This dungeon is home to a monster species called the Killer Beetle.
They have a huge appetite for tree sap, and dungeons where they reside often have trees growing in them.
This dungeon is no exception; trees have been planted for the Killer Beetles.
Until now, whenever I wanted wood, I had borrowed a tree or two from their habitat, but if I’m going to start crafting, I may need to establish a large-scale tree plantation.
For now, let’s check how many trees for the Killer Beetles are left.
I headed to the Killer Beetle’s habitat. There, I saw them hanging from the trees, sucking on the sap.
“Ah, Lord Evilham. Good morning. Do you need something at this hour?”
“Well… it’s not exactly urgent, but I was thinking it might be time to start planting some trees.”
The Killer Beetle’s habitat had a fair number of trees. For a while, they would be able to live off these trees.
However, to focus on crafting in the future, wood is an essential material. If I cut down the trees here recklessly, the Killer Beetles will lose their habitat.
“There are still plenty of trees left, so you can cut as much as you like.”
“No, no, it might be fine for now, but trees take time to grow after being planted.”
“How long does it take?”
“You know blueberries? They grow relatively quickly among trees. Trees suitable for lumber take much longer and can take several times that.”
The Killer Beetle looked astonished by my explanation.
“W-Wait, are there trees that grow slower than blueberries!?”
Their faces turned pale as they realized how overly optimistic their estimates were. They finally understood that if they kept cutting down trees without planting, they would lose their home.
“That can’t be! Lord Evilham, wood is a necessary material, right? So we need to cut down trees. What should we do?!”
“Calm down. That’s why I’m planning to plant trees to minimize the reduction of your habitat.”
It seems that if I don’t start planting now, it might be too late. They seem to have realized it just in the nick of time.
It takes 35 DP to plant a single tree for lumber. Should I plant it here, or should I create a separate dedicated plantation?
When Killer Beetles suck sap, the quality of the wood tends to decrease. In the future, I might need high-quality lumber. Looking ahead, it will likely be essential to establish a dedicated forestry facility.
This is quite a troubling issue. For now, I should use some of the excess DP to plant a few trees here.
If I overharvest wood, it will affect the monster ecosystem. This seems to resemble real-world environmental issues in some ways.
I must manage the forest properly. This will also help protect the ecosystem of this dungeon.
◇
Having successfully planted trees in the Killer Beetle’s habitat, I realized I didn’t have enough DP to create a new plantation. I need to expand the dungeon.
Dungeon expansion consumes a large amount of DP, so I need to be frugal from now on.
“Lord Evilham, there’s a problem!”
“Oh, what is it, Littleham?”
Littleham assists me by gathering and summarizing the monsters’ requests. He’s somewhat of a middle management figure.
“A few of the farming tools have started to break. At this rate, our farming efficiency will drop.”
“I see. Then let’s provide new tools.”
“Huh? Do you already have new farming tools ready?”
Littleham was astonished, his mouth agape. He probably didn’t expect them to be ready.
“Yes, I stocked up on tools in anticipation of this.”
“Oh! As expected of Lord Evilham! You’re so thorough!”
I felt good being praised by Littleham.
“Thanks to you, Lord Evilham, this dungeon has been developing well.”
“No, it’s not just my effort. This dungeon is thriving because everyone is working hard.”
Not long ago, these monsters couldn’t even grow their own food.
They could only survive by stealing from others, but now that they’ve been given the means to produce their own food, they’re living vibrant and enjoyable lives.
“Well, more importantly, let’s focus on the tools. Let me know what you need. I’ll hand them over.”
“Yes, um… we broke five hoes and three sickles.”
“Did you break that many?”
“Ah, I’m sorry.”
Littleham inexplicably apologized. Perhaps my wording was a bit harsh.
“No, it’s my fault. I’m not blaming you. In fact, the fact that the tools are breaking shows that you’re working diligently. Everything material will eventually break.”
No matter how much you cherish something, if you use it, it will eventually break.
I think the farming tools were happy to be used until they broke.
“Thank you, Lord Evilham. I’ll pass on your words to everyone.”
“No, no, please stop, it’s embarrassing.”
“No, no, I can’t do that. If everyone hears that Lord Evilham praised us for working hard, they will be delighted.”
Littleham doesn’t seem willing to give in on this point.
“Well, if it makes everyone happy, then that’s fine.”
If it boosts my subordinates’ morale, I’m willing to praise them as much as needed. Motivation is important when it comes to work.
Fair rewards. Recognition from superiors. If these are in place, motivation will rise.
I handed over the necessary hoes and sickles to Littleham. I also carefully recorded the number of tools taken out for inventory management.
Inventory management is crucial. Stock is part of the assets. Without knowing how much stock you have, the organization can’t operate smoothly.
Now, since we’re down on tools, I need to replenish them. Making tools also requires wood.
However, right now, acquiring wood is a difficult situation. I can’t destroy the Killer Beetles’ habitat any further.
That means I need to start planting trees early to resolve the wood shortage.
However, I don’t have enough DP. I’ll have to earn it slowly… But compared to the very beginning, the number of monsters has increased, and their living standards have improved. Humans also visit from time to time, so the efficiency of DP gain has actually risen.
There’s no need to rush. As long as everyone lives happily, DP will accumulate. I also need to work hard for that.
Still, I’m getting hungry. I tend to eat quite a bit, so it’s the honest truth that I never feel like I’ve eaten enough.
Honestly, I can eat to the point where I wonder if my stomach has an infinite capacity. But I also have to refrain from eating to some extent.
Eating too much isn’t good for my health, and I would waste food. Moderation is key.
However, my stomach growls loudly. Damn it, I’m getting hungry. The usual ration isn’t enough anymore.
Have I been working so much lately that my body is craving energy?
My share is properly calculated. But I’m also in charge of managing the food.
If I sneak a little snack before the rations are distributed, no one would notice. But if I don’t follow the established rules, would that be considered embezzlement?
That would be a bit troublesome. However, I’m reaching a point where I can’t move due to hunger. My concentration is slipping away.
Is it okay to have a little snack…?
