Otoko Nara Ikkokuichijou no Aruji o Mezasa Nakya, ne? Chapter 291

For a full 2 days or so after I talked to Bel I continued to pound things about guns into everyone properly. During that time I'd always say, "I have something to think about" and spend it thinking to myself.

After that we returned from the dungeon and just as we were returning to the entrance plaza after cas.h.i.+ng in our magic stones it was just as everyone else was returning to the surface. Just the same as usual we moved over to Murowa's food cart and exchanged information about our battle gains this time before everyone started discussing the upcoming member change matches.

Yeah, just as expected.

"This month we'll enter the dungeon once more and then have the member change matches on the days off after that. That's why it'll be after the 18th. Also about the method but I'm making it a more simple and easier to understand method."

I thought about the conditions for the member change match while we were exploring the dungeon this time. Last time was far too overprotective.
Everyone's paying attention to what I'll say next.

"Obviously the stamina test is the same as up until now. We'll have this on the next day after we come out of the dungeon, though I guess that's too harsh so we'll do it on the 19th. After you pa.s.s through that we'll confirm who each of the pairs wants to challenge. Alright, everything up to here is the same."

Everyone's got a light smile on their faces as if they have some confidence.
Yeah, since it seems like they've been putting in quite a bit of effort after all.
It might be possible that a number of people or groups will pa.s.s other than Kamu and Kimu.

"Things are different starting here. Last time we were measuring time and searching around for just the right ogres it was all too troublesome. From here on out we'll make the method I'm about to explain the standard."

After saying that far I looked around at everyone's faces and it was as if they were saying, "Just hurry up and say it already" Yes~yes.

"There's no change in that you'll be up against ogres on the 7th floor but this time it'll be a single round match, the details are simple. The test will last almost a full day. It's fine no matter how you use that day. It's over who can bring back the highest value in magic stones from the 7th floor in that day. Of course it's fine even if it's 1 or a lot of them is fine as well. Obviously only magic stones obtained from the 7th floor will count. The one with the highest value after cas.h.i.+ng them in at the magic stone shop Danhiru will win. Right? Isn't it simple?"

Nfu~ and I can hear the sound of sighing. There's some small suppressed laughs as well. They must have quite a bit of confidence. Putting aside the {Exterminators}, the {Butchers} have gained quite a bit of experience fighting against ogres after all.

Of course, I'll be handing each of the groups a map of the 7th floor. Also, I'll have several people go with them as guards and observers to prevent cheating. However, the guards will always remain at least several tens of meters away. They'll confirm the course taken and combat methods but they won't say anything about the methods the challengers decide on and even if they're asked for opinions they won't reply. We'll only tell them just their starting point where we teleported into on the map. Also, it'll act as the safety measure role to prevent them from charging into too dangerous of a place like the monster rooms.

I'll be careful in picking these guards so there's no cheating that occurs. For example, if I let Basutoral or Angela who will definitely be challenged to act as guards, I'll add in at least one other person from the challenger side to act as guard together with them. Depending on the case the person being challenged might be moved to the last in the order and it's fine to fill the guards with nothing but the challengers. If Miduchi or I mix in with them just in case then it shouldn't be all that dangerous.

"Obviously, you should use the weapons and equipment you normally use. Borrowing from someone else is prohibited. It's no good if you can't continue to use it after the test after all. Also, the first ones to pa.s.s the stamina test will be given priority in the order for naming someone. If multiple challengers all challenger the same person and everyone wins it would be troublesome in various ways."

Here a number of people started making grim expressions. They must not have though that far. The strongest contenders among the challengers at this point are Kamu and Kimu who won the right last time. If they can't surpa.s.s them in the stamina test it doesn't seem like they'll be able to challenge Basutoral and Angela after all. However, since it was still something only obvious it seems they accepted it soon after.

"Obviously you're free to use the full day however you want. It's fine if you return to the 6th floor partway through to take a break or get some sleep, and it's fine if you don't return as well. Well I don't really recommend not returning though."

After that I went through a Q&A over the fine details and finished the discussion.

........................

Year 7447, Month 4, Day 12

We finished our group training in the morning. Yeah~yeah, it was worth it having them practice attack spells on top of just practice matches this time. After giving out some simple instructions to everyone for entering the dungeon tomorrow, I stopped Rodrick who was about to go for lunch.

"I have a bit of something to discuss. It's something I don't really want everyone else to hear for the time being. Sorry but after you finish eating I want to talk inside of the dungeon. Ah, just in case how about you bring along Denda and Karimu as guards. Which, is why please refrain from any alcohol for lunch today."

Rodrick obediently nodded. In the first place he wasn't the type to drink alcohol at noon. At best drinking some beer occasionally~ on hot days. Though that's with ice floating inside of it.
After that is, Miduchi who I alread talked to ahead of time and..Zenom for sure.

..........................

"What's going on?"

Rodrick asked with a curious expression.
Denda who came along as a guard is standing near the teleport crystal while Karimu is about 40~50 meters away from us on the other side of the hall watching out for monsters.

"During our days off this time, I finally completed the new spell that I've been working on for a number of years now. I wanted to hear your opinion on it."

Miduchi who was standing quietly nearby looked over at me naturally.
Zenom made a "Hmm" expression.

"Ah..that. The expansion of {Status Open} was it? So you were able to do it. Isn't that great."

Rodrick replied like, is that so, congratulations. It's a bit half-hearted of a reply. He also seemed as if he was about to say, so what if that's the case? Zenom also gave a reply that was a bit anticlimactic like, "Ho~ that's~ great right."

Although, in the first place I explained it as "making it possible to use {Status Open} without touching them with a hand" after all. Being able to confirm the targets name and types of special skills in secret from a bit of distance away was the sales point so I had already somewhat expected this reaction.

"First off, this spell consumes a ma.s.sive amount of mana. Even for me it's a matter of whether I can use it 5 times or so right now."

"Even Al can only use it just that number of times..That's a bit?"

Zenom made a doubtful expression and asked while stroking his beard.

"Yeah. But the effects are even better than that. Give me a bit of time. I'll try using it on Rodrick."

"That's fine but..it might be nice that you can use {Status Open} without needing to touch someone with your hand. Even if you say there's an effect even better than that for Al-san to only be able to use 5 times is.."

Rodrick replied a bit disappointed while putting a bit of distance between us and sitting down on the floor of the dungeon.
Fufu, just watch.
I slowly start mentally concentrating.
That's right.
I've started concentrating.

As a matter of fact it was true that I developed a new spell.
It really took quite a bit of time for me to complete this spell.
Though by the time I remembered it I only worked on it in my spare time.

I named it, "{s.h.i.+ne.Light.Eyes}".

In order to activate the spell it requires void magic at MAX level as well as all elemental magics at MAX level and furthermore requires using all of them respectively between 30 and 35 times to use. Believe it or not the MP consumed is 1450.
Furthermore, the effect of the spell is just as it's name reads. It let's your eyes s.h.i.+ne. If I don't add any sort of extension to the duration it lasts my body level multiplied by 60 seconds or so but it can be canceled at anytime. If you know the effects of the spell and pay close attention then you'll just barely notice my eyes giving off a light blue light in a dark place, that sort of exceedingly extraordinary spell.

Also, what you can't forget is because the amount of MP used is absurdly high even if anyone were to see it there's almost no way they could imitate it. Even if they did have enough mana to imitate it since I'm explaining it as the spell {Identification}, the effects and flow of mana used wouldn't match up so it's unlikely they'd be able to acquire {s.h.i.+ne.Light.Eyes}.

There's not a single effect other than that.

I solidify my mental concentration in order to activate the spell, and glare at Rodrick.

...

.....

I've completed it!
My eyes should be giving off a dim blue light right now.

"Rodrick.Faruergaz, Year 7444, Month 11, Day 11 name change. Rodrick.Faruergaz, Year 7428, Month 12, Day 7, name change or naming."

Immediately after I obviously used {Identify} and started reading off the details listed in Rodrick's {Status Window}.

"Male, born Year 7428, Month 2, Day 14, Hyumu race, Count Faruergaz Family Eldest Son, Count Faruergaz Knight.."

Up until here is the general information you can see and obtain from anyone's {Status Open} window.
Rodrick and Zenom both were making amazed expressions as I started smoothly talking without even touching him. I only roughly know how much time has pa.s.sed since I started. I wonder if I took too much time for the activation? Even then I practiced so I could activate it within 5 minutes.

There's some sweat that built up on my forehead from concentrating to the extreme and it's started running down.

"Condition, Normal."

""Eh?""

The two of them raised their voices a bit surprised.
Hmhmn.

"Age, 19 years old."

The two of them made slightly disappointed faces.
Oh~

"Level, 14."

The two of them made expressions as if they didn't really get it.

"I wonder if it's the body level?"

Soon after Miduchi followed-up saying that and it seems they understood.
There's no way they would know whether the number 14 is high or low but Rodrick's face was somewhat satisfied and I could tell he seemed a bit proud as well.
I guess it's because of how high of a number it is in comparison to the levels of magic special skills.
Incidentally, I think you already know this but it's a number that may or may not be considered low for a member of one of the top teams though it's not so low that it's embarra.s.sing either.
Rather considering his original level I think you could say he's put in quite the effort in these past 2 years.

"Unique Ability, Resistance, bracket Virus Infection close bracket. No level, horizontal line, no hyphen I guess?"

"Eeh!!?"
"Mu.."

Though I had heard about the fact that his skill had no level information, I never heard how it was displayed, at least I think.

"Special Skill, Earth Magic, Level 3, Fire Magic, Level 3, it seems it's gone up. If your magic special skills level up then say something. Don't forget about it. Wind Magic, Level 2, Wind Cu..I mean, Air Cutter, I've been telling you to use it right. Void Magic, Level 4."

"A..Ah? {Status Open}..!! This is.."
"Hm~mm"

They've already started to show quite the impressed expressions.
They seem quite busy.
Miduchi is smiling a bit while watching that from the side.
Weren't you supposed to be acting a bit surprised, really~

"..Experience."

"Huh?"
"An? Ah."
"Eeeh!!?"

Even Miduchi made a surprised expression.
Since it's still too soon we already decided to keep quiet about experience after all.
I decided to play a joke since you were acting too calm. Sorry.

"This is a lie. But there should still be something else. There's several unnatural empty boxes."

"Al-san"Well wait a moment, there's a bit more. Count Faruergaz Family, rise to power, Ronbato.Faruergaz was granted the t.i.tle for raising funds for Rombert Kingdom when it was being founded. The current family head is Varisshu.Faruergaz the 20th generation."

While I was reading the sub-window about the Count Faruergaz family and Rodrick's eyes and mouth opened wide as his expression twisted in shock.

Is it really something that surprising?

In order to avoid it being doubted as unbelievable Miduchi and I decided to read this out to some extent but even this is something that you should be able to find out if you spend a bit of time investigating it. After all the household of Count Faruergaz is considerably famous in the Kingdom. Of course, it's troublesome, and in the first place since I have {Identify} I didn't investigate it.
It's hard to fully trust in them in regards to the ability values but I think this sort of information is worthy of believing in it. There's no way I'd investigate it.

"A, umm, Al-san, were those words just now really..."

"Yeah. Though I was just reading the things written on it. It's not like I was just putting on airs as I said it after investigating it."

".."

"What is it?"

Rodrick started thinking while looking at my face with a serious expression.

"Would everyone here right now please remain quiet about what they heard just now? If possible I'd be grateful if you could forget about it."

This fellow suddenly started saying something weird.

"If you're saying that then it's fine though. But it's not anything worth hiding right?"

Thinking it's strange I tried asking him and the reply was simple. Officially the current head of the Count Faruergaz family is the 19th generation and the reason they were granted the t.i.tle of Count was because of achievements they made in a war after the country was founded. The only ones who know this are the Rombert Royal Family, and those highest up in the line of succession of the Count's family, it's seems it's a secret for those other than that.

According to Rodrick the founder of the Faruergaz family isn't Ronbato but his son named Kobisshu. Ronbato was praised for founding Rombert Kingdom together with George.Rombert the first in the past but a short while after his death it was discovered that he betrayed the Kingdom and was providing funds to Guranan Empire. Obviously the King was enraged and even considered dismantling the Faruergaz family. This scandal was forgiven because Kobisshu who was the head of the family at that time presented a ma.s.sive amount of money to the royal family and ended up being buried in the darkness without becoming public.

The one who helped a.s.sist in that was a person called Marquis Kuraveru, who is said to have been a loyal retainer during the founding of the Kingdom.

Simultaneously while he was aged quite a bit the King of Rombert, George the First who was still on the throne didn't have a bad impression of him so Kobisshu declared, "The Faruergaz family starts again with my generation" and started naming himself as the founder of the "reborn" Faruergaz family. Just right for the timing he had made some decent achievements in the war so it's said they made use of those achievements to raise the family. After that, Kobisshu went about thoroughly erasing all records of his own father Ronbato and you can say he more or less succeeded at it.

However, it's still pa.s.sed down through only oral instruction to the heads of the Count family and conveyed so that they know that Marquis Kuraveru put in quite a bit of effort to prevent them from being dismantled so they should do their best to serve his family and rerun the favor if they ever experience an emergency. Since he was the eldest son and in a position to inherit the head of the Count Faruergaz family, Rodrick was told about it when received invest.i.ture as a knight. After receiving permission and leaving his house, his little brother is supposedly number one in the line to inherit the main household so it seems he sealed away the memory.

After all one of the high ranking n.o.ble families that should have sworn loyalty to the Rombert Family having simultaneously sworn loyalty to another family within the Kingdom is far too bad for outer appearances.
It goes against the morals of n.o.bles. Of course, it's not like there's any sort of law against things like that but it's still something that would be scorned against.

Incidentally, the family of Marquis Kuraveru has a decent size territory in the northern Royal Territory and it's built on considerably stable management so they've never even once fallen into any sort of emergency.

In any case, while I wasn't aiming for it thanks to me casually speaking about one of the top secrets of their family they were able to recognize the {Identification} spell as useful.
It was also big that I pointed out the increase in Rodrick's Fire Magic level.

About the details I discussed this time but what was new was confirming the numerical values of {Levels}, {Condition}, {Unique Abilities}, and the fact that I can confirm the levels of {Skills} with levels, just those four. {Age} and such isn't all that important. Also, what you can't forget about is that there's empty boxes and I hinted that there might be even more information. I'll keep an eye on things from here on out and it should be fine if I reveal it progressively.

Particularly the fact that I can confirm things related to {Unique Abilities} both Rodrick and Zenom were impressed by that. They must have think it will be an advantage in searching for reincarnated people with this.

"But, if you can only use it 5 times then it can only be used as the final confirmation on those who we've guessed are highly possible to be reincarnated people and are still trying to hide themselves or we can only use it gain final confirmation on things and such right."

Miduchi said in disappointment and closed things up.

It's in order to give the impression that it's not something I can use freely as I please.

Obviously Rodrick and Zenom both wanted to know the level of someone else. For the time being since they're here I said that Miduchi's level is 22 and Zenom's is 23 and Rodrick was depressed. Me? I've only just reached level 31 but in the end I was forced to say it.

I was going to put my hand on Rodrick's shoulder and cheer him up as he started writing the character "no" on the ground but decided not to.
It would sound too sarcastic right. But, Zenom said,

"After all it seems it's easier to earn more experience by going to lower floors. Just like Al said previously it should be fine to think that there's something like experience points like unique abilities...Hey, Rodrick don't get so depressed. There's no choice but to give it your best right?"

And he put his hand on Rodrick's shoulder.
I reflexively met eyes with Miduchi.
Of course I'm sure Zenom didn't have even the slightest bad intentions.

Look, Rodrick's even started mumbling things like, "Even though I worked that hard.." with an expression like he's dead.