Category: Homeless Tensei: Isekai De Jiyuu Sugiru Majutsu Jisoku Seikatsu

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

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

“Maybe because dwarf race has a strong heart.”

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

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

“Gyaaaaaaa! A lot of them came out!”

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

“Hey! Elder, what happened inside?”

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

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

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

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

“Shinichi, wait!! Don’t leave me.”

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

“Guruaaa!”

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

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

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

“Let me do the finishing blow.”

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

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

“I know.”

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

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

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

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

“I can hear something.”

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

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

“Guruaaaaaaaaa!!”

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

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

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

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

“Gurgaaaa!”

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

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

“I know!”

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

It’s like a cannon.

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

“Guruaa!”

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

“Rock wall!”

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

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

“Guruaaa!”

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

But it was a bad move.

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

“Shadow bind!”

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

“Gu… ga…?”

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

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

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

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

It’s a decent harvest.

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

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

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

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

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

“Shinichi what are you doing?”

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

“Hmm… then, isn’t this good?”

Erna brought a green metal pillar from somewhere.

“This is?”

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

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

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

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

“Shinichi! Look at this!”

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

“Is it a metal?”

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

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

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

It certainly is an Adamantite, as she says.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A male dwarf calls out and then I reply,

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

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

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

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

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

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Imperial Palace, Audience Room

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

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

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

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

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

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

“No! Father!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Then, give that command to this Grandal.”

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

“Should that be entrusted to the eldest daughter?”

The eldest daughter, Rezena, steps forward.

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

The fourth son, Nell also shows up.

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

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

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

「「「「As you will」」」」」

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

“You can go.”

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

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

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

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

Karl stopped moving.

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

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

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

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

『Isn’t I right in front of you? 』

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

“M-Monster!”

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

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

“Hiiii-, d-dragon!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

『Absurd!』

“S-Sorry! Please forgive me!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

　◇◇◇

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

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

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

Gakon

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

“I…. can’t move anymore…”

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

“Hey, are you okay!?”

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

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

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

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

“No. The cause is this.”

Erna hands Moore’s pocket watch to me.

Hn? It’s due to the clock?

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

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

She dread the tough training she received.

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

“Un”

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

“I’m feeling much better! Thank you!”

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

I used Analysis skill on Erna.

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

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

It’s such a tremendous growth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

She asked Moore?

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

“Try swallowing this!”

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

“It’s fine, just do it!”

I swallowed the fire magic stone as Erna states.

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

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

“How is it? Did an attribute appear?”

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

“Eh?! What’s with the homeless race!”

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

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

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

“I didn’t say to that extent.”

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

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

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

“Should I carry you on my back?”

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

“Brrrrrrrr”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A few hours after we left the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Alright, shall we go?”

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

“…What are you doing?”

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

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

“Don’t fall! I can’t fly!”

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

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

“It was such a long and steep road…”

“You just got on my back you know.”

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

“This is the deepest part huh”

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

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

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

“When will the two of them come out?”

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

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

The old man laughs at my question.

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

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

“Shinichi, let me practice!”

“But we don’t have much time…”

“Please! It’s my lifetime wish!”

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

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

“Yey! Thank you Shinichi!”

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

Gakon.

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

“…!? You!!”

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

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

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

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

“What was that just now?”

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

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

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

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

“Then I should take about five hours.”

“I’ll hand this over to you.”

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

“I’ll keep it then.”

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

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

　◇

“Uh-, it’s dark. Light”

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

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

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

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

“Someday, Detective Erna will solve that mystery.”

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

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

Creak.

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

“Is it reacting to the pocket watch?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Recorded video?”

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

I was shocked by the unexpected development.

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

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

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

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

“Magical art…”

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

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

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

“But how do I develop my imagination…”

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

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

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

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

But what is the reverse attribute?

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

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

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

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

“But my attributes are only up to six…”

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

“Eh!? Swallow magic stones!?”

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

“I should swallow this huh…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Darkness in white!”

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

Yellow and white.

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

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

“Lightning… Lightning… Is it earth?”

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

“Ugh! uh- It’s cold!?”

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

“The attribute of white is ice! Fireball!”

The white ball was extinguished by the fireball.

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

When Moore applauded, a hundred balls appeared this time.

I’m horrified seeing that.

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

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

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

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“Buhahahaha! So that’s why you’re in Rock Kingdom! Aye, you’ve been forced into a troublesome job!”

Dhal laughs while eating a roasted lizard.

After reuniting with Earth Fang, we decided to eat together for the time being. We went to a suitable restaurant but all the dishes on the table were so heaped that they could spill out of the bowl. It’s known to be the standard size but it’s quite plenty.

“So why is Earth Fang here anyway?”

“This is my hometown. It’s normal to go home to see the faces of my parents you know. Well, this time I came to get a new weapon.”

Dhal held the axe on his back in his hand. It looks like an iron axe but it’s different in size and design from what he had before.

“Is it a new axe?”

“No, this was handed over to me instead. The new one is in the process of being made after all.”

“I see, then what happened to your previous axe?”

“I used it as a material for my new axe. It would be a waste to put my hard-working companion to sleep in the warehouse so I decided for it to be remade and become my companion again.”

According to the details, since before, Dhal’s weapon has been made by a blacksmith in the Rock Kingdom. The blacksmith he knew in particular seemed to be good at it. His previous axe was also made by that blacksmith. As I’ve heard from the rumors, dwarves seem to be a race suitable for blacksmithing.

“By the way, Shinichi how are you going to meet the Dwarves’ King?”

“What do you mean?”

“The king of this kingdom hates the Royal family of your kingdom. He doesn’t even receive letters from them, let alone a meeting.”

“The Royals again huh…”

The Royal family of Rogas Kingdom seems to be hated by dwarves too. I feel like asking King Rogas what on earth did he do. However, I cannot just turn back after I came this far. It’s a hassle but there is no choice but to clear this problem.

“Don’t you know a good way?”

“Two gold coins.”

After saying that, Dhal extended his hands to me. There is a way but he is saying that it cannot be taught for free. He’s pretty cunning. I have no choice but to do so huh. I then handed two gold coins to Dhal.

“Alright, I’ll let you meet the Dwarves’ King! Leave it to me!”

Dhal stand up and we also followed suit. We went to the counter of the store like that and he started talking with the store owner.

“Ten sake barrels. I’m asking for the most delicious one.”

“Okey dokey”

Then with rolling sound, the shopkeeper rolls the barrels from the back of the store and brings them inside. In the meantime, we start loading the barrels on the wagon that Dhal brought from somewhere. Right after that, Roy and Nina get on the wagon and Dhal immediately sits in the coachman’s seat. We decided to ride our unicorn and follow from behind.

“That huge castle is the house of the Dwarves’ King. It looks amazing but it’s not really very comfortable to live in.”

I can see a palace built of gray stone in the direction Dhal pointed at. Its appearance is rustic, an unadorned building type or a fortress I should say. Once the wagon on which Dhal and his companions are riding stops at the entrance of the castle, they start moving immediately after having a little conversation with the gatekeeper. It’s almost like a face pass.

I felt doubtful when I saw such scene. When the wagon arrived at the entrance of the castle, we unloaded the liquor barrel from the wagon. Then he briskly goes inside the castle while holding the barrel.

“Oiii! I’m here!”

Dhal shouted as he opened the big door. From the door, I can see a man sitting on the throne and a few young women around him. Apparently we’ll be having an audience here.

“Ooooh! If it isn’t Dhal! It’s been a long time!”

“Yeah, more than anything, Dodol looks to be doing well. Let’s have a reunion greeting shall we?”

Then Dhal and the man walked up to each other and they suddenly began to beat each other. As the man’s heavy blow hits Dhal’s abdomen, Dhal likewise hits the man’s face. After violently exchanging blows for around five times, they then hugged each other.

“It looks like your power isn’t weakening!”

“Idiot! I’m still in my thirties! I’m still vigorous!”

Ah, this is what you call man’s friendship. I long for such relationship too.

“Men are so stupid… I don’t understand the meaning of hitting each other.”

Erna was dumbfounded. When I look closely, Roy and Nina were also smiling. Sigh, Erna still hasn’t understood the conversation between men. We talk with our fist. No words are needed.

“Oi, put the sake barrel here.”

At that instruction, Dhal placed the barrel he was holding in his hands in front of the man. When he opened the barrel, he smiled broadly at Dhal.

“Sake huh. That means you have a request.”

“Yeah, considering our friendship, I want you to hear this out. Oi, Shinichi.”

Called by Dhal, I come forward. He will introduce me now huh.

“This is my childhood friend Dodol. Well, as you can see from his appearance, he is the king of this kingdom.”

“Oh, I’m Dodol, the king of this kingdom. Nice to meet you.”

The King of the Dwarves shakes hands with me. It’s such a very friendly atmosphere, probably because I am introduced by Dhal. However, the problem will be what we’ll talk next. Hooh-, I’m a little nervous.

“This is Shinichi Tanaka. He’s an adventurer in Rogas Kingdom.”

“Adventurer huh. But I don’t really understand why you need to come to me.”

Dodol scratches his head as he stared at me. Dhal gazed at the women in the room. Dodol, who immediately noticed the situation, ordered the women,

“I have an important matter to talk about, get out of this room.”

The women bowed to him and quietly left the room. Even so, those dwarven women could be said to be as young as elementary school students. If there’s a lolicon here, he must be very pleased.

“So, what’s the matter?”

“Rather than me saying it, it would be quicker to hear it from Shinichi. I was just asked to let him have an audience with you.”

Dodol then faced to me. I quickly took the letter out of the bangle and give it to Dodol.

“Isn’t this… you’re a messenger from the Rogas’ Royal family?”

“I was also just ordered to do this. Rather than that, does Dodol know the movement of the empire?”

“Don’t think I’m an idiot. I’m still the king of dwarves. I know that the empire is preparing for war.”

“Then, have they already proceed to invade?”

“I only know it to the extent of rumors. The empire is making the kingdom submit, right?”

If he knows that much, it’s easy to persuade him then. Rock Kingdom wouldn’t want to lose to the empire either.

“Since you already know so much, why don’t you make a move? If the kingdom is taken, it’s just nearby, right? Are the dwarves willing to be dominated by the Dragoneuts? Isn’t it necessary to suppress the empire at this early stage?”

“Kuu… I know that much but I’m the one who would lose if I helped those Rogas folks. Shouldn’t you cry to your ally, Sanargia?”

“Of course we’re asking Sanargia for reinforcements as well. However, that alone wouldn’t be a match for the empire. They’ve been building up their forces all this time. Humans and elves alone will be having a hard time repelling them. Furthermore, when you desert the two kingdom, the Rock Kingdom will fall as well. The Rock Kingdom borders the Kingdom and the Great Forest Kingdom after all. It is very unlikely that this kingdom will be able to withstand being attacked from two directions.”

“…………”

Dodol sits silently on the throne. His face shows that he seemed to be worried about something.

“What are you worried about?”

“…I hate the Rogas’ Royal family. I even think that it’s okay to die than helping them.”

“Then help me. Sanargia also said that they would cooperate with me.”

“You? I’m sorry to say this, but I’m not confident that I can trust humans. If you can give evidence that you won’t betray us, then I can believe you.”

This time, I’m the one troubled. Even if I am told to give credible evidence, I don’t have it. If there is such a thing in the first place, I have already put it out.

“In that case, whether you can trust me or not, you have to give it a try.”

“Hoh-, interesting. Let’s get on with that matter then.”

Dodol tore the letter he held. Although I felt tense in my mind, I pretended to be calm and questioned him.

“Why did you tore it?”

“It’s not worth seeing a letter from King Rogas. Rather than that, I will consider our cooperation depending on whether I can trust you or not. If the result is pointless, consider that there’s no talk about this.”

“……Understood”

Dodol claps his hands then the door was opened and a soldier came in.

“Bring that thing from the warehouse.”

“As you wish”

After waiting for a while, two soldier carefully carried a wooden box inside. They quietly placed it in front of Dodol, then the soldiers left the room right after.

“This is the hammer of Dartan I, the first king of the Dartan Rock Kingdom.”

When I opened the lid of the wooden box, there was a hammer that was snapped from the base. Moreover, the surface became rusted, reminiscent of its years.

What should I do with this?

“Try fixing this hammer. If you can repair it, I’ll consider cooperating.”

“Would you like me to take it home?”

“No. Repair it here. I won’t allow you to melt it to remake it. You have to restore it back in front of me. If you can’t, this talk is over.”

It seems that he really doesn’t want to send reinforcements. Perhaps he is thinking of making me give up by giving such difficult task. But of course, this is an easy feat for me.

I then activated the restoration space, at the same time, I placed the hammer inside and wait for a while. Then, the tattered hammer begins to regain the luster of a new one, the broken part is also glued as if it were regenerated in reverse. The hammer was then restored in about five minutes.

“O-Oii… this is a lie, right?”

“I think it’s fixed, but do check it as you please.”

Dodol was at loss for words. When I look closely, everyone, except Erna, were frozen with their mouth open. Dodol cautiously grabbed the hammer.

“There’s no mistake… it’s completely fixed. This is amazing!”

“That thing just now is my magic. I can restore anything.”

“Seriously!? Then, please fix the throne too! I was distressed because I broke this front backrest!”

I restored the throne as he ordered, Dodol then brought in broken objects one after another and had them repaired. Some of them seem to be the queen’s tiara, and I’m wondering how it split into two like this.

“Iya~! Shinichi is amazing! I am impressed!”

“That’s good, then can you trust me now?”

“Of course! You can’t doubt the guy who restored the national treasure! Dartan Rock Kingdom decides to send reinforcements to the kingdom for friendship with Shinichi Tanaka! This is my decision!”

Dodol sits down on the floor and then he held the barrel and began to drink vigorously. Perhaps he is in a good mood, he tries to give me a wooden bowl and urged me to drink sake. Because it can’t be helped, I took a drink then I felt hot around my stomach when I swallowed it. It’s been a long time, it seemed that my internal organs were also pleased with the sake.

By the way, I’m already an adult in this world so drinking is not a problem. Well, there seems to be no law in this world to crack down on underage drinking in the first place. Suddenly, it came to my mind when I look at Erna.

“By the way, Sanargia will also participate in the war, is that all right?”

“I’ll put up with it. Seeing the face of those elves is repulsive but it’s not that we would want to kill each other. It doesn’t matter as long as we fight separately.”

I’m not sure why, but the dwarves and elves seem to hate each other.

Erna, who’s listening quietly, desperately tries to hide her face and ears with her hat. She looks cute like this but it may be better to leave the castle as soon as possible.

“Alright then, we have to go to the next kingdom, so do excuse me.”

“Oh, my best regards to the Beast King then.”

“Alright, see you again.”

As soon as we left the room, I questioned Dhal,

“What Beast King?”

“He is the King of Naji Republic. I’ve heard that dwarves are on good terms with beastmen and Dodol is also a drinking buddy of the Beast King.”

“Then, the next place is to go to the beastman’s kingdom huh…”

Upon leaving the castle, I thank the Earth Fang again.

“It’s thanks to the Dhal that the negotiation was successful. Thank you.”

“That’s okay. Unlike us, adventurers who does it out of hobby, you’re taking on an important job. It’s just a little help from me.”

Dhal laughs loudly. If that’s the case, I would really like to say that he should return the gold coins, but I’ll let it go as this time it was tough without Dhal’s mediation. After all, I should be grateful here.

“Ah that’s right! I have to tell Erna that.”

Dhal called Erna and pointed to the mountain seen from the city.

“There is a place in the mountain over there where Moore used to train. It may be too early for a fledgling mage like you, but since you’ve come this far, you might as well go see it.”

“There is Moore’s training ground over there… Thank you Dhal!”

“O-Okay. No need to say thanks.”

Dhal approaches me and speaks in a whisper like tone.

“What’s wrong with that clumsy mage? She’s become quite obedient, hasn’t she?”

“Various things happened in her hometown. It means that she has grown up.”

“Well, that failure has become a full-fledged person… Not good! I’m likely to sweat from my eyes. Alright then, we’ll be heading back. See you in the kingdom.”

Dhal held his face with his left hand and then he left with Roy and Nina. I think the growth of Erna, who is like a daughter to him, is quite gratifying. Even I myself was also about to cry. As I get older, my tears become brittle, aye, I am in trouble.

“Then let’s go to the training ground!”

“Alright.”

We decided to head to Moore’s training ground.

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

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“Don’t go! You can’t go!”

“Release me! I have to go!”

At the front door of the mansion, the father and daughter pair were making such a racket. Lord Frederia clings to Erna’s waist and desperately tries to hold her back. However, Erna forcefully moves forward one step at a time and she steadily approaches the front door.

The spectator, me and the Lady, can only be exasperated at such scene.

“Why don’t you just give up? Erna is already nineteen years old. She’s old enough to live well by herself.”

“No! My adorable Erna won’t go anywhere! The successor of this house can only be Erna who evolved into a founder elf!”

“Haah-…”

The lady sighs loudly.

As the audience with the Queen and the sacred tree was now done, my task here is also completed so we decided to leave Sanargia. From the start, I didn’t plan to stay here for a long time so it was convenient for me that the matter was settled quickly. That was why I’d like to leave right away, but the problem is as you can see.

The love of Erna’s father for her has indeed gone over the top.

Based from the story that I heard, of her three sisters, it seems that Erna is the one close with her father. And when she left the house, he cried his eyes out, enough to form a puddle. Furthermore, because Erna informed her parents that she has evolved into a founder elf, it was immediately decided that Erna would take over the Frederia family. That’s also one of the reasons why her father was pretty much riled up now.

Well, founder elves are the symbol of the sacred tribe in Sanargia after all. Along with the sacred tree, they were the ones who started and created this kingdom, which then became the starting point of the elf race. On top of that, Erna is the only currently confirmed founder elf. So even if it’s not her father, someone will also try to keep her here.

“You will succeed the Frederia family! I won’t allow you to be an adventurer!”

“No! I’m going to be a great mage! I want to be even more famous and become a great adventurer!”

It seems that Erna is a little stronger than him. She gradually dragged his father as Erna approaches the front door. Her outstretched hand was now about to grab the doorknob.

“Rock wall!”

With the magic of her father, a rock wall appeared before the front door. It cut-off Erna’s path and it blocked the door which was just within her reach.

“Father that’s mean!”

“Kuhahahaha! We are mages, the wiser one wins!”

“Is that so? Here I go then! Fireball!”

After Erna swings her staff, many softball-sized fireballs appeared. The fireballs then hit the rock wall directly and the front door was blown off along with the rock wall and such a huge hole was opened up.

“Damn! That power is a foul!”

“Well, I’m a founder elf! Father’s magic can’t be compared to mine!”

I think this should be stopped, but I can’t find the right words to mediate between them. Besides, I don’t think other people can just intervene in a squabble between a parent and child.

“That reminds me, you guys have an agreement during your duel right?”

Lady Frederia right next to me nudged me with her elbow.

Ah-, I see… That agreement can be effectively used here. I then spoke to Erna’s father.

“Lord Frederia, do you recall our duel?”

“What is it this time? I’m busy right now, let’s talk later.”

“I can’t do that. You see, Lord Frederia and I promised that the one who lost in the duel would agree to the demands of the other party and, since I won… You understood what I meant right?”

“Don’t tell me…”

Lord Frederia’s face turns blue.

Yes, it’s precisely that.

“As her parent, I would like you to approve of Erna as an adventurer. Adventure is a part of an adventurer’s work you see. It will be against our agreement if you stop her.”

“Noooooooooo! Erna is my adorable daughter! I don’t approve of it! That agreement is now invalid!”

He clings to Erna like a child. The Lady who was watching the situation swings her staff and then Lord Frederia’s eyes rolled and with a thud, he collapses on the floor.

“Alright, go on. I’ll take care of the rest so don’t hesitate to go on an adventure.”

“Thanks Mother.”

Erna hugged her mother and then she rushed out of the front door. After giving a bow, I followed Erna and went outside.

“Shinichi, here are the unicorns!”

Erna is pulling the reins of the two unicorns and brought them to me. We hopped on them immediately and we then left the Frederia Family’s residence.

“What was the magic used in your father a while ago?”

“That’s my mother’s original magic. I don’t really know much about it, but she often uses that magic on father.”

“Original magic?”

Lord Frederia said that when he became a master-class mage, he could freely use magic. That is probably his original magic too. If so, magic can be an even more useful force, well, depending on how you use it of course. It is a technique that I want Erna to learn as well.

“I have a question, Erna can you also create original magic?”

“It’s difficult right now. Rumor has it that master-class mage will have special training, but I don’t know how to do it, besides, I’m not yet that skilled on magic manipulation.”

“Special training huh… Is it not that easy to get?”

I was only able to ask till that part. I stopped talking as we are now about to leave the city.

“He—y, stop!”

A soldier was waving at the exit of the city. Seeing his face, it was that Kevin guy, the childhood friend of Erna. We then made the unicorns stop. Kevin rushed to Erna and speaks to her.

“Erna! Are you leaving the city already!? You just came back!”

“Yeah. We are already done with our business here so we are now leaving.”

“That’s—!!”

Kevin was so shocked that he even held his head.

“Is that it? We are in a hurry you see.”

“W-Wait! Then, the next time you come back, uhm, w-will you go on a date with me!?”

“Date?”

After thinking for a minute, Erna replies with a smiling face.

“I don’t know when I’ll be back, and I can’t afford to do something like that now… I’m sorry.”

“I-I see…”

Kevin looks at me with hatred. Perhaps… does Kevin and others think that I’m dating Erna? That’s a big misunderstanding.

“Alright then, see you again Kevin.”

Erna then urged her unicorn to run. I immediately urged my unicorn to run as well and then we quickly moved far away from the entrance of the city.

“That young man seemed to have a good personality. Are you fine not going out on a date with him?”

“I’m not interested in Kevin. I can’t think of going out with anyone unless that person is at least more capable than you Shinichi.”

“A person that surpasses me huh. I think someone like that exists out there, but I don’t know if you can meet one that easily.”

I’m not being proud here, but I’m still confident in my strength and wisdom. Finding a person who is better than me would probably be hard. I’m worried that Erna will be late in getting married.

“…Stupid Shinichi.”

“Hn? I’m not stupid, I was even reputed to be a man with a sharp mind you know.”

Erna rolled her eyes. Why was she making an eye roll? Really, I’m not stupid.

“Forget it.”

Erna resigned herself to something and then she made her unicorn speed up more.

◇

As we cross the mountains, the dense trees ultimately reduced in number. Gradually, the number of large rocks began to increase and then I began to see rocky mountains on the cliffs. Further along the road, we arrived at a mountainous area with wide grasslands.

“It seems that the dwarves’ kingdom is just ahead of here.”

“Dartan Rock Kingdom right? By the way, why wear your hat that deeply?”

Erna wore her purple pointed hat so deeply that even I couldn’t see her face. Her appearance give me a sense of discomfort.

“I guess you have forgotten that the elves and dwarves are not on good terms.”

“Ah-, I did heard something like that.”

That was when I introduced myself to the members of the Earth Fang. Roy considerately taught me why Dhal and Erna were always arguing.

“But Dhal was someone who likes to look after the others, he also took care of you, right? Isn’t all dwarves like that?”

“They are completely different. Dhal has lived in the kingdom for a long time, so unlike the other dwarves, he is kind to other races. But the dwarves in the Rock Kingdom are different. When an outsider comes, their response towards them is always cold and they especially ban elves from entering.”

“So to hide your ears, you decided to wear your hat huh.”

I was convinced. They probably hate them a lot that’s why there’s even an entry ban on elves. I want to know what happened in the past, but the first question is whether Erna can enter the city safely. While thinking about that, a magical beast that I had never seen before, popped out from the bush in the direction of our travel.

“Gugyaun!”

Its height is about 1m. Its body is covered with stone-like skin, the mouth has sharp fangs, and the ears are also sharp. At first glance, it looked like a fiend, much like the gargoyles built in a Western-styled building.

I immediately used my analysis skill.

【Analysis Result: Gargoyle: They eat various rocks and metals, especially iron and silver. It is said that the wings on its back are prepared not for flying but for gliding from high places: Rarity C】

【Status】 Name:  Gargoyle Race:  Gargoyle Magic Attribute:  Earth Magic:  Rock Arrow Skills: ▹Intermediate: Fang Strengthening, Hardening, Separation ▹Beginner: Nail Strengthening Evolution: Does not meet the conditions <Requirements: Fang Strengthening (Special Grade), Physical Strength Enhancement (Intermediate), Hardening (Special Grade), Separation (Special Grade) >

“As I can see, it really is a gargoyle huh.”

After I made the unicorn stop, I alight from the horse and stepped on the ground. Erna on the other hand began to watch the surroundings for other enemies.

“Gugaaa!”

The Gargoyle bares his fangs and jumps at me. However, its movement appears to be slow. Contrary to its appearance, it is probably a heavyweight magical beast.

I straight away swing the sword down from above my head and I instantly cut the gargoyle’s body. I moved out of the way as the magical beast that was turned into two (while it was still in the air), fell to the ground.

“Erna, are the materials from a gargoyle expensive?”

“Well, it depends on the location. It seems that it often appears here in Dartan Rock Kingdom, so I think that selling it around here will only fetch a low price.”

“Oh, let’s sell it after we returned to the kingdom then.”

Immediately after I used Skill Picking, I acquired separation skill and then I placed the gargoyle’s corpse inside the bangle. I want to sell the corpse of the magical beast I have in stock somewhere in the city.

It has already been the third day since we left Sanargia, and we have hunted more than 20 magical beasts. I don’t know the extent of the capacity of the bangle but it’s obvious that I’ll be in trouble later if I don’t organize it.

“Okay, let’s resume.”

After I get on the unicorn, we start moving along the road again. Looking up at the sky, bird-like creatures were flying between the towering mountains. And if you look closely, they are griffons. Many were flying in the sky as they cry. Their appearance is imposing and elegant.

“Hmm, that’s…”

I finally saw city on the horizon. Surrounded by an outer wall made of gray stone, the entire city has a strong impression of being a fortress.

That should be Perun, the capital of Dartan Rock Kingdom. As we approached the entrance to the city, two men, who looked like a soldier here, crossed the spear in their hands to block the way.

“The two of you stop! It’s not allowed to bring a magical beast inside this city!”

As expected, we were stopped because of the unicorns. For the time being, I get off the horse and humbly replied to the soldier.

“This is a variant of a unicorn, a magical beast called homeless unicorn. You can think of it as a unicorn in black color. It has the same personality as a normal unicorn.”

“Homeless unicorn? It’s a magical beast I’ve never heard of. But this is pretty good.”

The soldier touches the unicorn’s body. The pitch black coat is illuminated by sunlight and it looks even more beautiful.

“Well, that’s fine then. Don’t let it rampage in the city though.”

The soldiers then made way for us. We succeeded in entering the city safely.

“Oh, this is amazing.”

In the Rock capital, Perun, buildings made of gray stone were lined up in a row. Furthermore, smoke rises from the chimney of each building, and the entire city looks like a factory. On the main street, many wagons loaded with stones were passing by, and a male dwarf wearing gloves and apron was puffing on a pipe of tobacco while looking at the sky.

“Shinichi look! It’s a beastman!”

A man with cat ears was walking in the direction Erna pointed. Although they are not found in Sanargia or in Rogas, beastmen seem to be a race common in this kingdom.

“Ooh~ I’m hungry! We should grab a meal after work!”

I glanced towards that familiar voice. The source of the voice is from the trio coming out of a large building.

“Dhal!”

“Ah?”

When I called out, the bearded dwarf stared at me. And then he grinned.

“Oh, isn’t this Shinichi!”

Dhal runs up to me and I shake hands with him. Behind him are Roy and Nina. I was delighted with the accidental reunion with this Earth Fang trio.

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

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“Fireball!”

Lord Frederia shoots a fireball at the very start of the duel. Of course, I immediately avoided it.

“You can’t escape! Fire Arrow!”

This time, fire arrows are fired at me continuously. Looks like his strategy is to keep me away from him. As I continued to avoid it, the number of fire arrows that are fired at me also increased steadily.

“What’s wrong human!? Didn’t you want to beat me!? Looks like I’ll win in no time! Kuhahaha!”

“It’s not that fun if I end it right away so I’m taking the trouble to prolong this you see. Or, do you really want to lose that badly?”

“This freaking brat! How about this!”

The number of fire arrows has increased further. The arrows shot at once are more than 20 and it is difficult to keep avoiding them like this. I decided to use the wooden sword to defend against the arrow. I ignored the arrows that won’t hit me and using the sword, I only cut the ones that will surely hit me. When the fire arrows were cut by the wooden sword, it made a whooshing sound and it then disappeared. Well, I was worried about the durability of the wooden sword but I am relieved that it did not break as I cut those fire arrow.

“Tsk, for this damn brat to cut magic with a wooden sword. I hate you more and more.”

Lord Frederia stops attacking and uses another spell. With a sharp sound, a blade of wind was emitted from the tip of his staff. It’s an intermediate magic, the air cutter.

“Uh! Not good!”

Air cutter cannot be cut with the wooden sword. I could barely see the wind blade and all I could do is bend my body and avoid it at the last minute. Lord Frederia clicked his tongue when I avoided it and he increased the number of wind blades furthermore. It seems like he really want to chop me up.

“Damn! Stop avoiding it! You should just die quietly!”

“I can’t do that you know. There’s no reason for me to die here either.”

Once I avoided it, the wind blade that passed me cuts down the trees far behind me. It’s so ironic that the beautiful garden is being destroyed by its owner.

“You should stop using the air cutter. How much do you think it will cost to fix the garden?”

Lady Frederia voiced out expressionlessly. Then, Lord Frederia abruptly stiffened, saying, “Ye-Yeah… I’ll stop using it.”

I’ve been thinking about it since I came here, but for this Frederia family, the women seem to hold the upper hand. Still, as she didn’t admonish her husband’s remark, the Lady may also have some thoughts of her own.

“Well, that’s enough for the warm up. Let me show you my real ability as a mage.”

When Lord Frederia raises his staff, magical power is released from his body. Normally, it should be sucked into the staff immediately, but the released magical power accumulated first and then it came back as it is sucked into the staff. Then, the magical power released from the staff changed into a huge serpent-like shape. The surrounding sand and stones are drawn into that magical power eventually forming the body of the serpent. In just a few seconds, a rock serpent was created.

“This is……”

“Are you surprised? This is the power of a master-class mage. Magical power is the power to embody an image. Manipulating magical power outside the frame of magic is the reason for one to be called as a mage.”

Frame of magic huh. That’s probably the magic that Erna usually uses. I am also quite interested in it. The magic of this world is very beginner-friendly and easy to use. To put it more simply, it’s like the magic in a game. Just select it and the magic will be activated.

But, isn’t it too strange?

Lord Frederia continued talking.

“The magic we use is activated according to the laws of the world. It is said that our ancestors interfered and simplified it for other races. In other words, the original magic was more complicated. But we, master-class mages are not bound by it. We can build as much magic depending on the amount of magic and attributes we possess.”

“Hoh-, that’s pretty interesting.”

Hmmm, I assumed that magic was a simple technique to remember but it seemed to be much more profound than I thought. However, I am much more interested in the development of that magical power.

Lord Frederia once tried to cast this existing magic. However, as far as I can see from his movement earlier, I believe that he cancelled it. And by adding yet another image from there, he created a magic different from before it was activated. That’s my conjecture.

“It is not recommended to those who are not a mage to use this technique. It’s a trick that only those who are good at magical operations and those who excel at manipulating magical power can do. Take me as an example, fire, wind, earth, I possess these three attributes, and unless you have a long experience, you won’t be able to do something like this.”

“Well, I’m not really trying to replicate that. I’m not a mage you know.”

“Hmph, it’s a shame that you don’t seem to understand my greatness. Alright, let’s finish this quickly.”

Lord Frederia swings his staff and the rock serpent wriggles and approaches me. It is a fairly large serpent with a total length of about 15m and a body height of nearly 2m. Its speed is not so fast, probably because of its weight. When the big serpent is in front of me, it bared its sharp fangs and swiftly aimed to bite me. I threw the wooden sword on the ground and caught its mouth with both of my hands. Then with all my strength, I throw it all at once.

“Deryaaa!”

With a terrific thud, the serpent struck on the ground and the rocks that made up its body fell apart. Lord Frederia, who was watching the situation, froze with his mouth left wide open. Looking closely, the Lady also seemed to be surprised as her eyes were wide open.

I then picked up the wooden sword on the ground and shake my head.

“It’s surprising that you thought that you could beat me with only that degree of power. I’m still stronger than a high dragoneut, you know?”

“If that’s the case, I won’t be holding back anymore! Flame burst!”

The explosion hits me directly. A bright red flame obscures me and soon, black smoke rises. I then heard Lord Frederia’s laughter.

“Kuhahahahaha! That too much force killed him just now! Farewell, nobody that follows Erna around!”

Addressing me as “nobody” is just…

I am not even enthusiastic about it, besides, Erna was the one who told me that she wants to be friends with me in the first place. Her father misunderstood that part. It’s about time to cool his head.

As I jumped out of the black smoke, I instantly moved in front of Lord Frederia.

“Uh-What!?”

He makes an indescribable voice, but I mercilessly brandished the wooden sword. I aimed at his right collarbone. With a snapping sound, Lord Frederia drops his staff on the ground and shouts in pain.

“Gyaaaaaaa!!?”

“I broke your collarbone. You won’t be able to move your right arm.”

This time, I swung the sword up to break the left collarbone.

“That’s enough!”

It was Lady Frederia who stopped me. As she approaches Lord Frederia, she casts healing magic and begins treatment.

“It’s a perfect win for Shinichi.”

Erna rushed to me happily. Apparently, when Lord Frederia let go of the staff, the victor was decided. Well, it will be difficult to turn it around when I am at such close distance. I think it’s the right decision.

“Damn! For a high elf like me, to the likes of this human…!”

After finishing the treatment, Lord Frederia stands up and trembles with anger. Lady Frederia who saw him like that started talking expressionlessly.

“I was also curious in the man that my daughter brought home. Since you are someone with ability to such extent, I have no objection. You should get over it, why don’t you approve of Shinichi-san?”

“I don’t like him! I won’t give Erna to him! I’m firmly opposed of giving my cute daughter to someone who I don’t know the origin!”

“You’re really a stubborn one…”

Hn??? Something is wrong with their conversation…

Why is he saying that he doesn’t want to hand over Erna? I then glanced at Erna.

Erna, the main topic, was blushing and kept silent. In order to not to put this out of control, I’ll have to join their conversation.

“Uhm, it seems like you’re misunderstanding something. I came to Sanargia as a messenger of the Kingdom of Rogas. This is the letter I received from King Rogas.”

I took the letter out of the bangle and give it to the Lady. Actually, I have four letters for this trip. Of course, it’s for each king.

“It’s certainly the signature of King Rogas. So that means that Shinichi-san didn’t came to take Erna then.”

“Why would I do that? I’m an adventurer and I just came to Sanargia for work. I’m not thinking of taking Erna as a wife you know.”

When I said that, Erna puffs her cheeks and hits me with her staff. No matter how I look at that expression, she seemed to be angry.

“I don’t know Shinichi anymore!”

“Why are you angry? Stop hitting me! It hurts!”

I don’t understand how girls this age thinks. Did I say something bad?

“So it’s like that huh. Then you should have said it sooner. Wasn’t it pointless for me to lose to a Human then?”

“Oh, I don’t think it’s pointless. At least it’s clear that he is a human with the ability to beat you, and we now also know that he is a credible person.”

“Uh… it cannot be helped then. I’ll give this letter to the Queen. You guys should follow me.”

Lord Frederia walks somewhere at a brisk pace. We then decided to follow after him. We left the mansion and then we eventually reached the center of the city. There was a dizzying giant tree towering toward the heavens.

“From here on is a sacred place. Rudeness is unacceptable.”

As he said that, the atmosphere near the giant tree become serene, creating a sacred atmosphere. Then, I saw a woman at the base of the tree. Wearing a white dress, her long blonde hair flutters in the wind beautifully.

As Lord Frederia approached the woman, he knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

“Your Majesty, a letter has arrived from the Kingdom of Rogas.”

“Is that so? Give it to me then.”

When the woman addressed as the Queen receives the letter, she opens the content and looks through it. After that, she turned her eyes to me.

“Are you the messenger from the kingdom? What is your name?”

“I’m Shinichi Tanaka. I’m an adventurer in Mana, one of the city in the kingdom.”

The Queen then asks Lord Frederia a question while observing me.

“Right Minister, can we trust this person?”

“I could humbly say that I can trust him. He is a little brusque, but I think he is a person who keeps his promise.”

“…Then I’ll take your word for it.”

“Thank you very much.”

The queen nods lightly. What surprised me more than that was Lord Frederia’s evaluation of me. Even though he was mad at me, I was impressed that he looks at people properly.

We really can’t say that all ministers are rotten.

“If you’re a person we could place our trust to, I will not be afraid to help. If you want reinforcements, I’ll send them to the kingdom right away.”

“However,” the Queen added and looked back at the tree, “Please tell us the correct choice Oh, sacred tree.”

The queen calls out to the giant tree. I tilt my head seeing that situation. It was as if she was talking to a person.

『…This is a race I’ve never seen before. He looks like a human but his core is completely different. 』

A quivering voice resounded. Two eyes open on the trunk of the giant tree, and the its gaze land on me.

I immediately used my analysis skill.

【Analysis Result: World Tree Trent: The longest living sacred beast in existence, it is said to be the outcome of a Trent turned into a sacred beast. The Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom is a nation formed around the World Tree Trent, and their final decision is left to the World Tree Trent: Rarity SL】

【Status】 Name:*** Age:*** Race: World Tree Trent Magic Attribute: *** Magic: *** Skills: *** Evolution:***

This is a trent…?

I couldn’t believe the results of the analysis before my own eyes. Many of the status’ detail are also hidden. It means that I can’t see it with my current level of my skill. Lastly, it’s rarity. The best I saw was SS. In other words, it means super rare.

But what does rarity SL mean?

I can think of SL as Super Legend. When I look at sacred tree, I feel like that’s the correct answer. The sacred beast in front of me is a legendary creature.

『I think it’s good to send reinforcements. As far as I can see, I think he can be trusted. So, I wonder if it would be a plus for this kingdom to lend a helping hand. 』

“We will respect the will of the Sacred Tree. Then, under the authority of the Queen, we will send troops to their kingdom.”

『Yes, do that. 』

The Queen turned to face me and stretched out her right hand. I timidly held her hand.

“Shinichi Tanaka, we Sanargia, will send troops for a friendly relationship with you. Understand that it is not for the royal family of the kingdom.”

“It’s okay with me, as long as you send reinforcements. I have something to ask though. Why doesn’t Sanargia try to help the kingdom of its ally? I’m not pleased with that you see.”

“That’s a good point. Of course, it’s true that Sanargia looks down on the Kingdom of Rogas, but the main reason is the royal family of Rogas. They took it for granted that we can help them. They even insulted us, who had helped them many times. That’s the reason why Sanargia decided not to help the kingdom again.”

I would like to talk with the Lord of Mana and Duke Medil about this different story. I haven’t heard that the royal family offended Sanargia. But if this is the real case, it is self-made that the kingdom is in crisis. The king, whom I’ve never seen his face, felt insulted and took offence I guess.

“Alright, I’ll ask for reinforcements using the friendship between me and Sanargia. I swear that it’s not for the royal family.”

“In that case I can comfortably send out the army.”

I exchanged firm handshake with the Queen. However, this is their response because we are allies. I’m quite nervous to think about how the other three kingdoms would respond.

This trip will be tough.

『Right, I’ll give this to Tanaka-kun.』

The sacred tree moved its huge arm, which I think is a part of its trunk, and began to touch the area around its head. After a while, the huge arm drops a branch.

“This is?”

『I think it will be useful for something.』

“Well then, I’ll be happy to take it.”

Although it is a branch, its size is ridiculous. Just by its width, a two-story single-family home is likely to fit in it. I then stored it in the bangle.

『As expected, you have a sacred treasure with you.』

“Sacred treasure?”

I feel doubts when I heard the muttering of the sacred tree. When I was about to ask what the sacred treasure was, Lord Frederia called me.

“It’s about time to go. You don’t have any business here anymore right?”

“Uh, yeah…”

I felt a painful reluctance but I decided to leave the sanctuary for the time being.

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

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Since I will be staying at the house of Erna’s parents, I decided to do some information gathering in the city for the time being. Of course, Erna is with me.

“Shinichi, let’s go back to the mansion …”

“What are we going to do if we go back there now? The sun is still high up in the sky, besides it will be useful if I investigate the current state of affair in this kingdom.”

Erna is hiding behind me. It seems like she is afraid to meet an acquaintance. Well, it’s not that I don’t understand that feeling. I too was afraid to encounter an acquaintance during that time when I became a homeless. The sight of “that” Shinichi Tanaka reduced to poverty and being laughed at flashed through my mind. However, reality is often different from what you imagine. Nobody cares about me and what happens to me doesn’t matter to them at all. That is the reality. And that is how the society is.

However, that’s where me and Erna differ from each other. In her case, it is not a downfall. She returned to her hometown with a strength to prove herself superior. All she has to do is wave her hand and grandly inform them of her return.

“Be more imposing. Are you not a special-ranked mage? Or, is it that you are not going to be a great mage anymore?”

“I’ll become one! I’m going to be a great mage!”

Erna jumps out in front of me and replied in a loud voice. As a result, the people around us saw Erna and they started talking about her.

“Isn’t that the failure child of the Frederia family? If I’m not mistaken, I heard that she can only use a beginner magic but…”

“For being a failure she dared to come back huh. But, why is she dressed as a special-ranked mage?”

“Well, although she’s a failure child of a distinguished family, she comes back often. She can’t hold a candle to Melissa-sama and Clara-sama though.”

I can hear the noisily gossiping voices in the city. Somehow I figured out why Erna left this kingdom.

“A…uh-…”

Erna, who has a good hearing, can also hear all those voices. No, the citizens of this city are deliberately having a conversation about her. Born into a well-known mage’s family, Erna may have been expected to be a talented one by the people of this kingdom. However she couldn’t live up to that expectation. So gradually, the people turned that pity into anger and contempt, and then they attacked her as if Erna’s lack of talent was a sin. So in the end, Erna left this kingdom. Thus it was only natural for her to stay away from her hometown.

I felt anger towards the citizens of this kingdom. I want to show those who are talking to each other how strong Erna is as a mage. I want them to feel guilty and offer her an apology. I talk to Erna in a voice that could be heard all over the city.

“Erna defeated more than a hundred dragoneuts of the empire! And the extraordinary magic you casted on Bezel, one of the Empire’s royalty was awesome! Perhaps even in the next hundred years, the empire will never forget Erna Frederia of Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom! Ah-, I really envy Sanargia for that!”

“S-Shinichi?”

Erna was perplexed by my sudden remark. The residents of the city who heard that story noisily talked to each other. It is now different from before, it appears that they were dumbfounded hearing that Erna has defeated more than a hundred dragoneuts.

I spoke a little exaggeratedly but the outcome of the battle was not a lie. Well, I also used my dictatorship skill. Dictatorship is about catching people’s hearts. My words would move the hearts of many. And yeah, the effect was immediate.

“Erna-sama! You really were a wonderful person! Let me apologize for what I said so far!”

“Erna-sama is indeed a promising lady of Sanargia! I apologize for the misunderstanding all this time!”

“As expected of Erna-sama of the Frederia family! I’ve always believed that you are a great person!”

The citizens gather around Erna. They praised her and offered her an apology. I borrowed the power of the skill but I am satisfied that it all came back to the proper place.

“That’s a lie!”

There came an angry voice that I and the citizens turned to look at it. The source of that voice was a group of five women.

“Erna is a failure mage who can only use beginner magic! We, as her classmates know that well!”

One out of the five of them, a woman with short brown hair in a natural perm, was pointing at Erna with unconcealed anger on her face. I can tell that she is an advanced ranked mage as she’s wearing a red robe. The other four also wore either red or orange mage robes.

“I’m already a special-ranked mage! I can use a special-grade magic properly!”

Erna came forward and then she replied back to the five women. The five of them instantaneously jeered at her as if they were waiting for it.

“Then try using magic! What? Is that get-up all a bluff!? Bah! It appears that it’s not possible for you to do it, just lick Feria-sama’s shoes!”

“I’ll show it as you wish! Witness how good my current abilit― h-hey, Shinichi!”

I stopped Erna and I whispered to her to calm down. This is because it seemed like she’s going to use flare zone in the city as it is.

“Calm down. Do you want to use your magic to destroy your hometown?”

“But they are saying that I can’t use magic…”

“Don’t use special magic for the time being. There may be a smarter way than that.”

“Smarter way…? Oh-, that’s what you are saying huh. Understood.”

Erna moves forward again and then she raises her staff and activates magic. Spheres of fire, water, wind, earth, darkness and light appeared around her. They circle and float around Erna. Not only the five women but also the citizens had their mouths in agape as they stared fixedly at the scene.

“I-Impossible… manipulating the six attributes… t-there’s clearly something wrong here!”

“Then, will you try receiving an advanced magic of all six attributes? Will you believe it by then?”

Erna freely manipulates her magic and a fearless smile was shown on her face. I who knew her status know that it wouldn’t be possible. However, those five women didn’t know that so they believed that it was true. They screamed and run away.

When Erna erased the magic, the citizens of the city gave her a round of applause. Well it’s as expected. Because other than Erna, there are no other six-attribute possessor in this Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom. In other words, being one is an extremely rare existence. On top of that, she is also a special-ranked mage. Even if she is not a resident of Sanargia, they would have praised her.

“I… I’m glad I came back …”

“Right?  You don’t have to run away you know.”

I put my hand on Erna’s shoulder and she nodded in assent. Right, there is nothing she needs to be afraid of. She can dignifiedly call herself a mage. If someone stands her way, she can just beat them down.

“Shall we go on then?”

“Yup!”

We walked to the center of the city to gather information.

◇

“It’s such a waste to feed a human but today, I still prepared a special high-quality meat. Think of it as your last supper and savour it well.”

Erna’s father, Lord Frederia, said that with a smirk on his face and a glass of wine in one hand. We are currently eating at the dining room. If possible, I didn’t want to share the same table as her father but I can’t avoid it since I was invited as a guest.

“Thanks to Lord Frederia for his kindness. Then I’d like to have a taste of that fine meat.”

After we ate the appetizer, the next thing that was brought in was a big steak. There’s a sizzling and thick meat dripping a large amount of juice on the iron plate. When I cut it with the knife and put it in my mouth, I can’t help but groan at its softness. It is as delicious as A5 rank beef.

“How is it? It’s delicious right? It’s the beef of the phantom sweet cattle that Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom is proud of. When you put it in your mouth, the fat melts on your tongue and the sweetness and umami enhance the deliciousness of the meat many times. It’s a high-class meat that ordinary people like you can’t even dream of eating in your whole life.”

Lord Frederia persistently tries to mock me. On the contrary, Lady Frederia is having a meal while having a pleasant conversation with Erna. Erna’s two other sisters also came to this place so a total of six people, including me and her father, surround the table.

“I’m surprised that Erna brought a man with her. She’s usually very timid so I thought she’ll be a late bloomer in that aspect.”

It was Melissa, the eldest daughter, who chuckled after saying that. She had her long blonde hair tied back and she is wearing a pink dress that emphasizes her cleavage. As expected, she is very beautiful like her mother.

“Still, the man that Erna-oneechan brought is so cool. He is not an elf but he is much more handsome compared to an elf, right?”

It was Clara, the third daughter, who talks while glancing at me. She had her blonde hair styled in a ponytail and she is wearing a yellow dress. It’s best to say that her appearance looks cute. She has this impression that she is yet to be a grown-up.

I obliquely opened the eye on my forehead. This is paradise. Those well-shaped breasts are irresistible. Mufufu.

“Hey, are you listening!? Quickly drink the soup!”

“…Hn? Oh right, it won’t taste good if it gets cold.”

I drink the soup. Lord Frederia grinned when he saw that.

“I got you! That soup is filled with numbness medicine! With that, I’ll win by default in tomorrow’s duel! It’s my win haha!”

Her father looks happy, saying, “Ye―s, ye―s! You fall for it―! Se―rves you r―ight!”. I ignored him and I proceed to savour the soup instead. Aside from that numbness medicine, the soup is quite delicious. Erna sighs as if she was fed up seeing the situation between her father and me.

“Father, poison doesn’t work on Shinichi. He is that composed because he was once poisoned by a mother wrapping spider before. I don’t think that the numbness medicine will do anything to him.”

“Whaaat!? He should have died from the poison of a mother wrapping spider! That’s impossible! That is a deadly poison that can kill a person in just a few minutes!”

“That’s why I’m saying that it won’t work on him!”

Her father makes a fuss as he loudly complains. This house seems to be quite lively. I feel like I somehow understand why Erna is honest and cheerful. However, I cannot overlook that he added that numbness medicine. I’ll pay him back for this numbness.

I paralyzed Lord Frederia with the paralyzing eye.

“Abababa …”

“Father!?”

Erna immediately tend to him as he falls over. It’s just paralysis so he will be able to move in a few minutes or so. If it had a lethal dose of a poison, it wouldn’t have ended with just that.

“Please pardon my husband. He has always hated humans you see.”

The Lady apologetically talked to me. I laughed it off and then I replied to her,

“I don’t mind. Or rather, I can’t trust a person who is unconditionally friendly towards me.”

“Fufu, maybe that’s right.”

She is laughing but her eyes are clearly observing me. Rather than her being cautious, it feels like she is deciding what to do to me. Perhaps she is checking if I’m suitable to be her daughter’s comrade.

After finishing the meal, I decided to return to the room designated to me.

◇

Next morning.

Me and Lord Frederia faced each other at the training ground on their premises. Erna and Lady Frederia are standing nearby and they are watching us. I asked Erna to be the referee and I also asked Lady Frederia to serve as a rescuer. I can’t say that there is no possibility that I will inadvertently kill him.

“Since it’s going to be like this, you can do it seriously you know?”

“Such needless concern is unnecessary. I judged that this will be enough.”

The rules are simple.

The only weapon I’m allowed to use is a wooden sword and there are no restrictions on the magic that Lord Frederia can use. The stage is limited to the training ground that is about 20 square metres. The winner is the one who makes the opponent incapable of fighting or the one who went outside of the training ground first.

“It’s a little boring if you give me such preferential treatment so I’ll give you one offer. If you beat me, I’ll grant you one request no matter what that is.”

“That’s alright with me. Then, if I lose, I’ll listen to a request that you like.”

Lord Frederia grins when he hears my reply. It seems that he is thinking about something that is not good again. I don’t know what the request is, but it’s foolish for him to assume that he will win.

“Well then, both of you, please go to your position.”

In response to the referee’s call, we move to the predetermined position. The distance between me and Lord Frederia is 5m. It’s too far to fight with a sword and it’s too close to fight with magic. As the start of the duel is approaching, the tension also increased.

Erna raises her hand and she paused for a few seconds. And then she swings down her hand at once.

“Start!!”

The duel begins.

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

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The black unicorns gallop through the mountain road surrounded by trees. The magical beasts that targeted us could not keep up with the speed and those unlucky ones were trampled to death. From time to time, the passing travellers look at our unicorns with curious gazes. Well, that’s probably because they have never seen a black unicorn.

When we head to the Elf Kingdom, we also met a group of bandit. They numbered to about thirty people. The smell of a magical incense drifts from all over their body and they also wore the fur of a magical beast like that of a hunter. They blocked our way and demanded that I hand over Erna, the money we have and the unicorns. Well, with them like that, I gave them the small dragon breath’s flame as present. When a few of them were burned to death, they turned blue and they hastily fled. I decided to hurry ahead instead of chasing them.

Then, on the third day after we left Mana, we finally arrived at Zara, the capital of Sanargia Forest Kingdom.

“What you can see over there is Zara, the Forest Kingdom’s Capital. There is a sacred tree in the center of the city.”

We are overlooking the forest from the top of the hill. There is a big city in the direction that Erna pointed out. A huge tree can also be seen in the center. The enormous tree was so big that even from here, I could feel its overwhelming presence.

“How old is the sacred tree?”

“Hmm, I heard that it’s been alive for 100,000 years…”

“100,000 years !?”

I was shocked at the unbelievable age of the tree. Indeed, it should be called a sacred tree for living that long. As expected from a different world. It already broke my common sense many times.

We then ride the unicorns towards the city. We passed many people on the road as we approached the city. Most of them have long ears and they all have well-outlined features. It seems that elven race is a race of beautiful men and women.

“We are about to enter the city.”

In the direction of our travel, there is a white outer wall with an entrance resembling the Arc de Triomphe and a large number of people were crowded there. At the entrance, as many as five knights with a spear in one hand observe the passers-by. I got off the unicorn before I’m stopped by the knights. I decided to talk to them myself.

“We are travellers but, is it okay to take the unicorns inside the city?”

“I’ve never seen a black unicorn before… Well, if you can promise that they won’t run amok inside the city, I’ll allow it.”

“Thank you”

Aside from the unicorns, it appears that I am not treated as a suspicious person. Feeling relieved, we tried to enter the city but the soldier stopped us again.

“Wait a minute. You there… are you perhaps Erna?”

“N-No, you are mistaken. It’s just your imagination.”

Erna pulled the pointed hat she’s wearing on top of her head deeply. However, the soldier went around and called out to her happily.

“It’s me! Did you forget me!? Look, it’s Kevin, your next door neighbour!”

“Eh? Kevin?”

Erna looks up at the knight. Erna’s smiled broadly as soon as she confirmed that he is her friend.

“It’s been a long time! You look like you’re doing well!?”

“Yeah, as you can see, I got a job in the military. Even so, Erna has changed. You are now a special-grade mage, and you look even more beautiful than you used to be.”

“I-Is that so? I don’t think that my appearance changed but I believe that my magical ability has changed a lot since then.”

Erna replied shyly. On the other hand, the soldier named Kevin had a red face. From the perspective of other elves, Erna’s beautiful appearance is at another level. It would be unavoidable for a young man like him to be nervous. However, when I look at the two of them like that, strangely, it makes me feel irritated.

“Erna, it’s about time to go.”

“Yeah! I’ll get going! See you Kevin!”

Erna rushes to me. After we waved to Kevin, we went inside the city. Zara, the Forest Capital has a white wall and buildings and cobblestones were built from numerous marbles. Statues of women and men are set up everywhere, giving a strong impression of a stunning city.

In particular, the trees that are planted in a planned manner are fused with the city, and the sunlight shining through the gaps between the branches and leaves of the sacred tree that covers the sky of the city looks mysterious. I was impressed that this was Erna’s hometown.

“… By the way, who is Kevin?”

“Ah-, he’s my childhood friend and he lives in the neighbourhood. We used to play a lot together.”

“Hoh-, a childhood friend huh.”

“Yeah. I totally stopped staying in contact but I was relieved because he looks fine.”

Erna was grinning and she looks pleased. But more than that, I was worried about the gaze that was directed here. I could feel a hateful gaze toward Erna from somewhere. As I looked around, I found a group of five women looking into this area from the shadow of the building. All of them are beautiful elves, but their faces are distorted by hatred.

They are probably Feria’s companion who bullied Erna before. Then there’s no need to hesitate. I casually used paralyzing eyes on the five of them. They trembled and the five of them collapsed in the shadow of the building. They won’t die, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

“What’s wrong Shinichi?”

“Nothing. Rather than that, how do we meet the important people in this kingdom?”

“Well, you should come to my house. Father and mother are VIP’s in this kingdom.”

“Hoh-, that’s good. Let’s visit there at once.”

“Y-Yeah”, Erna turned red after saying that and she quickly moved forward. As expected, it would be embarrassing to take a man home. However, I can’t say that such a thing apply to the current us.

Reinforcements need to be gathered before the empire can move in earnest. If we don’t get a promise of at least a military cooperation, this job will be a failure. I’ve taken on a completely tedious task.

We decided to go to Erna’s residence.

◇

“This is my parents’ house.”

“It’s big …”

Her parent’s residence is a mansion. The three-story mansion looks like a castle and the garden has a magnificent fountain. The flowers were in full bloom and there are small animals like rabbits that are taking a walk in the lawn without any fear.

“Hey, come in.”

After Erna opened the gate, she casually invites me inside. The gate was also decorated with gold and just looking at it seemed to hurt my eyes. After I entered the place as I was guided, I was surprised at the distance there is before we reach the mansion. After passing through that area in about 20 minutes, we finally arrive at the entrance of the mansion. Even the mansion of our Kingdom’s Duke Medil is not this big. Though I hate to say it, this only shows that Sanargia Great Forest Kingdom is one of those with great power.

“I’m back.”

Erna opens the door and enters the mansion. I also entered the mansion but I did so cautiously.

“Oh……”

The interior of the mansion is magnificent. Various works of art were displayed and a portrait of five people was hung on the front wall. The man has short blonde hair and a beard on his upper-lip. He wore a dark brown robe. The woman looks a lot like Erna and she is very stunning. And as expected, she too was wearing a dark brown robe. There are three girls at their feet and they all resembled Erna. One of them turned out to be Erna herself. It creates an optical illusion of coming to a foreign royal palace.

“Welcome home, Ojou-sama.”

“I’m home Sebastian. What about father and mother?”

“The family head and Madam are both at home. I will call them right away, please wait for them in the reception room.”

“Okay”

An old butler called Sebastian bowed to excuse himself and walked to the inner part of the house. Erna then guided me to their reception room.

“Somehow it’s kind of too spacious and it feels uncomfortable. I guess it’s because I became too used to the hidden room in the dungeon.”

Erna is sitting on the sofa and she appears to be more uneasy than me. I understand her feelings well. This mansion is uselessly too large. Regardless of the merit, this is how a common people felt.

“Erna!”

The door opened and a man came in. He looks exactly like the man depicted in the portrait so he is probably Erna’s father. He hugs Erna who stands up and they rub their cheeks together.

“Aaaah! My cute Erna! You are finally back! I’m so worried about you!”

“Y-Yeah … I’m sorry to worry…”

Erna is a little squeezed, but her father tightly hugs her beloved child to dote on her. I can understand how he feels about his child but I think he’s overdoing it a little.

“By the way… who is that man over there?”

Her father glares at me. His eyes were full of murderous intent.

“He is Shinichi, a party member! It’s all thanks to Shinichi that I became a full-fledged mage!”

“Hn? A full-fledged mage?”

Her father finally seemed to notice the color of Erna’s robe. It is purple in color, she’s undoubtedly dressed as a special-ranked mage.

“H-h-h-how…! Erna is now a special-ranked mage!? At last, my daughter, who was called a failure of a mage, has awakened!”

“The failure part is unnecessary!”

This time, her father looks happy and he lightly jumps up and down. Somehow, he appears to be a person whose facial expression quickly changes. However, when he looks at me again, he points the staff in his hand towards me.

“Thank you for helping my daughter. However, I don’t like a mere human like you next to Erna.”

“Father! Stop!! Shinichi is—“

Before Erna could say anything, I cut up her father’s staff into small pieces using my sword.

“Ha―!? My staff is― ―Uugh!!!?”

In addition to that, I gave a roundhouse kick to her father’s abdomen, which was full of opening. And just like that, he was sent flying and breaks through the door, and then he crashed into the wall on the hallway and collapses.

“Aah―, that’s why I tried to stop…”

Erna seemed disappointed at her father who has collapsed. A mage’s weapon is their staff. Since it is pointed at me, it is the same with me being held at a gunpoint. I don’t know if it was just a threat or an attack, but it’s my principle to reply in kind.

Right, even if it’s my comrade’s father, that applies to everyone.

“I’d like to ask, that thing just now was not an elf-style greeting right?”

“No. Since before, my father would always lose his cool right away. Well, I brought a man so my father probably flared up.”

While saying so, Erna does not go to help her father. It’s like she’s saying, you reap what you sow. He looks a little pitiful.

“Oh my-, you did something stupid again.”

A woman appeared beside her unconscious father. She wears a moss green dress that emphasizes her cleavage and she looks like Erna. She’s probably her mother.

“Mother!”

Erna hugs her mother. The two began talking, ignoring the unconscious father.

“You become more beautiful. And you are now a special-ranked mage. It’s hard to believe that you are called as a failure of a mage before.”

“Stop saying that I’m a failure! However, I really got stronger! I even defeated a pseudo dragon and I also knocked down the March Bulls!”

“Fufu, a maiden in love will really get stronger.”

Her mother turned her gaze on me. Subsequently, Erna’s face turned red.

“I-It’s different! Shinichi isn’t like that!”

“Hoh-, is that so? I’m certain…”

Her mother is smiling and she looks warmly at Erna. Well, Erna is of a marriageable age so she’s probably embarrassed for me to be mistaken as her lover. Even if it was me, if we suddenly talk about such topic, I would feel embarrassed. It’s a very normal reaction.

“Uh… what am I …”

Her father unexpectedly stands up. Then her mother tapped her father’s head with the staff in her hand.

“Did you do something rude to the guest?”

“No! When I pointed my staff, I set it up so that it point to the other side! I’m not that evil!”

“You’re not evil. Please apologize to the guest.”

“Kuu…”

Her father reluctantly approached me and he apologized in a blunt manner.

“Let me apologize for what I did a while ago. ….However, I can’t forgive my precious staff for being such rubbish! For me to be defeated by a human, there’s clearly something wrong! Let’s have a rematch!”

He pointed out his index finger in front of me and his saliva even spatters as he kept on talking without a pause. Apparently, he doesn’t have any intention of apologizing.

“Father, that’s enough! Shinichi is not the kind of opponent that you can win against!”

“I don’t like him more and more! As a mage, I competed for the first or second place in this kingdom and you are saying that I won’t be able to beat a human!? Actually, I’m especially angry that Erna brought a man along!”

Her father seemed to have blown his top as he clearly didn’t listen to what Erna was saying. Moreover, nobody can tell whether the things that he said is really what he meant to say. In short, he just said that he can’t approve that Erna brought me here. He’s a really over-doting parent.

“Understood. How about a duel-style match? I can’t stand killing my comrade’s father you see.”

“Ha-, huh…? A human can kill me? It’s a very funny joke. Alright, we’ll go with that. Let’s put it in a duel style so that I don’t kill you.”

Her father is laughing but blood vessels were evident in his temples. His facial muscles were cramping because of his anger.

“Okay, then let’s have the match tomorrow. For the place, let’s do it in a location that suits your convenience.”

“Very well, I hope you stay at my house today. I’ll feed you a lot of delicious treat.”

Her father glanced at me and then he slowly left the room. Immediately after that, Erna rushed towards to me.

“What do you mean by you’ll have a match against my father? You won’t kill him, right?”

“Don’t worry. It’s only a duel format for that very reason. And did you forget why I came here?”

“Eh?”

“I came here as a representative of the kingdom. I have to show the elves that humans are their equal.”

“Ah, I see. If you convince my father, that might be possible, he is a minister of this Kingdom after all.”

I was startled. I already heard that he is a VIP but it turned out that he is a minister of this kingdom. In that case, isn’t this even more like an opportunity? I’ll just let them know that there are strong humans.

In spite of her father’s words, I decided to stay overnight in their residence.

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

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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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