It's Dangerous Outside the Dungeon, Master

* * *

A few days after returning to the dungeon.

Emerging from the shadows and sitting in a large chair, I soon confirmed numerous gazes focused on me.

“Welcome, my lady.”

“You were here. Ran. I’m a bit late.”

“Not at all. My lady’s arrival is right on time.”

On the left stood Dungeon Lord Ran and the mercenary Xue, and below them stood some senior monsters or soldiers including Fortuna, Mire, and Axe.

“It’s been a while, Daniel.”

“Have you been well, Lady?”

“Yes. Except for losing one precious subordinate. I hope you’ll be more careful.”

“I’ll take that to heart.”

On the right stood Eve, my first soldier, and Sonia, my disciple, and lined up below the stairs were humans who had contracted with me without being slaves, like Maria and Daniel.

And in the middle was a large black marble table.

Needless to say, this was the conference hall.

“Has everyone arrived?”

“Alexis and Elias, who are active outside, sent word they won’t participate, and I plan to report about them.”

“I see.”

Today is October 1st.

In this world, it’s when autumn properly begins, and although the heat hasn’t subsided as it’s a tropical region, it’s when farmers’ harvests begin in earnest.

It’s also the start of the fourth quarter.

“Sit.”

“”Yes.””

Although everyone who answered simultaneously sat down, the four close aides remained standing, looking down at them.

Ran, being in the special position of Dungeon Lord, wanted to stay closest to me, while Eve and Xue needed to be prepared for any sudden situations.

“Let’s begin.”

“Yes, Teacher.”

Lastly, because Sonia is the moderator.

Although it doesn’t require any special knowledge since it’s just conducting the meeting process, it’s a position that needs some authority.

Her position as my human disciple was fitting for that.

“I will now begin the regular meeting. First, regarding internal dungeon affairs.”

‘「Dungeon Information」.’

『Demon King Candidate ‘Libertas’s Dungeon Lv. 4』

While listening to Sonia speak in a clear voice, I called up the dungeon’s information window to check the current status.

Even when receiving direct reports, I needed to look at it once.

『Summon and Monster Maintenance Capacity – 718/718』

『Contractor and Mercenary Maintenance Capacity = 248/248』

‘Well, if there’s no one not properly receiving ‘magic power’, it means there are no problems affecting them within the current dungeon.’

Also, conversely, some might ask why hold meetings when you can check like this.

But viewing the system window is mine alone.

Even Ran, who is a Dungeon Lord like me, can’t see this screen, so periodic meetings and exchanges of opinions were essential for information exchange between members.

“Also regarding the living environment of the slaves… although they aren’t saying anything themselves, from what I’ve seen, improvements to the living environment seem necessary. Right now, they seem especially susceptible to fever.”

“Tell Eleanor to check and submit what’s needed.”

“Yes, Teacher.”

Also, what I can see is only information textualized through the system.

I also know that missing information obtained by those actually working in the field like this creates a disconnect between the field and command.

“Fortuna.”

“Y-yes…!”

Also, just like now, not only talk about Eleanor’s family, but monsters too need appropriate living environments arranged.

“Are there any inconveniences for you Arachnes to live?”

“Y-yes… Master. Although there’s still some anxiety… there are no complaints.”

“If any arise, compile them immediately. As long as they’re not unreasonable demands, I’ll listen. You are our members. I promised that, so strive to live up to that position.”

“Yes…!”

Even if they don’t need much for living, they are still living beings.

Also, appropriate environments can create long-lived individuals among monsters, and such long-lived individuals sometimes manifest unexpected characteristics.

Characteristics worth collecting or making into sacrifices for other main summons.

This was one of the traditional cultivation methods that continued from MilDun 1.

『Number of Rooms – 37/37』 『Passages – 98/98』

“Are there any suggestions for additional facilities?”

“There are suggestions about bathing facilities… but in my judgment, while not comfortable, it should be sufficient.”

“I see. Let’s move on.”

After the internal dungeon situation ends, next is naturally about the outside.

Nodding at Sonia’s words, this time I checked the information corresponding to the ‘outside’ part.

“Next is about external affairs. From now on, there will be reports from each reporter.”

『Alias – The Mansion Where People Disappear』

『Continent Fame – 41 (A few fanatics, rumors about the mansion rather than the dungeon)』

『Demon Realm Fame – 1,037 (Newcomer backed by an influential family)』

‘At least the rumors seem to be properly controlled.’

Actually, having this level of continental fame at this point was a first even for me who had played MilDun 1 for a long time switching accounts.

It’s natural since trying to control information like this wasn’t necessary in the game, and also because continental fame in MilDun 1 would just rise from killing lots of people.

“I have the honor to report first.”

While I was checking about the dungeon’s recognition, Talhan stood up and began speaking about these matters.

Not only is he relatively senior within the dungeon, but this order must have been assigned knowing that I think sensitively about information.

“Currently, rumors about the dungeon, or rather the mansion, remain at the level of ghost stories, and even the information guilds we haven’t yet taken control of have identified the source of the rumors but are blocked by us and unable to verify their authenticity.”

『Jason Coulter, Elite Guardian』

He, who currently holds the position of Copzerin’s Information Guild Master, was wearing the body of the man who had been in that position.

Was it really that women’s bodies weren’t his preference?

『Attributes – Health 13(◀ 5) Technique 46(◀ 24) Durability 21(◀ 11) Magic Power 53(◀ 27) Resistance 42(◀ 20)』

『Central Nervous System Enhancement – Can parasitize an enemy’s body one level higher than the original body.』

『Permanent Stealth – When not attacking enemies, this individual’s body is invisible.』

Also, his original body’s attributes and characteristics had improved tremendously, which meant he had eaten and switched bodies with numerous humans during this time.

In just barely 2 months since I last saw him.

“Ha…”

I couldn’t help but laugh wryly.

If he had lived as a normal human, I could be certain he would have died trying to backstab others before becoming this strong – it was that level of change.

No matter how you look at it, he really is suited to being a monster.

“Are there any individuals to watch out for among those who’ve heard the rumors?”

“There are high-level information guild officials in the cities where the mansions are located… but since we already have one of our own among each guild’s key field personnel, it won’t be easy for them to notice anything unusual.”

‘The Mansion Where People Disappear’ is currently deployed in 4 cities.

Sonyataf, the largest city among those handling the border between Heisen and Kiza.

Mamilè, which sends goods entering through Kiza’s coast to the border with the Xenota United Kingdom.

Tribress, which handles traffic between the royal capital Hairashi and the south.

Finally, Iltkis, which is generally the last city visited when going from the royal capital to the Ironfield Marquisate.

All are relatively large cities, and places where humans controlled by Cerebrum Skull currently exert control.

Of course, these traps also didn’t cause enough casualties or capture enough talent to draw attention.

“It will be soon.”

“I’ll compress the time as much as possible.”

“Do that. But never forget that anyone could be watching you at any time.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Anyway, well done. I see you’ve worked hard all this time. I shall soon give you a fitting reward.”

“Thank you! Master!”

Talhan has done quite well so far.

Moreover, I had a very slight debt of conscience from his lifetime.

Just after I had decided to spare him if he didn’t come to the dungeon, he came to the dungeon on his own, so I had no choice but to kill him on the spot.

Since the body of an intelligence-type monster seems to suit him well, it would be good to give him a body that can fulfill human desires much better than before.

I look forward to his reaction after receiving the reward.

“I shall report, my lady.”

“Go ahead, Ran.”

If Talhan manages information, Ran is in charge of managing key humans operating outside.

Currently, these are Elias and Alexis, and Daniel.

Of course, since Daniel himself is present here, her talk focused on the other two.

“Alexis succeeded in obtaining the title of Baron two days ago.”

“That’s later than expected.”

It’s already approaching 2 months since I released Alexis.

I had thought it would take at most 1 month from gathering people to conquest, so I can’t help but consider it late.

In the modern continent, while recognizing the existence of Dungeon Lords was problematic, once recognized, subjugating them wasn’t that difficult.

Plus, Alexis is in a position where he ‘needs to show something’ to me.

“He said he moved very cautiously regarding assessing the situation of the Dungeon Lord located in Iltkis.”

“…I suppose I should say he did well?”

“I believe he would be beside himself with joy at your praise.”

While listening to Ran’s habitual flattery, I briefly reconsidered his usefulness.

What I initially wanted was to send him up to the royal capital Hairashi and obtain information available as a high-ranking official of the kingdom.

This is one of the matters I consider most important right now.

Although I’m gradually extending my reach to the Arilit Grand Duchy in the south, after all, Heisen can most directly affect my dungeon currently.

However.

“It’s not wrong that his ability is lacking.”

“Shall I urge him?”

“No, leave him as is and observe more. Whether he’s being cunning, or if he really can’t do it.”

If he really can’t do it, we can just use him somewhere else.

But if he’s being cunning for other reasons, then he’ll have to be disposed of.

Of course, that disposal won’t be carried out in any ordinary way.

“Understood. I shall use my eyes.”

“Yes… Then how is Elias?”

“She has just barely returned to her family home, but word came that she’s ready to pay the ‘first price’.”

“Oh? That’s unexpected.”

It was only about 2 weeks ago that I released Elias. Given that, I thought just proving her identity after returning home would be overwhelming, yet it seems she has some results.

Perhaps because I just heard about someone underperforming, this is quite satisfactory.

That must be why Ran put her story later. It’s much better to go from feeling bad to feeling good.

“Did she really say she would offer her sister’s body?”

What I ordered from her was the body of one blood-related sister. A noble’s body has its uses whether alive or dead.

Nobles grow up eating elixirs from childhood, so their bodies are magically more efficient than ordinary humans or other races.

If that’s true for ordinary nobles, what about the body of a high noble’s child?

Even if there’s no other use, its value as a sacrifice is also high, so it was one of the appropriate prices to test her resolve.

“She did indeed. She said to relay that she has finished preparing to seduce one of her half-sisters.”

“Interesting. Did she say she needs support?”

“She said she’s prepared, just send someone to receive.”

“I see. Talhan.”

At my call, Talhan immediately understood why he was called and bowed his head in response.

“I will send one of ours to Ironfield.”

“Send a child from either Mamilè or Sonyataf.”

“I will handle it carefully so the tracks aren’t discovered.”

He understands two things when told one. Whatever his personality, his ability is at least useful.

Although it would be very difficult for him to break away from me even if he met another necromancer, I should remember to reward him too.

“The distance…”

“Roughly 1 week, at most 2 weeks.”

“I see. Relay that.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

After finishing the conversation with Ran, I turned my attention to Daniel.

This was to hear the report about what I had ordered in advance.

Recognizing my gaze, he immediately stood up and began speaking.

“The preparation of the monster hunting mercenary corps is almost complete. We’ve gathered enough regular personnel, now we just need to begin securing control over the high-level personnel we’ve invited.”

As he said, what I wanted was identifying and hunting monsters hidden throughout the continent.

This is because my demand for high-grade sacrifices, especially monsters of elite grade or above, will increase in the future.

『Occupation and Rank – Elite Ranger』

『Attributes – Health 44(◀ 32) Technique 50(◀ 38) Durability 37(◀ 22) Magic Power 52(◀ 31) Resistance 43(◀ 28)』

I even focused on cultivating his abilities specifically to qualify him for this.

Because guilds aimed at monster hunting must have at least one elite-grade personnel recognized by the adventurer’s guild or mercenary guild.

“What do you want to do?”

“If Lady can prepare a trading company, I can handle securing control over the personnel on my end. It’s not unusual for a mercenary group to have one or two fixed trading partners.”

“Yes. I already have a trading company prepared, so handle the rest yourself. Let me know if you need anything. However, you must produce results. This is essential work.”

“Yes, Lady. Trust me with it.”

When I ordered him to create a guild, I was already aware of the need for a trading company, so that preparation was also in place.

The clerical staff needed for that should be fine with the fallen noble families.

As they say, even a rotting croaker is still a croaker, so using them who have received at least some education would be much better than commoners or monsters who know nothing.

“Discuss any exceptional requests separately. I’ll think about them after compiling them.”

“”Yes!””

With that, Daniel’s matter concluded the discussion of external affairs.

My gaze turned to my close aides.

It was time to decide on today’s final agenda.

“You four, follow me.”

Today, one of either Eve or Xue will reach the elite realm.

The places marked with purple dots are cities where trap mansions connecting to.