Materials containing mana can be processed by a [Giver] to transform them into ‘good items’ that can be safely used.
It seems that monster meat can also be consumed, but eating the flesh of monsters that are far stronger than oneself can cause the [Sacred Marks] to be overpowered by the mana, leading to demonic transformation. Similarly, the [Giver] processes these before they are circulated.
Though [Givers] are unpopular in combat, they appear to be secure in their livelihoods.
However, there are many of them. It seems that not only do those with [Sacred Marks] stand out, but quite a few possess two or more [Sacred Marks]. Many of those accompanied by a [Giver] tend to choose production roles over combat and stay in towns.
I spent two days in the mountains gathering fluorite and collecting medicinal herbs and tree roots while being instructed. Of course, there were a few encounters with monsters, but I mostly just watched.
The food was a rather bitter black small fruit, which was also part of this collection. It’s packed with mana and said to provide enough energy for a day with just three or four. The taste, however, leaves much to be desired.
I shouldn’t be picky, but I can’t help but grimace. It’s really bitter! Also, I think camping gear is essential for sleeping outdoors. This is serious.
“It’s natural to feel that way if you’re not used to it.”
Konten-sensei laughed dryly.
Sleeping directly on the ground apparently helps one notice the approach of monsters better. No way.
We descended the mountain, learning about precautions for traveling, how to deal with monsters, edible plants, and profitable gathering items along the way.
At one point, Aono remarked on how my mana still hadn’t faded, so I gradually sealed it off. Concealment, concealment.
And then we arrived in town.
It was more ordinary than I expected, but the tall buildings were gone. Instead, there were single-story or two-story old houses, their roofs changed from tiles to wooden planks.
It feels like a half-hearted abandoned village; it’s a bit unsettling.
I borrowed a robe from Aono that also serves as a blanket. Apparently, my appearance stands out. I haven’t looked in a mirror, but it seems the Demon King is quite handsome?
“We’ll be passing through here. In some cases, secluded villages can be more dangerous than monster nests.”
Correction, it was a village, not a town.
“Dangerous, how?”
Aono? Could it be that traveler killers are lurking, like the Six-Part Killers? Maybe an abandoned village is preferable?
“While I’d like to say it’s due to the influence of mana, they are ordinary humans. They’re kind to family and fellow villagers, but…”
Aono’s words trailed off.
When battles become close, violence and death come closer too. The extent of mutual aid among comrades is determined by the amount of resources available.
I was fortunate to have encountered these two after waking up. Although, given that I’m the Demon King, which of us is truly fortunate is a mystery.
“Japan’s proud security is poor…”
“I’ve heard it’s far better than in other countries. Moreover, it’s really only a select few villages.”
Aono offered some reassurance.
“Those with [Sacred Marks] might suddenly attack or kidnap people—Centui-san, you might want to be careful.”
“It seems Centui should acquire something to conceal that appearance first.”
Hey, Aono and Konten-sensei! This isn’t funny given the context!
“Ah, the local officer is coming. It’s fine for just the representative to handle this, but Centui-san, please show your [Sacred Marks] too.”
Just as I was about to retort, Aono spoke as he faced forward.
In front of us was a man in a very recognizable police uniform. Though the design was different, the colors, hat, and belt were unmistakably that of a policeman.
“Excuse me. I’m with the local station; please allow me to accompany you until you leave the village.”
“Sure, thank you very much.”
Aono replied while showing his [Sacred Marks].
I also displayed the [Sacred Marks] on my wrist. I see; it’s only natural for the local authorities to be cautious about who enters and exits, especially with the presence of demons.
The officer’s job seems to be to identify whether someone is human or a demon, and, to exaggerate a bit, to act as both escort and monitor for outsiders. This way, villagers won’t bother travelers, and travelers won’t turn into bandits.
As long as neither side has malicious intent, it’s peaceful.
After several days of traveling, we reached a town that wasn’t our destination, but a town nonetheless.
“Wow, this is quite nice.”
Given my first encounter with that village, I had imagined the town might be a scary place too, even though I’m a Demon King.
There’s plenty of greenery, and the houses are made of wood, white plaster, or earthen walls and stones. Apparently, this is more compatible with mana. [Givers] are involved in construction as well.
The windows had something that looked like glass, but it was actually made from monster materials that had been solidified. The surface was subtly soft and flexible. While glass exists, it’s not common.
They also had proper tiles. It gave off an impression similar to Taisho-era Western-style buildings without reaching the European level. It feels lived-in, so it doesn’t resemble a whimsical theme park, but at least the town feels fantastical!
The food was reasonably normal, with a fair amount of chewy meat. The living environment was a bit disappointing; small bugs were getting in, and while the sheets were washed, they showed signs of being used. The bed had a cotton-filled mattress.
Though mixed with fantasy elements, it’s starting to feel like I’ve returned to the early Meiji, Taisho, or Showa periods? In this fantasy, I don’t have to struggle with toilets or bugs.
After several more days…
We finally arrived at our intended town, and as planned, we were taken to the tool shop favored by Konten-sensei, where I sold the clothes and items I had gathered and bought things from this town. The clothes are uncomfortable; can’t anything be done about that?
I bought clothing and shoes, a tool resembling a machete, and a bag for carrying items. Just in case, I also got some of those bitter black fruits. Lastly, I acquired a simple blinding magical device.
When I looked into a mirror, I was surprised to see a strikingly handsome figure. It was the Demon King—me. Even though it’s me, it feels like I’m looking at someone else, and that’s due to the saintess.
Just like the image associated with the darkness attribute, this was the appearance of the Demon King that the saintess had envisioned when she summoned him.
It was meant to be more terrifying, an imposing figure that would paralyze anyone who looked upon it—though she seems to have struggled to fully imagine that, ultimately settling on this version. Apparently, it’s based on an illustration from some novel? Unfortunately, it has unintentionally become fixed as my appearance while I was sleeping.
This is likely due to the time difference in adapting to mana after being summoned to this other world. The saintess has definitely had much longer to acclimate—but from now on, I will be here longer than her.
Here, I parted ways with Konten-sensei and Aono, entrusting my care to the tool shop. If I had shown promise as a [Hero] or [Mage], I might have been taken along with them, but my talent lies in being a [Giver].
Both of them apparently visit this tool shop from time to time, so I’m sure I’ll have another opportunity to meet them.
By the way, I was lent a magical device for altering my appearance from the tool shop. Is my appearance really that problematic?
