SWNOVELXO Chapter 99
– 1 –
A few days after returning to the dungeon.
As I emerged from the shadows to sit in a large chair, I soon confirmed the numerous gazes focusing on me.
“Welcome, my lord.”
“Oh, you were here, Lan. I’m a bit late.”
“Not at all, my lord. Your timing is impeccable.”
On my left sat Dungeon Lord Lan and the mercenary Xue, while below them stood Fortuna, Mire, and some elite-level monsters and soldiers.
“It’s been a while, Daniel.”
“How have you been, Lady?”
“Good. Except for losing a precious subordinate. I hope you’ll be more cautious.”
“I will take it to heart.”
On my right were my first soldier Eve and my disciple Sonia, while at the foot of the stairs were Maria and Daniel, who were humans contracted with me but not slaves, lined up.
And in the center was a large black marble table.
There was no doubt about it; this was the conference room.
“Is everyone here?”
“Alexis and Elias, who are currently active outside, have sent notices of their absence, and I will report on them.”
“Okay.”
Today is October 1st.
In this world, it marks the beginning of autumn, and although the tropical heat hasn’t really faded, it is the time for farmers to start their harvest.
It’s also the beginning of the fourth quarter.
“Take a seat.”
““Yes.””
Everyone answered simultaneously and sat down, but the four individuals close to me remained standing, looking down at them.
With a special position as Dungeon Lord, Lan wanted to stay closest to me, and Eve and Xue had to be ready for any unexpected situations.
“Let’s begin.”
“Yes, Master.”
Lastly, Sonia was the one leading the discussion.
Since it’s merely conducting the meeting, no specific knowledge is needed, but some authority is required for the position.
My human disciple’s status fit that need.
“We will now start the regular meeting. First, about the dungeon’s internal affairs.”
‘「Dungeon Information」.’
『Demon Lord Candidate ‘Libertus’ Dungeon Lv. 4』
Hearing Sonia speak in a clear voice, I summoned the dungeon’s information screen to check the current state.
Even if I received direct reports, I needed to see it once for myself.
『Summon and Monster Durability – 718/718』
『Contractor and Mercenary Durability = 248/248』
‘For now, as long as there are no targets not receiving enough ‘mana,’ it means there are no issues affecting them within the dungeon.’
On the flip side, someone might question why we hold a meeting when we can confirm this information this way.
However, only I can view the system screen.
Even Lan, who is also a Dungeon Lord, cannot see this screen, so periodic meetings or exchanges of opinions are crucial for sharing information among members.
“Also, there’s an issue regarding the living conditions of the slaves… Though they are not raising concerns, from what I see, improvements are necessary. Right now, it seems especially prone to heat-related illnesses.”
“Tell Elenore to check what’s needed and report back.”
“Yes, Master.”
What I could see was only text-based information through the system.
If I miss the information obtained by those working on-site like this, it could lead to a disconnect between the field and the headquarters.
“Fortuna.”
“Yes…!”
Furthermore, it is necessary not only to discuss Elenore’s family but also to ensure appropriate living environments for the monsters.
“Are there any inconveniences for you Arachne?”
“Y-yes, my lord. It’s not that there’s no anxiety, but… we have no complaints.”
“If you do, gather it up immediately. I’ll listen as long as it’s not nonsense. You are members of our family. Since we made that promise, move accordingly to your position.”
“Yes…!”
Even if they say many things aren’t needed for living, they are still living beings.
Additionally, suitable environments can produce stronger monster individuals, and those long-lived individuals may exhibit unexpected traits.
These traits can be qualities sufficient to be used as offerings or collected from other summoned creatures.
This was one of the traditional breeding methods that continued from Mill Don 1.
『Number of Rooms – 37/37』 『Passages – 98/98』
“Are there any additional facility proposals?”
“There is a suggestion for a cleansing facility, but… in my judgment, it seems sufficient although it may not be comfortable.”
“Okay. Let’s move on.”
After concluding the internal conditions of the dungeon, the next part would naturally be about the outside.
Nodding at Sonia’s words, I now checked the information pertaining to the ‘outside.’
“Next, regarding external affairs. We will now have reports from each reporter.”
『Alias – The Mansion Where People Disappear』
『Continental Reputation – 41 (Minor Fanatics, Rumors about the Mansion, Not the Dungeon)』
『Demon World Reputation – 1,037 (A newcomer backed by a powerful house)』
‘It seems that the rumors are adequately controlled for now.’
In fact, at this point, having a continental reputation this low was unprecedented for me, as I had been playing Mill Don 1 for a long time changing accounts.
Trying to control information like this wasn’t necessary in games, and in Mill Don 1, reputation increase was simply a matter of killing many people.
“Gloriously, I will be the first to report.”
As I was checking the dungeon’s awareness, Talhan stood up from his seat to begin discussing this matter.
Although he was relatively senior within the dungeon, I assigned him that order knowing I was sensitive about the information.
“Currently, the rumors surrounding the dungeon, or rather the mansion, are at mere urban legend levels. The information guild that has yet to gather any ground was able to locate the source of the rumors, but they are blocked by us, so they cannot determine the truth.”
『Jason Coulter, Elite Guardian』
He was currently occupying the position of the head of the Copgerin Information Guild, but he was in the body of the man who was just there.
Was it really that he wasn’t interested in a woman’s body?
『Attributes – Strength 13 (◀ 5) Agility 46 (◀ 24) Toughness 21 (◀ 11) Mana 53 (◀ 27) Resistance 42 (◀ 20)』
『Central Nervous System Enhancement – Can parasitize the body of an enemy one stage higher than oneself.』
『Permanently Invisible – When not attacking an enemy, this entity’s body is transparent.』
Moreover, the attributes and characteristics of his original body had significantly improved, which meant he had devoured numerous humans and changed bodies during that time.
It hadn’t even been two months since the last report.
“Ha…”
A bitter laugh escaped me.
If he had lived as an ordinary human, he would have certainly died while trying to stab someone else in the back before becoming this strong.
No matter how I think about it, he really suited being a monster.
“Are there any people to watch among those who have heard the rumors?”
“There are high-level individuals from the information guild in the city to which the mansion belongs… but we have included one major figure from each guild, so it shouldn’t be easy for them to notice anything unusual.”
The ‘Mansion Where People Disappear’ is currently placed in four cities.
The largest city among those managing the border with Kizawa in Haisen is Sonataph.
Mamilé, which sends goods entering through Kiza’s beaches to the border with the Zenota United Kingdom.
Tribres, which manages traffic between the royal capital Hilarash and the south.
Lastly, Iltkis, the city that is typically the last stop when going from the royal capital to the Ironfield Outskirts Duke Territory.
All are relatively large cities and currently controlled by humans being manipulated by the Cerebrum Skull.
Of course, these traps have not received enough attention to claim any talent or numerous sacrifices.
“It should be soon.”
“I’ll hasten it as much as possible.”
“Good. Just don’t forget that someone might always be watching you.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Anyway, well done. I can see you’ve been working hard. You’ll soon receive the reward you deserve.”
“Thank you! My lord.”
Talhan has done quite well so far.
Moreover, I had a slight debt of heart from the time he served me alive.
Not long after deciding to let him live if he didn’t come to the dungeon, he came himself, forcing me to have to kill him on the spot.
Since he seems to suit the body of a spy-type monster, it would be best to give him a body where he can satisfy his human desires much better than before.
I’m looking forward to his reaction after receiving his reward.
“I have a report, my lord.”
“Go ahead, Lan.”
If Talhan manages the information, the management of key humans outside is in Lan’s hands.
Currently, there are Elias, Alexis, and Daniel.
Of course, since Daniel himself is present here, her discussions would focus on the other two.
“Alexis succeeded in obtaining a baron title two days ago.”
“That’s slower than expected.”
Today marks almost two months since I freed Alexis.
I had thought it would take at most a month from gathering people to engaging them, so I can’t help but feel it’s late.
In the modern continent, it’s only a matter of being recognized as a dungeon lord; once the identity is verified, it isn’t too difficult to subjugate.
Furthermore, Alexis is in the position where he must ‘show something’ to me.
“He moved cautiously about assessing the dungeon lord’s situation in Iltkis, where he is located.”
“… I suppose that’s a good thing?”
“I believe he would be at a loss for words if he received praise from you, my lord.”
Listening to Lan’s typical flattery, I briefly reconsidered his usefulness.
What I originally wanted was to bring him to the royal capital Hilarash and gather information as a high-ranking individual in the kingdom.
This is one of the most important matters to me right now.
I’ve gradually begun to extend my reach toward the southern Arilite Principality, but the area that can directly impact my dungeon at the moment is Haisen.
However…
“It’s not his fault if his abilities are lacking.”
“Should I urge him?”
“No, leave it be and observe further. Whether he’s just being lazy or genuinely lacks skill.”
If it’s genuinely lacking, I can simply use him elsewhere.
But if he’s being lazy for another reason, I would have to dismiss him.
Of course, that dismissal wouldn’t be executed through ordinary methods.
“I understand. I will use my eyes to watch him.”
“Alright… how about Elias?”
“She has just barely returned to her family home but mentioned that she’s ready to pay the ‘first price.’”
“Really? That’s unexpected.”
I freed Elias only about two weeks ago. I thought it would be taxing just to return home and prove her identity, but it seems there’s been significant progress.
Maybe hearing about the sluggish individual before this has made me somewhat satisfied.
It seems Lan intentionally kept her news towards the end. It’s better to improve my mood than to ruin it.
“Did she really say she would sacrifice her sister?”
What I ordered her was to provide me with the body of her blood-related sister. A noble’s body is useful no matter if it’s alive or dead.
Nobles grow up taking elixirs from a young age, so their bodies yield better magical efficiency than ordinary humans or other races.
Even an ordinary noble would have that, so how about the body of a high-ranking noble’s child?
Even if it’s not for some other use, its value as an offering is high, so it was one of the relevant prices to assess her resolve.
“She said she is fully prepared to charm one of my half-sisters.”
“Interesting. Does she need assistance?”
“She’s ready, so she only asked to send the recipient.”
“Got it. Talhan.”
At my summoning, Talhan quickly grasped the reason for my call and bowed his head to respond.
“I will send one of ours to Ironfield.”
“Send one to Mamilé or Sonataph.”
“I will handle this carefully to ensure no tracks are left behind.”
If I say one, he understands two. Capable, even if only in his work ethics.
It would be quite difficult for him to deviate from me, even if he encountered other necromancers, though I must remember to give him a reward too.
“The distance…”
“Approximately one week, up to two weeks at most.”
“Okay. Relay that information.”
“Yes.”
“I understand.”
After ending my conversation with Lan, I then turned my gaze to Daniel to hear the report regarding the orders I had given in advance.
Noticing my gaze, he stood up immediately to begin his report.
“The preparations for the monster-hunting mercenary group are nearly complete. We’ve gathered enough regular members, so now we just need to focus on the invited high-ranking individuals.”
As he stated, what I wanted was to map out and hunt the monsters hidden all across the continent.
My demand for elite offerings, particularly those above elite-level, is bound to rise.
『Profession and Rank – Elite-level Ranger』
『Attributes – Strength 44 (◀ 32) Agility 50 (◀ 38) Toughness 37 (◀ 22) Mana 52 (◀ 31) Resistance 43 (◀ 28)』
I even specialized the growth of his abilities intentionally to meet that qualification.
A guild aimed at hunting monsters must have at least one elite-level member recognized by either the adventurers’ guild or the mercenary guild.
“How do you wish to proceed?”
“If the Lady can prepare a trading company, I can then secure the necessary personnel myself. It wouldn’t be strange for a mercenary group to have one or two set trading companies.”
“Alright. I already have a trading company prepared, so take care of everything else. If you need anything, speak up. But, you must deliver results. This is absolutely essential.”
“Yes, Lady. Please trust me to handle it.”
Since I had already discussed the need for a trading company when I ordered him to create the guild, he was also ready for it.
The necessary office personnel wouldn’t be a problem since there are fallen noble families available.
It’s better to use those who’ve received at least some education than to rely on ignorant commoners or monsters.
“Speak separately about any remaining exceptional suggestions. I’ll consider them after gathering everything.”
““Yes!””
Thus, concluding Daniel’s matters, the discussion about external affairs also wrapped up.
My gaze returned to my close aides.
Now it was time to decide on today’s final agenda.
“Follow me, both of you.”
Today, either Eve or Xue will ascend to elite-level.