NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 89
– 1 –
The next morning.
The first thing I checked was the inspection of those who would be responsible for the force while Eve, Xue, and I were out of the dungeon.
『Name – Sonia Medivh』
『Job and Rank – High-level Curse Sorcerer』
Although Sonia has not yet mastered the use of curses or elemental magic, I assessed her performance during the attack at Copgerin and concluded she could handle herself adequately now.
She may not be able to kill someone yet, but at least she can subdue an opponent.
『Name – Mire』
『Title/Entity Name – Delicate Skeleton Tracker』
『Name – Axe』
『Title/Entity Name – Giant Skeleton Protector』
Thanks to my support and their continuous battles and training, my high-level archer and warrior have built their attributes and characteristics.
There may be other high-level soldiers, but none can compare to them.
They have grown consistently based on their distinct personalities, and when they are together, they can delay even elite-level opponents.
『Name – Elenore Claymel』
『Job and Rank – High-level Berserker』
Elenore, who is adapting to her diminished abilities, has outstanding innate talent and is rapidly becoming stronger again, along with her similarly talented relatives.
These young zealots will fight desperately for the sake of their mother, showing exceptional loyalty to me.
『Name – Munyu Jinkyung』
『Job and Rank – Elite Spirit Sorcerer』
Jinkyung, an elite sorcerer whose magic was sealed due to its overwhelming strength, has now completed the contract and released the seal today.
『Name – Maria Olas』
『Job and Rank – High-level Protector』
And then, there’s Maria, who is scheduled to have her abilities restored today.
“… You’re going to return my abilities, right, Master?”
“That’s right.”
“Why…?”
Of course, it was because I had observed her for a while and concluded that she was now past the stage of causing suicides or escape attempts.
In other words, it means she is beginning to see this place as a sort of “sanctuary.”
But I said something else.
“To protect each other with Sonia, it would be better for you to have stronger power, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s great, sister!”
“Uh, uh…”
Upon hearing that from me, she just froze up, and surprisingly, it was Sonia who looked more pleased.
It was the expected reaction.
At the point where she was slowly getting accustomed to her feelings of powerlessness and the sensation of regaining something day by day, if that goal were achieved through someone else’s power…
Clang!
“So easily…”
“It doesn’t need to be difficult. Not for me.”
“Right… Master.”
Even if her immediate feelings or reactions differ, everyone inevitably gets a bit caught up in a sense of futility.
How she channels the futility she is feeling now will depend on what comes next…
Still, it probably won’t take long for her to be engulfed in that negative sensation.
I can tell just by looking at the results that are visible to my eyes.
『Attributes – Health 13(◀ 29) Dexterity 14(◀ 31) Endurance 12(◀ 27) Magic Power 13(◀ 30) Resistance 6(◀ 17)』
『Attributes – Health 31(◀ 14) Dexterity 38(◀ 19) Endurance 29(◀ 13) Magic Power 28(◀ 13) Resistance 17(◀ 6)』
The upper line represents the state gained after her magical powers were sealed, while the lower line reflects the attributes gained after the recent release of that seal.
Among them, it was particularly evident that her dexterity had significantly increased.
Though her magic had been frozen to the point of being unusable, other body-related abilities had also slightly increased.
‘Just adapting to a weakened body would have been quite a feat, and the fact that she has trained to this level in that state is truly commendable.’
This “attribute” indicates how magic currently contributes to the body’s output, but training the body’s foundation can also increase the efficiency of the magic already bestowed upon it.
That is now reflected in this information display.
Of course, it cannot be denied that she had been diligent in her efforts throughout as well.
『Characteristic – … ‘Diligent Worker’』
As a result of her consistent training despite her weakened state, she has even acquired a new characteristic.
『Diligent Worker – Increases the rate of attribute enhancement through training slightly and randomly.』
The characteristic may or may not activate randomly each time she trains, and the extent of the increase is also random within a small range.
Regardless, it’s definitely better than having nothing at all.
No doubt her dexterity stat isn’t without influence from this characteristic either.
Thud!
I dropped the steel that had been constricting her neck and magic into the shadows and placed my hand on the back of her hand as she tended to the wound on her neck.
“I know how much effort you’ve put in.”
Zing!
After gripping her hand that had been touching the wounded area, I healed the wounds and scars with healing magic.
There were traces of intense physical activity while she had been wearing a restraint around her neck.
“How do you… know?”
“Because I’ve been watching.”
“You’ve been… watching me.”
“Indeed.”
With a not entirely truthful answer, I checked the situation of the magic acting on her body by pouring magic into my eyes.
The magic that had been rigidly frozen suddenly became active and had to be tuned before it caused her further harm.
This was merely a precautionary measure, and the actual probability of something going wrong at this level of skill and training was low.
“Just as I expected. The magic has settled beautifully.”
“Thank you.”
Seeing that she immediately understood my words, it seemed she had an idea of what I was doing.
However, Maria’s demeanor was surprisingly sincere and polite.
She offered her hands in a respectful gesture and bowed.
Her attitude was reminiscent of how one might treat a half-mentor or a parent.
“There’s no need to be overly formal.”
“No, really… Master, objectively speaking, you are truly an excellent senior and teacher.”
Thinking back to Sonia’s situation, the ability wielders in this world must be generally reluctant to show “grace.”
‘Their position is quite understandable.’
In a world where abilities are common, abilities are also considered property.
When chaos reigns, monopolizing abilities could become a significant sin, but once the world stabilizes, there’s no necessity to generously distribute such high-value assets.
This likely explains why the master-student relationships within guilds are more sensitively tied to profit and loss.
The difference between them and me is simply that I have reasons to impart more abilities to myself.
‘To survive, I must strengthen the stronghold around me.’
Thus, Maria’s excessive courtesy is indeed a burden to me.
To be blunt, I only want to make her stronger so I can utilize her.
“Alright. I understand, so get up. I’d prefer to receive your thanks through practical achievements rather than such courtesy. After all, I’m just returning what I took.”
“… I will do my best, unless those who come to the dungeon are my acquaintances.”
“Of course. That’s a given.”
Didn’t she say her parents were still out there somewhere?
According to my investigations, it seems that Maria and Remia were recognized as elite ranks before their couple departed for the magical realm with them on land.
That was three years ago.
So now they have likely reached at least the seasoned level even within the elite ranks, or if they were fortunate enough to inherit talents, they might even be nearing the ranks above.
‘A whole family of adventurers… If those two are the ones who passed down the abilities, then it wouldn’t be strange at all if they were the latter.’
“Phew…”
– Cling.
I scanned between Maria and Mire.
Her parents would be a dangerous adversary, capable of diminishing my dungeon’s overall combat strength with their mere presence.
The extent of that potential loss would depend on how much Maria performed in the future.
– Crack.
“Eve? … Yes, I’m fine.”
When that time comes, I would once again find myself struggling between morality and practicality.
However, if there are those who will support me like now, that may be perfectly fine or… it may become satisfactory.
At the very least, there would be no need for me to cast everyone out or banish them with my own hands.
Unlike my original life.
– 2 –
Once the inspection of the personnel was complete, the next obvious task was to organize the army and the dungeon.
Of course, maintaining and repairing equipment has been a continuous effort, so we would be ready for immediate combat.
What I needed were gear for upgrading my soldiers going forward.
To that end, I checked the progress of the transaction I had previously ordered from the Mammon Trading Company.
“No matter how I think about it… this really feels like wasting money…”
The one designated as the representative for this transaction wasn’t Scarlet or Grimm but her subordinate, Mari.
She probably had connections with the blacksmith from the start…
But it seems she’s done something to get herself scolded.
“The one judging that is me, not you, Mari – Mallice – Mare.”
How dare she say this endeavor is a waste.
Spending costs to arm my beloved people and my army and finding partners who will properly use those funds.
“Ah…! I-I’m so sorry…!”
Mari quickly realized the meaning of my words and bowed deeply with unusual speed.
Seeing her catch on so quickly despite my calm tone suggests she’s quite perceptive.
Not at all like the evaluation I’ve heard about her.
[She’s not worthy of trust. She can handle regular tasks, but… she often causes accidents. She lacks subtlety.]
So it seems Mari isn’t entirely lacking in awareness, contrary to what Scarlet assessed her to be.
Whether Scarlet’s standards were too high or Mari had hidden herself is something to consider.
[This is a secret, but… she’s actually the illegitimate child of Lord Greed.]
Recalling Scarlet’s mention of her background, I guessed that she must have talent for hiding herself.
Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such an “unfathomable gap in abilities.”
“Mari Mallice Mare. I don’t know what you want to do, but be aware there is no room for you to be here before me.”
To put it simply, regardless of her objectives, I would clear her out if she ever crossed into my business or interfered.
It’s true that she is reportedly a daughter of Duke Mammon, so I can’t carelessly act against her.
‘But there’s no need to be overshadowed by her background either.’
For now, I’ve officially stated that I’m not paying attention, and Mammon is a duke loyal to the Demon Lord.
He respects and takes care of the demon kin who are future heirs to the Demon Lord, which is why he manages the trading company to support them.
“Got it! I’ll keep that in mind!!”
Having acknowledged this, she merely lowered her head and did not protest.
Nodding once, I extended my hand toward her, and sensing my intent, Mari presented the documents with both her hands.
Her prompt action filled me with certainty.
‘Whatever her motives may be, it seems she’s right to keep herself hidden.’
I stole a sidelong glance at the stiff Mari, then turned my attention to the documents she handed over.
Rustle.
There was a list of trading companies or artisans who expressed a “wish” to supply weapons to my dungeon.
Though they were just dealing with standard weaponry and relevant routes by my demand, it appears there are still quite a few options left.
“The rumors about the friendship with the Baritra Marquis House seem to be well-founded.”
“Ah, yes. The rumors about the lady are gradually spreading… The trading company and the Marquis House are only preventing bad rumors and baseless gossip.”
“Even without me saying anything, you took the initiative. I must make sure to remember this.”
“They will all view it as an honor…!”
Well. Even so, it’s hard to believe they would be so pleased over the acknowledgment of an unnamed dungeon lord.
The reason the rumors have spread is due to Serika’s impromptu decision to accompany me, a child who was the lost one from Baritra, appearing above ground.
Even if the rumors were not of my volition…
Regardless of whether my reputation rises or falls, it’s a double-edged sword.
‘The chances of other dungeon lords getting information on me increase, but the probability of demon kin and trading companies flocking to see me as a “promising investment” rises as well.’
And as I mentioned before, I have quite the confidence.
Confidence that I will become a promising investment.
‘Rumors that I’m friendly with Baritra, an ally of “Wrath,” might incite hostility from other ducal factions…’
But unless they have completely lost their mind, those who harbor animosity won’t make it openly manifest.
‘Serika is, after all, an illegitimate child of the Marquis, and her status of heir is not firmly established.’
I still don’t have a solidified status.
So the underlings of other dukes wouldn’t dare create trouble or risk provoking Mammon’s wrath either.
Unless they have connections with other factions, which is something they need to be cautious of.
“Here, and here. This place should do nicely.”
“Understood! I will prepare the seating shortly!”
“First, set everything up so I can handle the aftermath of this event next week.”
“Leave it to me!”
The grim aura that typically surrounded her vanished completely as Mari’s body went tense with nervous anticipation.
I gave her shoulder a few pats.
Since I raised the bar, I ought to treat her well too.
“Just do what I ask. Then, there’s no need for me to harm you.”
“W-Well, that’s an honor!!”
“That’s not necessary. It’s probably something you wouldn’t wish for me to entangle you with, either.”
“Well, not really! In fact, I have some, um… admiration for the lady.”
“…?”
That was unexpected.
Mari’s face was slightly flushed.
“Well, I mean… that’s how it is.”
After momentarily gazing at her with mild embarrassment, I merely nodded as if granting her leave.
I had no intention of stopping her from sending goodwill in her own way.
– 3 –
“Well then, I look forward to our next meeting.”
“Yes!”
As I watched Mari leave, contemplating the gazes that would crowd upon the rumor spread, my thoughts quickly reverted to one individual.
Though I did not yet know of their true nature, it was the one who had shown near hostility toward me.
‘Who could that person be? The Queen of the North.’
At this moment, the last Queen who was likely waging a blood-soaked war with other factions up north is the identity of that adversary.
Click.
On the map unfurling before my eyes lay the terrain of the Coniferous Forest, the territory of the Northern Queen, along with an outline of her military forces.
In the highlands, there were quite a few light gray Bishops and many dark-hued Pawns following them, while the lowlands displayed a greater number of bluer Bishops, though the number of Pawns was markedly lesser.
In between one high point in the highlands and one in the lowlands, there were two Kings stationed, surrounded by numerous Bishops and Pawns.
As one can easily surmise, it reveals the ongoing military situation through magic.
An item that reflects the movements of the battlefield in real-time.
“Let’s perform the final inspection. Eve, Sonia. This spot will be where you will contact me. Keep me informed with every significant change.”
– Snap!
“Yes, Master!”
By the time I finish my work in the Coniferous Forest, the fates of the two Kings will have already been determined.