New chapter of Let’s Create a Dungeon is out! (1/4 chapters)
Chapter 42
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Early morning, we left Brant.
I wanted to return quickly to deal with the group of nations, but if the two of us entered together and one left first, and on top of that entered the Great Forest of Owa and did not come out, it seemed like various troubles would arise, so to some extent, I walked together with Volt. Once Brant was completely out of sight, I would return immediately.
“So, what do you intend to do from here? Preparing to intercept?” (Volt)
“That’s impossible, obviously. I’m planning to somehow make them unable to move. What about you? Are you going back to the royal capital?” (Nobunaga)
“No, before that, I was thinking of heading to the city where Margrave Haustar is. Unlike here, that place should be prosperous. I’ll spread some rumors there before heading to the royal capital.” (Volt)
The “rumors” were something I had asked for, no doubt. Certainly, it’s not something to be openly announced everywhere, so that much should be just right. However, when I thought about it, could Volt really spread rumors? To be honest, I feel uneasy. But he is the only one I could rely on.
“…Hmm, is this about good enough? Well then, Volt, I’m counting on you.” (Nobunaga)
“Oh, if you find yourself about to die, come to me. I’ll cut you down.” (Volt)
Like hell I’d go, you fool.
By the time Brant was out of sight, I had already fled back into the Great Forest of Owa, escaping from the slash-hungry old man.
—
After entering the Great Forest of Owa for a while, I returned to my original form. Since I was only heading back to the dungeon, there was no need to worry about being seen. It would be a waste of magical power as well. Additionally, I took out a relatively large cloth bag from my magic bag, big enough to fit a child. This was for collecting the Owa fruits in this area.
On the way here, I relied on the magic bag, but now the magic bag was full, leaving only enough space for what the cloth bag could hold. At most, two or three fruits would be the limit. For that reason, as I made my way back, I tossed fruits into the cloth bag. Of course, I wasn’t planning to eat them. I’d had enough of being parasitized. I simply had another use for them.
“Maou-sama, you have returned.” (Kobold Leader)
As I was collecting at random on my way back, I encountered a patrolling Kobold Leader.
“Good work on patrol. Is Shiba here?” (Nobunaga)
“My apologies. The chieftain’s duty today is inside the dungeon.” (Kobold Leader)
I see, he’s not here. I was planning to give him the tools I had bought for the Kobolds… Or rather, wouldn’t it be better to gather the executives and distribute them all at once to prevent any dissatisfaction?
I should return immediately, but I hadn’t gathered much fruit yet. And right in front of me was a light-footed subordinate.
“No, if he’s not here, that’s fine. More importantly, is there anyone available right now? I’d like some help collecting the fruits around here.” (Nobunaga)
“If that’s the case, I will gather the nearby comrades to assist. However, are you sure about this? The fruits around here are famous for causing stomach problems.” (Kobold Leader)
I see, they know that, but they don’t know it’s the work of the Parasite. Well, they have no way to confirm it.
“No problem. In fact, that’s the objective. The target is to fill up this cloth bag. That should be enough, I think.” (Nobunaga)
To indicate the size, I handed over the cloth bag, and the Kobold Leader, after checking the inside, nodded.
“Understood. Then, we will collect them and deliver them to the dungeon.” (Military Dog (Kobold Leader)
Saying that, he took the cloth bag and left.
By the time I thought that, it was already too late. The Kobold Leader had already run off somewhere in the forest. In my plan, I would hold the cloth bag while collecting, and the Kobolds collecting elsewhere would put their gathered fruits into my bag, and once it was full, they would guard me as I returned to the dungeon.
The reality, however, was that I was alone. And the only thing I had was a magic bag filled to capacity. Having no choice, I trudged back to the dungeon alone.
—
The trip here had taken three days, but the return only took two. The reasons were simple. One, I didn’t collect any fruit at all, focusing only on returning, and two, I walked through the night. The reason for not collecting fruit was that I had entrusted it to the Kobold Leader, and since I couldn’t store it in the magic bag, I ignored any I came across. As for walking through the night, that was for an even simpler reason. I lacked survival skills.
On the way here, Volt had quickly prepared everything. As if he already knew, he found a place that sheltered from the wind and rain for us to sleep. In contrast, I couldn’t start a fire, I couldn’t find a proper sleeping spot, and I couldn’t properly keep watch. I could have managed somewhat using the tools in the magic bag, but I preferred to give them out unused. Besides, if an amateur like me tried, it would only end up half-baked. So, I walked. No matter if it was night or whatever.
There were no particular problems. The strong ones recognized that I was the Demon King and didn’t attack, while the weaklings who couldn’t gauge my strength and attacked were easily crushed by Gravity. If I had to name an issue, it would be the accumulated fatigue from not resting much. After handing out the supplies, I should take a bath.
—
Climbing the hill, I opened the dungeon’s door. Right in front of me was a fence made of wood. The presence of the fence itself wasn’t a problem. I had ordered Hide to build it while I was away. The construction was fine. The wood was secured using the Arachnid’s threads, so it should be sturdy.
The problem was its placement. The fence was right at the entrance. So close that two steps in, I would bump into it. Moreover, it completely encircled the entrance, with no visible way in or out. An obvious flaw.
“Is anyone there?” (Nobunaga)
At that one word, from the bush in front, a Kobold appeared, with a slight delay, the Lizard Commander showed himself.
“Welcome back, Maou-sama. The fruit gathering that Maou-sama ordered the Kobold Leader to do has been completed. Ran-sama has carried it to the throne room.” (Lizard Commander)
“Understood. I will check it later. More importantly, is Hide here? If he is, call him immediately.” (Nobunaga)
Because of the fence in front of me, I somehow felt like I was in an animal cage. In this case, it would mean I was on the animal side. The Kobold beside me lowered his head and immediately ran toward the settlement. The one remaining was the Lizard Commander alone.
“Was there anything unusual while I was away?” (Nobunaga)
“We were training as usual under Alice-sensei. The unusual thing is that the human in question has started visiting the Goblins and the Arachnids. Also, Kai-sama seemed to be troubled by something. I only saw these things, so I do not know the details.” (Lizard Commander)
Hmm, the “human” must be Lyle? What is that guy doing going to the Goblins and the Arachnids? …I see, he must be bored. Since he is under house arrest. Should I give him some work to do? But I don’t understand why Kai is troubled. There is still land that has not been cultivated, and although the farm tools are crudely made by the Goblins, they should be supplied.
As I concluded that I would ask later, someone came running toward me. No, I already knew who it was. It was Hide.
“You have returned, Maou-sama. I apologize for not being able to greet you. Also, I was called, but—” (Hide)
“Do not mind the greeting. Now, do you know why I called you?” (Nobunaga)
“…Is it about the fence that Maou-sama ordered to be built? Is there some defect?” (Hide)
A defect, if I had to say, it might be a defect, but it feels slightly different.
“You do not understand?” (Nobunaga)
“I apologize. I thought I built it just as Maou-sama said. I also confirmed its durability.” (Hide)
“No, I am not talking about the shape or strength. Hide, did you not think of anything when installing this?” (Nobunaga)
“…Going in and out became troublesome.” (Hide)
“That’s right. With this placement, it is troublesome. Also, the Orcs and the Arachnids cannot go through, can they?” (Nobunaga)
“Indeed, I have received complaints from Kai that they cannot go in and out.” (Hide)
If there are complaints, at least try to address them a little.
“Hide, did you think about why I ordered this to be built and installed?” (Nobunaga)
“…I apologize.” (Hide)
Hearing those words, I let out a big sigh.
Of course, it was not at Hide but at myself. I failed. I had made them follow orders too much and made them forget to think. Now that I think about it, the only one I had let think was Ran. Until now, I had always been in the dungeon, so it was fine, but from now on, it would be difficult. I have to gather information and still have reasons to go outside. If such failures continue every time, it will be troublesome and a waste of time.
If there were someone to oversee everything in my place, it would be good, but that is still impossible. Ran, who has potential, is still studying, and expecting Alice’s brain to help is something only a fool would do. In other words, from now on, each individual must think and act on their own.
“Listen, this fence was built as a temporary measure because a location suitable for a quarry has not been found, and a stone wall cannot be made yet. In other words, this is a substitute for a wall. A wall is meant to prevent the enemy from invading, but it is meaningless if it obstructs the actions of allies. Furthermore, the space between the wall and the door is too close, making it difficult for many enemies to enter. If so, they might ambush from outside. If that happens, the damage will increase. Understand? Just like when we annihilated the knights, we must lure the enemy in and strike them. So, place the fence further from the door. Also, do not completely enclose it, either leave a part open or make it a fence that can open and close.” (Nobunaga)
As Hide, who was bowing his head like a scolded child, trembled, I continued to teach. The more I spoke, the more Hide became dejected, but it could not be helped. He had to endure it now.
“That is why, from now on, try to understand what I am thinking. Think about how to be more efficient and work while considering that. Of course, this applies not just to you but to all subordinates.” (Nobunaga)
“Understood. From now on, I will do my best to grasp Maou-sama’s intentions and work accordingly.” (Hide)
As if the dejection from earlier had disappeared, Hide raised his head with eyes full of motivation.
“Good. I expect much from you. Tell everyone this, think and act. Also, gather all the chieftains, Alice, and Lyle in the throne room. I have things to give. There is also something for you, Hide.” (Nobunaga)
Fortunately, it seemed that no one had gone outside today, so the news would spread quickly. Leaving those words behind, I moved to the throne room.
Upon entering the throne room, the first thing that caught my eye was the large cloth bag beside the throne. That bag probably contained the Parasite-infested fruit. I would check it later. More importantly, there was something I had to do first. I needed to take out the tools to distribute to the executives and prepare them.
So, I turned the magic bag upside down and dumped everything out, creating a human-sized mountain. Looking at the mountain, I realized something unpleasant.
“Crap, I need to organize this.” (Nobunaga)
The contents of the mountain were a complete mess.
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