When I Was Reincarnated into the World of an Ultra-Difficult Game, I Ended Up As the Sole Subordinate of the Ridiculously Strong yet Incompetent Demon Lord, Tasked with Creating a Dungeon
“Well done.”
Thanks to Dikitis’ instructions, the monsters’ movements have significantly improved.
It seems they used to lead the demon race, but it appears they are fine with just monsters.
By skillfully combining wolves and snakes, they effortlessly forced the intruders to retreat.
“That’s amazing. To do it so easily.”
The repulsion at the entrance might even be the fastest record, wouldn’t it?
In fact, they retreated so early on that it almost made the dungeon unnecessary to create.
“The elves are cautious… after all.”
“Even dark elves don’t change much in that regard.”
If that’s the case, I need to be sure to catch and eliminate Zino, who is a reincarnated elf, without fail.
If I fail, they might escape right away, and the revival of the Demon King’s army that we’ve managed to hide might be exposed.
If that happens, the entire world will probably start taking more serious action to eradicate us.
…I wonder if Ido is okay.
He’s encountered the Four Heavenly Kings and me.
The fact that it hasn’t caused a commotion so far means he probably hasn’t spread the word, but if he changes his mind at any point…
Should I search for him and take him down? No, back then, he was even able to stand against the Four Heavenly Kings.
Reincarnates, and even heroes, are not people you should deal with carelessly.
What I can do is to make sure to restore the Demon King’s army and dungeon before they seriously start attacking us.
“…If you’re feeling unwell, you should rest.”
“Oh, no, sorry. I was just thinking about something.”
Perhaps because I suddenly became quiet and looked serious, Dikitis suggested this.
Whether she said it genuinely or sarcastically, I don’t know, but I’m feeling fine, so resting would be a waste.
“…These monsters. They really listen to our instructions well.”
Perhaps noticing my mood, Dikitis surprisingly brought up a new topic.
It’s true that there were Dikitis’ instructions, but it was these monsters who worked hard.
“The ones that were defeated will be created again.”
“Ah… the will of those who were defeated will likely be carried on by the next ones.”
“No. It seems that when our monsters are recreated after death, the same individual seems to appear.”
“Such a thing… No, it’s unusual for monsters so close to demons to even exist. In that case, I suppose it’s nothing too surprising…”
It seems that from Dikitis’ perspective, our monsters are still quite abnormal.
Well, that’s understandable. They definitely understand our language, and each individual even has a different personality.
Monsters like goblins and kobolds, which resemble demi-humans, are starting to look like employees of mine.
“Alright… the monsters that were defeated are now replenished.”
“…They really are the same individuals. Ah, you’ve all done well.”
“Unlike my hasty instructions, it seems Dikitis can fully draw out the monsters’ abilities. It seems she should take charge of managing the monsters in each dungeon from now on.”
“That sounds fine. After all, I don’t have any army to lead, and nowhere to attack, so I’d be wasting time.”
She used to be a commander of an army, so she probably fought against different nations as part of the Demon King’s army.
With the current life of hiding out, it would be a waste of Dikitis’ abilities, so it seems good to have her do a job that suits her abilities.
Though we’ve both been in similar positions for a long time, even Ripianem now enjoys helping Magirema-san and doing laborious tasks like carrying things.
“So, so~? How was it?”
“How… was what?”
Dikitis asked in response to Ipiletis question, clearly unsure what she was asking.
I didn’t know what she was asking either.
“Are you finally willing to acknowledge Lord Rey~?”
…Couldn’t you do this kind of thing when the person in question isn’t around?
“I do call him a close aide, but this person should not be a close aide. My opinion hasn’t changed.”
I see…
Even though Fiona-sama told me to at least help with dungeon creation, I haven’t shown her my fighting skills.
Therefore, Dikitis, who specializes in combat, is not likely to acknowledge me.
“You’re stubborn~. Interesting monsters and a dungeon with only the intent to kill. What are you dissatisfied with?”
“The latter is your preference, right? I acknowledge that these monsters are special, more capable and stronger than usual. I also recognize that their strength is invaluable. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a different matter.”
Surprisingly, Dikitis seems to acknowledge my monsters and their strength.
So, it must be the lack of combat ability that’s the problem…
If I’m going to lead, I need to be able to fight too.
Unless I clear that hurdle, Dikitis will never acknowledge me.
“Alright, I’ll have Ripianem train me.”
“Wait, wait~. What, are you serious? Do you have a death wish? Are you the type to turn your killing intent on yourself?”
“No, I…”
“…You should probably not. There’s such a thing as suitability.”
The two demon race members immediately stopped me.
What do they think I am, calling it a suicide, me and Ripianem?
Also, when they mention suitability, are they referring to my fighting ability or Ripianem’s leadership skills?
“Ripianem has recently learned to control his power, so he’s no longer a dangerous creature, you know?”
It’s not his own power; it’s just sealed by equipment, but the result is the same.
“Even so, he’s the strongest in the Demon King’s army, and he’s the type to happily accept being relied on… Until Rey-sama becomes as strong as us, he’ll probably continue training you endlessly.”
“Knowing Ripianem-sama, he won’t compromise.”
“…Did I make a wrong choice in selecting him?”
In that case, maybe another combat position…
Yeah, there’s one right in front of me.
Did Dikitis notice my gaze? She slowly averted her eyes.
But then, Ipiletis, who noticed a moment later, raised her voice as if she had a brilliant idea.
“That’s right! Why not have Dikitis train you? She’s good at that sort of thing, right?”
“…Sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”
“I thought so…”
It seems like I couldn’t catch his eye.
After all, it seems difficult for me to acquire a way to fight.
Despite my level having risen quite a bit, my stats are still like this.
Izumi Reiko
Magic Power: 73
Strength: 24
Technique: 32
Toughness: 32
Agility: 23
How about it, Inui? My magic power has surpassed yours, the one who destroyed my dungeon.
The rest, though, is still at the level where I would struggle against low-tier monsters.
“The close aide should not be exposed too much. Rather than learning a way to fight, you should distance yourself from dangerous things.”
“Huh? Oh, I see. Are you worried about Rey-sama?”
“Let’s head to the next dungeon. There are probably other monsters who need my instructions, right?”
“Oh, hey! I don’t think ignoring me is a good idea! Dikitis~!?”
…Could it be that this isn’t about completely disliking me after all?
Well, if I can get along well, that’s probably better.
◆
“Ridiculous… Am I the only one who survived?”
When I woke up, I realized I had narrowly survived.
“Lord Demon King. Lord Demon King…”
Had my subordinates been wiped out, or did the survivors escape? The only one still alive is me.
To grasp the situation, I rudely headed toward the throne.
I was entrusted with it. Yet, I couldn’t protect it. At least, if I could just save the last one…
“Yo, lizard bastard.”
“…Hero!”
“Warrior. The strongest one.”
A tiger-headed man grinned.
With my body in tatters, I couldn’t defend against his attack.
This time, my consciousness was completely engulfed by darkness.
