Kays Translations

Chapter 161: "Designated Range ++"

Day 380 in the Otherworld - 59,630 points

It's been five days since the Keimos attack incident, and life in the village has returned to normal. Dungeon hunting has resumed, and the vigilance in the settlement has been lifted.

Drago's speech went smoothly, and now we’re just waiting to see how many people will come. According to the Empire's plan, after about five more days of detainment, all the residents will be released.

During the ten days of detention, they've been preparing the defenses of the western wall and planning to build a new wall along the border with the Beastman Country.

As for the crucial matter, the reaction of the residents in the city was... well, to be honest, it was a bit mixed. It's understandable, but most people were furious.

If it had been a case of indiscriminate massacre, they wouldn't just be angry, they'd be terrified – but the Empire didn't do that. While most of the soldiers were wiped out, they had almost everyone else, including special forces and adventurers, detained without major harm.

(Is this a response typical of the Japanese, or is there another motive... Well, there's no point in pondering over it.)

After managing to calm down the agitated residents, Drago finally broached the subject. As one of the options, he calmly explained the provision of livelihood support in the settlement. It seemed that only about 20% of them were seriously listening, while the rest looked skeptical from start to finish.

...Well, that's how it went, but now we’re continuing the daily food distribution. From the first day of the attack until now, we’ve been providing plenty of meals, mainly consisting of sweet potatoes, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We don't know how effective this will be, but at least during meal times, the atmosphere isn't too bad. We plan to continue like this for another five days, at least.

◇◇◇

"Sakura, how is it? Have we established the structure?"

"Yes, we've decided on the main outline. We'll have a permanent security team of 30 and 20 members from the Nanashi Army. It's about 30% of our total forces."

Today, Sakura and I are discussing the security arrangements for the settlement. The main focus is on vigilance against the Japanese Empire and how to handle potential future settlers.

"Yeah, that sounds good. The risk of mass teleportation is gone now, and the barrier can handle the rest. I've also raised the height of the barrier all at once, so there should be little worry about them crossing over anymore."

"That's true. But... was it really okay? Using up valuable enhancement abilities?"

"Of course it was. It's pointless if we don't use them, and I still have one enhancement left."

"That's good then... I feel a bit guilty about it, though."

Actually, the other day, I used up one of the two remaining enhancement abilities. The target was "Designated Range ++," specifically the ability to freely change its shape, width, and height.

The earth magic users in the Empire managed to overcome the 10-meter barrier erected around the Lord's Mansion in just one day. Concerned that they might do the same with a 20-meter barrier, I had Roa and Kyoko verify it.

We tried various patterns, such as turning the earth into stairs or stacking it like blocks. Of course, their excellence played a role, but the conclusion was that as long as they had enough time, the Empire could overcome barriers of any height.

However, the higher the barrier – 30 meters, 40 meters – the longer it would take them to overcome it. Since the forest's barrier is patrolled daily, it's unlikely they would go unnoticed for days. Once discovered, simply shifting the barrier's position or destroying it with magic would suffice.

Through verification, we confirmed that a certain height would be sufficient. For now, we decided to change the height of the barrier to 50 meters and see how it goes.

"I'm glad you noticed. This was my decision, and this ability can be flexible for other purposes too. I believe it will definitely be useful."

"Is that so... Since it was my idea, I couldn't help but worry. But if you think so, then it's good."

"To be honest, if it's Sakura's request, I can use it for anything. But let's keep it a secret from everyone else."

"Oh? Does this mean my route flag has finally been raised?"

"You do realize what you're saying, right? ...As a person and as a woman, you're charming. We've been together since the first day of the transfer. We don't have any bad feelings, do we?"

Over a year of living together. We know each other's quirks, and we've laid out all our good and bad points. While there's no physical relationship, we've been strong supports for each other emotionally.

"Yeah, I feel the same way. I think the three of us, including Tsubaki, have a special relationship. I also like Keisuke-san's sincerity, so I'm thinking of waiting a little longer."

"Yeah. Honestly, I don't know how long I can hold out. When the time comes... I'll rely on you."

"If you wait too long, I might make the first move. Just be prepared for that, okay?"

With a nod to Sakura's words, the private meeting between the two concludes.

(Even though I know it's not sincere, I don't feel bad about it. It's definitely obvious to Tsubaki too, so we need to have a proper conversation at least.)

◇◇◇

Amidst the exchanges in the morning, after lunch that day, I went to the blacksmith's to check on something specific.

Amidst the lively sounds of iron striking, I peeked inside from the entrance and saw craftsmen working diligently at crowded workbenches.

Initially, there were only Beritoa and Bears when the forge was established, and the inside of the forge was also quite empty. But now, as you can see, there are about ten apprentices, and it's become quite cramped. Since we’re planning to expand soon, they'll have to endure it for a while.

Interrupting their work, I apologize and call out to Bears, who was stationed at the far end. He had the item I was looking for in his hands and was in the midst of finishing touches.

"Hey, village chief, I thought you'd be coming around now. I'm just putting the finishing touches on it. You'll stay and watch, right?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt your work. Of course, I'll watch. Thank you."

As I replied, Bears immediately returned to work. With a serious expression, he repeatedly checked the blade and made adjustments.

What he's working on now is what's called a 'Katana.' The forging process may be different, but at first glance, it looks quite authentic. Thanks to Touya's knowledge from videos, even amateurs wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"All right, that should do it. I'm just about finished. I'm leaving the fittings and sheath to Natsuki, so it'll be another two days until it's complete."

"Well, it's truly remarkable. Perhaps it's because it's made of magic steel, but the blade is shimmering... I might ask for one too."

The katana in front of me has been certified for its strength thanks to the magic steel, and its thin green blade shimmers like waves. It exudes an aura reminiscent of a cursed sword.

"I don't mind... But this is for the samurai, right?"

"Yeah, it seems the samurai's skills won't activate without a katana. I think it'll be the best reward."

"I see. Well, as long as it's classified as a katana... But I can't guarantee that far."

"That's okay. Even at this stage, it's labeled as 'Katana Blade.'"

"That's good to know. I'll make a few more, including spares."

"Thank you. I'll leave it to you."

This happened a few days later—

When I handed the finished product to the samurai, both the 'Swordsmanship' and slashing skills were activated splendidly. The power had increased to the point where even the person themselves was surprised, and the slashing strikes from the laijutsu had both a flashy appearance and destructive power.

"Village chief... I'm so happy! I'll do my best for the village! Please look forward to it!"

That's how excited the samurai was. It was great that his loyalty had increased even further, but I hope he doesn't get carried away and end up dying.

---

Keisuke  Level 124  

41 years old

Occupation: Village of Nanashi Village ★★☆

Current Faith Points: 59,630 pt

Unique Skills: Village Level- (870/5000)

‘Village Chief Authority' 'Exile Designation' 'Ability Imitation’

'Viewing' 'Collection' 'Material Transfer' 'Telepathy'

'Inheritance+' 'Blessings of the Goddess'

'Range Designation++' <NEW>

Can specify the range and direction of expanding land

* No restrictions by region

* Benefits vary depending on the region

Can freely change shape, width, and height <NEW>

* Minimum width 1m, height limit 100m

* No reduction in expanded area due to height adjustment

Village Bonuses

★ Fertile land

★★ Universal Storage

☆☆☆ Goddess Worship

---

Samurai  Level 42  

22 years old

Villager: Loyalty 86

Occupation: Samurai

Skills: Swordsmanship Lv.4

Significant upward correction in handling swords

Significant increase in power when attacking with a sword

Iaijutsu Lv.2 <UP>

Launches slashing strikes from the sheathed state

* Number of slashes: 2

---

『Magic Blade: Kumatesu』

Crafters: Bears, Natsuki

Rarity: ☆☆☆☆

A sword finished by forging magic steel using special techniques

Improved permeability of magic power, increased sharpness

Special Effect 1: Increased durability

Special Effect 2: Absorbs the MP of the opponent slashed

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