99. Heroes (1) (Map)
99. Heroes (1) (Map)
- 1 -
A few days after returning to the dungeon.
I sat in the large chair, free from the shade, and immediately registered the many gazes focused on me.
"Welcome, my lord."
"You were already here, Ran. I am a little late."
"Not at all, my lord. You have arrived at the perfect time."
On the left side stood Dungeon Lord Ran and the mercenary Shue, and below them were some senior monsters and soldiers, including Fortuna, Mire, and Axe.
"It has been a while, Daniel."
"Have you been well, my Lady?"
"Yes. Except for losing one precious subordinate. I hope you will be safer."
"I will take it to heart."
On the right side stood my first soldier Eve and my disciple Sonia, and below the stairs were humans contracted to me but not slaves, such as Maria and Daniel.
And at the center was a large black marble table.
Needless to say, this was the council chamber.
"Has everyone arrived?"
"Alexis and Elias, who are active outside, have sent word they will not be attending, and I will report on them."
"Good."
Today was October 1st.
In this world, it was the time when autumn began in earnest, and although the heat had not subsided because it was a tropical region, it was the season when farmers' harvests started in full swing.
It was also the day the fourth quarter began.
"Be seated."
""Yes.""
Those who answered in unison all sat down, but the four close aides remained standing and looked down at them.
Ran, who held the special position of Dungeon Lord, wished to be at the place closest to me, and Eve and Shue had to be ready for any sudden situations.
"Let us begin."
"Yes, Master."
Finally, Sonia was the executor.
No special knowledge was required since she was simply proceeding with the meeting, but it was a position that required a certain amount of authority.
The position of my human disciple was suitable for that.
"I will now begin the regular meeting. First, regarding internal dungeon affairs."
'Dungeon Information.'
『Demon Lord Candidate 'Libertas' Dungeon Lv. 4』
While listening to Sonia speak in a clear voice, I called up the dungeon information window to check the current status.
Even if I received a direct report, it was necessary to see it for myself.
『Summoned Creature and Monster Upkeep - 718/718』
『Contractor and Mercenary Upkeep = 248/248』
'First, if there are no targets unable to properly receive mana, it means there are no problems currently affecting them within the dungeon.'
Conversely, someone might ask why we were holding a meeting when I could check things this way.
But the viewing of the system window was solely my own privilege.
Even Ran, who was a Dungeon Lord like me, could not see this screen, so regular meetings and exchanges of opinions were essential for information sharing among the members.
"Additionally, regarding the living environment of the slaves... they are not saying anything themselves, but from what I see, an improvement in their living conditions seems necessary. For now, they seem prone to catching fevers more than anything else."
"Tell Eleanor to check and list what is necessary."
"Yes, Master."
Furthermore, what I could see was merely textual information through the system.
I also knew that missing the information obtained by those actually working in the field like this would create a gap between the field and the command.
"Fortuna."
"Yes...!"
Also, just like the discussion about Eleanor's family, it was necessary to establish a suitable living environment for the monsters as well.
"Are there any inconveniences for you Arachne to live?"
"N-no... Master. There is still some anxiety, but... I have no complaints."
"If any arise, collect them and report immediately. I will grant them as long as they are not absurd requests. You are members of our group. I promised so, so strive to be worthy of that position."
"Yes...!"
Even if they did not need much for living, they were still creatures.
Also, a proper environment could create long-lived individuals among the monsters, and such old individuals sometimes developed unexpected traits.
Traits sufficient to be used as sacrifices for other main summoned creatures or to be harvested.
This was one of the traditional nurturing methods carried over from MLD 1.
『Number of Rooms - 37/37』 『Corridors - 98/98』
"Are there any suggestions for additional facilities?"
"There are suggestions for new facilities, but... in my judgment, it should be sufficient, though not comfortable."
"Good. Let us move on."
Once the internal dungeon situation was finished, the next topic was naturally about the outside.
I nodded at Sonia's words, and this time I checked the information concerning the 'outside'.
"Next is regarding 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 of a mansion, not a dungeon)』
『Demon Realm Fame - 1,037 (newcomer backed by a powerful family)』
'For now, it seems the rumors are being properly controlled.'
In fact, for my continent fame to be only this much at this point was a first even for me, who had played MLD 1 for a long time while changing accounts.
Attempting to control information like this was naturally something unnecessary in the game, but also because continent fame in MLD 1 simply went up as you killed a lot of people.
"I am honored to report first."
As I was checking the dungeon's recognition, Talhan rose from his seat and began to speak on that matter.
He was relatively senior within the dungeon, but it was likely the order arranged because he knew I was sensitive about information.
"Currently, rumors about the dungeon, no, the mansion, are only at the level of urban legends, and even the information guilds we have not yet seized have identified the source of the rumors but are blocked by us and cannot uncover the truth."
『Jason Colter, Elite Guardian』
He, who was currently the head of the Copherin Information Guild, was inhabiting the body of the man who had been in that position.
Did he really not have a hobby for women's bodies?
『Attributes - Stamina 13(◀ 5) Technique 46(◀ 24) Durability 21(◀ 11) Mana 53(◀ 27) Resistance 42(◀ 20)』
『Central Nervous System Enhancement - Can parasitize the body of an enemy one rank higher than the main body.』
『Permanent Invisibility - When not attacking an enemy, this entity's body is invisible.』
Also, the attributes and traits of his original body had improved greatly, which also meant he had eaten numerous humans and changed bodies during that time.
In less than two months since the last report.
"Ha..."
An involuntary scoff escaped me.
It was a change that made me certain that if he had lived as an ordinary human, he would have died trying to backstab someone else before becoming this strong.
No matter how I thought about it, he was really suited to be a monster.
"Are there any noteworthy figures among those who have heard the rumors?"
"There are high-ranking officials from the information guilds in the city where the mansion belongs... but since our people are already included among the key field personnel of each guild, it will not be easy for them to sense anything amiss."
'The Mansion Where People Disappear' was currently deployed in four cities.
Sonyataff, the largest city in Hysen responsible for the border with Kiza.
Mamille, which sent supplies coming through the coast of Kiza to the border with the Zenota United Kingdom.
Tribres, which handled transportation between the Royal Capital Hylash and the south.
Finally, Iltkis, the city typically last visited when going from the Royal Capital to the Ironfield Margraviate.
All were relatively large cities, and places where humans controlled by Cerebrum Skulls exerted influence.
Of course, it was also because these traps had not caused casualties or enough talent to draw attention, but still.
"It will be soon."
"I will expedite it as much as possible."
"Do so. However, do not forget that someone could be watching you at any time."
"Yes, Master."
"Anyway, you have done well. I acknowledge your hard work so far. I will grant a suitable reward soon."
"Thank you! Master."
Talhan had done quite well so far.
Besides, I felt a very slight debt of heart from his lifetime.
Had he not come to the dungeon on his own soon after I had decided to spare him if he did not come, forcing me to kill him on the spot?
Since the body of an intelligence-type monster seemed to suit him well, it would be good to give him a body that could fulfill human desires much better than before.
I looked forward to his reaction after receiving the reward.
"I shall report, my lord husband."
"Go ahead, Ran."
If Talhan managed information, Ran was in charge of managing the major humans operating outside.
Currently, they were Elias, Alexis, and Daniel.
Of course, since Daniel himself was present, her talk focused on the other two.
"Alexis reported that she succeeded in obtaining a baronial title two days ago."
"It took longer than expected."
It had already been nearly two months since Alexis was freed.
Since I had thought it would take a month at most from gathering people to the subjugation, I could not help but consider it late.
In the modern continent, the problem with a Dungeon Lord's existence was recognizing it; once recognized, subjugating them was not that difficult.
And Alexis was in a position where she 'had to show something' to me.
"She said she moved very cautiously in assessing the status of the Dungeon Lord located in Iltkis."
"... I should say well done, I suppose?"
"I believe she would be beside herself with joy if she received my lord husband's praise."
As I listened to Ran's habitual flattery, I reconsidered his usefulness for a moment.
What I initially wanted was to raise him to the Royal Capital Hylash and obtain information accessible as a high-ranking official of the kingdom.
This was one of the matters I considered most important now.
Although I was gradually reaching out to the Aririt Duchy in the south, Hysen was what could most directly affect my current dungeon, after all.
But.
"It is not his fault if his abilities are lacking."
"Shall I urge her?"
"No, leave her be and observe her more. Whether she is being sly, or truly incapable."
If she was truly incapable, I could just use her elsewhere.
But if she was being sly for another reason, I would have to cast her out.
Of course, that casting out would never be done in an ordinary way.
"Understood. I shall devote my eyes to it."
"Good... Then, what about Elias."
"She has barely just returned to her main family, but there was word that she is ready to pay the 'first price'."
"Really? That is unexpected."
It had only been two weeks since Elias was freed. So I thought she would be struggling just to return home and prove her identity, but it seemed she had some results.
Perhaps because I had just heard about the incompetent one, this was quite satisfying.
That must have been why Ran deliberately placed her story last. It was much better for my mood to go from bad to good.
"She truly said she would offer her sister's body?"
What I had ordered from her was the body of one of her blood-related sisters. Because the body of a noble, whether alive or dead, had its own uses.
Nobles grew up eating elixirs from a young age, so their bodies were more mana-efficient than those of ordinary humans or other races.
Even an ordinary noble was like that, so what about the body of a high-ranking noble's child?
Even if there was no other use, its value as a sacrifice was high, making it one of the suitable prices to test her resolve.
"That is what she said. She asked to convey that she has finished preparing to seduce one of her half-sisters."
"Intriguing. Did she say she needs support?"
"She said she is ready, so she asks that only the receiver be sent."
"Understood. Talhan."
At my call, Talhan, who had immediately figured out why he was called, bowed his head and answered.
"I will send one of us to Ironfield."
"Send one of the children in Mamille or Sonyataff."
"I will handle it discreetly so her whereabouts are not discovered."
He understood two things when I said one. Personality aside, his ability was certainly useful.
In any case, it would be very difficult for him to escape me even if he met another Necromancer, but I should make sure not to forget the reward.
"The distance..."
"Approximately 1 week, 2 weeks at the longest."
"Good. Convey it so."
"Yes."
"Understood."
After the conversation with Ran ended, I turned my gaze to Daniel this time.
It was to hear the report on the matter I had previously ordered.
Catching my gaze, he immediately rose from his seat and began to speak.
"The preparations for the monster hunting mercenary group are almost complete. We have gathered enough general personnel, so now we just need to begin seizing control of the invited high-ranking members."
As he said, what I wanted was to identify and hunt monsters hidden across the continent.
Because my demand for high-grade sacrifices, especially Elite-grade or higher monsters, would increase in the future.
『Job and Grade - Elite-grade Ranger』
『Attributes - Stamina 44(◀ 32) Technique 50(◀ 38) Durability 37(◀ 22) Mana 52(◀ 31) Resistance 43(◀ 28)』
I had even intensively fostered his abilities to ensure he was qualified for that.
Because a guild aimed at monster hunting had to have at least one Elite-grade member recognized by the Adventurer's Guild or Mercenary Guild.
"How do you wish to proceed?"
"If the Lady can prepare a trading company, I can handle the control of the personnel on my side. Since it is not strange for a mercenary group to have one or two fixed trading companies."
"Good. I have already prepared a trading company, so handle the rest yourself. Tell me if you need anything. However, you must produce results. It is a necessary task."
"Yes, my Lady. Please entrust it to me."
Since I had already recognized the need for a trading company when ordering him to create the guild, I had also made those preparations.
The necessary clerical staff could be covered by the ruined noble family, so that would be fine.
They said even a rotten fish is still a fish, so using them, who had received at least some education, would be much better than commoners or monsters who knew nothing.
"As for other exceptional suggestions, discuss them separately. I will consider them after they have been collected."
""Yes!""
With Daniel's matter concluded, the discussion on external affairs also ended.
My gaze turned to my close aides.
Because it was now time to decide on the final agenda for today.
"The four of you, follow me."
Today, one among Eve and Shue would ascend to the Elite realm.
