Kays Translations

Chapter 68: Undeveloped Area

　——The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual and prepared meticulously with Mia. We intend to reach level 60 by the end of today. Even though Karla and Arthur are there, and we can expect the unexpected to some extent, I still worry. It seems the Demon Lord has prepared a training course in hell for that purpose. We must live up to the expectations.

"Alright, we've finished breakfast. Don't forget the food supplies. Take whatever you want from this mansion. You won't be able to come back until you reach level 60. Ku-ku-ku-ku."

Last night, I discussed it with Mia, and we made sure to prepare the Garnet Stones as well. We also transferred the spare weapons and items for combat to the "Storage Bangle." It doesn't seem like there will be any spare time to take things out of the stuffed animal pocket.

"Today, we're going to the undeveloped area of the underground cave. The rank and types of monsters that appear there vary. It's a completely unfinished and vast area, just as the name suggests. It's no different from a high-difficulty dungeon. Survive there until you reach level 60, no matter what. However, if I lend a hand or you escape using the 'Portable Magic Circle,' the training in the unfinished area will end at that point. You'll go back to the training before yesterday."

"Understood. I have one question. Will S-rank monsters appear?"

The Demon Lord smirks.

"Oh, they will. Let me explain since you might have misunderstood. The definition of an S-rank is 'higher than the size of an A-rank magic stone.' There are cases where a single powerful S-rank monster is stronger than a hundred weaker S-rank monsters. In other words, you can't rely on the rank of the monsters in an area where S-rank monsters appear. Don't be deceived by the appearance of even seemingly weak monsters. And among the S-rank, there are also special monsters."

"Yes! You mean Lid, right?"

Mia energetically answered.

"Exactly. I'm talking about monsters like Lid. As the rank of monsters increases, their intelligence also rises. So if you divide the S-rank into finer categories, there may be SS-rank or SSS-rank existences. If you encounter them, don't fight, just run."

Arthur's strength, being able to defeat Lid effortlessly, must be abnormal. Soon after the Demon Lord finished speaking, we headed straight to the undeveloped area.

◇

　——We arrived at the undeveloped area of the underground cave. This undeveloped area was a huge outdoor field located underground. When I looked up, I could even see something resembling the sun.

"It's really similar to Gonhillrim."

"Mia, are you surprised? This place isn't a residential area like the Dwarven city Gonhillrim, but there's no doubt that it's an ancient ruins site. My guess is that it might have been a recreational area for the ancient people. Unlike Gonhillrim, this place is quite vast. When I went to the deepest part once, it took me three days."

Three days... How huge is it?

　The place where we are is a small hill and you can see far into the distance. Just from here, I can see forests, rivers, and even lakes and small mountains.

"Now then, it's nice to enjoy the view, but we can't waste time. It's free movement from now on. Let me know through 'telepathy' when you reach level 60."

With those words, the Demon Lord leaves us.

I use the skill "Scan" within a radius of 100 meters, but I couldn't find any monsters.

"Mia, it seems like they're not around here. Walking through the central grassland is out of the question, so let's head to the forest on the right."

"Is it a good idea to enter the forest? Wouldn't it be easier to fight in the grassland?"

"In the forest, if we use 'Scan' frequently, we can spot the monsters first and create a favorable situation for us to fight. But in the grassland, there's a risk of being attacked by a large group, and even if we discover the monsters first, it's difficult to create an advantageous situation quickly. Considering our skills, the forest seems to be more suitable than the plain."

　——We entered the forest, conducting reconnaissance with "Scan" and "Ping," and we spotted a monster called Satyr. It has a human upper body and a goat lower body. Two of them are armed with bows, and one has a sharp wooden staff resembling a spear.

"There are three of them. What do we do?"

"Let's initiate the attack with this one, and then proceed as usual. Let's take care of the two Satyrs with bows."

Mia and I take out the spears we obtained from the Demon Lord's mansion from the "Storage Bangle." The attack power has been modified to "25→95" using the skill "Tampering." As soon as Mia is out of sight of the Satyrs, she throws a garnet stone infused with the "illusionary painting" towards a tree on the opposite side of us, as seen by the Satyrs. The moment the tree turns into Takumi, the Satyrs step back and enter combat mode. Without delay, the spears we threw penetrate the backs of the two Satyrs with bows and pierce through their chests.

　

　The remaining satyr charged at a tremendous speed with its spear raised.

　 Since there was a possibility of it throwing the spear, I defended with the "Wall of the Mind" barrier instead of the "Router." Taking advantage of the moment when its balance was disrupted by the barrier, Mia slashed its torso with her lightsaber.

After picking up the spears, I stored the three magic stones in the stuffed animal pocket. The Demon Lord gave us permission to do as we please with the magic stones in this area.

"We did it so easily. We're getting stronger, right?"

"There's no doubt we're getting stronger, but we don't know if the opponents are weak. Thanks to the surprise attack strategy, we're defeating them before they can unleash their full strength. It might be unsatisfying, but it's efficient to strike before the enemy goes all out. This seems to be our style and suits us."

　——Suddenly, a roar rang out, and the wooden Takumi doll from the tree split vertically as if struck by lightning.

""!?""

　I look toward the sound of hoof hooves and see three satyrs running toward us.

"I'm sorry. I think I may have set off a flag."

"If that's the case, I might have flagged us as well."

　Did we get noticed by another group while we were fighting?

But when I used "Scan," there were only three that we had defeated nearby.

Could it be... Do these guys have a unique means of communication?

If that’s the case, it’s bad...

I used "Scan" again to examine the area within a radius of 100 meters, and it showed three Satyrs and four Orthros.

　In games, an Orthros is a wolf with two heads. It seems like they can call for reinforcements too.

"Mia! Seven more are approaching. Keep creating dummy dolls as needed. And until I give the signal, always keep the barrier up! Let's gooooo!"

After that, we engaged in battle with 25 Satyrs and 32 Orthros, reaching level 50.

Since we fought while moving towards the mountains adjacent to the forest, we managed to distance ourselves from the horde of monsters.

If we had moved towards the center of the forest, it might have been dangerous.

We found a small cave and took cover there.

　Of course, I have confirmed through "Scan" that there are no monsters in the vicinity.

"Is it not possible to extend the range of 'Scan'?"

"It's possible, but it takes time for the response."

"Why don't we take a short break here? During that time, how about using 'Scan' with an extended range?"

That's a good idea. I nod and use "Scan" with a radius of 1 kilometer.

-- 20 minutes later, the results come back.

[Range]: 1 kilometer radius

Satyrs x 16, Orthros x 34, Killer Mantises x 3, Hellstalkers x 5, Fenrir x 1, Kyūbi x 2

...Huh?

　That's just too crazy.

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