“From today, this will be everyone’s new home.”
“Wow! It’s really spacious!”
With innocent joy, Reki rushed into the spacious room with the children, running around excitedly. It’s wide enough for ten people to play tag.
“The facilities are operational, and it’s not too dirty. Plus, the basement… As expected of Chrono-sama, it’s a perfect property.”
In contrast to Reki, who played innocently, Ursula remained calm and understood the situation well. It should be Ursula who is impressive; she is pointing out the very reasons why I chose this place.
“Really, how did you find such a place. With such good conditions, it should have been used as a safe zone long ago.”
“It was a place occupied by a boss called Gigas, who has no reward even if defeated. It seems those who scavenge the first layer usually don’t approach it.”
“I’ve heard the name Gigas, but… I see, so that’s how it is.”
Having knocked Gigas away with a single punch, I explored the school thoroughly and decided that this was suitable as a hideout.
Thanks to no one having entered, the school was hardly in disarray, just a bit dusty. Not a single zombie was found. Instead, while there were treasures, there wasn’t any particularly conspicuous supplies. All the rooms were empty, and only classrooms seemed to have desks and chairs.
However, there were no items, but the facilities were well maintained.
The lights work properly. I didn’t particularly remember pressing a switch, but in a completely dark room, stepping inside automatically lit it up. It’s likely powered by magical energy rather than electricity, but the square panels installed on the ceiling emit just enough light to illuminate the room like fluorescent lights.
In addition to the lights, water flows from a tap that looks like a pipe in the water area, the toilet has running water, and there was even a shower room. It has been confirmed that hot water also came out.
Moreover, in the corner of the hall, there was a vision that displayed images like a television.
Upon fiddling with it, the images began to flow, and it seemed we could use it normally. With one of these televisions, the children would have something to distract them from boredom.
Apparently, the idol girl resembling Shirasaki is very popular, and our kids love her.
Still, I wonder how it’s possible that the infrastructure for electricity and water is operational in a ruined city crawling with zombies… At least, it seems, this is standard in the ancient ruins known as Karamala.
In places that appear to have been inhabited, lights and water are often secured properly. Thanks to that, they can be used as resting points for dungeon exploration. It’s said that some places are completely out of service, but it’s fortunate that this school still functions properly as an ancient ruin.
Additionally, what strongly supported the decision to establish this as a hideout was the existence of a grand hall, which we should call a shelter, where Reki is currently playing tag with the children.
At the end of a fairly long downward staircase from the first floor of the school, there was the layer with this basement. The current great hall, several small rooms, and a room resembling a warehouse. Plus, there was also a toilet.
While the above-ground school is sufficient for living, in this basement, the children could play as loudly as they wanted without worrying about being noticed by anyone.
If we hole up in this underground shelter-like layer, we should be able to live safely without being found by gangs or zombies.
“We’ve secured a place to live for now, but we’ll need various things for living.”
“Yeah, at least we want bedding and pillows for everyone.”
We have to spend a short month, or at most three months, here. There are many necessary items to prepare for a living environment, starting with bedding.
Thanks to preparing for a hasty escape, I’ve managed to bring some belongings, but most of it is valuables, groceries, medicines, and a bit of clothing. Originally, I only prepared enough for a few days to hide on a cargo ship.
Even though I have a fully stocked supply kit hidden in the “Shadow Space,” it’s meant for personal use. There’s certainly no way to provide sleeping bags for ten people.
“Even if I go shopping, I can’t do it until the sandstorm settles down a bit.”
I saw the sandstorm swirling all around, turning everything a shade of sand just this morning.
While Karamala doesn’t stay in that state all throughout a major storm… It seems it has the benefits of being an ancient ruin, with a barrier function that protects against sandstorms.
However, the area that can immediately activate the barrier to prevent sandstorms is only about a two-kilometer radius from the center of Temen Nigru. That’s the region where the wealthy live.
It takes about three days for the barrier to start functioning across the entire area of Karamala, including the slum. There is a significant disparity, but still, it’s better than no protection from the sandstorm for the entire city.
So, for walking around the city, the earliest would be the day after tomorrow. It would be sad to spend the time sleeping on a hard concrete floor…
“Don’t worry, we should be able to procure most things locally.”
“Is that so? I can’t imagine that there are conveniently dropped beds and bedding on the ground.”
“Things that regenerate aren’t just food and items. The furniture in that building also regenerates.”
“I see, so we can take it from nice places completely.”
This city is not a deserted ruin where everything is crumbling; it’s a place where respawn phenomena occur and resources spring up, and buildings are beautifully restored. It’s even possible to take out large items like furniture that normally wouldn’t have been collected.
It’s only natural to think of this since it’s a real otherworld, not just a survival game in a city full of zombies where all items can be utilized.
“Chrono-sama can also use advanced spatial magic, so collecting beds directly is easy.”
“Alright, then I’ll go gather some.”
Before tonight’s sleep, we need to prepare enough bedding for everyone.
“In that case, I’ll go with you.”
“I’ll be fine by myself. Please finish dinner with everyone first.”
I took control of the school around noon after defeating Gigas. Then, having safely led the children, we just arrived here after carefully making our way through the first layer. Even though there seems to be a concept of day and night in this dungeon, the sky had completely darkened, and it was entering nighttime.
The children must be tired from today’s moves following last night’s escape drama. After finishing dinner, it would be best for them to sleep immediately.
“Then what about Chrono-sama’s meal?”
“Don’t worry about me. I ate the carob earlier.”
“You ate that?”
“I hear it’s packed with nutrition. That’s enough for now.”
Saying there was no need to worry, I decided to head out quickly. I understood Ursula’s concern for me, but now it’s a time to push myself rather than care for my body.
My body already possesses the inhuman stamina to work continuously for a week without sleep. So, searching for beds for the children shouldn’t be too much trouble—at least that’s what I thought when I set out with an air of confidence, but in the end, I could only find a somewhat dusty bed, and couldn’t provide the most comfortable sleeping experience.
I’m sorry, everyone. I’ll look for something better tomorrow, so please bear with this tonight…
—
The next morning. Dark Moon 3rd.
I gathered Reki, Ursula, and Krus, the three guardians, to discuss the plan for today.
“I managed to hurriedly gather beds, but if there’s anything else you need, please let me know.”
Today, we’re going to explore the first layer in earnest and gather supplies for a fulfilling hideout life.
“That said, this place is well-equipped, so there shouldn’t be many necessary items.”
“A shower even included; it’s like a dream home!”
“Well, I’m not going to settle down here.”
Up until now, they must have rented rooms without even a shower, but I believe we’ll soon be able to earn enough to live in a good room. Of course, that depends on safely escaping Karamala, but.
“Krus, do you have anything?”
“Eh? Oh, um… a wardrobe and a refrigerator for food storage, I guess.”
Unlike Reki and Ursula, Krus, who has no acquaintance with my past, clearly diverted his gaze, appearing somewhat distant. It seems he’s still not accustomed enough to look me in the eye.
Even so, I think it’s solid that he’s willing to express his thoughts.
He is the oldest among us, and since he’s a boy, I should work on getting along with Krus early on.
“There seems to be plenty of wardrobes, but a refrigerator…”
It should be a cooling method via magic, right? I wonder if there was something like that. I didn’t spot anything like it during yesterday’s exploration.
“This place has many rooms, so we could also transform one into a frozen storage with an ice magical tool.”
I see, so that’s another option.
If I can’t find it locally, I can always buy that ice magic item in Karamala.
While we have decent food supplies, what Ursula and I had prepared was all long-lasting preserved food. Although it’s not impossible to eat the same thing every day, that wouldn’t be mentally healthy. I might be fine with it, but for the children, I want them to eat something delicious.
Regardless, we’ll mostly be spending our time in this basement. I want to minimize stress as much as possible.
“If we’re going to cook here, we’ll need cooking utensils.”
“We need dishware too. I left all of it at the apartment.”
“Since we’re all eating together, we need a large pot!”
We might also need to arrange the kitchen area. I do have survival cooking gear, but it’s just the bare minimum. As Reki said, if I’m cooking for ten children, I’ll need a pot of a decent size.
“Since there’s a shower, we’ll need towels and soap, and oh, that also means we’ve got to think about laundry…”
Thanks to the incredible infrastructure of the ancient ruins, water usage isn’t a problem.
And yes, aside from laundry, regular cleaning is also necessary, so I’ll need to get a complete set of cleaning tools.
Hmm, once I start thinking about it, the list of desired items keeps growing. It feels like preparing for my first time living alone. Though I’ve never lived alone!
“—Alright, I think we’ve decided on most things.”
After a moderate discussion, I jotted down the major necessary items.
Today, we’ll explore the first layer to gather the items on the list. The things we can’t obtain will be sought after once the sandstorm dissipates due to the barrier.
“Then I’ll head out for a bit.”
“You’re going?”
“Hey hey, why is Reki naturally taking a leave?”
Reki, who is naturally treating this as if she’s coming along, was getting involved with Ursula.
No, I originally intended to go solo.
“I’ll accompany Chrono-sama.”
“Reki wants to go too!”
“No, both of you stay behind.”
“That’s not acceptable.”
“No!”
“Huh…?”
What is this pointless discussion? The three opinions are clearly at an impasse.
“I would feel more secure with both of you staying behind.”
“Ugh, Reki wants to go along too!”
“Hmph, it can’t be helped. I will logically explain the benefits of my accompanying Chrono-sama.”
With an air of confidence, Ursula, who is certainly bursting in front of Reki but stands out with her growing chest, declares.
“I know information about the recommended exploration points in the first layer.”
“Alright, Ursula, let’s go together.”
“Noooooo!!!”
Perhaps it was because I immediately gave in to Ursula, but Reki let out a wail of tears before charging at me in a dive-hug. It’s like she’s a puppy whose emotions directly correlate with her actions.
“Ughh, Reki can also be of help to Chrono-sama…”
“Hmph, there’s nothing Reki, who’s just strong, can do. You should come to terms with your own powerlessness.”
“Don’t tease her, Ursula.”
Reki is genuinely crying; it’s quite sad.
“This time, information is more important, so I will have Ursula accompany me. Reki, once the sandstorm clears, let’s go shopping together. It’s a promise.”
“Yes, yes! It’s a promise!”
“Huh, wait, what promise?”
The victory changed hands, and now Reki was wearing a triumphant face as she looked sideways at a confused Ursula.
“Then, Chrono-sama, Uru, have a safe trip!”
“Yeah, I’m off.”
“What promise is it, Chrono-sama!”
Ignoring the tense atmosphere that was palpable, I pretended not to notice and headed out cheerful and lively into the ruined city.
—
“…Slasher’s Mansion?”
“Yes, targeting here is the best choice.”
Ursula opened her handmade first-layer map, filled with various notes, showing me the recommended points for our upcoming raid.
It’s not too far from our base at the school. It’s located somewhat centrally.
“This area is like a high-end residential district, and due to the high danger level, no slaves include Slasher’s Mansion in their resource collection routes. The mansion regenerates quite rapidly, and the furniture there is said to be of high quality. Of course, if we take other supplies as well, that’ll provide decent earnings.”
I see, since I have the power to defeat Gigas, I can easily conquer places that others would avoid.
I wonder if it’s really okay to take it easy like this; however, those who can easily clear the first layer tend to move on to the more rewarding second and third layers, so they wouldn’t bother targeting a place like this. However, since there is more harvest potential than Gigas’ castle, challengers seem to appear regularly.
“So, what kind of creature is this ‘Slasher’?”
“It’s a zombie-type monster with blades for arms, resembling a mantis.”
I see, there are zombies like that in zombie games as well.
From what I’ve heard, Slashers have various shapes—swords, sickles, axes—but they all have sharp blades and rush toward victims at a speed faster than runners. They are a troublesome subtype of zombies.
Moreover, unlike Gigas, they usually appear in groups rather than alone and can coordinate their attacks. They typically spawn indoors, lurking in ceilings and corners to launch surprise attacks.
Yeah, in a zombie game, they would likely be solid enemies that show up after the mid-game.
“I’ve fought a Slasher only once. My ‘White Night Demon Princess’ can handle it, and Reki can also win in a direct fight. It’s no match for Chrono-sama.”
“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations. By the way, that Anastasia… is that the white mist magic that Ursula uses?”
“Yes, its effect is ‘absorption.'”
“That’s quite a powerful ability. The name sounds cool too.”
“Indeed, you’re the one who named it ‘White Night Demon Princess,’ Chrono-sama.”
With a sad expression, Ursula speaks.
Once upon a time, due to her inability to control the magical power residing in her body, she had refrained from using it for a long time. However, thanks to my guidance, she learned how to control it and has now mastered it to the point of handling it at will.
“…I’m sorry, Ursula. It seems I still can’t remember anything.”
“No, it’s alright. One day, Chrono-sama’s memories will surely come back.”
It’s me who has caused her to feel lonely, yet I am the one who receives words of concern.
For me, it doesn’t feel so tragic because I’ve completely lost my memory of what’s happening to me. I must have lost something precious, but since I have no idea what it is, I can’t feel anxiety or impatience.
It’s more of a problem for me to be the one who has made her sad about forgetting important memories.
“Then, Chrono-sama, you’ve apparently forgotten about your own magic too.”
“Yeah, that seems to be the case. I have sensations of magical power I don’t recognize, so I likely have forgotten quite a bit.”
Especially the red aura of magical power that burst forth when I used the pile bunker; I certainly have no recollection of it, but that’s undoubtedly the new power of black magic that my past self possessed.
“I also knew the same magic, but its name was different.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, the attack magic that shoots black magical bullets is called ‘Magic Bullet.’ The manipulation of a blackened sword was referred to as ‘Magic Sword.’”
That is a name I could definitely come up with.
“Besides that, there’s ‘Grenade Shelling’ that explodes. Although I didn’t shoot it while fleeing from gangs, I wondered if I might have forgotten it.”
“That’s correct. I currently have no memory of having learned explosion-type black magic.”
I never expected that I might have the ability to use such a conveniently wide-range attack magic. Good job, past me.
“And then…”
“Is there still more?”
“Yes, what I found most concerning was… not engaging in close combat.”
“Was my past self so reliant on close combat?”
“Originally, the basic style was to wield large weapons like Reki does. Though black magic is powerful, it seemed more of an extra rather than a main form of combat.”
Hey, wait a second. How did I end up with a battle style where black magic isn’t primary?
Black magic was my only means to survive the mobile experiments, and it’s my greatest power.
For it to be just an extra while close combat as a swordfighter or warrior becomes the norm… I must have had some pretty strong weapons.
If there were magical weapons more powerful than black magic, it wouldn’t be surprising for me to primarily use that style. I’ve heard that there’s something called ‘Martial Arts’ that involves techniques different from magic for close combat.
Even among those using weapons in mobile experiments, there were times when I’d see someone release a strong blow infused with magical power; I suppose those are the martial arts. I initially thought it was a type of attack magic similar to the pile bunker, but even if it uses the same magical power, it seems to belong to a different system.
Did my past self also master martial arts?
“I can’t really see myself being adept at fighting like a swordsman right now. For the time being, I’ll aim to re-train my black magic.”
“If there’s anything I can do, I’ll cooperate in any way I can.”
“Thanks. Given my memory loss, I’d say Ursula is ahead of me in magic knowledge, so I’ll be relying on you.”
“Hmph, leave it to me.”
Ursula, who seems happy to be depended upon, smiles pleasantly.
“By the way, is that the ‘Slasher’s Mansion’ over there?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
While we chatted, we reached our destination.
Before us stood a vast garden overgrown with trees and, beyond it, ominously towering a large Western-style mansion.
Hmm, it has the atmosphere of a biohazard scenario; it’s quite fitting.
That being said, if I’m armed with unlimited ammunition, ready to let loose with assault rifles and have access to shotguns and anti-material rifles, I wouldn’t feel too scared.
“Alright, let’s get started and do some thieving.”
“We’ll take everything!”
In full on thieving mode, we smashed right through the front door of the Slasher’s Mansion and made our entrance.
March 22, 2019
On the 20th of this month, Volume 7 of ‘Black Demon King’ was finally released!
Due to various circumstances, it took a while to get to this point, but I’m extremely happy that it was successfully released. This time, Nel finally takes the central stage. She’s even featured on the cover. It’s truly the visual that perfectly matches the image of a pure princess!
Additionally, this time, I’ve included an original side story! However, since ‘Ash to Ash’ is set just before the Alsace defense battle, it’s at a climactic point, so this time we unfortunately couldn’t include it due to page count.
Instead, I was allowed to write a short story in the form it should originally take. The title is “Class Change Experience Classroom.”
By a stroke of fate, the members of ‘Element Master’ found themselves fighting in an unusual class… This story illustrates one scene from their school life at Superda.
With that said, along with the comic version, be sure to check out the latest volume of the book!