Chapter 14: Developing Rodin Village

It was now mid-April. The sub-party that Allen ran with the new members had finished one Rank B dungeon and were set to complete another by the end of the month.

Carlova informed Allen and Cecil that they had to take extra lessons on the fundamentals of battle strategy. The teachers selected which students to register to the course based on their performance and deeds during their first year, which was why the majority of the class roster were noble scions and dungeon party leaders. Not surprisingly, this included Rifol and Uster.

Allen was of the opinion that, generally speaking, command should be left to the nobles. After all, even commoners and serfs preferred to take orders from nobles. Nobles were used to giving servants orders, but were unaccustomed to taking orders from the lower classes. There was no need to purposely go against the hierarchical system that the country was based on.

Allen’s classmates, inspired by the Gamers’ progress, had applied themselves to their own dungeon delving in earnest this year. However, they were now challenging Rank B dungeons—the monsters they faced had gone up one rank from D to C, and there were now Monster Summon Traps to worry about. Allen gave everyone as much advice as he could, but he made sure to drive home the point they should always take any and all safety precautions and to not become overconfident.

As part of those precautions, Allen had begun lending his Summons out to classmates when they really needed it. Going dungeon delving with students in other classes was entirely allowed, so he also made plans to help some with taking down particular bosses. However, there was a limit to the number of Summons he possessed, and he made sure everyone fully understood this.

At the same time, the No-life Gamers had begun training to master their Extra Skills. Krena wasted no time in asking Carlova during one of their afternoon classes. Normally, this was not taught until the third year, but when she told him she had reached her level cap, he yielded and agreed to teach her. Cecil, Dogora, and Keel also approached their respective instructors. They all wanted to master their Extra Skills and learn how to use them at will as soon as possible. Allen was sure that Extra Skills could indeed be controlled, as he had seen Dagrah do so.

“Whew, we’re finally here,” a Bird F Summon sighed in Allen’s voice as it landed in a treeless area alongside a river that cut through some dense forest.

“Oh, hi, uh...Allen?” Rodin, Allen’s father, replied in a hesitant tone.

This time, Allen had dispatched seven Summons to help with the new village’s land reclamation efforts. Around a hundred serfs were now staring at all the Summons—including the Bird F that was conversing with Rodin—with apprehension and fear on their faces.

“Is that talking bird really Allen?”

“It’s been a while, Mr. Gerda.”

Gerda, Krena’s father, was also there. Dogora’s parents planned on moving to Rodin Village as well, but as they were commoners, they were scheduled to arrive the following year.

“Whoaaa! It’s a big boar!” Allen’s younger brother Mash exclaimed as he looked at the massive Beast C that Bird F was currently perched on top of. With sparkling eyes, he asked, “Are you gonna kill it, father?!”

Rodin shook his head. “No, son. This here’s a friend who’s gonna help us build the village. So, don’t attack him, all right?”

“Wow! Okay, father!”

Aw, I’m glad to see Mash has grown up bright and energetic. He used to be such a crybaby, but now he doesn’t even flinch when looking at a Beast C. He’s so big now!

“Father and Mr. Gerda, can you take down the packages on the boars’ back?”

“Packages? Ah, you mean this bag that’s tied up?” Rodin clambered up and undid the fastenings of one of the bundles, then brought it down. “What’s ins— Spears?”

Gerda peered over. “What? Let me see... These two look reddish. Are they rusted? But they look so glossy.” He picked up one of the spears that was tinged reddish-orange from tip to butt and hoisted it.

“It’s made of hihiirokane,” Allen replied. “I threw them in there for the two of you.”

“What’s hihiirokane? Is it better than steel?” Rodin asked.

Realizing that his father had never heard the term before, Allen decided to explain it later. Instead, he said, “And, um, I’ve also included ten mithril spears.”

“WHAT?! There are mithril spears?!” Half of the serfs rushed forward and crowded around the same bundle. They had probably heard of the metal from a knight or a merchant before. To the remaining half, however, “mithril” was a new word.

Supplies Sent to Rodin Village

• Hihiirokane Spear x 2
• Hihiirokane Shield x 2
• Mithril Spear x 10
• Mithril Armor Set x 12
• Gold Coin x 300
• A few dozen hoes and saws

Everything had been tied to the backs of three Beast Cs, which had made the trip to the settlement all the way from Academy City.

After they heard Allen’s explanation on hihiirokane, Rodin and Gerda murmured, “So there are metals even more powerful than mithril...” as they examined the reddish-orange hihiirokane spears with appreciation. These two were meant for Gerda and Rodin. Allen had sent them because autumn—meaning great boar-hunting season—would eventually arrive once again.

The total cost of what Allen had sent this time came up to 1,500 gold. After talking it out with his companions, it was decided that Allen would cover half of that amount, Dogora and Krena would cover twenty percent each, and Cecil ten percent, while Keel did not have to pay. After all, these were supplies for Allen’s, Dogora’s, and Krena’s families. It was only because Cecil had insisted on paying and had refused to back down that they accepted ten percent from her. Keel had also offered to contribute, but Allen talked him out of it by reminding him that he would still have to provide for future Carnel restoration efforts.

Thanks to Allen obtaining Strengthening Lvl. 7, the Summons Squads he sent wandering around Rank A dungeons had become a lot more efficient. He was now earning over two thousand gold a month from the Squads alone. All of this money went into Storage, of course, as he was saving up for when orichalcum weapons or accessories that could recover magic would appear in the Auction—not that they ever did. He had asked the Adventurer’s Guild to notify him should anyone bring one into any of the other branches in the country.

Without further ado, the Beast C Summons began assisting the serfs. They were currently clearing out the tree line between the plain where the village was to be and the nearby forest. Most of the plains within the Granvelle realm were dotted with trees in the same way. The task, therefore, was to clear away such trees in the vicinity. All the wood gathered in the process would then be used as construction material.

Myulla and Mash giggled as they mischievously played around the Beast Cs, crying, “Oink, oink!” and “This way, piggy!”

Looks like neither of them are afraid of monsters. This is a bit of a problem. Hmm...I have an idea. It’d help pad the dinner menu too, so it’ll be two birds with one stone.

Creeeeaaak... BOOM!

“Whaaaat?!”

Allen turned at the villagers’ collective gasp of astonishment. They were looking at the Beast C that had gone up to a tree and bit into it, pulling up the entire thing—roots and all—in one heave, then dropped it in an open area. Promptly, the other Beast Cs began doing the same, gathering all the trees they uprooted into a neat pile. Each of them had 1,500 Attack, meaning they could bite even a murdergalsh to death. They needed neither sleep nor food and could continue working twenty-four seven.

Slightly before twilight, the serfs gathered for dinner. They had only just settled this place, so the buildings were little better than mere shacks. Theresia and Mathilda led the other women in preparing the meal. A rush of nostalgia filled Allen as he saw the meager fare of barley porridge, potatoes, and beans.

As I’d thought, they are severely lacking in meat. They need the energy for all this backbreaking work! I’m glad I found one!

“A GREAT BOAR’S COMING! IT’S A STRAY!”

These villagers called great boars that did not return to the White Dragon Mountains even once winter arrived “strays.” Allen had done his best leading one to the settlement through a Bird E that he was Shared with. The people who had been caught entirely off guard flew into a huge panic.

“Men, grab your weapons! Women, protect the children!” Rodin barked, serving his role as village chief.

Before long, the boar had reached the village center. Before the villagers could do anything, however, Spirit C floated up and assumed a position in midair as if it had been waiting for this moment in the spotlight. “Lift your spirits! This is the killer dinner that Lord Allen has brought you with his Summons!”

Multiple people mumbled, “Killer dinner?” to themselves in a daze as the great boar squealed at the top of its lungs. It dug the ground a few times in an act of intimidation, then barreled forward at the villagers.

Just as Rodin and Gerda were about to order their men to pull back further, Spirit C uttered the single word “Die!” and threw a volleyball-sized gray orb that shot toward the charging monster at incredible speed. When it made contact with the beast’s mighty hard head...the head exploded. After stumbling a few more steps, the now headless great boar collapsed onto its side. Rodin, Gerda, and the villagers all stared in shock after seeing a tiny doll one-hit KO a Rank C monster.

I hope this helps Myulla and Mash gain a healthy fear of monsters.

Allen turned to look at his siblings and found them clutching each other, quivering in fear. He did feel bad orchestrating this terrifying experience for them, but the village was still in an unfinished state and lacked a proper barrier. It would be troubling if they got into their heads that it would be funny to play outside where it was unsafe.

“Here is some dead meat that you don’t have to pay taxes for,” Spirit C giggled, referring to the tax reduction system for new villages. For the first two years, no taxes would be collected. After that, thirty percent would be collected from all produce for the next three years, then the full sixty percent would be collected from the sixth year onward.

Thus, the development of Rodin Village kicked into high gear, proceeding in a way that threw all convention out the window thanks to the aid of Allen’s Summons.

◇ ◇ ◇

At the end of July, Krena had somehow managed to pass her general education exam. Everyone shared her sense of relief, as they had witnessed Allen tying her down to a chair and forcing her to study all too many times. It was clear to all that she had zero motivation to do it herself.

By now, the three transfer students had finished going through the requisite number of Rank B dungeons and finished their first Rank A one. The Rank B ones did not take all that much time, thanks to the maps Allen had in his grimoire. Even these three were surprised at how little time it had taken.

At the same time, Allen, Krena, Cecil, Dogora, and Keel had finished clearing their fourth Rank A dungeon. All that was left was to use the summer break in the coming two months to complete one more elsewhere within Ratash. They had already decided which dungeon they would go to.

The group was still in the middle of mastering their Extra Skills, which turned out to be as much a mental effort as it was control over one’s MP. However, there was no way for a third party to aid them in any way—they all had to work on mastering their skills by themselves.

Since April, the development of Rodin Village had gone smoothly. The villagers had finished clearing away every last tree within the area earmarked for the village and had moved on to erecting a wall before the great boars migrated in autumn. Even now, the Beast Cs were being a huge help by carrying logs and digging holes with their snouts. In order to make the most of their two years of tax exemption, the serfs planned on completing all the necessary infrastructure so that each family could begin to focus solely on farming.

Today, Allen and Krena had been summoned to the headmaster’s office once again. The same thing had happened last year, so Allen had forebodings about today’s business. When asked, Carlova confirmed that the other members of their party were permitted to attend as well, so the eight of them headed to the room together.

“Sir? I’ve brought Allen’s group,” Carlova said, knocking on the door.

“Mm, come in,” a voice replied immediately.

The door opened. Next to the headmaster stood a familiar figure who turned around as the group entered. “Hey there, Allen. How’ve you been?”

Allen bowed courteously. “If it isn’t Lord Helmios. I’ve been doing wonderfully, thank you for asking. It has been a while indeed.”

“Aww, we’re close, aren’t we? You can drop the ‘lord’!” the Hero replied, flashing his beautiful white teeth.

“I’m afraid that’s not a very appropriate way of addressing the esteemed Hero,” Allen said, bluntly rebuffing Helmios’s overfamiliar attitude.

There was not enough sofa space to seat all eight members of the No-life Gamers plus Helmios, the headmaster, and Carlova. Therefore, they decided to sit at the round table instead. Upon settling into his chair, Helmios turned to smile at Allen. Allen made a pointed effort to ignore him.

“Headmaster, may I inquire what is the purpose of today’s visit?”

Here’s hoping this conversation is short and sweet so we can still make it in time for today’s dungeon rounds. I mean, I’ll probably say no to whatever the headmaster’s going to ask anyway.

“Well, I brought you here to invite you and Krena to take part in the Martial Arts Tournament in October.”

I knew it. He called us in for the same thing last time. Looks like he’s doing it before summer break this year. Last year, it was right after we got back from the break when we’d cleared our first Rank A dungeon.

“Krena would be more than happy to participate, but I will have to decline,” Allen said point-blank, earning him a curious look from Sophie.

“May I ask why?”

“Well...I suppose it is mainly because I have no reason to show off my power.”

“I see. Would I be right in assuming Princess Sophialohne has told you about the Sovereign of Spirits?”

Did he arrange for Sophie to join our party so I’d hear that story? No, I don’t think he has that authority. Ah, was it the other way?

“Yes, sir. I hear he is someone who talks a lot in his sleep.”

Helmios choked on his saliva, revealing that he likely shared the same impression as Allen. Both the headmaster and Sophie smiled wryly.

“We do not fully understand the meaning of the prophecy, but it seems clear that your power will be instrumental in saving our world from the Demon Lord. This is why we very much want to know what you, as a Summoner, are capable of. It can be said that showing off your power here is for the sake of the world. Would your answer remain the same even in light of this?”

Oh? The headmaster’s changed his approach. And he just mentioned the Demon Lord by name. He didn’t bring it up at all last year.

“I’m afraid I beg to differ in opinion.”

“How so?”

Allen proceeded to explain that the strengths and weaknesses of his power could not be properly understood within the short time frame of a few tournament matches. To avoid creating misunderstandings and let people properly understand how he could be a key asset in the fight against the Demon Lord, he would have to be entirely transparent about every last thing he could do. And there was a huge disadvantage to doing so.

“What kind of disadvantage?”

“This knowledge could also fall into the enemy’s hands.” And I’m still very much in the middle of developing my character. What if the demons think, “This guy is dangerous. We should snuff him out now before he gets any stronger”? I don’t want to go around with a target on my back.

Although Allen had provided what he thought was the most reasonable reason for turning down participating in the tournament, he did not actually know how extensive the Demon Lord Army’s intelligence network was.

“Hm... That may be true, but would it not be difficult to fight the Demon Lord Army while continuing to hide your powers?”

“Oh, no, I don’t plan on holding anything back once I’m actually on the battlefield.” It’s just that I’m not revealing my powers this time because I don’t see a need to. It’s as simple as that.

“So you insist on not participating?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You said last year that you weren’t interested because there was nothing to gain.”

“Well...pretty much.”

The headmaster sighed, then signaled Helmios with his eyes. The Hero fiddled with something on one of the fingers on his right hand, which fell onto the table. Allen followed it with his eyes until it stopped spinning and revealed itself to be a ring.

“Oh gods! I can’t believe I’ve gone and dropped my precious MP Recovery Ring!” Helmios cried in an exaggerated manner before hurriedly retrieving the accessory and putting it back on his finger. Pretending to not notice Allen’s gaze, he continued, “What a relief. Whatever would I do if I broke this ring that Rohzen made for me as a reward for saving that squad of elves? I’ve got to take better care of it.”

“It’s ‘Lord’ Rohzen to you,” the headmaster corrected under his breath.

Ignoring him, Helmios pretended to have remembered something. “Speaking of which: Allen, I heard you were looking for something in the dungeons. I’ve cleared quite a few dungeons in my time. You want some advice?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” Look at him acting so smug.

“Okay, if you say so. By the way, I don’t know what you’re looking for, but just saying, you won’t find MP Recovery Rings in a Rank A dungeon. Not even the Rank S one.”

“Huh? How can you be so sure?”

“That’s a secret. You’re not telling me anything, so why should I tell you anything?” Helmios pouted childishly.

I had a feeling he’d say that. He really knows how to push my buttons. So, what? Did he come just to brag about his ring? I don’t think that’s it.

“Oh, don’t glare at me like that. Okay, I’m a nice guy, so I’ll tell you. Dygragni can’t make MP Recovery Rings, period. It’s an issue of compatibility.”

“And you know this because...?”

“He told me himself. He said he might be able to make them after he becomes a Minor Deity, but it’s beyond him at the moment. Too bad, right? Oh, and you might be able to get your hands on orichalcum weapons if you try really hard, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Meruru’s eyes became as wide as saucers upon hearing that Helmios had met with Dygragni directly. Her surprise spoke volumes about what a privilege such an audience was.

Helmios must have gotten my information from the Adventurer’s Guild. This world seriously doesn’t understand the idea of client confidentiality. Hmm, but...

“What do you mean you don’t recommend it?”

“You’ll be going as your party of eight, right? If you enter the Rank S dungeon the way you are now, even if you don’t all die, you’d still lose a few people and be forced to turn back.”

Helmios sounded certain of what he was saying. During this conversation, he had already finished peeking at the No-life Gamers’ stats.

“What are you getting at, then?”

“I’ve talked it out with the headmaster here. The winner of this year’s tournament will get to fight me instead of Dverg. If you beat me, I don’t mind giving you this ring.”

I see. Assuming that this self-proclaimed Hero isn’t lying, the only ways of obtaining an MP Recovery Ring are to beat him or to make the elves indebted to me and press the Sovereign of Spirits for one. Which way is more certain? ...No, in situations like these, the smart thing is to go for both.

His party members watched him, somewhat surprised to see him taking so long to make up his mind. Finally, Allen spoke up.

“If I’m to participate, I have two conditions.”

“Let’s hear them.”

“First, Krena’s been really looking forward to fighting Lord Dverg. Please let that fight go on as usual. Is Sword Lord Dverg coming to Academy City this year?”

“Mm-hm, he sure is. The plan is to let him fight with the runner-up of the tournament,” Helmios confirmed. “What’s your other condition?”

“I want to check if that ring is the real deal.”

“Sure. Here you go.”

Accepting the ring that Helmios handed over without a second thought, Allen put it on after he depleted his MP by using multiple skills.

Whoa, it’s recovering one percent of my max MP per second. Okay, I really do want this. I can use it to earn more Skill XP, and I also don’t have to worry about running out of MP in battle anymore.

“Interesting. So you have a way to gauge how much MP you have.”

What?! Oh...well, I guess he can have that tidbit. He did give me pretty important info, after all.

“I’m not sure I follow, but at the very least, this ring does seem to be real.” Allen took the ring off and returned it to Helmios.

The headmaster, who had remained quiet this whole time, spoke up. “So, is this enough of a reason for you to participate in the tournament?”

“Yes, sir,” Allen nodded. “Please secure a place for me in this year’s tournament. By the way, am I allowed to bring in whatever weapons and items I want?”

“Of course. You have two months till then, so make all the preparations you desire.”

So recovery items are allowed too.

“Thank you, sir. I will do my best.”

And so it was decided that Allen would be taking part in this year’s Martial Arts Tournament at the Ratashian Academy.