Kays Translations

Chapter 59: Conditions

　Today was such an intense day that I can't believe it was my first day in Zoff.

　While staying in this town, I was given a room at the Demon King's mansion.

"Tomorrow, we'll depart in the morning to join the demon army. What about you, Takumi and Mia?", Karla asked.

"Of course, Mia and I will go with you."

There are various things that Mia and I can do besides fighting.

　When I was about to make plans for tomorrow, the Demon King clapped his hands and gathered everyone's gaze.

"Hey, Takumi and Mia won't go. I won't allow it."

Sitting deep in his chair, the Demon King wore a puzzling expression.

"Father, why are you refusing Takumi and Mia's cooperation?"

"The reason is simple. They are weak. If they go, they will die."

"As long as it doesn't escalate into a war, there won't be a problem."

"What will you do if something unexpected happens?"

"I and Gale will protect them. Besides..."

　The Demon King controlled Karla's speech with his hands.

"You should have realized it from our battle. Takumi and Mia are weak against surprise attacks and rapid strikes. It's not because they are strong themselves, but because they're fighting with the strength of their equipment. Isn't that right?"

　Me and Mia  had no words to respond.

"You and Gale will protect them? The enemy isn't just monsters. They will attack using their intelligence. Traps, ambushes, hunting a smaller group with a larger one. These are the basics of tactics. What good does it do to bring Takumi and Mia, who are incompatible with all of that? Is there something wrong with that reasoning?"

No one could speak in the face of such sound reasoning.

"If you are aware of it, that's fine. At least I want you to be around level 60. What is your current level?"

　I told him that I was level 29 and Mia was level 28.

　The moment he heard that, the Demon King knocked over his chair and stood up.　

"You’re kidding me! Only 29! …Did Karla and the others know?"

“Yes.”

　The demon lord seems to be thinking while folding his arms.

　After a while, the demon king turned his face to me and Mia.

"That's fine. I can allow you to join the Demon King's army... but there are conditions. Get yourselves to level 60 or higher. Your reaction speed and dynamic vision will increase, and you will be able to notice surprise attacks. . Your physical defense and agility will also increase, so you'll manage somehow even if you get attacked."

"But, Father, if that's the case, Takumi and Mia won't make it in time for tomorrow's departure."

No, there's no need to worry about that.

"...So you're giving Karla and the others a 'Portable Magic Circle.' That way, we can train until the last minute."

"You catch on quickly Takumi. However, you're mistaken about one thing. It's not until the last minute. It's until you surpass level 60."

"Um... Can we reach level 60 in just 2 or 3 days?"

"I don't know. It depends on you two. But I believe it's entirely possible. If the opponents are monsters, then you two are undoubtedly formidable."

　I don't trust the Demon King.

　However, based on my past experiences, I also believed that we would make it.

To achieve that, we needed to solve a certain problem.

"Understood. I have one request for our training."

"I owe Takumi and Mia a favor. Speak your mind."

"Please give us SP recovery items."

　I don't know if such an item exists, but I asked for it.

　Efficient leveling up requires addressing the issue of SP recovery time. It's the biggest challenge.

Both the lightsaber and the 'Heart wall' barrier consume SP.

If we can solve this problem, we can achieve rapid level growth.

"What I'm about to tell you is a secret only for demons. Don't talk about it to anyone. Not even Gon."

Takumi and Mia nodded.

"In this world, SP recovery potions are said not to exist."

As the Demon King spoke, he lightly waved his right hand.

In the next moment, he was holding two bottles filled with blue liquid.

"These are SP recovery potions. Right now, I only have these two. They are precious even among demons, so don't expect them to be easily replenished."

I gratefully accepted them.

Alright! We should be able to manage with these.

I'll analyze them later.

"What are these made of?", Mia asked.

"Mia, curious about it? I can tell you, but there are things it's better not to know in this world. Do you still want to know?"

"Don't say I didn't warn you, but it's better to refrain from looking into the ingredients, Takumi. You'll definitely regret it."

I'm too curious about the Demon King's and Karla's remarks.

"Just to confirm, we drink these, right?"

"Um, yes. That's correct."

　there's a possibility we won't be able to drink them.

We don't have much time, and I can't afford that risk. Actually, I don't have the luxury for it.

Our special training will also start tomorrow morning.

I returned to the room I was given and immediately used my 'Analysis' skill on the SP recovery potion.

I made sure not to display anything other than the recovery amount.

To my surprise, the SP recovery amount was '95'!

A regular High Potion recovers around 60 HP.

　It’s amazing when you think about it. No wonder it's hard to get.

　I took out an empty potion bottle from the pocket of the stuffed toy. It had been cleaned beforehand. Then I put some of the potion in the empty bottle.

While diluting it with water, I made sure that the recovery amount would be in the double digits, at least 10.

　Alright, now all that's left is to enhance the recovery amount from '10 to 90' using the 'Tampering' skill.

I repeated this process and increased the two SP recovery potions to eighteen.

We have enough food and water, and our preparations are complete.

　

◇ [Enzo's Perspective]

"Are you still awake!? To contact me telepathically at this hour, is it urgent?"

"Yeah, sorry to disturb you at this late hour, Gon. Did you say something to Karla?"

"...I told her a little about the ancient stories passed down among the Dwarves. I needed to explain it to Takumi and Mia."

"Of course, it's your doing. Karla came to my room and asked me a lot of questions. Knowing you, you were probably trying to find out the current situation of the demons through Karla, but don't let her hear unnecessary information."

"I haven't said anything about the demons to her."

"If Karla finds out, she won't be able to escape the cycle of revenge. It will be my burden of the past. And... Takumi and Mia, they can create a different future for the demons if they're with Karla."

"..."

"Changing the subject, Takumi and Mia told me they want to go and stop the war between the demons and humans. Of course, I refused. I can't afford to lose them."

"Did they listen obediently?"

"They'll probably go even if it means hiding it from me. That's why I made their level-up training a condition. With their current level, they could die in an unexpected accident."

"I don't know what you're planning, but if you hurt Takumi and Mia, I won't forgive you!"

"You've become quite a grandpa figure, treating them like your grandchildren."

"Hah, it's the other way around. I wouldn't be overly protective like you!"

"Hehehe. They’re the ambassadors of the Dwarves, so I'll treat them properly. If anything happens, I'll contact you."

Sigh... But still, a 'Portable Magic Circle,' huh?

　I couldn't obtain what I longed for, but it's impressive how easily they can create it.

As long as those two are around, everything will be fine.

Before Karla finds out... I'll pull the curtain.

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