An Earthmaker created a colossal island.
Now, it stands as a stunningly, not dreamlike but real, scene of waves crashing against sheer cliffs and rebounding.
A state of dumbfounded bewilderment could be sensed within the ship’s interior and from the surrounding presence.
“Jiro-, it’s time to come back inside the ship. You’ll drain your magic power if you stay out there.”
“Understood.”
As I nodded, satisfied with the presence and the island’s result, Keiri’s telepathic call came in. I turned on my heel and headed back inside the ship.
The route was the same as the passage I had emerged from.
Upon returning to the hangar via the elevator.
“Jin’ō, good work. You’ve created a magnificent island.”
The president greeted me with a satisfied smile.
“I’m humbled.”
“Indeed. Perhaps your magic power has good compatibility with this world. I felt the dispersion rate was lower than usual. It might be something achievable purely due to your high magic concentration.”
He then offered high praise regarding this use of the Earthmaker.
Should I say he has a researcher’s mindset? He exuded an aura as if he wanted to continue discussing it, as if there were plenty of room for speculation.
“Demon Lord-sama, please postpone your speculation for later. I believe the current problem is keeping our guests waiting.”
“That’s true. My, I’m going to be bombarded with questions when I return.”
“You seem quite cheerful for that.”
“Yes! Because I’m looking forward to it! I can almost hear myself cackling when I imagine their state of mind after being utterly stunned.”
However, due to the schedule, I couldn’t stay here long.
The landmass was complete, and we could now construct a dungeon, but the Dungeon Core itself was probably napping in the mansion’s garden at this time of day.
In the first place, this island is merely the foundation.
After various preparations and creating the facilities to construct a dungeon, we can finally begin the dungeon creation.
there are still countless tasks ahead. We not only need to stick to the regular schedule but also be wary of sabotage.
The schedule, which will allow me to fully experience the hardships of management, is already etched in my mind.
“Is that so? Then let us proceed at once. Jin’ō, what will you do? Even with your immense magic power, replenishment is difficult here. If your physical condition is poor and you wish to rest, that’s no problem, but…”
“I appreciate your concern, Lunaria. However, I was trained by that instructor, so please don’t worry. I’m not so frail that I’d collapse from this level of magic power loss.”
“I see. Then, let us go together.”
For now, the priority is to meet the government officials from various countries, who are undoubtedly waiting with bated breath for an explanation.
It’s possible communications have already been sent from the ship to their home countries, but we have a plan in place to leak it to the media later and make the Demon Lord’s Army’s existence public knowledge.
We have all the arrangements for that settled, so there’s no problem.
“Ah, that’s right, Jin’ō.”
“Yes?”
“If you’re going to explain, it would be less trouble to do so on-site. Could you please make this ship ascend and land on the island?”
“As you command.”
Landing on the island was also part of the plan.
Humans tend to believe what they see with their own eyes.
We created the island, but we wouldn’t return without showing it to them.
Rather, it’s precisely because it’s just a barren rocky island that we should show it.
It would cause unnecessary complications if we built facilities first.
I bowed my head and began making the necessary arrangements.
“Keiri, Muil-san, the schedule is moving to Phase Three. Keiri, please inform the surrounding ships that Tufaris is ascending and will land on the island. We will land after the announcement.”
“Understood.”
“Ay, understood.”
With that, I felt a sense of relief knowing they would handle it, but this is where things get somewhat troublesome.
The president will handle the top brass, but I’ll have to manage everyone else.
Nine times out of ten, I can see a future where I’m bombarded with questions about the Earthmaker’s specifications and whether it can be purchased.
I’ve already come up with over a hundred potential excuses for that.
The biggest problem is the materials and the price.
The price is within reach for a great power, with a bit of luck.
However, the crucial material is the Ancient Dragon Magic Stone, a rare-of-the-rarest material.
It’s truly something you only encounter maybe once every thousand years.
Even if they understand that, it’s uncertain if they’ll accept it. I expect questions about whether we have stock or if substitutes can be made.
“President, preparations for movement are complete. We will ascend after the notification.”
“Yes, please do.”
“Understood.”
With all that in mind, I returned to the original room with the president.
As expected, upon our return, everyone who witnessed the Earthmaker’s power rushed towards us.
The bodyguards created a barrier, mitigating the force, but they still pressed in on us, pushing the limits of what was acceptable.
The government officials were trying to extract information by any means necessary.
The president and I parried their attempts with evasive answers.
Lunaria stood quietly at the side. Perhaps because she was recognized as a secretary, no one approached her to speak.
While feeling a bit envious, I too found myself dealing with the onslaught.
What the opponents seek is information and connections. It’s well-known that we, the Demon Lord’s Army, harbor some convenient technology, thanks to the Earthmaker’s impactful display.
As a result, the pace of their questions has quickened, and they now have something akin to obsession in their eyes. To put it plainly, their faces are smiling, but their eyes are gleaming.
Even though I’m surrounded only by humans, I feel like I’m in the midst of carnivores.
“Jiro-, the notification has been sent to all ships, but they’re requesting permission to launch their carrier-based aircraft and land on the island. On paper, it’s for safety assurance, but I suspect it’s also for information gathering.”
“No problem. You can let them land first. The island currently has only a water source and is just a rocky island. There are no mineral or forest resources. Its only value is as land, so even if they investigate, they’ll only grasp its size and elevation.”
While I was experiencing that sensation, Keiri’s telepathic call came through. The content was a request from the government officials for an on-site inspection.
Regarding toxic gases and ground stability, the president has given his assurance.
However, even if the president says it’s fine, the leaders of nations can’t simply accept that with a nod.
Even if it involves some troublesome procedures, they must investigate and ensure safety.
Sense of justice, duty, mission.
Whichever word you use, being faithful to one’s duties is a good thing.
Whatever they may be thinking or plotting in their minds, it’s a natural course of action from our perspective.
Only a very few can navigate this world based solely on goodwill.
It would be impossible unless one were a saint so saintly that even malice would hesitate to turn its malevolent gaze upon them.
It’s natural to suspect something.
It’s reasonable to assume some action will be taken.
To believe there is nothing is already foolish.
This is such a place.
While answering questions, I issued instructions to Keiri. Multitasking has become second nature.
I’m so grateful for my physical reinforcement; I almost think Shotoku Taishi might have possessed magic power and a magic crest.
On the screens inside the ship, footage shows several helicopters flying towards the island.
Determining which country’s helicopters they are is as easy as checking the ships they launched from.
Of course, Japan, the US, China, and Russia sent them. Several other countries brought their helicopter carriers, and some also sent drones.
The honor of being the first to set foot on the island is gone, but that’s fine.
If they were to plant their national flag here, that would be a different story, but we have spoken with all countries and signed contracts. Unless someone is utterly out of their mind, such foolishness will not occur.
If anyone were to later claim that the island is their territory, they would incur the extreme displeasure of other countries, as per the meticulously laid plans.
On the surface, it’s just an island with nothing on it, so they can investigate to their heart’s content.
In the meantime, I will continue to answer the questions I can and deflect the negotiations with evasive answers.
“Jiro-, I’ve received word that the safety verification is complete.”
“That was faster than I expected.”
“Well, it’s an island with nothing on it. If there’s nothing to see, what are they supposed to be looking for? They can’t exactly start digging around everywhere, can they?”
“That’s true.”
It took less than an hour, perhaps. As the helicopters began flying around the island after taking off, I received word, and it was finally our turn to land.
“Muil-san, please.”
“I’ve been waiting impatiently. Let’s go!”
As Tufaris ascended, we heard the murmur of the announcement and the ship’s hull slowly rose.
It was known that the ship could float, but the scenery from the outside is different from the scenery from the inside.
Conversations ceased, and the ship slowly ascended into the sky, moving forward with a sensation distinct from that of an airplane or helicopter.
The island gradually drew closer, and its full form became visible. Another murmur arose at that moment.
They might have imagined a rugged, rocky area, but the island created by magic was practically leveled.
Even with minor unevenness, it could be quickly flattened. This was also why the helicopters could land so easily. An island like a cross-section of rock, with a vast expanse of flat ground and no obstructions to the sea breeze blowing from the side. Tufaris slowly descended onto it. About two kilometers inland from the shore. After landing, I took the lead, and the government officials, surrounded by their respective escorts, proceeded along a passage and exited through a hatch. Nothing. Truly nothing on the island. As the surroundings exuded an atmosphere of anticlimax, I alone was immersed in a feeling of deep emotion. The plateau I stood on now was my starting point. My dungeon would begin here. Everything was new territory. It would begin from here. Thinking that, my cheeks almost curled into a smile. I was the only one laughing on this blank, empty island.
“Are you excited, Jin’ō?”
The president, who had somehow appeared beside me, asked. My escorts watched us from a distance.
“Yes, Demon Lord-sama.”
“Is it that starting from this place with nothing on it makes you feel so thrilled?”
“I understand that feeling. I still can’t forget the sensation I had when I decided to become the Demon Lord.”
Starting something can be nerve-wracking, but the sense of adventure that comes from experiencing the unknown that begins here can also be exciting.
I had the resolve to start my dungeon. The president had the resolve to become the Demon Lord.
Our positions and circumstances were entirely different. Yet, strangely, we felt a sense of empathy.
“Don’t forget that feeling. I’m counting on you, Jin’ō.”
“Yes, I will do my best to meet your expectations.”
These were the words exchanged as the surroundings, having grown bored with the island’s lack of features, began to return to their ships. I am sure I will not forget the feel of stepping onto this island. I do not know what form this island will take in the future. But I will never see this scenery again. This island in its pristine, empty, innocent state. I will never return here. With that imprinted in my heart, I followed the president, who turned and walked away.
“Well, the negotiations between nations will continue. It’s going to be a busy time.”
“I am accustomed to a busy schedule.”
“Oh? That’s reassuring.”
“I will stubbornly ensure I have time to see my children and wife, but otherwise, I intend to give my all.”
“Oh, you’ve become quite expressive. But that’s good. If you only focused on work, your family would grow tired of you, and you’d end up like a cantankerous old man whose only enjoyment is complaining about me.”
“I appreciate your advice.”
I look forward to stepping onto this innocent island again.
Today’s Word:
Surprising others can be enjoyable.
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I am also currently serializing another work: Pandora Pandemic Panic. The box of Pandora has been reopened, but we are fighting back with various means from our secret base!! Please check that out as well!!
