A meeting of management personnel exists.
Mid-level executives, in other words, department heads and section chiefs – these are the individuals who convene meetings, excluding their superiors and subordinates.
While this might sound like a secret gathering, it’s not the case at all.
The individuals present today are gathered simply for an exchange of opinions.
There is no hierarchy; those of the same standing sit and discuss the dungeon tests, for what feels like the hundredth time.
“Hehehe. Hey, Machine King. How does it feel to have them almost reach the deepest part?”
“My response: while it was surprising that they broke through faster than the initially scheduled period, that’s all. Everything else was within expectations, and we were able to intercept them without issue.”
“Kakakaka, even though they almost reached the main keep, the Master remains calm as ever.”
“My response: this dungeon is unfinished, and the final defensive line is still under construction. Therefore, an assault on the main base, as the Undead King speaks of, is still some time away. Thus, there’s no need to rush.”
“Big talk, Machine King. No matter what you say, your territory was pushed back the furthest. The Oni King and the Undead King have, more or less, managed to stop them around the mid-levels. The insectoid bastard, Kuzuri, died, but the Tree King and the Giant King are in a similar situation. As for me, they haven’t even reached the mid-levels.”
“Dragon King, you mustn’t blame the Machine King. Those beings are actively challenging her location. It’s unavoidable that the progress there is faster than in other dungeons.”
“Exactly. They appeared in my territory too, but right from the start, they made me realize how insufficient our current state is. It proves the Demon Lord’s foresight was correct.”
However, the individuals gathered are all terrifyingly monstrous.
Assembled at the round table are the current Generals.
Oni King Raidou.
Undead King Nōraifu.
Machine King Amili Mazacraft.
Tree King Lunaria.
Giant King Uuor.
Dragon King Pascal.
With the death of the Insectoid King, Kuzuri, there are now only six generals, but their strength remains undiminished.
Although not overtly hostile, the atmosphere in the room is heavy, both physically and mentally.
If an ordinary person were to enter this space, they would likely lose consciousness before even turning back.
The air is that heavy, yet those within show no signs of being affected.
The conversation between the Machine King and the Dragon King just now is an example.
Perhaps such exchanges barely register as a jab.
As proof, despite being sandwiched between the Oni and Dragon Kings, the Machine King, who appears to be the weakest, shows no concern and reaches for a prepared juice.
“Hey now, Machine King. How can you drink something so sweet?”
“My response: I have explained many times in the past that maintaining one’s body’s capabilities requires a significant amount of calories. Have you started losing your memory, Dragon King?”
The Dragon King teases her for her childlike behavior, but this explanation has been given countless times.
With a practiced gesture, she brings the cup to her lips and slowly savors the unique sweetness of the fruit.
Afterward, she slowly replies, leaving a provocative remark along with her answer.
“You say that, but fancy a fight again after this long?”
“My response: if you wish to challenge me, I will accept.”
The Dragon King smiles faintly at the provocation, but his eyes betray emotions other than joy.
The Machine King, unfazed by the dangerous aura, continues to leisurely sip her juice.
Despite the scene appearing as a young girl being bothered by a delinquent, it is strangely the girl who seems more combative.
The Dragon King’s reaction only intensifies his aggressive smile.
“Please stop. This is not the place for fighting. Both Machine King and Dragon King, restrain yourselves.”
“Indeed. If this pointless conversation continues, I will leave. I still have work to replenish the equipment lost in the recent internal conflict.”
Those who can intervene are beings of the same standing.
Tree King Lunaria, who commands the Dark Elves.
Giant King Uuor, who leads the Giant race.
Both admonish the two, who seem on the verge of a fight.
“Hehehe. No need to make such a scary face. I wasn’t serious about fighting, you know? Right, Machine King?”
“My affirmation: between us, this is akin to a greeting. It’s more problematic if one gets scared by this.”
“Kakakaka, that’s true.”
To the beings gathered here, the leaking, physically oppressive fighting spirit is no different than a kitten playing.
The Machine King and the Dragon King are not the only ones who understand this.
The Oni King and the Undead King, of course, and the Tree King and the Giant King all understand.
“In your case, the problem is that your playacting lasts too long.”
However, understanding doesn’t always equate to acceptance.
Everyone gathered here is a powerhouse who can call the rippling fighting spirit in the room mere play.
Therefore, there is a genuine concern that they might indulge in their play.
This is why there’s a worry that they might neglect the main topic for the sake of their amusement, rather than the damage to their surroundings.
Hence, she worries about the temporal loss, not physical injury.
It is a well-known fact that if the two in front of them begin to play, the meeting will cease to be a meeting, and no one denies her words.
It is rare for such difficult-to-manage beings as the Generals to convene in one place.
Therefore, Lunaria, closing her eyes, glances around, urging them to refrain from wasting time.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting.”
With a shake of her head, as if to say “Oh well,” Pascal arrives. The Machine King, unconcerned, continues to drink her juice, and the last participant joins them in the relaxed atmosphere of the conference room.
Chief of the Royal Guard, the Demon Lord’s right-hand, and a being who also possesses her own dungeon, known as a supervisor in the company, Evia Nordis.
“No, I believe we are earlier than the scheduled time.”
With a clicking of heels, she takes the last empty seat, and the meeting begins.
“Now, let’s begin the dungeon test report. The progress status is compiled in the reports, so please look at the monitor in front of you.”
Despite holding a position equivalent to the Generals, Evia leads the meeting as if to command them.
Perhaps due to her size, the display in front of the Generals is of a different size, but one wonders what Jiro would think if he saw such a modern meeting using Japanese technology.
Without giving such thoughts any credence, Evia continues.
“Currently, the progress of the dungeon tests is significantly behind the schedule estimated last year. We are at about sixty percent of the planned progress. Furthermore, there is a disparity in the progress.”
Graphs are displayed on the monitors in front of the Generals, showing progress in improvement and operational progress.
The situation is also shown in comparison to each dungeon.
“This is lamentable. These figures are largely the result of a single party’s efforts. It’s hardly cause for celebration.”
“My affirmation: furthermore, even the dungeons that are said to be progressing compared to others—mine, the Oni King’s, and the Undead King’s—are only ‘not bad.’ They are still behind schedule.”
“As for my dungeon, the level of progress is so slow it makes you wonder if they’re even trying. They hardly show up at all. I’m bored to death.”
No one tries to hide their dissatisfaction with the numbers.
The Demon Lord’s proposed dungeon reinforcement plan.
No one objected to the plan itself, but after the first year’s results, expectations have fallen, and discontent is inevitable.
They had predicted dungeons would be conquered at a much faster rate.
And they even held expectations that the dungeons would be enhanced with ideas they themselves didn’t possess.
Yet, the results are abysmal.
It’s understandable that, with a few exceptions, they’ve been disappointing.
To put it bluntly, this place is the birthplace of Heroes.
They expected a large number of strong individuals to be unearthed, but this is the result they got after opening the box.
“Evia, since we’re on the subject, let me say this: I don’t believe simply increasing the number of humans will recover these numbers. The dungeon tests aren’t being conducted for free, you know.”
The Giant King, having reported on the numerous resignations that followed the training, as well as those who pursued their ideals and were defeated, and those who grew discouraged and left, expresses his dissatisfaction with the new recruits.
While “human wave tactics” might sound good, it’s an idea to compensate for a lack of quality with quantity.
Assembling more people incurs higher costs.
The Giant King voices his concern over this.
“I understand. And I have no intention of repeating the same mistake without a plan.”
Instead of assuaging the Giant King’s concerns with a simple “don’t worry, this time it’s okay,” Evia sharpens her gaze, as if to say “I understand,” and responds to his words.
Dungeon tests are a state-run enterprise.
In other words, they are funded by taxes.
While it operates under the guise of a company, this company itself is state-owned.
The initial capital comes from taxes, and through trade within Japan, they create a public face to conduct dungeon tests.
The sums involved are so immense that even long-lived races couldn’t repay them in a lifetime.
Therefore, their actions are cautious.
“Naturally, we have reviewed and improved the training and support for the testers. If further adjustments are necessary in the future, we will make them accordingly. Furthermore, we will also work on reforming the testers’ mindset. Giant King, for you…”
“I understand. I have already instructed my subordinates to procure weapons and armor. They will be delivered by the deadline.”
The future of the nation rests on this endeavor.
Therefore, everyone present is taking this seriously.
“I’m counting on you. Now, regarding upcoming changes within the dungeons…”
What is discussed at this meeting concerns fluctuations in the budgets and resources of each of their respective armies.
The Demon Lord’s Army is not at full strength due to an ongoing internal conflict.
Furthermore, the inability to replace missing generals is also a significant blow.
In essence, a division of the Demon Lord’s Army is rendered dysfunctional.
The work that division would have handled now falls upon them, further slowing their progress.
They hold meetings like this to try and improve their performance in any small way, but results remain elusive.
“Speaking of which, with all the commotion from that incident, I’d forgotten to ask. Have you decided on a successor for Kuzuri? Honestly, it’s about time we dealt with the corruption in the army he commanded.”
Still, those in positions of authority have a duty to do what must be done.
As they were about to reach a general conclusion on dungeon improvements, Dragon King Pascal suddenly recalled and brought up the topic.
“Dragon King, that’s hardly an appropriate thing to say. They are a flock that has lost its leader. If we interfere carelessly, it will become internal interference and only cause more trouble.”
With the death of Insectoid King Kuzuri, the cohesion of the Insectoid race has weakened.
Reports even indicate inter-tribal conflicts.
Lunaria attempts to casually dismiss Pascal’s suggestion, arguing that relying on the strength of those so lacking in unity would be futile.
“Hehehe. In that case, shall I find a good candidate from my own ranks and appoint them as their leader?”
However, as if to pour more fuel on the fire and demonstrate he wouldn’t stop if he read the room, Pascal mockingly proposes, “Shall I?”
“Stop it, you fool. It will only make things more complicated. The vacant General position is a problem, but if there’s no suitable candidate, there’s nothing we can do.”
Evia, holding her forehead as if enduring a headache, joins Lunaria in trying to end the discussion, but Pascal is unyielding.
“Hey, Oni King, didn’t you have a capable person in your ranks? What happened to them?”
“Huh? You mean Kizan? After he lost to Jiro, he refused the General position, saying he needed to train himself.”
“Hehehe. That’s right, he lost to a human. I’d forgotten about that fellow.”
“Huh? What’s with that laugh? Are you looking for a fight?”
“If you want one, I’ll give you one?”
“Stop it, you fools!”
One provocation after another. Most of the discussion has concluded, and Evia begins to consider ending the meeting for the day.
They cannot place someone incompetent in a leadership position, yet leaving it vacant is also not an option.
The number of individuals capable of becoming Generals within the Demon Lord’s Army is limited.
If such individuals existed, the discussion would have progressed more smoothly and wouldn’t even have reached this point.
“Hehehe. Well, perhaps that human might one day be in this very place.”
Pascal’s joke, uttered as if ignoring Evia’s thoughts, was largely met with scoffing.
“Fufu, that might be interesting.”
“My affirmation: that’s the most amusing joke I’ve heard today, Dragon King.”
“Him, huh? That would be interesting.”
“Kakakaka. Rather, I think it’s a sign of an impending natural disaster.”
“…”
The Generals’ reactions vary.
It’s slightly concerning that no one outright dismisses the possibility, but Evia makes no comment.
“Heh heh. Ah, certainly, that would be interesting.”
Indeed, no one did.
After all, this company is meritocratic. Anything can happen.
Today’s word:
While “expectation” may sound magnificent, it is not the only thing.
Thank you for your continued feedback on typos and your impressions.
This chapter marks the end of the current arc.
If you found it interesting, please leave your reviews, ratings, bookmarks, etc.
The first volume of the book is published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
An e-book version was also released on October 31 of the same year.
Furthermore, the second volume was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content consists of revised and expanded material from the original web novel, along with unpublished interlude chapters.
We kindly ask for your support for the new releases as well!
A comic adaptation is being serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”
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