Nightmare of the Labyrinth 1
Translator's note: This is from the perspective of the "Summoner"
I certainly lucked out this time.
When they announced this mission, I was really taken aback.
Tame the mysterious monster that has appeared in the Great Elroe Labyrinth. If it can't be tamed, then exterminate it at once.
That was the full mission briefing.
The request asking for assistance was sent by the country of Ohts, a modest country where the entrance to the Labyrinth lies.
The Labyrinth is the only practical way to move between continents.
A teleportation point does exist to connect the two continents, but only Nobles or the very wealthy are allowed to use it.
As for commoners, they have to hire professionals called Labyrinth guides.
To hire a guide in the first place, you need a group with a minimum number of people.
And the only people who dare pass through the Labyrinth regularly are merchants who trade between continents, adventurers with the skills to cross, and those that are desperate enough to cross by any means. Even with a guide, it can take several days to traverse through the Labyrinth.
But recently monsters have been showing up in the Labyrinth more than usual. That news wouldn't be good to hear if you were any of the aforementioned parties. Ohts, however, is a small country. They barely have the force needed to defend their borders, let alone to solve whatever's happening in the Labyrinth, there's just not enough manpower available.
There's concern that if the situation is left as is, the monsters will overflow from the labyrinth and attack the Ohts's territory.
Ohts had no other choice but to send the Empire a request for assistance.
The Empire agreed to this request, and a unit that was already posted near the border was dispatched immediately.
The dispatched unit was formed by the territory noble's second and third sons, but their expertise is no less than other units.
The objective was simple.
Find out the cause behind the sudden increase in monster activity and return.
The unit completed their mission, they found the cause behind the increase in monster activity, it was a mysterious spider-type monster. They retreated, and returned in a sorry state.
According to the report, a decision was made on the spot that this "spider-type monster" was far too dangerous to be left alive.
They withdrew immediately and stated that it would be necessary to create a special subjugation unit.
At first, I laughed off the report 「You can't be serious!」.
Nevertheless, from the testimony to the detailed report and the guide's statement. By all accounts, this monster's threat is continuously reinforced.
The danger is at minimum A-rank.
Worst case, it could even be S-rank.
If such a dangerous creature was let outside the Labyrinth, the casualties would be immeasurable.
Yet, at the same time, a peculiar rumor started to spread.
There is a spider-type monster that saves people in the Labyrinth.
The local investigators immediately looked for the source of this rumor.
Apparently, when a group of adventurers were attacked by a dangerous snake-type monster called an Elroe Baladorado in the Labyrinths Upper Layer, a spider-type monster defeated the snake and even healed their companions who were on the verge of death.
Absurd.
While monsters are not unthinking creatures, in all my years as a monster tamer, I have never found a monster capable of such acts.
However, the story of an intelligent monster directly helping another human, I have only heard such tales among Legendary high-class monsters.
If that story is to be believed, then this spider-type monster would be elevated to Legendary class.
And I'm the one tasked with the subjugation of such a monster.
Still, it has helped people in the past, so it might be friendly towards humans.
And if things go well, it might be possible to tame it.
That's my role.
If the spider-type monster really is legendary class, then there's no winning.
It's at least A-rank, so it was already going to be difficult to tame.
The "Creature Training" skill forms a contract when either the monster acknowledges it, or make them submit.
Since there aren't many monsters who'd acknowledge a contract, you have to beat them into submission.
And, the monster this time is at least A-rank.
A-rank monsters are already hard enough to defeat even without requiring you to beat them close to death while making sure not to overdo it and accidentally kill them.
If they're any higher than A-rank, there's no winning.
It's crucial we all stick together and communicate.
Yet.
「Haa, getting asked to help explore the Labyrinth, Good grief」
The person next to me is the empire's greatest magician, Ronandt-sama.
While he is an excellent mage, his personality is questionable.
He ignores orders constantly and slacks off.
「Ronant-sama. If this monster is truly S-rank, then we'll need you, please bare with it」
「No matter what happens, with me around, there's nothing to fear! Continue onwards with the knowledge that you're safely under my protection!」
While Ronandt-sama is usually friendly and eccentric, he doesn't change, even in the midst of battle.
Still, his strength is the real deal.
He has earned the right to be called humanity's strongest magician.
Our squad consists of me, Ronandt-sama, 30 empire soldiers and 4 guides.
I asked the previous guide who encountered the monster if they could personally lead us, but he lashed out and refused "As if I'm stupid enough to go back, it's probably still there!!!".
It's unfortunate but understandable.
On the bright side, I gained new information!
This monster can scare even the most hardened guides.
Though I guess that's not great information.
At any rate, we must find this monster.
Translator: Lain
Proofreaders: Esper, Maureen
I feel sick
Ugh. This is so annoying.
I'm really irritated.
And all because of that damn Dragon!
I already didn’t like Dragons, but that last expression of his...
I'm getting worked up just remembering it.
Why did he have to go and act like an “honorable samurai”?
I'm just plain angry.
I'm so angry that it’s made me feel hungry.
What a jerk, I don't even feel like eating.
Even if I stress eat, it’s not like I’m gonna feel any better.
That's why I’m trying not to think about him... but I can't help it!
I'm mad about my half-assed way of dealing with him as well.
Araba might have wanted to be put to rest with my "Abyss Magic".
But, I wouldn't get any experience points if I had killed him that way.
Even though I worked so hard to defeat him, it's just plain inefficient if I don’t get a reward.
I’m disgusted with my own selfish thoughts.
Ah, I'm still so pissed!
He lived long enough to evolve into a Dragon, so of course, he’d know about the structure of this world.
Araba understood that.
It’s because he understands, that he went out without a pointless struggle.
Ah, that way of life is amazing.
But, try to think about your opponent's feelings here.
This really is giving me a headache.
I feel sick.
To distract myself, I wander around the lower layer.
I vent all my anger at the first monster that catches my eyes.
And it makes me feel just a little better.
Let's return.
I carry the torn up monster carcass back home, and stress eat while I sulk in bed.
Ah, before I forget, I have to protect the corpse of the Arch with my threads.
Because I left it between the upper and middle layers, the monsters from either won't approach the area. The monsters need to break through my home before they can reach the Arch, so they can't get to it anyway.
The middle layer is the same. Because I go there frequently to raise my "Flame Resistance", most of the monsters avoid that area entirely, so I guess there’s no real need to worry.
But, I can't relax if I don't protect the prey that I killed with my own threads.
Thus, I teleport to the spot where I left the body along with my recently killed snack.
There, I see Humans lying in wait by the body of the Arch.
What?
Eh, where did you guys come from?
Don't tell me that they knew that I would Teleport here and were waiting to ambush me!?
It doesn't really seem like that.
Everyone is trembling and panicking.
Seriously, who are these guys?
Their appearance looks similar to those other soldiers I encountered recently, are they comrades perhaps?
I have no idea why these guys have come but If I kill them, Administrator Güliedistodiez might interfere.
That's troublesome.
Huh?
Come to think of it, how did they get in here?
To come this far, they would have to break through my...
Wait a minute...
"Clairvoyance" activate!
My, My Home, waaaaaaaaaaa!?
I-I-It's burningggg!?
O-O-Oooooh.
There’s nothing left.
The Home that was made with all my hard work.
It’s been burnt black.
Damn!
Even if I give my threads "Flame Resistance", it's still weak to fire.
Dammit!
These guys, just when I'm already in a bad mood, what have you done to my home!
Ah, enough already!
Who cares about Güli-Güli!
I won't let these guys leave here alive!
It's good that the other side seems prepared.
Aaah~, preparing such things like swords.
Back in Japan, this would totally be legitimate self-defense, right?
Isn't it fine if I just say that "they attacked me, so I attacked them"???
Güli-Güli seems naive, so he might ignore it.
Now it's decided, there's no need to hold back.
I’ll kill you all!!!
A total of 34 people.
Their stats are higher than the previous group.
And their average stat is 400.
There are even those among them with even higher stats, closer to 500.
Also, two people, in particular, stand out from the rest.
Judging from their appearance, they seem to be a Warrior type and a Mage type.
Ah, but the warrior looking guy has the "Summoning" skill.
"Summoning" is the higher rank version of the "Creature Training" skill that can make monsters obey the user.
The monster that obeys the user can be summoned from a long distance, and a limited version of “Long-Distance Teleport” can be used.
Because this guy has the "Cooperation" and the "Space Perception" skill, rather than a warrior, it might be more accurate to call him a monster tamer or a summoner.
The Mage type guy is exactly what it says on the tin...
His skills and status are the same that any self-respecting Magician would have.
However, on top of having a higher status than the others, his skills are quite a high level.
And although he may look like a meek old man, he is quite powerful, in stark contrast to his appearance.
This meek old man could surely defeat a mantis in the lower layer.
Hmm?
What's this odd feeling?
I notice a change appears in my status.
『Being Appraised』?
A message is displayed in my status window.
Even my skills are blinking red.
Ah, is this gross sensation how it feels to be appraised?
Uwa, the worst.
What are you peeping at, you pervert!!!
It seems everything that's blinking in red is being appraised, so that probably means their skill level is quite high.
Hmm.
Ruler authority, activate!
『Appraisal Blocked』
《The use of the Ruler authority is confirmed. The effect of the 『Appraisal』 skill is obstructed》
I didn't think that I’d ever need to use my Ruler authority.
I’d rather avoid using it as much as possible because it uses “Divinity Area”, but I don't like being peeped on either.
And the two peepers are the Summoner and the Magician.
I will kill those two first.
Well then, let's kill our first humans in my spider life.
Translator: Lain
Proofreaders: Esper, Maureen
The Royal Capital Battle 3
Author’s note: Shun's point of view
「Ah, Shun. When did you raise such a chivalrous Drake?」
We are currently soaring through the sky, riding on the Drake's back.
「Well, they weren’t a Drake until recently, but when we formed a contract through the “Summoning” skill, they evolved before I knew it」
A huge white Drake that keeps their composure, even when we’re all riding on their back.
The Drake was originally a Peroat, a monster that looks similar to a lizard. Even though they’re called a monster, they’re about the size of my palm, so pretty harmless. And thanks to the “Creature Training” skill, the predecessor of the “Summoning” skill. They evolved into a low-rank Drake pretty fast, and after I became the “Hero” they became an even higher-ranked one.
Additionally, they’re a rare Light Drake.
「Is it because of the “Hero” title?」
「Must be」
I think that my “Hero” title didn’t only affect me, it also affected my summoned monsters.
And since I have tamed several, they all evolved as well.
「You cheater, it’s not fair」
「You didn’t have to say that in Japanese」
Although, they’re not exactly wrong.
「We should activate "Stealth" and "Camouflage" now」
Everyone erases their presence on my signal.
I activate "Camouflage" and disappear into the night sky.
If we then erase the sound we make with "Silence", we shouldn't be able to be seen or heard from the ground.
As soon as I finish thinking that, I quickly construct a magic circle and shoot it downwards, towards the street of the Royal Capital that just came into view.
「Eh?!!! Hya!?!!」
Two magic projectiles collide at point-blank range and explode.
「Shun!」
「We’re being sniped! Our opponent is a powerful mage!」
「Shooting magic so accurately when we’re this high up!!! That’s impossible!!!!」
We are flying well above 1000 meters.
If they were any normal magicians, their magic wouldn’t have been able to reach this far.
Before I can activate "Clairvoyance", and I look for the sniper.
I see an old man standing majestically on top of one of the castle's walls.
I can see him constructing a magic circle.
It was such an advanced construction, I couldn’t help but unintentionally mutter some words of praise...
「A second shot is incoming!!!」
.
I shout while gripping the Drake's reins tightly.
I dodge the magic flying at us by a hair’s width.
Although Drake's has the "Imperial Scale" skill that nullifies most magic damage, I can't rely on it too much.
Now that we have already been spotted, there’s no point in trying to be stealthy.
「I’m going to go faster! Hold on tight!」
I pull on the reins and dive toward the ground, all while avoiding and intercepting the old man’s magic.
Suddenly, I overhear something with “Telepathy”
［Ah, crap. we can't win］
［Wha-!? But Teacher!?］
［Stop complaining. We shall retreat］
It was probably a trap, but I can’t detect anyone in the castle, not even that old man with all of his magical power.
They must have escaped using “Long-Distance Teleport”.
「Eh, is it over?」
I said stunned.
「It looks like the attacks have stopped」
「A-Ah. It looks like they retreated because they figured they can't win?」
「They withdrew way too quickly. The likelihood that this is a trap is high」
「When I overheard them using “Telepathy” it didn’t seem like they were setting up a trap」
「Either way, let's proceed with caution」
「Understood」
We proceed carefully and manage to infiltrate the castle easily.
「Did they really retreat?」
「I think so」
This is kind of a let-down.
I dismiss my summoned Light Drake and enter the castle quietly.
［Sensei, where's Leston-niisama's present location?］
［He's at the south spire］
［Understood］
We all use “Telepathy” to communicate, as we advance carefully. The silence filling the castle is eerie, so far we haven’t come across any other people.
［It's strange］
［This is most definitely a trap］
We are on the lookout for traps as we advance through the castle.
But, we easily arrive at the South Spire, where Leston-niisama is confined, without encountering anything. The problem now is that there are two presences next to Nii-sama.
I activate "Clairvoyance", and look inside the Spire.
［There are two people beside Nii-sama. It's Anna and Clevea］
［What else do you see?］
［Their expressions look blank. I think that they have been brainwashed］
［Shun, you said you had a plan, but will it hold up with three brainwashed people instead of one?］
［I can manage somehow］
［We could still be attacked, so don’t let your guard down］
［Ok, I will head in first］
The tension rises as Hyrinth signals with his hand and rushes in.
And I follow right after him.
Hyrinth stiffens his shield, prepared.
As soon as we rush in, all three people attempt to kill themselves.
Hyrinth tries to stop them, but he doesn’t make it in time.
Without hesitation, they use thick needles to pierce their eyes to destroy their brains.
The needles penetrated the eyes without much resistance, but this world’s defensive skills should protect even soft tissue, like the eyes. While your sense of touch remains the same, it should still be difficult to damage, so the needles must have some other properties.
「Dammit!!!」
Hyrinth drops his sword and shield and catches the three collapsing bodies before they hit the ground.
「Shun! Hurry! use your recovery magic!!!」
It’s too late, Hyrinth already knew that.
But I still follow his words and attempt to use recovery magic.
I know that Katia and Sensei have worried expressions behind my back.
But, there's no need to worry.
I pull the needle out from their eyes, and I start constructing a special type of recovery magic.
The destroyed parts from their bodies start regenerating.
At the same time, their hearts start beating again.
The souls that were about to be lost are restored.
I hear the Voice of God.
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Taboo LV6』 has become 『Taboo LV9』》
Even though I’m the only one who heard it, my heart almost sank to the floor.
I knew that Sensei has "Taboo" as well.
Because I also have a Ruler skill.
The 「Mercy」 skill.
It can resurrect the dead. The price is, whenever I resurrect someone, my level of “Taboo” increases.
That’s why I can’t criticize Sensei because I’m also a “Taboo” holder.
I signal Hyrinth and the others to lift Nii-sama and the others, then we escape from the castle.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
「Sorry. The actual Hero is more powerful than I thought, so I ran away」
「I don't mind. They should be in despair over witnessing the death of their loved ones. Kukuku」
「Ah. So that's why you left the castle unguarded」
「I knew that Naive idiot would come running to save his precious friends. But I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to see him crying. My real goal was something else anyway」
「Good grief. Even though I just came back, you sure are working this old man to the bone」
「If you have a problem with it, I can force you to anyway. The reason why I haven’t brainwashed you yet is because someone as strong as you would take considerable time and effort. It might be hard, but it’s not impossible, you know?」
「I understand. That's why I'm doing my job properly」
「That's fine. Then, let's depart to destroy the Elf Village. Ahahahaha!」
Seriously, retiring might be better.
Translator: Esper
Proofreader: Lain
Quality Control: Lain
The Royal Capital Battle 2
Author’s note: Shun's point of view.
「 Sensei. I am still going to save Nii-sama 」
Sensei bites her lip as she hears the stubbornness in my voice.
Naturally, Sensei understands that I must go back.
「 Will you go no matter what? 」
「 Yes 」
「 I see. I guess I’ll have to follow you then 」
「 Sensei, this is my problem. You don't have to follow me 」
「 I can't let you go there alone 」
「 He’s not alone. I’m going to be tagging along with him 」
「 Katia, bu- 」
「 Please let me come, I was brainwashed, I need to fix the problems that I’ve caused 」
Katia’s eyes seem as determined as mine.
In other words, she's not going to back down.
「 Fine. But, don't pull any stunts, okay? 」
「 Ok 」
She quickly agrees.
But, that promise can’t be trusted in any way.
Katia has a face that suggests she is going to do something reckless.
「 If Shun’s is going, of course, I will be going as well 」
「 Hyrinth 」
［ Don't worry, I will protect you ］
Hyrinth sent that thought with “Telepathy”.
If that's the case, then I can rest easy.
「 Well then, what’s our strategy going to be? 」
「 Defeat Hugo. That's it...」
「 That's impossible 」
「 Hugo-kun, no, Hugo has already gone home to the Renxandt Empire. Together with Sue-chan 」
「 What!? 」
「 Shun, you acquired Spatial Magic, right? What's it’s level? 」
「 It's only at level 3 right now. Its level grows painfully slow. Unfortunately, I can't use “Long-Distance Teleport” just by training in Spatial Magic 」
In the royal castle of the Analeit Kingdom, there's a magic device called a “Teleport point” that teleports you directly to the Kasanagara continent. But even if we could use it, the exit is still a long distance away from the Renxandt Empire.
No matter what we do, it's impossible to reach the Renxandt Empire before Nii-sama's execution.
「 So, they escaped out of out reach? 」
「 Yeah, for now, it's pretty much impossible to kill Hugo 」
「 Kill?! 」
Blood drains from my face as I hear Sensei’s words.
「 Shun-kun, don't tell me you intend to let Hugo live after all he's done? 」
「 No, bu- 」
「 Shun-kun, If I had cared enough about Hugo back then, I wouldn't have stopped at only depriving him of his skills and status. I would have killed him, then none of this would have happened, that’s my only regret as a teacher」
I shivered when I saw Sensei’s bleak eyes.
She is serious.
She is seriously thinking of killing Hugo.
Even I can't forgive Hugo.
My father was killed, not to mention Sue and many others are being manipulated.
There's no way that I could ever forgive him.
But, the idea of killing him never crossed my mind.
I just can’t bring myself to kill another person.
「 Besides, killing Hugo comes after we save your brother Leston. Let’s just think of a plan for now 」
Everyone accepts the fact that we are going to kill Hugo rather easily, everyone other than me.
Is that strange?
Am I strange?
If I look at it objectively. What Hugo has done deserves the death penalty.
And yet, I’m his victim and I still can’t bring myself to kill him.
When I think about it, the figure of a Hero comes to mind, Julius.
Even he couldn’t avoid killing. I'm sure that he has killed a lot of Demons with his hands.
But still, I wonder if he ever felt uncomfortable about killing people, just like me.
But now isn't the time for that, I should be thinking about saving Nii-sama.
「 On the night before Nii-sama's execution. We break into wherever they’re holding him and we grab him and escape. I think that’s the only way where we could avoid any unnecessary combat 」
Everyone thinks about my plan.
「 Well… It's full of holes 」
Hyrinth plainly mutters.
「 Like what? 」
「 We don't even know where Leston is being held. If we don't know where it is, then an infiltration would be pointless 」
「 If that's the case, we can use my skill 」
Sensei raises her hand to Hyrinth's objection.
「 I have a special “Ruler” skill. It can mark and target specific skills. Because I've seen Leston-kun's skill list, we could probably use my skill find him 」
「 I see 」
Now I understand how Sensei could find all us former students so quickly.
She used her skill to search for that garbled text skill that all the students have.
「 Then, the second problem. There will definitely be guards around Leston. Shun, do you have any idea of how to deal with them? 」
「 We are probably strong enough to win against normal soldiers. But we shouldn’t expect to be able to sneak past all of them, we may just have to force our way through if we’re discovered 」
The people we have here are all very skilled.
There's no way that we could lose to a bunch of random soldiers.
「 There will be traps, what are we going to do about those? 」
「 We have enough power to just trample through them 」
At least I think so.
「 Then, then the last problem is, what will you do if Leston has been brainwashed by the time we get there? 」
I freeze, I can’t respond to Hyrinth’s words.
It’s not like I hadn't thought of that being a possibility before.
Hugo is prepared to do anything.
That includes brainwashing Nii-sama. He could make him attack us, or even the worst thing I can think of, making Nii-sama kill himself.
If he does attack, we can easily hold him down.
But, it's another story to stop someone from committing suicide.
Either way, if Nii-sama is brainwashed, then our current situation will be even worse.
I have a trump-card, although it would be best if we could avoid using it. But if the situation calls for it, then I guess it can’t be helped.
「 I have an idea if Nii-sama has been brainwashed, could you leave it to me? 」
「 Why, you got a plan? 」
「 Yeah, I won't let Hugo do as he pleases 」
「 Well, all that’s left now is to rescue everyone else 」
Everyone frowns at my words.
「 Shun, that's impossible 」
「 Why is that? 」
「 Although we don't know how many people have been brainwashed by Hugo, I'm sure it's a large number. We don't have enough people to protect them all while they escape 」
「 But-- 」
「 Shun, I agree with Hyrinth」
「 Katia? 」
「 Shun, there are things that we can’t feasibly do. If you try to naively save everyone, things will only get worse 」
I try to object to Katia's words but I notice that she’s clenching her trembling fist.
That's right.
Katia hadn't even mentioned how her parents or the people from the Duke’s house were doing at all.
She never said we should go save them.
Katia has seemingly given up on rescuing her parents.
But, I can tell from her expression.
She wants to go save them.
「 So, the only person we’re rescuing is Leston... 」
I stutter as the words leave my mouth.
Even I'm worried about what happened to Clevea.
And while I want to save Sue and the others.
I can’t do it.
I don't have the strength to save them right now.
「 Hugo probably won’t be there. But just in case, Shun you should use your “Appraisal” frequently. Hugo went back to the Renxandant Empire using “Long-Distance Teleport”, so he could return at any time. If that happens, he’d be in a position to brainwash us before we could even react 」
「 Ah. That's right 」
「 Sensei. you are the only one who hasn’t been appraised so far, you should let shun appraise you 」
Katia's words cut sharply.
So she was aiming for this all along.
Sensei's expression changes.
「 What's wrong? If you aren’t guilty, then it should be fine to accept the appraisal. Or, is there something that you'd rather we don’t see? 」
「 That's... 」
「 Sensei. If you don't accept Shun's appraisal right now, I don’t think you can be trusted 」
Sensei kept silent for a while. after a moment, she nodded reluctantly.
「 Go ahead 」
I aim my "Appraisal" at Sensei.
High status,
High-level skills.
I expected as much, so I’m not all that surprised.
And then I saw the thing that Sensei didn’t want us to see.
「 Don't worry Katia. There's nothing suspicious in Sensei's status 」
「 Well, If Shun says so then I trust you. Sensei I’m sorry for doubting you 」
「 N-No. It's all right 」
Sensei got flustered at the sight of the bowing Katia.
［ Why? ］
Sensei talks to me using “Telepathy”.
［What do you mean?］
I act oblivious to Sensei's question.
［ You know what I’m talking about ］
［ Well, I kind of expected it to be there ］
That's right.
In Sensei's skill list, there's the "Taboo" skill.
［ Shun-kun, don't tell me, you-- ］
I drown out Sensei's “Telepathy”.
What I have to think about now is how to rescue Nii-sama.
Translator: Esper
Proofreader: Lain
Quality Control: Lain
The Royal Capital Battle 1
Authors note: This is from the point of view of Elder Ronandt, who appeared in Human-Demon Great War 2
Some boring work has been dumped on me.
I handled the daily magic training while looking at the night sky.
Recently, even if I repeat my training, there's little to no growth at all. I am getting older after all.
If it's like this, I’m going to reach the end of my life span before I ever reach the peak of magic.
How frustrating.
How frustrating it feels to lack talent.
「Teacher. Why are you training in magic control at such a late hour?」
「A person's life is far too short. If a person values sleep over training, then mastering magic is but a dream within a dream」
I answer one of my apprentices without turning around.
「I respect your strong passion for magic. But, no magician in the world could ever surpass Teacher」
「Ha!」
I laugh at my apprentice's words.
「You don't understand anything at all. I’m the world's strongest? What a joke. I who has no talent must put in the effort like this to compensate. I still regret my lack of talent, even now」
「Teacher. If you say that you have no talent, then it means that we apprentices don't have any talent either」
「All I'm saying is even if I’m idolized as a genius, this is still a mortal man's body. There are even people who could reach godhood in this world. Compared to them, I’m weak」
I can't help but lament that fact.
「Ah. I still remember it clearly. That divine appearance. The one who has reached the extremity of magic」
The one that comes to my mind is the existence who's at the very peak of magic that I once saw.
That beautiful existence.
Compared to them, I'm just a stone on the roadside.
Even if I'm seen by an existence equal to God, everyone is the same in its eyes.
Even if the stone on the roadside is larger than the rest, a stone is still only a stone in their eyes.
「What's wrong?」
While I'm in melancholic nostalgia, another apprentice comes in quietly.
Then, the two apprentices start chatting between themselves.
「It's Teacher's usual rant」
「Ah. I guess he’s already at that age」
「He might go senile soon」
「I can hear you, you fools」
I turn around, stare lightly and the two just shrug their shoulders unnaturally.
Good grief, what obnoxious apprentices.
This is no good.
I let myself get distracted by them just now.
To be disrupted by such a thing, as expected, I'll always be far too inexperienced no matter how much time passes.
「Teacher, this might be a needless concern, but please don't tell anyone about that story except us, okay?」
「I understand. Don't worry needlessly」
「Or rather, wasn’t Teacher mortally wounded as well? How odd that you can have such thoughts」
「Because I was arrogant at that time, I was shown clear as day that there's a top to the top. And how small I really was. I'm thankful from the bottom of my heart to have met them」
The world's strongest magician, even in the Rengzant Empire, that name holds significant valor.
That was my position at that time, and I still hold that position today.
At that time, I was foolish.
I never doubted that I was the “World's Strongest”.
And my once large ego was shattered on that day, by that incident.
I now know that there are limits you simply can't ever break as a Human.
「I regret that I was born as a human」
「Teacher, it would be bad if people heard you, they might interpret that statement as you siding with the Demons」
「Demons and Humans aren’t that different. It's pitiful. They are small vessels that crush each other. Oh, how small my existence is」
「Teacher, what if someone heard you talking like this?」
「There's no one here other than us. Besides, even if I was heard, what could they do? Do you think that this country has the right to judge a foreign representative」
I'm now at the royal castle of the Anareich Kingdom.
The country that’s falling apart under Prince Hugo's rule.
The fact is it's suppressed by our Rengzant, but Its appearance as a country is still kept intact so it doesn't make the people feel like anything is amiss.
This country is in a state where it can no longer function properly, all caused by the power of that unknown skill that Prince Hugo has.
The king is dead, the innocent third and fourth prince have been labeled as terrorists who committed treason, and the remaining first prince and second princess have been brainwashed along with most of the nobles, who are all now nothing but puppets.
The third prince will be executed tomorrow, it seems that the fourth prince escaped safely.
And, the engagement of Prince Hugo and the already brainwashed second princess has been announced, and now this country has become Prince Hugo's playhouse.
I'm here as insurance in case the safely escaped fourth prince returns to rescue the third prince.
Well, returning here knowing that it's a trap is unthinkable, unless he's an idiot.
By now, he’s probably taking refuge in a neighboring country.
The most likely place is the Samare Kingdom, where the first princess married.
In other words, there's no need for me to do anything.
「This is boring」
「Isn't it good for it to be peaceful?」
「I guess. I definitely don't want a dangerous mission like the recent Great War」
The recent battle was a considerably large-scale one.
The Demons attacked all at once, focusing their attacks on each of the forts that separate the Humans and the Demons territory.
Although the battle in the fort where I was, ended when I took out the Demon general, the other forts sustained considerable damage.
Well, I don’t care about something like that.
The problem is, even though I killed the Demon general, my level didn't rise.
My current level is 78.
In legends, it's said that the Humans can evolve if their level ever reaches 100.
However, because of my short life span, I will probably die before I can ever reach level 100.
Even though I have defeated a strong opponent like the Demon General, my level didn't rise at all, so I guess I shouldn't expect any drastic level ups from now on.
「I must say, I'm a little interested in the fourth prince, the true holder of the “Hero” title」
Although Prince Hugo was announced by the church as the new hero to the public, the genuine Hero is the escaped fourth prince, Schlain.
Even though Prince Hugo has abnormal strength, it seems that the fourth prince is a beast in his own right. If such a fellow became the Hero, how strong would he become?
I'm very interested indeed.
Surpassing a human's limits, the goal that I have been trying to accomplish, might soon be possible.
「I heard a rumor that the fourth prince has a power that’s equal to Prince Hugo. Prince Hugo is ridiculously strong. When I think that such a dangerous person will attack here, it makes me tremble」
「Hann. I’ll admit it, Prince Hugo is certainly strong. However, he really is rotten」
「Teacher, do you want to be beheaded!?」
「What's wrong saying that a person is rotten when they really are utterly lacking in any form of self-awareness? What? It’s not like you guys are gonna let anything I say leave this room.」
「Saying such dangerous things. What if we had been manipulated by the prince's suspicious skill?」
「Do you think that I, who have "Appraisal" Would be fooled by a trick like that?」
「Ah, that's right. I still don’t know why you decided to raise a skill like "Appraisal" to level 10」
「So, what part of the prince does Teacher think is rotten?」
「He's rotten to the extent that if I start listing off his faults, It’ll never end. If I have to start somewhere, it's everything about him」
「Teacher, then, won't the Rengzant Empire's future be doomed?」
「I don't know. I have some personal attachment to this country, although my aim to reach the pinnacle of magic is more important. I can’t let this country be ruined. After all, doesn't this seem like a nice place to retire and live quietly」
「If Teacher is okay with it, what about us?」
「I don't know. You should just do as you please」
The apprentices leak a grand sigh.
I gaze out the window, and I was a little surprised.
It seems that the fourth prince really is an idiot.
「Apprentices, prepare for battle」
「Eh?」
「The fourth prince has appeared」
「Seriously!?」
「Seriously. Prepare already!」
I ignore the apprentices that start preparing in a hurry, and I begin to construct magic.
「Well then Schlain, show me the power of the Hero」
Translator: Esper
Proofreader: Lain
The sinking earth
I extinguish the fire on my back with "Medicine Synthesis".
I can finally take a breather.
My low MP begins to recover rapidly.
Araba isn't moving anymore.
He doesn't have the energy to move.
Although his HP isn't going down yet, their SP is exhausted, so their HP will begin to decrease soon enough.
And, his SP is in a state where it might go down if they even try to move, even a little.
Now, it's like I can just boil or roast 'em.
Fufufu.
Although it was a harder fight than I had initially thought, I came out on top in the end, just as I had expected.
I knew that it was impossible to reduce Araba's HP completely from the get-go.
The scale series skill possessed by the Dragon race blocks all magic. Really, it's a terrible match up with me.
Even if I had hit him physically, it would be like hitting a brick wall.
Araba's defensive ability was overwhelmingly stronger than my offensive ability.
That's why I gave up on lowering his HP.
If his HP is no good, then I should just reduce their SP.
And the one skill that can do it is "Sloth", broken skill number 4.
"Sloth" was acquired soon after I evolved into an Ede Saine.
To be honest, I didn't quite understand the description, so I wrote it off thinking it wasn't any good, but when I tried it, boy was I surprised by how crazy well it pairs up with my other skills.
If I use my "Evil Eye of Grudge", not only does it chip away at their HP, but their other stats go down as well.
Even though there's not much of an effect on Araba, if it's an opponent without the crazy "Abnormal Condition Resistance", it becomes a brutal combo that I even feel confident saying I could probably win with just this skill alone.
In addition, if I use it with Transfer, I can force a one-sided war of attrition on my opponent.
I can always check my opponent's status by marking them, interrupting their meal by appearing suddenly with Transfer, and then waiting for all of their SP to be exhausted.
I mean, this was the strategy that I was originally going to use on Araba.
But because he had acquired a ridiculous skill like "Space Perception", it became dangerous to use my Transfer thoughtlessly.
Among the skills that Araba acquired, the most troublesome one might have been "Space Perception".
But because Araba went all-out with a desperate struggle, I succeeded in exhausting their SP much faster.
If Araba had kept his composure, the end result might've been different.
But because they weren't careless and didn't leave anything up to chance, they were defeated instead.
It's a nasty strategy if I do say so myself.
Well then, Araba, have you composed a haiku?
I'll help you then.
It seems you can't move.
I'll shoot magic as I like.
Time to end our fight.
Will your HP drop?
Or, will your SP be first?
I can't wait to see.
I look down on Araba from the air, while in my mind I wear a smug grin.
Araba raises his head slowly.
Our eyes meet.
I can't believe it.
Those eyes were strangely calm.
What's with those eyes?
I beat you!
You should be a sore loser.
Araba turns his body over slowly as if they're ignoring my verbal abuse. Leaving only his head facing towards me.
Then I notice something odd occurring in Araba's status.
The skills are slowly becoming greyed-out.
Is this their skills being turned off?
Araba's skills become grey, one after another.
Even the "Heaven Scale" skill which tormented me turns grey.
All of their other various resistance-type skills as well.
So, you won't resist, huh?
What's with that.
Really, what's with that!
Why are you looking so satisfied all of a sudden?
Because you did your best? because you have no regrets?
Just like that?
Don't joke with me!
Get greedy.
Beg for your life more.
Struggle or something.
How can you throw away your life so easily?
You only get one life, if you lose it, that's it! You don't get another one, you know?
I know I was reincarnated so might not be one to talk but usually, it's over when you die, you know?
How can you let it end so gallantly?
Then, what am I? someone who just struggles, not wanting it to end!
Or, is it because you know that this won't be the end, even if you die in this world?
If that's the case, it's even more irritating.
Ah fine, whatever.
I will kill you just as you wish.
I release all my Evil Eyes.
Grudge, Stasis, Magnetism and Extinction.
Araba's body becomes dust and vanishes without any resistance.
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Ede Saine LV19 has become LV20》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency was acquired》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Fighting Spirit LV9』 has become 『Fighting Spirit LV10』》
《Conditions met. Skill 『Fighting Spirit LV10』 has evolved into Skill 『War God Spirit LV1』》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Anger LV2』 has become 『Anger LV3』》
《Skill points gained》
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Ede Saine LV20 has become LV21》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency was acquired》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Evil Eye of Extinction LV3』 has become 『Evil Eye of Extinction LV4』》
《Skill points gained》
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Ede Saine LV21 has become LV22》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency was acquired》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Telekinesis LV1』 has become 『Telekinesis LV2』》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Evil Eye of Magnetism LV1』 has become 『Evil Eye of Magnetism LV2』》
《Skill points gained》
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Ede Saine LV22 has become LV23》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency was acquired》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『High-speed HP Recovery LV7』 has become 『High-speed HP Recovery LV8』》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Thread Talent LV8』 has become 『Thread Talent LV9』》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Slash Resistance LV5』 has become 『Slash Resistance LV6』》
《Skill points gained》
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Ede Saine LV23 has become LV24》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency was acquired》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Blunt Resistance LV5』 has become 『Blunt Resistance LV6』》
《Skill proficiency reached. Skill 『Fear Resistance LV9』 has become 『Fear Resistance LV10』》
《Conditions met. Skill 『Fear Resistance LV10』 has evolved into Skill 『Great Fear Resistance LV1』》
《Skill points gained》
This became an awfully bitter-sweet victory.
Translator: Lain
