Chapter 58

“Humans. Beastmen. Dwarves. It’s probably the Demon Lord’s doing, but they are all unknown dungeons…”

I wonder if this is because of us reincarnators affecting this world?

I can manage to get at least the basic information, but I can’t stay trapped in this country forever.

The treatment is good, but it’s like being treated as a pet. The elves probably aren’t interested in my abilities.

Leveling up is possible, at least. I earn experience steadily by hunting monsters that appear in the country.

For a country like this, I can move freely, so it’s fair to say I’m being treated well.

But at this rate, I don’t know when I’ll be able to acquire the power to resist the Demon Lord’s threat.

Sigh… I wish I could go to a more efficient hunting ground.

But that’s outside the country. The human nations must have hunting grounds or items meant for beginner assistance.

Unlike elves, there are probably many rescue measures because Rick is the main protagonist.

I can’t help but think it would have been better if I had reincarnated as a human, but I wonder.

That king would likely put restrictions on actions too, although not as strict as here. He’s the type of king who wants to keep useful people at hand.

“By the way, there was surprisingly a lot of information about the Dwarves.”

Is this because of that setting mentioned in the game?

Both elves and dwarves are long-lived species, but they don’t get along well. However, they both recognize each other’s skills in their respective fields, and while they engage in exchanges on the surface, they are plotting to invade each other’s countries.

That’s probably why the elves have more accurate and plentiful information on the Dwarves than any other species.

“Maybe I should start attacking from there…”

Scene transition

“Did I hear that right? You’re going to that Dwarf country of all places?”

“You don’t mean you’re planning to seek asylum in the Dwarf’s country, do you? Those guys don’t care about magic at all. They only care if you can wield their crude hammers or if you can drink alcohol. Even if you go to their country, you won’t get treated well.”

“I’m not planning to switch to the Dwarves, that’s not it.”

This again. Just trying to go outside and I’m stopped, like always.

But this time, the destination is the Dwarves’ country, so the elves probably aren’t too happy about it.

Their dislike, along with suspicion towards me, is clearly evident from their attitudes.

So, I’ll have to persuade them properly.

“The goal is the dungeon in the Dwarf’s country.”

At those words, the elves’ eyes seemed to sharpen.

It’s not that they’re angry at me. They’re probably just interested. They’re curious about the dungeon in the Dwarf’s country, which was recently discovered.

“Although it’s still not fully explored, it’s been reported that a large number of magic stones were discovered there.”

“…Yes, unfortunately, in a country of those barbarians who can only use the magic stones for weapons and armor.”

As expected.

Elves specialize in magic, and their technology for utilizing magic stones is more advanced than other species.

That’s why they want to secure magic stones and look down on other species who don’t understand their value.

“The Elf hero… I want to gain practical experience to become a sage.”

“Yes, a noble thought. That’s why I haven’t stopped you from fighting monsters, right?”

“Normally, I wouldn’t allow a cute reincarnator to take actions that could get hurt, but I’ve given you permission, taking that feeling into account.”

“I’m grateful. But the Demon Lord and powerful demons are mainly waiting in dungeons.”

Well, the Four Heavenly Kings and others mostly acted in other countries before fighting.

It was probably only Ripianem, right? When we fought in a dungeon.

“So, I think dungeon exploration experience is necessary for the upcoming challenges.”

“Dungeons, huh…”

“And conveniently, a dungeon in the Dwarf’s country has appeared, and magic stones can be mined there. Moreover, other species are allowed to challenge the dungeon.”

Unlike the Dwarves’ country, where they don’t care about magic, the dungeons that have appeared in the lands of beastmen and humans have allowed other species to challenge them.

Though, the rule that you must fill in the uncharted areas on the map means that for now, discovering the full extent of the dungeon might take priority, no matter what methods are used.

“So, you mean you’ll challenge the dungeon and retrieve the magic stones?”

“Yes. The sooner the better. The more magic stones we can bring back to this country that were taken from the Dwarves.”

Even though it sounds like I’m stealing from the Dwarves, it’s not that I’m stealing their belongings.

I’ll be mining magic stones from the dungeon and bringing them back to this country.

The Dwarves haven’t required that what’s gathered in the dungeon be delivered to them, probably because if they did, no other species would come.

Or maybe they think they can still secure a large amount of magic stones despite that.

Either way, it doesn’t matter. For the elves, it’s just a reason to make them understand about magic stones.

“…I see.”

“Zino has gotten stronger. Perhaps, one day, he could even become a sage after hundreds of years.”

“If I train you properly, you won’t fall behind other species with heroes.”

I know.

Both the elves and Dwarves are currently countries without heroes and are treated as inferior to other nations.

That’s probably why the elves want to raise me to make the country stronger.

“Just staying in a safe place won’t make you a sage. And the magic stones we recover will make this country even stronger.”

It seems that was the deciding factor.

The elves exchanged looks and nodded, reluctantly giving me permission to operate outside the country.

“If you betray us, that collar will sever your head.”

“We won’t let you die on your own either. Always prioritize your life in your actions.”

I guess I’m still nothing more than property to the elves.

Those words, not quite a farewell, and the magic-cursed collar make that clear.

If I ever try to rebel, I’ll be killed—or perhaps, they’ll erase my will and turn me into a puppet. It looks like only bad outcomes are waiting for me.

◇

“My magic power has become fairly high.”

“Yes, Rey has been working hard. Now, let me pet you.”

It’s not like I was asking to be petted. But since the opportunity presented itself, I decided to indulge and continue the conversation.

“That’s why I was thinking of maybe practicing magic soon.”

“Well… Rey has the special skill of creating dungeons, so I think it’s better to focus on your area of expertise.”

“To be honest, I don’t think Rey can use magic.”

“What!? Even though your magic power has increased, you still can’t do it!?”

I was taken aback by Pilkaya’s words.

Isn’t this a world of swords and magic? If your magic power is high, I thought anyone could use magic…

“We can see that your magic power has been increasing day by day. It’s the result of your hard work, Lord Rey.”

“But you see… there are things that demons are either good at or not good at. For Rey to use magic would be like Ripianem being able to do delicate tasks.”

“So, in other words, you have no aptitude for it…”

“Lord Rey!?”

Sorry. But that was just such an easy-to-understand comparison.

So that’s it… Could it be that since I’ve been leveling up with only the Dungeon Master skill, I ended up specializing in that direction?

“Well, I can use magic! Mainly as support for my sword!”

“Oh, Ripianem can use it too. The Four Heavenly Kings are amazing.”

“I can use it too!”

“I know. Lady Fiona is even more amazing.”

After all, she turned that Id to ashes in an instant.

Thinking back, that was really dangerous.

So, demons can all use magic, huh…

It feels a bit lonely, like I’m being left out.

“It would have been more convenient if I could use magic.”

“By the way, what kind of things did you want to do?”

“Well, I thought I could create a collar with magic and if the contract was broken, it would explode.”

“…That idea sounds very elf-like. The older guys don’t use such dangerous magic.”

“I see, so it’s possible. It could have been useful if reincarnated people like Tokito or Okui appeared.”

“I’ll keep an eye on you, so maybe it’s better to think of something more gentle.”

I was told that by a demon, one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

But, elves do things like that too, right? So, I don’t think my idea is that strange.

“If you want a collar, should I put one on you, Rey? After all, you belong to me.”

“Hmm… it’s fine for us, but if we put one on Rigma, it might be troublesome when he transforms.”

“Please don’t drag the older guys into this…”

Well, it’s fine, right?

If you think of it as proof of being under the Demon King’s protection, it’s reassuring, right?

In the end, since the other Four Heavenly Kings, except for Ripianem, opposed it, we didn’t get the collars after all.