Author: Yume Neiji

Six Kingdom Period, Year 2530, 11th day of the Fire Month

At last, from the Royal Capital, we now arrived at the remote Mana City. There is a reason why we, an advanced rank adventurer party, came to such remote region. It is to scout an adventurer named Tanaka.

To be frank, I’m not really interested in that Tanaka guy. However, since my companions kept on nagging that we should scout him, I had no choice but to come to such remote region. Of course, I can understand why my companions said that.

My abilities nowadays did not grow as much as expected and as advanced rank adventurers, I know that they also feel anxious thinking that we have reached our limit. Right then, we heard that there was an adventurer who defeated fifty dragoneuts all by himself.

I’ve heard about the Homeless party before, but to have defeated fifty dragoneuts alone, I find the story ridiculous. I wondered if the rumor was only an exaggeration. However, that guy ought to be a strong person at least. There must be an original story to such rumor otherwise.

If we can make that Tanaka guy join us, we can definitely hope for an increase in the strength of our “Sword of Glory” party. The term “Special Grade Adventurers” will also be within our reach. That is why I didn’t go against the opinions of my comrades.

The issue is, it was said that Tanaka is a handsome guy.

I have some confidence in my look but that Tanaka guy seemed to be more handsome. I can see that even with that, my companions would still be interested in him. The members of Sword of Glory are me, a swordsman, a mage woman, a warrior woman, a spear wielder effeminate man and a large shield wielder feminine man.

Yes, I have homo… There are two effeminate men in our group.

No… This matter is irrelevant now. Adventurers are all about their abilities. I don’t care about gender. Rather than that, I did not feel very pleasant to bring in someone who is more popular to woman than me.

To be clear, I hate those guys who are popular to woman. However, I will tolerate that part and still scout him. If the character of that Tanaka guy is the worst, we will immediately return to the Royal Capital.

12^th Day of the Fire Month

We went to the Guild in Mana and there were many adventurers like us who turn up there. Every last one of them is calling the name of that Tanaka guy repeatedly that it became so noisy.

When I looked closely, I was surprised to see that a relatively famous party also came here. I suddenly felt envious knowing that they sought after that Tanaka guy so much. I am also a swordsman with considerable skill. I want to tell them to scout me too!

I was able to get one good information though.

Apparently, the Homeless party live inside the Great Dungeon. I don’t think it’s very sane to live in Mohed’s Great Dungeon that is known as the worst dungeon but, I was indeed impressed knowing that the rumoured powerful person is living in a different environment.

Perhaps like a sword, that Tanaka guy is sharp and uncouth.

I feel that Tanaka’s image in me was broken a little.

13^th Day of the Fire Month

We came to Mohed’s Great Dungeon.  Currently, we are at the 15^th floor.

It’s quite a good pace.

Originally, there was a time when we trained in Mana, so from the Temple of Teleportation, we can go directly to the 10th floor. From there, all we have to do is go down five more floors as there were not that many enemies.

I feel that we have a lot of time to spare.

Now then, let me write down why we went to this dungeon.

Rumor has it that the Homeless live in the 24^th floor of this dungeon. It’s just a gossip coming from the residents of the city but I think it’s true. In fact, there is a senior adventurer who had been to the 24th floor. According to that person, the twenty-fourth floor has a large land area and an environment where people can live in.

If that’s indeed the case, it is quite possible that the Homeless are on the 24th floor. That being said, I was against coming to the dungeon to find that Tanaka guy. Even if we don’t bother to risk ourselves, that Tanaka guy will eventually turn up in the guild one day because he is also an adventurer.

I continuously suggested waiting for Tanaka while we’re lazing around at the inn.

The mage agreed.

This woman is quite annoying. She’s has this character of being attracted by only the physical looks. However, she tends to hate dangerous things. It appeared that she is in complete agreement with my opinion.

The warrior however, objected.

She has a contrasting personality to that mage and she likes danger. She even made a guts pose saying, “Let’s jump into danger like a real adventurer!”

I wonder why I made such person as my comrade. I sincerely and deeply regret it.

The spearman also objected.

He says he’s a woman, but he looks like a muscular man. He intimidated me saying, “Hey you, don’t you have any balls?” Uh-, I want him to stop using that intimidation skill while threatening me.

The large shield wielder gave another opinion.

It was for us to train again inside Mohed’s Great Dungeon while looking for those Homeless guys. Although it is said to be a training ground for beginners, it is actually the most difficult dungeon that no one can traverse.

It was a good proposal for us, who are currently stuck, to acquire more ability. I was quite hesitant but I decided to accept the idea in the end. I’m not interested in Tanaka, but I find it very attractive to be strong.

That’s why in this way, while aiming for the 24th floor, we have come this far. We haven’t fought to the point of training yet, but I’m a little excited when I think about the enemies that will come out in the future.

I am also an adventurer after all.

14^th Day of the Fire Month

I’m tired today so I’ll keep my diary short.

Currently, we are at the 18th floor. The magical beasts that came out gets stronger and it has finally become a real training for us. However, as advanced rank adventurers, it is still a weak opponent for us.

Instead, the large shield wielder began to say, “If you look closely, our swordsman is quite a handsome man, isn’t it?”

He never said that before, so why was he saying it now?

Besides, the number of skinships has increased. I don’t dislike this large shield wielder guy but I’m normal! So please spare me!

Today he… sigh, let’s sleep a little away from him.

15^th Day of the Fire Month

We came to the 21st floor.

This is like a swamp. I saw several orcs that I quickly realized that there was a den nearby.

Or so I thought, the place where the orcs live was full of spider webs and it was even in a state of ruin. Someone destroyed the orc’s home. I immediately think that it was Tanaka who did it. But to destroy the Orc’s home, there has to be several advanced rank adventurers. Or even a special grade or master grade is needed.

As expected, Tanaka must be a considerably talented individual. Little by little, I couldn’t see through Tanaka’s strength anymore. At the same time, my interested is piqued.

I wonder what kind of person Tanaka is.

16^th Day of the Fire Month

We finally move on to the 22nd floor.

A great number of large dragonflies and large frogs lived on this floor. Thankfully, albeit with some difficulty, we were able to escape to a building where the stairs is.

The mage said, “I don’t like insects! I’m going home!”

The warrior refuted, “It was a dragonfly!”

The spearman said, “I’m not good with frogs”, he was even trembling a little.

On the other hand, the large shield wielder praised me, “I think that swordsman’s judgment was excellent.”

The large shield wielder looks beautiful, and when I think of him as a man, something just doesn’t feel right. I can’t help but think that he is a real woman. He’s even so kind to me until now.

But I’m normal. This won’t change.

17^th Day of the Fire Month

There were many Babū trees on the 23rd floor.

More than that, what surprised me was the fenced long road that was there. I don’t think it was made by three or four people. Does the Homeless party excel not only in fighting but also in architecture?

It’s not only Tanaka, his party members cannot be underestimated either. However, I am now convinced that Tanaka lived in the 24th floor. The Homeless are on the 24th floor. There’s no doubt about it.

While thinking like that, we went to the 24th floor. However, my idea was a little off. Like what that senior adventurer said, the 24th floor was an environment blessed with a very large land. I think it is good enough for people to live in.

Then we found a building shortly after.

Livestock were kept there. There was also a large field next to it. I was so sure that the Homeless lived here, but no matter how many times I looked inside the building, I couldn’t find any traces of someone living here. We concluded that this is the homeless’ livestock farm and that their real home may be further down.

Then, as we tried to leave the building, we were attacked by a black griffon.

It swooped down from the sky and attacked us with its sharp claws and beak. I fight back with my sword but I was not even able to get a solid hit. Even the magic of the mage was less effective. We then desperately kept running away and then we finally found the stairs which saved our lives.

I can write a diary in this way because I was lucky enough to escape to the 25th floor. I’d like to take a break here and decide whether to move forward or go back.

18^th Day of the Fire Month

We decided to move forward.

I suggested that we should go back, but again, the warrior, spearman, and the large shield wielder opposed it.

The mage seemed to want to go home more than I do, perhaps because she was so traumatized by the Griffon. However, at this time, the large shield wielder said, “Isn’t that Griffon a mutant specie?”  He said that it’s a mutant specie so it was only natural that we couldn’t win.

If it’s indeed a mutant specie, I can also see why we couldn’t win. Griffon is a difficult opponent even for advanced adventurers. Even more so when it comes to mutant species, they are many times stronger than the original.

In other words, we just happened to meet a strong enemy.

However, it’s still scary to think that I didn’t land a hit at all. I then proposed that we will only check up to the 30th floor and round up the search if we still did not find those Homeless guys.

Everyone agreed.

Why did I choose such a dangerous path?

Well, that’s because I have magical retreat incense. In the worst case, we can just escape using that. Otherwise, I wouldn’t make such a dangerous choice.

19^th Day of the Fire Month

We came to the 28th floor in no time.

For some reason, we did not encounter any enemies in the 26th and 27th floor. Along the way, we found a bone that seemed to be a part of a skeleton but the area was unnaturally quiet. It feels like the magical beasts here moved to another place. I feel unease about it but I decided not to worry any further because my comrades were happy with it being like this.

Being an adventurer for a long time, we might eventually encounter something like this. I decided to think like that.

And then we ended up seeing a ridiculous sight on the 28th floor. There were so many skeletons there that I didn’t want to believe what I’m seeing. Moreover, all of them were pitch black in color and they were skeletons I had never seen before.

They were looking at us with their red eyes shining in the dark. However, they never attacked us.

After calming the mage who was about to shoot them with magic, I observe the skeleton closely. No matter how close I get, they didn’t attack. On the contrary, a skeleton pointed his finger somewhere. I thought it was a trap at first but I never heard of a magical beast deceiving a person. Or rather, it’s on whether they know how to deceive or not.

It’s strange, but I decided to believe the skeleton in front of me.

As we proceed as it is, we meet another skeleton and once more, we were guided in the same way. Eventually, it lead us to the stairs. I still don’t know what that was, but we were able to take a rest before going down to the 29th floor.

20^th Day of the Fire Month

We reached the 30th floor.

We passed through the 29th floor relatively quickly and we were able to go downstairs immediately. However, the large shield wielder was injured during our battle with the hobgoblins. They use paralyzing eyes and they aimed at him because the large shield wielder blocked most of their attack. He had a shoulder injury and wasn’t in a state where he can fight with his shield for a while.

We decided to return to the ground quickly. There is a Temple of Teleportation here in the 30^th floor so it would be possible for us to escape immediately. I carry the large shield wielder and look for the Temple of Teleportation. But unfortunately, we met a group of Hobgoblin again. Moreover, there were five of them this time.

As we were driven to a corner where death only awaits us, we then prepared for our death.

Kata kata

I wondered what that sound was. Three pitch black skeletons appeared and they killed those hobgoblins in a blink of an eye. In that moment, I understood that those pitch black skeletons were such strong magical beast.

From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to praise myself for choosing not to fight when we met their kind in the 28th floor. If we fought, we would definitely be dead by now.

The skeletons that killed the Hobgoblins ignored us and immediately left afterwards. After that, we safely found the Temple of Teleportation.

We were finally able to return to the ground.

21^st Day of the Fire Month

Apparently, during the time that we were diving into the dungeon, the Estent Empire’s soldiers came to attack. Fortunately, those Homeless guys solved everything. I was a little disappointed though.

I might have met Tanaka otherwise. I’m now more interested in Tanaka than ever before.

What is he doing in that dungeon?

Are those pitch black skeletons related to him?

How strong is he?

Such questions were swirling inside my head.

That being said, I am no longer thinking of scouting Tanaka. I reaffirmed that I could become stronger along with my comrades. It seems that my comrades thought so as well. We may have reached our individual strength limit, but it is still possible with our team strength. I felt that way during our training this time.

We will be returning to the Royal Capital tomorrow.

On a side note, the large shield wielder confessed to me earlier. Apparently, he had been interested in me for a long time. “I’m sorry”, I politely rejected him.

I have written it many times, I’m normal!

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

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

“That catacomb should be around here.”

I slowly landed on the ground.

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

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

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

“Urk… It smells musty…”

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

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

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

“Katakata”

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

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

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

“Katakata”

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

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

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

“Let’s move forward.”

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

“Katakata”

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

“Katakatakata”

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

“Katakatakata”

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

“Hmm, should I try the Restoration Space?”

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

“Katakata”

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

“Alright then, let’s move on!”

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

I eventually found myself in control of hundreds of soldiers.

“Kuhahaha! Let’s move forward steadily!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

◇

One day has passed.

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

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

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

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

“The long-awaited TKG… Itadakimasu!”

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

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

After I finished eating, I sighed blissfully.

“Katakata”

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

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

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

“Okay, let’s start moving.”

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

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

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

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

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

I and the eleven of them started running.

◇

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

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

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

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

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

“This is the bottom level huh…”

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

I opened the casket without any hesitation.

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

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

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

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

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

Aside from those, there is nothing else.

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

“Uh-!?”

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

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

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

I was now convinced.

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

“Everyone, hold him down!”

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

“Katakata”

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

“Katakata”

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

“Katakatakata”

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

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

“This is the end.”

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

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

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

I also sprinkle Saint Water on it.

Dullahan begun to suffer and then it turned golden.

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

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

“Alright, Suketarou should wear it.”

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

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

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

“Katakata”

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

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

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

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

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I arrived at the mansion of the Lord of Mana.

“I’m grateful for driving away the Empire’s soldiers once more. This is but a small reward from me.”

A pouch of gold coins was placed on the table. I stored it inside the bangle without looking at the content inside.

“More than that, I heard that you have something you want to talk about?”

“Yes, let’s then move on to the main topic. I want you to visit the four other kingdoms, excluding the empire and our kingdom.”

“Visit?”

“Read this first.”

The letter presented to me was from Duke Medil. After opening the envelope, I quickly read its contents.

“…It says that he wants me to get a promise of reinforcements from the other four kingdoms, but…?”

“That’s right. I also want you to proceed on this matter by all means.”

I look at the letter again. It seems that the assistance of the other kingdom is absolutely necessary to counter the empire. It also appears that I was specifically chosen for this. Of course, it says that I will be paid some reward for it.

“Rather than me, isn’t this job supposed to be done by those high-ranking officials?”

“You are right in saying that. But unfortunately, our kingdom is being underestimated by the other kingdoms and they are not in a position where they need to obediently agree to cooperate. And even though we have an alliance with the Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom, it’s not necessary for them to fight with us.”

“…I see. You want me to go there not to talk with them but to show my strength, is that it?”

“Yes, it is as what you have said.”

When a high-ranking official from a weak kingdom arrives there, the image wherein they once unified will still remain the same. The Duke seems to want me to destroy that image. On top of that, he wants me to strongly invite them to join as reinforcements. As expected from a noble. It’s pretty extreme.

“I’m also an adventurer. I’ll do my job properly when requested.”

“Thank you. The kingdom is now preparing for the war, but I don’t think there is a hundred percent chance of winning. This is the last chance for the kingdom to survive. Please save this crisis with your power.”

I then shook hands with the Lord.

◇

“―That’s why I decided to go to the other four kingdoms. I’ll leave Mana’s protection to Pero and Freya.”

Inside the hideout, I informed them about our future course of action. Pero and Freya were sitting on the sofa listening, while Erna was sitting on the floor reading a book.

“Oi Erna. Are you listening?”

“I’m listening. So, what should I do?”

“You will travel with me to those four kingdoms. Get ready for the trip right away.”

“Eh? I’m going too? You should just take Suketarou with you.”

“Suketarou is a magical beast, he can’t even enter the city. Besides, he has another job.”

Perhaps Erna did not really care as she stands up and heads to the bedroom. And then she came back to the living room in a hurry.

“W-Wait a minute! That means we are going to the Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom!?”

“I just said so?”

“I, I’ll never go there! Shinichi should go alone!”

Erna escapes into her bedroom. When I looked inside the room, she seemed to be trembling while being wrapped in a futon. Oh-, I forgot that she has a trauma in her hometown. Freya, who was watching the whole scene, spoke.

“If Erna can’t go, I’ll go instead.”

“No. I’m thankful for the offer but I’m going to take Erna with me. She can’t escape from her hometown forever you see.”

After I entered the bedroom, I sit beside Erna. I gently placed my hand on the curled up futon.

“You are strong.”

“……”

“What have you been doing so far? Isn’t it to get back at those idiots? If so, don’t look away from your hometown. Face them and let them know your strength now.”

“……uu-”

Her face that came out of the futon was tearful and she’s even biting her lips. She knows it too. That she should confront her past. I then stroke Erna’s head. I haven’t really heard in detail what had happened but I’m sure that she can get over it. —Because she also have me.

“Alright, do you want to eat?”

“Yup”

Her mood changed and then we return to the living room. Freya already began cooking there.

“Whoa-, Freya will be the one doing it?”

“Yeah, I’ve only been taken care of since I came here, so at least even with just the meal I can help.”

Freya had four arms so she dexterously chopped two kinds of vegetables at once. She possessed a cooking skill. I’ve always been interested in it so it’s a good idea to see how good she is at it.

After about 30 minutes, a hamburger steak on the plate is served. The gravy was spilling out of the surface and the appetizing smell was spreading throughout the room. She also casually prepares rice for me. Such a great thoughtfulness.

“Hooo- hooo-“

Erna, whose eyes are red, rapidly blows air at the hamburger steak. Pero also pierced it with a fork and put it in his mouth. He then happily began to swing his tail.

“This is delicious!”

I also hummed as I eat the hamburger steak. The meat melts in the mouth, the umami of the fat and the sweetness of the white rice are perfectly combined. It’s definitely a delicious dish.

“I originally had a hobby of cooking. Before I knew it, I already learned how to cook. I might lose to Tanaka-dono in terms of the taste but I think it’s done to the extent that it’s not that bad.”

“No, mine may not even be a match for this. Cooking is a skill I definitely want to have.”

I tend to focus only on attack skills, but I realized that the skills that make these people happy are also important. I have to thank Freya for that.

“Father, can I draw a portrait?”

Pero comes near me with a sketchbook in his hands. If I think about it, he probably wants to draw an image of myself. He’s really such a cute son.

“Then it’s good if you draw my muscles as well.”

Pero shakes his head when I tried to undress.

“I want to draw father’s face.”

“Oh, is that what you mean? Alright then-”

I opened the eye on my forehead and sit upright. When I looked at Pero, he shook his head again.

“I want to draw father in a natural way, so please don’t look at me.”

“Uhm-, it’s quite a tricky request.”

I then absentmindedly look at the ceiling. With this, the natural atmosphere that Pero wants would at least be coming out.

【Info: New magic has been added.】

….Hn? Magic?

I can’t understand the words displayed in my field of view. I decided to open the status for the time being.

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

Restoration Space and Isolation Space?

Even though I finally learned some magic, I really don’t get it that well. I was hoping for a more exquisite magic such as air cutter but it seems that for Homeless race, those sort of magic are still out of reach.

“Let’s try it for the time being…”

I used Restoration Space towards an empty wall. After that, a translucent blue square appeared in front of me. I tried to touch it but my hand goes through the square.

“Father, what is that?”

Pero, who was drawing me, seems to have noticed the magic I made. Erna and Freya are talking to each other so they are not looking here.

“I learned magic earlier but I have no idea how to use it.”

“Then, why not try it on this fork?”

Pero brought an iron fork from the table. I manipulated the box and then I made it overlap with the fork on the floor.

“….Nothing changed huh.”

“Uh-. Father, take a closer look!”

Pero points at the fork. The dull iron-colored fork gradually becomes shiny as if it were freshly made. In addition to that, the tines that were slightly bent due Pero’s daily use where now neat, it was in the same state as before we purchased it.

I then released the magic. The fork I picked up regained its brilliance just like it’s a new one.

“Hmm… does it mean that Restoration Space magic will restore things to its original state?”

“That’s amazing Father! Now if our weapon breaks, you can repair it right away!”

“As Pero says, it’s indeed an amazing magic.”

Well, it’s still unknown up to what extent will Restoration Space fix things. However, to be able to restore a broken object, it could be considered to be an extraordinary magic. If we are lacking in money, we can even sell broken things as new ones.

When it comes to that, the other magic may be quite useful as well.

I then put the fork on the floor again, this time, I used Space Isolation. This time, a green square appeared and disappeared as soon as it overlapped with the fork.

“Where did it go?”

I touched that place but there is no fork anywhere. It completely disappeared.

【Report: Space has been isolated. Next, please specify the person whom you will give permission to enter the room. 】

A green laser-like light extended from my fingertips. When I point it to Pero, the area around his body glows slightly. At this point, I was finally able to predict what this magic was.

“Isolated space literally seems to isolate the space and only the specified person can enter it.”

After releasing the magic, the fork appeared on the floor. This other magic seems to be quite excellent as well. If I find the most effective way to use it, it will be useful in a battle and in our daily life.

“Father, stay still.”

“Oh-, sorry.”

I had forgotten that I am the model for his painting. I deeply regret it.

◇◇◇

“Are you all set?”

“Yeah, I have my luggage with me. I’m all set.”

I made the final confirmation at the entrance of the Great Dungeon. Me and Erna will go to the other four kingdoms and Pero and Freya will be staying at home.

“Be careful!”

My clone waved his hand. He is another me created by the Division skill. But for some reason, using the Division skill makes the clone younger. His height is 90cm and his silver hair is up to the shoulder. When I look at that small and young face, it is so adorable that I can’t help but want to stroke his head.

Well, it’s kind of weird, it’s like I’m stroking my own head.

I, the main body, will be going on a trip with Erna. My clone on the other hand, will be handling some matter from here on. Although he is younger, we have the same skills and abilities so he can carry out the plan well.

“Shinichi is so cute.”

Erna hugs my clone and presses her cheeks on him. When she says it like that, it sounds like I’m not cute now. After the child me move away from Erna, he spreads his wings and soars into the sky. Then he disappeared into the North-eastern sky just like that.

“There he goes huh… Alright then, shall we leave too?”

After me and Erna get on the unicorns, they start galloping dashingly. Looking back, Pero and Freya were waving at us. In a blink of an eye, they disappeared and I immediately turned my attention to our destination.

“It’s my first time going outside the kingdom. I’m looking forward to what kind of trip it will be.”

“The world is more boring than what Shinichi thinks you know?”

“It’s just from your standpoint Erna. Everything in this world is interesting to me. I realize that this is what it means to be alive.”

“Hmmm”

Erna replies in a seemingly uninterested manner.

Well, she was born and raised in this world, I think she is not impressed because she had taken the scenery she had seen for granted. Well, someday, I may have such feelings too.

The unicorn gallops through the even road at a tremendous speed. Our first destination is the Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom. It is also Erna’s hometown.

“How long does it take to get to your hometown?”

“Hmmm, about three days at this pace?”

“It’s still farther than what I can see on the map huh.”

The territory of the Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom is vast. Even if we entered the territory safely, we are still far from our destination, Zara, the Forest Kingdom’s capital.

Originally, we had to prepare for a long trip. However, we have homeless unicorns. It’s like these familiars are just intended for this.

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you guys till we reach Zara.”

The jet-black unicorns neighed loudly in consent.

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

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