Thanks to the new hot spring facilities, the monsters can recover their stamina more efficiently while resting.
As a result, the DP earned per hour has also increased. Simply by resting, the monsters generate more DP, and taking breaks has improved their work efficiency as well.
However, I want to start producing something other than food soon. We have enough food secured, including what we need to give to the Jeet.
We’ve also built up reserves for emergencies, so it doesn’t seem like we’ll suddenly face a food crisis.
Speaking of new production, there’s the mine. It’s been there since the early days of the dungeon, but we haven’t been utilizing it effectively.
It might be good to have the goblins do some digging there. But right now, we are short on manpower. The only option is to increase the upper limit of monsters using DP.
【To increase the monster limit, 2000 DP is required.】
Without hesitation, I used 2000 DP. As a result, the upper limit of goblins increased. After a while, new goblins should spawn and reach the new limit.
Once the goblin numbers increase, I’ll need to give commands to the additional goblins. Otherwise, they won’t work.
So, until the goblins increase, I’ll continue life as usual.
“Phew… The blueberry juice after the hot spring is delicious!”
The monsters are enjoying blueberry juice after soaking in the hot spring. I should check the stock; it’s running low. I’ll craft some new juice to replenish it.
I headed to the crafting room, where I crafted blueberry juice using the stored blueberries, water from the spring in the dungeon, and sugar.
【Crafting level has increased. This unlocks new crafting options.】
That message flowed into my mind. As my level rises, I gain new capabilities. However, due to a lack of materials, it doesn’t feel like new crafting options have opened up yet.
Still, it’s definitely better to raise my crafting level. There are some crafting conditions I can’t meet because my crafting level is insufficient, even with the materials I currently have.
For instance, there’s biomass fuel made from sugarcane. I started producing sugarcane with the expectation that my crafting level would increase in the future.
However, an increase in crafting level is quite beneficial for future mining work. I can even feel grateful for this timing.
When crafting materials from the mine, the more crafting levels I have, the better.
Iron ore can be crafted into various items, but there are many items I can’t create if my crafting level isn’t high enough.
“Lord Evilham! What should we do!?”
The newly increased goblins have come to me seeking work. I’m pleased they came to me before I assigned tasks, as it shows their enthusiasm.
“Well then, I’ll have you do some mining.”
“Mining? You mean work at that mine over there?”
“Yes, that’s right. I have the tools prepared.”
I handed the goblins enough pickaxes for everyone. The goblins happily accepted the pickaxes, excited to finally be able to work, and headed towards the mine.
Since this is their first task, I should keep an eye on their mining efforts.
Upon reaching the mine, the goblins began mining various materials.
“Eh-ho! Eh-ho!”
“Hoi-sa! Hoi-sa!”
The goblins were trying to collect materials by chipping away at the rocks with their pickaxes.
While rock can be used as a material, the main targets are iron ore, copper ore, silver ore, and gold ore.
“For now, when break time comes, I’ll distribute bread. Until then, keep up the good work.”
“Yes!”
Perhaps the prospect of bread motivated the goblins, as their work efficiency improved. Food is certainly the number one source of entertainment in this dungeon. I wonder if there’s any other form of entertainment here.
I’m managing to enjoy this game world, having reincarnated in it.
A real gaming experience is something every gamer surely dreams of at least once.
However, it’s a bit tough that I can’t enjoy modern Japanese entertainment like manga, movies, karaoke, and bowling here.
Moreover, I don’t know how long I have left to live. The hero could attack at any moment…
If I fight the hero, I would surely lose. However, it wouldn’t be good to do nothing until then. Even knowing that I will die, humans take action.
All humans know they will die someday. Therefore, to do nothing because it would be futile is also a form of laziness.
Moreover, by taking action, I might be able to avoid my death before fulfilling my natural lifespan.
Well, it’s clear I can’t win against the hero, so I have no choice but to increase the number of monsters and make at least some minimal resistance.
Sigh, I wish the hero would just overlook me. I’ve already reformed and am no longer a bad monster.
I haven’t attacked the nearby villages; rather, I’ve been working with the villagers to develop industry. The hero would have no merit in killing me.
Or is there? If the hero kills me, the authority of the dungeon would transfer to them. Then, the materials stored in this dungeon would become theirs…
There is a merit! More than enough. But the hero, right? They’re a being meant to save the world, right? Would they really do something like that…?
They would! Heroes are the type who would rummage through people’s cabinets or break jars to save the world.
They would easily take away the industries that monsters have worked hard to build.
“Goblins! Do your best with the mining. I have high hopes for you!”
“Eh? You have high hopes for us?”
“If you don’t mine, I won’t be able to function.”
“Is it really that much!?”
If we secure ores through mining, we’ll be able to craft weapons and armor. Even if my stats don’t grow, equipping myself with gear might let me defeat the hero.
At the very least, I need to secure enough strength to defend myself, or I will die.
So, the industry in this mine is far more crucial than I initially imagined.
“Understood! If Lord Evilham has high hopes for us, we can’t slack off!”
The goblins seemed more motivated, and their movements noticeably improved.
Indeed, it’s important to encourage and praise them. The monsters born in this dungeon listen well to what I, the dungeon master, say.
Now, if I keep monitoring the monsters too closely, it could be counterproductive. I’d prefer they work freely, so I’ll collect the materials I have and then step back.
“Alright then, the rest is up to you. The future of this dungeon depends on you!”
“Yes!”
Carrying a large amount of mined stone, I decided to use these stones for various crafting.
First, I should increase the number of furnaces. I figured that one furnace wouldn’t be enough to make toast. I’ll increase the number of furnaces so I can bake toast efficiently.
Next, tools. I should stockpile pickaxes, axes, hoes, and sickles. I need to prepare these items so that I can replace any broken tools.
The farming monsters have been using the same tools for a while now, so it might be time to replace their worn-out tools.
Considering that, starting mining at this moment might have been the best timing. I can prepare in advance.
Thus, I ended up spending the entire day crafting.
