Re:Monster Volume 1

Day 1
It seems that I was killed after being stabbed by the stalker whom I had considered to be like a younger sister, and somehow I got reincarnated. Wow that was a mouthful, and no, I'm not joking when I say that I’ve been reincarnated. You could say that my current state of mind hasn’t settled down from all of the confusion, so I’d appreciate it if you would save the comments until after I finish my story, since it might sound a bit wild if you interrupt me. Ahem, so let me explain everything from the beginning...

Well, first let’s start with my name, I used to be called Tomokui Kanata. However since I was reincarnated, let’s leave it as “Nameless” for now.I have a bit of a lapse in memory here, but I remember that after a hard day of work, I was invited by some colleagues for a drink. I accepted their offer, and we went tavern hopping.Since the following day was a holiday, even those with a low alcohol tolerance ended up drinking throughout the night. I even had to end up carrying a colleague home, since she was too drunk to make it by herself.She had fallen asleep, and I didn’t want to wake her so I left her on the bed. My constitution and love of alcohol was much greater than hers, and at that time, I had an urge to drink while watching the full moon, or so I thought as I opened the fridge.I realized that the bottom shelf that should’ve been stuffed with beer and chuhai and all sorts of drinks was empty. Yesterday I had finished all of my drinks and had planned to go restock it today—were it not for my colleague’s invitation earlier.I had completely forgotten about it. That’s right,--It was the biggest failure in my life to have finished drinking the stocks yesterday.If only I had saved at least one.I--no, no... first let's hasten the conversation a bit.

I, who had wanted to drink sake by all means, went to a nearby convenience store which was open twenty-four hours a day, bought five beers, and headed home.Summer was approaching yet the night was still chilly. The full moon that was suspended in the clear night sky was very beautiful. The clouds, which were slightly concealing the moon, were also pleasant. Indeed, drinking sake with the silver moon shining overhead would make it an even more delicious experience than usual.While thinking about the alcohol, I noticed that under a streetlight was a pretty girl.It was a face that I had recognized. She’s what the general public would have referred to as a ‘stalker’. My stalker was Kirimine Aoi, an active female college student in the local area. She’s 20 years old; 5 years younger than I was. Our relationship isn’t exactly what you would call ‘normal’. You see, in my third year of high school, I saw a couple of delinquents harassing a girl—the person whom I would soon know as Aoi. She was 12-13 years old at the time. I found her, saved her, and that was how our destinies had become entwined. Well, while it wasn't wrong to say that I helped, I’m not sure if that’s the correct thing to say. Compared to how I am now, I used to be a cowardly chicken. At the time, you could clearly see that there was a girl being harassed by a pair of delinquents. Though it was deplorable, the surrounding people turned a blind eye to it. As a person for whom ESP capability hadn’t yet awoken, I could either have chosen to help her or quickly run away. However, either by fortune or bad luck, I had received a military stun nightstick as a birthday present from my uncle, a weapon’s enthusiast. He worked for small to medium sized corporations that had military relations, so it was easy for him to get it for me. Those companies were under the influence of one major company, Avalon. Avalon, the company that had made my nightstick, had spread its name throughout the universe as a famous weapon corporation. At that time, I didn’t have the courage to be in possession of such a dangerous object. It was worrisome to have such an unsafe weapon, so it was usually adorned in my room without being used. However, an ‘Ota’ friend of my uncle said he wanted to look at the nightstick. Soon after, an email had been sent telling me he that was on his way to see it. The message included a location where we could meet, so I decided to walk to it. I brought the nightstick with me so he could see it from the moment he arrived. Which brought me to my current situation. Although I was a coward, I used the military nightstick on the delinquents that were harassing the young lady. I can still remember feeling a kind of ‘lightness’ from defending a pretty girl from harm. After bashing the delinquents from behind, they got extremely mad at me. However, regardless of their anger, they couldn’t stand up against such a weapon as the nightstick. After a few more hits they were sprawling on the floor--foaming and twitching violently. I quickly took the hand of the girl that was panicking, and escaped with her to someplace safe. I was really young in those days. Because of my curiosity and a whim, I had done a horrible experiment on those delinquents while managing to help Aoi at the same time. After that incident, her affection towards me slowly grew, it was only a matter of time, but Aoi had eventually become my stalker. It wasn't very severe stalking, however, until I had found a job at my current place of work, where she continued chasing me. She even followed me to other planets, where I would occasionally be sent on business trips. When dealing with stalkers, one should speak as naturally with them as one can, no matter how much they infringe upon one\u0027s private life. What I’ve told you so far may not be understandable yet, but after I explain how I died, everything will become clear. Anyways, After buying the alcohol I met Aoi on my way home. It would’ve been nice to say that it was a coincidence. Yet while looking down, under the light of the streetlamp, Aoi was emanating a black aura unlike her usual puppy-like self; so I could only respond by tilting my neck in confusion. Aoi, even as a stalker, was an existence akin to a younger sister for me; because of that I was able to notice the weird atmosphere at that time, so I called out to her. There was no reply. Aoi's face remained downcast. In that moment I felt a great uneasiness that couldn’t be expressed. Yet even so, I still approached her so that I could learn of its cause. Before I knew it, I was being pierced in the abdomen by a sheath knife. Even though I had a strong body, and the degree of injury was curable with regenerative medical treatment, I could still feel the severe pain that came from the blade that was being rotated which aimed at gouging out my internal organs. It was within expectations that I would not die if the sheath knife used was made from a lump of ordinary metal, but what Aoi used, was the [Nenekaruri]; a B-rank ceremonial knife with an additional thunder property created by SAKUMA Heavy Industries, Ltd. Ironically, it was one of the goods sold by the company my uncle worked at. Simply put, it’s a single molecular cutter with the abilities of a high voltage taser and other weapons. It’s a kind of proximity equipment that increases in sharpness when the thousand tiny blades installed on its side start to spin like a chainsaw moving at very high speeds. Once activated, a high-voltage current pours through the victim who is stabbed. The victim\u0027s movement is then temporarily paralyzed. It’s also equipment used by the military. I didn't even have time to think about why Aoi had such a thing. Nevertheless, I was pushed down, restrained, and was stabbed by the sheath knife repeatedly. The amount of blood my mouth vomited was unusual as my body was being pierced relentlessly. Every time the knife penetrated my skin, I could feel the meat and bones getting torn up while my blood splattered everywhere. Before I knew it, the slender frame of Aoi riding on my body, had been dyed red in blood. Although I had become a strengthened human after undergoing a reinforcement operation, and exceeded ordinary humans because of my occupation--I was disappointingly killed by Aoi who was a mere civilian. What does this mean? I know the performance of the sheath knife may be amazing, but was it strong enough to destroy the body of a strengthened human? Was she really capable of breaking down my stance with a surprise attack? Even if movement was impossible due to the high voltage current, was that really so?

Oh, well...Anyways, I was killed. I was killed by Aoi. A mortal wound can’t be cured even after receiving regenerative medical treatment. The last thing I saw was the knife’s point approaching my eyeball, which would mean it was approaching my brain; a uniquely unreproducible organ, was going to be completely destroyed. After my head was completely lacerated, my consciousness eventually melted into the darkness. However, the story doesn’t just end there. The reincarnation hadn’t started yet. My consciousness remained steadfast and didn’t change in any way, until I finally noticed it. I memorized that last scene right before losing consciousness, but didn’t I die? Was it just a dream or am I drunk? I rejected the idea momentarily. ​The answer was reflexive and indifferent.\n\nI was killed for sure. I could remember the pain caused by the electric current running through my veins, and the coldness of the blade that cut through my chest. This is absolutely not an illusion. Yet I’m alive. As to why--I’d like to know myself. As I was thinking that, my heavy eyelid opened. There I saw it, I was looking at something extremely ugly. It made me think that I’d been reincarnated. It was this conclusive evidence that made me realize... Oh… Sorry I suddenly feel sleepy, but it doesn’t end here--Tomorrow I’ll continue… It wasn’t the darkness of death but the result of being fatigued.


 * 1) aRiPh

Day 2
I woke up with a click. When I opened my eyes to gather information, I couldn’t move my head for some reason. As a result, I wasn’t able to grasp a lot of information. Still, I was able to understand one fact: Though it’s regrettable, the story about reincarnating wasn’t a dream, or a delusion which I had created while being drunk. With a little more effort, and with my limited vision, I could determine a few more things. It appears that I was in the middle of a cave. I didn't find any signs of it being handmade, which made it very likely that it was a natural cave. The feeling of the rags I used as a blanket were the worst. They felt stiff--and they were clearly dirty. The soil on my back was uncomfortable, and a pebble was digging into my skin, so it hurt a little, though it didn’t matter. More importantly. There were a lot of ugly children who had green skin and sharp ears. Although I was wearing cloth, they were asleep and stark naked. There were about 30 in visible range, with twenty of them being the size of a human baby. The others were the same size as a human child; adults I presume.\n \n...Well, that was the conclusive evidence that I reincarnated though. Considering that if I move my hands, I can see baby skin identical to that of the surrounding goblins, and in each finger, a sharp black nail was clearly visible. If I wasn’t reincarnated, what else could it be? Though I wonder if this in itself is solid proof. My arms were exactly like that of the baby goblin sleeping next to me. Apparently, the ESP ability I gained from strengthening surgery seemed to have decreased in rank due to the new body. I cried for a moment, seriously. The body that I have doesn’t seem to move properly because I was a newborn. Today, like any other goblin child, I spent the day sleeping. I wasn’t escaping from reality at all.


 * 1) aRiPh

Day 3
I’m determined to survive in my second life, yet after reincarnating, I decided to give up moving since it couldn’t be helped. Through my previous job, I had learned that living dirty and having the capability to quickly change one's thinking, was an indispensable skill. Apparently, the growth of a goblin is characteristically fast. Even though its only the third day since birth, my body has been growing rapidly. While my body used to be that of a baby before I went to sleep, its figure currently now is that of an elementary student’s. Although its still weaker than before my reincarnation, compared to yesterday, my body’s power had skyrocketed. I was able to stand up, and even run at moderate speeds, so I felt indescribably happy. I frolicked instinctively, though it was childish, the stress of being unable to move as I liked had accumulated.

Well, this is only natural. When compared to the civilization built by humans, who grew up without worry of being attacked by a foreign enemy, goblins, since the moment of their birth, must deal with the fierce struggle for survival. Humans could afford to grow more slowly than the goblins living in the wilds, where the law of the jungle requires their offspring grow faster Since my body could now move, I spent my time today learning this body’s limits. I did exercises with my body until I was comfortable with it, and in the end collapsed from exhaustion. Still, this bed... don’t we have anything better?


 * 1) aRiPh

Day 4
After reincarnating into a goblin, I went hunting for the first time. Or rather, those who do not work, do not eat. Newborn goblins were restricted to eating chubby caterpillars for nourishment--no, I’m not saying I don’t like them, they’re unexpectedly delicious, but we didn’t have an unlimited supply of them. Hunting was unavoidable since rationing was no longer available --according to the goblin manager. It seems that goblins have to start hunting only four days after birth. It teaches one the strict laws of nature.

As expected, it would be too hard to do alone. I made a buddy/sacrificial pawn, named Gobukichi, by using some lies and flattery while we walked in the forest. The goblins in this world seemed to be simple idiots.Well, at least that made it easy to trick them. Oh, that's right. Goblin breeding can be done between the same race, however the conception rate seems to be low. To overcome that, they kidnap women and violate them until they’re pregnant. You see, yesterday I found a rusty sword near the back of the cave. While picking up the sword, I stumbled across a room with several women. Many of them were stripped to rags even though their levels were higher than those of the goblins. There was a beautiful child in an extremely cruel state. Her whole body was defiled by a cloudy liquid, and her vitality, which seemed to grow weaker with every breath, was ever more fleeting. She was surely on the verge of death--a severe incident to be aware of. It was easy to guess where they were kidnapped from. At my current strength, I know too well the extent of what I can do, so I can only pray as I clasp my hands with a "Namu Amida Butsu". This was only a mere consolation though. Perhaps, someone there was my present mother, but that's too depressing to think about, so I’ll leave it alone for now...

Indeed, It was better for two to work together than to hunt alone, but it was regrettable that Gobukichi tried to eat the prey without my consent, so I hit him with a tree stick to teach him about hierarchies. Eventually, he rolled over so I switched to dismantling the spoils. The result of our first glorious hunt was a light, brown rabbit that had a 20 cm long horn growing out of its forehead, so I decided to call it a "Horned Rabbit". Though the horn was sharp, it was a bit small for a human to use, but because of that, it was the perfect size for a goblin. It didn’t cut like a blade, so piercing and thrusting it like an estoc would be a more suitable way to use it. Goburou obtained Small Animal Horn!!] The moment I picked up the horn, an announcement resounded somewhere, but it was probably just my imagination Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, but my current name is apparently Goburou. The Goblin Elder named me that when I opened my eyes for the first time. Even though its not exactly to my tastes, I tolerated it since I don’t want to use the name I had before. Basically, I gave up. Even though I acquired the rabbit’s horn as a lethal weapon, it was still troublesome to peel the skin off of its body. It was even more difficult to ignore the stares of Gobukichi while he drooled, which made his face even uglier than usual. Wanting some peace, I decided to divide the rabbit in half, and gave one to him. I tried my best to peel the skin off of mine, but it grew too troublesome, so I ate and munched the meat together with the skin. I was able to procure a weapon and eat fresh meat, this was indeed a significant 1st day The meat was delicious; while the mysterious insects weren’t bad, but they just couldn't beat real meat.


 * 1) aRiPh

Day 5
We went hunting for food today too. Gobukichi was forced to clearly understand our hierarchy, with who’s above and below whom, after going through my ‘instructions’. The experience yesterday helped us obtain prey immediately today. Although it was just another horned rabbit, it was at least twice the size of the one before. It might’ve been even more dangerous though because Gobukichi was only using a wooden stick, while I still had the horn from yesterday. Its performance in combat was better than I expected. While Gobukichi caught the rabbit’s attention, I smashed its spinal cord and gouged out its heart from behind. Though a small portion of the horn was damaged due to the rough handling, the battle was still a success because of the spoils we had received. Just like the rabbit that was killed yesterday, I broke off its horn. I unintentionally called the weapon "The Most Legendary Horn", but the announcement which came after corrected me. [Goburou obtained Animal Horn!!] I decided to ignore it since I don’t understand it very well. While I was thinking that, I found Gobukichi staring at the game with hungry eyes. While munching the meat, crunching the bone, and slowly gulping it, I felt as though my entire body was brimming with life. This convinced me of a matter that I had thought of yesterday.

It seems that even through reincarnation, I had retained the ESP ability [Absorption] This means that I’m like in a New Game Plus mode since I inherited it.Though I wasn’t very happy about it in the start. By the way, from the time mankind was able to advance into space and even several centuries before that, the probability to be born with an ESP ability was one out of a thousand. Some even say that the [Psychic] are an evolved version of the human race. Though some might say that, ESP abilities are a non-successive kind of gene. There is no such thing as a [Psychic] with a one-hundred percent chance of passing on their ESP capability to their child. The probability of inheriting abilities isn’t absolute, so how they’re developed is a mystery. ESP capability had become a natural part of everyday life. Even if somebody developed an ability through an unnatural way, like by coming into contact with aliens, because psychic powers were recognized as part of a person’s individuality, nobody would look down on that person. The time when [Psychics] were persecuted for their abilities was over. Though if a user was still uncomfortable with their power, devices that were capable of suppressing it could be bought at the market. My [Absorption] ability was a major power, even rarer than the likes of [Psycometry], [Telekinesis] and [Teleportation], which were of the general class. It made it so, no matter how hard or poisonous something was, I would be able to eat it. My teeth could tear through the likes of iron and gold easily. While toxins would be restructured, rendered harmless and edible in my body. The characteristics of whatever I ate, whether it be an item or another living being, would be absorbed and assimilated into me, so that I could use them as well. This was an ability that could only be obtained at a fixed probability. I’m not quite sure how it works though... Oh well, I just wanted to inform you about what my ability was. To question the principles of supernatural powers would be nonsense. By the way, just because I’ve eaten something that has an ability, doesn’t guarantee that I’ll absorb its powers. For example, if what I just ate was a living being, its freshness is an important factor as to whether I’ll get an ability or not. After its death, I have twelve hours to eat it before the chance to absorb its abilities are gone. That said, there are certain parts that give abilities easier than others such as the heart and the brain, where most of the power is concentrated. Physical strengthening, and an improved recovery rate, can be obtained in addition to the ability absorbed. Furthermore, if the being that I consumed was stronger than me, there was a certainty of simultaneously acquiring multiple abilities. Moreover, its possible to strengthen an ability that’s been acquired, by consuming the original ability owner multiple times. Although [Absorption] isn’t strong on its own, the more I eat, the stronger I become. Naturally, there is a limit though.

Before I reincarnated, I strengthened myself by devouring creatures of mass destruction, and evil-doing espers. Unfortunately, the abilities I had gotten from them seemed to have been reset. Since there were some useful powers there the reset had been regrettable, but I was fortunate enough to keep the [Absorption] ability which more than made up for it. Thus, food, like the horned rabbit and the mysterious insects, should be eaten without hesitation. It was mortifying, however, to know that it was the only ability that I retained after my reincarnation. Since it’s necessary to eat for survival, common sense and ethics could be easily discarded. The ability I obtained this time was called [Escape]. “When fleeing or running away, the probability of escaping and adapting to the environment increases.” I wonder why the rabbit didn’t try to escape when we confronted it today... Oh well. After that two more horned rabbits were successfully captured and eaten. Going to sleep with a full belly was a pleasant feeling. It seems that the amount that Gobukichi is relying on me is rapidly increasing. It’s probably because the law of the jungle rules this world that contributed to him recognising me as the superior being.

Day 6
Apparently, newborn Goblins are weak enough to be easily defeated by horned rabbits, and because of this, nuts were the staple food which most of them ate in order to survive, or so I’m told by Gobumi-chan. You see, Gobumi-chan was another Goblin from our generation, and although she had “beauty” in her name, it’s a pity that she wasn’t that beautiful. All the Goblins (the small fries) had the same ugly face, so there wasn’t much of a difference. Me? I’m no exception. I confirmed this while washing my body in a nearby river.

Well, according to Gobumi-chan, the other Goblins couldn’t compare to my good looks. I didn’t rejoice when she told me I was handsome. To what degree what degree is a Goblin even considered handsome anyway?

I stared into the distance for a moment.

By the way, after asking Gobumi-chan for her opinion on Gobukichi, it turns out that he’s normal–that’s good.

Going back to the story, Goblins are fundamentally weak by nature. Therefore individuals with wisdom and luck seem to survive. Only a selected few with that degree of capability can be considered a true companion in order to survive. Tough indeed.

Well, I asked Gobumi-chan–precisely how many Goblins? May be non-existent—many has fallen prey from the horn of the horned rabbit.

After hearing those words, I thought, “Eh? Seriously?” though the words flowed out of my mouth. After all, average sized horned rabbits are only a bit bigger than the Japanese rabbit. Moreover, apart from its length, the horned rabbit makes efficient use of its two legs to execute an overhead attack to kill Goblins….Oh, I agreed that it’s possible.

After all, intelligence was not found in those wooden stick wielding fellows.

To strike and kick as assault was typical.

Fighting bare-handed will certainly get you killed.

The horn of the horned rabbit is a weapon. Only idiots will fight it upfront while being unarmed. Having a small body may also be a cause. The horn will pierce from below and towards the abdomen.

However, recently Gobukichi-kun imitated me by equipping a wooden stick although I even see clever Goblin equipping it here and there.

That day I made Gobumi-chan as the third person in hunting as a reward for the information.

Horn rabbits are seriously delicious.

Day 7
Note: Day 7 to Day 13 is not translated. To fill in the gaps in the translation, please read the manga.

Manga link below, FYI there are 2 languages of the manga just look at the flag of UK(English) or SpainSpanish.

http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/remonster-r12171

Day 14
When I woke up, my body had changed so much that it couldn’t compare to how it was before I went to sleep.

The changes to my body shocked me, I thought hard about what I heard yesterday before I went to bed. I see, so this is a Rank Up, huh. The mysteries of this world make me shudder.

No, no, from my own experience I can understand however, the natural laws of this world are so amazing that it’s beyond scary.

After killing and eating the Orc yesterday, in one night I went from the physical body of a 7-9 year old, to the size of a medium-sized human. My physical strength, eyesight, and hearing had increased dramatically, even the abilities I had gained before yesterday had also become more powerful, you see?

This is scary. Even though my body had grown a ridiculous amount, I didn’t feel any sense of discomfort at all from my new form. Even though such a huge change should’ve made me go insane, that didn’t happen in the least.

Even though my body had grown so much, I didn’t feel any muscle pains from it at all, instead, I felt overflowing power that was incomparable to before, like a temporary feeling of omnipotence. Freaky, right? Seriously.

Now, if I was an ordinary guy I would’ve probably be so happy that I would do stupid things until the feeling passed, however, the reality is that I wasn’t even close to being as powerful as I felt, and therein lies a trap.

That’s why the rules of this world are scary. Now, that aside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was interesting to watch Gobukichi, who had grown bigger as well, just stand there with a confused look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems that he also passed over level 100 after the battle with the Orc yesterday, causing him to undergo a Rank Up. However unlike mine, his skin didn’t turn black. In fact, I couldn’t see any difference in his skin colour at all, he was still the same old green.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, let’s put that aside as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What interested me the most was his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He no longer looked like an ugly Goblin like he had used to be. His naive look, in some aspects held some attractiveness. His ears were still pointed, and his nose looked somewhat hooked. Nevertheless he looked a lot like a human. Having green skin might not be very human-like, nonetheless his looks were approaching to that of a one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, what about me? Wondering this, I checked the obsidian knife for my reflection.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What I saw was, with black skin, my face from when I was young before I reincarnated. …Yeah, as one would expect I was completely stunned until it settled in. For now, I went to the wall close by our sleeping place, grabbed a caterpillar-like mystery bug, and started munching on it from the head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After I had calmed down, I grabbed Gobukichi and went to look for the Goblin Elder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s because if I didn’t make use of the Goblin Elder at times like this, his existence wouldn’t have any point at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Just in case, because it felt risky, I wouldn’t mention the [End and Origin]-ruling [Divine protection of the Great God] that I also received. What I learnt was:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh-. Is that so-?
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Upon turning into a Hobgoblin, my body and appearance became closer to a human. The reason for this is unknown. It’s one of the mysteries of the world. Apparently because of the hobgoblin’s human-like appearance, they could even live in human towns. However, there is a long past of Goblin slavery, and most of those coexisting with humans are still slaves. Those with good looks have become sex slaves for human perverts.
 * 2) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The difference between Gobukichi’s and my skin color is because I am of a subspecies. Subspecies are generally stronger and have special abilities when compared to the standard one. Unless special conditions are cleared you can’t become a subspecies, which is why they’re rarely seen, so apparently I’m kind of unusual.
 * 3) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Furthermore, my skin color is black. Black is the symbolic color of the oldest god of the world, the one who controls the beginning and the end of something-something. Even among the subspecies mine is the absolute rarest while being the strongest, and with studying, they’re capable of learning the strongest magic possible.
 * 4) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, to the believers of this god, I’m somewhat like a living idol, an object of worship. If that’s not the case, then parts of my body are thought to be materials used in rituals to communicate with the god, so I have to be careful when it’s late in towns and stuff. Religion is scary no matter what world you’re in.
 * 5) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">How should I put it, becoming a Hobgoblin when not even a month had passed is supposedly very strange in the first place. The old man who’s still a Goblin said so, so it’s probably true. By the way, of the Goblins who left to work away from home, (apparently exactly 40 Goblins), only 3 had turned into Hobgoblins.
 * 6) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, because Gobukichi and I had become Hobgoblins before we left the cave, we were allowed to freely use the human women in the cave as we’d like. We also received the right to take things from the warehouse, and use them however we want.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">…Yes, because he was kind of long-winded, I ignored most of what he said by repeating those those words and pretending to listen. Particularly around point 3, and the reason for that is obvious. Like I said before, no matter what world one is in, religion is scary. Even more so now that I’ve obtained the [End and Origin](-ruling), and [Divine protection of the Great God] characteristics with my Rank Up. It makes me think that it’ll probably turn into more trouble than it’s worth. I thought that this was something I should hide it as long as possible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected, we didn’t even consider going hunting today. I practiced martial arts together with Gobukichi in order for us to accustom ourselves to our new bodies, the sparring was especially intense. Gobukichi’s power was too much for him to know how to utilize it, making him quite warlike.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though I, who has had an interest in many different forms of martial arts never lost, I could conclude that Gobukichi’s power was at least somewhat stronger than how he was before. As expected, it seems like his abilities are specialized in being the vanguard.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He wasn’t very intelligent or quick, but his offensive and defensive power had increased tremendously, making him a powerful tank and damage dealer, a hybrid character. Once we concluded our martial arts practice, the afternoon was dedicated to replacing our now too small old armor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I’ve grown, the horn and obsidian knife I’ve been using have become too small for me to handle effectively. However I’ll just have to bear with it today, my venom by itself is an adequate weapon, so I can overcome this handicap for now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why today the plan is to use the stockpiled materials from the Armored Tanukis, Night Vipers and various other monsters to create new armor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We used the armored shell from the Armored Tanukis, and the snakeskin from the Night Vipers, to create new equipment. I was satisfied with the results, the armor we created was light, flexible, and quite robust.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To put it simply, it was an armor based off of leather. We didn’t make cloaks, but since it looked like light brown leather clothes, with long sleeve arms and full-length pants it should be alright. The metal shells were placed in strategic locations, which further increased its defensive capabilities. We thought about our freedom of movement while creating it, so when we tried it out, it performed far better than expected. It barely obstructed us at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We even finished crafting Gobumi-chan’s armor that we couldn’t complete earlier because of insufficient materials.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it’s mainly made out of 7-colored bats it looks a bit gaudy though. It somewhat gives the feeling of being a national costume from somewhere.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, the food tonight was prepared from horned rabbits caught by the other Goblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It wasn’t filling enough, it was still better than nothing. Since it tasted good I pardoned them.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt">

<p style="text-align: center;">* * *

Day 15
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Our first hunt since our Rank Up to Hobgoblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since we were displaying the might of our new bodies for the first time, I’m a bit nervous.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today, the first prey we encountered was a humanoid with the head of a dog and fur all over its body. I don’t know where it got them from but it was wearing rusted armor with a just as rusty longsword. I decided to name this monster, “Kobold”. From observation, it seems the Kobolds are a higher rank than Goblins and about the same rank as Orcs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If we include the equipment, then compared to the Orc we ate, it’s probably an even higher rank. In physical strength, the Orc would be more powerful, but the Kobold would be superior in terms of speed and agility.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">These two traits.are embodied in the Kobold.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If it were the ‘us’ from before, we would’ve retreated immediately, or more likely, used my abilities to avoid the fight altogether. Using Gobumi-chan’s accurate, poison-covered stones as support, Gobukichi and I faced the Kobolds from the front.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Excluding myself, who has evolved into a subspecies, Gobukichi’s combat ability increased significantly thanks to his equipments. His cudgel was reinforced by wounding shells around it while his shield was made of shell. The Kobold only had its rusty armour while Goblin-kichi had various shell armours to help him. Gobukichi attacked the Kobold directly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Rank Up is scary isn’t it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Someone who was weak only just yesterday turned into a great warrior in one day.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblin Kichi got some minor wounds and had Gobumi-chan treat them using some of our medicinal herbs. The Goblin Elder taught us about medicinal herbs earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While they did that, I took the opportunity to strip the Kobold of its possessions. On his waist hung three stones. Using my [Appraisal] ability, I discovered that they were “Fire Spirit Stones”. Apparently non-sentient low-level fire spirits dwell within the stones. I pocketed them and then started stripping off him of his armor. I hung the slightly rusty longsword together with two books I had on my waist.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the corpse, I took the brain, the heart and the right arm. Gobu Kichi and Gobumi-chan decided to split the rest evenly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They left an impression as they had a strange texture. Although the taste is subtle, they were still delicious. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I thought, Kobolds are stronger than the average Hobgoblin. The reason Gobu Kichi could win was because of the huge difference in gear quality. On the other hand, I could win due to my numerous abilities and combat experience.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, after eating the three Fire Spirit Stones, <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gained the ability to produce fire. In the natural world, it’s hard to overcome this difference. With this I can finally make yakiniku, I thought…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And this was the outcome of the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, we hunted some horned rabbits, then returned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today, the tribute my Goblin subordinates gave me was horned rabbits mixed with Armored Tanukis, which surprised me. “These guys, they’re finally growing up…” I lamented to myself. I think I’ll give shell shields to the Goblins who are sent to fetch Armored Tanukis in the future. For the evening meal, I grilled the meat the others brought, and we had a yakiniku party.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

Day 16
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today, the other Goblins of our generation begged to me something like :”Please teach us the art of killing” while prostrating themselves. The Goblins inside the cave were in a row alongside each other prostrating themselves. It was quite the surreal scene to watch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">You see, the Goblins that brought me food had managed to survive by killing horned rabbits, as expected.. However, they also had Night Vipers to fight as opponents Since we’ve been able to kill them, the Goblins want us, or I should say I, to teach them how to survive against the Night Vipers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“What do we gain from this?” We asked, and when we told them that they said that they’d give us tribute for it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, it’s no great loss for us, so before the sun had reached it’s zenith, most of the surviving Goblins, together with Gobukchi and Gobumi-chan, had a combined practice session.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s a dog eat world, so, from the start, I’m thoroughly going to drill into their bodies that I’m superior to them. No matter if the trainee is male or female. Also, since dealing with insurrections is troublesome, I’m going to make obeying me an instinct, by endless repetition if I have to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I aim to stop training at the last moment to ensure they don’t have any spare energy, while preventing their bodies and minds from breaking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The result was that everyone, including Gobumi-chan and Gobukichi, didn’t had the strength left to move.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For the Goblins who trained and worked to the point of collapsing, I planned on using the tribute they’ve gathered to make something for them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I had the motivation to do something, but its probably better if I didn’t do anything absurd. It’s the end once you die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">…Gobumi-chan lays exhausted and trembling among the other females, with extreme pride showcasing her armor and necklace, but let’s pretend I didn’t see that. In the afternoon, I went hunting alone for the first time since my reincarnation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t know how it was in the beginning, but now I can move around this forest like it’s my home turf, and when I somehow managed to procure enough for the ones who couldn’t move, I concluded that days hunting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That evening, I went into the inner parts of the cave, where the human women were held captive. Since I turned into a Hobgoblin, I’ve become closer in appearance to a human, so I thought having a conversation might be possible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, the outcome was – I couldn’t have a conversation with them. They were completely broken. Their eyes were utterly dead, and they were drooling uncontrollably. There was a faint smell of corpses around them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[My version (Josh): Compared to how they were the last time I saw them, they were a lot worse this time. Also, since i last saw her, the youngest of the girls had gotten pregnant. It was an inevitable event, but still, I felt a lot of pity for her. I couldn't help but think that a girl this cute would have married into a nice family, and yet, she ended up, only to be repeatedly violated.]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">(Original): Compared to how they were last time I saw them, they were a lot worse this time, also in this short time the youngest of the girls had gotten pregnant. Though it was inevitable, I felt a lot of pity for her. I couldn’t help but think that a girl this cute could’ve married into a family, yet she ended up here only to be continuously violated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I didn’t want this to continue, and so I asked,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Do you want to die?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If it was the me from before, I’d end up pressing my hands together to offer a prayer, but now that I’ve ranked up into a Hobgoblin, I asked. The way I am now, I’d be able to kill or help these girls if they asked me to. Since even if I was found out, my safety was guaranteed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, my question was left unanswered. There was some movement; her small, weak lips moved slightly, and as if she just remembered how to, a tear fell from her eye. Having understood the women’s intentions, I took from my pouch a small, liquid filled bottle that I had obtained from hunting the Kobolds, which I left behind. After I handed it to them, I walked back to the cave bedroom. I didn’t look back.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

Day 17
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I woke up early, and went to the interior of the cave. The captured women were all dead. They all laid still, as if they were asleep. From the look of things, the girls had drank poison and died in their sleep. Where they got that poison is, however, a mystery. Truly, a mystery.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After taking the small empty bottle that was laid close to them and storing it inside the bag hanging from my waist, being the one who discovered them, I went to report to the Goblin elder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Goblin elder hurriedly rushed over, and in front of the limp pseudo-Goblin that had spilled from the beautiful girls’ womb, he cried bitterly whilst grieving however, I couldn’t care less.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For the girl’s corpses, I took responsibility for their disposal, and because it was a pity to just let wild animals feed on them, I decided to cremate them. As payment for my labour, I took a heart, a stomach, a breast and a uterus.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since the [Pyrokinesis] ability I got the other day wasn’t enough, I thought about what I usually do, so I collected a bunch of [Oily Grass] to make it burn well and a bunch of twigs were used to ensure the heat was enough.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After using my [Pyrokinesis] to ignite the fire, I prayed for the girls happiness in the next world whilst looking at the pillar of blazing flame.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Namu Amida Butsu. (Buddhist prayer)

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Among the girls, there seemed to be those with adventurer skills. Quite a lot of them of actually.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This group of migrant workers, they were perhaps unexpectedly strong. They might only have looked weak because they were captured. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s unusual for me, but I didn’t feel the slightest inclination to learn about my new abilities. After morning practice, I sent out Gobu Kichi and Gobumi-chan to go hunting since I wasn’t in the mood, I tried making shell-based shield, armour and sword from the materials accumulated to this day.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lately, crafting has become somewhat of a hobby of mine…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, it seems my new skill [job craftsman] became immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The goods I crafted came out a lot better than before. The ability, like its name implied, corrected the mistakes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Speaking of which, the shield and armour came out successfully, the shell-based sword ended up in failure.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As for my meal, Gobu Kichi and Gobumi-chan shared a part of what they hunted, together with the tribute that had increased since yesterday.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, this might be a bit late, but Gobumi-chan had also turned into a Hobgoblin today.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She’d became quite cute, it was intimidating.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The difference from when she was a Goblin is remarkable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because her old equipment is now too small for her, I lent her my spares.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She made a subtle expression, happy while unsatisfied, so I decided to make her brand new equipment at a later date.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Truth is, I would have happily made it today, but there was just not enough time.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

Day 18
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After finishing morning practice the three of us gobs came upon some Kobolds while out hunting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This time there were three of them, two of which were equipped like the earlier ones with armor and long swords, however the last one had a short bow and a quiver.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While thinking “Is this the second day in a row to strengthen Gobumi?”, I checked the surroundings for additional enemies, in order to make a decision.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With it being all clear, I chose to commence the assault.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With the Kobold that could attack from range with the bow and arrows being a higher threat level compared to the others, a sneak attack with a poisoned stone from Gobumi’s staff sling was the decisive action.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With the poisoned stone hitting the Kobold right in the eye, we stole away the bow wielding Kobolds usual composure and vision.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Without letting the time while the other Kobolds got in a panic get wasted, Gobukichi and I went to utterly defeat the two Kobolds who possessed long swords that looked slightly better than the ones we got earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My longsword might be worn-out, but for my current body it’s just the right size, and I’ve gotten used to my body now, so separating the Kobolds head from his body was easy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Right now, the horn I used earlier is more like a knife now, which might have made me feel the difference all the more.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi broke all his opponents bones violently, which was kinda gross to look at.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan, with the (pseudo-)knife I gave her earlier made of obsidian(-look alike), slit the bow wielding Kobolds throat and then gave it a finishing blow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Apparently, Gobumi-chan’s evolution direction lay in brains and speed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To use weapons cleverly, intelligence was needed after all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, we worked hard at disassembling the body. We collected the armor, Gobumi-chan got the short bow and quiver, and I took the slightly better looking longsword for myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because there was no suitable loot for Gobukichi he will have to wait for the next time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While these Kobolds sadly didn’t have any fire spirit stones, my collection of small bags increased by three.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One I kept for my own use, and the other two I gave to the other Goblins for putting medicinal plants in. Now, if something were to happen, I’m sure they will be of great use. And so, each Goblin got one body to eat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I didn’t get any new abilities, and while I felt that with just a bit more I’d gain something more, the ability I already got, [Predict], got slightly stronger. [Predict] lets me see my opponents attack trajectories as red threads, so in battle it can be incredibly convenient.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that we hunted whatever we came across, after which we returned to the cave in order to sleep.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

Day 19
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After completing morning practice, I didn’t go hunting, instead I went to look at the warehouse in the inner parts of the cave. Since some of the captured girls had adventurer-like abilities, it occurred to me that items relating to those abilities might have been captured together with the girls.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From just looking at the stuff, even a genius like me couldn’t decide what’s trash and what’s worth keeping, however thanks to the ability I got from the Orc, [Detect Analysis], I could see the items details.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition, since analysing stuff gave the ability experience, even analysing duds wasn’t a waste of time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With such a carefree mood, it seems I found a treasure trove. And a fairly large one at that. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When going over it, I found treasure after treasure.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At first glance it seems to be composed entirely of unusable scrap, however below the uppermost layer, lots of useful stuff laid sleeping. Yeah, it seems this place truly is a treasure trove. While there’s no great difference between the estocs I found and the long sword I’m carrying currently, however since they were in a better condition, I decided to swap.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Comparing the obsidian knife I’d been using till now with the bowie knives, their blades were longer and their edges sharper.The blade is single edged, and only at the tip is it double-edged, I suspect it’s meant to be used as a hunting knife, so I took the knives as well. Four knives might be a lot, but since the production of pocket knives already has begun, there’s really no problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I looked forward to when at a later time I’d disassemble the knives to learn how they were made.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, except for the estoc I picked and the longsword I swapped for it, I ate the rest of the swords. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I learned [Improved Slashing Power] from eating the longsword, and [Improved Piercing Power] from eating the estocs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In order for the reader to understand this, I’ll tell you about my [Consumption absorption ability].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I learn abilities from more than eating living beings. However, for items above a certain level, the power of the learned abilities depends on the the quality of the item, and for it to enter my mind I must have used the item a certain amount. If I haven’t, then eating the item would be pointless, and in that way I have to keep wondering, “I wonder if this will go well now”, I’ve had to practice that perception quite a bit. Even if I make a mistake I’ll recover, I told myself to give me the bravery to keep trying.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Reaching the top feels really good.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While I was doing that by myself, Gobukichi and Gobumi-chan came by. Apparently they thought it odd that they couldn’t see me, so they went looking for me. They really came at a great time. I’d taken the potions and other stuff that you could hang on the belt and put in the field pack, I crammed as much of the rest as I could into the backpack. That which I couldn’t fit inside my bags, I asked Gobukichi and Gobumi-chan to carry for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then Gobukichi graduated from his shell-wrapped cudgel, to a rustic looking battle-axe and his wooden shield with pieces of carapace sewn on was switched for an iron round shield. Since there was a hole in the middle of the round shield, we didn’t really have a choice and made an impromptu fix by attaching a piece of carapace there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then I had him equip the breast plate instead of the shell reinforced leather armor I made for him two days ago. Together with the shell-helmet I made for him two days ago, Gobu Kichi’s defense was the highest by far out of us three.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He totally looked like heavy infantry.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He kept the cudgel he had used till today strapped over his back as a spare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To Gobumi-chan, I gave the two crossbows and 50 arrows. In addition, I gave her the obsidian knife I had been using till now in addition to one of the bowie knives to use as insurance, but any more than this was, when looking at the weight of the stuff she was carrying, the limit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Nevertheless, out of us three, the one with the highest ranged offensive power was her and with her deft handling of the two knives, her offensive potential shouldn’t be made light of.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For how she looked, the impression she gave was of either a hunter or an archer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And at the end, myself. Two long swords were replaced by an estoc, with a small shield reinforced by shells similar to the one Gobukichi has. This shield was made so it could be fixed to the right arm, and still allow me to move my wrist without problems.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To protect my left hand, I equipped the gauntlet wrought from solid iron. The gauntlet had less defensive power than the round shield, however if the aim was just to deflect attacks then it should be enough.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This way I had reasonable defence, whilst not hurting my ease of movement too much.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With the effects of the ability [Job Light Swordsman] added, I feel like it’s risen by another level again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And also, since today the Goblins collected an earlier unthinkable amount of tribute for us, we returned to them. I couldn’t eat it all; it was far too much.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">* * *

Day 20
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The morning was spent with practice. Compared to when we started, the expressions of the Goblins had changed. Yeah, because Goblins mature quickly, startling changes can be seen even in a short time, if training is done in earnest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This might be because, if they don’t quickly adapt to their surroundings, they’ll simply die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the afternoon, we hunted. We caught 10 Night Vipers, 14 Armored Tanukis and 5 Kobolds. This is probably mostly because our equipment had rapidly become a lot better. Or perhaps I should say, the deadly combination of Gobumi-chan’s powerful and accurate shots with the crossbow together with the rapid firing of the short bow was brutal. Because Gobu Kichi and I acted as her shield, it became even more brutal. To bring the battle to an end, Gobu Kichi used his high defense and his battle axe to decapitate the remainders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Together with my abundant abilities that I used to continuously vary my attack pattern and the direction of the battle, opponents like Kobolds didn’t pose the slightest threat for us. Perhaps with how things stood right now, even if the Kobolds turned up with twice our numbers we’d probably not have any problems.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Only, what I truly wanted to eat was Orcs. This was in order to strengthen the ability I got from the Orc earlier; after that one time, we hadn’t seen even one Orc.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I quickly wanted to find more Orcs; however, today I went back ahead of time to the cave in order to read books.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, having the ability [Job Magician] is nice and all, and that my magic power was increased by my subspecies was also nice, but because I hadn’t the foggiest idea what magic was, I couldn’t actually use any magic. That’s why, in this way I was reading “Introduction to magic – basic sorcery” until morning came up the day after.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">You might say I had surprising difficulty getting a grasp of it, which made it a rough trial. Or rather, I feel there’s a limit to how much I can understand just from reading books. And what’s more, I started from the second volume of three!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If only, I could see someone use magic at least once!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Time, without listening to my screams, steadily moved forward.

Day 21
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The morning practice hasn’t even been going on for a week, yet Goblins who’ve turned out to be somewhat useful are popping up here and there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I thought, because the realm of nature is a severe living environment, or perhaps because we belong to a precocious-type species, the Goblins who underwent the soldier training program had their strength grow considerably. The training program is something that I had composed from useful parts I gleaned from my company’s servers before I died.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Recently some of the underlings even managed to kill Night Vipers, and even the worst of them at least manages to kill horned rabbits by themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Those Goblins, who a few days ago couldn’t even get their own food, can all manage by themselves now, and I, as their teacher, feel mightily proud about this fact.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, the Goblin Elder and his cronies found the results genuinely astonishing, and they treated me with stares both filled with affection and awe. I think the special treatment is kinda handy, still it’s also slightly depressing. Well, it does me no real harm so I guess I can just ignore it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When the sun arrived at its summit, I personally began training with the Goblins; I spent the rest of the day doing such. That way, I can get a grasp on each individual’s abilities. I can also catch any weaknesses or bad habits they’ve developed and teach them the proper way. Also, being able to single out the best individuals is useful, and above all it also serves to strengthen me. In this strict world, there are no disadvantages to having a well trained body. That’s why I thought 38 battles in a row was good practice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After the session, I once again came to the realization that Gobukichi and Gobumi-chan are, amongst their generation, head and shoulders above the competition.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Regarding the results for Gobukichi from the recent training, it seems he has learnt how to limit the power of his attacks to not cause accidents. Creatures of this world seem to change in direct relation to how much they contribute when in a party. By killing enemies, they get experience that raises their levels and leads to the creation of surprisingly robust bodies by the mysterious laws of this world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the present time, if I don’t use my abilities he is a tough opponent, so if all Goblins except me and Gobumi-chan were lined up to challenge him in order, they still probably wouldn’t be able to get even one win.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi however, would not leave without incurring some damage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan is slow when compared to me, however the other Goblins aren’t even a match for her speed. Since she’s a Hobgoblin, her strength is also better than the other Goblins; she’s also grown her nails to be pointed and sharp, and I taught her how to use the nails skilfully. This is in order for her to be able to fight well, even without a weapon. She’s got speed, and if I didn’t have my abilities she’d make a formidable foe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, you might say she’s still a cute little thing. Speaking as an opponent, even when both are unarmed, Gobukichi is still more dangerous in close quarters fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When the practice sparring was over, we broke the group up in order to go hunting. Usually we would go with our standard members, however today we had an additional member in our party.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This additional member was a female, Gobue. In our generation, she was the next most influential person after us three, and when the Goblins were kneeling in front of us, she was the one in the front.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well you see, while the two backpacks and three field packs were a fabulous find, Gobukichi is carrying a giant cudgel on his back, and I don’t think Gobumi-chan can carry any more than she already is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Frankly speaking, with me carrying one of the backpacks, one was still left, and while Gobumi-chan and I were each carrying a field pack, one was still unused. That’s why we required one carrier, and Gobue was singled out. If it was her, she’d also barely be able to keep up with our hunting as well. Also, increasing our members with one more strong companion isn’t bad at all. Yes, and of course she’d be carrying the backpack as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When equipping her, we gave her the old leftover shield that Gobukichi used before, together with Gobumi-chan’s old staff sling. We also gave her the carapace reinforced ceremonial looking costume, the obsidian knife and a bowie knife. Compared to the horned-rabbit horn she’d been using till now, the difference was like heaven and earth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, because she was going to carry our luggage, carrying any more than this is unnecessary. Or how should I put it, when we’re hunting, our prey will become her luggage, so having her equipment be heavy would be a truly stupid thing. Just enough to protect herself from injury is sufficient.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Following that reasoning, this time’s hunting was a lot easier than usual. Because unlike before, when everyone had to share the burden of carrying the prey, now Gobue was doing most of the lugging; we finished the hunt without feeling fatigue.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Carrying heavy luggage, Gobue was tired, but compared to us who easily concluded our battles, there was not such a large difference. Also, since Gobue was also contributing by shooting stones with the sling, she managed to also raise her levels by gathering experience. Perhaps Gobue’s day of turning into a Hobgoblin like us is close.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We didn’t find any new types of prey, however our stomachs were filled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Meat is very tasty, isn’t it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After returning to the cave, I read then went to sleep.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

Day 22
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today I crushed a Goblin who was growing a little impudent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Of course I didn’t kill him, but recently he was becoming too overconfident in his new abilities, he’ll die one day if I don’t correct him like this. For that reason I steeled my heart and punished him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I think this is a reasonable thing to do in an environment where carelessness means death.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, even if this Goblin does develop some rebellious sentiment against me I can just beat him up again, no problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today the four of us went out hunting again as usual.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We searched for and found some Kobolds I could gain new abilities from.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There are six of them, it’s the largest group we’ve come across up to now, but as we are now we can crush them without a problem. Although they have numbers on their side, we have superior individual abilities and equipment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We decided to give it a try. Gobumi-chan, armed with a crossbow and short-bow, aimed at a Kobold and prepared to pull the trigger, but then it came out from behind the rocks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A Kobold of small stature wearing on its head what looks like a triple horned horse skull by the three horns growing on its forehead, and a twisted and crooked wooden staff in its hand, it approached the group while muttering something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From its appearance, I think it’s a Kobold Mage.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I knew since I heard from Goblin Elder that Goblins and Orcs and other lower-class monsters like Kobolds are generally unable to use magic to interfere with the laws of the world, with the exception of subspecies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But exceptions do exist where ordinary Kobolds and Goblins can wield magic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">These are called Kobold Mages and Goblin Mages. It is a highly prized and rare ability though not as rare as subspecies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Without a sense for handling magic I couldn’t wield magic at my leisure yet, and this time I’m facing a Kobold Mage accompanied by six Kobold followers, this could be difficult.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even so, this is a good chance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If the Mage used magic, perhaps by observing it I might be able to learn to wield it. Even if not, I can just take the ability anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thinking that, we tailed the Kobold party and that somewhat troublesome mission was a success; we were able to see magic being used for the first time. The victim of the Kobold Mage’s magic was a Green Slime.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even with the ability “Invulnerable to physical damage”, the Slime’s bodily fluids evaporated before the roaring blaze of fire, leaving behind a green stony core. It was quite the flashy scene.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But having seen that I gained a general understanding of magic. If I go back to the cave and practice a bit I think I could do it without a problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With that matter settled we went on the attack. The enemy were promptly annihilated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Kobold Mage died instantly from a poisoned arrow to the back of the head by Gobumi-chan. The rest were silenced by me and Gobukichi-kun, with the help of Gobue-chan’s poisoned stone and Gobumi-chan’s rapid fire. No matter how strong, they’re no problem if we crush them before they can show that strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We stripped the ordinary Kobolds of equipment and put it in Gobue-chan’s backpack, then I secured the Kobold Mage’s staff. Moreover, we took eight “Water Spirit Stones”—strange stones that give off water when tightly gripped—, six “Thunder Spirit Stones”—strange stones that discharge a strong electric shock—, and ten “Fire Spirit Stones” like the ones I ate before, all separated into three small sacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I took the Kobold Mage and the six hearts for myself, the rest are eaten by the others, two for each Goblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally, I also ate the Green Slime core. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems the Green Slime did not have “Invulnerability to Physical Damage” but the reduced version “Physical Damage Reduction”, but that’s remarkable enough as it is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This way we now know how to deal with green slimes the next time we should encounter one: Simply burn them down with “Pyrokinesis”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, I ate the Kobold Mages’ staff and the three kinds of “spirit stones”. Doing this to gain abilities has become sort of a habit of mine. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yes, these are good abilities. By practicing these I can finally use magic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, we encountered Armored Tanuki and Night Vipers on the way back. They were killed mostly by Gobue-chan to gain experience then eaten. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With this it looks like I have learnt all the abilities I can from Night Vipers and Armored Tanuki. Well, it was good food nonetheless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, night fell and I went practicing by myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was hard at first but after one hour I figured out the trick; although it needed a bit of activation time I was able to do it without problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally a Green Slime decided to attack me under the cover of night, and seeing it as a good practice target, I decided to take care of it. I crafted a lance with magic and shot it at the Green Slime, killing it in one hit with fearsome power.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I took the core that was rolling around and began to eat it. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And with that I gained this ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, I’m now able to turn my sweat into acid (make my sweat highly acidic?), which is useful and makes me satisfied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, the fact that my equipment didn’t corrode when I used it is another strange mystery of this world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

Day 23
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was raining today. Because of that we could not go outside and instead held a festival inside the cave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t know when it started, but the Goblins in my generation had begun to operate as a group led by me, and this so-called festival is actually a round robin event that will decide the ranking within the group.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The results are exactly what you would expect.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the top there was me, then Gobukichi-kun, followed by Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After the event, with the ranking settled, we did a study group. Because the ones on top have the responsibility of teaching, the ones below had to strictly follow the orders of those above them. Then we promptly decided on a few more rules.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With this orders can be relayed efficiently. While I’m at it, it seems like I’ll be using military ranks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the top, there was me as Colonel, Goblin Kichi-kun was Lieutenant Colonel, Gobumi-chan was Major, and Gobue-chan was Captain, after that there was a huge gap to Sergeant to match the difference in power.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, it was appropriate due to our still small numbers.

Day 24
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today after morning practice, the four of us Goblins went hunting again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And the first thing we encountered was a 70 centimetre long, black spider with yellow lines. I decided to give it the temporary name “Demon Spider”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because it’d made a nest, I burnt it to a crisp with my [Pyrokinesis] ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I had some trouble preventing a forest fire, since the thread burned and the fire followed it over quite a few trees.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If it had turned into a conflagration, we’d also have died. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And thus, I learned how to secrete spider thread from my fingers—no wait.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I’m a Goblin, it’s Goblin thread? Anyway, at my will it was gushing forth from my fingers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Seeing thread come out from my fingertips vigorously with a “buryuryuryuryuryu”-like sound felt quite surreal, however it’s unquestionably an extremely useful ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Unfortunately, as I am now I can’t make delicate work. Skilfully manipulating the thread like a spider is impossible for now. The best I can do is to simply immobilize the target.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If I make the slightest complex movement, I’ll wind up tangled in the web myself, unable to move. Yes, compared to sewing, spinning webs is in a league of its own.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thus, in order to freely be able to control the thread, I decided to search for more Demon Spiders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After a little while, I discovered some, and this time I tried killing the spiders with electricity before eating them. Soon I had three corpses. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With this I became able to delicately manipulate thread. The thread was very durable, so I thought about making clothes and such with it. Also, the Demon Spiders carapace seemed sturdy, so I decided to make use of it when I next construct armor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, while walking, we saw our first Orc in a long time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The place where we found them was close to where we found an Orc the last time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because this place was quite far away from the cave we hadn’t really explored the area, and I was berating myself over how we should have come here earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Orcs we found were in a group of six, and different from the previous one who carried a pickaxe. These Orcs carried quite heavy and splendid looking weapons like halberds, staves, hunting-knives and long swords, while wearing breastplates or full plates.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, I think that the halberd-wielding Orc, with the best physique, was the group commander—the Orc Leader.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, we decided not to attack them. However, gathering intelligence is another matter so we followed the Orcs down the mountain for an hour until we discovered the location of the Orcs base, a mine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I saw dozens of Orcs with pickaxes, and the sounds of their efforts could be heard even from where we were watching them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For the present, I was satisfied with climbing down the mountain. If we try attacking this many opponents we’ll die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">True victory was if we four could sneakily escape with our knowledge and remain undiscovered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At least that’s what I thought, but then I spotted three Orcs climbing down the mountain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even if they raised the alarm, since the other Orcs were far away, it would take a considerable amount of time before they could bring reinforcements; so we decided to quickly attack them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hiding in the thicket, we waited for them to reach our shooting range.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi and Gobue killed one Orc each with their crossbows. The last one was stunned by my lightning, after which I calmly walked up to him and slit his throat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For transporting the corpses, Goblin Kichi and I each carried one Orc, while Gobumi and Gobue helped each other, until we reached a place I deemed as safe, where we leisurely took our time to eat. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yes, plainly an ability I don’t need. [Stench], seriously? Well, Orcs certainly have a distinctive smell. But since their flesh is really tasty, it’s something we’ll have to live with. Moreover, if by any chance I were to discover a use for the ability, I’ll consider it a profit.

Day 25
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was currently the end of our morning sparring practice, and some individuals seemed to have a hard time. So far no one (Who has attended my practice) has died during a hunt; although some did get hurt. This being the case, I felt relieved knowing that my training hasn’t been squandered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards we went hunting, and while hunting the likes of Night Vipers, Armored Tanukis and Demon Spiders, we found a new prey that undoubtedly possesses better individual abilities than the spiders.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They were a pack of wolves, with black fur that almost looked as if it was made of metal. Without making it complicated, I decided to call them “Black Wolves” temporarily, and for the time being I decided to quietly observe them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems that the pack consists of 16 Black Wolves, who currently seem to be engrossed in eating. Luckily, we are standing leeward, so they have yet to notice us, however were that to change we could end up like that Kobold the Black Wolves are currently eating.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They were 4 times as many as us, but above all the Black Wolf Leader seemed incredibly dangerous. It was considerably larger than the other Black Wolves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If we went at them from the front, we’d probably suffer a great deal of damage. Because they had greater numbers, the advantage was heavily stacked in their favour. But even though that’s true, an advantage can be turned using a surprise attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan let loose an arrow from her crossbow, piercing the body of the wolf leader who was still in a daze from eating the Kobold meat. At the same time, an arrow from Gobue-chan went through the neck of a nearby wolf.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Black Wolf Leader wouldn’t die instantly from an ordinary arrow through the body, but because the arrowhead had been painted with my venom, after several seconds the wolf staggered unsteadily and then collapsed, convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even so the Black Wolf Leader didn’t die immediately, it was barely hanging on, its life slowly slipping away. By the way, without resistance against the fast-acting poison, the ordinary wolf that got shot through the neck died quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With this we were able to prevent the wolves’ quick teamwork. Considerable time is needed to decide who is going to replace the top member in a pack. You could see the panic in the wolves’ figures when it suddenly happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Making full use of the mess we created, Gobukichi-kun and I moved closer and attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though it was the first time since I was reincarnated that I fought a wolf-type monster, I was sure that I could easily deal with it so long as it didn’t have any special abilities. On approach the wolf bared its sharp fangs at me so it could strike me with its most powerful move “Bite”, in response, towards its mouth I thrust my estoc; dripping with venom. With the force of the charge from both sides combined, I easily tore through flesh, drilled through bone, and destroyed the wolf’s brain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I caught a glimpse of a wolf trying to escape the confusion, so I charged a high pressure water blade with electricity and slashed at its feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The battleaxe-wielding Gobukichi-kun couldn’t hack through the stiff-furred black wolves, but his attack forcibly broke its spine and ribs and using his running momentum forcibly broke the neck of the black wolf that collided head on with his shield.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the midst of all that, the enemy numbers are further reduced by Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan’s sniping.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After a while, the pack of black wolves, who had lost the teamwork that was their greatest weapon and the effectiveness of their bites had been nullified. Not even one wolf was spared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Once finished, three of us went to work on cutting up the wolves’ bodies. The wolves’ fur, for later use, had to be kept in the most pristine of condition, both functionally and in beauty. Incidentally, Gobukichi-kun had to be excluded since he was incredibly clumsy and therefore couldn’t be entrusted with such a task.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of this, I placed Gobukichi-kun on lookout duty. Due to my ability [Presence Sensor], having Gobukichi-kun on lookout was unnecessary. However in this world where one is constantly engaged in a violent struggle, the experience of such a task is vital; especially to one’s own existence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan cut up this much without any trouble, they seem to have gained the ability [Dismantle]; so their fingers began to appear skillful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, we gathered the fur and ate the meat, four to each Goblin. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I expected, the Black Wolf Leader had superior abilities befitting its status.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Pack Leadership] and [Pack Hunting Proficiency] were a huge bonus for group operations.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Pack Leadership] allows me to quickly identify who can contribute the most aside from my being able to give them instruction, it enhances the ability of the group as a whole.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Pack Hunting Proficiency] all allies will move efficiently to obey my commands as if I were repeating them to each member individually.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Steel Hide] the ability increase the defense of fur and leather-based armor in addition to one’s own skin and hair. It definitely doesn’t hurt to have the ability to increase defense at will. I’m certain it will come in handy in the future.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I hunted some demon spiders and green slimes before going, after having dinner, I went to bed.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

Day 26
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When morning came, Gobue had turned into a Hobgoblin. To congratulate her, we gave her a gift. It was an accessory made from fangs that gave off the vibe of being from a tribal people.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Usually when practice ends, the Goblins end up scattering for the days hunt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, this time without scattering everyone underwent an arms inspection.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The lowest and most numerous private weapons that Goblins use are Horned Rabbit Horns, Shell Reinforced Shields and their regular clothes. At the inspection place we only counted them, then after 30 minutes had passed, everyone left the caves together. This time our plan was to raise everyone’s level and to increase my number of skills. So I decided to launch a surprise attack on the orc’s mining base. We didn’t have a particular grudge against the Orcs, we simply did what we needed to in order to survive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Therefore we attack. Attack and eat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And thus I shall announce the results. Our camp had only light injuries and we didn’t have a single casualty. Of the Orcs in the mining base, they all died. This included the Orc Leader and his warriors. The main reason for this was the training we’d been undergoing focusing on not only offence but also defence. This was also helped by how decisive, stern and relentless I was being during sparring. That’s why their their defensive power was so high. Although, a large part of the cause would be that the majority of the Orc leader’s fighting potential was impeded by my Goblin thread, and then prickled to death.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What? Cowardly? I disagree, in the natural world such behaviour isn’t a large problem. Because when you die it’s over, so no matter how cowardly you act, the survivor is the winner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Only the winners gets to decide what was right and what was wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Rhis is not a direct translation, since I felt the original meaning became kind of strange in English.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In order to always be a winner, I must steel my heart from weakness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After the battle had ended, we pulverized the medicinal herbs [Healing Grass] we brought, soaked cloth wraps in the fluid, took those cloth wraps and applied them to the wounds. It is very simple medical care, but surprisingly effective.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For patients who bore life threatening wounds, with my [Job - Druid] I proceeded to use my blessed healing skills to cure their wounds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I thought my magical practice could be useful, so I tried various ways until it worked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even if one of their arms had been chopped off, if my healing skills were used it takes some time but adhesion was possible, for a while you’d have an uncomfortable feeling however, compared to losing an arm this is nothing. Moving the arm also seems possible after rehabilitation. I have no choice but to conclude that this healing skill is amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I am truly thankful for having this ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Towards the woman who once was a [Druid], I truly harboured feelings of gratitude. This is because if I didn’t have this ability, our numbers would have dwindled considerably. Once I wouldn’t have blinked an eye no matter how many of them died, but after training with these guys for a while, I’ve started to see them as my subordinates and disciples.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thus if they need help, I’ve developed the desire to aid them. When I’m reminded of those girls who died that day, I offer them a prayer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While I was administering medical treatments, Gobukichi-kun together with those uninjured ran around gathering Orcs and their equipment. When I finished the treatment I immediately changed to the next stage of the plan.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems like the Orc Leader’s Halberd was reinforced with magic materials, so it had an incredibly sharp edge. It was just the right size, so I decided to make it my new weapon. Swords are also nice, however, I’m used to using longer weapons. There were lots of other weapons as well, and with this everyone received better weapons. The lowest rank Goblins went from using horned rabbit horns to using short swords, which is an extremely significant difference.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And above all, besides large quantities of Fire Spirit Stones and Lightning Spirit Stones, there were also Wind Spirit Stones and Earth Spirit Stones that I still haven’t eaten yet. And within the mining base there seemed to still be stuff to discover.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After we hurriedly stripped the Orcs of all their possessions, we all gathered to eat the delicious meat. To be more prudent we decided that the food division would be decided by the member’s rank where higher rank meant more food. Orc Leaders and Orc Mages etc. main battle potential units were of course destined to end in my belly. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While also indulging in the Orc Barbecue, I alone ate Fire, Lightning and Water Spirit Stones together with the newly acquired Wind and Earth Spirit Stones as snacks. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But more importantly, the pig barbecue party was really satisfying.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Orc flesh has got this peculiar taste and texture, where it feels like extra special high quality pork, and what’s more, there are large quantities of it. No matter how much we ate, there never seemed to be an end to it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even so, I missed cooked rice and alcohol. I especially missed alcohol. I missed it so much I nearly couldn’t bear it. When I think back on it I haven’t drunk a drop since I reincarnated. On the way home after buying alcohol I was stabbed by Aoi. I began to wonder what happened to that alcohol.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And just like that I longed even more for it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, before it went dark, we went back to the cave to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

Day 27
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The next day, we were training in a vacant lot outside the cave as usual, when an unfamiliar group of Goblins came.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although they looked unkempt, I saw three-fourths of them carrying a number of chipped short swords and battle axes that looked well-used hanging at their waists. They were also wearing blood-stained leather armor on top of dirty chainmail shirts, there were even three Hobgoblins with them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Will a survival war break out for a second day in a row? We were a little excited but it seems to be the return of our parents’ group who were away with work.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblin Elder who was watching us practice stopped my attack stance for now, and separated us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh I see, so they weren’t enemies. I realized that I must go greet them properly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“I better go greet them then”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although hidden in the shadows of the Goblins who, obviously being underlings, were carrying large backpacks—in all likelihood the fruits of the raid this time—were the figures of five young women who had their hands and feet bound and their mouths gagged to prevent them from becoming violent, being carried by several similar underling-looking Goblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Judging from their clothes four were ordinary people, and the last one who was wearing leather armor was probably something like an adventurer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Only the girl who looked like an adventurer had slight visible traces of having been hit on the face, and their clothes didn’t seem to be in disorder so they had probably not yet been raped. Though this is only a question of time. We could no longer see the shapes of the Goblin Elder, who was covering his nether regions which were revoltingly swelling with a worn-out loin cloth, and the Hobgoblin who was talking to the Goblin elder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Anybody could predict what they were talking about, even if they didn’t want to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t have the slightest hesitations about killing and eating others, however forcing others is not a thing that I like. Of course I understand the instinct of living creatures to leave offspring, but to decide if its a good time or a bad time, such things are a whole different matter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’ve also, when going to dangerous places for work, had sex with female co-workers to relieve the stress, but in those situations we had mutual consent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Being forced like this makes me sick. The cute ones should be loved… right?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For weak Goblins who are in opposition to humans- numbers are necessary, and once in a while after a strenuous military campaign, the numbers have been reduced considerably and the ranks need to be filled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, like I care about that! As if I who just reincarnated, in this short amount of time am going to change the way I think.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With things this way, I decided to help them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Is that hypocrisy? Yes, but it is no problem because it is even more hypocritical to do nothing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The closest Hobgoblin leader was talking to the Goblin elder, when I asked him to release the women.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t know why but when I said it, Goblin elder looked at me with a weird face but I ignored it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Hobgoblin Leader made a face as if saying “what are you talking about!?”, but nevertheless I still repeated the request.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It is important to discuss everything first. No matter how much you dislike the opposition, you should start by discussing your problems. Any hostility should be put aside for the moment. I tried to persuade him patiently but the Hobgoblin Leader wasn’t willing to listen. That wasn’t all, he started to become irritated at me who kept obstinately asking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I continued to attempt to persuade the leader, but soon realized that it was a waste and stopped before the other Goblin group began to feel irritated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Hobgoblin Leader pulled out his short sword and waved it at my throat in ridicule. As I’m about to pull out my sword, behind me Gobukichi-kun does the same as me, holding his weapon at the same level and waits.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’m me, and because of that, persuasion is troublesome. Then, should I kill him? I parried the Hobgoblin Leader’s short sword and at the same time pull out the estoc at my waist.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At that moment, the atmosphere clearly changed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Goblins of both sides took poses where they fully displayed their weapons, and if either I or the Hobgoblin Leader made the slightest move, this status quo would be disrupted. Of course, with everyone trying to kill the enemies in front of them. The reason no-one moved was because we held the executive decision making power, but also for no other reason than that instinct told us that if a fight started here, both sides would take huge damage regardless of who won.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They numbered 28 while we numbered 39. In pure numbers we had the advantage, however in real fighting experience and experience of fighting together they were far above us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Honestly I had no idea of which side would win if fighting broke out, and to start the fight under such conditions would inevitably turn into huge damage for both sides, which is why I didn’t move.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally, a group of older Goblins were watching us, however they didn’t do anything and seemed to prefer watching what would happen as neutral observers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For a short while we glared at each other, but since I thought such actions were more trouble than they are worth, I prepared myself to trigger the fight by adapting a forward-bent pose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With my estoc holding hand filled with power, I pointed the tip of the sword straight towards the Hobgoblin Leaders heart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My leg was bending in order to prepare myself for the dash where I pierced the Goblin when—

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">—just at that moment, a voice suddenly reverberated. Everyone instinctively stopped moving, and turned towards the source of the voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The owner of the voice was a Hobgoblin with 3 Goblins at it’s side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was the only Hobgoblin that could use magic, with the exception of me, judging from appearance it was a female and she was holding a staff. It was something like, “Don’t involve us in a personal war” “The strong is the leader that decides the policy of the group” is what I heard. Because the Mage seems to have higher intelligence than the other individuals, she seems to have a calm judgement even in this situation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Aren’t you, who can use magic, stronger than this guy? Hearing this, the leader backed away unwillingly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was thus concluded that a fight to determine who reigns at the top of the “Goblin community” was to be held.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The rules were very simple: use of weapons were forbidden, and while killing was permitted, the fight ends when one party faints or gives up, it was that kind of barbaric rule.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblin Elder would be acting as referee for the fight. It was an appropriate position for the sagely Goblin Elder who held a neutral opinion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Nevertheless, I was surprised to find that the Goblins on their side began to make bets in the middle of preparation. So they had a gambling mentality huh? Furthermore, I was informed that copper and silver coins were being exchanged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, this kind of thing is certainly well-suited as entertainment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, the Goblins on our side were sitting with impeccable manners. They were staying still to watch the fight that was about to take place. Yep, this is surreal.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At any rate, the five women who were being offered up as the prize were self-conscious that they did something wrong. It was because we were pointlessly scaring them. Well, this is all for their sakes. Just bear with it already.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then after the preparation had finished, the fight to decide the leader begins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">On one side was a long-serving soldier full of scars who had drawn many companions to himself with his achievements.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">On the other was me, who had thoroughly trained those of my generation, and had currently ranked up and became a Hobgoblin subspecies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Apparently there were a lot of Goblins that placed their bets on their side, but because I had no intention of reading between the lines, I immediately went away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I’ll only say the result. Of course, I won.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I stopped his movement like a frog glared at by a snake with [Evil Eye]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The opponent cowered at my volume when I used [Threatening Roar]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I confused the enemy by immediately using my abilities at the same time and then wrapped his body up with my thread. While doing this I was simultaneously closing the distance, without missing a beat, and then when I got close enough I hung him from a tree like a sandbag.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblin Elder asked what the thread was, but this was definitely a part of my body. Going to extremes, it’s kind of like saliva. Since it’s spit, it can’t be treated as a weapon. Therefore I don’t have any problem. Since it isn’t a weapon, I didn’t violate the rules even if I use it. We’ll look to decide. Yeah, it’s safe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After turning him into a makeshift sandbag with my web, it was time for violence. I tried going easy so as to not kill him for the time being, but this guy belongs to the Hobgoblin race, who were tougher than Goblins, but because he was impertinently shouting things like “I’m the leader! How dare you, you impostor! Do you have no shame!?” that shows no comprehension on his own situation, I got a bit serious.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, it can’t be helped. It was an act of God. That was what I decided to call it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">First of all, to prevent him from saying something boring like “I give up” I stuffed a gag made out of thread in his mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I beat him up silently for about three minutes, but he still had spirit, so I did that again for ten more minutes until he was just a bloody bag of soft moans. I didn’t kill him though. By the way, even though I beat and kicked him for ten minutes incessantly I still have plenty of body strength left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This was the result of having a regular training. Then I stopped my hands because my enemy had fainted. Judging from touch it seemed his bones were just barely at the point of breaking, and his internal organs had not ruptured. If I left him like this he surely wouldn’t die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even then, I tried making, out of several grasses and herbs “Healing Grass” and several kinds of insects mixed in with fresh water, just in case. I forcibly gave it to him to drink and the home-made healing potion-ish thing had an effect, even if just a little. I then cut the thread and let him roll to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Not having any resilience whatsoever, for the time being I proved the feasibility of healing little cuts, and given that, his insides should be more or less better by tomorrow. Today I really don’t want to stay awake any longer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having finished the job, I became aware that the others had drawn away from me, who was basking in the feeling of having achieved something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While the Goblins on our side seemed to take it better than the others, but there is still a hint of terror in their eyes. Afterwards, they would casually try to run away whenever I approached, It hurt my feelings a little…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eh? What is it Gobumi-chan? They were completely unable to understand my thread, and that tragic scene that befell me before was because I was making a scary face? But isn’t this kind of face just normal?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, so that only applies to me huh.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But it really isn’t that big a deal right Gobukichi-kun? Ah.. don’t be like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even Gobue-chan…? Okay okay, if it’s like that then fine, I have no allies here.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After letting out a sigh, I asked if there were any more challengers. By making my position clear here I hoped to reduce the possibility of any trouble coming up later on.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the end, because there were no more challengers, I had officially become the reigning top of this “Goblin community”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I then declared that it is strictly forbidden to touch the women and that there would be a more detailed set of rules given in the future before dismissing everyone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, I removed the gags and untied the hemp ropes around the hands and feet of the five women and had them enter the deepest part of the cave where those pitiful women were kept, made to reproduce and died in despair, were thrown into once. This was done because it would be troublesome if they escaped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, the women escaping is fine, but five unarmed women running around in this dangerous forest can only lead to them being killed or eaten. And since I have gone through great troubles to save them, I can’t allow this to happen.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I decided to bring them to the inner cave to have a chat because my ability [Human Language] fulfilled the minimum requirements to speak with them

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It wasn’t long before we finished moving. I took the torch I made beforehand and lit it to provide a light-source.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblins have [Night Vision] but it would be difficult for humans to see well in the darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After these preparations were finished, we began our conversation. I promised them that I will not take their lives and that I will ensure food and other necessities will be provided to them. I also told them that if they were assaulted, I would judge the individual and punish him/her and that it would take some time but I would return them to their home and such things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I think probably 5 or 6 hours passed. Either because of my insistent persuasion, or some other reason that I don’t know, but the girls began to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The first one who regained their composure was the adventurer girl, with short flaming red hair, who possessed a vigorous beauty, and a cuteness that reminded me of small animals.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the conversation with the redhead girl, I concluded that the four women were hawkers in a Peddler group, the “Stargods Mansion”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As for the redhead, she was a member of the adventurer association “The Sword of the Weak” and had been hired on as a guard for the “Stargods Mansion” for payment. The adventurer union “The sword of the weak” seemed to consist of young adventurers. As I thought, such an occupation existed. It is a type of guild whose main policy is to nurture the strength of their individuals by mutual support, a typical clan, and the redhead as a holder of the [Job - Warrior] as a greenhorn wanted to obtain power by serving as a member with them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And why did such things happen? They explained it to me briefly. The party of girls went through the highway towards the defense city « Trent ». <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> They were ambushed by a Goblin raid with poisoned arrows (so by our parent generation)

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> The leader and his fellow members who had command were all killed by the first attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> There were a number of experienced escort adventurers, none were novice adventurers. But the Goblins (parent generation) were skilled at methodical group work (particularly the 3 Hobgoblins) so they couldn’t compete.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> There was also the dangerous presence of the Hobgoblin Mage whose attacks are difficult to defend against.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> When opposing magic-wielding mages, it is in doubt whether there are anyone who hold higher combat ability than those individuals who has the [Job - Magician]. Otherwise, though the number of times it can be used is limited, but magic items like scrolls or wands that enable even children to use magic were going to be needed. However, there was no way a wandering adventurer can buy such a high-class item.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> As a result, they were subjugated without resistance, their weapons and goods plundered, the men were killed, the girls who survived were carried off, and we arrived at the present situation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I shouldn’t be the one to say it, but it was a difficult story. Not to mention everyone was annihilated besides these girls. Well, there’s no choice but to call it bad luck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After telling me that much, they couldn’t bear it anymore and burst into tears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected, they could not even put their feelings about living together with Goblins who killed their friends in order, so I thought that any more than this would only be painful, and told them where I left the torch that I prepared along with some blankets, then I went back. Now I should just do them a favor and let them cry their feelings out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well then, I suppose I should now start talking about [jobs]. For non-human beings like demi-humans, beastmen, and other monsters, there is a law in this world called [Rank up (evolution)]. As you could probably guess from my phrasing, the law of [Rank up (evolution)] does not apply to humans.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But in exchange for that, there are a large number of [jobs] they can take.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Humans are fundamentally less powerful than monsters.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So to strengthen themselves they carry many [blessings/improvements] in their bodies gained from the acquisition of a large number of [jobs]—each with their own requirements, and the requirements become more strict as the jobs become stronger—, becoming a powerful enemy in the process.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, anyone could easily raise their [Job] level by spending time, and if one has the prerequisites, it is possible to [Rank up (promotion)] to a higher position.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, as for those who are called [Great Men] and [Heroes], the improvements from their [Job] are great. And don’t laugh, because it looks like these people with [Job : Hero] really exist.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To put it in really simple terms, a monster’s [Rank up (evolution)] is influenced by its characteristics, and can dramatically increase its potential all at once, whereas a human’s [Rank up (promotion)] grows more slowly than monsters, but anyone is able to gain power if they spend some time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s like: either rise several levels in one leap, or slowly but surely rise one level at a time. Either that or a difference in quality and quantity.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, this was confirmed by the Goblin Elder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.85pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

Day 28
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">First weeping, getting tired, sleeping, and now having more or less recovered, or perhaps because her recovery was simply fast, but when I went to look at the state of the girls in the morning, the redhead cheerfully greeted me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The other four still seemed afraid of me, however that couldn’t be helped. To have them come to an understanding, time was required. Among the stolen goods there was a cooking kit, using that I made a pseudo-stew for them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, having my first civilized meal in a while really made me happy. It might be self praise, but the pseudo-stew really tasted good.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eating is absolutely essential and as much as the food is delicious, that much of the soul is healed, it’s that kind of cure. When eating, I saw that the girls calmed down and began to lower their guard. II began to hear about them in more detail. If there is something I can do, in order to know what that could be, such was my thinking when listening.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, I forgot to mention but, except for the redhead, the other four were holders of [Job - Peddler].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the soft and comfortable atmosphere, I got to know that one of them was an [Appraiser], as well as a [Blacksmith], easily able to sharpen the blades of short swords and long swords. If I could arrange better facilities for her, she promised that she would forge equipments for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Two girls who looked similiar turned out to be sisters, and they both held the jobs of [Tailor] and [Cook], so I arranged to have them be in charge of cooking and making clothes in the future. As expected, I cannot tell them to make clothes like Goblins who were their enemies, so I just told them to make clothes that they are used to making themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But regarding the matter of making food for everyone, I told them to just put up with it for now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One of the women that looked coldly intelligent was an [Alchemist] and because of that, I asked her to make potions. However, I should pick someone to supervise them in case food is served with poison, if that happens, it’d be scary.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Why.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The redhead is capable of doing farm work, but speaking bluntly it’s useless in this situation, so from here on out it was decided that she would participate in the training in order to turn stronger. The women had to be able to protect themselves, particularly in situations like this one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After eating, we would have proceeded with training if we followed our usual schedule, however today was different. We were gathering all our belongings in preparation to move. If you were to ask why we needed to move, the answer would be that after the older generation returned, the cave had turned out to be too small to contain us all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Until now, when Goblins were born most died quickly, that had changed. That’s why we were moving to the Orcs former mining base. If we relocated there we would have no more problems with space, and most importantly, since it’s a mine it had been reinforced to prevent collapses, so it was really sturdy. Also, I was also aiming at collecting as many spirit stones as possible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I sent out Gobukichi-kun to lead a group of ten Goblins to act as an advance party, and the rest completed their packing and left an hour later. There were a lot of workers and backpacks, so we were able to move immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Escorting the human women were Gobumi-chan, Gobue-chan and those few I could trust for this matter. The walk took over an hour but it seemed we’d finally reached our destination.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems like Orcs had once again came to settle the mine, however Gobukichi-kun’s group had already killed them. I recieved their hearts, and the rest of the Orcs were split between between the members of the advance party as a reward. After that we set out to bring order to the interior of the mining grounds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although since we almost didn’t have any decorations, the storing places of weapons and food were easily decided, and we put the sleeping place in order. Of course, we didn’t forget about preparing toilets either.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When we finished with the general stuff, I left the rest in the care of the Goblin elder and started to prepare the living area of the human women. Luckily I had my [Earth Control] so the work was easy. I quickly finished the blacksmith’s smithy, the sisters’ kitchen, the alchemist’s workshop, and lastly their sleeping location. For their bedroom, I made them a simple bed. By taking a wooden frame and using my thread I made a mattress. It’s a somewhat bare structure, but fairly comfortable to sleep in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Excavated spirit stones were used for drinking water and light sources so these were no problem at all. With a little creative thinking we also managed to allow the smithy to produce simple things. Thus we spent the rest of the day cleaning up and doing routine tasks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The food was prepared by the sisters. As expected of those who possess the [Cook] profession, it tasted really good.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

Day 29
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Finally we started the training for the older Goblins. To start with, as an example we had them observe simple things like standing in line and combat practice. The older Goblins were surprised by that display, but in actuality, I was more stumped that they were surprised about them taking orders from me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of that we began the real thing. First of all, we started from the basics, like forming a line quickly and endurance running. Those who fell behind were gifted with push-ups as punishment amidst jeers, as if coming from some demon sergeant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was one really stubborn idiot that I had to hit, together with the punch to his face I also broke his arm. After he screamed and spun around for a while, I straightened his arm again and we returned to the training.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The training continued in that way for a few hours, until lastly where I practiced sparing with everyone. I got a strong sense of deja vu from the scene that resulted. At the end, no one could move.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While Gobukichi-kun and his buddies were off watching from a distance, they were saying things like: “Ah! As I thought!” “Ah, I understand you, I understand you“ “Thats harsh!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected, the endurance of these Goblins were at this time higher than that of Gobukichi-kun and friends, so the recovery time was fast and after a time that I choose at my own discretion the training was resumed. This day we didn’t go hunting, instead I spent the time deciding the ranking of the older Goblins, deciding rules and stuff like that.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

Day 30
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It rained heavily today. Of course, I was having reservations against going outside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of that, it was the right time to hold another festival to determine the ranking within the group. The method to determine the rough ranking quickly was somewhat convenient. Because there is a large difference in the basic abilities between Hobgoblins and Goblins, we will have two separate contests to decide the ranking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The results, well, that is if you can call it properly settled, are thus: The top was me as always, the runner-up was Gobukichi-kun, next after him was the previous Hobgoblin leader, and after him was Gobumi-chan, it seems. The three Goblins after her were generally at the same level of competency.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Hobgoblin Mage Hobusei-san might have come after me if magic use is permitted, but that is not the case this time so things were how they were.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As the festival ended, we split into three groups: Gobukichi-kun’s group who were continuing with practice, Gobue-chan’s group who carried picks to continue with mining, and the group who were studying things, like the rules that I had decided, the ranks, the Continental Alphabet, and so on, with Gobumi-chan as the teacher.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, I had a chat about various things with Hobusei-san. I had an interest in what kinds of magic she can use. Based from what I had heard, the three kinds of magic Hobusei-san could use seems to be [Fire], [Water], and [Void.I pretended that I understood, when in reality I had only read information from an incomplete source and in reality had no idea what she was talking about. After that, having exchanged all kinds of information, we each moved on to our own tasks. Hobusei-san went to Gobumi-chan's place to study, while I went to talk to the human girls.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I went to check up on the situation, having fire and water guaranteed by the fire and water spirit stones, the blacksmith's forge was in the middle of producing tools out of the spirit stones and iron ore that we got as the result of mining practice. She could do that without any problems thanks to several sets of tools which were among the things we looted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While I asked her if she had any complaints, I noticed that the smithy had been repaired recently so it was easy to use. Because she had become somewhat less frightened of me, I left satisfied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Next, I went to the station where the two human sisters were. Since the cooking utensils were looted goods, having the sisters use them did not incite any friction with the other Goblins. With that, things progressed smoothly. Though, after looking around the station, I realized that with just two people, preparing everyone's food would be an overwhelming task, and so I decided to sit down and help them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The sisters were still a bit afraid of me, and so I thought that if I were proactive and spoke to them more, they would begin to warm up to me. Once in a while I caught them smiling, which was great.The smile of a beautiful woman is always a good thing. While we were at it, I taught them all the recipes that I know.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that I went to the Alchemist who spent all day making potions.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The equipment had been assembled here like at the other places, so that was no problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I inspected her completed goods with my [Appraisal], but so far it didn’t seem like she had made anything poisonous. I was interested in the creating process, so I stayed to observe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Alchemist gave of an unfeeling impression, making me think of a disdainful Ice Queen. She didn’t talk at all while she was working, yet she was still a feast for my eyes so I had no issue with waiting. After she finished we had a short conversation then I went to my own workshop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While there I tried using the black wolf leather to make defensive equipment. I stitched the leather with my thread, and using my practiced ability the crafting process progressed quickly. Nevertheless, it was already late at night when I was done.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Before I went to sleep, I did some practice swings with my halberd in order to become used to how it felt. Because I had been fervently moving around I’d become tired, so I slept like a log.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt;mso-outline-level:2">

Day 31-40
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-family:'PalatinoLinotype',serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:16.85pt;">Day 31

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The heavy rain from yesterday continued, so we spent the day inside the cave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The day went as usual. After the morning practice was over, I equipped the black wolf armor that I made yesterday and the halberd, which I still haven’t tried using in a real battle, before facing a fully equipped Gobukichi-kun in a somewhat serious practice battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My new armor consisted of flexible black leather pants and a long black leather coat. On my left hand I was equipped with a solid iron-wrought gauntlet, and on my right hand I used the carapace reinforced, and in lots of different ways improved, round shield. I didn’t have anything covering my head, and on my feet I had a pair of sturdy looking boots that the older goblins brought back from the adventurers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since my skin was also black, this equipment made me almost invisible during the night.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi-kun’s equipment was replaced with various items we got during the orc raid.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His main weapon was a [Crescent Axe] that burned from having a [Flame Blade] made by embedding a battle axe, that I discovered, with fire spirit stones, his buckler was a black iron tower shield made from a carapace-reinforced round shield, which had high defensive strength because of how heavy it was, that was strengthened through magic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His armor was based on what the Orc Leader was using. Using my thread to bind it together, it was now reinforced by pieces of carapace and black wolf leather, which raised the defensive power and mobility.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Looking almost like a moving fortress, his armor coupled with his body that was amplified by his vanguard specialization, resulted in combat ability that was not something to joke about.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Truly, Gobukichi-kun had become strong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I can sense it during his normal training as well, but facing him fully armed truly makes me understand how much he has improved.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Basically, I, who had strengthened myself by having a variety of abilities, confusing my opponents through the use of various techniques, and winning using methods of striking my opponents from behind, was bad in a situation like this where I had to fight head-to-head without an ability against a genuinely strong opponent like Gobukichi-kun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He’s still an opponent I can win against with my abilities, but having my halberd with the force of my whole body behind it being almost perfectly blocked by his tower shield is, as expected, still kind of shocking. Each and every one of his blows is also extremely heavy, but above all his dexterous handling of his axe is worthy of admiration.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems like he knew from experience how to swing an axe sharper, faster, and heavier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, the weapons he has used from the first hunt till now have always been similar, from cudgel <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> axe <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> axe which was probably the reason.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In our goblin village the one who handles axes the best is without question Gobukichi-kun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, his burning [Crescent Axe] was more trouble than I thought it would be. I’ve got the ability [Fire Resistance], so I didn’t get injured by his [Crescent Axe]‘s [Flame Blades]. However, resistance is resistance and hot things are hot. Because of the blazing flame my vision was impaired and when the handle of my halberd got searingly hot from the long exposure to his flame, I excused myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Continuing like this, we spent quite a long time staging mock battles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I spent some time manufacturing clothes, picked up the mined “spirit stones”, ate the food the sisters prepared then went to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then when everyone had gone to sleep, that event happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eight bodies were moving towards the place where the five human women were sleeping, and my [Presence Sensor] ability caught that movement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I looked at what woke me up, I saw the retreating figures of goblins who were exchanging words in whispers between one another, speaking enthusiastically about assaulting the women.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The moment I saw that, I gripped the halberd that I kept near my bedside in one-hand and chased after them. I made sure to do this stealthily in order to get firm proof that they intended to assault the womens sleeping place. Conclusive proof that they couldn’t refute was extremely important.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After they have done it they can’t excuse themselves by saying that I made an error.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Once I was sure, I swung my halberd at the closest goblin and moved down his neck region.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His head flew, charmed by gravity it fell to the ground and begun to tumble, which I then trampled over and crushed flat in one breath. After squashing the head, my boots became soiled, but at that moment, I didn’t care.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I made sure to cauterize the goblin’s severed throat as I decapitated him; it helped save myself from the annoyance of cleaning up afterwards.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The smell of burning flesh sparked my battle instincts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I dare say I was laughing while I was doing this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The sudden cold-blooded murder instantly caused the atmosphere to turn serious.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Everyone’s gaze that were locked to me were having this dumbfounded and confused state, ignoring their situation, I began to apprehend the rest of the goblins using my thread. Looking at the captured goblins, I realized they were all subordinates of the former hobgoblin leader.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, I determined first of all that the former hobgoblin leader who attacked Redhead rolling in front of my eyes with a bulging crotch was first to bring it up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I tried hearing his story before deciding whether I’d allow him his life, it seems like he was unable to suppress his sexual desires. When I asked why he didn’t just let it out on a female of his own kind, it seems having known a human woman’s body once, a female goblin’s body can no longer satisfy him. The pleasure was different by an order of magnitude.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Don’t you understand that!?”, was his argument. I hit him once then stopped the discussion halfway because the girls who were assaulted had part of their clothes torn. I’ve heard enough of what I wanted to hear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I handed over some fine cardigans crafted from the threads I made yesterday to the shivering girls who were hugging their own bodies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because leaving them with torn clothes could make them a temptation for the other goblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I finished handing out the clothes, while rubbing her back I called out to and attempted to calm Redhead who was clinging to me and crying. I kept patiently calling out to her, who seems to be slowly calming down, although she was still bawling. Once Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan, and Gobue-chan hurried over, I gave them the order to put the goblins I bound with thread in the practice hall near the entrance. Also to wake everyone who is still asleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I left the corpse and splattered head on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After making the order, Redhead seemed to have calmed down once I gave her some time; although, she still wouldn’t let go of my clothes. Somehow, she would not open her hands regardless of my intention, which was confusing. She was still faintly trembling, so it was unreasonable to try to get an answer. Although I actually thought that I had better not be burdened with having to look after her mental health from now on; but it can’t be helped so I took her with me. The other four girls, although trembling, either because they hated to be separated from me, who rescued them as I promised, or because they thought they wanted to see things with their own eyes, or possibly some other reason, followed along at a distance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having made sure no one was asleep and that they had gathered in the hall next to the entrance, I pointed at the arrested goblins with the tip of my halberd. I explained that “What the likes of these guys did was this and that, what I said was etc. etc.”, made them understand, then I began the torture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For starters, I cut off a bit of the tips of their fingers with a bowie knife. Cauterizing the wound with a flame so they didn’t bleed to death and using a healing spell to restore both their vitality and body strength. I proceeded bit by bit, taking the utmost care that they wouldn’t die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their screams were noisy so I stuffed a gag of thread in their mouths. That was also to prevent them from biting their tongues. Well, you wouldn’t die quickly even if you bit your tongue to begin with so doing it was probably pointless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, I was putting everyone off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Physically and mentally, they were drawing away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Nevertheless, doing this to prove to the girls that the promise I made was not empty should be easily understandable. In the first place, there was clearly no need to say that there were a number of followers who do not abide by my, the current leader’s, words but instead followed the orders of the previous one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Leaving behind things like this would certainly cause problems later on, so for the sake of the future I do this to nip potential trouble in the bud.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If in the end it’s “because I did not do this I was stabbed in the back and died”, that would be silly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The six goblins were dealt with using various unique, colorful methods, and in the end, only one was left.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The last goblin—the former hobgoblin leader begged for his life with his eyes, but even though I was so lovingly turning him into a sandbag this fool could not understand a thing, I could not see any value in his existence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Within the group he held a position that was commensurate with his strength, but as I thought, it can’t be helped that fools will always be fools.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t get those guys that could not even abide by the bare minimum number of rules that I established, so simple that even idiots could understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The fact that things ended up this way was because of this guy’s intentions, you reap what you sow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, even I wouldn’t kill his followers just because I didn’t like them. Not unless I have a pretext for killing my opponent, like this guy. From the start, cases where it is fine if there were two powers within an organization are exceedingly rare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of that, without hesitation, again and again I burned his arm, tormented him with water, trapped him under a heavy stone while whipping him, keeping him barely alive as I continuously tortured him.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 32

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The time when the former leader finally died was the moment sunlight reached the entrance of the cave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Clearly, I went kinda nuts and overdid it a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because his vitality was stronger than a goblin’s, he simply didn’t die easily. I did, however, continue to heal him as well which contributed to his prolonged torture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I returned to my senses, I looked at my surroundings. Everyone was terrified.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Pleasantly smiling I laughed. “Have I made myself clear enough?”, I asked the gathered goblins who all nodded their heads with astonishing vigour. Feeling satisfied with that answer, I disbanded the meeting and ordered everyone to sleep till noon. If everyone managed to sleep it would be nice, considering they’d been forced to watch my torture all morning they must be tired, but somehow I doubted anyone would fall asleep today.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So almost everyone except those who had fainted didn’t go to sleep like me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thus I ordered everyone to sleep. I also told them that today’s training was cancelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After creating a water ball with my abilities to wash away the blood from my hands and face, I had noticed that Redhead, who had watched me work more than anyone, was shivering uncontrollably with vacant eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In order to snap her back to her senses, I created another water ball and threw it at her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then I picked her up and carried her like a child to their bedroom. I disregarded it when she began to shiver even more. When I safely dropped her off, I returned to the spacious area again, and because the other four still couldn’t move themselves I repeated this four times.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After confirming that the other goblins had returned to the bedroom, I also went to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I woke up sometime in the middle of the afternoon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a replacement for lunch I ate the hearts and stomachs of the goblins I killed, whereafter I buried the rest of their bodies with my [Earth Control] ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Around this time the other goblins woke up, and because I had said we would skip practice today, I and the three other goblins went hunting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I left the Goblin Elders, together with five of the goblin minions, to protect the human girls. Earlier, I asked, “You know what’ll happen if they are assaulted, right?”. It was when they nodded vigorously that I decided the girls were probably safest with them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, the girls were within a walled off area I had made with my thread, and with the short-sword wielding Redhead there, at the very least, they should be able to buy some time if there was trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition, when we subjugated the orcs at the mining camp, we found an emergency horn. I gave them to the girls in case an incident were to occur. If they blow it, we should be able to quickly return and save them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With that taken care of, we four left with peace of mind. The first thing we encountered on our hunt was a Three-Horned Horse. At a glance it was covered with solid looking scales, and it was twice as large as a normal horse. It was such a big horse that with our current bodies we had to look up to see it. It was a creature that had evolved far above that of a hobgoblin. And there were two of them. They were probably a couple; perhaps one was pregnant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, we don’t know that for certain, and in order for us to survive we need food, so we performed our usual surprise attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Our first attack went by the book. Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan shot poisoned arrows with their crossbows. One of Gobumi-chan’s arrow went right through one of the horses eyes, while Gobue-chan’s arrow was slightly off and bounced off the other horse’s stiff scales.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Those scales are tough! Even though the power of the crossbows could easily pierce through a standard plate mail, it easily repelled it!!” I reflexively screamed out loud.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, I had placed poison on the arrowheads, a wonderfully strong poison, and yet the Three-Horned Horse didn’t instantly die, rather it began to act aggressively because of the intense pain. I had never seen such fierce vitality before!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While we were busy being surprised, the horse that wasn’t hit noticed us. It turned in our direction, pointing its three horns at us, and entrusting itself to its rage, it charged in an attempt to impale us. Well, with my thread and thunder combo I somehow managed to stop it, my thread was so thinly spread that the thought that it would just brush off the thread, annoyed, made my innards go cold.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Just how much horsepower did that thing have?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was no question that its physical strength couldn’t even be compared to that of a hobgoblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan’s sniping kept the riotous horse pinned, Gobukichi and I recklessly attacked it with my halberd and his burning axe. At first our attacks were simply repelled however after repeatedly attacking we found a way to chip off the scales. After that, the rest was quick.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My halberd and his [Crescent Axe] made the scales fly; once our blades reached the thick flesh below it we were successful at severing the head from its body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The other one was weakened by my poison, and because we had already figured out how to kill it, this was an easier kill.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was quite heavy work, however, we didn’t receive any major injuries; it was truly a significant hunt. We carried all the raw materials back, however since it was our first time hunting this prey, we decided to eat all of it ourselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it’s big, all the goblins, except Gobukichi-kun, were set to diligently remove the scales in order to get the meat. Gobukichi-kun was once again stationed to watch the surroundings. We needed the right goblin in the right place. And thus I ate six horns, two hearts and a fair share of the rest of the meat which was generously split four ways. After that I also ate the shells, since I thought I might get something from doing that. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After eating I had obtained six abilities. This was the proof that the three horned horse truly was strong. Because usually as a hobgoblin I had to eat four bodies to gain an ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, this was the first time since I reincarnated that I obtained a physical attacking skill, which was big. I thought [Triple Stab] would stab three times in a row, when I tested invoking the skill against a tree holding my estoc, the result was that three holes were made in the tree. Yes, I actually only stabbed with my estoc once. Yet I made three holes. In addition to that they were arranged in straight line from top to bottom. After spending such a long time in this world the fact that I didn’t get how it worked now didn’t surprise me. However, I came to wonder if this from upper to lower attack ignored physical defense. I tried to think about it. However, the answer to this question will have to wait for another time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that we walked around for a while, hunting the usual things, bringing them back and finally going to bed. After I fell asleep, Redhead snuck into my bed, so we slept together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’ll say it to make it clear, but we didn’t do anything erotic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I reaffirmed that a person’s warmth was still a good thing.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 33

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I woke up, I tried to move but my body felt heavy and I felt trapped. I was lying with my arms spread wide, and for some reason I couldn’t feel them. I decided to figure out what was happening, so I looked to the left and right. When I looked to my right, Gobumi-chan lay on one arm and when looking to my left, I found Redhead sleeping on the other.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah this is the so called ‘arm-pillow’. That dull sensation came from two heads disturbing the blood flow in each of my arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Why did it turned out this way?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Truthfully I wanted to move my arms that had numb quickly, but I couldn’t bring myself to wake those two, who were sleeping soundly and happily. What I’d like to ask is, when did Gobumi-chan enter my bed? When Redhead snuck into my bed I was half asleep, yet I remember her slipping into the bed so I can understand her being there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Could it be that she possessed such a powerful [Hiding] ability that my [Presence Sensor] ability could not sense her? No, there’s no way.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Most likely, if the one being detected has no bloodlust or hostility towards the wielder of [Presence Sensor], then the signal is weak, and because I was sleeping I missed that weak signal.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was thinking, “For the time being I’d like to do something about this situation…” when Hobusei-san happened to pass by. Hobusei-san was the name of the hobgoblin mage, okay? The mage’s name. You probably understand, but I thought it important so its worth repeating. I pleaded for her help with my eyes. She held back a chuckle, picked up my favorite book from my toolbox, [Introduction to Magic — Basic Sorcery vol 2 of 3], and then went away gracefully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Crap. She’d better return that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, Gobukichi-kun came over for morning practice carrying the [Crescent Axe]. I pleaded with my eyes just like with Hobusei-san. He was troubled for a little while, but ended up pressing his hands together in prayer and left. I bitterly watched his cheerful smile as he did so.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">O~i, we’re friends aren’t we? Please help, will you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After Gobukichi-kun, a yawning Gobue-chan followed. Recently she’d gotten into gathering beautiful gem-like “Spirit Stones”. She seemed to have formed a spirit stone mining group together with other goblin girls. Considering her habits, it’s probably the leisure time before morning practice right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I imploringly pleaded with my eyes. Because she smiled wryly as if to say “It can’t be helped” I thought “Is she going to go away too?”, but just then she saw something and broke into cold sweat. While I was thinking “Huh?” she hastily went away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Help me…my arms are gradually…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My plea for help didn’t reach anyone, and I was left like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were some guys who sporadically came over to observe my predicament, but none of them offered me any help.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then approximately one hour after I woke up, the two finally opened their eyes. As one would expect it was starting to turn dangerous for my arms, so the reason they woke up was probably because I was trying to save my arms by doing some stealthy and very slight movements.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Frankly speaking, having your arms used as as pillows the entire time you’re sleeping is severe, especially when it’s both of your arms. For some time, I couldn’t even feel them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Once I ate the breakfast the sisters prepared for me, I began the morning training.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Everyone worked to a degree that was scary.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eh? When I looked slightly doubtful, Gobukichi told me that since the higher posts suddenly got thinner with the death of the former leader, the goblins understood that the only way to grab it, is to, like me, become strong, and the only way to become strong is to earnestly overcome your own limits. Putting together what the training goblins said, that’s what we ended up with.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yes, that’s right. I didn’t say it before, but since the goblins number had increased considerably, recently, I had begun to take the role as supervisor of the training program.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi took charge of those with high offensive and defensive strength.Their role was to engage the enemy from the front. This role, in turn, made him the commander of our main group of the armed corps. We called it “Revolution”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I still haven’t introduced the last hobgoblin, who is called Hobusato-san. She gathered the goblins who specialized in a high offensive “hit and run” fighting style, and turned them into a lightly armed combat corps that specialized in mobility, which we called “Red Surge”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi gathered the ones who were bad at close range combat, and became the commander of a fighting unit armed with short bows and crossbows, named “Tirard”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobue collected those who I judged lacked the required combat ability to belong to any of the above groups, training them to have enough defensive power to defend themselves, having them focus on cooking and fixing broken equipment, and thus made a logistical corp which we called “Patri”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobusei-san was the only one with the exception of me who could use magic, so there is no option but to have her do individual practice; and thus, she became the commander of the magic-wielding unit, “Magician”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, if the different squads are added together, they number 59 goblins. 39 from our generation + 28 from the former – 8 of which were killed during my torture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For some reason no one wanted to be my sparring partner, even though I would be using a wooden sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I can easily win even with a handicap anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But if I were fighting 1 on 1 against Gobukichi, Gobumi or Hobusei, it would be close. If I used my abilities I could win a fight alone against everyone together, but that would be in opposition to the original purpose of the practice, to increase the basic strength of the participants.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that it was time for the afternoon hunt. This time everyone had things to do so I went alone. Gobukichi-kun was asked by the goblins under his leadership to continue practice with him during the afternoon, Gobumi-chan was still teaching the goblins who couldn’t remember things like ranks, the Continental Alphabet, and the simple rules I cooked up, and Gobue-chan was inside, accompanied by the members of her “Spirit Stone” mining group.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After departing, I first saw a Demon Spider.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I killed it the usual way, and tore off its carapace. A Demon Spider’s carapace is useful because you can increase its toughness using [Shell Defense] on top of being light and strong. I was actually using one right now. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After putting the carapace in my backpack, I ate the spider’s remains whole. Since Demon Spiders aren’t edible spiders, the taste wasn’t very good. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I felt good about acquiring a new ability, I turned a blind eye to the bad taste.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Next, I found another triple horned horse. This time, unlike the last, there was only one. It was the perfect opponent to try my [End] magic on, so I started making the preparations to cast my magic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Regarding magic, typically there are three components that must be connected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The first is the chanting of the [Spell] to influence the workings of the world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Second, [Internal Mana Control] to refine a necessary amount of magical power inside the body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then thirdly, [External Mana Operation] to control the formation of the magic itself using magical power outside the body—that is, magical power filling the air.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, because the third part [External Mana Operation] is several times more difficult than the other two parts, It is typical to use casting aid devices such as magic staves during the preparation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I already had the abilities of a staff so having a staff makes no difference when handling magic for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I prepared a black lance I created with magic, then I threw it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My aim with the black lance was true and the lance hit the triple horned horse right in its fat neck, where it cleanly gouged a hole 20 centimeters in diameter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The body that had its flesh torn off with a tearing sound stood still for a moment, until its strength left it and it suddenly collapsed on the spot. The impact from the scene was so powerful that I involuntarily shuddered. Yeah, this magic truly possesses a ridiculous amount of power.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">You see, since I became a subspecies the incantations for basic magic has become embedded in my memory, I think I already mentioned that; but until now I didn’t know how powerful this lance was. Ever since I used magic on a green slime, I have been convinced of the effectiveness of magic; but the fact that you can kill an opponent in one hit, even a horned horse, shows just how terrifying it can be.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I understood that the power of the magic was useable from trying it on green slimes among other things. But the fact that as long as I don’t miss it’s an instant death attack on three horned horse class monsters is kinda scary, isn’t it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, [End] style magic is incredible, to put it mildly. And this is (probably) only entry level magic, at that. Well, the power in this magic is so high that it should probably only be used as a last resort, or I might end up hurting myself, I thought whilst dismantling the horse.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I sliced off all of the horse’s three horns; tore off the scales; bled it; and then ate. I did leave one leg for the others though. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The ability to grow scales on my body; It is extremely powerful, however, because I’ll look kind of gross, I decided to refrain from using it. Well, as a test I used it once, and instantly black scales were growing closely packed on my arm…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This isn’t something you show others.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For an instant I felt like I had turned into a lizardman. Although this could be good in it’s own way. It’s fine as long as you can get used to it, but as expected, the appearance of the arm I tried the skill on is slightly hard to swallow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I began to move around searching for a prey in order to fix my mood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This time I found a Green Slime. I fried it till it became crispy then popped it in my mouth. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I am able to turn my arms so they function as whips. You see, when you talk about green slimes it’s just a lump made up of mucus. So I don’t think bones really matter when changing their body shape, once you know this it’s easy to understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then this ability. Even though I have bones I can, using this ability, move my body in the same way the slime does. I can even turn my body into a puddle-like form copying the shape of a slime, and to test this I enveloped a horned rabbit in my body, using [Self Body-Fluid Control] I changed my body fluids into acid, and the horned rabbit was in this way turned into nourishment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Besides, even if I lose a limb to an attack, if I turn it into slime form before(uh.. after?) receiving the attack, if I take the part that got blown away into my body, it seems I won’t even recieve an injury. There might be some limits, although I think it’s an extreme method to use. This ability is almost like cheating. It’s not like I feel bad when I obtain a useful ability. But I should be careful of which people I show this ability to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The day was about to set, and I was satisfied with my spoils, and was about to return when I found, or should I say encountered, him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A huge looking rock covered with red hair, is what the Red Bear looked like with his large frame.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From doing a quick estimation, it was more than 4 meters long. You could tell that the Red Bear is bad news with just a look from a distance, an existence not to be messed with, everyone could see that it was a born warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I doubt my halberd could easily slice through its red metal-like fur and even if I were to pierce it, it’s a sure bet that the thick flesh below the fur would easily stop the rest of the strike’s momentum.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One normally flees. Running away from the first moment. The only sane choice when facing such a being.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But before I realized it I already went into hiding while observing it, and started to devise a plan on how to kill the Red Bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No, even though I haven’t fought a dangerous opponent of this degree since my reincarnation, I have already fought and killed far more dangerous guys before it. And each time, I killed and ate them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is probably the reason why I really wanted to fight this guy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I want to get its ability and devour it, one could say my instincts were whispering this to me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, with such feelings, I prepared to use everything I possessed to kill the Red Bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so, the fierce battle begins.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 34

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I fought so desperately with the Red Bear that when it was finally over, I noticed that the sun was already rising.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My body was seriously injured from when Red Bear tore at me with his fangs and claws. Moving around and looking for a safe place to rest would be an impossible feat. Moreover, my left arm was cleanly cut off below my elbow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I defended myself from one of the Red Bears sharp claws, it got cut off and was sent flying, the cut off arm was then eaten by the bear in the middle of the fight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because my left arm was lost beyond hope of salvaging I could only make a temporary fix by stemming the bleeding with my thread. In order to heal the wound properly countless systematic Recovery Skills would be needed. Fortunately Sustainable Regeneration has already activated, so the possibility that I bleed to death is unlikely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was a large amount of blood streaming from my body, why wasn’t it fatal? You might think this, but the blood that came out was already replenished by my ability. Contrary to appearances, the blood remaining in my body was sufficient.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, let’s talk about that later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I can’t help but say the damage to my equipment is greater. Both of my estocs broke to their handles and became useless, my bowie knife’s edge crumbled into pieces, having a nicked edge, it was barely safe from breaking off the handle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My primary halberd also had a terribly chipped edge, the long handle was distorted greatly from warding off the Red Bear’s constant attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It hasn’t been destroyed, but it clearly needs repairing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The protective gear which should have still looked new before the battle looks like a shadow of itself, its state is now a jacket and tattered shorts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At first glance all you can see is a beaten dog. No, a defeated goblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was in a horrible state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But, I survived. I survived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I did well not dying, truly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Rapid Recovery] and Recovery Skills, if there were no duplicate recovery abilities, I must have easily died more than 50 times in my current condition as a Hobgoblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If there were no Enhanced Defense abilities [Shell Defense] [Physical Damage Reduction] [Steel Hide] [Scale Armour Charge] [Strong-Supple Frame] there were no Enhanced Defense abilities that were the same etcetera, it isn’t likely to have ended to the degree of damage of only losing one arm and there’d be lacerations to my entire body surely. Rather, even at my full strength, a graze from one of its strikes would send me flying. That’s how much of a foul play the Red Bear’s strike is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I mean, that was really a cheat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even so, I still didn’t lose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Starting from [Snake Venom Administration] [Electro Master] [Hydro Hand] [Spider Thread Creation] and various abilities, using simple combination attacks with various abilities as an effective way to whittle down its health.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Actually I’d rather use [End] type magic to quickly deal the killing blow; the problem is that right now my spellcasting is so slow that it’s practically useless in the middle of close range combat. Because the opening I’d give would be too big, I’d instantly die if I tried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover in the first place, when I tried to hit it with a sneak attack with a lance he dodged it, so chances are that if I even managed to get one off, it would just be a waste of time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The beasts instincts were fearsome. Well, because I lost my left arm in the initial surprise attack, it was probably satisfied with that attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was also lucky that my attacks with my halberd were extremely potent when buffed by my strengthening skills like [Improved Slashing Power], [Improved Piercing Power], [Improved Charging Power], [Improved Leg Power] and [Pump-Up] etc.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, after using [Triple Stab] I confirmed it. It really turns out physical defense was ignored. However, there seems to be a requirement where the attacks pierce to the same depth as the middle attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Furthermore, the size of the hole naturally depends on the weapon used to make it: A hole left by a halberd is going to be larger than one left by an estoc due to the strength of the blow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The ability that helped me the most was surprisingly [Vampiric Exploitation] that I got from the Seven-Colored Bat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This blood sucking action can ignore the target’s defensive strength only up to a certain extent, and the blood that was sucked can also be be used as my own blood immediately, but it is thanks to this ability that I could replace the blood lost by the bear’s attack that went through my defenses, which had been raised as much as possible, from the bear itself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In short, I was able to replenish my own blood using the enemy’s, and I deal an amount of damage proportional to the amount I took from it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I currently can change a part of my body just like a slime, if I turned my finger into something like a straw and pierced the Red Bear with it, by sucking the blood through it I needn’t worry much about blood replenishment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, if I had lacked any one of the abilities I have now, things may not have turned out the way it did.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, that’s right, [Stench]. I guess I was helped by that, too. The very moment the Red Bear was about to bite my body I used [Stench] causing it to retreat, holding its nose in anguish. Well well, you truly never know what will turn out to be useful in the future.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Looking back at the fierce fight, for a while after the twilight, I turned my eyes in the direction of what was once the Red Bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the middle of the trees flattened in the aftermath of a violent fight, was a great Red Bear that had ceased breathing. Its whole body was covered in injuries like me, but carved on its chest was a large mark as proof of my concentrated attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My scarred figure looking down on it can be seen reflected on its empty eyes that had lost their light, and a bowie knife stuck deeply between its eyebrows, this was for some reason making me feel sad. I’ll say this over and over again, the Red Bear was truly strong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using my [Predict] I could see its attack trajectory as a red line, but even so, the attack was so fast there were times that I couldn’t dodge in time, its unique powers such as its explosion-like roar and its glare which was a technique that was inhibiting my movements were intermingled in the attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Furthermore, this thing is a bear, and yet it blew fire like a flamethrower out of its mouth. “Really, what kind of bear is this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I had [Fire Resistance] and [Hydro Hand] I didn’t receive much damage from the flames, but this and that are two different things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Seriously, it was strong. A large part of me winning was due to luck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But since I won, I have the responsibility to live on for the defeated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I picked up the Red Bear’s hand that had rolled near its battered and whipped body, and I ate it in order to regain my strength. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I finished eating the right arm, all my exhaustion suddenly caught up to me and I felt my consciousness begin to fade.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">During the fierce fighting I’d lost a lot of stamina, the body decided that the best way to survive was to cut off my consciousness and preserve my physical strength. Even now my [Rapid Recovery] and Regeneration are still restoring my body, so I’m confident that I wouldn’t die even if I fall unconscious. It’s my own body, so that much I can understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, it’s obvious that I’m too defenseless if I faint as I am now. There is a high chance of getting eaten by other monsters during the time I was unconscious, so to remain alive I mustered what’s left of my strength and sent out my thread to make a wall around me and the Red Bear out of the trees that are scattered around as a result of being mowed down during our fight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was an impromptu shelter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition to having the trees as camouflage, because I doused my thread in poison as I was sending it out, even if for example someone were to come and attack, surely the poison should do them in. If, for some reason, all this wasn’t enough, then that would be the end of me after all, I thought with resignation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">—As I used up the last of my strength to build the defenses, my consciousness— <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">—With the last of my willpower I chose «YES» right before I lost consciousness.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 35

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I woke up due to a strange urge. The lighting was dim, but I didn’t mind that very much.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was stirred by a strange hunger that was unlike any I’d ever felt before, so I reached for the corpse of the nearby Red Bear. After removing the bowie knife that I had lodged deeply in the bear’s forehead, I used raw strength to tear its head off. When I brutally ripped off the skin, flesh, and cervical vertebrae, the sound could be heard from afar.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I hadn’t fully regained consciousness yet, so I was munching on the Red Bear’s head that was in my hand. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After I tore the hair off the head, crushed the cranium and slurped the brain for a few seconds, I judged that the bear’s pelt was needed, so I took the bowie knife that had somehow seemed smaller and carefully peeled it off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I got the feeling that the Red Bear became smaller since I fainted, but my head wasn’t working right, so I couldn’t find a reason to why I felt that way.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It just felt right peeling the skin off the bear, I did it for no other reason.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Any other thoughts didn’t enter my mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My left hand from the elbow down was gone, however, this much could be fixed by my abilities so there was no problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using my [Metamorphosis] ability, I was able to make slender fingers for my arm, which was gone from the elbow down, and pick up the pelt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though having difficulty using a small knife with my prosthetic fingers, I was able to finish flaying the pelt from the bear. After that, I started eating the flesh of the now naked bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As if suffering from intense starvation, I single-mindedly devoured its flesh and blood until nothing remained. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even chewing and tearing brought out its flavor, truly the best meat I have ever had, I drank the thick blood that almost tasted like wine, I could feel the Red Bear’s vitality as soon as I swallowed a mouthful of its innards, I devoured its crunchy bones and exhausted its bone marrow just like the minerals of a cave, at that point my mind has finally been cleared and started working.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I then looked at my body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My body remained black, and although there were large quantities of blood covering it, I noticed some unfamiliar red lines that seemed to have some religious significance—–wonder if I should call it a tattoo?—-all over my body. And the size of my body is a full human arm length taller than that of an adult male, my belly has also turned into a 6-pack abs, it’s easy to realize that I am not a Hobgoblin anymore but a different species entirely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And my hair, I am sure it wasn’t this long. Although my hair grew when I turned into a Hobgoblin, it couldn’t even reach up to my shoulders, comparing it to now, it feels like my hair has already reached below my shoulder blades. Aside from growing longer, it has also turned gray.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lastly, two sharp horns had grown out from my forehead. When I touched them, they felt extremely hard. If I charged like a bull, I’m sure there’d be a “buzuri” sound when I stab the target. While I was checking out my new body in various ways, I remembered the message I recieved before I lost consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, it seems I have turned into a Great Ogre.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Not a subspecies at that, oddly enough I evolved into a rare type.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, if you kill this much then you’ll get enough to rank up, it can’t be helped if I turned into a rare species. I convinced myself that it wasn’t a bad thing at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the same manner as when I became a Hobgoblin from a Goblin, when I turned into a rare Ogre, all of my abilities have been enhanced and my body is filled with a temporary feeling of omnipotence. However, I decided to leave the verifying of the enhancements for another time. I think it’s about time for me to head back. The others are probably worried since I haven’t returned yet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I picked up the halberd that might be reusable if repaired, I noticed something when I was about to leave. My clothes were so tattered up to the point where it didn’t cover the parts that need to be hidden. As a side effect of when my body grew, the clothes that I was wearing got torn to shreds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Basically, I am currently naked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My member was swinging and hanging out between my legs; it was so amazing I had to gaze at it for a while. When I got worried as to what I should do, I solved the problem by taking the Red Bear’s pelt, which I had already skinned off, and strapped it around my waist to cover it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I see, that’s why I skinned the Red Bear’s pelt, because I had a premonition that such a situation would occur, I thought while using a wind-blade to cut the tree and threads that I’d been using as a shield causing a “zuban” sound to occur.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because my power had increased, even if I held back, it turned into a one-hit kill.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Judging by the position of the Sun, I’m guessing it’s around two o’clock now. I had slept for a pretty long time, I should hurry back to the base.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">On the way back I found my backpack and field bag lying around, after that I recovered as many Estocs and Bowie Knives as I could; at least those that can still be repaired.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Three-Horned Horse leg that I placed in my backpack was already stolen, it can’t be helped if the materials that remained such as the shell of the demon spider are damaged, I gave up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The backpack is still useful even though it was already worn out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I’d gotten bigger, and by abusing some of my abilities, I arrived at the mining base in the blink of an eye, where they were noticeably wary of me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And since I had a large body and, with the use of my abilities, I have invaded the mining base very quickly, they’re all wary to an extent that I could only find admirable. Yeah, if an unknown ogre suddenly appeared, this is what’d happen, I thought with a wry smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also they’re more afraid of me than they used to be.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, since I’d turned into an Ogre I probably have a face filled with evil, I’m sure of it. I’m confident that it would be something like this:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblin <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ugly Hobgoblin <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Human-like <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ogre <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Some kind of Berserker?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My current state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Something like this, I’m sure.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, there’s no concrete proof, but I’m probably around two meters tall right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So in comparison to the shorter goblins that were surrounding me, there was a huge difference in perspective.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’m completely looking down at them. “They’d be in my blind spot if they got too close; I’d completely lose sight of them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Soon after, Gobumi-chan came out from the back and realized that it was me. Just like that, the rest of the goblin’s wariness vanished. Gobumi-chan who identified me in an instant, had her facial expression turned into that of anger. And with all her might, kicked me in the shin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It didn’t hurt at all, though I acted like I was in pain. However the one who truly felt pain was Gobumi-chan, so I casually healed her with my healing skills to ease her discomfort. As soon as her pain subsided, Gobumi-chan made me do seiza.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Seiza means an upright kneeling position that is traditionally used in Japan in meditation and as part of the preparation in martial arts.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She was really worried, saying things like “What were you doing?”, “How did you turn into an Ogre?”. I was being nagged. Since I lost my left hand, I couldn’t refute her nagging. Besides, I can’t talk back when I could notice her tearing up a little. I was about to say sorry for making you worry, but then Gobukichi and Redhead arrived after hearing the commotion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Of course, they were surprised. So surprised they couldn’t even stop their mouths from hanging open.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, of course they would if they were worried because I didn’t return the first day, and then came back as an Ogre the next.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To offer a tentative explanation of the events, once the key members such as Gobue-chan, Hobusei-san, Hobusato-san, and Gobujii had been gathered, I started explaining. I chased the other goblins out saying that I will tell them later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eh…, when I thought I should return soon after hunting I found a ‘Red Bear’. To test my strength, and partially because of instinct, I attacked it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, the fighting that started in the evening continued through the night, it only concluded when the sun came up yesterday morning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that I couldn’t move because I had taken heavy damage, so I erected a barrier using my thread and slept in an attempt to recover my strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, a while ago when I opened my eyes I had become an ogre. A rare variant at that, too. My equipment had become worn out, but I had the Red Bear’s pelt as a trophy, so it wasn’t much of a loss.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I was just thankful to be alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After telling them that much, I noticed Hobusei-san, Hobusato-san and also Gobujii show a stupid look with their jaws hanging as if dislocated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What is it Gobujii? Eh? Did I kill the Red Bear? I told you already didn’t I, while saying that I patted the fur wrapped around my waist to draw their attention to it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hmm? What is it Hobusei-san? Hm hm, so there’s a considerably strong, almost peerless bear-type monster called “Hind Bear” living in these forests, but it’s generally grey in color and can go up to three meters long.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Additionally, among those bears there are individuals that belong to a subspecies whose fur was red in color. That subspecies is unable to wield magic like a mage, but they have high intelligence and the ability to breathe fire, and they are also on a separate level compared to common Hind Bears in things like physical strength and sense of smell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So in short, because that thing was the strongest among Hind Bears, it was the strongest in the entire area.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Therefore that Hind Bear subspecies was called the “Lord of the Mountain”. It has enough strength to easily kill and eat an ogre, right?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I see. Somehow I doubt such a monster would be spotted twice, given its rarity in this wide world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Ouch, Stop attacking my head Hobusato-san.” Though it really doesn’t hurt. “Eh? You want to take a better look at the fur? It can’t be helped.” As I showed it to her, she said it was definitely the real thing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I even turned into an ogre after fighting it, and of the abilities I got, there was even one named [Lord of the Mountain's Strong, Supple Muscle], so there’s no doubt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, she said I who became an Ogre in such a short amount of time stopped being ‘abnormal’ and became an ‘impossible existence’. Although I retorted that this was unavoidable, she replied saying such a thing can’t be said so easily without knowing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s unreasonable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So we talked about various things for an hour before ending the meeting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No, as expected the current situation is not good since I’m as exposed as a newborn. So I want to get some new clothes quickly. I feel ashamed; as expected, one can’t remain calm in such an embarrassing state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, I took sneak peeks around the place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I decided to go to my workshop, but soon realized Gobumi-chan and Redhead had followed me. “What are you, my parents?”, I felt like telling them, but I refrained. I let them do as they please since there was no harm done, I went and greeted the rest of the women for now. I wanted to check if anything had happened since my absence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They were really afraid. They were all screaming at me from the sudden meeting. I got tired quickly since the other goblins started gathering to check the commotion and I had to drive them away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The girl’s reaction made me want to cry, I told them what happened and even used my flames and threads, finally they realized who I am. I could still notice them shivering from fear, but I was glad that they finally each showed a relieved smile towards the end. I felt like saying “Good job!” since they all looked so cute.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Ouch!”. I felt a little bit of pain from both my arms as the two girls behind me pinched me. Though I refrained from hardening my skin, since I thought of it as a punishment game for making them worry about me, afterwards we talked about various things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’ve asked Blacksmith-san to do some maintenance on the halberd that was damaged badly. I got scolded again for a while, “You’ve really done well making it so tattered”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After the scolding, it seems like she’s using a spirit stone on weapons like I did with my old knife, I was told to check it later. “And if it’s okay with you I would like to try and create a new weapon for you”, I nodded immediately as soon as she asked me this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I find it cute seeing her getting happy, albeit briefly, smiling with beet red cheeks. It made me involuntarily pat her head. So as not to hurt her I tried my best to control my strength. Still, I think it was nice seeing her look like a cute child getting tickled. As expected, a woman’s smile is the best.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For some reason the two pinched me even harder. Why?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I got fired up when I was told they would be making bear stew, so I went Hind Bear hunting for the [Cook] sisters. “If you want bear stew, you will need to get this and this and that.” And so I ordered the goblin minions to go and gather them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lately I’ve been working these guys so much, their level should be around 100, perhaps some of them could become hobgoblins soon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected, it’s hard for the two to do all the work, I wanted to at least help them cut some of the ingredients, so I appointed three female goblins of my generation from the Patri group to assist the girls.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though I took the consideration that it’s still dangerous for them to be with the males, these girls are incredibly tough.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Anyone; friends, acquaintances, relatives or even lovers that are killed or kidnapped by the goblins will see them as enemies, yet you can see the difference when you look at these two, the mental strength and the adaptability they possessed are remarkable even though such a short time has passed since their kidnapping.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Really, these two are amazing. Even if it is a miscalculation on my part, I’m still glad.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“You girls would really make good wives. Will it be okay if I made you two my wives?” I told them this as a joke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I was looking forward to tonight’s dinner, I told them that I’m not gonna stay any longer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When they faced me blushing, showing their blissful smile, I found it really cute.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As soon as I left, I was struck in the back of the head by the two with wooden swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though it didn’t hurt, it was still unreasonable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Alchemist-san was concocting a potion as usual, there’s some kind of poisonous gas mixed inside. Though it’s not the type of poison that could painfully kill you, it will quickly enter your body and paralyze you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gave her a bitter smile and softly whispered to her the ways in which to use the poison. Whatever, this is for self-protection and the likes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because she understood that just like how there are all kinds of humans, someone like me exists among the goblins that tried to assault them, she didn’t feel anything like wanting to mix in poison into the food, however she still made them because it’s scary to not be the least bit prepared, that’s how it was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If asked “Don’t you hate them enough to want to kill them?”, then sure, there are goblins she hates to the point of wanting to kill, but she’s become able to trust me ever since the matter that night. Besides, I think she managed to trust even the likes of Gobukichi-kun lately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the same time, she told me I show too much strength as an ogre. I am of the impression that my body is beyond weird. My red tattoos were also a little frightening.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“I can’t help it though”, I said as I extended both my hands and stretched out my prosthetic fingers toward her and jokingly picked her up, then I sensed icy glares coming from the two behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So strong were their glares, I thought, “Oh crap, I’m going to get killed”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That being the case, I did the same to the two to appease them. Then, I did the same thing to Blacksmith-san and the sisters too.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My body aside, I felt emotionally tired because I had to be careful not to break everyone’s fragile bodies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I finally arrived at my workshop, my clothes feeling itchy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Red Bear pelt that I considered making into new armor could not be processed yet, so I decided to leave it for now. In the meantime, I made shorts out of the Armored Tanuki hide that I had already tanned beforehand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t really feel cold being an ogre, and since I thought that making a pair of trousers in my size would use up too much hide, so to save on materials I made shorts instead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the same time, I think that armor made out of Red Bear hide, like any other hide, will be enough protection. However, it’s from the Red Bear and I endured great pains to obtain it after all. I think that rather than making hide armor, it is better to make hard leather armor that has higher defense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I nimbly finished making the shorts and put them on immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With this I can protect my dignity as a person. That was what I felt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I went on to making the Red Bear hide harder by boiling it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tomorrow I will work hard at making equipment to go hunting with, I thought. Although I have a different motive as well, since I’m now too big for the weapons we have at the moment.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 36

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Out of the usual five goblin minions, three became hobgoblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gave them a congratulatory gift.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they just turned into hobgoblins recently, I told them to go get used to their bodies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I called off morning practice today because my training partner almost died.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Woah, that was close. Even if I held back my strength to the utmost minimum, a light punch would send a goblin to their death. More like, they would die unless treated immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi-kun, armed to the teeth, was pretty much trashed. His armor couldn’t stop the force as it creaked. Even his tower shield made of black iron had a fist-shaped dent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Therefore, I stopped the sparring session.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I arranged the next session to be a one on one mock battle, where the winner of which could give one order as a penalty to the loser.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the afternoon, I continued crafting the armor that I started yesterday.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I saw Gobukichi-kun, who was about to go out hunting with an extremely worried expression. I thought it would be dangerous for him to go out alone and thus paired up with him. This morning, the goblin minions became partners to the individual hobgoblins, and played more of a supporting role.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan and Hobusato-san are both females with similar fighting styles, and they started to get along with each other so they led four goblin subordinates and went out to hunt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobusei-san was sitting beside me while I was crafting my armor. I told her to return the book after she was finished but was ignored. Gobue-chan went mining spirit stones again today. As soon as she found a spot with a lot of spirit stones, she became very motivated. Her mining speed went up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Redhead started training with wooden swords together with the goblins that were left behind. Her seriousness in training roused the competitive attitude of the other goblins since they didn’t want to lose, this brought the older goblins closer to the goblins of my generation. Really, she is such a tough girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While taking a break from crafting my armor, I decided to visit the girls. I first went to Blacksmith-sans to check on the knives she crafted from spirit stones, I was happy at how interesting the abilities they had were. I also taught the sisters how to make some simple dishes. I then brainstormed together with Alchemist-san for new potions ideas.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s been so long since I’ve taken it slow.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 37

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Two minions who were still goblins yesterday ranked up to Hobgoblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While thinking “It’s the second day in a row, huh?”, I gave them a congratulatory gift.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The morning training ended without a hitch, and I ate the lunch the sisters prepared for me, Gobue-chan, who should have been in the mines, came to me flustered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She was embracing something small and brown with a bright red jewel on its forehead, sharp cuts could be seen all over its body. It was covered in blood, just like me some time ago. I could tell from its erratic breathing that it would most likely die any moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Calling it “Carbuncle” (tentative name) for the time being, since Gobue-chan told me to help it with one of my Recovery Skills, and so I treated it with [Heal].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It would have been beyond saving if I was ten minutes late, I felt relieved when I was somehow in time as I’ve managed to heal the injury.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However even healing doesn’t return lost blood. Carbuncle fell asleep after I forcefully made it drink a potion Alchemist-san made, a “Hematopoietic Potion” (Prototype) made from blending various herbs that helped with blood formation. Luckily for it I was sated after the meal so I didn’t feel like eating it. Besides, Gobue-chan asked me to help it so that’s what I did.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Hematopoietic means blood producing.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A few minutes later, the 30-cm tall Carbuncle opened its eyes and explained its situation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It thanked us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Thank you very much”, it said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">According to the story it told us when I asked why it was covered in injuries, the Carbuncle’s name was Returner, and the reason it was covered in wounds was because of some human adventurers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The red gem, splendidly mounted on its forehead, looked like a super high-class item, if sold, it would probably be worth a hundred million gold coins—I think one gold coin is ten yen—, that seemed to be the adventurers’ objective.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I thought it(Returner) had it hard, this time it went down on its knees and requested/begged us to do something against the humans.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is what I put together after hearing the story: <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the dungeon were magical creatures: the “skeleton soldier”, the tougher “skeleton warrior” and the advanced level skeleton, “greater skeleton”, and against the party composition of the adventurers they were worse than useless.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems that “Returner” is an artificial carbuncle created a long time ago by the legendary magician Velvet who was well-known throughout the continent. It is the manager of [Velvet's Hidden Treasury] — A structure recognized in this world as a dungeon — that Gobue-chan and the others broke through when they were digging for Spirit Stones.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though its superficial wounds that I healed seemed to have stabilized, but the fact was that its “core”—though Returner was a non-living artificial Carbuncle without a set lifespan it seems that it would die if the core was broken — was deeply damaged when the humans attacked. The healing seemed to prolong the time until it disappears.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Within the innermost part of the Treasury, there lay [Legendary] Class gems and elixirs that topped the list of magic items that Velvet had painstakingly collected over his lifetime. If the treasure chamber was savagely broken into by those greed-stricken nitwits and its treasures were taken away, there was no way Returner could tolerate all that.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Returner wanted to solve this problem by its own, but its fighting strength was lacking and because its core was damaged, its time was limited.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why it came to us who seemed slightly strong, to drive the adventurers out and on top of that, to bury the other entrances. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After thinking on it for a while, I couldn’t think of any downsides.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If we could help eliminate the problem, it is willing to hand over the contents of the treasure chamber to us as thanks. Velvet hated humans, so it might as well hand over the treasure to us ogre and goblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I called Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan, Gobue-chan, and then both Hobusei-san and Hobusato-san to get properly armed. After that I asked Blacksmith-san to bring me the knife made from spirit stones. I thought having a weapon is much better than being unarmed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because the Spirit Stone Knife was flashy in appearance, it seems like it would be useful as a deterrent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I began instructing my goblin underlings; Blacksmith-san, Redhead, the two sisters, and Alchemist-san looked at me, their faces full of unease.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That is because they heard the request to kill humans. They would feel some unease, even though they are strangers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, because Returner asked for it we will drive them out of the dungeon through and through, we will strike first against the adventurers and win without killing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">First we will try to persuade them, if that doesn’t work, then and only then will we resort to the use of force. I said that since to protect ourselves we have to use deadly force, I’m afraid it will end with us having to kill them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“If it’s for self-defense then it can’t be helped, otherwise we’ll get killed, right?” I said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I told them that talking is important, and showed them my smile, they more or less gave me their consent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With the preparations complete, Gobue-chan lead us to the hole connecting to the dungeon that Returner managed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the end, this is what happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We killed all six adventurers, men and women, who had entered the dungeon and tried to kill Returner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I did try persuasion first.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Initially, to prevent them from being too anxious because of our superior numbers, I had Gobukichi-kun and the others hide and went to persuade them by myself. This was an act I did in good faith.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But the moment they saw me they said something flag-like “This dungeon not only has just Greater Skeletons, they also have Ogre subspecies here. This piece of shit has lots of weaknesses. Even though it’s a troublesome opponent, he’s no match for us. Let’s just kill it quickly. If we let it go we’re not gonna find anything like it ever again”, while beginning to attack me full of killing intent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was not an Ogre subspecies, but a rare variant. In the first place, they didn’t want to hear what I was saying, not even a little. That’s robbers for you, I thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, things like intruding on people’s houses (dungeons), recklessly killing its inhabitants (monsters)—although it wasn’t me—while recklessly abandoning and pillaging the treasure inside…This is, by no mistake, a murder-robbery case isn’t it!! Moreover, they’re not even aware of their crime; these people are beyond saving!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, upon using [Appraisal], it seems that the robbers’ equipment were all high-class items endowed with magic or a craft similar to that, even by appearance the party exuded an aura of considerable strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, I felt nothing like the despair I felt when I went against the Red Bear, because by being an Ogre [Rare Variant] I had increased my base specs, and because repeated use of my abilities was now possible, I felt that defending against the robbers’ attack was a simple matter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I mean, I could judge that just by looking at their first blow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their attack was totally clumsy. Their aim is also relatively dull, not only were they unable to handle their weapons efficiently, there were hardly any unpredictable and complex feints to mislead the enemy mixed into their offense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their slashing attacks were quick, and their weapons were of a superior quality, so if a usual ogre were to be hit he’d be slaughtered leaving only pieces, however, in my opinion their combat techniques were not on par with their body’s specification, the impression I had of their attack was that it was crude.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Whether it’s because of body strengthening from their levels, or buffs from their [Job], they are certainly strong, but conversely, it could possibly be inhibiting their efforts to raise their potential. Without thinking where they swing their swords in front of themselves, raising the levels of usable techniques and so on, never noticing that relying on those techniques they are probably obstructing themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So far they had probably been gaining levels by killing their opponents relying on brute force, thus they had naturally started to spend less effort when fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t mean to find faults in others affairs, but their current methods was excessively lethal for themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If they had spent more effort, they would probably have been able to fight me on equal ground. That’s how high their base spec was, yet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having neglected their training they were not real opponents for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was a margin of error allowed for me because they were weaker, and so all their attacks were easily defended against by my parrying. While this was happening I continued my attempt to persuade them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Usually when robbers are trying to murder you, you don’t manage to convince them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I was talking to them, while still being attacked, from the deep part of the dungeon a young looking [Magician] came out and cast a [Lightning]-based magic which was followed with a *bam* as soon as it struck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I didn’t collapse, but all the same I stumbled a step or two forward from the shock. The resulting damage was only to the degree that I felt quite sore.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though it looked like a small attack based on it’s size, I would’ve died from it if it weren’t for All-Elemental Resistance and Lightning Resistance, the power of it was so strong your head would evaporate without a trace.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, as expected. Since you’ve done this much, it can not be helped. My patience was already reaching its limits.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I sent a signal to Gobukichi-kun and the others who were hiding to commence their attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Apologizing to Returner in my mind, I cut off the retreat path of the adventurers by destroying a part of a mysterious opal corridor that made me want to remark “What is this, a royal palace?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And in order to attract their attention, I attacked from the front.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, although I originally thought the ability of the Spirit Stone Knife was only amusing, it actually turned out to be amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While the blade itself has absolutely no sharpness, since the materials used were Water Spirit Stones, water was being ejected from the blade with each slash. When I swung that thing a little seriously, the water coming out at high speed became a water blade, it cut the adventurer’s armor in half along with its contents while making a loud sound.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Awesome ! Awesome!” was what Gobumi-chan said following with a question about whether or not she could cut them in two with it, but I replied with a no because if there wasn’t any force behind it the water didn’t cut the opponent, it would only wet them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems like it was useless without suitable swinging speed, although it was still cool.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After killing all of the adventurers, we stripped the bodies and ate them. I took the upper portion while Gobukichi-kun and the others got to share the lower bodies. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected even among humans being an adventurer means you need to be on a considerably high level.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they had a lot of high-quality equipment, a fairly useful magic item was found. I ate it immediately of course. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What I ate were two different magic items; “Hermit’s Ring” and “Backpack Storage (Large) x6″ I stored the rest of the adventurers’ gear in my item box–when I tried to retrieve an item, a *pon* sound could be heard and the item appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The transfer item-like feature has given me a sense of nostalgia.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The ability allows me to store up to 1200 different items and the same-named items can be stacked up to 99 times each which is just cheating. Then Returner guided us to the entrance of the dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the deepest part of the cave, we found a hidden entrance which we collapsed, now there’s no other entrance here except the one Gobue-chan made. After we have collapsed that passage, there will be no way to enter this dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Carbuncle guided us into the treasury, where we all saw it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were various valuable treasures; the previous adventurer’s equipment that we got our hands on looked dull compared to the vast number of powerful magic items here. Amidst this treasury crammed full of items, in the innermost part, was a mummy with a strange left arm shining in silver, enshrined in a throne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Returner called this mummy its master. This probably means that it was Velvet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Returner’s time was about to run out and before that he wanted to tell us something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A wide variety of spirit stones could be gathered from the mines of our current home, it was the influence of this dungeon. Usually depending on the type of Spirit Stone it could found in a location that corresponds to their attribute —— places with good ventilation have Wind Spirit Stones, Fire Spirit Stones are found near hot places like volcanoes, Spirit Stones of different attributes aren’t usually found in one place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, because this dungeon was a place built by Velvet who excelled at handling spirits, somehow spirits who do not belong can remain here even now, and it’s possible to mine a wide variety of spirit stones because of the dungeon’s influence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As soon as he finished talking, as if having reached its end Returner showed a faint smile as he faded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">*Clink*, And only the jewel was left behind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After I picked it up I ate it. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For now, we gave a silent prayer dedicated to Returner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so I took all the riches in the treasury. Really, the item box skill is amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I could afford to cram everything from the treasury, and I still had surplus space left. Yeah, it’s all thanks to the adventurer party from a while ago.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thinking that, only the mummified Velvet with the strange-looking left hand remained in the lonely temple and treasure chamber, as I thought, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him as he is, so after recovering the gem-encrusted throne, I cremated the mummy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Raising my face, I clapped my hands in prayer and said “namu”, and as the rumbling fire died out, only the strange-looking artificial hand, shining in silver, was left in its place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“What is this?”, I thought as I used [Appraisal]. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hm, is Velvet saying “I don’t need this any more, so I’m giving it to you” to me who had lost my left arm? I thought this as I picked it up at the elbow and brought it closer to my missing left arm. Somehow I was able to attach it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My impressions: It was incredibly painful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, somehow when I brought it close, the arm’s armor expanded and its metallic tentacles extended from its center and covered my left arm up to the shoulder. Then the tentacles did something that felt like it was eating my flesh, the pain was so intense that I almost blacked out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then after I had recovered from my screaming, my left arm had become Airgeatlámh up to the shoulder. The silver arm that was the size of a human’s when I picked it up should have been far too small for me who was an ogre, but somehow it had transformed into the same size as my right arm in both length and girth; it suited me well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This might be the effects of [Self-Evolution].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was no discomfort even when clenching and opening all five fingers. It didn’t feel weird at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, I could tell when I touched things with it, and when I tried hitting a wall I felt no pain at all. Even though I could accept having no sense of pain because it was a prosthetic arm, I wondered how it was able to transmit the sense of touch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was incapable of understanding it, and since I had no idea how abilities work in the first place, I wasn’t going to think too deeply about it for now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, the movement limitations of the elbow joint seemed to have outrageously wide range of motion, and here and there were all sorts of gimmicks. The wrist and fingers could be rotated like a drill, and I could move the elbow and the shoulder at angles impossible for the skeletal structure of an Ogre.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then I confirmed that I could properly use my abilities through the silver arm. I was able to spin thread from the sharp pointed fingertips without a problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, I had obtained an awfully good thing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though I could somehow manage with the slime finger, but as expected, having a solid basis made dealing with problems easier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, we returned to base and had a party. Since it’s the conclusion of a great battle, and among the things we got from the adventurer party —this is important—there were bottles of booze. If we’re not going to have one now then when are we going to have one?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is also for sending off the souls of Returner and Velvet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In Velvet’s case, maybe it didn’t matter because he died a long time ago, our worrying about it is because of the current atmosphere.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I explained the details gently and thoroughly to Redhead, Blacksmith-san and the others trying to get their consent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though I persisted in trying to persuade them, towards the greedy humans it was useless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But, yeah, booze is delicious!!

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 38

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After ending morning practice, I went to Blacksmith-san to have the items we obtained yesterday appraised, classified and sorted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected of the legendary magician, almost every inheritance of Velvet are outrageous.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was still unable to identify many things, On the other hand, Blacksmith-san, being a member of the travelling merchants and having dealt with various equipment as a profession of [Blacksmith], has a high [Appraisal] ability. She easily assessed more information than I ever could have and then explained to me her findings and their meaning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although there seems to be many parts that still can’t be identified, but, it was really helpful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I then spent the rest of the day sorting through all the items.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 39

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After concluding the morning practice, and after thinking about what to do with the large amount of items we’ve obtained, but because I judged that to fully equip them would only lead to complacency, I decided to only give magical items to the ten hobgoblins–weapon and armor, and also stuff like magical rings to be versatile–and gave each goblin a max of two items.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And the equipment those hobgoblins previously used were passed down to those of a lower rank. In the end, the worst equipped member was using shell reinforced shield, leather armour and a short sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they have been practicing daily the group of goblins had reached an unfathomable high level, additionally both the quality and quantity of the equipment had increased, even if they don’t do a surprise attack with poisoned arrows and attacked enemies from the front, fighting against mid-level adventurers would still have a high chance of winning against, according to Gobujii.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I don’t know if it’s because of their competition for strength, but if the slightly lower rank goblins attack in a swarm then the adventurers would probably lose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In my eyes, this group is without question currently the strongest army corps.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the afternoon I went out with all hobgoblins which numbered 10 in total, along with Redhead since she desperately wanted to join us, in order to hunt the previously mentioned Hind Bears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, my current main weapon is something I found in Velvet’s Treasure Room, a vermillion longspear named [Starving Impaler of A Thousand Thorn (Kazikli Bey)].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: It's the same spear he is holding on the Alphapolis Banner. The one that looks something used by a Ritual Monk. Kazikli Bey is Vlad the Impaler's Turkish nickname, the Vampire Dracula was based on him.] ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My armor is a long coat-type hard leather armor made from the Red Bear’s hide and the shells of Demon Spiders, and I am also wearing a pair of flexible red leather pants.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Usually on my flesh and blood right arm I have a black metal bracelet however, I’d quickly changed it to this sturdy hand protector that manifests its ability according to the intent of the wearer to increase physical strength –among other things– named [Fury of the Haughty King (Beowulf)].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The spear and the bracelet and the silver arm; all three are [Legendary] Class [Artifact]s.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yes, it might be late to start now, but I’ll briefly explain about [Artifact]s.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Artifact] is a word that inevitably appears when discussing items gotten from the few dungeons around the world termed [Ancient Dungeons] that are extremely dangerous yet unique places.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From what I can tell from viewing the item data of [Artifact]s, there’s an obvious difference in performance when compared to current magic items.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even for disposable potions, their effects can be more than two to three times as potent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">An [Artifact] Class health potion heals 60 hit points, while the commonly made version of health potions restore 25 hit points.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Something along those lines.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Blacksmith-san told me that it’s a system that distinguishes superior quality items based on criterions on what type of item class it is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Next I’ll talk about [Legendary] class items among other things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is something that shows an items rank.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Items are categorized accordingly into 7 ranks, starting from the weakest it’s [Inferior], [Normal], [Rare], [Unique], [Ancient], [Legendary] and [Phantasmal]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For example, the long sword with a nick in its blade that I got from the kobold, and the shell encased gigantic club that Gobukichi used before, are both the lowest class of items, Inferior, whilst the magic staff that Kobold Mage used, using this system would be ranked as a [Normal] Class.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The weapons that the adventurers we killed in Velvet’s dungeon used were mostly [Unique] Class, with a few [Ancient] Class weapons mixed in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In short, even for a high level adventurer party, getting ancient, legendary or [Phantasmal] Class items is quite rare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If I say that a small country’s treasury probably doesn’t have items above [Unique] Class, does that make it easier to imagine how rare the higher class items are?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Or perhaps I should say, to begin with, [Ancient] Class magic items are mostly all at least [Artifact] level.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why people are so desperate to dive into these old ruins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I digress, but apparently when ancient dungeons are surrounded by castle walls, labyrinth towns can pop up around them, and so on. It sounds fun, so I might try diving into one of these sometime.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The fact that my red spear, bracelet and silver arm are all [Legendary] Class items is proof of how powerful Velvet was when he was alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because the act of finding even one legendary item is enough to shake countries, I cannot help but think that he was truly someone worth respecting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As to obtaining the highest class of [Phantasmal] Class items, it’s unimaginable so I let the matter drop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I have far too little information on that subject, so I don’t really know.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Getting back to the original topic, the Hind Bear hunt was completed without a hitch..

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Hind Bears are certainly strong, however now that we were equipped with magic weapons and were capable of group tactics, so the Hind Bears are certainly formidable enemies but not something that will stop us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The bracelet, red spear and silver arms abilities were beyond cheating, without even having to use my abilities, to stand in the front exchanging blows and killing were mainly the reasons, but my presence this time is in the end supposed to be nothing more than support.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why I equipped Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan and the rest with high quality magical items, and to exercise the strength of the hobgoblins is the main reason for today’s hunt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This time the main purpose of the hunt is to raise the level of the participants.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, bear stew is incredibly tasty!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, because of the recent problems, I want to drink more booze so much that I can’t stand it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Booze…I want some Booze…

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 40

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It rained today.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In order to determine everyone’s new rank, we decided to hold a round-robin tournament.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s best to fill the holes left by the previous hobgoblin leader.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While not many will rise in rank, I thought everyone’s motivation would increase by doing this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But victory and defeat is obvious among hobgoblins and goblins, and it doesn’t even need to be said for me who’s an ogre, goblins decided their ranks amongst goblins, and hobgoblins who have decided their rank amongst hobgoblins didn’t change.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were people who rose and fell in rank this time, it was a fluctuation between happiness and sadness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, the overall level has also risen, perhaps it’d be good to embark to a city with Redhead soon. I’ll think about it later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When going outside, it might also be interesting to form a mercenary group. In the area where we’re active in now, since there aren’t anymore monsters which can’t be killed by me, my level doesn’t rise very easily either.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Once you’ve killed the Lord of the Mountain, this is an inevitable outcome.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, it seems I should go outside sooner or later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While thinking deeply on many things, I fell soundly asleep…

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt;mso-outline-level:2">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

Day 32
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The time when the former leader finally died was the moment sunlight reached the entrance of the cave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Clearly, I went kinda nuts and overdid it a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because his vitality was stronger than a goblin’s, he simply didn’t die easily. I did, however, continue to heal him as well which contributed to his prolonged torture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I returned to my senses, I looked at my surroundings. Everyone was terrified.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Pleasantly smiling I laughed. “Have I made myself clear enough?”, I asked the gathered goblins who all nodded their heads with astonishing vigour. Feeling satisfied with that answer, I disbanded the meeting and ordered everyone to sleep till noon. If everyone managed to sleep it would be nice, considering they’d been forced to watch my torture all morning they must be tired, but somehow I doubted anyone would fall asleep today.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So almost everyone except those who had fainted didn’t go to sleep like me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thus I ordered everyone to sleep. I also told them that today’s training was cancelled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After creating a water ball with my abilities to wash away the blood from my hands and face, I had noticed that Redhead, who had watched me work more than anyone, was shivering uncontrollably with vacant eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In order to snap her back to her senses, I created another water ball and threw it at her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then I picked her up and carried her like a child to their bedroom. I disregarded it when she began to shiver even more. When I safely dropped her off, I returned to the spacious area again, and because the other four still couldn’t move themselves I repeated this four times.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After confirming that the other goblins had returned to the bedroom, I also went to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I woke up sometime in the middle of the afternoon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a replacement for lunch I ate the hearts and stomachs of the goblins I killed, whereafter I buried the rest of their bodies with my [Earth Control] ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Around this time the other goblins woke up, and because I had said we would skip practice today, I and the three other goblins went hunting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I left the Goblin Elders, together with five of the goblin minions, to protect the human girls. Earlier, I asked, “You know what’ll happen if they are assaulted, right?”. It was when they nodded vigorously that I decided the girls were probably safest with them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, the girls were within a walled off area I had made with my thread, and with the short-sword wielding Redhead there, at the very least, they should be able to buy some time if there was trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition, when we subjugated the orcs at the mining camp, we found an emergency horn. I gave them to the girls in case an incident were to occur. If they blow it, we should be able to quickly return and save them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With that taken care of, we four left with peace of mind. The first thing we encountered on our hunt was a Three-Horned Horse. At a glance it was covered with solid looking scales, and it was twice as large as a normal horse. It was such a big horse that with our current bodies we had to look up to see it. It was a creature that had evolved far above that of a hobgoblin. And there were two of them. They were probably a couple; perhaps one was pregnant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, we don’t know that for certain, and in order for us to survive we need food, so we performed our usual surprise attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Our first attack went by the book. Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan shot poisoned arrows with their crossbows. One of Gobumi-chan’s arrow went right through one of the horses eyes, while Gobue-chan’s arrow was slightly off and bounced off the other horse’s stiff scales.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Those scales are tough! Even though the power of the crossbows could easily pierce through a standard plate mail, it easily repelled it!!” I reflexively screamed out loud.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, I had placed poison on the arrowheads, a wonderfully strong poison, and yet the Three-Horned Horse didn’t instantly die, rather it began to act aggressively because of the intense pain. I had never seen such fierce vitality before!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While we were busy being surprised, the horse that wasn’t hit noticed us. It turned in our direction, pointing its three horns at us, and entrusting itself to its rage, it charged in an attempt to impale us. Well, with my thread and thunder combo I somehow managed to stop it, my thread was so thinly spread that the thought that it would just brush off the thread, annoyed, made my innards go cold.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Just how much horsepower did that thing have?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was no question that its physical strength couldn’t even be compared to that of a hobgoblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While Gobumi-chan and Gobue-chan’s sniping kept the riotous horse pinned, Gobukichi and I recklessly attacked it with my halberd and his burning axe. At first our attacks were simply repelled however after repeatedly attacking we found a way to chip off the scales. After that, the rest was quick.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My halberd and his [Crescent Axe] made the scales fly; once our blades reached the thick flesh below it we were successful at severing the head from its body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The other one was weakened by my poison, and because we had already figured out how to kill it, this was an easier kill.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was quite heavy work, however, we didn’t receive any major injuries; it was truly a significant hunt. We carried all the raw materials back, however since it was our first time hunting this prey, we decided to eat all of it ourselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it’s big, all the goblins, except Gobukichi-kun, were set to diligently remove the scales in order to get the meat. Gobukichi-kun was once again stationed to watch the surroundings. We needed the right goblin in the right place. And thus I ate six horns, two hearts and a fair share of the rest of the meat which was generously split four ways. After that I also ate the shells, since I thought I might get something from doing that. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After eating I had obtained six abilities. This was the proof that the three horned horse truly was strong. Because usually as a hobgoblin I had to eat four bodies to gain an ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, this was the first time since I reincarnated that I obtained a physical attacking skill, which was big. I thought [Triple Stab] would stab three times in a row, when I tested invoking the skill against a tree holding my estoc, the result was that three holes were made in the tree. Yes, I actually only stabbed with my estoc once. Yet I made three holes. In addition to that they were arranged in straight line from top to bottom. After spending such a long time in this world the fact that I didn’t get how it worked now didn’t surprise me. However, I came to wonder if this from upper to lower attack ignored physical defense. I tried to think about it. However, the answer to this question will have to wait for another time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that we walked around for a while, hunting the usual things, bringing them back and finally going to bed. After I fell asleep, Redhead snuck into my bed, so we slept together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’ll say it to make it clear, but we didn’t do anything erotic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I reaffirmed that a person’s warmth was still a good thing.

Day 33
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I woke up, I tried to move but my body felt heavy and I felt trapped. I was lying with my arms spread wide, and for some reason I couldn’t feel them. I decided to figure out what was happening, so I looked to the left and right. When I looked to my right, Gobumi-chan lay on one arm and when looking to my left, I found Redhead sleeping on the other.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah this is the so called ‘arm-pillow’. That dull sensation came from two heads disturbing the blood flow in each of my arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Why did it turned out this way?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Truthfully I wanted to move my arms that had numb quickly, but I couldn’t bring myself to wake those two, who were sleeping soundly and happily. What I’d like to ask is, when did Gobumi-chan enter my bed? When Redhead snuck into my bed I was half asleep, yet I remember her slipping into the bed so I can understand her being there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Could it be that she possessed such a powerful [Hiding] ability that my [Presence Sensor] ability could not sense her? No, there’s no way.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Most likely, if the one being detected has no bloodlust or hostility towards the wielder of [Presence Sensor], then the signal is weak, and because I was sleeping I missed that weak signal.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was thinking, “For the time being I’d like to do something about this situation…” when Hobusei-san happened to pass by. Hobusei-san was the name of the hobgoblin mage, okay? The mage’s name. You probably understand, but I thought it important so its worth repeating. I pleaded for her help with my eyes. She held back a chuckle, picked up my favorite book from my toolbox, [Introduction to Magic — Basic Sorcery vol 2 of 3], and then went away gracefully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Crap. She’d better return that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, Gobukichi-kun came over for morning practice carrying the [Crescent Axe]. I pleaded with my eyes just like with Hobusei-san. He was troubled for a little while, but ended up pressing his hands together in prayer and left. I bitterly watched his cheerful smile as he did so.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">O~i, we’re friends aren’t we? Please help, will you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After Gobukichi-kun, a yawning Gobue-chan followed. Recently she’d gotten into gathering beautiful gem-like “Spirit Stones”. She seemed to have formed a spirit stone mining group together with other goblin girls. Considering her habits, it’s probably the leisure time before morning practice right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I imploringly pleaded with my eyes. Because she smiled wryly as if to say “It can’t be helped” I thought “Is she going to go away too?”, but just then she saw something and broke into cold sweat. While I was thinking “Huh?” she hastily went away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Help me…my arms are gradually…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My plea for help didn’t reach anyone, and I was left like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were some guys who sporadically came over to observe my predicament, but none of them offered me any help.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then approximately one hour after I woke up, the two finally opened their eyes. As one would expect it was starting to turn dangerous for my arms, so the reason they woke up was probably because I was trying to save my arms by doing some stealthy and very slight movements.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Frankly speaking, having your arms used as as pillows the entire time you’re sleeping is severe, especially when it’s both of your arms. For some time, I couldn’t even feel them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Once I ate the breakfast the sisters prepared for me, I began the morning training.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Everyone worked to a degree that was scary.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eh? When I looked slightly doubtful, Gobukichi told me that since the higher posts suddenly got thinner with the death of the former leader, the goblins understood that the only way to grab it, is to, like me, become strong, and the only way to become strong is to earnestly overcome your own limits. Putting together what the training goblins said, that’s what we ended up with.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yes, that’s right. I didn’t say it before, but since the goblins number had increased considerably, recently, I had begun to take the role as supervisor of the training program.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi took charge of those with high offensive and defensive strength.Their role was to engage the enemy from the front. This role, in turn, made him the commander of our main group of the armed corps. We called it “Revolution”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I still haven’t introduced the last hobgoblin, who is called Hobusato-san. She gathered the goblins who specialized in a high offensive “hit and run” fighting style, and turned them into a lightly armed combat corps that specialized in mobility, which we called “Red Surge”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi gathered the ones who were bad at close range combat, and became the commander of a fighting unit armed with short bows and crossbows, named “Tirard”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobue collected those who I judged lacked the required combat ability to belong to any of the above groups, training them to have enough defensive power to defend themselves, having them focus on cooking and fixing broken equipment, and thus made a logistical corp which we called “Patri”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobusei-san was the only one with the exception of me who could use magic, so there is no option but to have her do individual practice; and thus, she became the commander of the magic-wielding unit, “Magician”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, if the different squads are added together, they number 59 goblins. 39 from our generation + 28 from the former – 8 of which were killed during my torture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For some reason no one wanted to be my sparring partner, even though I would be using a wooden sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I can easily win even with a handicap anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But if I were fighting 1 on 1 against Gobukichi, Gobumi or Hobusei, it would be close. If I used my abilities I could win a fight alone against everyone together, but that would be in opposition to the original purpose of the practice, to increase the basic strength of the participants.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that it was time for the afternoon hunt. This time everyone had things to do so I went alone. Gobukichi-kun was asked by the goblins under his leadership to continue practice with him during the afternoon, Gobumi-chan was still teaching the goblins who couldn’t remember things like ranks, the Continental Alphabet, and the simple rules I cooked up, and Gobue-chan was inside, accompanied by the members of her “Spirit Stone” mining group.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After departing, I first saw a Demon Spider.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I killed it the usual way, and tore off its carapace. A Demon Spider’s carapace is useful because you can increase its toughness using [Shell Defense] on top of being light and strong. I was actually using one right now. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After putting the carapace in my backpack, I ate the spider’s remains whole. Since Demon Spiders aren’t edible spiders, the taste wasn’t very good. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I felt good about acquiring a new ability, I turned a blind eye to the bad taste.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Next, I found another triple horned horse. This time, unlike the last, there was only one. It was the perfect opponent to try my [End] magic on, so I started making the preparations to cast my magic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Regarding magic, typically there are three components that must be connected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The first is the chanting of the [Spell] to influence the workings of the world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Second, [Internal Mana Control] to refine a necessary amount of magical power inside the body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then thirdly, [External Mana Operation] to control the formation of the magic itself using magical power outside the body—that is, magical power filling the air.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, because the third part [External Mana Operation] is several times more difficult than the other two parts, It is typical to use casting aid devices such as magic staves during the preparation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I already had the abilities of a staff so having a staff makes no difference when handling magic for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I prepared a black lance I created with magic, then I threw it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My aim with the black lance was true and the lance hit the triple horned horse right in its fat neck, where it cleanly gouged a hole 20 centimeters in diameter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The body that had its flesh torn off with a tearing sound stood still for a moment, until its strength left it and it suddenly collapsed on the spot. The impact from the scene was so powerful that I involuntarily shuddered. Yeah, this magic truly possesses a ridiculous amount of power.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">You see, since I became a subspecies the incantations for basic magic has become embedded in my memory, I think I already mentioned that; but until now I didn’t know how powerful this lance was. Ever since I used magic on a green slime, I have been convinced of the effectiveness of magic; but the fact that you can kill an opponent in one hit, even a horned horse, shows just how terrifying it can be.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I understood that the power of the magic was useable from trying it on green slimes among other things. But the fact that as long as I don’t miss it’s an instant death attack on three horned horse class monsters is kinda scary, isn’t it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, [End] style magic is incredible, to put it mildly. And this is (probably) only entry level magic, at that. Well, the power in this magic is so high that it should probably only be used as a last resort, or I might end up hurting myself, I thought whilst dismantling the horse.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I sliced off all of the horse’s three horns; tore off the scales; bled it; and then ate. I did leave one leg for the others though. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The ability to grow scales on my body; It is extremely powerful, however, because I’ll look kind of gross, I decided to refrain from using it. Well, as a test I used it once, and instantly black scales were growing closely packed on my arm…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This isn’t something you show others.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For an instant I felt like I had turned into a lizardman. Although this could be good in it’s own way. It’s fine as long as you can get used to it, but as expected, the appearance of the arm I tried the skill on is slightly hard to swallow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I began to move around searching for a prey in order to fix my mood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This time I found a Green Slime. I fried it till it became crispy then popped it in my mouth. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I am able to turn my arms so they function as whips. You see, when you talk about green slimes it’s just a lump made up of mucus. So I don’t think bones really matter when changing their body shape, once you know this it’s easy to understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then this ability. Even though I have bones I can, using this ability, move my body in the same way the slime does. I can even turn my body into a puddle-like form copying the shape of a slime, and to test this I enveloped a horned rabbit in my body, using [Self Body-Fluid Control] I changed my body fluids into acid, and the horned rabbit was in this way turned into nourishment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Besides, even if I lose a limb to an attack, if I turn it into slime form before(uh.. after?) receiving the attack, if I take the part that got blown away into my body, it seems I won’t even recieve an injury. There might be some limits, although I think it’s an extreme method to use. This ability is almost like cheating. It’s not like I feel bad when I obtain a useful ability. But I should be careful of which people I show this ability to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The day was about to set, and I was satisfied with my spoils, and was about to return when I found, or should I say encountered, him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A huge looking rock covered with red hair, is what the Red Bear looked like with his large frame.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From doing a quick estimation, it was more than 4 meters long. You could tell that the Red Bear is bad news with just a look from a distance, an existence not to be messed with, everyone could see that it was a born warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I doubt my halberd could easily slice through its red metal-like fur and even if I were to pierce it, it’s a sure bet that the thick flesh below the fur would easily stop the rest of the strike’s momentum.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One normally flees. Running away from the first moment. The only sane choice when facing such a being.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But before I realized it I already went into hiding while observing it, and started to devise a plan on how to kill the Red Bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No, even though I haven’t fought a dangerous opponent of this degree since my reincarnation, I have already fought and killed far more dangerous guys before it. And each time, I killed and ate them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is probably the reason why I really wanted to fight this guy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I want to get its ability and devour it, one could say my instincts were whispering this to me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, with such feelings, I prepared to use everything I possessed to kill the Red Bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so, the fierce battle begins.

Day 34
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I fought so desperately with the Red Bear that when it was finally over, I noticed that the sun was already rising.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My body was seriously injured from when Red Bear tore at me with his fangs and claws. Moving around and looking for a safe place to rest would be an impossible feat. Moreover, my left arm was cleanly cut off below my elbow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I defended myself from one of the Red Bears sharp claws, it got cut off and was sent flying, the cut off arm was then eaten by the bear in the middle of the fight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because my left arm was lost beyond hope of salvaging I could only make a temporary fix by stemming the bleeding with my thread. In order to heal the wound properly countless systematic Recovery Skills would be needed. Fortunately Sustainable Regeneration has already activated, so the possibility that I bleed to death is unlikely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was a large amount of blood streaming from my body, why wasn’t it fatal? You might think this, but the blood that came out was already replenished by my ability. Contrary to appearances, the blood remaining in my body was sufficient.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, let’s talk about that later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I can’t help but say the damage to my equipment is greater. Both of my estocs broke to their handles and became useless, my bowie knife’s edge crumbled into pieces, having a nicked edge, it was barely safe from breaking off the handle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My primary halberd also had a terribly chipped edge, the long handle was distorted greatly from warding off the Red Bear’s constant attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It hasn’t been destroyed, but it clearly needs repairing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The protective gear which should have still looked new before the battle looks like a shadow of itself, its state is now a jacket and tattered shorts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At first glance all you can see is a beaten dog. No, a defeated goblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was in a horrible state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But, I survived. I survived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I did well not dying, truly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Rapid Recovery] and Recovery Skills, if there were no duplicate recovery abilities, I must have easily died more than 50 times in my current condition as a Hobgoblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If there were no Enhanced Defense abilities [Shell Defense] [Physical Damage Reduction] [Steel Hide] [Scale Armour Charge] [Strong-Supple Frame] there were no Enhanced Defense abilities that were the same etcetera, it isn’t likely to have ended to the degree of damage of only losing one arm and there’d be lacerations to my entire body surely. Rather, even at my full strength, a graze from one of its strikes would send me flying. That’s how much of a foul play the Red Bear’s strike is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I mean, that was really a cheat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even so, I still didn’t lose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Starting from [Snake Venom Administration] [Electro Master] [Hydro Hand] [Spider Thread Creation] and various abilities, using simple combination attacks with various abilities as an effective way to whittle down its health.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Actually I’d rather use [End] type magic to quickly deal the killing blow; the problem is that right now my spellcasting is so slow that it’s practically useless in the middle of close range combat. Because the opening I’d give would be too big, I’d instantly die if I tried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover in the first place, when I tried to hit it with a sneak attack with a lance he dodged it, so chances are that if I even managed to get one off, it would just be a waste of time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The beasts instincts were fearsome. Well, because I lost my left arm in the initial surprise attack, it was probably satisfied with that attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was also lucky that my attacks with my halberd were extremely potent when buffed by my strengthening skills like [Improved Slashing Power], [Improved Piercing Power], [Improved Charging Power], [Improved Leg Power] and [Pump-Up] etc.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, after using [Triple Stab] I confirmed it. It really turns out physical defense was ignored. However, there seems to be a requirement where the attacks pierce to the same depth as the middle attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Furthermore, the size of the hole naturally depends on the weapon used to make it: A hole left by a halberd is going to be larger than one left by an estoc due to the strength of the blow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The ability that helped me the most was surprisingly [Vampiric Exploitation] that I got from the Seven-Colored Bat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This blood sucking action can ignore the target’s defensive strength only up to a certain extent, and the blood that was sucked can also be be used as my own blood immediately, but it is thanks to this ability that I could replace the blood lost by the bear’s attack that went through my defenses, which had been raised as much as possible, from the bear itself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In short, I was able to replenish my own blood using the enemy’s, and I deal an amount of damage proportional to the amount I took from it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I currently can change a part of my body just like a slime, if I turned my finger into something like a straw and pierced the Red Bear with it, by sucking the blood through it I needn’t worry much about blood replenishment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, if I had lacked any one of the abilities I have now, things may not have turned out the way it did.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, that’s right, [Stench]. I guess I was helped by that, too. The very moment the Red Bear was about to bite my body I used [Stench] causing it to retreat, holding its nose in anguish. Well well, you truly never know what will turn out to be useful in the future.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Looking back at the fierce fight, for a while after the twilight, I turned my eyes in the direction of what was once the Red Bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the middle of the trees flattened in the aftermath of a violent fight, was a great Red Bear that had ceased breathing. Its whole body was covered in injuries like me, but carved on its chest was a large mark as proof of my concentrated attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My scarred figure looking down on it can be seen reflected on its empty eyes that had lost their light, and a bowie knife stuck deeply between its eyebrows, this was for some reason making me feel sad. I’ll say this over and over again, the Red Bear was truly strong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using my [Predict] I could see its attack trajectory as a red line, but even so, the attack was so fast there were times that I couldn’t dodge in time, its unique powers such as its explosion-like roar and its glare which was a technique that was inhibiting my movements were intermingled in the attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Furthermore, this thing is a bear, and yet it blew fire like a flamethrower out of its mouth. “Really, what kind of bear is this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I had [Fire Resistance] and [Hydro Hand] I didn’t receive much damage from the flames, but this and that are two different things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Seriously, it was strong. A large part of me winning was due to luck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But since I won, I have the responsibility to live on for the defeated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I picked up the Red Bear’s hand that had rolled near its battered and whipped body, and I ate it in order to regain my strength. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I finished eating the right arm, all my exhaustion suddenly caught up to me and I felt my consciousness begin to fade.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">During the fierce fighting I’d lost a lot of stamina, the body decided that the best way to survive was to cut off my consciousness and preserve my physical strength. Even now my [Rapid Recovery] and Regeneration are still restoring my body, so I’m confident that I wouldn’t die even if I fall unconscious. It’s my own body, so that much I can understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, it’s obvious that I’m too defenseless if I faint as I am now. There is a high chance of getting eaten by other monsters during the time I was unconscious, so to remain alive I mustered what’s left of my strength and sent out my thread to make a wall around me and the Red Bear out of the trees that are scattered around as a result of being mowed down during our fight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was an impromptu shelter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition to having the trees as camouflage, because I doused my thread in poison as I was sending it out, even if for example someone were to come and attack, surely the poison should do them in. If, for some reason, all this wasn’t enough, then that would be the end of me after all, I thought with resignation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">—As I used up the last of my strength to build the defenses, my consciousness— <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">—With the last of my willpower I chose «YES» right before I lost consciousness.

Day 35
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I woke up due to a strange urge. The lighting was dim, but I didn’t mind that very much.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was stirred by a strange hunger that was unlike any I’d ever felt before, so I reached for the corpse of the nearby Red Bear. After removing the bowie knife that I had lodged deeply in the bear’s forehead, I used raw strength to tear its head off. When I brutally ripped off the skin, flesh, and cervical vertebrae, the sound could be heard from afar.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I hadn’t fully regained consciousness yet, so I was munching on the Red Bear’s head that was in my hand. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After I tore the hair off the head, crushed the cranium and slurped the brain for a few seconds, I judged that the bear’s pelt was needed, so I took the bowie knife that had somehow seemed smaller and carefully peeled it off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I got the feeling that the Red Bear became smaller since I fainted, but my head wasn’t working right, so I couldn’t find a reason to why I felt that way.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It just felt right peeling the skin off the bear, I did it for no other reason.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Any other thoughts didn’t enter my mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My left hand from the elbow down was gone, however, this much could be fixed by my abilities so there was no problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using my [Metamorphosis] ability, I was able to make slender fingers for my arm, which was gone from the elbow down, and pick up the pelt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though having difficulty using a small knife with my prosthetic fingers, I was able to finish flaying the pelt from the bear. After that, I started eating the flesh of the now naked bear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As if suffering from intense starvation, I single-mindedly devoured its flesh and blood until nothing remained. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even chewing and tearing brought out its flavor, truly the best meat I have ever had, I drank the thick blood that almost tasted like wine, I could feel the Red Bear’s vitality as soon as I swallowed a mouthful of its innards, I devoured its crunchy bones and exhausted its bone marrow just like the minerals of a cave, at that point my mind has finally been cleared and started working.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I then looked at my body.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My body remained black, and although there were large quantities of blood covering it, I noticed some unfamiliar red lines that seemed to have some religious significance—–wonder if I should call it a tattoo?—-all over my body. And the size of my body is a full human arm length taller than that of an adult male, my belly has also turned into a 6-pack abs, it’s easy to realize that I am not a Hobgoblin anymore but a different species entirely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And my hair, I am sure it wasn’t this long. Although my hair grew when I turned into a Hobgoblin, it couldn’t even reach up to my shoulders, comparing it to now, it feels like my hair has already reached below my shoulder blades. Aside from growing longer, it has also turned gray.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lastly, two sharp horns had grown out from my forehead. When I touched them, they felt extremely hard. If I charged like a bull, I’m sure there’d be a “buzuri” sound when I stab the target. While I was checking out my new body in various ways, I remembered the message I recieved before I lost consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, it seems I have turned into a Great Ogre.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Not a subspecies at that, oddly enough I evolved into a rare type.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, if you kill this much then you’ll get enough to rank up, it can’t be helped if I turned into a rare species. I convinced myself that it wasn’t a bad thing at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the same manner as when I became a Hobgoblin from a Goblin, when I turned into a rare Ogre, all of my abilities have been enhanced and my body is filled with a temporary feeling of omnipotence. However, I decided to leave the verifying of the enhancements for another time. I think it’s about time for me to head back. The others are probably worried since I haven’t returned yet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I picked up the halberd that might be reusable if repaired, I noticed something when I was about to leave. My clothes were so tattered up to the point where it didn’t cover the parts that need to be hidden. As a side effect of when my body grew, the clothes that I was wearing got torn to shreds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Basically, I am currently naked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My member was swinging and hanging out between my legs; it was so amazing I had to gaze at it for a while. When I got worried as to what I should do, I solved the problem by taking the Red Bear’s pelt, which I had already skinned off, and strapped it around my waist to cover it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I see, that’s why I skinned the Red Bear’s pelt, because I had a premonition that such a situation would occur, I thought while using a wind-blade to cut the tree and threads that I’d been using as a shield causing a “zuban” sound to occur.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because my power had increased, even if I held back, it turned into a one-hit kill.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Judging by the position of the Sun, I’m guessing it’s around two o’clock now. I had slept for a pretty long time, I should hurry back to the base.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">On the way back I found my backpack and field bag lying around, after that I recovered as many Estocs and Bowie Knives as I could; at least those that can still be repaired.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Three-Horned Horse leg that I placed in my backpack was already stolen, it can’t be helped if the materials that remained such as the shell of the demon spider are damaged, I gave up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The backpack is still useful even though it was already worn out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I’d gotten bigger, and by abusing some of my abilities, I arrived at the mining base in the blink of an eye, where they were noticeably wary of me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And since I had a large body and, with the use of my abilities, I have invaded the mining base very quickly, they’re all wary to an extent that I could only find admirable. Yeah, if an unknown ogre suddenly appeared, this is what’d happen, I thought with a wry smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also they’re more afraid of me than they used to be.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, since I’d turned into an Ogre I probably have a face filled with evil, I’m sure of it. I’m confident that it would be something like this:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Goblin <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ugly Hobgoblin <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Human-like <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ogre <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Some kind of Berserker?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My current state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Something like this, I’m sure.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, there’s no concrete proof, but I’m probably around two meters tall right now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So in comparison to the shorter goblins that were surrounding me, there was a huge difference in perspective.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’m completely looking down at them. “They’d be in my blind spot if they got too close; I’d completely lose sight of them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Soon after, Gobumi-chan came out from the back and realized that it was me. Just like that, the rest of the goblin’s wariness vanished. Gobumi-chan who identified me in an instant, had her facial expression turned into that of anger. And with all her might, kicked me in the shin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It didn’t hurt at all, though I acted like I was in pain. However the one who truly felt pain was Gobumi-chan, so I casually healed her with my healing skills to ease her discomfort. As soon as her pain subsided, Gobumi-chan made me do seiza.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Seiza means an upright kneeling position that is traditionally used in Japan in meditation and as part of the preparation in martial arts.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She was really worried, saying things like “What were you doing?”, “How did you turn into an Ogre?”. I was being nagged. Since I lost my left hand, I couldn’t refute her nagging. Besides, I can’t talk back when I could notice her tearing up a little. I was about to say sorry for making you worry, but then Gobukichi and Redhead arrived after hearing the commotion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Of course, they were surprised. So surprised they couldn’t even stop their mouths from hanging open.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, of course they would if they were worried because I didn’t return the first day, and then came back as an Ogre the next.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To offer a tentative explanation of the events, once the key members such as Gobue-chan, Hobusei-san, Hobusato-san, and Gobujii had been gathered, I started explaining. I chased the other goblins out saying that I will tell them later.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Eh…, when I thought I should return soon after hunting I found a ‘Red Bear’. To test my strength, and partially because of instinct, I attacked it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, the fighting that started in the evening continued through the night, it only concluded when the sun came up yesterday morning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that I couldn’t move because I had taken heavy damage, so I erected a barrier using my thread and slept in an attempt to recover my strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, a while ago when I opened my eyes I had become an ogre. A rare variant at that, too. My equipment had become worn out, but I had the Red Bear’s pelt as a trophy, so it wasn’t much of a loss.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I was just thankful to be alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After telling them that much, I noticed Hobusei-san, Hobusato-san and also Gobujii show a stupid look with their jaws hanging as if dislocated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What is it Gobujii? Eh? Did I kill the Red Bear? I told you already didn’t I, while saying that I patted the fur wrapped around my waist to draw their attention to it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hmm? What is it Hobusei-san? Hm hm, so there’s a considerably strong, almost peerless bear-type monster called “Hind Bear” living in these forests, but it’s generally grey in color and can go up to three meters long.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Additionally, among those bears there are individuals that belong to a subspecies whose fur was red in color. That subspecies is unable to wield magic like a mage, but they have high intelligence and the ability to breathe fire, and they are also on a separate level compared to common Hind Bears in things like physical strength and sense of smell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So in short, because that thing was the strongest among Hind Bears, it was the strongest in the entire area.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Therefore that Hind Bear subspecies was called the “Lord of the Mountain”. It has enough strength to easily kill and eat an ogre, right?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I see. Somehow I doubt such a monster would be spotted twice, given its rarity in this wide world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Ouch, Stop attacking my head Hobusato-san.” Though it really doesn’t hurt. “Eh? You want to take a better look at the fur? It can’t be helped.” As I showed it to her, she said it was definitely the real thing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I even turned into an ogre after fighting it, and of the abilities I got, there was even one named [Lord of the Mountain's Strong, Supple Muscle], so there’s no doubt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, she said I who became an Ogre in such a short amount of time stopped being ‘abnormal’ and became an ‘impossible existence’. Although I retorted that this was unavoidable, she replied saying such a thing can’t be said so easily without knowing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s unreasonable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So we talked about various things for an hour before ending the meeting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No, as expected the current situation is not good since I’m as exposed as a newborn. So I want to get some new clothes quickly. I feel ashamed; as expected, one can’t remain calm in such an embarrassing state.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, I took sneak peeks around the place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I decided to go to my workshop, but soon realized Gobumi-chan and Redhead had followed me. “What are you, my parents?”, I felt like telling them, but I refrained. I let them do as they please since there was no harm done, I went and greeted the rest of the women for now. I wanted to check if anything had happened since my absence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They were really afraid. They were all screaming at me from the sudden meeting. I got tired quickly since the other goblins started gathering to check the commotion and I had to drive them away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The girl’s reaction made me want to cry, I told them what happened and even used my flames and threads, finally they realized who I am. I could still notice them shivering from fear, but I was glad that they finally each showed a relieved smile towards the end. I felt like saying “Good job!” since they all looked so cute.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Ouch!”. I felt a little bit of pain from both my arms as the two girls behind me pinched me. Though I refrained from hardening my skin, since I thought of it as a punishment game for making them worry about me, afterwards we talked about various things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’ve asked Blacksmith-san to do some maintenance on the halberd that was damaged badly. I got scolded again for a while, “You’ve really done well making it so tattered”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After the scolding, it seems like she’s using a spirit stone on weapons like I did with my old knife, I was told to check it later. “And if it’s okay with you I would like to try and create a new weapon for you”, I nodded immediately as soon as she asked me this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I find it cute seeing her getting happy, albeit briefly, smiling with beet red cheeks. It made me involuntarily pat her head. So as not to hurt her I tried my best to control my strength. Still, I think it was nice seeing her look like a cute child getting tickled. As expected, a woman’s smile is the best.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For some reason the two pinched me even harder. Why?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I got fired up when I was told they would be making bear stew, so I went Hind Bear hunting for the [Cook] sisters. “If you want bear stew, you will need to get this and this and that.” And so I ordered the goblin minions to go and gather them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lately I’ve been working these guys so much, their level should be around 100, perhaps some of them could become hobgoblins soon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected, it’s hard for the two to do all the work, I wanted to at least help them cut some of the ingredients, so I appointed three female goblins of my generation from the Patri group to assist the girls.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though I took the consideration that it’s still dangerous for them to be with the males, these girls are incredibly tough.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Anyone; friends, acquaintances, relatives or even lovers that are killed or kidnapped by the goblins will see them as enemies, yet you can see the difference when you look at these two, the mental strength and the adaptability they possessed are remarkable even though such a short time has passed since their kidnapping.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Really, these two are amazing. Even if it is a miscalculation on my part, I’m still glad.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“You girls would really make good wives. Will it be okay if I made you two my wives?” I told them this as a joke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I was looking forward to tonight’s dinner, I told them that I’m not gonna stay any longer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When they faced me blushing, showing their blissful smile, I found it really cute.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As soon as I left, I was struck in the back of the head by the two with wooden swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though it didn’t hurt, it was still unreasonable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Alchemist-san was concocting a potion as usual, there’s some kind of poisonous gas mixed inside. Though it’s not the type of poison that could painfully kill you, it will quickly enter your body and paralyze you.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gave her a bitter smile and softly whispered to her the ways in which to use the poison. Whatever, this is for self-protection and the likes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because she understood that just like how there are all kinds of humans, someone like me exists among the goblins that tried to assault them, she didn’t feel anything like wanting to mix in poison into the food, however she still made them because it’s scary to not be the least bit prepared, that’s how it was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If asked “Don’t you hate them enough to want to kill them?”, then sure, there are goblins she hates to the point of wanting to kill, but she’s become able to trust me ever since the matter that night. Besides, I think she managed to trust even the likes of Gobukichi-kun lately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the same time, she told me I show too much strength as an ogre. I am of the impression that my body is beyond weird. My red tattoos were also a little frightening.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“I can’t help it though”, I said as I extended both my hands and stretched out my prosthetic fingers toward her and jokingly picked her up, then I sensed icy glares coming from the two behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So strong were their glares, I thought, “Oh crap, I’m going to get killed”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That being the case, I did the same to the two to appease them. Then, I did the same thing to Blacksmith-san and the sisters too.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My body aside, I felt emotionally tired because I had to be careful not to break everyone’s fragile bodies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I finally arrived at my workshop, my clothes feeling itchy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Red Bear pelt that I considered making into new armor could not be processed yet, so I decided to leave it for now. In the meantime, I made shorts out of the Armored Tanuki hide that I had already tanned beforehand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t really feel cold being an ogre, and since I thought that making a pair of trousers in my size would use up too much hide, so to save on materials I made shorts instead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At the same time, I think that armor made out of Red Bear hide, like any other hide, will be enough protection. However, it’s from the Red Bear and I endured great pains to obtain it after all. I think that rather than making hide armor, it is better to make hard leather armor that has higher defense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I nimbly finished making the shorts and put them on immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With this I can protect my dignity as a person. That was what I felt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I went on to making the Red Bear hide harder by boiling it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tomorrow I will work hard at making equipment to go hunting with, I thought. Although I have a different motive as well, since I’m now too big for the weapons we have at the moment.

Day 36
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Out of the usual five goblin minions, three became hobgoblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gave them a congratulatory gift.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they just turned into hobgoblins recently, I told them to go get used to their bodies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I called off morning practice today because my training partner almost died.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Woah, that was close. Even if I held back my strength to the utmost minimum, a light punch would send a goblin to their death. More like, they would die unless treated immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi-kun, armed to the teeth, was pretty much trashed. His armor couldn’t stop the force as it creaked. Even his tower shield made of black iron had a fist-shaped dent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Therefore, I stopped the sparring session.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I arranged the next session to be a one on one mock battle, where the winner of which could give one order as a penalty to the loser.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the afternoon, I continued crafting the armor that I started yesterday.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I saw Gobukichi-kun, who was about to go out hunting with an extremely worried expression. I thought it would be dangerous for him to go out alone and thus paired up with him. This morning, the goblin minions became partners to the individual hobgoblins, and played more of a supporting role.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan and Hobusato-san are both females with similar fighting styles, and they started to get along with each other so they led four goblin subordinates and went out to hunt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobusei-san was sitting beside me while I was crafting my armor. I told her to return the book after she was finished but was ignored. Gobue-chan went mining spirit stones again today. As soon as she found a spot with a lot of spirit stones, she became very motivated. Her mining speed went up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Redhead started training with wooden swords together with the goblins that were left behind. Her seriousness in training roused the competitive attitude of the other goblins since they didn’t want to lose, this brought the older goblins closer to the goblins of my generation. Really, she is such a tough girl.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While taking a break from crafting my armor, I decided to visit the girls. I first went to Blacksmith-sans to check on the knives she crafted from spirit stones, I was happy at how interesting the abilities they had were. I also taught the sisters how to make some simple dishes. I then brainstormed together with Alchemist-san for new potions ideas.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s been so long since I’ve taken it slow.

Day 37
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Two minions who were still goblins yesterday ranked up to Hobgoblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While thinking “It’s the second day in a row, huh?”, I gave them a congratulatory gift.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The morning training ended without a hitch, and I ate the lunch the sisters prepared for me, Gobue-chan, who should have been in the mines, came to me flustered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She was embracing something small and brown with a bright red jewel on its forehead, sharp cuts could be seen all over its body. It was covered in blood, just like me some time ago. I could tell from its erratic breathing that it would most likely die any moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Calling it “Carbuncle” (tentative name) for the time being, since Gobue-chan told me to help it with one of my Recovery Skills, and so I treated it with [Heal].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It would have been beyond saving if I was ten minutes late, I felt relieved when I was somehow in time as I’ve managed to heal the injury.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However even healing doesn’t return lost blood. Carbuncle fell asleep after I forcefully made it drink a potion Alchemist-san made, a “Hematopoietic Potion” (Prototype) made from blending various herbs that helped with blood formation. Luckily for it I was sated after the meal so I didn’t feel like eating it. Besides, Gobue-chan asked me to help it so that’s what I did.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Hematopoietic means blood producing.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A few minutes later, the 30-cm tall Carbuncle opened its eyes and explained its situation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It thanked us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Thank you very much”, it said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">According to the story it told us when I asked why it was covered in injuries, the Carbuncle’s name was Returner, and the reason it was covered in wounds was because of some human adventurers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The red gem, splendidly mounted on its forehead, looked like a super high-class item, if sold, it would probably be worth a hundred million gold coins—I think one gold coin is ten yen—, that seemed to be the adventurers’ objective.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I thought it(Returner) had it hard, this time it went down on its knees and requested/begged us to do something against the humans.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is what I put together after hearing the story:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After thinking on it for a while, I couldn’t think of any downsides.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems that “Returner” is an artificial carbuncle created a long time ago by the legendary magician Velvet who was well-known throughout the continent. It is the manager of [Velvet's Hidden Treasury] — A structure recognized in this world as a dungeon — that Gobue-chan and the others broke through when they were digging for Spirit Stones.
 * 2) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though its superficial wounds that I healed seemed to have stabilized, but the fact was that its “core”—though Returner was a non-living artificial Carbuncle without a set lifespan it seems that it would die if the core was broken — was deeply damaged when the humans attacked. The healing seemed to prolong the time until it disappears.
 * 3) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Within the innermost part of the Treasury, there lay [Legendary] Class gems and elixirs that topped the list of magic items that Velvet had painstakingly collected over his lifetime. If the treasure chamber was savagely broken into by those greed-stricken nitwits and its treasures were taken away, there was no way Returner could tolerate all that.
 * 4) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Returner wanted to solve this problem by its own, but its fighting strength was lacking and because its core was damaged, its time was limited.
 * 5) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the dungeon were magical creatures: the “skeleton soldier”, the tougher “skeleton warrior” and the advanced level skeleton, “greater skeleton”, and against the party composition of the adventurers they were worse than useless.That’s why it came to us who seemed slightly strong, to drive the adventurers out and on top of that, to bury the other entrances.
 * 6) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If we could help eliminate the problem, it is willing to hand over the contents of the treasure chamber to us as thanks. Velvet hated humans, so it might as well hand over the treasure to us ogre and goblins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I called Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan, Gobue-chan, and then both Hobusei-san and Hobusato-san to get properly armed. After that I asked Blacksmith-san to bring me the knife made from spirit stones. I thought having a weapon is much better than being unarmed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because the Spirit Stone Knife was flashy in appearance, it seems like it would be useful as a deterrent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I began instructing my goblin underlings; Blacksmith-san, Redhead, the two sisters, and Alchemist-san looked at me, their faces full of unease.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That is because they heard the request to kill humans. They would feel some unease, even though they are strangers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, because Returner asked for it we will drive them out of the dungeon through and through, we will strike first against the adventurers and win without killing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">First we will try to persuade them, if that doesn’t work, then and only then will we resort to the use of force. I said that since to protect ourselves we have to use deadly force, I’m afraid it will end with us having to kill them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“If it’s for self-defense then it can’t be helped, otherwise we’ll get killed, right?” I said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I told them that talking is important, and showed them my smile, they more or less gave me their consent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With the preparations complete, Gobue-chan lead us to the hole connecting to the dungeon that Returner managed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the end, this is what happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We killed all six adventurers, men and women, who had entered the dungeon and tried to kill Returner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I did try persuasion first.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Initially, to prevent them from being too anxious because of our superior numbers, I had Gobukichi-kun and the others hide and went to persuade them by myself. This was an act I did in good faith.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But the moment they saw me they said something flag-like “This dungeon not only has just Greater Skeletons, they also have Ogre subspecies here. This piece of shit has lots of weaknesses. Even though it’s a troublesome opponent, he’s no match for us. Let’s just kill it quickly. If we let it go we’re not gonna find anything like it ever again”, while beginning to attack me full of killing intent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was not an Ogre subspecies, but a rare variant. In the first place, they didn’t want to hear what I was saying, not even a little. That’s robbers for you, I thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, things like intruding on people’s houses (dungeons), recklessly killing its inhabitants (monsters)—although it wasn’t me—while recklessly abandoning and pillaging the treasure inside…This is, by no mistake, a murder-robbery case isn’t it!! Moreover, they’re not even aware of their crime; these people are beyond saving!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, upon using [Appraisal], it seems that the robbers’ equipment were all high-class items endowed with magic or a craft similar to that, even by appearance the party exuded an aura of considerable strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, I felt nothing like the despair I felt when I went against the Red Bear, because by being an Ogre [Rare Variant] I had increased my base specs, and because repeated use of my abilities was now possible, I felt that defending against the robbers’ attack was a simple matter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I mean, I could judge that just by looking at their first blow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their attack was totally clumsy. Their aim is also relatively dull, not only were they unable to handle their weapons efficiently, there were hardly any unpredictable and complex feints to mislead the enemy mixed into their offense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their slashing attacks were quick, and their weapons were of a superior quality, so if a usual ogre were to be hit he’d be slaughtered leaving only pieces, however, in my opinion their combat techniques were not on par with their body’s specification, the impression I had of their attack was that it was crude.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Whether it’s because of body strengthening from their levels, or buffs from their [Job], they are certainly strong, but conversely, it could possibly be inhibiting their efforts to raise their potential. Without thinking where they swing their swords in front of themselves, raising the levels of usable techniques and so on, never noticing that relying on those techniques they are probably obstructing themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So far they had probably been gaining levels by killing their opponents relying on brute force, thus they had naturally started to spend less effort when fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t mean to find faults in others affairs, but their current methods was excessively lethal for themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If they had spent more effort, they would probably have been able to fight me on equal ground. That’s how high their base spec was, yet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having neglected their training they were not real opponents for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was a margin of error allowed for me because they were weaker, and so all their attacks were easily defended against by my parrying. While this was happening I continued my attempt to persuade them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Usually when robbers are trying to murder you, you don’t manage to convince them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I was talking to them, while still being attacked, from the deep part of the dungeon a young looking [Magician] came out and cast a [Lightning]-based magic which was followed with a *bam* as soon as it struck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I didn’t collapse, but all the same I stumbled a step or two forward from the shock. The resulting damage was only to the degree that I felt quite sore.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though it looked like a small attack based on it’s size, I would’ve died from it if it weren’t for All-Elemental Resistance and Lightning Resistance, the power of it was so strong your head would evaporate without a trace.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, as expected. Since you’ve done this much, it can not be helped. My patience was already reaching its limits.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I sent a signal to Gobukichi-kun and the others who were hiding to commence their attack.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Apologizing to Returner in my mind, I cut off the retreat path of the adventurers by destroying a part of a mysterious opal corridor that made me want to remark “What is this, a royal palace?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And in order to attract their attention, I attacked from the front.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, although I originally thought the ability of the Spirit Stone Knife was only amusing, it actually turned out to be amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While the blade itself has absolutely no sharpness, since the materials used were Water Spirit Stones, water was being ejected from the blade with each slash. When I swung that thing a little seriously, the water coming out at high speed became a water blade, it cut the adventurer’s armor in half along with its contents while making a loud sound.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Awesome ! Awesome!” was what Gobumi-chan said following with a question about whether or not she could cut them in two with it, but I replied with a no because if there wasn’t any force behind it the water didn’t cut the opponent, it would only wet them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems like it was useless without suitable swinging speed, although it was still cool.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After killing all of the adventurers, we stripped the bodies and ate them. I took the upper portion while Gobukichi-kun and the others got to share the lower bodies. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected even among humans being an adventurer means you need to be on a considerably high level.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they had a lot of high-quality equipment, a fairly useful magic item was found. I ate it immediately of course. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What I ate were two different magic items; “Hermit’s Ring” and “Backpack Storage (Large) x6″ I stored the rest of the adventurers’ gear in my item box–when I tried to retrieve an item, a *pon* sound could be heard and the item appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The transfer item-like feature has given me a sense of nostalgia.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The ability allows me to store up to 1200 different items and the same-named items can be stacked up to 99 times each which is just cheating. Then Returner guided us to the entrance of the dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the deepest part of the cave, we found a hidden entrance which we collapsed, now there’s no other entrance here except the one Gobue-chan made. After we have collapsed that passage, there will be no way to enter this dungeon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Carbuncle guided us into the treasury, where we all saw it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were various valuable treasures; the previous adventurer’s equipment that we got our hands on looked dull compared to the vast number of powerful magic items here. Amidst this treasury crammed full of items, in the innermost part, was a mummy with a strange left arm shining in silver, enshrined in a throne.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Returner called this mummy its master. This probably means that it was Velvet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Returner’s time was about to run out and before that he wanted to tell us something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A wide variety of spirit stones could be gathered from the mines of our current home, it was the influence of this dungeon. Usually depending on the type of Spirit Stone it could found in a location that corresponds to their attribute —— places with good ventilation have Wind Spirit Stones, Fire Spirit Stones are found near hot places like volcanoes, Spirit Stones of different attributes aren’t usually found in one place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, because this dungeon was a place built by Velvet who excelled at handling spirits, somehow spirits who do not belong can remain here even now, and it’s possible to mine a wide variety of spirit stones because of the dungeon’s influence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As soon as he finished talking, as if having reached its end Returner showed a faint smile as he faded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">
 * Clink*, And only the jewel was left behind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After I picked it up I ate it. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For now, we gave a silent prayer dedicated to Returner.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so I took all the riches in the treasury. Really, the item box skill is amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I could afford to cram everything from the treasury, and I still had surplus space left. Yeah, it’s all thanks to the adventurer party from a while ago.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thinking that, only the mummified Velvet with the strange-looking left hand remained in the lonely temple and treasure chamber, as I thought, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him as he is, so after recovering the gem-encrusted throne, I cremated the mummy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Raising my face, I clapped my hands in prayer and said “namu”, and as the rumbling fire died out, only the strange-looking artificial hand, shining in silver, was left in its place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“What is this?”, I thought as I used [Appraisal]. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hm, is Velvet saying “I don’t need this any more, so I’m giving it to you” to me who had lost my left arm? I thought this as I picked it up at the elbow and brought it closer to my missing left arm. Somehow I was able to attach it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My impressions: It was incredibly painful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, somehow when I brought it close, the arm’s armor expanded and its metallic tentacles extended from its center and covered my left arm up to the shoulder. Then the tentacles did something that felt like it was eating my flesh, the pain was so intense that I almost blacked out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then after I had recovered from my screaming, my left arm had become Airgeatlámh up to the shoulder. The silver arm that was the size of a human’s when I picked it up should have been far too small for me who was an ogre, but somehow it had transformed into the same size as my right arm in both length and girth; it suited me well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This might be the effects of [Self-Evolution].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was no discomfort even when clenching and opening all five fingers. It didn’t feel weird at all.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, I could tell when I touched things with it, and when I tried hitting a wall I felt no pain at all. Even though I could accept having no sense of pain because it was a prosthetic arm, I wondered how it was able to transmit the sense of touch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was incapable of understanding it, and since I had no idea how abilities work in the first place, I wasn’t going to think too deeply about it for now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, the movement limitations of the elbow joint seemed to have outrageously wide range of motion, and here and there were all sorts of gimmicks. The wrist and fingers could be rotated like a drill, and I could move the elbow and the shoulder at angles impossible for the skeletal structure of an Ogre.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then I confirmed that I could properly use my abilities through the silver arm. I was able to spin thread from the sharp pointed fingertips without a problem.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, I had obtained an awfully good thing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though I could somehow manage with the slime finger, but as expected, having a solid basis made dealing with problems easier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, we returned to base and had a party. Since it’s the conclusion of a great battle, and among the things we got from the adventurer party —this is important—there were bottles of booze. If we’re not going to have one now then when are we going to have one?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is also for sending off the souls of Returner and Velvet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In Velvet’s case, maybe it didn’t matter because he died a long time ago, our worrying about it is because of the current atmosphere.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I explained the details gently and thoroughly to Redhead, Blacksmith-san and the others trying to get their consent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though I persisted in trying to persuade them, towards the greedy humans it was useless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But, yeah, booze is delicious!!

Day 38
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After ending morning practice, I went to Blacksmith-san to have the items we obtained yesterday appraised, classified and sorted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As expected of the legendary magician, almost every inheritance of Velvet are outrageous.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was still unable to identify many things, On the other hand, Blacksmith-san, being a member of the travelling merchants and having dealt with various equipment as a profession of [Blacksmith], has a high [Appraisal] ability. She easily assessed more information than I ever could have and then explained to me her findings and their meaning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although there seems to be many parts that still can’t be identified, but, it was really helpful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I then spent the rest of the day sorting through all the items.

Day 39
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After concluding the morning practice, and after thinking about what to do with the large amount of items we’ve obtained, but because I judged that to fully equip them would only lead to complacency, I decided to only give magical items to the ten hobgoblins–weapon and armor, and also stuff like magical rings to be versatile–and gave each goblin a max of two items.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And the equipment those hobgoblins previously used were passed down to those of a lower rank. In the end, the worst equipped member was using shell reinforced shield, leather armour and a short sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they have been practicing daily the group of goblins had reached an unfathomable high level, additionally both the quality and quantity of the equipment had increased, even if they don’t do a surprise attack with poisoned arrows and attacked enemies from the front, fighting against mid-level adventurers would still have a high chance of winning against, according to Gobujii.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I don’t know if it’s because of their competition for strength, but if the slightly lower rank goblins attack in a swarm then the adventurers would probably lose.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In my eyes, this group is without question currently the strongest army corps.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the afternoon I went out with all hobgoblins which numbered 10 in total, along with Redhead since she desperately wanted to join us, in order to hunt the previously mentioned Hind Bears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, my current main weapon is something I found in Velvet’s Treasure Room, a vermillion longspear named [Starving Impaler of A Thousand Thorn (Kazikli Bey)].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: It's the same spear he is holding on the Alphapolis Banner. The one that looks something used by a Ritual Monk. Kazikli Bey is Vlad the Impaler's Turkish nickname, the Vampire Dracula was based on him.] ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My armor is a long coat-type hard leather armor made from the Red Bear’s hide and the shells of Demon Spiders, and I am also wearing a pair of flexible red leather pants.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Usually on my flesh and blood right arm I have a black metal bracelet however, I’d quickly changed it to this sturdy hand protector that manifests its ability according to the intent of the wearer to increase physical strength –among other things– named [Fury of the Haughty King (Beowulf)].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The spear and the bracelet and the silver arm; all three are [Legendary] Class [Artifact]s.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yes, it might be late to start now, but I’ll briefly explain about [Artifact]s.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Artifact] is a word that inevitably appears when discussing items gotten from the few dungeons around the world termed [Ancient Dungeons] that are extremely dangerous yet unique places.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From what I can tell from viewing the item data of [Artifact]s, there’s an obvious difference in performance when compared to current magic items.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even for disposable potions, their effects can be more than two to three times as potent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">An [Artifact] Class health potion heals 60 hit points, while the commonly made version of health potions restore 25 hit points.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Something along those lines.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Blacksmith-san told me that it’s a system that distinguishes superior quality items based on criterions on what type of item class it is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Next I’ll talk about [Legendary] class items among other things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is something that shows an items rank.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Items are categorized accordingly into 7 ranks, starting from the weakest it’s [Inferior], [Normal], [Rare], [Unique], [Ancient], [Legendary] and [Phantasmal]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For example, the long sword with a nick in its blade that I got from the kobold, and the shell encased gigantic club that Gobukichi used before, are both the lowest class of items, Inferior, whilst the magic staff that Kobold Mage used, using this system would be ranked as a [Normal] Class.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The weapons that the adventurers we killed in Velvet’s dungeon used were mostly [Unique] Class, with a few [Ancient] Class weapons mixed in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In short, even for a high level adventurer party, getting ancient, legendary or [Phantasmal] Class items is quite rare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If I say that a small country’s treasury probably doesn’t have items above [Unique] Class, does that make it easier to imagine how rare the higher class items are?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Or perhaps I should say, to begin with, [Ancient] Class magic items are mostly all at least [Artifact] level.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why people are so desperate to dive into these old ruins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I digress, but apparently when ancient dungeons are surrounded by castle walls, labyrinth towns can pop up around them, and so on. It sounds fun, so I might try diving into one of these sometime.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The fact that my red spear, bracelet and silver arm are all [Legendary] Class items is proof of how powerful Velvet was when he was alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because the act of finding even one legendary item is enough to shake countries, I cannot help but think that he was truly someone worth respecting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As to obtaining the highest class of [Phantasmal] Class items, it’s unimaginable so I let the matter drop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I have far too little information on that subject, so I don’t really know.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Getting back to the original topic, the Hind Bear hunt was completed without a hitch..

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Hind Bears are certainly strong, however now that we were equipped with magic weapons and were capable of group tactics, so the Hind Bears are certainly formidable enemies but not something that will stop us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The bracelet, red spear and silver arms abilities were beyond cheating, without even having to use my abilities, to stand in the front exchanging blows and killing were mainly the reasons, but my presence this time is in the end supposed to be nothing more than support.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why I equipped Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan and the rest with high quality magical items, and to exercise the strength of the hobgoblins is the main reason for today’s hunt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This time the main purpose of the hunt is to raise the level of the participants.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, bear stew is incredibly tasty!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, because of the recent problems, I want to drink more booze so much that I can’t stand it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Booze…I want some Booze…

Day 41-50
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Warning <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Parts of this chapter consist scenes with extreme violence and/or sexual content. Reader discretion is advised. ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Chapter 5 : Day 41 to Day 50

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 41

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As the early morning sun rose, I went out alone, searching for prey that I have never eaten before in places that I have not yet visited—I was walking in the blank area of my mental map that I decided to call the Unexplored Zone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The opportunities to take charge of the morning training have been getting fewer, and it has reached the point where Gobukichi-kun can take over when I’m not present.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In other words, I now have free time in the mornings.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having no one to spar with, the amount of free time I have is fairly large.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though it would be problematic if something were to happen, like someone getting hurt for instance. For the time being, I had thought of a good alternative by spending time doing basic training, making sleeping bags or working on the unfinished clothes and armor. Unfortunately, both the clothes and armour as well as the sleeping bags made of shells have already been distributed, so my ingenious plan was now gone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Which led me to decide that, for now, finding new abilities would be a worthwhile endeavor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The first prey for today was a 2 meter-class “Argiope (Tentative Name)” with a distinctive carapace which had an enchanting, golden color.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Making a rustling sound when moving, the spider was capable of quick movement and the thread it shot out recklessly was both strong and abundant in volume. Its golden carapace was so much tougher that it couldn’t be compared to that of the Demon Spider.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was struggling with those three threats, but I retaliated with threads of my own, burned it with my fire and finally succeeded in bringing it down by piercing through the Argiope’s carapace with my silver arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When the spider finally died, I stripped the expensive looking carapace since it could be used for trading and crafting then ate the rest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I found and ate eight of these guys in total. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a result, the abilities that I learned increased my personal defense and the strength of my threads.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This ability makes extremely beautiful threads—and the ability’s name, does it refer to the golden colour or that the thread itself is real gold?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s quite flashy—so I thought that I could give Gobumi-chan and Redhead a present using this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, I doubt that making golden clothes with this thread would be in good taste, so it’s probably better if I make some ethnic accessories like the ones I made Gobumi-chan earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My next prey was a Four-Eyed, Four-Eared Red Deer (Tentative Name)sporting a pair of antlers that looked like they were made of Rose Quartz.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It appears that the Red Deer had a wild temperament. The two sharp and beautiful antlers sat on its head, thrusting into the trees in its way, shredding them like a drill, but I pinned its head down using the indestructible silver arm and injected it with poison from my fingertips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Red Deer began foaming at its mouth and died within four seconds.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Apart from the antlers that looked like they would sell at a high price because of their beauty, the rest of its fine pelt, that showed no obvious damage, seemed like it would be useful, so I quickly skinned it and threw it together with the antlers into my Item Box, after that I ate its flesh.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Unfortunately, I could not secure any abilities, but after eating two or three there was something of a reaction not unlike learning a new skill, because I was able to strengthen my body, so let’s say it turned out ok.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I found a beautiful woman, “Dryad (Tentative Name)”, who lived within the woods. However, I didn’t kill the nearly-naked girl who had a Greek-like appearance and extraordinary proportions that appeared in front of me, so yeah, I had second thoughts about eating her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For now, let’s just say that having experienced all sorts of things, my [Libido] finally flourished. As I am now, there might be no problem even if I didn’t but it seems like Dryad-san had the racial characteristic ability Absorption, so I tried to counter it by using my tireless [Libido].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was a very sweet time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, she leaned onto me and sweetly whispered “Come again~” near my ear, it was extremely sexy the way her coy expression was directed at me. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, it was like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I parted with Dryad-san and walked back up again, I found a medium sized river. When, for no particular reason, I followed the river upstream, I discovered a large waterfall. I then decided to wash off my body in the small lake underneath it; my body was drenched with sweat and emitting a unique odor from doing the deed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I took off my clothing to swim in the decent size lake, where I was surrounded by green scaled Lizardmen who approached while staying underwater.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That I was too negligent was also a factor but, with my current level of [Presence Sensor], apparently if the enemy is in water the reaction will be slightly slower.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Becoming aware of their presence now was pure luck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of this, I finally became aware that I was having an encounter with strong enemies that I couldn’t face head-on. I was getting chills in my spine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, past events aside, I immediately refocused my thoughts. Based on their appearance, I decided to call the Lizardmen in front of me “Green Lizards (Tentative Name)”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Green Lizards each held a refurbished falchion—a sword that had a curved edge and a straight back—as a weapon. Also, they each had a buckler similar to a round shield that seemed usable even though they were obviously a little damaged.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Unlike Orcs or Kobolds, they were not wearing any leather or metal armor, at best, they were only wearing light clothes made of thick cloth to cover their groins.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Green Lizards had no armor. But, the green scales packed together covering their entire bodies may be no different from armor, perhaps they are more effective than they seem, and I cannot make light of their attacks from my blind spot using their long and thick tails.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I should consider the tail a third arm. And since the tails were underwater, they represent an additional danger since it’s hard to spot them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were eight Green Lizards, which is a lot, and they seemed to be used to hunting in groups.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, they were pointlessly flashing their long tongues and falchions making incomprehensible noises like “hyacchahecchizo~ go~gyakutterowigya~ janbettenbachurua~”, but I could read the atmosphere that was filled with killing intent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because this hunt was a solo action to get used to my silver arm and confirm its abilities, I had no assistance from allies. They also had another advantage due to the fact that my lower body was restrained by being underwater. Perhaps they were thinking “Even if it’s an ogre, we can kill it.” —which reminds me, come to think of it, although it’s a little late, Gobujii never mentioned about the existence of [Rare Variants]. I’ll ask him when I have the chance—, yeah, there’s no question about it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With my overlapping abilities active, I made my move.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With the bottom half of my body still in the water, I can propel myself easily by using [Hydro Hand], in the first place, my leg strength which was strengthened by overlapping my abilities had allowed me to move quickly in the water despite receiving heavy water resistance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gained an explosive burst of speed by controlling the water and, along with the help of the current, I was able to stomp the enemy deeply in the chest in an instant. I made a fist with both arms and, with more force than usual, fed them to the Green Lizard.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Green Lizard reacted well, using its buckler to guard against the first strike of my silver arm at the last moment, but the buckler shattered uselessly in the blink of an eye and a life was crushed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The blow from my silver arm sent the Green Lizard’s arm along with its buckler flying in pieces, without losing momentum I struck its body. The body fared no better than the arm, with scales crushed, flesh torn, and bones broken, all of which are results of the silver arm having penetrated through them in its path.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally, my flesh and blood fist was stopped after crushing the scales, bruising the flesh and breaking the bones. It was a magnificent blow, but it was incomparably weaker than the silver arm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I’d say it’s to be expected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Repeatedly striking and occasionally kicking, it didn’t even take 30 seconds to kill the Green Lizards. I had caught the ones trying to escape with my thread and lightning earlier, so I didn’t unexpectedly lose any weakened prey.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After killing the Green Lizards, I put their armaments in the item box, and since their bodies are difficult to cut apart, I ate them whole. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Green Lizard’s flesh and bone had an unusual taste and consistency, It was rather delicious.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Wanting to eat some more, but unable to find any more Lizards nearby, I gave up for now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I walked toward the Unexplored Zone of my mental map that was automatically created by my [Mental Mapping] ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After walking a little while I came out of the forest, from there I found a large expanse of grassland.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was the first time since my reincarnation that I saw something other than forests, mountains or rivers. The blowing wind was pleasant.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I was having such light thoughts, I found a cow charging towards me. I decided to name the human-faced cow with two sharp horns “Bicorn”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“For the straight on charging Bicorn, I’d use nothing less than the Jolt Counter!!” while thinking that, I hit it head on with my silver arm, and it sank all the way to the elbow and left the Bicorn as a splattered corpse.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Jolt Counter reference to Hajime no Ippo.] <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, today I had enough confirmation of the silver arm’s usefulness. No matter how many times I thank Velvet, who I got the silver arm from, it wouldn’t be enough.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Namu”. I offered a prayer for him again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was only one Bicorn and although I ate it until I became round, I didn’t gain any abilities, but I was satisfied with having yakiniku by myself on top of having my body strengthened. Furthermore, the Bicorn’s entire body tasted delicious.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I decided to hold a yakiniku party with everyone using the Bicorn I killed as soon as I got back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, since it was just the right time, I hunted some Night Vipers as a souvenir, came home, ate, and then slept.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 42

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Among my five Hobgoblin minions, I identified two who were suitable to become mages.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I immediately transferred them from my direct command to Hobusei-san’s «Magician» corps in order to have them begin training.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I accompanied them out of curiousity, I discovered that Hobusei-san had scores of magic-related books in her bedroom. From what I heard, it seems that each of them had been laboriously collected from the plundered goods until now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hearing her story, it seems that even Hobusei-san didn’t start off knowing three systems of magic like she does now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Individuals with magical aptitude had the spell for the basic magic system best suited for themselves—for me it was [End], for Hobusei-san it seemed to be [Fire]—inscribed in their head, like I was, and when their level increased, they gained additional spells, but only superior versions of the spells they had in the beginning; they cannot handle spells for other magical systems.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was to be expected, since they wouldn’t have known the key spells.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, as a result of studying from the books she gathered, Hobusei-san had expanded the range of magical systems she can use. She was such a hard-worker.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, it seemed that Hobusei-san was happy because this is the first time she had apprentices, so her mood was at an all time high to teach the two hobgoblins the fundamentals of magic, and I got myself some books and laid down to read so I didn’t hinder their training.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Hm hm, ooh, I see~”, I said as I studied ways of handling other magic systems, like [Fire] system magic, [Water] system magic, besides the [End] magic I had been using up to now for creating impressively destructive lances.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, it appears that the [Origin] attribute that I possess is convenient since it allows me to immediately make use of other magic systems. Having bad affinity with a magic system and only being able to bring out half the power or not being able to use it at all etc, others will, without exception, have problems, but I can do it easily. It also seems to strengthen my memory, so yeah, it makes it easy for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, putting minor details aside, since I can use it now I’m not going to complain. [Pyrokinesis] and [Electro master] are probably better, because there is an advantage in being able to use them without signs unlike Magic, it may be pointless to remember the spells.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still, it was no problem since having a wide range of usable magic is not a bad thing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After about three hours had passed, I picked up a new book from Hobusei-san’s collection and started reading it, I have finally found a use for my skill [Job-Enchanter].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well you see, [Job-Bishop] is slightly different from [Job-Druid] but there were many similar portions so I quickly became able to use it, but [Job-Enchanter] is completely different when compared to [Job-Magician] so I couldn’t skillfully use it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That was why I had halfway neglected it until now.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh, that’s right.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[Magician] is fundamentally a technique that releases something into the open, while [Enchanter] is an art that intervenes with materials.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, that’s how it is, while magicians can do things similar to enchanters like strengthening materials, leaving the issue of support aside, a magician’s enchants are much weaker than an enchanters, in exchange, enchanters are completely useless in combat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, for now I think I’d better treat it differently to magic.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Leaving aside the hard part for a while, for now I can use the skill [Enchanter]. Since she had previous experience, I went to Blacksmith-san.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As soon as she saw my face she pouted a little which made me slightly confused, then she let me practice using various things that she had made.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I enchanted knives made from purified spirit stones and ones made from iron.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a result, the knives made from Fire Spirit Stones could shoot out stronger fire, the ones made from Water Spirit Stones could spout more water, while the Iron Knives’ strength and sharpness increased drastically.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, I was surprised at how easy [Enchanter] was to use. You can make powerful weapons comparatively easier, than making them the non-magical way.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, behind the scenes there were numerous prototypes that were smashed up because of failed enchantments…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The success rate is low if the enchanter isn’t too familiar with enchanting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then this and that happened, time passed, I went hunting, ate, and then slept.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 43

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobumi-chan looks moody lately. It started around two days ago, I first noticed it when I returned from solo-hunting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Why is it? I asked Gobukichi-kun about this and he just tilted his head saying he doesn’t know, when I consulted with Gobue-chan about this she told me that I know what I did, and as I asked Hobusato-san and Hobusei-san they just said “How nice to be young~” and such, in the end everyone evaded my question.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I went to Redhead since I really don’t know why, she cutely puffed her cheeks and turned away. I was also told by Blacksmith-san that she was a little moody when I went to her place, “I’ve also been wondering about that since yesterday, Why?” as soon as I asked her this, she showed a shocked and slightly angry expression on her face and went somewhere.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While feeling worried, I tried going to the sisters’ place, they forcibly fed me something with a little poison mixed in saying, “This is a prototype, please enjoy.” Without any emotion, when I tried eating it, it tasted delicious—just to remind you, poison won’t work on me—so I surprised them by telling them to make it again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I wonder why?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Getting really stressed about it, I went to Alchemist-san and told her what I felt, she told me the reason while she was still looking shocked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So yeah, it seems like the cause of it was jealousy. Well, when I had the affair with Dryad-san, she left a hickey on my neck and when they noticed it, they got upset.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it was harmless I didn’t really mind it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So that’s why, having solved the reason I nodded but Alchemist-san suddenly hugged me tightly and greedily gave me a deep kiss.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Passionately, our tongues entwined— wait what, we are exchanging saliva?! While I was thinking, after a while I was released.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“This is my thanks for saving me and my feelings for you.” was what she said, I replied “Is that so?” nodding, she looks at me for a moment, with teary eyes and quivering lips, losing her balance I held her close, and thinking what if I also touched here, I got in the mood and the situation escalated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So as not to harm her, I lovingly embraced her body and as soon as we started flirting in a concealing manner, Gobumi-chan stormed in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I looked like a husband caught having an affair in the way I panicked, but surprisingly I got embraced instead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then she said “Do it with me too!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Compared to when she was a Goblin, as soon as she turned into a hobgoblin she became really cute so my feelings for her wouldn’t be a problem, as soon as I was about to do this and that, intruders came in one after another!!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I don’t want to explain what exactly happened next, truthfully I can’t do that however; Blacksmith-san, Redhead and the sisters who intruded have decided to spend the night together in an orgy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using [Metamorphosis] and [Self-Body Fluid Control] was a big success. Not even in my dreams did I imagine that I would use my own twisting tentacle-like things this way since my reincarnation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And I didn’t think I would use it on so many individuals at once.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I didn’t expect I could use [Self Body-Fluid control] to turn my body fluid into an aphrodisiac.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, I sealed off all the exits of the room with my threads in order to prevent the other goblins from peeping, and used [Aero Master] to possibly prevent the voices from leaking out of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My thoughts:

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, it was a satisfying night that felt awfully good.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s just that, because of my overwhelming stamina, I did not feel any weaker no matter how many times I came, on top of that, it was so strong that if I hadn’t used my [Metamorphosis] I would have broken them for sure.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Nevertheless, it was very intense”, I thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I now have important people to protect.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hmm.. I really didn’t plan any of this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, it can’t be helped. There’s no doubt I am happy with this.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 44

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I felt something with my [Presence Sensor].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because the ability’s level had increased recently, its species name—though it’s only the Tentative name I gave them—will be displayed if I had met it once, if I knew their real name, then that name will be displayed. Furthermore, it will indicate whether it’s an ally or an enemy. It was a handy ability.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Based on that, it seems that the ones coming over are Gobukichi-kun and two of his subordinates, I started to get up wondering if something happened, then I became aware of the beings lying down cuddling me tightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I couldn’t bring myself to wake the girls who were sleeping soundly due to the fatigue from last night’s intense orgy, I slipped through using [Metamorphosis] to prevent waking them up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then I exited the room made from thread and had a talk with Gobukichi-kun. According to their story, it seems that three long-eared humanoids had come strutting into the cave’s entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Whether to attack and kill them or invite them into the cave was an important decision that needed to be made by me who was the top. Because they couldn’t make a decision yet, they had the strangers wait outside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This was a good idea, the result of their education bearing fruit. If it was before, they wouldn’t have thought twice before attacking them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For now I took out a bottle (filled with water from the lake the other day) from my [Item Box], I quickly washed myself with the water inside to give myself the minimum presentable appearance and then went to meet them, they were “Elves (Tentative Name)” consisting of one man and two armed women who looked like his escorts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The three had fairly good looks, both the man’s ceremonial dress and the two women’s light metal armor were superior quality products. Taste and other things aside, it was easy to guess their respective social status.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Judging from their appearance, the rapiers hanging from the hips of the two women in the back were [Rare] class magic items, other than that they also had ring-type and bracelet-type magic items, all of them [Rare] class.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Unless you have the appropriate social status, collecting equipment of this quality is impossible.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally, although I thought “The adventurers last time had some nice equipment huh?”, most of their high quality equipment are goods looted from dungeons, for that reason, it is inevitable that for high level adventurers, their equipment is also of high quality.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But for those who don’t venture inside dungeons, it’s necessary to do so through financial power, that’s how it is.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, their fairly high-handed attitude is one of the main factors. Well, this was perhaps a racial trait.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While suppressing violent remarks like “For someone who came along without making any appointments, they sure act self-important, let’s tear them apart and eat them.” in my heart, I asked for the reason for the visit, it seems that we fell under their jurisdiction blah blah blah.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Putting in order what they said over the long chat, it seems that the main point was that they wanted me and my followers to become their subordinates—which appears to mean their slaves, by the way they speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, “There is news in support of the fact that the inferior humans are preparing an attack soon aimed at getting the Elves’ treasure, and to make some preparation, we wanted some strong pawns”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They concluded that I, who had killed the original Lord of the Mountain “Red Bear”—it seemed to have become a rumor lately. Well, a black Ogre wearing armor made of Red Bear fur would stand out—who had in turn preyed on the elven hunters, was the one most suitable.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reward they offered was a large amount of food to be shared among the goblins, and a [Unique] Class magic item or two elven beauties for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This, is an exceptional reward for an ogre (or so it seems. According to Gobujii anyways).

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Buying a [Unique] class magic item, even the worst of them, would cost over 10 million gold. And of course, the price varies by a lot depending on its abilities. It seems some are items that are worth more than 30 million gold.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reward isn’t an [Artifact] as was expected, but it is still very expensive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The two elven maiden I saw in front of me, they were very beautiful. It’s bad of me to say this, but they were certainly more beautiful than the Redhead and co. Personal preference aside, beauty is merely in the eye of the beholder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was somewhat surprised by their reward, but it isn’t hard to see from the fact that they were willing to offer this much that they were at their wits’ end. While on the surface they seem to show composure, perhaps they would lose greatly when it comes to fighting strength. Really, this is just another typical story.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, the elven royalty would be enslaved, this was no laughing matter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Violence is surely about numbers. Even with individuals with overwhelming power, there is too much precedent in stories where they would soon be crushed by the masses.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I would’ve gotten on board with this story if it was a few days ago, but because we had already inherited better quality and stronger magic items from Velvet, my heart wasn’t moved.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s a shame about the two elven girls, but well, I’m telling this now, I have no need for spies or traitors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While appearance is of course valuable, but for interaction in the long term, it’s what’s inside that’s truly important.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the end, I clearly refused the Elves’ offer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Leaving out the official reason, I concluded the matter by saying “Why should I care about your situation.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The inferior humans blah blah blah were of no concern to me and I had different interests and ideas, so I’m having no part of any conflict that breaks out. But regardless of the war’s goodness or evilness, it’s certainly convenient for me because it would be a good opportunity to obtain a lot of abilities, and the rewards weren’t bad, either.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They had lots of quality goods, there were only a few drawbacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But being unilaterally ordered around with such an obvious condescending attitude, who wouldn’t hate it? All the more if the job involves risking one’s life. I wanted to shout out loud and clear “Show us some sincerity!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“At the least, you could humbly get out”, I warned internally, though without any particular meaning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A few seconds after, the elven male’s face changed into a stupid expression. Apparently thinking he wouldn’t be refused. Using metaphors to call us fools, thinking that I wouldn’t notice — a common ogre has muscle for a brain, thinking I am the same. Maybe. —with an unforgettable condescending look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Restarting —passing what would be a fatal amount of time on the battlefield — from the beginning, putting into order what he’d seen and heard to understand their meanings, the elven male turned red from anger, before he can say anything I glared at him silently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I overlapped the activation of [Snake's Evil Eye], [Intimidating Glare], and then [Intimidation of the Strong], they worked perfectly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, it’s unexpected that you wouldn’t be able to breathe until I released [Intimidation of the Strong].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Finally able to breathe at last, his face paled from the terror causing me to smirk, further scaring him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of an ogre’s scary face. And other things.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Making him this nervous gave me a feeling of satisfaction. I then grabbed the elven male by the neck with my silver arm and yanked him, quickly moving into the escorts’ line of sight, I dragged the elf by ear into his hidden escorts’ view and ordered them to lower their bows. An arrow flew toward my face at the same moment, which I stopped by grabbing it with my mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I made some crunching sounds as I ate the arrow, I gave them a gaze that told them that if they had anymore reaction I would shred his neck. Well, I merely flashed a grin and smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They called out to me with a somewhat weak voice, but I just ignored them saying “Yeah, yeah, is that so”, while tightening my grip to send them a message. I smiled again at the male elf who was giving orders loudly while in a state of confusion, and confirmed that the escorts who concealed themselves and aimed their arrows at me did as ordered by overlapping my [Enlarged Field of Vision] and [Predict], then, without releasing him, I slowly warned the elf in his ear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“I don’t feel like taking part in your ‘request’ so I’m rejecting it this time, but well, if it’s about your home being invaded by humans, then I won’t be reluctant to cooperate. Since we live in the same forest after all, I’ll go deal with it accordingly. I’ve decided to do this much.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“But, if you’re thinking of some kind of revenge for this and any of my subordinates or important people get injured, you’re getting eaten. You and all your allies will be killed and eaten.”, using [Intimidation of the Strong] once again, I drilled this into their heads.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then to make it clear that I was capable of that much violence I took out [Kazikli Bey] from my Item Box, stabbed the ground with the red lance, and used the [Army of Blood-dyed Crimson Spears(Tepes)] ability contained within.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N : Tepes is the Romanian version of his Turkish nickname, it means "impaler" or "spike".] <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By doing this, red lances suddenly appeared in front of the eyes of all the Elves that came today. Even the ones that should have been hidden.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After displaying my abilities, the looks on the Elves’ faces changed, while seeing them off scurrying back home, I looked at the red lance in my hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t understand the theory, but I can make red spears appear on anything stabbed by this Kazikli Bey and everything within a radius of 100 meters from the point it was stabbed into. This is only the second time I’ve used this ability, but having red spears come out of the ground and trees felt a bit surreal.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, its sharpness and length are good, it’s convenient for me who is an Ogre to use, there isn’t any dissatisfaction because it’s an optimal tactical weapon that specializes in “piercing and stabbing”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, there are many magical items that can be capable of this and more, this world is really difficult to understand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the contents of my little chat with the Redhead and company, if I think of it as a fantasy world where I made an inkling of progress, it’s obvious with the existence of such unreasonable bundles and overtechnology, this world is seriously twisted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Some say that [Artifacts] are relics of gods, but I still feel it’s completely out of balance with the current civilizations.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Setting that aside for now, by having done this much, I doubt they will even consider revenge. It is unlikely, but it’s difficult to say there’s zero percent probability. So let’s just think about it when it happens.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh, yeah.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition, the elven male whom I threatened is one of the candidates for the next clan chief, it seems very fitting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Village of Elves is deep inside the Unexplored Zone that has yet to be mapped. Now going to see it this time might be interesting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was able to guess and infer their meaning to some extent with [Orc Language].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It is a convenient ability to use with races whose way of speaking is greatly different from ours like Green Lizards, but there are races of humanoids who understand similar languages like ogres, goblins and humans, even if I didn’t have it, it’s still somehow possible to have a conversation with them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That was how I understood the Elves’ speech. I still didn’t have the language ability since I haven’t eaten any elf yet, though I manage to communicate. But it would certainly be easier with it, yeah, the ability would help with understanding the peculiarity of their words — namely their meaning within their dialect.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For example [Great] turns into <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> [tiring] and [Scary] turns into <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> [tiring]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, that kind of feeling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After chasing the Elves away, I went hunting as usual, tonight will also be hot and intense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 45

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Early morning, today I wandered through the forest alone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Going to the Unexplored Zone of my mental map, I discovered a Gray Slime (Tentative Name) that looked like a superior subspecies of green slime. The reason why its tentative name is this way was because of its gray color, it’s size is twice that of the first Green Slime I met, the overall speed of its movement and twisting tentacles is different, and so is the digestive power of its bodily liquids as they scatter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As soon as I fought it, I realized it was quite tough compared to Green slimes. More like, it is somewhat strange.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Finally remembering that they are the same, I attacked it with a fire-based magic but the first strike wasn’t very effective since it didn’t die, “Then how about [Pyrokinesis]?” when I tried it out while thinking of this, it died pretty easily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From this fact, it seems like the Gray Slimes are resistant to certain fire-based magic. I picked up the gray nucleus that was rolling and placed it in my item box, then I proceeded to search for more Gray Slimes. Wonder what kind characteristics they have, further investigation is needed was what I said to myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After about an hour, I had roughly hunted 20 Gray Slimes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As things turn out, I can’t use any of the magic systems against Gray Slimes effectively aside from [End].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Based on that, not only fire-based magic but Gray Slimes are resistant to magic itself, unless it’s at a certain level, anything below that would be neutralized. Also, if you add up its ability to nullify physical attacks it would work perfectly together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The basic slime ability [Physical Damage Reduction] that can significantly reduce or nullify direct physical attacks below certain levels, and slime species are supposed to be weak against magic but these guys gained a little resistance toward it. With its decent speed and high digestive power, a normal enemy became a formidable opponent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though it’s weird, I wonder why they die so quickly when I use [Pyrokinesis]‘ flames and [Electro Master]‘s lightning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Are they not considered magic? I’m oblivious on that subject, I couldn’t really understand the “Essential facts/ Ways of killing”, so it doesn’t really matter since I don’t care.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I took 20 pieces of the gray nucleus in the item box and ate them all at once. The candy-like nucleus is about 5cm in diameter. Though it is tasteless, it really feels like candy just by popping it into my mouth and rolling it around. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems like the ability I got from the Gray Slime wasn’t [Physical Damage Reduction] but a superior version named [Physical Damage Resistance]. I was convinced, it looked strong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, it seems like a slime would multiply by increasing its volume to some extent and it would divide itself into two. No, I was able to understand this as soon as I learned [Self-replication].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I bit my finger and let the blood flow, soon after the blood began twisting and wriggling, I created a crimson colored mini version of me. And it seems like me and my little self are connected to each other to some degree since the ability name is [Self-Replication], I can share both my thoughts and vision with it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I shared vision with the mini-me who I can see in my field of vision, while the original me can be seen in mini-me’s field of vision view, it was a bizarre situation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The feeling of the skin and sense of touch may be impossible to share as expected, but it’s a good ability since it’s so convenient, even I think it’s foul play.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s not a kind of ability that could be demonstrated immediately, give it enough time to multiply and its usefulness would be shown. It can be used to gather intelligence or to determine the battle strength easily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The materials seems to be my blood, though it’s easy to replenish it since I can suck blood from others.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To end it on a good note, I went hunting and ate animals such as Demon Spider, Argiope and the Triple-Horned Horse.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 46

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Instead of hunting today, I planned to make presents for Gobumi-chan, Redhead, Alchemist-san, Blacksmith-san, and the Sisters.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Not armor, but rather cute clothes for travelling would be good is what I thought, I will measure their sizes for the time being. Though I may have already seen every corner of their bodies, I could only roughly guess their size, I really don’t know their exact sizes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It shouldn’t be too flashy as to attract dirty looks from travelers when going into town, but I think the design shouldn’t be too modest either. It needs to be able to provide protection in case something happens, so I knitted a beautiful cloth (with prior loot) with normal thread.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And in addition in case something happens I would secretly make a small clone of myself with my blood and permeate it at the back, so that it would notify me in case of emergencies. If it comes to it, they could work as diversions before I arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I made some clothing with threads and replication which have higher defense compared to the inferior armours from before, feeling that they are a little lonely, I made some bracelets and accessories with the Red Deer’s Rose Quartz antlers and Demon Spider’s carapace as material. They aren’t exactly regal, but they are beautiful nonetheless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They were delighted, seeing them made the effort spent well worth it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That night, everyone was a little intense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards Gobumi and Redhead wore the clothes everyday during hunting or training, though I think they should stop it. Since it may tear the clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I think it would be alright.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 47

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I woke up as usual, from that moment my [Intuition] sprung into action.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s whispering to me that I should stay in the cave hiding myself quietly, and that if I move I’ll regret it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I activated [Hiding] that got boosted from [Job-Assassin] and [Hide Presence] at the same time as I headed toward the back of the cave where Blacksmith-san, the sisters, Alchemist-san and so forth were had made themselves at home.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I relaxed, lately it has become my hobby to fill in the unexplored area in my mental map, yesterday I created a replicate of me out of my flesh and blood that stood to my waist — overall ability is halved, because it behaves in a certain way, it also has some free will — and sent it out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This replica had the ability [Infused Liquid Restoration] that I secured from the Grey Slime, which is an ability that makes it so that if it receives limb damage or gets pierced by something it can to a certain degree restore itself by absorbing the necessary amount of water, which is why I tried making it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Its current combat ability is rather low compared to (the original) me, but it is still strong to a reasonable degree, so it won’t get killed. It can also run fast.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using [Metamorphosis], the replica changed its appearance to that of a large wolf and sprinted outside, after seeing it off, I went back inside as planned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I assigned some goblins of my generation from the logistical support group «Patri» to assist Blacksmith-san because it would be inconvenient all by herself, having considered making new cookery for the sisters’ place, and having analyzed the old medicine that for some reason hadn’t degraded at all which we secured from Velvet’s inheritance at Alchemist-san’s place. After having done all these things, time passed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then it happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Basically, the place where Gobukichi-kun and the others were practicing is directly linked to the cave’s entrance, it’s a place called the Great Hall. It had the largest space within the dwelling, here Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan, Redhead, and the others were hard at practice, wielding wooden swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At that time my [Presence Sensor] detected some enemy contacts approaching the entrance. The species name on display was “Elf”. Furthermore, the name of the Elf male I drove out the other day was mixed in among them. Even I didn’t expect that they would turn up this early.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hurriedly I called the goblins inside and made preparations. Luckily, since they were already in the middle of training, they already had their equipment on, so they finished preparing in just a short time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After a simple inspection of the equipment, we hid oursElves in the trenches we made beforehand near the Great Hall, because of that, we simply waited in place where it’s easy to spring a surprise attack against the invading Elves. I had Gobue-chan continue mining for the time being, the sound of her mining that can be heard throughout the cave will be used for cover.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A short time later, the armed group of Elves entered the cave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobgoblins like Gobukichi-kun notwithstanding, for the Goblins as they were to win against the twenty five quiet and swift yet bloodlust Elves armed with specialized weapons, even when facing them three to one, these are hard to deal with enemies it seems.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The mood was already full of hostile intent, but still, I first need to capture them and hear their story.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Alone, I flew out from behind cover while using my [Intimidating Roar] and [Scaled Horse's Neigh] together loudly and made them flinch, furthermore I immediately activated [Intimidating Glare] and [Snake's Evil Eye] which gave me the chance to capture them with my threads.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After lining up the captured Elves, I beat up the elf who was the next clan chief (and other titles of no concern)’s face with my red spear while I had a small talk with them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, I seemed to have deeply injured his pride.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because two days had passed, his fear of me had faded a little bit, once he was able to think a little clearly, he decided that he had no choice but to kill the one who looked down on them thinking, “Why does a noble Elf such as me blablabla…, if I’m not afraid of the likes of the ogre this and that…”, so he took along elite level Elves from among his subordinates, allowed himself to be controlled by his emotions and attacked, and as a result, they arrived at the current predicament of having had the tables turned on them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I pity the Elves for working under such a boss. The two female Elves from the other day also hung their heads before my eyes. I was a little curious and tried to speak to them, but they refused to listen.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The damage the subordinates had to bear for the sake of an incompetent boss struck a chord with me, so as expected, killing them as they were did not sit well with me, and I did the following more or less out of sympathy. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That was the gist of it.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Give up on the next clan chief candidate Elf, he’s dead.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Fight in a mock battle with Goblins and Hobgoblins other than me, without killing your opponent, make them faint or otherwise make them incapable of fighting. If you succeed at this you win.
 * 1) <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If you win the mock battle, you won’t get killed, if you lose, you get killed and eaten.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I finished explaining, I untied the threads for all of them except for the next clan chief candidate Elf male.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I did that, one highly loyal Elf tried to kill me, but I broke his chin with a hook and gave him a concussion, I then grabbed the unsteadily moving Elf by his head and shoulders, and killed him by twisting his neck until it broke.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I told Redhead, Blacksmith, and the others to stay inside until I come back, then devoured the fresh corpse, heart and all. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Elves didn’t stop trembling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because their bodies were frozen in fear, I said “The fight with the humans is close, and yet you’re fine with dying unseemly deaths in this kind of place? Don’t you want to live?”, to put some fighting spirit in them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Those were my own words, and yet they sounded shameless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But still, for now it had an effect, everyone became motivated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then, the mock battle began.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The final result, of the 23 people who participated in the mock battle, only 17 people survived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I had no choice but to say my condolences to the people who got Gobukichi-kun, Gobumi-chan, and Hobusato-san. Of the ordinary Elves and hobgoblins it’d usually end up with Elves winning nine out of ten times, but the strength of Gobukichi-kun and the others who have continued to train already greatly surpassed that of an average hobgoblin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though it’s regrettable for the defeated who beg for their lives, there’s no such thing as mercy for those who come to kill us, I killed them after saying that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s a pity, but this is war. Besides, it was the other side that pulled the trigger first. There’s no need for sympathy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The six who lost — — all were male. No, it became that way after I rigged the matches because intentionally killing a beautiful woman or girl is unpleasant—— were all delicious. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I finished eating the losers, I turned around to the winning Elves who were staring blankly in a dazed state, after putting all their equipped magical items in one place, I tied them up with thread again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They screamed that they weren’t released, but I declared that I didn’t particularly say they’d be “released”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Only that you wouldn’t be killed, I couldn’t know if they misunderstood being released. Although I help those who are one-sidedly oppressed such as Redhead, I won’t be a hypocrite and have an ounce of mercy for the “Enemy” that has attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This mercy is “Not killing”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s how it is… Breaking it down there are ten men and seven women, let’s cooperate to increase the number. Oh, I said I hated doing it by force before, and I will never do it by force. It’s true.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But I administer the stimulant made from my body fluids to all of them, I had them thrown in jail and gave a strict order that they shall not be touched unless they wanted to be touched themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because they may relieve each other in the same room, they were placed in their own separate prison cell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though the male Elves can’t bear any children, well, they could still be used for relieving one’s libido. They look good anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But geez, I’m rather grateful for their timing. The goblins of the same generation as me, and the older goblins could no longer be satisfied with just the female goblins, and a lot of stress has accumulated. Because of the harsh training we’ve had until now, they’ve somehow been distracted from this issue, but they’ve gotten used to the training so their limit is fast approaching.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why I am grateful for this.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">… Are you saying I’m acting like a villain? Nope, it’s troubling me that you’ve gotten the wrong idea. In the first place, it was the other side who started it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They had lost as a result of trying to kill us, and yet you tell us, who were attacked, to release the prisoners peacefully? That’s just not possible. We were unreasonably attacked, so if we strike them back there’s no way that would count as being villains.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We didn’t even have rules regarding prisoners of war to begin with, so even doing things like this is no problem. What one does with them is a question for them based on their own feelings.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, although it’s me saying this about myself, let me say it first. I still believe I made the rules relatively fair, in which I did.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At such a sight, the Elf ringleader began to say something, but I ignored him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After the 17 Elves had been taken to jail, the one Elf left behind became material for various things. Things like new torture methods and lectures on vital spots of humanoids.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Of course, he ended up in my stomach in the end. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: These are named after Ragnarok Online's Merchant Skill.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I ate a fair number, the individual ability of those I ate was high and on top of that they held duplicates of the useful skills so I got a lot of useful skills, yeah, I was so thankful that I could even pray for them.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 48

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I went out hunting in search of Kobolds, Demon Spiders, Hind Bears, Argiope and other creatures; it was a veritable monster buffet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s been a while since I had such a peaceful and mundane day.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Of course at night…

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 49

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I woke up Gobukichi-kun had experienced rank up and turned into an ogre.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was because he single-handedly killed a Hind Bear recently, I thought it’d be soon and it was as I expected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He hadn’t turned into a normal ogre either, but a subspecies.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The color of his skin was “Dark Metallic Red”.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The body color was similar to that of the Red Bear. In most cases having red skin is proof that you have been blessed by the [Demigod of Fire's Divine Protection].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I asked if he could breathe fire, he blew fire as if he was a flamethrower.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Him somehow turning into a subspecies was probably because of habitually using main arms with fire abilities like the fire spirit stone-studded burning Crescent Axe and later the huge double-edged battleaxe as tall as himself, a magic item from Velvet’s inheritance named [Decapitating Axe of Demonic Heat].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, his skin shines with metallic luster, this seems to be [Demigod of War's Divine Protection] in addition to [Demigod of Fire's Divine Protection], so says Gobujii. His arm responds with a metallic clang when lightly struck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Being supported by two divine protections is great isn’t it?”, I asked Gobujii, “If you call it unusual then sure, it is, although not as unusual as you.”, he remarked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah, talent is it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“So Gobukichi-kun, how about a spar?”, I asked him with a smile that is somewhat charming despite being an ogre.The result is: Gobukichi-kun was way too strong.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He was 2m 80cm in height, 30cm taller than me, with shakudou skin and muscular body, his base specs without abilities easily surpassed mine in physical strength and stamina.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">[T/N: Shakudou is a decorative alloy of gold and copper, reddish-yellow but can be treated to form an indigo patina.] <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I also had increased my body’s abilities using [Absorption] and on top of that, I was a rare variant, so I didn’t think I would lose to Gobukichi-kun who was a subspecies, but yeah, it seemed I lost because of build allocation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Putting it in simple terms, If I was an all-rounder type with my points divided equally between my physical strength, endurance, and intelligence, then Gobukichi-kun was an aggression specialist-type who concentrated his points on battle-related stats.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s also obvious if you look at his muscles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That said, I still surpass him in terms of hand to hand combat techniques. It was a close match, but Gobukichi-kun is unmistakably a worthy rival.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Concluding the spar, we gave each other a firm handshake and had a face-to-face talk.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi-kun who I had initially roped in as a disposable pawn had grown this much, this is frankly speaking far beyond my expectations.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Right now he had the monopoly of being my right hand and a close companion, he was someone I couldn’t do without.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To congratulate him for his rank-up, I put some equipment in order for Gobukichi-kun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His main weapon didn’t change from the huge battleaxe-type magic item [Decapitating Axe of Demonic Heat], but compared to when he was a hobgoblin, where it was too heavy if he didn’t hold it with both hands, by becoming an Ogre he could wield the [Decapitating Axe of Demonic Heat] that weighed several dozen kilograms with one hand, so I once again equipped him with a shield.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The shield I gave him was an unrefined massive black iron wall-like tower shield known as the [Black Ogre's Chopping Board].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One of the magic items from Velvet’s inheritance like the battle axe, its rank is likewise [Ancient].

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Its abilities are [Weight Reduction], [Durable] and [Impact Reflection] and it’s thus extremely sturdy. If Gobukichi-kun is equipped with these items, breaking through his defenses would be quite difficult even for me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His armor was made from my thread, the hind bears’ furs and some other stuff that Gobukichi-kun had hunted himself, these are again replaced with a portion of [Unique]-class metal armor from Velvet’s inheritance, customized to suit Gobukichi-kun.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, he has a great strength. Actually, he has an absurd strength.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Despite holding the huge double-edged two-handed battle axe lightly in one hand as if it were a tree branch, he still had the appearance of an experienced soldier handling it skillfully.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s easy to imagine a black, huge and sturdy tower shield that covers three quarters of a gigantic body blocking enemy attacks, with magical items as support, long coat that I made by combining the durable fur of a Hind Bear with the armor of magical items that doesn’t lose to the Red Bear’s, with an Ogre, yeah, he had become an existence I very much wouldn’t want to fight nor encounter, if I were human.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The intensity of the fully-armed Gobukichi-kun was unmistakably higher than me when I just became an Ogre. Equipment notwithstanding, it was something fierce. Well, there’s also the fact that it’s hard to compare to myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But nevertheless, after examining him for an hour, it’s as if he’s a machine soldier from somewhere, hm. Even I had to look upwards to meet his gaze, so if it’s a normal human, how are they supposed to do that. It’s easy to guess.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I spent the rest of the day inside doing various odd jobs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Elves have not yet succumbed to the lust, so they’re still in jail. It might be because of their sense of pride that’s suppressing their desire, or perhaps it’s their racial biology having a resistance to the desire itself, or maybe both?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“That’s why Gobujii, stop coming here every hour…”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center;line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">* * *

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: 16.85pt;mso-outline-level:3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 50

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I had a dream.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was quite the strange dream.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">An old man that looks familiar was there saying something along these lines, “Sorr— my thanks—” “—a favor” “This is —— Please”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I woke up it felt like I have forgotten something, I cannot help but think this is something very important. Isn’t this something that usually happens on some flag-like scene?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I tilted my head trying to remember what was that in full detail, but to no avail, I couldn’t. It feels like my memories have been hazy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I couldn’t recall it I decided to focus on other things. In the morning I had a spar with Gobukichi-kun, and in the afternoon I paired up with Gobumi-chan and we went out hunting for a couple of hours, flirting as soon as we got outside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that I checked up on the goblins from the logistical support corps «Patri» who were studying about things like smithing and cooking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That day I had fun with everyone and soundly went to sleep. <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Huh? It seemed like something popped up before I went to sleep…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My consciousness faded as I went back to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">PS: the [ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">■ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman""> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">■ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman""> <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">■ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman""> of Kin]! means  <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">He gets a skill that he doesn't know what it does. Therefore he "understands" it not. For him it would be along the lines, received skill "skghksdhfkasf". Auther decided to use XXX to simply imply that this skill is unknown at this time. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

Day 51-60(day 60 translation in progress~)
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 51 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I woke up, four goblins had turned into hobgoblins and the number of hobgoblins is now twelve. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Moreover, there is a quality Mage from the four, and another of them has aptitude to work as a Cleric. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The large wounds received until now have all been cured by me, so having another one with a healing ability is something I’m grateful for. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I also can't rule out the possibility that some of the wounded would die before I reached them if there are a lot of wounded patients at once. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That’s why, I have established a medical unit named “Prière” under the new Hobgoblin Cleric Gobuji-kun as its captain. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Prière is “prayer” in french. - Sarah ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although he’s currently the only member of his unit, I hope that other individuals with similar skills will soon be joining him. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally, you might think that there should be more than twelve hobgoblins. I have not counted wrong however. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Counting off, Gobumi-chan, Gobue-chan, Hobusato-san, and their 5 underling goblins, and four additional goblins that joined, which all total to 12 hobgoblins. It’s simple addition. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But Hobusei-san was not mentioned, because when she woke up she had undergone her next rank up already. According to her, it has been years since her first rank up. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobusei-san ranked up and became a Lord base species called the Half Spell Lord. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reason Hobusei-san wasn’t counted this time is because of that. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Concerning Half Spell Lords; it seems that for hobgoblins who practice magic becoming Ogres is not a popular route, although the probability is lower, mage-type monsters are races that advance on routes that specialize in using magic. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It's really like Hobusei-san who is good at using magic. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Turning into a race that best leverages her strong points is a good thing, too. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It's just that the specialization comes at the cost of lower physical abilities than other lord types, but magic is in the first place a technique to one-sidedly torment the enemy from a distance. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it's mostly a close-combat averse race that specialize in using magic, it's not particularly a problem. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">A Half Spell Lord's appearance is like that of a human with two small horns. I haven't seen any besides Hobusei-san but there might be differences between individuals, from her appearance, one could guess that Hobusei-san who became a Half Spell Lord was in the latter half of her early twenties; rather than calling her cute, she was like Alchemist-san, an intellectual cool-type beauty who seems like she would look good in a suit. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Bluish-white skin that radiates life, green, somewhat tsurime eyes that show intelligence, in the middle of her forehead a sapphire-looking round gem 3 cm in diameter between a pair of horns, long, ash grey hair that extends down to her waist, and black tattoos on her forearms with patterns similar to mine yet subtly different, these were her characteristics. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note: '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:windowtext">Tsurime '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> - Eyes that slant upwards, ending in a corner, usually seen on willful, proud, or intelligent characters in visual media. The opposite of '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:windowtext">Tareme '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">, round eyes drooping downwards on soft, kind, or ditzy characters ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Measured by eye, her height is 180 cm. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Speaking of the person herself, the tattoos on her arms were something that had originally not been there, and apparently she herself doesn't know how they got there. It's just that she felt power gathering to the brim near them, so they didn't give off a bad feeling. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I asked whether she had something like Gobukichi-kun's [Demigod's Divine Protection], she denied it. Apparently she didn’t hold such a blessing. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hrm, this is an enigma. Well, I expect that this will be explained in due time. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then Gobujii additionally told us that the "Half" in front of the race's name was because it had inferior overall specs compared to the true species—Spell Lord in this case. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I already thought that much from the beginning because it was "Half". <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">People who don't quite understand what "Half" means, it's okay to consider things like Ogres and Hobgoblins like that, I think. Knowing that much already means being one step ahead. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It looks like the next time she ranks up she will officially become a Spell Lord, too. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, to confirm the extent of improvement to her abilities when she became a Half Spell Lord, we had a magic stage performance by the stream outside, yep, it was amazing. No, incredible. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Among the magic that Hobusei-san could use, there was one that is classified as a second-grade fire-type magic called “Firestorm of Disaster (Char’dei Dirou)”. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I think I was being cryptic by suddenly saying gibberish like "second-grade", so I'll add one thing. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It seems <God> had defined all ten ranks of magic, from the lowest ranking "first grade", to the highest ranking "tenth grade" according to difficulty of invocation, destructive power, spell release level limit, and so on. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Like the way abilities are often something like [Demigod of Something], in this world, beings that stand one domain above us are real. The world is practically dotted with several places where one can meet Gods—the "Holy Places". <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, let's put aside Gods and such and get back to the story. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After learning that it is only one step above the most basic spells, you might think it’s weak, but you would be gravely mistaken. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even by being able to handle the lowest first-grade magic, it's easy to kill several people at the same time. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Just by launching a single fireball of the first-grade fire system magic "Flame Calamity (Char Rou)", several people can easily be incinerated. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, the lightning system magic that hit me directly in the face before was a third-grade spell. If that's true it contains enough power to blow away an Ogre-class monster entirely. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Editor Note : This is the same lightning magic that was used in Day 36 where he was fighting against the adventurers pillaging Velvet’s Treasury. - Sarah ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In my case I didn't become like that because the power was sharply lowered by my abilities, but it still hurt… <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If you can handle a fifth-grade magic, even burning an entire city block is probably possible. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Going that far, you'd certainly be a monster that can "match a thousand", Redhead even seemed to know of some people that could do the same or worse than that, although only through hearsay. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">…I wonder what kind of ability I could get if I ate one. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s fun to imagine the possibilities, since the High Wizard that I previously killed and ate could only at his best use third-grade magic. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though there’s no knowing when such an opportunity will occur, imagining the possibilities is fun. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Going back from what I heard of “Firestorm of Disaster (Char’dei Dirou)”, Hobusei-san once upon a time used it and it produced fireballs with a diameter of ten centimeters, the magic then launched these fireballs five times in a row causing wide area destruction. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It's just that for Hobusei-san to cast it, she needed considerable concentration and a long chant time, furthermore, for several days after she’d used it she couldn't use magic, those were the risks inherent in using it. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When thinking of the great risk inherent in using it, this destructive power could only be used as a last resort. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Now that she had ranked up, it had changed into magic that could not be compared to that of the old days. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The time needed to activate “Firestorm of Disaster (Char’dei Dirou)”, not only has it been reduced to one-fifth the cast time compared to before, but also the diameter of one fireball is now 35 cm, and the total number of shots fired have turned into twenty. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Furthermore, she no longer even gets a feeling of fatigue after activating it, with her current supply of inner mana, it seems she won’t receive any backlash even if she were to fire it twenty times in a row. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Additionally, she could now use even more powerful spells than before. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">You could expect no less from a race-specific magician. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, every shot was aimed at the sky. This is because if she were to shoot at the ground, dealing with the damaged terrain would be a bother. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even so, since she is still only a Half Spell Lord, it got me wondering on how great the magic of a full Spell Lord would be. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No matter how hard I try at gathering information about this world, the information I get is too incomplete, not knowing the limits of power is quite scary. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To congratulate them for their rank up, I did the same as I always do and gave each of the four hobgoblins two magic items. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hobusei-san got an item from Velvet's inheritance, a robe made from silver and gold thread combined with a red holy shroud that showed several special effects like [Auto-Amplification] and [Physical Magic Damage Resistance] among others. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Another present I gave her was a magic staff named “Arannote’s Staff”, made from ancient wood studded with a red magic gem that used to be in possession of the adventurer with the [Job-High Wizard] who was killed in Velvet's dungeon before. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I also handed over a bracelet-type magic item that had the ability to store magic staves and gadgets that were usually in the way, just like the one I had given to Gobukichi-kun. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Due to the weapons reshuffling this time, the equipment that Hobusei-san was using until now, a staff and a grey robe, were given to two of the mage disciples that were formerly under my command but had now been transferred to Hobusei-san's corps. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Now then, I’ve been grumbling nowadays since I found out the reason of their growth lately. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, somehow the goblins from the same generation as me seem to generally have an unimaginably high growth rate—or experience point absorption ability. That had been demonstrated by hobgoblins being born en masse before going out of the forest. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I've been told by Gobujii before, but normally, goblins needed years to become hobgoblins. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reason for things becoming like this was undoubtedly me. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so I tried thinking a bit, perhaps due to their living environment one month or so after birth, their growth rate was not going to change in the future. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">See, because Goblins as a species have a high growth rate, I speculate that the growth of their abilities are also higher than other species. I wonder if I could call it a growth period extension? <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the month since they were born, these goblins have killed and eaten tons of creatures ordinary goblins would avoid like the plague, undergoing a harsh training regimen repeatedly, which has caused their growth rate to greatly change. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Assuming that the growth rate of an ordinary goblin is 1, the goblins that continue to strictly train, kill and eat until their bellies are full is 10, this is what it feels like. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Definitely there’s no way to confirm it, however I suspected that there’s a very high probability that it is so. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I can’t find any reason to deny this hypothesis either. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, it is very likely that there was assistance from my [Pack Leadership]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I already mentioned the effectiveness of this ability in raising my subordinates' abilities, but in order to fulfill the conditions for utilizing the ability, I had to come up with concepts for each corps, picking out individuals that I judge to be the most suitable considering their character and ability and assigning them there. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What I'm trying to say is that, shouldn't it become easier to get more and more powerful than normal because of the expectation from usually using the effects of [Pack Leadership] for that purpose? <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, having an increase in strong companions is something that should be welcomed, let’s stop this talk here because I haven’t gotten any clear proof that this is so yet. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It is however vital that I thoroughly investigate the effects of say ranking up into an ogre in the future. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Among other things I have to figure out an ogre’s lifespan. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If ogres are as short lived as say goblins, of course it would be depressing. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh yeah, of the 17 elves we have in captivity, one woman from the seven and three men from the ten have yielded to their desires. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although I already had Gobumi-chan and the rest, I was curious about what Elven biology was like, so I put myself in charge as her first partner. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For now I'll say that I intended to be as careful as I can to not hurt my partner. But I couldn't deny the feeling that I made her faint. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : …. his alphaness shined! ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, yeah, it was awesome. Though I'm not saying anything. Not even that it's because beautiful girls are assertive. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, it was the other goblins turn. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This group mainly consisted of goblins from my own generation. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Rather, I strongly ordered them. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The orders were mostly for the sake of the older goblin males… To have them make her feel good when she’s their partner. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But I won’t allow many-to-one. It has to be one-to-one. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I might have thought that she was reluctant because she was a haughty elf, but in reaction to enduring being stimulated with drugs, she was delightedly gasping. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I thought "If she seemed happy about it then it's okay, right?" Well since it can't be helped, I gave up. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because I gave them detailed instructions to treat the girls with care, and because the girls assigned rooms were better than the subordinate goblins, they shouldn’t end up tattered and then die like what happened before. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having given that much warning, particularly to Gobujii who was a repeat offender, it should be fine because I took action first and thus had the initiative. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, let's talk about the [ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">■■■ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> of Kins] that I got when I woke up. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : This is one of Rou’s many “Sealed” Skills. I’d be spoiling on what it is. ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, I really didn't understand how this could be used. In fact, it's not even clear right now what effects it had. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> I couldn’t even make a conjecture because the first few letters were blocked. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I wanted to say "Somebody teach me!" <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because it says "Kin", I thought that maybe something or other was messing with me, but… <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If it's an ability I learned by myself, usually I could understand the way to use it, but this ability is probably something that I earned because of the rules of this world, so yeah, I don't get it. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I'm giving up on trying to figure it out for now. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 52 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it had been a while, this evening I went hunting together with Gobukichi-kun in previously unmapped areas, where we found a group of twelve armed men. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By their vigilance of their surroundings, and their speedy—although slow compared to us—advance towards the area where I think the Village of the Elves is, I concluded that they were something like the human army's reconnaissance corps. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Motivated by curiosity, we decided to follow them. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">An ogre taller than two and a half meters should be pretty conspicuous, in fact I usually can’t help but stand out strikingly, however in this case this is not a problem. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since the fourth day after we were born, we were told to get our own food by hunting. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From that day on we have followed my plan which is, rather than charging straight at our prey we stay hidden, reading its breath whereafter we strike its blind spot accurately as if we were assassins. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because of this, Gobukichi-kun and I have polished our skill at hiding ourselves until it couldn't be compared to the usual level of skill others have. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The gigantic figure of an Ogre merged with the surroundings, it’s an ability that makes the target unable to perceive you for over ten minutes. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In addition to this, since I possessed the ability [Hiding] which further boosted my skill at hiding, I could easily support Gobukichi-kun too, so there shouldn’t be any problems. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then after tailing them for a short while. It seems that we had reached the target point, where the humans began to assume a formation shaped like the letter "U". <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As they finished moving into formation, each of the humans took one of their two crossbows in hand, erased their presence and hid themselves. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In case you didn’t know of their presence in advance, they’d be pretty difficult to spot even if you got very close to them. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their hiding skill is very advanced. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, though it’s at an inferior level compared to us who live in the wild. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having arranged their stance up to this point, there was a high chance of silencing their targets without being discovered using a surprise attack with their crossbows. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since they each had two crossbows, they could fire them in succession whereafter they would enter close combat. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That's what I would've done anyway. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Wanting to know what they were doing there, I secretly extended a superfine thread that was almost invisible even if you were to look at it closely, and listened in on their hushed conversations. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From that I learned their mission here was to kidnap the beloved daughter of the “Elven Round Table Conference’s Chairman”. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Apparently the Elves had adopted an institution where the representatives of several clans meet together for decision-making. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Naturally, they were preparing to kill the daughter's guards, or so I deduced from the conversation. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the conversation I also established that somehow the Elves had a traitor among them. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though I don’t intend to do anything special with this information, I had no doubt that this was a very useful piece of intel. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, the existence of those who think "No one wants to be ruined, and betraying my companions to save my own~" isn't all that unusual. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Many had left battered after getting influenced by personal interests, and I didn't have anything to do with it in the first place, so I couldn't care less. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I’ll squeeze as much profit from this as I possibly can if I get the chance. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, after about two hours of watching how things would work out, an armed group of nothing but pretty female and male elves came along. Gobukichi-kun got tired of waiting long ago, so I had him hunting close by. If anything were to occur I’d notify him with my thread. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The elf sitting on a sedan chair being carried by a number of elves was certainly the elven maiden-san who was going to be kidnapped. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From her looks she seemed to be between her late teen to early twenties, and frankly speaking she was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That is, what one would call an incomparably beautiful woman. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While staring at her mesmerized for a while, I caught sight of a small change in the hidden humans. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I thought something was going to happen, so I called Gobukichi-kun via thread. At the same time the twelve humans moved simultaneously and accurately killed an elf each with their crossbows. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It didn't end there, they threw away the crossbows they just fired, took their other crossbows, and fired once more. The arrows that were fired once more caused twelve elves to die. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the confusion following the surprise attack, the eight remaining elves who took up their bows to retaliate were silenced by the drawn blades of the humans who had quickly rushed over. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The whole thing was over in only ten seconds. They worked at lightning speed; I have to say that they are quite skilled. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The elf-maiden was the only survivor and the men approached her afterwards. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Despite her struggling, they forced a cloth against her mouth and she suddenly went limp. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From what I could gather at this distance it appeared that she had lost consciousness. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The humans who were able to finish their mission unhurt carried the listless Elven Maiden-san and ran back the way they came. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They withdrew without hesitation. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I decided to await them along the former path they used. This is of course if they use the same path as they used earlier. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their distance is getting close enough to me, I think the time is right, so I got up from the ground and shot threads from my fingertips. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I activated [Earth Control] just in case, and I erected earthen walls to three sides other than the front  to completely prevent the 12 humans from escaping. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the sudden turn of events, the expressions of the humans who went into a state of panic was funny. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a result, everyone was captured in one go. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Using the flexibility of the thread created by the ability of the Argiope’s [Golden Thread Creation] they remained in their place, since it was exhausting because the golden thread was heavier than it appeared, its vulnerability to fire which was the previous thread’s weak point was also covered up, it’s also impossible to cut quickly because of its resistances. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They looked like bagworms as they wriggled around which was hilarious. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But during this state everyone was determined to use the poison in the back of their teeth that they have prepared, to prevent them from confessing anything they might also bite off their tongue. As soon as it happened, I cured everyone to prevent them from dying and I gagged them with my thread since it was troublesome to apply medical treatment. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family: "MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In order for them not to undo their bindings I dislocated their joints, and when I had finished tying up their wrists and thumbs firmly, Gobukichi finally arrived. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I gave the work of carrying all the 12 humans to Gobukichi-kun who arrived late. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though his burden looks quite heavy, Gobukichi-kun was carrying them like it was nothing. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">…..And including the equipment, it’s definitely more than 1 ton right? I wondered whilst tilting my head a little, but he looked completely unfazed so I didn’t say anything. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I held Elven Maiden-san who still slept in my arms, as we returned to the cave we dwell in. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Thanks to whoever got this scan. Would be nice if the rest of the images get posted somewhere we can grab. ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-no-proof:yes">{C} <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Elven Maiden-san’s escorts just now were killed in action--the heads were hollowed out from the shot they received by a crossbow, the neck separated from the corpses. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The assassins had good skills, so the elves vital points were accurately destroyed and there was nothing I could do since I don’t have any resurrection skills, so I took all their equipment and their hearts, whereafter I properly buried them because it would be cruel if monsters were to eat and ravage their corpses. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Notes : <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">so says the ogre who ripped out their hearts to eat… '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tunga","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman"">ಠ '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">_ '<span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tunga","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">ಠ '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> -larvyde <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, cause that’s how he gets the skills, it can’t be helped really. Also he properly buried them and offered a prayer so he respected them at least that much. Rou is technically Chaotic good based on alignment. -kouta ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">More like chaotic natural no? -yan <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">More like Lawful Neutral, he’s always looking out for number one, but he still play by the rules. - FB ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Luck] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Doom] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Guess I’ll have to activate Luck (good luck) ability for now, gotta be cautious I don’t accidentally activate the Doom (bad luck) ability. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lastly, I clapped my hands together “Namu”. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I offered a prayer to them. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hm? What will I do to the captured humans you say? <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, after interrogating them I’d have them earn more experience by contributing to us. Afterwards, I used them as a lecturing material on how to torture. Since they’re all males, they don’t look good compared to the looks of the male elves. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, tonight will be problematic. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">That was what I thought, but before that, an event happened. We encountered some goblins on the way home. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">These weren't unfamiliar faces. They were a group of the older goblins, six goblins who were once our superior members. Nowadays, even the goblin underlings who had carried Redhead and the others far outstrip them in true strength, these goblins had become known as those guys who couldn't keep up with training. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I already mentioned before that the goblins of my generation were stronger than the older ones, but I'll add that because the underling servant goblins were comparatively younger, they had shown some likelihood of growing reasonably through training, though the fact that they had outstripped these guys was an inside story. Oh well, that's fine for now. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I wanted to ask what they were doing in this kind of place, but since the older goblins seemed to be in some hurry I just observed them while staring at them in silence. It could have been resignation, but one of them raised his hand and talked. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reason: they could no longer follow me. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Not being able to sleep with women against their will was hard enough, they could no longer stand the rigors of daily training. Even so, they endured, thinking that some opportunity would come up, but when the female Elf prisoners were taken, they could not take it any longer. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In their situation, sleeping with the female Elves was impossible; even if they held out their hand, they were limited to the males. The males were pretty boys so they didn't feel bad, but of course they could not reach the females' first-rate bodies in a lifetime, the goblins were helplessly tantalized by this situation. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even to the extent of being half-dead. In an environment where they had some first-rate meals right in front of their eyes, but only those other than themselves can eat, what could they expect to do. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So, they moved out. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In other words, they seem to want to leave the group. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After saying that much, they went silent and trembled. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Maybe they thought that they would be killed. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ah so it has finally come to this, I told myself, although it was a talk that I didn’t want to hear. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, at the current stage, it is not really necessary to stop those who don’t comply at this state, if they told me that they want to go out, “I see” was the kind of thing I probably would’ve said. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family: "MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">If it were Gobukichi-kun I would stop him to the point of pulling, It's him after all. Something like that. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I adhere to the rules, but I haven't considered what to do to guys who were like "we don't like it, so we're leaving", right now. Since they were not that many yet, leaving would be okay. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Just that I have to make-up some kind of violation that would make them leave. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Besides, my goal right now was not to increase our numbers, but rather to raise our individual abilities. Rather than increasing the number of burdens, I thought that in our state that is competent to an extent, it might be better to consider adding children from now on. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So, it was not my intent to leave behind these already frustrated guys right now. Even if they had no talent, I wanted to extend my hand to those willing to work hard. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Nonetheless, to prevent gossip from leaking out, I should apply a bit of tactics. No, I didn't think of killing them. Though I should add "at least at this stage" at the end. I won't kill them. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The weapons carried by these trembling older goblins who were looking at me with a tense expression were only [Normal] class items that I gathered and distributed, if you want to call it by rank, then it would be first-grade from the bottom. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">With them they had [Normal] class weapons and armor, and several [Rare] class weapons were thrown in with them were taken out, the armaments were then handed out without a word. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They were certain, that they would be killed if they made a move. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It was the right choice. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Getting back to what I was saying, it is good that the goblins were armed, but the best weapons quickly dwindled in number, their chances to survive and thrive with their current abilities are uncertain with the quality of weapons they currently have. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh well, I decided that I will show them my feelings of mercy with a parting gift. So, I presented them with six knives taken from my item box. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This knife is one of the relics left from the Elf Guard-san who died earlier. Using my appraisal the blue knife appears to be made of the magic metal (Mithril), which is too precious for Goblins to have. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The knife does not contain any special abilities, but its sharpness is beyond compare to the standard steel short sword that they are currently equipped with. Would you believe me if I told you that Mithril can easily cut the blade of a steel sword without getting a scratch on it? <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Mithril Knife that only the elves have the ability to manufacture, is so (Rare) that a low level adventurer could not obtain one. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Just to show the sharpness of the blade, I cut my fingertip and several drops of blood trickled out, I then handed the blade back to a goblin who sheathed it. The wound quickly vanished without leaving a trace because of [Rapid Recovery]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The older goblins just stood there with a dumbfounded look. Then Gobukichi-kun and I, smiling wryly, left them there without looking back, and took our leave. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Perhaps, destiny will allow us to meet again. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, even with the Mithril knife they still have a high chance of being killed by a group of adventures or mercenaries before that. With the market value being so high, a treasure like that usually invites trouble. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I wish them luck for the future ahead. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lastly, I simply said "This important point is a place where I shed my blood". <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL note:  This is likely a reference to the phrase, “lose a finger to save an arm”. He’s cutting his losses. He’s losing some forces, but it’s necessary for his plans ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note @ Trina : Major thanks for TXT Raws~. - Sarah ''<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 53 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the group of 12 people that got caught, I got the information that the full force will advance within 20 days, because the forest is full of powerful monsters like Three-Horned Horses and Hind Bears, mobilization of large numbers of people on specific routes was deemed impossible. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Naturally, I heard the routes as well. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Normally one would think they wouldn't leak such important information since they are professionals, ha, broke their limbs and then stopped the bleeding, sliced their flesh and bone and then healed it, cut open their stomach and then healed it, eating them mercilessly in front of their comrades, I repeatedly listen to the ones that were telling everything. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We are called villains, there's no mistake about it, but if you look at history you would find things like this happen many times, so I was not concerned, don't take me wrong but most of the techniques I was using were ones that were perfected by our predecessors in the first place. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh, and I’m an ogre now. I’m not human, so this isn’t a problem. That’s how it is. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After I heard all the things I needed to hear, I ate their extremely delicious meat. Oh and I also got magic items, armaments and a lot of experience points. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the group of 12 people that got caught, I got the information that the full force will advance <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Job-Secret Force] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Job-Monster Tamer] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Job-Vorpal Punisher] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Job-Hermit] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Read State] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Bribe] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Unlock] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Release Trap] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Sense Trap] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Sense Enemy] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Improved Assassination Rate] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Hidden Weapon Mastery] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Humanbane] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Vorpal Strike] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Aura Slash] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Back Attack] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Needleshot] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Throw] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Severe Pain Resistance] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Charm Resistance] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSMincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">　 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Assassination Resistance] learned <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tl Note : Now he wont get oneshotted/multishotted in an instant like his first death. - Sarah ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh the abilities. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, only [Triple Stab] was a direct physical attack ability, I’m thankful for the addition of  [Vorpal Strike] and [Aura Slash]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Hah, Vorpal Strike…. so Accel World. - Vidar ''<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note:  I thought it was DnD o.O - FB <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There’s also [Unlock] and [Release Trap], I am satisfied with so many useful abilities. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Elven Maiden-san slept soundly for a day thanks to the sleeping drug, she finally woke up in the afternoon. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She jumped in surprise when she woke up since I was looking at her beautiful sleeping face, then made a bunch of noises like “What have you done to my private escorts?!” “What are you going to do to me?!” “No way, my chastity…”, so I made some imitation tea—with the help of Alchemist-san—out of medicinal grass, which settled her for now. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The tea's sedative effect kicked in immediately. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, I told her what happened plainly. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The escorts were all dead, I took their hearts and equipment as payment for giving them a respectable burial. I—Gobukichi-kun was excluded since he wasn't there at the time—was watching the situation from the preparation phase, I attacked the humans before killing and eating them, that's all. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I told her everything without holding back. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh by the way, I never said anything about the elven prisoners of war. Since it is unrelated. There might be a problem if I told her, but I didn’t because it doesn’t relate to her case. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, speaking of Elven Maiden-san’s reaction, was, naturally, it was that of rage. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was punched in the head and got hit a few more times, but to be honest, it was not a big deal. It was like getting hit by a small child. Repeated punches you say? That imagery is actually quite close. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though I thought ‘Did Elf Maiden-san behave like that because there was a guy with reasonable position?’, but it's not like I don't understand her feelings, so I let her freely hit me for a while, then I countered with a flick of my finger—My hits are no joke. Even though it's just a poke I had to go easy on her and hold back—to her forehead. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">T/N note:  He did '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSGothic"; mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">コチラはデコピン '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">, which is flathead, and poke her in the forehead. I had to make do with the horrible pun T.T - FB ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">what? '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"MSGothic";mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">コチラ '<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> is kochira, this one, usually refers to rou himself or his side of the conflict. he’s been using achira/kochira a lot for that reason. /Vidar ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And here I thought rou’s having one of those flight of fancy moment with the famous forehead flick slapstick jokes from the 90’s/00’s (I’m not sure if this was from Silent Library or Takeru’s Corner) - FB <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Her swelling head moved back so she won't die, but it still must have been painful, she held onto the spot and scornfully stared at me with teary eyes, I don’t really know. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“The dispute between elves and humans doesn’t matter to us, but I was going to help, so stop hating and complaining so much”, I declared. Then I incidentally told her that there seemed to be a traitor in their ranks. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then she became silent, after a while she erupted into tears while crying in earnest, I tried to comfort her. Gah, the sight of a beauty in tears is foul play. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that, I wanted to escort Elven Maiden-san to her village, but we continued talking more than expected, time passed so she needed somewhere to stay for the night. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tonight I made a hammock for her to sleep in. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, tomorrow we will go to the Village of the Elves. Wonder how it will go. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh, and Gobujii, weren't you looking at me with expectant eyes saying "Did you catch Maiden-san?" What a bother. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Damned perverted & lolicon gobujii. The last girl he did it with was a loli (or used to be loli). - Sarah ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It's not like she's an enemy, for me to be hypocritical and spend two hours talking with her…… <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh, I began asking about the male and female elves I caught. But there was no interest because they were the ones who meddled first, it's an implicit rule of the elves, so I just went with it. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The line of goblins was a surreal scene, it went on and on. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For the time being, I'm not going to say anything since they were following the rules. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 54 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Waking up as usual, I felt a presence overlooking me while sighing by my side. To ascertain who it was, I feigned sleep for a while. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">According to [Presence Sensor], apparently it was the Elven Maiden-san. For now, I want to say “What are you doing?” <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Later, Gobumi-chan, Redhead, Blacksmith-san, Sisters-san, Alchemist-san all had me surrounded and were examining me closely as well, again I wondered what they were doing. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it is impossible to play possum forever, perhaps because of the looks from Gobumi-chan and the others I felt an eerie feeling, and because I felt this chill down my spine I opened my eyes. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then Elven Maiden-san went into a panic, her movements were so funny that I laughed in spite of myself. I was hit by Elven Maiden-san. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Why me? <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that I finished my breakfast, then practiced against Gobukichi-kun for the same reason, since an Ogre could easily kill a Hobgoblin, because of this Gobukichi-kun and I did not participate in the mixed training much. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The current training, I told the Hobgoblin in charge of training that we were going to go escort Elven Maiden-san to her village, and we then departed from the cave. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After a while of hunting Argiope for suitable materials, and walking for about three hours we finally arrived. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">We were suddenly surrounded, the numbers that appeared in sight were 25, but according to [Presence Sensor] the true number was 48. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although they seem to be aiming at the vital parts of both me and Gobukichi-kun with bows, and arrows solely made of Mithril, this is not a big problem though. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To the extent that I could kill all of them if I overlap my abilities, and to begin with, the bodies of me and Gobukichi-kun, complete with our armor if hit by an arrow even at a short distance we can endure it. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The life force of an Ogre should not be underestimated. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Frankly, receiving a direct hit to an unprotected head would be somewhat dangerous, but I am confident that it could be avoided even if it happened at point blank range. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">However, it is only troublesome to fight for one reason, Elven Maiden-san is here this time. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By reflex Gobukichi-kun was about to slaughter the elves surrounding him, he was able to equip the axe and shield immediately without carrying them around because they are stored into the bracelet magic item. By the way the magic bracelet can hold 12 types of items and it is possible to stack 20 of the same type of item--I had to stop him with a hand signal, Elven Maiden-san was able to talk down the surrounding elves almost instantly. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While surrounded by an escort of guards called Watchdogs that monitored us, we moved forward into the Village of the Elves. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Village of the Elves, how do I say it, they live among giant trees. I have an understanding of the structure. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It is built around one enormous tree that you cannot see at the beginning, traffic is handled by the other trees having scaffolds complete with stairs, residences, and suspension bridges along it. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The living area is primarily in the trees and not on the ground. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s unlikely that everyone are living in trees, since I can see things like stables on the ground. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It felt strange to be looked down at or should I say curiosity, although we were being exposed to these looks we continued forward up some stairs and across a bridge to arrive at our destination at last. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There were different mansion like residences of different sizes. Seemingly the house of Elven Maiden-san appears to be here. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Going into a mansion, I met the father of Elven Maiden-san face-to-face. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He had a splendid mustache, I should also say he looked like a Dandy- looking old man with a fine toned body for an elf. If I were a man of the same type I would be jealous. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I tried to sit on a seat as I was offered, but since it creaked disagreeably, I had to politely decline. Tea was served to drink, and as it got time to refill we moved onto business talk. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To summarize the contents of our agreement, since Elven Maiden-san received help I was to receive a reasonable compensation, he said. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Even though this is not a charity, I do not exactly know how much Elven Maiden-san is worth as this is my first time doing this. So, I told him to give me a reward that is worth the life of Elven Maiden-san. Does it really matter if it comes out to a paltry amount of money? Actually, now that you mention it since he has the amount that we decided on. I implied I wanted more. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">He may hate me, but if it is really that cheap, then Father Elf should be calm about this, <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">depending on what type of personality he has, this will indicate if it was cheap. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His response with light feelings told me I was correct. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">To be honest the result was unexpected, but an [Ancient] Class [Artifact] ended up in my possession. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The magic weapon was shaped like a bow, according to where it had been appraised it was named [Failnaught]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was told that it does not really require arrows, when the bow is fully drawn the arrow is half materialized by a mysterious power, therefore it will not run out of arrows. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">An arrow that is shot will be a [Certain Hit] at the point that was aimed at, unless the space was protected by a shield as the name "Certain Hit" implies. Though it has other abilities, it’s a pain to explain so I leave it at that. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This bow, it seems to be a family heirloom considering Elven Maiden-san's reaction to it, should be impossible to exchange for a beloved daughter. He must really be a doting parent. Whoa! I'm not saying anything. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So I am glad for this, just to see that warm gaze. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">So we got a family heirloom as expected, I was about to say “Okay, good bye” but I felt a little bit awkward about it, so I decided to present some information that I have. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also, I don't hate Father Elf's character. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh, come to think of it of how far humans will go for things like this, is there a strategy in this too? I hear that when you leak out a little of the details on the target, that the rewards will keep coming. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">More awards were presented, 30 chain mail shirts made of Mithril, 30 Mithril short swords, 20 Mithril (Ingot), and a few magic items that will be convenient for living. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Reluctantly, I was saved by one person who knows the importance of this information. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While absentmindedly watching Father Elf who was writing down information and intelligence about traps that I knew, I took out ten each of the knives made from water, earth, and wind spirit stones by Blacksmith-san and put them on the desk. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Also while I was at it, three shovel-type [Unique] class magic items with abilities suitable for Elves who excelled at handling spirits. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It's not that I didn't expect to more or less sell favor for later, but I thought that it would make up for the shortage caused by the loss of the elite Elves. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The business safely concluded, I exchanged a solid handshake with Father Elf while smiling amicably. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Only, when I was asked "Do you know the whereabouts of those elites?", I had no choice but to smile and say "I don't know". <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As we headed home, Father Elf gave me a souvenir saying "This is the Elf-made alcohol known as secret medicine. Please take it". There were three casks of booze. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yep, this was thanks to Luck wasn't it? <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Booze was a great pleasure of mine. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Father Elf just said "If it's you then this is just cheap support.", I'll pay him back. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Night. Since we finally got our long-awaited booze, I drank with everyone. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Elven alcohol tastes so good!!” I screamed involuntarily. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, I’ll have you treat me again. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 55 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Informing everyone of the goblins that left the other day, I told the others that if there are those that want to leave, they can leave, so just tell me, I will give them a parting gift, this was my policy, but in the end there wasn't anyone. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, fine then, today I quickly finished doing minor changes to the rankings caused by the goblins who left, then went out hunting. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When I returned from the hunt, I worked on producing several items that I had previously thought to make. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 56 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In the morning, I continued tinkering with the communication equipment (Self-made) that I started working on yesterday and now it’s finally completed. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I don’t think I know how it works, but a simple production summary is as follows. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The Mithril ingot that I got from Father Elf as a reward for sharing the information was absorbed by my [Self-Evolution] ability, which is one of the abilities of Airgeatlámh. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> A part from the taken material is pressed out from the tip of my finger creating a cuff. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Several drops of blood are shed from my fingertip. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> The decoration created out of them resembles a jewel, I then fit it into the blue metal cuff. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">→ <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> With that the communication equipment is complete. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In short, it’s a means of telepathic communication utilizing [Self Replication]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From what Redhead has told us, this world doesn't widely employ the use of communication equipment, since this is the case I expect that the ability to quickly share information will be extremely effective. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">At any rate, however, it has taken more time than I thought to enchant the cuffs. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I provided everyone with a cuff, the ones that I had gone through a multitude of struggles to make. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The cuff is impossible to remove unless you cut the flesh around it, I have carefully designed it so that once the cuff is worn it fuses with the flesh, however I don't have to worry, as [Regeneration],[Lesser Strength],[Lesser Dexterity] and the like are activated if you try to remove it, as I explained. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since I had grown tired from all the adjustments to the hearing and trying to make it comfortable for each individual, I went to sleep. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I awoke in the evening, and went for a good hunt before heading back to bed. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I went without sleep, since Gobumi-chan and the others came in and I had another hot night. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Every other night eh? This is probably the Jealousy Orgy. - Sarah ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 57 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I want a pet. Since I have the occupation [Job-Monster Tamer], I should put it to practical use. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thinking that way, the four of us gobs went out together, for the first time in a while, to capture some. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">My first target is a pack of Black Wolves. Because if it’s a wolf, it’s likely to make for a companion that is as good as a dog if I tame it, probably. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because the Black Wolf is a monster, despite its appearance, it has lots of power. If I train it properly, I can use it as a mount for long distance travel. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But reality isn’t that simple. I couldn't find a Black Wolf. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I didn't have a problem with that since I captured five Three-Horned Horses and three Hind Bears today though. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Not to mention Gobumi-chan, Gobue-chan's activeness today gave me a surprise. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Though Gobukichi-kun and I tried hard, because we ended up killing a few by mistake due to how hard we hit, it was good that Gobumi-chan, who had been given [Failnaught], was able to shoot in between the gaps in the scales. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This is certainly because of the ability held by this magic item. You can say, I had to admire the surging waves of shots that it could fire. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But, Gobue-chan who used her pickaxe singlehandedly could overwhelm the Three-Horned Horses to this degree by herself, was above my expectations. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The pickaxe was something that she got from Velvet’s hoard, a [Rare] class item that simply held the ability of [Difficult to Destroy]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, the mining technique that she had cultivated as her hobby would be demonstrated here. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The superior speed and power of just one swing wasn't normal. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The gigantic figure of the Triple-Horned Horse that took a direct hit to the head, smashing its horn at the root and causing the head to rotate a half-turn at its starting point and fall from its body, was truly unbelievable. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She may be overshadowed by Gobumi-chan and Gobukichi-kun, but I truly felt that Gobue-chan belongs in the fourth place of the goblins of our generation. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Levels are important in this world, but with this one concentrated swing, it made me realized the the importance of the techniques that utilize the entire body, hips and legs. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">In this world levels are important however, this one battle made me realize extremely well how important being able to use the whole body to support the power in your strikes can be. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I turned the three-horned horse that was trashed by Gobue-chan into a “familiar” with [Monster Tamer], somehow it rewrites a part of the brain. At most I can set two owners, and apparently the owners can talk with their pet with telepathy. What’s this, isn’t this too convenient? I set the three-horned horse’s owner to Gobue-chan and it turned into her personal mount. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Still hobgoblins, Gobumi-chan and Hobusato-san received Three-Horned Horses like Gobue-chan, while Gobukichi-kun and I, followed by Hobusei-san, got one Hind Bear each as a <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≪ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Familiar <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≫ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">There was one Three-Horned Horse left over, so I decided to leave it to the vice captain of Gobukichi-kun's troops, who was also a hobgoblin. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reins and saddle magic items possessed by the twelve members of the reconnaissance group could not be used on Hind Bears, but since those could be used on Triple-Horned Horses, I gave it to them in advance. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And then in the evening, elves, three men and two women, had just fallen. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so the same deeds were repeated again. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Last time it was three men and 1 woman… so all that’s left is 4 men and 4 women. - Sarah ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah, it has been quite a significant day. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 58 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I went out to look for Black Wolves again for the second day in a row. However, today I’m alone. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi-kun and the others are in the middle of training to learn how to ride the <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≪ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Familiars <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≫ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> from yesterday. I learned it easily because of the experience in my past life and also because of my ability [Horse Riding]. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Being able to communicate was a great help too. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Gobukichi-kun and the others’ problems in getting used to riding were reduced because of the reins and saddle I made out of thread and leather to make riding easier. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But still, an armed Ogre riding on a Hind Bear is an awesome sight in many ways. I wonder what it would be like if the Hind Bear were also armed. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Russian Ogre! Then Rou is putin ? ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What's more awesome than bear cavalry? an Ogre bear cavalry! -larvyde ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Today I caught a sign of Black Wolves on my [Presence Sensor], in the end, I successfully caught 8 Black Wolves and 1 Black Wolf Leader. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although the Black Wolves' running speed, endurance, and body strength were excellent, they still couldn't measure up to Hind Bears. Even I didn't think that something with such a large body could run between the trees. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having judged that they couldn't get away, the wolves stopped running. Though initially they bared their fangs rebelliously, after I glared at them with my ability, they wagged their tails like friendly dogs, and so I healed them a bit. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Afterwards, I toyed with the brains of the Black Wolves the same way as the former <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≪ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Familiars <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≫ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">, and then I returned to the den. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This time I gave the eight Black Wolves to the goblins belonging to the light armored troops <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≪ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Red Surge <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"CambriaMath","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"CambriaMath"">≫ <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> led by Hobusato-san. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">They struggled similarly to Gobukichi-kun and the others to learn how to ride, I’ll do my best on finding a way for it not to happen in the future. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As for myself, I did many things with the Hind Bear named Kumajirou to deepen our relationship. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">By the way, the Black Wolf Leader named Kurosaburou had become my beloved wolf. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I was healed by their cuteness. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their previous ferocity could not be seen at all as they were being stroked comfortably by Redhead, Alchemist-san, and the others. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Oh yeah, after this I should add some «Familiars» to act as bodyguards for Blacksmith-san and the others. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then, the remaining two Elf females and two males gave in. The ones who had resisted to the end were the previous two Elf escorts. <span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I tried to be gentle like I always did, but I might have gotten a little rough. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note : Rou wanted them the very first time he saw them. This was to be expected. Also there’s something wrong with the numbering, so there’s 2 men and 1 female that gave in in between Day 58 and Day 57 - Sarah ''<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Day 59 <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I rode on top of Kumajirou together with Redhead, to our side, walking along with us, was Kurosaburou. Together we made an unlikely party as we strolled through the uncharted parts of the forest. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Lately Redhead has had improved her combat skills, however, to her regret she hasn't killed anything so she hasn’t gotten any experience. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Basically, her level hasn’t changed. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although her physical abilities have indeed risen from the daily training, it’s a trivial difference compared to the increase in ability from raising your level. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Incidentally, Redhead’s level is 18. Her level increased by ten during the hind bear hunt which is good, but frankly speaking she’s still beyond useless. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Her current physical ability is below that of any of the common goblins. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Such being the case, Redhead could no longer win against the surrounding goblins who daily went out to hunt and by the mysterious power of the world had their levels rise. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The reason we went out hunting this time was for her to improve. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Redhead wasn’t equipped with anything special. There’s a high chance that an inexperienced person would mistake the performance of their equipment for their own ability, thus she wasn’t equipped with any magical items. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Her weapon of choice is a steel kukri knife and she kept three ring daggers for backup. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">For defense she has a Round Shield reinforced with shell, the same item provided to the general goblin infantry which are [Normal] class items. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She was wearing her everyday wear made by the sisters out of hind bear fur and my thread, as well as a breastplate and a grey cloak. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Her forearms were protected by steel gauntlets, her legs were protected by steel cuisses, steel kneepads, steel greaves and steel sabatons. All this equipment together looks very heavy, so I enchanted it to make it lightweight and the end result is that it’s actually quite light. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Thus Redhead’s movements were still nimble. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Her first prey was an Armored Tanuki. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">She was struggling a little bit against the defense of its back shell, but because of the [Job-Warrior]’s ability to do battle corrections, or perhaps from the results of her training, or maybe both, in any case, Redhead succeeded in dismantling the Armored Tanuki. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The meat was given to Kurosaburou to eat. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The next prey were three night vipers. Even though she flinched from the piercing gaze, she calmly assessed their movements and was able to guard against their attack with her round shield, and she succeeded in decapitated them. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Their meat was given to Kumajirou to eat. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Three kobolds were next. I quickly captured two with thread, creating a situation where she’ll be able to fight one-on-one. Perhaps they determined there’d be no use in escaping and set their sights on Redhead, challenging her to a fight fair and square. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The kobold was a monster that had superior physical strength, but the combat skills developed by training with goblins every day covered the difference in physical ability. <span style="font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Dodging the kobold’s slashes, sometimes parrying their attacks, Redhead managed without having serious injuries and finally decapitated it. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After a short break, I released one of the caught Kobolds after confirming Redhead’s stamina recovered to some extent. Not to set him free, but to have it fight Redhead. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although she had a few injuries at the time, Redhead once again cut the kobold’s body into pieces. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"MSGothic"; mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From the last kobold, I asked for the location of the kobold village before I had them fight. <span style="font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As a result, I learned of its location. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">While thinking whether or not I’ll go to the village if given the opportunity to, Redhead who had more or less naturally recovered her physical strength said “Next Please” so I released the next opponent. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Then the final kobold put up a better fight than the last two, but in the end Redhead sliced off its neck with the sharpest slash of the day and killed it. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After curing Redhead's injuries and fatigue, I let Kumajirou and Kurosaburou each eat a kobold whole. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As for the remaining kobold, when I was about to start munching on it Redhead told me that she’d like to try eating it too, so I grilled it and ate together with her. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But nevertheless, I was impressed by Redhead's adaptability. She ate monster meat without any hesitation. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">                                                <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, I’m not sure I could call the action she did “eating”. I’m sure no matter if it was raw or metal, almost anything would be gulped down. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Yeah. Redhead is very courageous, it’s a good thing because it’s something you should be if you’re coming with me in the future. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"MSGothic"; mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Mountaineering] learned <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I was thinking "Okay then, our next prey is…", Redhead tugged on the edge of my coat. <span style="font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“What’s wrong?” I asked as I looked down on her, those blue sapphire eyes were now a dull red. <span style="font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What’s more the once circular black pupil was now a rectangular shape resembling that of a monster’s. <span style="font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Tl Note: '<span style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">http://www.9mmsfx.net/goateye.aspx '<span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> if you’re interested - Vidar <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But they still seemed to differ somewhat from a monster's eyes. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Rather than calling them ominous, those somewhat strange eyes gave off a chilling feel. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Somehow, she obtained a new [Job]. Maybe because she ate the kobold, or maybe because she trained with the goblins. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Well, putting that aside. I tried to listen to her story. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Redhead obtained a [Job], called [Noire Soldier]. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After greatly increasing their affinity to monsters, those with the [Job-Warrior] had a constant chance of obtaining this rare job by clearing the condition of "eating a monster they killed themselves". <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As usual, I thought was I the main cause of this, huh? I really didn't feel anything like regret, so I thought nothing of it. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Having gained a new [Job], Redhead's combat abilities rapidly rose. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Although there is the outrageous risk that a [Noire Soldier]'s body would rapidly deteriorate and would soon die if they don't consume monster meat or blood at fixed intervals, let's just say for now that they need a regular intake of monster parts, but the growth rate of their combat abilities is amazing. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No matter how you look at it, she now had physical abilities equal to or better than that of a hobgoblin. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Her combat power couldn't be compared to how she was earlier. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Considering that earlier her ability was equal or worse than the usual goblin, she really has made rapid improvement. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Redhead who kept saying “Awesome, Awesome!” while she deflected the Red Deer’s two horns, kicked its body so it flew up in the air and then cut its thick neck covered by strong muscles with the kukris blade, was somehow cute. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">The horns were collected, the meat was shared cordially. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"MSGothic"; mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Wild Horn Dance] learned <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"MSGothic"; mso-ascii-font-family:"PalatinoLinotype";mso-bidi-font-family:"MSGothic"">　 <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Ability [Red Crystal’s Tone] learned <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">After that we hunted various things. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">When evening came, I took a short stopover together with Redhead. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I confirmed that Redhead's new job [Noire Soldier] increased her abilities in a big way when she took in a part of me. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Since it was so, by taking in stronger monsters, she would become stronger herself. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Anyway, as for what she took in, it was something private. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">TL Note: she ate thousands of Rou's potential children -larvyde <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">''<span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">This can be some kind of plot hole. I mean, what if the others took it in too? -Kouta ''<span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">''<span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Sexual Innuendos. So she’s gonna be drinking his semen from now on. - Sarah ''<span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "PalatinoLinotype","serif"">

<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">During today's hunt, Redhead’s level rose to 34 and it was rapidly rising. <span style="font-family:"PalatinoLinotype","serif"">