New chapter of Let’s Create a Dungeon is out! (2/4 chapters)
Chapter 43
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…I’ve Made it in time.
The mountain that had been human-sized before my eyes was now divided into six equal parts, each about knee-high.
Tools and nails were handed over to the Hobgoblins. This was meant to expand the scope of their production.
Knives and ropes were given to the Kobold Leaders. They could use them for bloodletting during hunting or for transportation. Ideally, it would have been better to use the threads of the Arachnids instead of ropes, but since there wasn’t a surplus, I couldn’t allocate them.
Farming tools were provided for the Bull Orcs. Unlike the stone or wooden ones they had been using, these were made of iron. Since they were a species with natural strength, cultivation should have progressed even further.
Weapons and armor were handed to the Lizard Commanders. Although they were made of cheap leather and were inferior compared to the knight corps equipment I had handed out as a reward before, they were better than nothing.
Needles were given to the Arachnes. Now they could finally do sewing. Their poorly made clothes should have become more decent. Although thread was included as well, the thread of the Arachnids was more durable, so they probably wouldn’t use it.
Thus, five piles were formed. Apart from them, slightly away, there were items like medicines meant for general use.
I had ‘Auto Recovery,’ and if I slept inside the dungeon, most injuries healed, so it might have seemed unnecessary for me. However, things like parasites, which were like status ailments that couldn’t be healed by recovery, or carrying medicine when heading outside, would have been necessary.
Incidentally, there were no magic potions among the things Volt bought. They seemed to be unexpectedly valuable. Unlike regular medicine, they apparently had an immediate effect. For now, they were stored elsewhere and would likely be used in times of severe injury or when there was no time to rest.
Well, there would rarely be an opportunity to use them. The goal was to prevent situations where we needed to use them in the first place.
…Still, why haven’t they arrived yet? With no other choice, I decide to sit on the throne and wait.
“M-milord? I heard you called for me…” (Lyle)
Lyle entered while anxiously looking around in caution, as if afraid. It seemed like he was alone.
“Are you the only one? Where are the others?” (Nobunaga)
“Alice-anesan was in the middle of training, so she was finishing up. As for Ran-san and the others, they said they had to talk to Hide-san first and gather together, or something like that…” (Lyle)
After realizing there were no traps around and that he wasn’t about to be executed, Lyle loosened up and started speaking more casually.
I see, well, it’s not urgent, so it’s fine. If they had rushed here, I wouldn’t have finished organizing in time anyway. In that case, this is a good opportunity.
“Lyle, I’ve heard that you’ve been going to Hide’s and Ran’s places recently. What’s the reason?” (Nobunaga)
There’s no problem as long as he doesn’t leave the dungeon, but if he’s gathering intelligence to escape or assessing our forces, that would be troublesome. I don’t expect him to answer honestly, but if I transform into Lyle after asking, I’ll know the truth.
“Oh, so it’s already reached Milorda’s ears, huh? Well, I do understand my position, you know. But honestly, I was just too bored, and I thought I could help out with something. When I found things I could lend a hand with, I started going to Hide-san’s place.” (Lyle)
With rubbing hands and bowing his head in a servile manner, he radiates the aura of a small-time villain, but it doesn’t seem like he’s lying. The reasoning makes sense. Just in case, I’ll verify what he’s been making at Hide’s place.
“I see. So, the same reason for Ran’s place?” (Nobunaga)
“Yeah, I was helping with sewing…” (Lyle)
“…Huh?” (Nobunaga)
The moment he said that, the air froze. Realizing his slip-up, Lyle’s expression stiffened slightly.
“That’s odd. The Arachnids have only been taught knitting, and since I haven’t given them needles yet, they shouldn’t be able to sew at all.” (Nobunaga)
“Oh, ahh—? S-Strange, maybe it was just my memory messing with me~?” (Lyle)
“By the way, can you even speak the demon language?” (Nobunaga)
There was the option of using Alice as an interpreter, but I left that unsaid. Because he was suspicious.
Lyle broke into a cold sweat as his eyes dart around.
“M-Miburi teburi day~?” (Lyle)
“Transform.” (Nobunaga)
Suspicious things should be investigated.
I immediately transformed into Lyle and searched his memories. Somewhere, I could hear a man screaming, but I ignored it.
“Lyle, you…” (Nobunaga)
“I-I couldn’t help it! I’m a man too! W-When they show that kind of chest…” (Lyle)
His actions regarding Hide and the Goblins were, in fact, exactly as he claimed. He simply received materials and worked on wood carving nearby. However, when it came to Ran and the Arachnids, it was entirely different. Lyle had certainly been going near them, but he hadn’t been helping at all. He was just hiding nearby. And the reason was…
To peek on the Arachnids. On their sensual figures, with only cloth wrapped around their chests. Half of them were spiders, but the other half were humans. And they were incredibly beautiful ones at that. If you ignore the lower half, it might be possible to feel desire.
“You do realize your position, right? You’re practically a captive. Why are you peeping on your overseers?” (Nobunaga)
“When a bunch of beauties are nearby, it’s just impossible to resist! Any guy would—… Wait, Milord, are you even a guy?” (Lyle)
I do look like a clay figure. No wonder he can’t tell.
“The Doppelgänger might or might not have a gender, but I consider myself a man.” (Nobunaga)
Do Doppelgängers even have a gender? They seem like they’d spontaneously appear rather than reproduce. I can’t imagine them mating. Even if I look like a clay figure, my heart is that of a man. No problem, right? Yeah.
“Then, Milord understands, right?” (Lyle)
“Unfortunately, I have never once felt any lust toward anyone I’ve met so far.” (Nobunaga)
I mean, I haven’t even been alive for a full year. Why is this guy expecting anything from a zero-year-old Demon King?
“Now that I know, I’ll have to punish you. I’ll tell Ran and have her inform the Arachnids. You’ll probably be getting some cold stares for a while.” (Nobunaga)
“…No way.” (Lyle)
He muttered as he collapsed to his knees. After a moment, I could hear him mumbling, “Getting looked at like filth… That’s kind of nice too…”
…Must have been my imagination. If not, I’m utterly disgusted.
“I’m here, Maou–… Whoa, there are two Lyles!” (Alice)
Alice, who entered brazenly, looked surprised at the current situation.
Well, if there is a Lyle sitting arrogantly and another Lyle collapsed before him, it is natural to be surprised. Perhaps because she was training just a moment ago, she is sweating, but her breathing is not disturbed. At least, I would have wanted her to wipe off her sweat before coming, but she is probably planning to use the bath. There is even a river in the lower levels, yet she is truly a shameless person.
Well, I do not intend to cause confusion, so I return to my original form.
“Alice, you came at a perfect time. Actually, it was discovered that Lyle was peeping on the Arachnids. I was just about to punish him, but you take care of it. I leave the degree of punishment to you.” (Nobunaga)
“Hah, how dare he do something so foolish. I just need to discipline him, so he won’t have such lewd thoughts again, right? Come, Lyle, I will let you off with a full lap around the dungeon. That is, if you can win against the Kobolds.” (Alice)
Lyle was grabbed by the neck and dragged away by Alice.
He is still mumbling something, but does he even understand the situation? Even though they are only Rank 1 Kobolds, their endurance and speed are far beyond that of humans, as they are, after all, dogs. If this continues, he will have no hope at all and will just keep running until he is forgiven. Hmm, let me assist him.
“By the way, Alice, I also saw memories of him getting excited while looking at your ass.” (Nobunaga)
“Ah, so that’s why he was hiding and watching at that time. How utterly foolish. Lyle, you will now wear metal armor while running. It would be dangerous if you fell, after all.” (Alice)
As if she recalled something, she sighed and pulled out a full set of knight armor from the magic bag on her waist. That repair mark, it was one of the rewards I gave to the Lizardmen.
Why does Alice have it? Did she use it for training? Well, it does not matter who possesses the rewards.
The thought of her stealing it crossed my mind for an instant, but I immediately dismissed it. Alice had no reason to do such a thing. To her, that level of armor was no different from paper.
And with that, I was able to assist. With the punishment. In the end, Lyle was taken away by Alice before he could return to his senses.
After watching Alice’s back as she dragged him away, I remembered something.
“Ah.” (Nobunaga)
I just recalled something important.
I had business with the magic bag that Alice possesses. Currently, there were two magical bags in the dungeon. One I obtained from the adventurers, and one Alice originally had.
Alice’s has a larger capacity, and its size is also larger. Then, why am I using the smaller one? Because the smaller one is still sufficient, and if I use “Construct the Dungeon” as a warehouse, it organizes everything automatically. However, it cannot be taken outside the dungeon, so when going outside, I need to use the magic bag. Well, that was my first time traveling far.
Returning to the point, the reason I have business with Alice’s magic bag is that I do not know its contents. I have never checked. Therefore, what I am currently searching for might be inside. That is why I wanted to ask her. It is not an urgent matter. My own preparations are not yet finished.
However, I remembered another thing. That was…
“Now then, are there any curses or hexes?” (Nobunaga)
I search for a skill to curse Alice’s master, Volt.
The quest page shone in rainbow colors, asserting its presence, but I ignored it.
Shall I fulfill my grudge from that time? Unfortunately, it seems there is nothing. I suppose I will settle for something like a “midnight shrine curse”.
Resigned, I check if I have the necessary materials, but at that moment, a certain skill catches my eye.
[Parasite Immunity].
If I had this, wouldn’t I have suffered far less back then?
Checking the acquisition conditions, it required various status resistance skills. However, I still had the magic essence left from annihilating the Knights. Checking if it was enough, I saw that although my magic essence would decrease significantly, it was possible to acquire.
Then, let’s do it.
[Poison Resistance (Minor)]
[Poison Resistance (Medium)]
[Poison Resistance (High)]
[Poison Immunity]
[Paralysis Resistance (Minor)]
[Paralysis Resistance (Medium)]
[Paralysis Resistance (High)]
[Paralysis Immunity]
[Charm Resistance (Minor)]
[Charm Resistance (Medium)]
[Charm Resistance (High)]
[Charm Immunity]
[Confusion Resistance (Minor)]
[Confusion Resistance (Medium)]
[Confusion Resistance (High)]
[Confusion Immunity]
[Sleep Resistance (Minor)]
[Sleep Resistance (Medium)]
[Sleep Resistance (High)]
[Sleep Immunity]
[Parasite Resistance (Minor)]
[Parasite Resistance (Medium)]
[Parasite Resistance (High)]
[Parasite Immunity].
Whoa, I obtained a lot all at once. At first, I thought there were duplicates, but… I see, the effects slightly differ. [Resistance (Minor)] nullifies 25%, [Resistance (Medium)] nullifies 50%, [Resistance (High)] nullifies 75%, and [Immunity] nullifies 100% of the abnormal status. Very beneficial. However, I must not let my guard down. There are still other abnormal statuses left. And my magic essence has decreased significantly.
I cannot afford to recklessly acquire more abnormal status resistance skills. From now on, I should be careful when obtaining skills.
While at it, I opened the rainbow-shining quest page. It was flickering annoyingly at the edge of my vision.
As expected, several quests were completed.
“Scout a Human Town”
“Fight a Top-Class Profession”
The rewards are… seeds for the former. Well, since it was just a reconnaissance, good items were not expected. For the latter, I should have high expectations… Dungeon Points and Experience Points.
Hmm, while I can understand them as numerical values, I would have preferred something visibly tangible. Well, I will take what I can get.
*Push!!*
“Nobunaga has leveled up to Level 1!”
Huh? Huh!? I leveled up! But… I was Level 0 all this time!?
—
…Hmm. It seems I really am Level 1. Right after being born, one is Level 0, and upon consuming food, they quickly level up. That is, generally speaking.
However, I am a Rank 4 Demon King. Naturally, the experience required to level up is also Rank 4 Demon King level. But then, even after the annihilation of the Knights, I should have leveled up, I thought… and upon investigating, I discovered something shocking.
The conditions for acquiring magic essence and experience are different.
Magic essence is generated when a living being dies, undergoing a special transformation of its mana and dispersing into the atmosphere. It is then automatically absorbed when nearby. Experience is obtained by defeating the target. If multiple people defeat a single target, it is not evenly distributed but divided according to damage dealt. In other words, magic essence accumulates naturally by being near fresh corpses, but experience requires actually defeating or damaging the enemy.
During the Knights battle, all I did was act as bait and take attacks. The only thing I defeated was a few people, including Bach.
That is why I gained a lot of magic essence but hardly any experience. Naturally, the battle with Volt does not count as experience. If the opponent is not killed, it means nothing.
A shocking truth. And as if to drive the nail further… I realize. It is incredibly difficult for me to level up.
I have yet to see a creature whose defensive capabilities are superior to mine. There probably aren’t any around here. If there were, Volt would be hunting them with glee. However, my offensive performance can only be described as mediocre.
[Gravity] is a powerful skill. It can be activated without sound or motion, and its range is decent. It’s quite useful for hunting small fry. However, if it’s against someone like Volt (out of the norm), they can dodge it, and strong people like Alice or Orgia can endure it. No matter how many small fries you can hunt, you won’t gain experience unless you hunt the strong.
[False Me] is a unique skill, so it’s quite strong. In a one-on-one battle, like when I fought Volt, I might be able to push back temporarily. But there’s a problem. First of all, since it reflects the opponent’s strength as it is, there’s a possibility I could lose, and if they come at me in numbers, I’d lose right there.
I regret not having an attack-focused skill.
…Really? Isn’t it unnecessary? When you level up, what do you gain? You just become stronger. That’s all. Do I need to become stronger? Wouldn’t it be better to build walls and create defensive weapons? I don’t need to level up. Thinking like that makes me feel at ease.
Ahaha.
“Your Majesty the Demon King, I apologize for my lateness.” (Ran)
When my mood lifted and returned to normal, Ran, leading the subordinates, entered one by one.
Wait, didn’t Ran somehow obtain the position of the Demon King’s subordinates’ leader? What a terrifying person.
“Oh, I thought Alice and Lyle had already come.” (Ran)
“Those two’s business has already been concluded.” (Nobunaga)
Alice has some business, so I’ll call her back later.
“The reason I called you is probably clear if you look at the mountain in front of you. I bought these things while I was out. Use them to help with the tasks ahead. If there’s anything you don’t know how to use, ask.” (Nobunaga)
Everyone’s eyes were directed toward the pile of divided tools. Without needing to give any instructions, they understood which pile belongs to which person based on the types of tools, and each took a tool to inspect. From what I could see, there didn’t seem to be any confusion about how to use them. They probably knew about them, even if they didn’t have them.
“Thank you for giving us such things. We will continue to strive to be of service to Maou-sama.” (Ran)
Ran, who finished inspecting the pile the quickest, bowed her head. She must have done this kind of thing to establish the position of the leader as a fait accompli. The others soon follow, bowing their heads a little later.
I can’t keep making someone bow their head forever, it’s not good for my mental state.
“Good—” (Nobunaga)
“Yummy~” (Vi)
A voice, out of place, echoes through the room.
Everyone turns their eyes to the source of the voice. There,
“V-Vi!” (Nobunaga)
“Hmm~?” (Vi)
Vi was buried in the pile of medicine that had been placed some distance away. Moreover, for some reason, it had turned green.
“Wh-what are you doing?” (Nobunaga)
“M~eal.” (Vi)
It was ingesting what appeared to be a liquid from a jar.
“No, that’s not okay!” (Nobunaga)
I was about to say it’s something for everyone in the dungeon to use when I realized something. I had bought nothing for Vi. It wasn’t that I forgot, it was more like I didn’t think it was necessary.
The Slimes’ job was digestion. Therefore, they didn’t need any tools. Other races still seemed to have some inconveniences or room for progress, so I bought things for them.
But, would it be a problem if I didn’t give anything to just one race? The Slimes are essential in the dungeon. They’re irreplaceable. But if they leave because I didn’t give them anything, that would be a huge problem. The sewage and waste disposal is still not possible.
So, what should I do? Should I give them medicine? There’s no immediate need for it, I can just buy it later. Besides, it seems like Vi likes it for some reason. I can’t just take it away from it.
“Vi, that’s something for you and all your subordinates. It’s not just for you to enjoy.” (Nobunaga)
“Sorry.” (Vi)
It retracted its hand, which had stretched out to the liquid in the jar, and it shrunk.
“It’s fine. However, you can’t carry it all by yourself. Should I hold onto it for you?” (Nobunaga)
I thought of possibly taking a little for emergency use, but—
“It’s fine.” (Vi)
It extended what seemed to be a hand made of liquid from its whole body and lifts the jars.
“Right?” (Vi)
“Y-yeah.” (Nobunaga)
It’s strange, but I feel like I’ve seen something unexpected. Are slime creatures this dexterous?
Because of Vi’s eccentric actions, the subordinates were now left stunned.
This isn’t good. The serious atmosphere from before has completely disappeared. I’ll try to steer the conversation back to the original tone and make it like it was before.
“By the way, it seems something happened while I wasn’t around. What exactly happened?” (Nobunaga)
I recall the conversation with the Lizard Commander at the entrance.
“That is… Shiba, from you…” (Ran)
Huh? Wasn’t it just Kai? Is the problem multiple? Please, not this again.
“Maou-sama, actually among the kobolds…” (Shiba)
Did one of them desert? I feel bad for Shiba, but I can’t let anyone with information escape alive.
“One of them is pregnant.” (Shiba)
I immediately think about sending out pursuers… pregnant?
“Even though they haven’t even completed the mission to retrieve stone materials for Your Majesty, I deeply apologize, but may I request to let the pregnant one rest? And also, may I ask for permission for the birth?” (Shiba)
Shiba bowed so deeply that I worried his head might fall off. His expression was dead serious, as if it were his own matter.
Well, of course. Children are treasures, the future of the species. Even if it’s someone else’s child, it still contributes to the species’ continuation. That’s why it’s serious. Of course, I have no intention of opposing this. The food situation isn’t completely safe, so if they want to reproduce endlessly, it would be troublesome, but one or two would be fine.
The problem is the very question itself. What is this? Does it look like I’m a narrow-minded Demon King who wouldn’t allow a pregnant one to rest and give birth?
Somehow shocked, was it because I paused, sweat dripped from Shiba’s face. His complexion also, if anything, looked worse. I had to answer quickly.
“It’s fine. I grant both rest and permission for childbirth. But I will say this. The food situation is still hard to call stable. Therefore, I do not recommend childbirth.” (Nobunaga)
I don’t want it to be like ‘me too, me too’, and have them multiply endlessly. So, I lightly nail it down.
“Understood. I will strictly tell everyone. Thank you for granting permission.” (Shiba)
It was supposed to be lightly, but it was taken quite heavily.
Well, it’s not something that needs correcting, so it’s fine.
“Is there anything else?” (Nobunaga)
Kai, hurry up and step forward to finish this. Thinking that, I asked, but—
“Yes, actually, Maou-sama…” (Rin)
For some reason, Rin beside him stepped forward instead. Why!?
“What is it?” (Nobunaga)
“This is something Alice-sensei said, but apparently, we should fight against an opponent of equal rank at least once. To surpass something called a ‘wall’.” (Rin)
Ah, I understand that kind of thing. No matter how far training goes, it’s still just training, or that real combat is the best training, that kind of thing, right? No, I don’t know in detail, but.
“So, at Alice-sensei’s suggestion, how about fighting at completely equal strength using Maou-sama’s unique Unique Skill? If possible, would you be willing to face us when you have free time?” (Rin)
Alice, I’ll remember this later.
Rin looked at me with expectant eyes. It was hard to refuse. He had probably heard about me from Volt. But that reckless act had only been possible because it was Volt’s body.
If I refuse, I feel like my trust will drop, and if he barely wins against an equal opponent, Rin and the Lizardmen will gain confidence.
“Understood. A match, then. However, for a while, I won’t be able to make free time, so it will be quite a while later. Is that fine?” (Nobunaga)
“Yes! Thank you for accepting.” (Rin)
He stepped back, looking like a child excited to meet an idol. I didn’t want him to expect too much.
“Well then, is there anything else… I’d like to say, but I’m sure there’s more. Hide, do you have anything to report?” (Nobunaga)
“Y-yes! Uh, we installed the fences, but keeping in mind what Maou-sama said, we are collecting and increasing production. So, the installation of fences will be delayed.” (Hide)
I understand the confusion from being suddenly asked, but please stop glancing around as if asking if I said something weird. The others are probably just as confused.
Now then, the awaited Kai.
“Kai, do you have anything to report?” (Nobunaga)
“No, there is nothing to report.” (Kai)
Huh? That’s strange. Did I mishear? No, I definitely heard that Kai was troubled…
However, looking at Kai’s face, he doesn’t seem to be lying, and I don’t think that Lizard Commander would lie on purpose.
“Really? On the way here, I heard you were troubled.” (Nobunaga)
“Oh, that, Maou-sama has already solved it.” (Kai)
Huh? Did I do something?
“We are currently conducting land cultivation in some areas, but we ran out of seeds to plant, and we were wondering what to do when Maou-sama brought these.” (Kai)
Kai gestured towards the pile I divided with effort.
There must have been seeds in it. I don’t really remember what I divided.
“So, that’s what it was. Good timing. Ah, I’ll give you these seeds as well.” (Nobunaga)
I handed over the seeds I received as quest rewards earlier.
“I am grateful for Maou-sama’s excessive consideration.” (Kai)
In the end, it all comes back to benefiting me, but if they think that way, that’s fine.
“Vi, do you have anything to report?” (Nobunaga)
I asked Vi, the least likely to have any problems.
“Hmm~? Now that you mention it, name want, everyone says.” (Vi)
Ran and the others all turn their gazes to Vi in surprise.
…Of all things, a troublesome one came up. A name, huh. I’m bad at that. If it’s something urgent, I have to think about it. But if it was just said in the flow of conversation, I could ignore it… Hmm, I can’t read Vi’s expression at all. Because it’s slime.
Is there skill to understand the expressions of Slime? There isn’t, right?
“Vi. I believe the species that contributes the most to me is the Slime. You may not realize it, but dealing with waste is extremely troublesome. It’s normal to dislike it. No matter the reason, I appreciate that you willingly handle it. So, later, I will give a name to one individual. However, that individual must be chosen by you, Vi.” (Nobunaga)
If it’s just one, I can probably come up with something. I might have praised them a bit too much, but if it keeps it to one, then it’s fine.
“Understood.” (Vi)
I hope Vi chooses someone with a distinctive trait.
“Well then, Ran, you’re the last. Do you have anything to report?” (Nobunaga)
“Yes, since Maou-sama left… Because of this incident, even the subordinate Arachnids have become restless.” (Ran)
Ran, pretending to worry like a mother about her child, spoke.
Trying to earn points cunningly, huh. But this seems important. Since I left, huh? A rebel faction?
“What exactly happened?” (Nobunaga)
“There is no concrete evidence, but they feel like they are being watched. Everyone has been talking about sensing gazes. Mostly at their chests.” (Ran)
“Oh, that’s already solved. As for the details… it’s a hassle, ask Alice. By the way, I am permitting personal punishment.” (Nobunaga)
“H-huh? Thank you for the swift response.” (Ran)
Additional punishment for Lyle has been confirmed. Good luck.
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