s better to think that skills with high rarity value such as Super Sensation cannot be copied. The familiars are just my underlings and it will not surpass the master.

“Gurururu”

The griffon rubs its head against me and makes a sound as if to fawn over me. With this, our means of transportation was secured. I turned Griffon into my familiar for the construction of the livestock farm. We need a lot of bamboo to build a building. However, it will take time to carry them all with those skeletons alone.

Therefore, a griffon that can serve as air transportation is useful. Even if that is not the case, it can be expected to play an active role as a satisfactory means of transportation.

“If you look at it closely, it’s cute.”

“It’s fluffy”

Erna and Pero are stroking the griffon.

Once the livestock farm is completed, it may be a good idea to leave the Griffon as the guard there. For the time being, I ordered the griffon to be free. I have no use of it for now. After seeing off the flying griffon, we start walking in the direction of the stairs. And after walking for about two hours, we found something.

“Hey Shinichi. Charcoal is lying near the stairs.”

After following and confirming the place Erna pointed out, there was a bonfire near the stairs. There is no heat when I touched it though. I presume that some people visited here a long time ago.

“Someone may have passed here. There was a bonfire on the 22nd floor too.”

“Then did they go further down?”

“Well, yes I guess but I wouldn’t expect them to be alive though. This is called the worst dungeon you see.”

We decided to tighten our resolve and go down the stairs.

　◇◇◇

With rustling sounds, golden rice ears sway in the wind. It was a spectacular space. The golden color continues to the end of the horizon and glittering water fills the ground. Light similar to sunlight shines down from the ceiling and a road made of stone extended to the horizon as if cutting across the field of rice ears.

“Whoa! What is this place!?”

“It’s wide!”

Erna and Pero rejoiced seeing such scenery. But that’s not the case for me. As soon as I saw the rice ears, I start collecting the grain. After collecting about a square meter of brown grain, I put it in a suitable jar and pound it with a rod. It would normally take half a day to a whole day to do this but I am confident that I can finish it in an hour.

No, I’ll finish it within 30 minutes!

“What are you doing?”

“What’s that Father?”

The two asked a question but I silently pound it with the rod as if I was obsessed with something. Perhaps this was the so called craving.

Yes, I’m now certain! When the brown grain turned white, I wash it with water and put it in a pot. The amount of water is just right. Anyway, I ignite with reference to “Hajime chorochoro chū pappa akago nakutomo futa toru na.”

TLYN: It’s a Japanese song for the way of cooking rice (始めちょろちょろ中ぱっぱ赤子泣くとも蓋取るな)

White bubbles blow out shortly after the pot is lit. But not yet. I should wait a little longer. When the bubbles disappeared, the pot was filled with a sweet smell. It’s finally completed. When I removed the lid, I can see the cooked white rice!

“I did it! I did it! I finally found it!”

I shed tears while chewing on the cooked white rice. My Japanese soul inside is screaming. It’s rice. Finally!

“Shinichi is crying and laughing…”

“Are you that happy with the food father?”

Erna seems to be left speechless with my action but Pero looked puzzled. They wouldn’t know how great rice is. This encounter is the best because I’m a Japanese. Rice Forever!!!

I randomly harvest more rice ears, tied it up with a rope and throw it into the bangle. Before I knew it, I had finished mowing the land for about a Tokyo Dome size.

“…Munyamunya…”

Erna and Pero are lying down and were fast asleep. Apparently, I neglected them too much. It appears that there are no magical beasts here in 25th floor and it seems that both of them were bored and ended up sleeping. I swiftly scooped up the water under my feet, it’s shining brightly. It’s Saint Water.

“Is it flowing from the 20th floor where I live?”

I started moving using the flight skill to find out where the water came from, a large amount of water was flowing into this level from the wall two kilometres away. I got fascinated by the big waterfall for a while.

“Oops, I have to go back quickly.”

I returned to the two of them for the time being then we started walking toward the 26th floor. If we find the Temple of Teleportation on the way, I only need to register the transfer point. With that, I can always come to the 25th floor. Kukuku.

“What kind of place is the 26th floor?”

“Well, we won’t know until we go there.”

It took us about four hours to find the stairs then we went down at once. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead.

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

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