The Demon Lord’s Office
“Alright, the new system has been launched, and just from the initial actions, I think splitting up was worth it, wouldn’t you say?”
Projected onto the wall of the president’s office were the activities of the Dungeon Tester Department, displayed using familiars.
“Only the Second Division has started moving. Hmm, judging by his way of thinking, prioritizing the field, I assume?” Two of the three divisions were already tackling dungeons. From the Demon Lord’s perspective, this was within his predictions. What was interesting was what came next.
“The Second Division is prioritizing getting used to the atmosphere of the field, not just blindly charging ahead. The First Division is taking its time to solidify its approach without rushing. And then…”
The Demon Lord’s gaze settled on one of the screens, his smile unwavering. It was difficult to tell if he was pleased or mocking him, but he didn’t seem to find it unpleasant.
“The Third Division, where opinions are clashing from the start.” It seemed to be a group centered around the first-generation Dungeon Testers and a man from the Demon race appointed as Section Chief. He was the eldest son of a Duke’s family. In contrast to the proud Demon race, the opinions of those on the field were not being taken into consideration at all.
“Hmm, that’s fine too.” While infighting might normally be something the Demon Lord would want to avoid, he had a feeling that this action would not be in vain and would serve as a touchstone. That’s why he didn’t reprimand them but chose to watch. The approaches were three different ones, each a stark reflection of their respective leaders. Jiro Tanaka, placed in charge of the First Division, aimed for harmony. Falgore, the tiger beastkin placed in charge of the Second Division, adhered to a practical approach. Yurgen, the demon ducal heir placed in charge of the Third Division, believed in his own ideology.
“Well, if you produce results, I won’t complain. But conversely, that means something can be done depending on the results.” The Demon Lord’s smiling eyes began to sharpen slightly. “There are many who covet your positions. I sincerely hope you don’t forget that.” Were these words of encouragement, or did they hold another meaning? No one knew. If his aide Evia, or his old comrades Raidou or Nōraifu were present, they might have seen a different reaction, but that was a story for another time.
“President.”
“Ahaha, what is it?” In fact, even if Evia were by his side, the story would not have changed. Because…
“There are documents awaiting your approval. I would appreciate it if you could finish your break soon.”
“Uh, Evia, are you angry?”
“Do I look like I’m in a good mood?”
“Uh, yeah. Is that a desire you want to see?”
“If you have time for such jokes, please look through at least a few more documents.” Evia appeared, carrying a mountain of documents in the air with an demeanor that seemed to emit a thunderous rumble. Despite harboring an anger that seemed to vibrate the air, her expression was blank. However, she exuded an aura that clearly conveyed her emotions, which was problematic. Facing Evia’s expressionless demeanor, as if she would shoot the mountain of documents at him if he refused, the Demon Lord immediately surrendered.
“Yes, I understand. Could you please place the documents there?” Naturally, the Demon Lord wasn’t harmed by such a thing, but he couldn’t say no to her intensity. With a smile, he ignored the cheers from the president’s smile that erupted in high-pitched voices. Evia, as if deeming them worthless, calmly proceeded to handle the work. The mountain of documents was piled onto the desk, filling the luxurious desk, crafted from a single tree, with paper.
“…Evia, this might just be my imagination, but isn’t this more than usual?”
“Yes, as it seems the Demon Lord wishes to prioritize work, I have prepared an amount that should keep you busy for three days.” The Demon Lord, realizing he had stepped on a landmine, felt a cold sweat trickle down his forehead. With a twitching mouth, he asked, “Um, were you that disappointed you couldn’t see Jiro’s moment of glory?” He had gone looking for trouble.
“Yes, truly.” Her response was met with a glare that would make an ordinary demon lose their footing and attempt to flee immediately. Evia responded by summoning double the amount of documents. He was happy to see her display emotions she wouldn’t have shown in the past, but in return, the Demon Lord’s mouth twitched once more. “Well then, I’d like your confirmation by the end of today.” Evia, as if the Demon Lord’s concerns were irrelevant, finished her statement and retreated to the adjacent secretary’s office. Watching her retreating figure, the Demon Lord inwardly grumbled his resentment towards Jiro, then reached for the mountain of documents that remained steadfastly there.
“…I thought you’d been unusually quiet lately.” However, as he picked up one of the documents, his expression remained unchanged, but his demeanor shifted, as if he had seen something unpleasant. That document proved that this mountain was not built out of jealousy. The Demon Lord glanced at Evia, who nodded silently.
“Things don’t always go as planned.” His smile turned into a wry one, and his enjoyable time was over, giving way to work.
Another Side End
Unaware of the Demon Lord’s current predicament, we in the First Division were unable to make a decision.
“Wouldn’t specializing be more cost-effective in the end?”
“But what if something unexpected happens?”
“Can’t we adjust the rotation period?”
“It might be possible, but how long should the periods be set for?”
The newcomers, who had initially remained silent, began to voice their opinions like fish in water once they had the information. While satisfied with this, the problem now was how to consolidate this discussion. If I were to suggest a decision, it would render their entire discussion pointless. Though it was frustrating, I had no choice but to observe. However, it was also a fact that if it continued like this, it would take a considerable amount of time.
“It’s getting pretty lively, isn’t it?”
“Easy for you to say, Kitamiya. We’ll be following the policy we decide on from now on, you know.” Amidst the commotion, our Party Members were remarkably relaxed. Kaido and Masaru seemed to be talking about something, and Amelia and Minami were also chatting, but in this noisy room, even with enhanced hearing, it was impossible to make out what they were saying. Picking up on Kitamiya’s idle comment, I was met with a look that seemed to say, ‘What are you talking about?’ She didn’t deny her stance of observing from the sidelines.
“We’re well aware of our influence. If we say something carelessly now, the whole flow will change, won’t it?” This was a decision based on her speaking power. Leaning back in her chair, she stated that she couldn’t make careless remarks. With those words, she questioned if I disagreed.
“I think it’s okay to express at least a little hope.” I largely agreed with that sentiment, but I couldn’t help but think it would be a good idea to act a little.
“Is that what you want?”
“Who knows.” I considered dropping a bombshell on the group that seemed unlikely to reach a conclusion, but it was just that, with no deeper meaning. Various opinions flew around, which could be called brainstorming sessions, and each time, they were overturned by new ideas.
“From what I can see, opinions leaning towards specialization seem to be strong.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Some people are expressing their feelings more than logic. And others seem to be agreeing with them.”
“I see, so the rotation side is at a disadvantage then.” Kitamiya’s observational skills were certainly sharp. Humans are not naturally inclined to willingly take on challenges. While there are those who seek hardship, they prefer ease if possible. Therefore, they either consciously exclude it or, whether consciously or not, choose less effort over results. This can also be considered a criterion for judgment.
“Are you considering a compromise?”
“Well, to some extent. But I think it’s best to say it near the end, don’t you think? What’s important in this discussion is the element of everyone deciding together. Reluctantly agreeing because someone else decided, well…”
“I don’t deny that.” What was important this time was the fact that it was decided by everyone, establishing a solid foundation. While a single decisive word might be needed at times, it wasn’t the right moment yet. While Kitamiya and I were discussing this, one person raised their hand.
“Um! I have a proposal!!” It was Katagiri. With her black hair, which had likely never been dyed, cut to her shoulders, she stated her intention to speak with a determined huff. The murmuring crowd fell silent for a moment, becoming a space for her proposal to be heard. All attention focused on her words, which could become the wind that changes the atmosphere of the room.
“Isn’t doing both an option?!” If this statement was directed at anyone, it was likely at me, the current leader.
“Both? What do you mean?”
“Yes! A plan that combines both specialization and rotation!” She continued, and I listened intently to confirm her statement.
“Instead of one team tackling one dungeon, how about multiple teams tackling multiple dungeons?”
“Oh.” I was impressed by her suggestion. Kitamiya let out a similar murmur, ‘Oh, you noticed.’ The newcomers, however, looked confused with question marks above their heads. Well, what she was saying was quite ordinary, and difficult to understand. Katagiri’s suggestion wasn’t a complete change in perspective; it was just that she was vague about “multiple,” which made it harder to grasp, but she wasn’t saying anything incorrect.
“Can you explain in more detail?”
“Yes! There are currently six active dungeons, and our team has six members. Normally, each team would be responsible for one, but that leaves no reserve strength. So, how about having two teams tackle three dungeons?!”
“I see.” I was convinced, but inwardly, I wanted to applaud. What Katagiri was saying was exactly what our party had considered.
“Hey! What does that mean?” Benny seemed to not quite understand. Roughly half of them seemed to grasp it.
“By narrowing down the dungeons to be tackled, we reduce the workload! And by ‘overlapping’ the tackled dungeons, we cover our response capabilities.” As Katagiri continued her explanation, I nodded silently. While it was ideal to clear all dungeons equally, that was merely the result. So, there was no problem in dividing it. However, with one party for one dungeon, there would be issues with efficiency and response. Therefore, it should be done in a way that allows for comprehensive clearing. Tackling three dungeons with two parties would reduce the workload by 1.5 times. Furthermore, creating three such setups would further increase response capabilities. If one setup became non-functional, the remaining teams could handle it. I could only marvel at Katagiri’s initiative in reaching that conclusion and being able to propose it. As Katagiri explained, using gestures, the newcomers also nodded in understanding.
“Aren’t you going to deliver the ‘king’s decree’?”
“Isn’t it good for the source of such words to be here?”
“Yes, it’s tiring to keep working hard alone, isn’t it?” She gave a shrug, and I agreed, then clapped my hands to get everyone’s attention. The policy for this department was gradually taking shape. All that remained was to finalize it.
“Well, it seems the policy is set. So, next is what we’ll do. Let’s move on to each of you choosing the dungeon you want to tackle. From there, we’ll adjust to form this setup, then create the conquest schedule, and submit the reports. There are a mountain of things to decide. Let’s be quick!”
” ” ” ” ” “Yes!” ”
This was merely a trigger, but it seemed that our department was finally getting into gear. I was curious about the other departments, but let’s leave that for now. It felt wrong to rain on such a celebratory occasion.
A Word for Today:
The first step always feels a bit hard to take, but the second step comes surprisingly easily.
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*The first volume of this novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year. The second volume was released on December 19. The third volume was released on February 20, 2019. These volumes contain revised and expanded content from the “Shōsetsuka ni Narō” submission, with additional unreleased intermissions included. Please also consider purchasing the new releases!
A comic adaptation is being serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.” We hope you enjoy that as well.
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