Author: Yume Neiji

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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When morning arrives, we immediately depart for the 23rd floor. They shouldn’t be too surprised because I already told them what the next floor is.

“Whoa! What is this!?”

Uhm, that’s what I thought. But when they saw the bamboo grove, they gave a surprised voice. Apparently, bamboo is a rare plant in this world.

“Is this your first time to see a bamboo?”

“It’s a plant I’ve never seen in Sanargia Forest.”

Erna touches a thin bamboo and confirms its hardness and suppleness. As expected from an elf who grew up in a large forest. It seems that she is good at grasping the characteristics of plants.

“These are called bamboo, and they can be processed into various types such as fishing rods, bows and tableware.”

I cut a bamboo with my sword and show its inside to them.

“Hey, it’s an interesting plant.”

“The inside is empty…”

By the way, when I used the appraisal, bamboo is displayed as “Babū”. Probably in this world, its official name is not bamboo. However, since it is not possible for the 56-year-old me to call it Babū so I dared to call it bamboo.

Kata…kata…kata…

I suddenly heard a sound. It’s a light sound, like that of clattering bones. Looking at Erna, she seems to have already noticed it too as she is now holding out her cane.

“Father, the smell comes from the other side.”

Pero sniffed and pointed at the bamboo grove on the other side. When I used the skill Enemy Search, a green window like a radar is displayed in my field of view. Blue dots and red dots were displayed in the window, and I guessed that the blue dots represent us. If so, does a red dot mean an enemy?

“There are four enemies. Their distance is about 10m away from us.”

“Okay, I’ll blow it away with my magic.”

“Uhm, let’s let Pero do it this time. If you cast magic, this floor will quickly become a sea of ​​fire.”

“Sea of ​​fire…”

For some reason Erna looked happy. I’m worried that she has this misunderstanding between a Great Mage and a Destroyer.

Kata…kata…kata…

The owner of the sound emerges from the bamboo grove. It consisted of pure white bones from head to toe, and there were only two holes in the place where the eyes should be. In one word, it’s a skeleton.

I used appraisal immediately.

【Appraisal Result: Skeleton: Skeleton refers to a magical beast created by the Undead from a corpse. Its strength varies depending on the physical characteristics of the person when he was still alive. Its bone has a high strength and is useful as a material: Rarity D】

Name:  Skeleton Race:  Undead Magic attribute:  Darkness Magic:  Shadow Skills:  Taijutsu A (Intermediate), Hardening (Intermediate), Soul Eating

Undead are troublesome. The opponent is already dead, it’s an immortal being who feels no pain or fear. Moreover, as far as I can see, it wore equipments such as breastplates and shin pads. Based from the skill, it seems that it will attack with Taijutsu but I am wondering how much wisdom it possesses.

While thinking about that, the other three appeared from the bamboo grove. There are four skeletons in all. It is a sight to see if they can be defeated by Pero’s strength.

“Hiiii! Undead!”

Erna hides behind me and appears to be scared.

“They are just bones you know?”

“You can say that because Shinichi doesn’t know about these undead! They eat the soul of the dead and make them their companions! Furthermore, the souls that were eaten are trapped in eternal darkness!”

“Eternal darkness you say…”

Is it because of the skill called Soul Eating?

Pero seems to be in danger if it’s like that… but Erna said it was the soul of the dead. In that sense, it can be inferred that the undead needs to kill their target first to eat their soul.

“One question, does the undead eat the soul of the living?”

“No, they don’t. It seems that one’s soul is covered with multiple walls, so they shouldn’t be able to eat it until after you die.”

“Hearing that is enough. Pero, do it.”

“Waauu!”

Pero starts running and strikes his fist on the skeleton’s head accurately while avoiding the attacks of the other skeletons. One is defeated in less than a second and the four skeletons were defeated in a blink of an eye. Apparently, its head seems to be the skeleton’s weak point.

“Father it’s over!”

“Well done Pero.”

When I stroked his head, he closed his eyes and looked comfortable. I’m glad my son is outstanding.

“Well, shall we check these skeletons?”

The skeletons that had been knocked down had their heads destroyed and shattered. Pero’s blow seems to have been quite powerful.

Looking inside its head, there was nothing like a brain and it was totally empty. I wonder how it worked. Well, this is a world beyond my understanding so it would be useless to think about it. I then toss the bones inside the bangle.

“Did the skeletons have good skills?”

“No, it didn’t have much. I don’t feel like getting the Soul Eating skill.”

“Hiiii! My soul isn’t delicious!”

Erna hides behind Pero’s back.

I said I didn’t feel like getting that Soul Eating skill… well, never mind.

As we move out of the bamboo grove, skeletons appear one after another. This 23rd floor is like the skeleton’s gathering spot.

When I defeated the tenth skeleton, I recalled the time when I came to this world. There was a skeletonized corpse near where I reincarnated, but when I think about it now, I believe it was a skeletonized adventurer. However, there are still two mysteries left.

Why was there a skeleton in that place? And why did that skeleton die there?

I am very grateful as I reincarnated but the corpse of the skeleton that had fallen unnaturally is still a mystery for me. I put the defeated skeletons in the bangle then we start walking again.

“It seems that our sense of direction is out of order with only these bamboos around.”

As Erna says so, the 23rd floor is tremendously large, just like a vast garden. Still, where ever we look, the surroundings are full of bamboo so there are no landmarks. It’s probably because of the map we have that we’re barely working on. Unless you look at the map and check your compass, it’s difficult to find the stairs.

“I’m tired! I don’t want to walk anymore!”

Erna sat down on the ground. We’ve been walking for about five hours. It would be better to take a break here.

Kata…kata…kata…

With that in mind, I suddenly heard the unique sound coming from a skeleton. In the search range, ten bodies were captured, but with my super sensation, I can confirm a total of twenty bodies. Apparently, they intend to divide into two units and attack us. They seemed to possess wisdom in spite of them being only made up of bones.

“Erna, Pero, get ready to fight!”

Just when the two of them are ready, skeletons appear one after another from the bamboo grove. The way they fight depends on the equipment of the individual. If the person who died has a sword, the skeleton can use it without wasting it and if the person doesn’t have anything, it will try to fight with its bare hands.

It’s just a bone but it indeed has wisdom.

“Hey, with Shinichi’s skill, you can make a skeleton belong to you right?”

“Hn? You mean with Familiar Creation?”

I’m surprised at Erna’s unexpected words. Familiars refer to family members and relatives but sometimes, it seems to refer to slaves and subordinates. If that’s really the case, there is a good chance that it will work on these skeletons.

Everything is a gamble.

I tried to use the skill Familiar Creation on one of the skeletons. A window opened up in my field of view with a red gauge. The red gauge, which was 100% before begins to be pushed by a green gauge. The red gauge was pushed by the green gauge from 80% to 50%, and finally, the green gauge became 100%.

It’s about two seconds.

Kata…kata…kata…

A skeleton rebels and begins to attack its allies.

I immediately appraised that skeleton.

【Appraisal Result: Skeleton: Skeleton refers to a magical beast created by the Undead from a corpse. Its strength varies depending on the physical characteristics of the person when he was still alive. Its bone has a high strength and is useful as a material: Rarity D】

Name:  Skeleton Race:  Homeless Variant Magic attribute:  Darkness Magic:  Shadow Skills: Taijutsu A (Intermediate), Hardening (Intermediate), Soul Eating Control Rate: 100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka

The control rate and so on is displayed on its status. Then, the gauge I mentioned earlier may be the rule from where the skeleton and my ego were competing.

It’s quite interesting.

I tried to make the other skeletons into my familiars and I was able to put the ten skeletons under my control. Perhaps because they became Homeless Variants, their bodies turned black in the blink of an eye.

“Did the skeletons become our companion?”

Erna asks the question while piercing the skeleton that does not make even a slight movement. Pero must have thought that he would fight so he looked a little uninterested.

“Yeah, the skeletons now became my familiars. I’ll make the remaining ten bodies into my familiar too.”

“But you can’t make as many as you want, right?”

“I don’t know that yet. I may or may not be able to do it. I won’t know until I try it out.”

With that, I also tried to make the remaining ten bodies that appeared into my familiars. The result is a great success. I succeeded in taking control of as many as 20 skeletons.

“Kata-kata-kata”

The skeletons stabbed one of their knees on the ground and knelt before me. Apparently they are waiting for an order.

“All right then, guide me to the stairs.”

“Kata-kata-kata”

The twenty skeletons begin to walk in front, destroying all the other skeletons we meet. With a jet-black body and red lights in their eyes, their power and speed are already different from those of the previous skeleton. In addition, they act faithfully on my given orders.

I decided to name them “Homeless Skeletons”.

At that moment, I feel that something is being sucked up.

【Appraisal Result: Homeless skeleton: Higher rank of a skeleton. It is a new race born from Shinichi Tanaka’s familiar. Its power is ten times than that of a general skeleton: Rarity B】

Name:  Homeless Skeleton Race:  Homeless Skeleton Magic attribute:  Darkness | No Attribute Magic:  Shadow Skills:  Swordsmanship (Intermediate), Axemanship (Intermediate), Spearmanship (Intermediate), Hammermanship (Intermediate), Archery (Intermediate), Taijustu A (Intermediate), Taijutsu B (Intermediate), Hardening (Intermediate), Soul eating Control Rate:   100% controlled by Shinichi Tanaka

When I appraised the skeletons, their names have changed to Homeless Skeleton. Apparently, I changed something about them.

“In that case, even with one of those weapons, they can perform well.”

I cut down some bamboo then made a bamboo spear by applying a simple process. The skeleton platoon is completed with all of them having spears. I’m planning to let them have a decent weapon eventually, but for now, this should be fine.

“Kata-kata-kata”

The skeletons bowed their heads many times and I can see that they are happy. Looking at them like this, I feel that these skeletons are also cute.

“All right, we’re heading for the stairs!”

After we walked for about two hours, we found a staircase in the middle of the bamboo grove.

“Oh, I’m so tired! Let’s eat soon!”

Erna sprawled down to the ground. Certainly, the time is already around noon. It’s about time for lunch. I took the bamboo shoots out of the bangle and I decided to put them in a pot and boil them.

However, it’s strange as no matter how long I wait, lye does not come out from the bamboo shoots. In Japan, boiling bamboo shoots produces a large amount of lye. By carefully removing it with a ladle, you can eat it deliciously, but it seems that bamboo shoots in this world are different from what I thought of.

When the bamboo shoots are boiled, I tried a bite.

“Mhmm, this is comparable to the finest bamboo shoots I ate a long time ago.”

In the meantime, I also sprinkled salt on the boiled bamboo shoots and gave it to the two.

“It’s delicious! This crunchy feeling is the best!”

“Yes, it’s delicious.”

Neither of them seems to hate bamboo shoots. Sometimes we may come here to harvest bamboo shoots. But it would be inconvenient if there was no path in this floor. Then a good idea comes to my mind.

“Homeless skeletons, make a path towards the 22nd floor. You guys should be able to do it.”

Having said that, I handed a hoe to one of the skeletons.

“Kata-kata-kata”

The skeletons bowed and immediately began to make a path. Those with a sword cut down the bamboos and the one with a hoe dig up the root. The cut down bamboos were then hammered into the ground, they are working to make a simple fence.

“Undead employees are the best.”

They don’t need to eat or ask for breaks. They won’t even need a salary or sleep. Thinking about it carefully, they are probably the best manpower to have. Such human resource is what I wanted when I was a president.

These skeletons are the best. Long live my familiars!

After the break, we went down the stairs leading to the 24th floor. The next level is a place like a meadow on one side. Horse-like creatures run through it and bird-like creatures fly over the high ceilings.

When I opened the map, this level was written as “Livestock farm”. I think the Great Mage is a gourmet just like me. Somehow, I feel that Moore’s personality becomes apparent.

“It’s a large and comfortable place!”

Erna lies down on the grasslands and Pero also imitated her.

“Hey, Let’s take a break later. Let’s go find the livestock farm on this level first.”

“Ye-s”

“Wauu”

We then set out to investigate the twenty-fourth floor.

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

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