I was curious about what Instructor Fushio had said, but I couldn’t let myself dwell on it too much. Even though I hold a managerial position, a pile of work as section chief had accumulated during my business trip, so I had no choice but to prioritize that.
“Consumables are fine, but… the expenses are starting to add up, perhaps because the newcomers are delving deeper into the dungeons.”
So, I put aside what we had discussed earlier and focused on my normal operations.
“It can’t be helped. It’s not like there are many people with your ridiculous abilities. This is normal, really. We’ve included healers in the party so the costs are kept relatively low.”
While holding a document, I applied the approval stamp to an expense report, responding to Keiri-san, who was gradually taking on a secretarial role in our department. It seemed reasonable. When I sat down at my desk, a mountain of documents, evoking the image of considerable weight, was placed before me, making me feel dizzyingly overwhelmed.
However, if I were to be dejected by that sight, I wouldn’t be able to work at this company. For now, I’m processing documents quickly without dwelling on it.
As I flipped through the documents and applied the approval stamps while carefully confirming their contents, I could see the current situation of our department. While the consumption of individual consumables was small, the cumulative amount reached a considerable sum. However, thanks to purchasing in bulk from Memoria’s store, the expenses weren’t as exorbitant as they could have been, and I could easily apply the approval stamp, recognizing that it wasn’t something to make a fuss about.
“Hmm, there are individual differences in dungeon攻略, but the absence of Ishan has been surprisingly significant…”
“Indeed. He was quite skillful, and his adaptability was high. When I reconfirm, it’s clear he held an important position in terms of combat strength.”
However, it’s unsettling to see evidence that the increase in consumables for dungeon攻略 is due to a decline in combat strength.
The document in my hand is the攻略 record of the party Ishan was in. As they advanced deeper into the dungeon, the damage ratio increased, and the consumption of consumables rose. Like an inverse graph, the amount of consumables used during combat increased, while the speed of攻略 decreased.
“Do we need to reorganize?”
The numbers were not promising. It was also a concern that the content of the report, which should normally detail improvements within the dungeon, was becoming thinner.
Could we turn around the signs of this vicious cycle that was about to begin? I posed the question. Furthermore, due to ongoing negotiations with the Japanese Government, there was no prospect of new testers being replenished. Personnel replenishment would be a story for some time later.
Because of this, the Third Division was undeniably in a dire situation, but it’s not as if we in the First Division are entirely safe.
“The situation isn’t good, but it’s still manageable. However, I think it would be better to make adjustments sooner rather than later.”
It wasn’t just me who thought the numbers were unfavorable; Keiri-san, who brought me the documents, felt the same way. However…
Currently, our company is on the verge of establishing connections between nations. Given the extent of the negotiations, diplomatic relations should be leaning towards establishment. This is a known development. However, it’s information that cannot be made public.
“What if we remove Kato and the others from Hamamatsu, send them for training under the guise of rest, and have them rejoin Katagiri’s group upon their return to balance things out? If they don’t return, we’ll go with the status quo for a while longer regarding the absence of Ishan. If we continue to stagnate, we’ll deal with it then.”
Since we can’t expect new testers for some time, we have no choice but to proceed with the current personnel. If recruitment recovers quickly, we’ll have measures we can take. This is a compromise based on that expectation.
“That’s quite a passive approach. I think we could even ask for cooperation from the Undead King or the Oni King?”
“Aren’t they both busy with post-war reconstruction? It’s a bit much to ask for training in the meantime.”
“Those two might come just for the sake of stress relief.”
“No doubt. Shall I file for their stipends then, Keiri-san, would you like to be their training instructor?”
“Don’t joke, I’m already quite busy. I can’t possibly take on more work.”
“That’s a pity.”
Given the current situation, everyone is swamped and desperate for any help. I wonder what Keiri-san would think if I told her we also need to establish connections with the Temple. If I’ve already thought of it, I should probably ask now.
“Speaking of which, Keiri-san, do you know about the Temple?”
“Of course. It’s where the gods we worship reside. It would be strange not to know.”
This was a follow-up question from a casual inquiry. I called out to Keiri-san as she was collecting the documents to leave, but she asked back with a slightly exasperated expression as if to say, “What are you asking now?”
“Well, it’s possible we might need to establish ties in that direction soon, so I was wondering what kind of organization it is.”
“What kind of organization… Ah, Jiro, you’re not very familiar with the religions of this world. And they’re quite different compared to Japan.”
“That’s right.”
For Keiri-san and the others, this was common knowledge, but for me, it was still an area with much I didn’t know. It’s better to ask for a moment of shame than to remain ignorant forever.
“I think it’s better to have prior knowledge than to be ignorant. Could you tell me about it, even if it’s a simple explanation?”
“You’re asking me, a Dark Elf who strongly believes in spirits? Well, I suppose a generally common understanding will do.”
“Yes, please.”
She began to explain, prefacing that she wasn’t an expert, in response to my wish. I wondered what expression she would have had if I had told her this question was for a banquet for the Japanese gods.
“Did you think of something strange?”
“No?”
Sensing my unnecessary thoughts, Keiri-san’s intuition was sharp. I was surprised but hid it and urged her to continue.
“Really?… Ah, it was about the Temple. It’s an organization with extraterritoriality, completely separated from politics. You could say it’s a kind of independent nation.”
She seemed to have a lingering doubt but didn’t pursue it further, considering the effort involved in questioning. That was Keiri-san.
“An independent nation? Such a thing exists on that continent?”
After a moment of thought, the words “independent nation” came out. While it might seem plausible in the realm of religion, in a world dominated by military might where various countries vie for power, I honestly wondered if it could truly function. Perhaps it was a powerful martial arts organization?
I envisioned a temple filled with muscular, martial artist monks. Their heads were all shaved, like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie. I pictured a group of people ridiculously buff.
“Hmm, how should I put it? It’s like a separate entity within the country… it’s self-contained… it just naturally became that way… It’s difficult to explain.”
However, my simple question seemed to miss the mark, and it appeared there were underlying circumstances.
“And there’s no problem with that. They don’t try to rule the country, they don’t oppress any particular race, and they don’t demand alms.”
“?”
Keiri-san’s explanation left me with a question mark. Hearing “independent nation,” I had assumed some connection to the Demon Lord’s Army, the foundation of our company, but it seemed there was no financial assistance.
“Furthermore, it seems that when a previous Demon Lord tried to absorb that organization, they were defeated and died. For us, it’s an organization we often interact with at arm’s length. Since they enshrine Ruina, we sometimes make requests during festivals, and some devout people consider their territory a sacred place and go on pilgrimages.”
“…From what I’ve heard, it sounds like a purely religious organization.”
“Yes, since the majority of the Demon Lord’s Army worships Ruina, there’s no aggressive proselytizing, and I haven’t heard of power struggles within factions.”
What a peaceful organization. In fantasy novels, it’s common for hypocritical monks to seize positions and do as they please, but from what I’m hearing, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“At least, that’s how it appears on the surface.”
I had assumed that contact with such an organization would be no problem, but after glancing around to confirm no one was nearby, Keiri-san leaned closer and gestured for me to lend her an ear. There was no reason to resist, so I leaned in and waited for her next words, which turned out to be rather ominous.
“…You mean, there’s a hidden side?”
“Of course not. If you create an organization, don’t rumors eventually surface? We also put on a pleasant front, but we have more than just one or two secrets. We just lack evidence, but rumors abound. Do you think an organization that has existed longer than the reign of successive Demon Lords would be free of such rumors?”
If she put it that way, it was only natural to assume so. In reality, rumors are meaningless without verification. However, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
There must be something about the Temple that led Keiri-san to say this. To gaze into the abyss is to be seen by the abyss. However, with no option but to listen, I glanced around, sensing for any presence, confirmed that no one was paying attention to us, and then sent a look to Keiri-san, urging her to continue.
“There are various rumors, but one has persisted for a long time. I don’t know if it’s true or false, but the story is that the Temple demands sacrifices to maintain our continent.”
“Sacrifices?”
“Yes, and only children with high magic aptitude. They say it’s to maintain Ruina’s power with innocent souls.”
“……”
It’s a plausible story. In fact, on Earth, stories of children being sacrificed in pursuit of eternal youth or as offerings to demons are not uncommon.
“I’ve also heard that orphans are sent there, and that the Temple accepts orphans.”
“It could be a charitable activity, or perhaps they need labor?”
“Even if no child who enters the Temple ever leaves?”
However, such rumors tend to grow and take on a life of their own. As someone who wants to dismiss negative possibilities and preconceptions before contacting the organization we’ll soon be dealing with, I continued to voice my denial, but Keiri-san quickly countered with evidence.
“…Haven’t you investigated?”
“That is the dwelling place of the gods! It’s impossible. Even our leader, the Demon Lord, can’t easily interfere. And if we inadvertently incur the gods’ wrath, it would be disastrous. We are being contained within the continent we inhabit, you know? Do you think we can afford to be assertive?”
“No.”
“Indeed. Furthermore, the cores that form dungeons are produced by the Temple. The reason your’s, Himik, was able to connect with the Dungeon Core was because she had an aptitude, being an Apostle of God, though of a different lineage. The Demon Lord, who is in a cooperative relationship and poses no threat to the Temple, would be considered unusual.”
Thus, the truth of the rumors cannot be verified, and only the rumors remain.
“The rumors about sacrifices say that it’s only about ten children a year, all of whom are parentless. It’s also unclear if they have hidden potential that could make them generals. They are an organization that lends us power without causing us harm.”
And it was quite heavy content.
“So, you’re asking about the Temple because there’s talk of us contacting them soon?”
“…The plan is undecided.”
“That statement alone is enough. It’s probably the usual unreasonable demand. All I can say is my condolences, and be careful not to make Suella a widow with your fumbling.” I’ll do a little more research on my end, but will I get overtime pay?”
“Shall I pay for an Energy Drink out of my own pocket?”
“In that case, a high-quality Potion would be better. Also, there’s a shop I’m very interested in right now, and the alcohol there is a bit… pricey.”
Furthermore, Keiri-san seemed to be anticipating my future involvement with the Temple and was asking for extra payment. I felt like I could learn everything from Evia, but I couldn’t rely on her for everything. I had no choice but to accept it as a necessary expense.
“One night.”
“A week.”
“Three days.”
“Six days.”
“Four days.”
“…Five days. I can’t go any lower than that. And I want the high-quality Magic Potion from Memoria’s shop.”
So, I entered into a negotiation, but my opponent was a seasoned Dark Elf. And I still had weaknesses in information warfare. More importantly, in matters like these, it’s necessary to scrutinize information from various angles. If it means minimizing the danger, so be it. There’s also Instructor Fushio’s story to consider.
“Then for six days, with a Potion, I’d like you to investigate one more thing.”
“Depending on the content?”
I decided to try negotiating again with this older Dark Elf, thinking it would be more beneficial to gather more information if I pushed for one more deal. However, with only a week of accompanying her, my negotiation skills were no match for her.
“In that case, eight days, delicious snacks, and assorted consumables, please~”
My pocket money took a significant hit.
“…I should probably refrain from eating out for a while.”
My heart, which wished for this to be reimbursed by expenses, felt lonely.
Today’s word: If necessary, do not hesitate; even if it means eating only bean sprouts from tomorrow.
Thank you for your usual feedback and for pointing out any typos. If you find this interesting, please leave your comments, ratings, bookmarks, etc.
*The first volume of the book 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. The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on “Shousetsuka ni Narou,” with the addition of an unpublished interlude. Please also consider purchasing the new volumes!
Thank you for your continued support of this work.
