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
“Somehow, it feels like it’s getting even more attached to me than usual.”
A massive, worm-like monster coils around my body.
Before, I might have found this disgusting.
But when it’s this affectionate, I can’t help but find it kind of cute…
Maybe it’s because I’ve gotten used to it from dungeon crawling?
“For a Soul Eater to be this attached… As expected of you, Rey-sama.”
“At a glance, this probably looks like I’m about to be devoured, though.”
Still, the monster does seem more attached than usual.
Is this a side effect of giving it magic power?
“No, no, no, no… That’s not it! Rey, what did you do? What the hell did you do while I wasn’t looking?!”
“What do you mean? I just strengthened the monster. Was that a bad idea?”
“Look at it! It’s turned into something ridiculous! Don’t ever let it go all out in the dungeon!”
“Ehh…”
But it’s such a good kid now. And so strong.
I really want to test it out…
“Answer me properly!”
“Okaaay…”
Ah, the Soul Eater just wrapped around me as if to shield me from Ananta’s scolding.
I’m happy, but Ananta isn’t really in the wrong here.
Also, now I can’t see in front of me.
Still, why has it gotten so attached all of a sudden…?
Curious, I decided to check with Epiclesi.
“The Soul Eater’s gotten really attached to me. Is it because I gave it magic power?”
“No… That shouldn’t have any such effect.”
Oh? Then is this one just naturally friendly?
…Alright, I get it. But calm down a bit, will you?
“It’s hard to talk like this. Mind letting go a little?”
“———!”
It lowers its head, almost like it’s nodding.
Wait, no, it actually is nodding.
And it’s releasing me properly, too—it’s definitely understanding my words.
“…A Soul Eater, one of the most aggressive monsters, caring about something other than devouring its prey like this…”
It’s basically a dog at this point.
I feel like if I threw a bone, it’d fetch it for me…
“Speaking of which, about that bone I gave you, Epiclesi—any idea what you can use it for?”
“Of course! Receiving such a rare item, if I can’t create my greatest undead yet, I’d be ashamed to show my face!”
…That was close.
I almost gave that bone to Magirema-san for their leg.
If Epiclesi had seen that, they might have fainted.
“I-I see… Well, don’t stress over it too much. Use it however you like.”
“To treat such a rare material so lightly… Very well! I, Epiclesi, shall ensure your expectations are met, Rey-sama!”
I forced a smile and slipped out of the room, escaping Epiclesi’ enthusiasm.
This was bad. I probably shouldn’t have handed over that item so carelessly.
I need to at least find out what it really is.
“Epiclesi seemed really happy, huh?”
“Hey, Ipiletis, do you know anything about that bone?”
“Who knows? I don’t really care much about what happens after I kill something.”
That’s… such a typical Ipiletis answer.
But hey, worth asking.
“Oh! Why not ask Pilkaya-sama? Pilkaya-samaaa!”
We spot Pilkaya floating leisurely through the air, and Ipiletis calls out.
Judging by that relaxed movement, nothing unusual has happened while on watch.
“Huh? Ipiletis. What’s up?”
“Rey-sama has a question for you!”
Looking at them like this, it almost feels like two little kids playing around.
It’s kind of a heartwarming scene… if I ignored the fact that both of them are among the most merciless killers in the Demon Lord’s army.
“I feel like you’re thinking something kinda rude.”
“What? No idea what you mean.”
“Anyway, what did you wanna ask?”
“A weird bone came out of a treasure chest, so I gave it to Epiclesi. Just wondering what kind of item it is.”
Now, what was that item’s name again…?
“Yeah, I’m gonna need a little more detail than that.”
“Uh… It was glowing purple, and inside something like a crystal.”
If it’s an undead-enhancing item, Pilkaya, who’s also been strengthened by similar things, might know something about it.
“Purple… crystal…”
Pilkaya strokes their chin, staring off into the void as if recalling something.
Looks like they might have an idea.
“Could it be… Tear-Crystal Spirit Bone?”
“Oh, yeah! That was the name.”
“Figures. No wonder Epiclesi was so happy.”
“Yeah, they were practically swearing loyalty to me. It was a bit overwhelming.”
“Well, yeah. That’s one of the best materials for strengthening undead or using as a catalyst.”
I had a hunch it was valuable, but I didn’t expect it to be that good.
I have no use for it myself, but if it helps Epiclesi, then all the better.
“I see… So you gave the Tear-Crystal Spirit Bone to Epiclesi. They’re definitely gonna create something amazing.”
“I’ll look forward to it. By the way, what is that bone, exactly?”
“If I remember right… It’s a bone that was strengthened into undead power, formed from the crystallization of a dead soul’s suffering.”
…That’s a pretty grim origin.
Good thing I didn’t give it to Magirema-san for their leg.
If suffering can crystallize like that, then maybe if I leave some bones near Fiona-sama while she’s rolling gacha, they’ll crystallize too?
A Demon Lord’s suffering might be even more potent than a dead soul’s.
“Are you thinking of something weird again?”
“I was just considering placing a bone near Fiona-sama while she rolls gacha.”
“Even if she’s a Demon Lord, you can’t just casually create top-tier items like that…”
Guess not. Looks like I’ll have to stick to finding these items in treasure chests.
“It’s done! My greatest masterpiece!”
A few days later, Epiclesi came to report to me, looking utterly exhausted but undeniably happy.
Since Fiona-sama was lounging around beside me, I decided to bring her along. And what I saw was… some incredibly powerful-looking undead.
“Behold, my greatest creation—the No-Life King!”
That name sounds familiar.
Wasn’t it something like the King of the Undead? Basically, an undead ruler.
But since Epiclesi commands all the undead, even if it’s a king, it’s technically second in command.
Then again, that Skeleton King was also called a king, but its ranking wasn’t all that high either, so maybe it doesn’t matter.
A massive undead, looking like a fusion of a skeleton and a ghost, knelt before us with perfect etiquette.
“It is an honor to meet you, Demon Lord… and my father.”
…I have a very respectable child now.
Wait, why? Is it because I was the one who retrieved that bone from the treasure chest?
“I appreciate the sentiment, but calling me your father feels disrespectful to your actual creator, Epiclesi. Maybe use a different title?”
“Understood. Epiclesi-sama is my mother.”
“Hold on a moment.”
Before I could even react, Fiona-sama’s voice rang out with an eerily terrifying tone.
Huh? Why is she mad? Did Epiclesi do something wrong?
Everyone instinctively straightened their posture, making sure not to show any disrespect to the Demon Lord.
“Epiclesi.”
“Y-yes!?”
“Could you explain this?”
“I-I didn’t mean it that way… My apologies for the lack of proper education!”
“Are you declaring war on me?”
“N-not at all! No-Life King! I demand you change your form of address!”
“M-my apologies… Demon Lord… Rey-sama.”
Well, I guess I’ve gotten used to being called “Rey-sama” by now. It’s easier to understand anyway.
“This one is mine.”
Fiona-sama pulled me into her arms, asserting her ownership.
I mean… yeah, but? You don’t have to say it out loud. Both Epiclesi and I already know that.
Oh, I get it. She’s explaining my ownership to the newcomer, No-Life King.
She’s gripping my shoulder with an unnecessary amount of force, but since she’s in serious explanation mode, I’ll let it slide.
“Rey is mine. Understood?”
“Y-yes!!”
“You don’t need to declare it every time. I’ve been yours from the beginning, Fiona-sama…”
“Exactly! You understand well! Rey, you’re such a good boy.”
As always, her Demon Lord presence only lasts for a few seconds.
Having reached her limit, Fiona-sama simply continued patting my head nonstop, having fully reverted to her usual clumsy self.
“Epiclesi-sama…”
“That is our Demon Lord. You understand, right? You must never displease her.”
“I sincerely apologize…”
“Demon Lord-sama… I thought she had changed from before, but depending on the situation, she might be even scarier now…”
