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
The Dark Elves…?
“Yes. It seems that recently, they’ve been holed up in their territory and haven’t come out.”
“Their tendency to isolate themselves isn’t surprising, but it’s a bit concerning.”
Once again today, an elf subordinate was reporting to my masters.
Even though they’re called the highest council of elves, these powerful individuals were being unusually serious, giving instructions thoughtfully.
This was quite different from their unsettling attitude when they were trying to raise me as a hero.
“Zino, what do you think?”
“…Yes. Could it be that the Dark Elves have found something more important to focus on than going outside?”
I was suddenly asked for my opinion and felt a bit flustered, but I managed to give a noncommittal answer.
“That’s right. Those filthy creatures had been persistently active in the outside world until now. They knew that living only in their own territory would widen the power gap with other races.”
“And yet, they’ve suddenly decided to completely isolate themselves in their territory.”
“Right after the Great Reincarnation, they’ve seemingly found something that allows them to compete with other races. I wonder what it could be.”
In this world, reincarnated beings are treated as forces given by the goddess.
The fact that each race’s power holders are securing them shows they’re expected to be significant military assets.
Obedient ones like me or Kunimatsu are being properly raised with expectations of future hero-level achievements.
As for others… it seems some are being used for certain experiments.
In any case, reincarnated beings certainly have some impact on this world.
And then there’s the Great Reincarnation where many such beings appear.
After which, the Dark Elves have isolated themselves…
“So, does this mean the Dark Elves have also obtained reincarnated beings?”
“It’s possible. But even if they did, they wouldn’t need their entire population to isolate themselves.”
Indeed, even if they were raising reincarnated beings, they wouldn’t need the whole race for it.
They could leave those who were active outside as they were and train the rest separately…
“Something changed around the same time as the Great Reincarnation, didn’t it?”
A major event that happened when we arrived in this world…
“The complete annihilation of heroes… and the halt of demon activity?”
“To be precise, while their activities have subsided, they haven’t completely stopped.”
“The Demon King, who lost power due to the heroes, is holed up in his base trying to regain strength.”
“He’s secretly plotting ways to recover his power.”
Currently, the Demon King isn’t making any noticeable moves.
It’s said that he lost his power due to the heroes.
However, there was one way the Demon King has interfered with us.
“The creation of dungeons…?”
“Yes. Humans, beastmen – though dwarves seemed different – taking advantage of our inability to ignore their bases for invasion, they lure intruders to attack and repel them, hoping to reduce our forces. Quite cunning.”
Indeed, many beastmen have become casualties.
While the number of deaths has decreased, many return injured and can’t immediately return to the front lines.
Though healing potions can cure them, it seems their numbers are decreasing in the beastmen’s country due to high consumption.
“But if used properly, dungeons can be beneficial.”
“The beastmen may be foolish, but humans seem to be handling it well.”
True enough, Kunimatsu and others are effectively using the goblin dungeon.
Dungeons left unattended for long periods make monsters stronger and more dangerous, but regularly thinning them out eliminates that danger.
Though they respawn infinitely, the reborn monsters are different entities, and their strength seems to reset.
Therefore, once conquered and properly managed, dungeons become facilities where items can be regularly collected from treasure chests and practical combat experience gained.
Though occasionally someone becomes too careless and doesn’t return, the advantages outweigh this.
The Demon King probably didn’t expect his attack method against humans to be utilized this way.
“A dungeon might have appeared in the Dark Elves’ territory too.”
“…I see, so they’re all preoccupied with the dungeon.”
“Well, it’s not weak, so eventually they might clear the dungeon.”
“That could be a bit troublesome.”
If the Dark Elves conquer and manage the dungeon like humans do…
Leveling up and item acquisition would indeed lead to strengthening the Dark Elves.
But is it something to be this concerned about?
“You look like you don’t understand.”
“S-sorry…”
“The Dark Elves, like us, excel in handling magic power.”
“And dungeons can be called treasure troves of magic power.”
So for the Dark Elves, rather than experience points or items from monsters, the dungeon itself is the resource.
Indeed… Looking at the dwarves’ dungeon, even I, still low-level, could feel how dense the magic power was…
“It’s unfair.”
“Yes, quite. No dungeons have appeared in our territory.”
“We should probably do something before the Dark Elves use the dungeon’s magic power to strengthen their forces.”
Until now, the Elves were stronger than the Dark Elves.
It’s understandable to worry about being surpassed, but currently, there’s the threat of the Demon King.
Given that, shouldn’t the strengthening of any forces – even if not ours – be welcomed?
“Shall we take it?”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
“U-um… take what? The land?”
Surely they’re not planning to start a war with the Dark Elves now?
When I asked, worried, I got laughed at.
“Oh my, we won’t do anything so barbaric. We need to cooperate against the Demon King.”
“Therefore, allowing them exclusive access to resources that strengthen their forces isn’t good.”
“Since they’re nearby, let’s ask them to let us use it too.”
…More like asking, it’ll probably be a threat.
We don’t know how long it’s been since the Dark Elves discovered the dungeon.
However, it probably hasn’t been long enough for them to overturn the current power balance.
That’s precisely why they want to threaten them now and get their share while they can.
The council’s policy was decided, and the Elven army began advancing toward Dark Elf territory…
“After all, they’re just Dark Elves. There shouldn’t be any problems.”
“Yes. If we only think about fighting the Demon Army and don’t consider what comes next, we’ll end up as the losers.”
“Compared to back then, this is nothing.”
◆
“Why… are you doing this?”
“You know why, right? After defeating the Demon King, there’ll be large-scale conflict between races.”
“A hero who defeated the Demon King would surely become a troublesome enemy.”
“So we decided eliminating them after they weakened the Demon King would be best.”
“Even while the Demon King still remains… Are you saying you’ll interfere for such reasons!”
“If we don’t act thinking ahead, surpassing other races to gain dominance will be difficult.”
“It would’ve been nice if we had a hero too… Go ahead and resent the goddess for favoring humans…”
During past battles with the Demon Army, the Elves suddenly betrayed the humans.
Originally, the plan was for the heroes to be assisted by both the Demon Army and various races’ armies fighting together.
But the Elves hindered the human army’s actions, forcing the heroes to fight more demons than expected.
As a result, when the heroes challenged the Demon King, they were already exhausted.
Most of the heroes’ companions lost their lives in the battle against the Demon King.
That’s why Elves can’t be trusted.
Though to be fair, every race is similar.
They’re cooperating only because the Demon King is a common enemy.
Just as the Elves predicted, once the Demon King is gone, there’ll be conflict between races.
Taking preemptive action for this is expected from every race…
“You really are foolish, adorable children.”
.
.
.
.
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Top Tools for Learning Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Beyond
Learning Japanese opens doors to a rich culture, unique career opportunities, and a rewarding personal challenge. Whether you’re captivated by anime, planning a trip to Tokyo, or looking to expand your linguistic skills, the right tools can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With so many apps, websites, and resources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This guide highlights the top tools for learning Japanese, catering to different learning styles, budgets, and proficiency levels. From gamified apps to immersive software and conversation practice platforms, these tools will help you master vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, and more. Let’s dive in!
Why Learn Japanese?
Before exploring the tools, it’s worth noting why Japanese is a valuable language to learn:
- Cultural Immersion: Understand anime, manga, and Japanese literature in their original form.
- Career Opportunities: Japan’s global influence in technology, business, and entertainment makes Japanese a sought-after skill.
- Cognitive Benefits: Learning a non-Latin script language like Japanese can enhance memory and problem-solving skills.
Now, let’s look at the best tools to help you achieve your goals.
1. Duolingo
- Best For: Beginners seeking a fun, gamified approach.
- Key Features:
- Free with optional premium upgrades.
- Bite-sized lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Listening and speaking exercises to practice pronunciation.
- Gamification elements like points, streaks, and leaderboards.
- Why It Stands Out: Duolingo’s user-friendly interface and reward system make it ideal for building a daily learning habit. It’s perfect for beginners but may need to be supplemented with other tools for advanced learners.
2. Rosetta Stone
- Best For: Learners who prefer immersive, structured lessons.
- Key Features:
- Paid subscription with a focus on immersion.
- Interactive lessons covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Speech recognition technology for pronunciation feedback.
- Lessons build on each other for gradual progression.
- Why It Stands Out: Rosetta Stone’s immersion method helps you think in Japanese rather than translating from your native language. It’s ideal for serious learners looking for a comprehensive curriculum.
3. Memrise
- Best For: Vocabulary building with spaced repetition.
- Key Features:
- Free with premium options.
- User-generated courses and official Memrise content.
- Spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques for memory retention.
- Audio and video clips from native speakers.
- Why It Stands Out: Memrise excels at making vocabulary stick. Its use of real-life videos and community-driven content adds variety and cultural context to your learning.
4. Anki
- Best For: Customizable flashcard learning, especially for Kanji.
- Key Features:
- Free on most platforms (paid iOS app).
- Create custom flashcard decks or download pre-made ones.
- Supports images, audio, and example sentences.
- Spaced repetition system (SRS) for optimal review timing.
- Why It Stands Out: Anki’s flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to specific needs, like mastering Kanji or advanced vocabulary. It’s a favorite among serious learners for its effectiveness.
5. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
- Best For: Grammar-focused learners.
- Key Features:
- Completely free online resource.
- Comprehensive grammar lessons from beginner to advanced levels.
- Clear explanations with practical examples.
- Available as a mobile app for offline access.
- Why It Stands Out: Tae Kim’s guide is a go-to for understanding Japanese grammar. Its straightforward approach demystifies complex concepts, making it a must-have for self-learners.
6. HelloTalk
- Best For: Conversation practice with native speakers.
- Key Features:
- Free with premium options.
- Connects you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange.
- Text, voice, and video chat options.
- Built-in correction tools and translation features.
- Why It Stands Out: HelloTalk bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world conversation. It’s perfect for practicing speaking and listening in a supportive environment.
7. Kanji Recognizer
- Best For: Learning and recognizing Kanji characters.
- Key Features:
- Free app available on Android and iOS.
- Draw Kanji on your screen to search for meanings and readings.
- Provides stroke order, example words, and readings.
- Offline functionality for on-the-go learning.
- Why It Stands Out: Kanji Recognizer is a handy tool for quickly identifying and learning Kanji. It’s especially useful for beginners struggling with character recognition.
Tips for Maximizing Your Learning
To get the most out of these tools, consider these strategies:
- Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s mastering 100 Kanji or holding a 5-minute conversation, specific goals keep you motivated.
- Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Even 15-30 minutes a day can lead to significant progress.
- Mix and Match Tools: Use a combination of apps for well-rounded learning. For example:
- Vocabulary: Duolingo or Memrise.
- Grammar: Tae Kim’s Guide.
- Speaking: HelloTalk.
- Kanji: Anki or Kanji Recognizer.
- Embrace Mistakes: Language learning is a process. Don’t be afraid to make errors—they’re stepping stones to fluency.
Conclusion
Learning Japanese is a journey that requires dedication, but with the right tools, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From gamified apps like Duolingo to immersive platforms like Rosetta Stone and conversation tools like HelloTalk, there’s something for every learner. Start with the tools that best fit your style and goals, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations.
Ready to begin? Choose your first tool and take the first step toward mastering Japanese today!
