Jigglypuff – Page 217 – Jigglypuff's Diary

The Man Picked up by the Gods – Volume 3 Chapter 21

TL Note: Kanpai = “cheers!” when drinking. I just left it in Japanese since I’ve already included the name suffixes in this translation. So I figured this would be the most appropriate for the translation style so far.

Volume 3 Chapter 21

The next day.

The guild lent us 15 men, and we took them with us to the place where we fought the elder treant. Our plan is to gather all the leftover lumber from the aftermath of our fight. However, the only lumbers we will be taking with us are those that can fit into Raypin-san’s ‘Dimension Home’. Everything else will be stored in this town’s and the guild’s storehouses.

When we got to the scene, the adventurers that came with us were shocked. They couldn’t believe the number of treants that seven people had managed to subjugate.

Then again, it probably can’t be helped as the total number of treants we subjugated were over 2,000.

The treants kept coming one after another, so we had no choice but to kill them off. And since hitting them in the face would finish them in one hit, we were able to kill them quite quickly. As a result, we ended up subjugating over 2,000 treants all in all.

Incidentally, I started to worry when I realized we had just killed so many treants that were originally trees of this forest. So I asked about it, and I found out that the trees of this forest were apparently of a variety known as Torigiri. The places they grow in is limited, but in exchange, they are vigorous, and grow fast. And within half a year of being cut, they’ll grow back. Even growing them from a seedling would only take a year before they could be cut as lumber. So there’s really no problem since the trees that have been cut will be back by next year. Moreover, the town here will be benefitting too as they will be getting the trees. And besides, there aren’t a lot of people who go this deep to get lumber anyway.

Hearing that explanation reminded me that this world is a different world.

If this were Earth, how many years would it take for a seed to grow into a tree? And yet here it won’t even take a year. Right, I’ve almost forgotten, but… this is definitely a different world. There are times when Earth’s common sense won’t apply to it.

After that, we gathered lumber while taking care of any treants that we came across. Asagi-san and the others kept all the lumbers in one spot, while me and Raypin-san stored it in our ‘Dimension Homes’, carrying the lumbers to the town.

Thanks to all the extra man power and the magic, we were mostly finished by 3PM. So we decided to inform the adventurer’s guild in Gimuru that a large number of treant lumber will be transported via cart. So I brought out my nightmare rimel bird in order to contact them.

With this, the treant lumber mission came to a close, and the rest of the helpers went back to the village.

But as for the seven us, we still have a job to do. That job is to disassemble and recover the elder treant.

The request we got from Gimuru does not include the elder treant. Since we hunted it, we could do whatever we wanted with it, but if we were to ask the guild for help in harvesting it, we would have to pay them accordingly.

The elder treant lumber is a first class material for wands, so we didn’t want to discard it. So instead, we decided to harvest it by ourselves. Only, because it’s so big, it’s going to take some time.

First comes cutting the branches. I could climb the ladder I prepared beforehand, and cut its branches. But because the elder treant is so big, there are some branches that I can’t reach even with this ladder.

So I had everyone else use the ladders to reach the ones that they could, while I opened my ‘Item Box’ and took out a rope made out of the sticky slimes’ thread that’s as strong as a wire. At the end of that rope, I attached a ring and knotted it. Then I had the metal slime cling to it and transform into a claw. With this the rope has turned into a grappling hook.

I swung the grappling hook, and carefully aiming at my target, I threw it.

The grappling hook flew, and it wrapped around a thick branch. After confirming that it was safe, I climbed the rope. When I got near enough, I started using ‘Wind Cutter’ to cut the surrounding branches. When there was nothing left to cut, I moved to a different part, and did the same thing.

At first I thought it was convenient that the branches would just fall to the ground, but then I remembered that they were also important ingredients. In fact, the branches were even more suited for wands than the trunk. And because we have to cut the branches first, there’s a chance that they might break when they hit the ground. It’s too bad, but it can’t be helped.

We silently continued to hack away like this, and somehow someway we were able to finish cutting off the branches within the day. But now I’m completely exhausted… If it was only once or twice of going up and down the tree, it wouldn’t matter. But having to do it that much just really takes everything out of you.

Come to think of it, I don’t really use wands all that much, do I? So since there’s material, maybe I should get one for myself?

The next day.

We’re going to continue harvesting the elder treant today.

We finished cutting off the branches yesterday, so today we’re going to dig out its roots. And so we did, but just as we were working, something unexpected happened.

As I dug out the area around the elder treant with the earth slimes using earth magic, I found old, crumbling wooden boxes and stone boxes beneath it.

“You guys! Look at this!” [Ryouma]

Asagi-san and the others came over.

“Is something the matter?” [Asagi]
“Did something happen?” [Mizelia]
“There’s something buried here. Look.” [Ryouma]
“This is… A wooden box?” [Mizelia]
“Why is something like this…” [Syria]
“For the meantime, we should unbury it and then take a look inside.” [Raypin]

Following Raypin-san’s suggestion, we retrieved the box, and took a look inside. Inside was a great number of muddy, white stones. Apparently, these stones are magic jewels that have already been used. Magic jewels are transparent before use, but afterwards, they turn into a muddy, whitish hue.

We took a look at all the different boxes, and it turns out they were all full of used up magic jewels. But there were also some magic jewels that weren’t fully used up yet. Amongst those were neutral magic jewels and dark magic jewels. After that, we continued searching for a while, and we came to realize just how many jewels there were.

For the meantime, we thought we should inform the guild about this matter, so Raypin-san went back to the town, and brought back an investigator from the guild.

When he came back, we continued our investigation until eventually we came across a number of dead human corpses. The corpses had already rotten away, but some of their belongings remained. Amongst their belongings was a ledger that belonged to a magic jewel merchant. From that we quickly found out that the merchant was a smuggler. And we concluded that all these magic jewels most likely belonged to him.

We don’t know if this place was supposed to be his hidden stash or the place where a deal was supposed to take place, but regardless, we now know the reason why that elder treant turned out that way. The elder treant absorbed the energy from the magic jewels, causing it to grow faster and bigger. And because of the power of the magic jewels, it was able to summon a great forest of treants, even becoming able to use dark magic itself. As for why it didn’t move? We figured that was most likely because it couldn’t after being weighed down by all of those boxes of magic jewels.

After the investigation concluded, we toppled the elder treant sideways. Then using large saws made out of the iron slimes and metal slimes, we cut the elder treant for easy storage. And then we stored it in my ‘Dimension Home’.

With this, we’ve finished our business in this town, and will be going back to Gimuru tomorrow.

But before that, we held a party inside the ‘Dimension Home’ to thank each other for all our efforts.

“There’s still some way back home, but we’ve finally successfully gathered all the needed treant lumbers. So since we’ve basically completed our task, let’s drink our fill today! Kanpai!” [Asagi]
“Kanpai!” [Everyone else]

At Asagi-san’s lead, we all began to eat and drink.

Today we’re having tempura along with our drinks. Actually, I’m partly the reason why. The thing is, there are a lot of edible wild plants in the forest, so all sorts were being sold by the town grocer. Then when I saw all the different plants, I ended up mumbling to myself, “I wonder if those’ll taste good when turned into tempura?” But then right at that moment, it just so happened that Asagi-san managed to hear me. And as soon as he caught wind of the word ‘Tempura’ he started talking zealously about it. The others heard about it too as a result, and after they said that they wanted to try it too, we ended up having tempura to go along with our liquor.

The others didn’t actually know anything about tempura. It just so happens that I talked about it from time to time during our travel, so they were quite interested in it.

But you know what’s surprising? I found out that this country actually doesn’t have a lot of deep-fried food. Well Asagi-san’s hometown has them, but apparently deep-fried food isn’t really a thing here.

And the reason behind that is because it takes up a lot of oil, making it luxurious. You can’t keep the oil either, so you have no choice but to throw them away. On top of that, because of a lack of culinary knowledge, deep-fried cooking is said to cause fires, making it a food that’s generally difficult to access for most families.

As for me, I think it’s a pity that people don’t know the taste of deep-fried food. But at the same time, I do know that it’s true that it costs a lot of oil. And you also can’t keep the oil since it’s bad for the body… Well, in my case, I could just use alchemy to remove the oxygen from the oxidized oil, making it possible for me to use it again as long as it’s not dirty, but that’s an exception.

I’ve actually been using alchemy in cooking like with juice or oil, but it does make me wonder from time to time. Am I using alchemy properly? But well… it’s convenient so I don’t really feel like stopping either way.

“Ryouma, your slimes really are strange, huh?” [Wereanna]
“Well it’s not really strange for slimes to be omnivorous and drink liquor, but…” [Raypin]
“They’re not just eating, they’re actually carefully tasting the food and the wine.” [Mizelia]

Right, actually, on top of the three guys and three girls, we also have a slime eating with us.

I caught this slime with the intention of using it as a part of my magic experiment, but it still hasn’t evolved yet. It likes dark magic, but as part of my experiment, I fed it wood magic instead. But then at some point in time, it started to drink with me whenever I would drink by myself.

When I first poured it wine, it finished it in one gulp, so it didn’t really feel like we would become drinking buddies. But then when I varnished the sticky slime’s sticky liquid on a slime-purposed wine cup, it gradually began to properly drink with me. And lately, it would pour alcohol for me whenever my cup would run dry, and it would even eat as it drank.

As I was explaining that to everyone, the slime suddenly began to shake.

“Hmm? Could it be–” [Raypin]
“What’s the matter, nyaa?” [Miya]
“The slime’s evolving.” [Ryouma]
“Eh!?” [Miya]

There’s no doubt about it, this slime is evolving. Everyone focused their eyes on the slime. And just like the other slimes, the slime began to release and absorb magic power until it finally evolved.

Drunk Slime

Skills:
Create Alcohol (Ethyl) Lv4
Disease Resistance Lv3
Digestion Lv5
Absorption Lv1
Split Lv1

Divine Protection:
The God of Wine, Tekun

…Well it drinks wine, I guess drunk slime’s perfect for it then. Same goes for its ‘Create Alcohol (Ethyl)’. And of course, it’s a given that the cause is drinking alcohol. But why does it have Tekun’s divine protection? I mean to begin with, you could actually grant slimes, divine protections?

…Well, I’ll just ask Tekun about it later. For the meantime, let’s take a look at what magic it likes… Is it darkness? Water? Wood? Which is it? It used to like darkness, and I gave it wood magic. As for water… well it did drink water regularly… is that the reason?

Then while I was caught up in my thoughts, Raypin-san suddenly called out to me.

“Ryouma, is something the matter, de aru?” [Raypin]
“Ah, umm… well it turns out that the slime evolved into a drunk slime. And it has the skill, ‘Create Alcohol (Ethyl)’, which probably spits out alcohol.” [Ryouma]
“Another strange slime, de aru?” [Raypin]

I brought out a cup and showed them the ‘Create Alcohol (Ethyl)’ skill. As expected the drunk slime spit out liquid that reeked of alcohol. Using ‘Identify’ I found out that it had 40% concentration, and was harmless to humans, so I drank it.

“Well, it’s wine alright, but…” [Ryouma]
“But?” [Raypin]
“It has no taste.” [Ryouma]

It didn’t have any particular taste or smell. It wasn’t delicious. This probably shouldn’t be drunk like this. Maybe if I mixed it with fruit juice or something I could turn it into fruit wine. Yeah, I should research this.

After I thought that to myself, we toasted one more time. This time to the slime’s successful evolution. Then after enjoying ourselves with the food and liquor, the day came to an end.

Goblin Kingdom – Volume 1 Chapter 23: Deformity

TL Note: Reserved… for edits.

Chapter 23: Deformity

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 22
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<King’s Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld (Altesia)
[Attributes] Darkness; Death
[Subordinate Beasts] Kobold (Lv9)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

After taking care of the lizardmen, I carried the sleeping Gi Ga back home.

I had to stop the reconnaissance of the druid village halfway through, but it’s fine since I got something good in exchange.

And after a night passed since returning to the village, Gi Ga evolved. Confirming his status with the [Skill] <<Red Snake’s Eye>>, the class that came up on his status window was a little different from mine.

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 1
[Class] Noble; Guardian
[Possessed Skills] <<Swordsmanship C+>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Omnivorous>> <<Instant Kill>> <<Adherent of the King>> <<Spear Throwing>> <<Warrior’s Soul>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attributes] None

He has a number of skills I don’t have. But by focusing my will, I was able to see the various skill descriptions.

[Skill] <<Instant Kill>> An attack that aims at the foe’s vital points.

[Skill] <<Adherent of the King>> When fighting near the king, strength, dexterity, and fighting spirit will increase by 10%.

[Skill] <<Spear Throwing>> Can throw spear from a long distance.

[Skill] <<Warrior’s Soul>> When dueling with someone, stamina and skill proc rate will increase by 10%.

Spear throwing and the likes are technique class abilities… It works similarly to swordsmanship.

His skill class is basically decked out to peak when fighting near me.

As long as I don’t misuse his abilities, he could become a huge power in my army.

Especially in our coming rematch with the gray wolves.

A crowd was formed around Gi Ga. Not just because goblin nobles are rare, but also because he looked different.

His skin’s bluish-black just like my time as a goblin noble, but his arms are completely different from what mine used to be, being long enough to reach even the ground. At the same time though, his body is also smaller than a duke’s. So if it’s just length we’re comparing, mine’s longer.

“A deformity,” muttered the old goblin.
“That’s that, but first comes rejoicing,” I replied, patting Gi Ga on his shoulders, as I granted him the long spear we got from the orcs.

This could prove useful when we go meet the druids.

“Take it, Gi Ga,” I said.

Humbling himself, Gi Ga gratefully accepted the spear. Then he said,

“By this spear, I swear absolute fealty to the king.”

Oh? He’s speech has gotten quite smooth. So this is also one of the benefits of evolution.

After that I went out again to scout the lake’s path.

Going around the lake, and then going north of it, I passed by the lands of the lizardmen, and reached the north area of the lake.

The atmosphere of that place was different.

The ceaseless cries of the wind played with the scraggy rocks, resounding a tune that took the whole land. Its lands were barren despite being inside a forest. The few trees that grew in it were at most a man’s height.

Looks like it’s here, I thought. Well then, I should withdraw–––.

Discreetly, I left the lands of the druids, and hurried back to the village.

◆◇◇

Gi Gu and Gi Go both managed to ready their respective hordes.

It’s been a mere three days, but plenty of results have been had.

I still have some concerns regarding cooperation and leadership, but that can’t be helped. I do think it’s a bit premature, but I want to deal with the druids quickly, and challenge the gray wolves again.

So we’ll strike now.

Honestly speaking though, I think even in our current state, we’re more than good enough to challenge the gray wolves.

But doing that will inevitably result in large numbers of casualties.

My army’s finally starting to gain momentum, decreasing it at this point… That’s not exactly the wisest of ideas, is it now?

As for the battle against the druids, we’ll take them with sheer numbers.

They will fall before our overwhelming numbers, and then I’ll add them to my army.

The old goblin mentioned that the druids looked down on other goblins. To despise means to have emotions close to that of humans. So it might be amongst the druids that I find someone capable of leadership.

I went back on the battle with the gray wolves several times, and the conclusion I came to was that our loss was a result of a difference in the number of leaders.

That time’s defeat was both from my incapability to predict the gray wolves’ movement, and my lack of manpower able to oppose the gray wolves. There were other problems as well, but because I was too busy fighting one of the gray wolves, I couldn’t lead the horde.

Times such as that where I’m unable to lead the horde will definitely come. Who will lead then? And besides, even if I had fought with the gray wolf until the end, I might have not gotten off lightly either.

The way I am right now would, at most, lead to a draw.

But despite that, I have to win.

And for that, I need stronger men. Gi Ga is fool hardy, but Gi Gu and Gi Go can do things he can’t do as well. Gi Gi is currently desperately raising new beasts.

What I have to do right now is to strengthen the horde.

To add something to the horde that it doesn’t have now. A new factor like the druids, for example.

According the human, Mattis’ guidance, we made some smoked fish and meat to prepare for the battle.

We didn’t just use smoke though, we also used the sun to preserve some of the food. Also, because the armor rabbit apparently had some salt mixed in its blood, we were able to preserve the meat by rubbing that on the meat.

Who would’ve armor rabbit blood could be used in that way?

The knowledge of man is really hard to despise after all. There are so many things that even I don’t know. And the one race that’s been given plenty of opportunity to retain that knowledge is man. In the form of books, by mouth, or even in the form of tales, man is able to preserve a great number of their knowledge.

Gi Ga and the rest of the goblins thought Mattis was using magic. They even actually went to ask him whether he could use magic. Of course, Mattis just told them that it’s not magic and was just a skill. A reply to which the goblins were utterly dumbfounded.

Well it’s not surprising. The techniques that goblins know are mostly destructive after all.
The fact that there could be skills that could create instead of destroy, that fact left a deep impression to Gi Ga.

Incidentally, I had the man named Chinos make some farmland. Of course, with a body guard watching over him.

Then under his instructions, we cut trees around the village, and uprooted the stumps, changing the land into one for cultivation. The land’s not that big, but it might prove useful.

As for Lili, she’s in charge of sewing. Using the hide of armor rabbits and the fangs and leather of shape alligators, she’s able to make us some nice armor.

Lili, being an adventurer, knows much about the vital points to protect, so I left it to her to decide which parts to cover with her armor. But as expected, it would take quite a bit of time to complete. That’s most likely a side effect of having her made it to specialize for each individual. As a result, I had no choice but to put it on hold for the meantime.

Six days since Gi Go’s horde has arrived in our village, and seven days since I embarrassingly lost to the gray wolves, I gathered most of the village, and gave out the order to take the north.

“We shall march for the north, and make the druids one of us,” I declared. “Gi Ga, Gi Gi, and Gi Go, you three shall ready your men. Gi Gu, you shall stay to protect our village.”

Everyone bowed, and I gave out instructions for our formation.

“Each one of you shall take 10 goblins with him. And I will also do the same, taking 10 goblins under me that I will directly control. Now, Gi Gu, should the kobolds contact you, informing you that the humans have entered the forest, immediately abandon the village.”

Then I showed Gi Gu where to run.

Most of our men are coming with me on this expedition.

We have to win.

“Tomorrow, on daybreak, we march!”

And so, the expedition to take the druids began.

Incidentally, Reshia will also be coming with us, but for some reason, she didn’t voice any complaints.

Regarding the setting:

The goblins currently under the protagonist are:

Gi Ga
The goblin in that estranged group that was with the protagonist when he defeated an orc. He is currently a noble class, the highest amongst the protagonist’s subordinates. He prefers to use the spear.

Gi Gu
The former leader of the village. He was pressured by the protagonist in his goblin noble form, and was added to his subordinates. He uses the long sword, and is relatively smart for a goblin rare.

Gi Gi
Known as a beast warrior, a goblin with the ability to tame beasts.
He evolved while hunting spear deer with the protagonist.
He prefers to use the axe.

The strongest known tamed beast is currently the triple boar, but for the sake of the coming battle with the gray wolves, he’s raising different beasts.
His goblin class is rare.

Gi Go
A goblin with many wounds on his body. The food of his horde was stolen by the gray wolves, so he made a decision to follow the protagonist. He is the most experienced amongst the goblin rares.

His weapon is a curved katana.

The Man Picked up by the Gods – Volume 3 Chapter 20

TL Note: This counts as the free queue I owed you guys. As for the schedule, I’m thinking of just posting it next week, I still have something I need to pass this week you see, so I probably wouldn’t be able to follow it.

Volume 3 Chapter 20

As we swung against the elder treants’ attacking roots, we closed in on it.

The elder treant was swarthy with a girth of over 10 meters wide, and a height of over 20 meters. Bulges and crevices could be seen here and there on its trunk, exuding an eerie aura. The face attached on its trunk, near its roots, was bigger than the others, being twice the size of an adult’s height.

“Ryouma, Raypin, stay away from the range of the branches, and support from the outside! Syria, protect Ryouma and Raypin!” [Asagi]

I killed the slow treants one after another by casting pavement on the ground, and throwing iron slime axes against them, while Raypin-san supported with his magic and Syria-san protected us from the oncoming roots.

The elder treant took on heavy damage from Asagi’s group’s continuous attacks, but it was unexpectedly tough.

On top of the elder treant’s size, the elder treant was able to use the wood magic, ‘Grow’, making it annoyingly tough. That magic normally shouldn’t have a healing effect, but because the elder treant was a plant-type magical beast, the elder treant was able to restore its body by growing its own body. The speed of that healing was apparently also faster compared to other elder treants. The advantage is currently in our favor, but we can’t let our guard down.

We continued fighting like that for some time until the elder treant suddenly let out an incomprehensible scream.

“OoOOOO!” [Elder Treant]

Then suddenly, the elder treant did something unexpected. And out of the elder treant’s mouth appeared a dark sphere, which shot towards Wereanna-san.

“Tch! Now what!?” [Wereanna]

Wereanna-san managed to dodge, but because of the pursuing branches, she had no choice but to stop attacking the elder treant.

Just now, wasn’t that the dark magic, ‘Dark Ball’?

The elder treant may have stopped Wereanna-san with ‘Dark Ball’, but Miya-san is still… But just as I was thinking that, the elder treant suddenly spit out some sort of dark mist, forcing Miya-san to take a step back. Unfortunately, the hand that was holding her axe touched the mist, and in the blink of an eye, the axe became rusted.

“Nyaa!?” [Miya]
“That last one was dark ball! This elder treant can apparently use dark mage, de aru! And that effect… that’s most likely also dark magic!” [Raypin]

…Hey, hey, no one said anything about this.

“There’re too many unexpected things. Let’s retreat first, and think up a plan, de gozaru!” [Asagi]

At Asagi’s call, we all took a step back, and retreated.

We took a break in a place outside the treant’s attack range, and discussed.

“Miya, how’s your arm?” [Asagi]
“Nothing’s wrong with my arm, but this thing’s no good anymore, nyaa.” [Miya]

As Miya said that, she showed everyone her axe. Her axe was completely rusted, and the edge of its blade could be seen crumbling.

“It turned into this after being touched by that black mist, nyaa.” [Miya]
“That’s rather severe.” [Asagi]
“We won’t be able to fight if our weapon is rusted.” [Mizelia]
“Raypin, can’t you think of something?” [Wereanna]
“I’ve also never heard of an elder treant that could use magic other than wood magic, de aru. And neither have I heard of dark magic that could cause weapons to rust. As for dealing with dark magic, we could strike it with healing white magic as white magic has an exorcising effect against dark magic, but unfortunately it’s not possible to do that continuously during battle, de aru.” [Raypin]

So that magic can cause metal to rust? …Could it be that the reason the metal slimes were afraid was because of that? But then, why…

Wait, come to think of it…

Hmm… it’s only a hypothesis, but I should probably bring this up with the group.

After explaining my hypothesis to everyone, we decided to fight the elder treant one more time.

The treant has a lot of surprises, but in terms of strength, it’s not that much of a problem. Even if it does get dangerous, we can easily run away from it, so there’s nothing wrong with trying out a thing or two.

“Let’s go!” [Asagi]
“‘Pavement’” [Ryouma]

Casting pavement on the ground, I stopped the roots from attacking while we rushed towards it. As the elder treant came to notice our presence, it began to spit out black mist again.

“It’s here!” [Asagi]
“Let’s try it! [Ryouma]

As soon as I saw the mist, I threw one iron slime axe towards the face of the elder treant!

The iron axe slime drew a parabola in the air as it flew, piercing through the black mist.

“OOOOO!” [Elder Treant]

The iron slime axe spectacularly pierced into the center of the elder treant’s forehead. And through the contract, I knew that the iron slime was safe.

“The iron slime is fine! As I thought, the iron slimes are immune to that magic!” [Ryouma]
“Alright, let’s finish it, de gozaru!” [Asagi]

As Asagi-san said that, he headed for the elder treant’s face. Miya-san, Mizelia-san, Wereanna-san followed him from behind. At the rearmost was me, firing fire arrows while I cut away at the branches.

What I proposed to everyone during the break was to use the transformed iron slimes as weapons and armors.

I reminded them about the time the metal slimes shook in fear. then I suggested that the reason that they might have been afraid could be because they were metal, causing them to fear for their lives as they sensed the elder treants’ ability.

As soon as Raypin-san heard that, he understood where I was getting at.

Continuing, I argued that since the iron slimes didn’t feel fear, despite being also metal like the metal slimes were, then they must have some way to defend against that mist. There, I taught them something I learned from my previous life. Of course, I presented it as if I had learned it from my grandfather in this world.

The purer the iron is, the harder it is to rust. The iron slimes I have contracted have been feeding all this time on iron that I made with alchemy, giving it a body with ultra-high purity iron.

To add to that, we also wondered whether or not the elder treant could cause all metals to rust in the same way as it did before, so we decided to fight it one more time.

Magic can make even impossible objects come to existence with magic power as long as one is able to imagine it. However, the same is not true for magic power. For magic power, one needs to follow to some extent the shape of nature.

Although it’s possible for magic with image to distort what is dictated by nature, the more the magic tries to do so, the greater the consumption of magic power. Moreover, there’s also a limit to how much one can bend nature, which is why I knew that the magic wouldn’t be able to cause a kind of metal that’s difficult to rust, to rust.

In a long battle, however, the slimes might be in danger. But according to Raypin-san, we could throw one slime first, then look at its condition. If the experiment is a failure we could just take it and run away, while I heal it with the method Raypin-san told me. According to him, as long as the nucleus isn’t affected, then the slime will be fine as long as I provide it some nourishment. So even if the surface gets rusted, it doesn’t matter. As long as I stop the corrosion before it gets to the nucleus, the slime should be safe.

Putting together the information we had, we decided to aim for a quick battle.

Also, to be safe, we’ll heal the iron slime with white magic once the battle is over. And in the case where we can’t defeat the elder treant, then we could just retreat again.

Like that, we decided to challenge it once more.

“Ha!”

This time around, I’m also included in the vanguard.

The elder treant is attacking. The first attack were the branches, which came whipping from above. The second, the dark ball. The third, it blocked our path with its roots, at the same time, it tried to catch me, but I just cut it, and I slipped through, leaving me right in front of the elder treant’s face.

I thought of slashing at it a direct hit, but the elder treant wasn’t going to let me as it fired off another ‘Dark Ball’ accompanied by a whipping strike from above.

Twisting my body, I swung my sword to meet the branches, drawing a circle, and cutting the branch off in a single stroke.

Continuing, I dodged the incoming ‘Dark Ball’ while closing the distance. Then underneath the elder treant’s face, I cut what appeared to be its neck. With my blade clad in ki, it was extremely sharp, and I cut through its face with no resistance. Magic power then seeped out from the wound left on the elder treant’s face.

“UoOO!” [Elder Treant]

The elder treant panicked, and immediately tried to close the wound with its wood magic, but we weren’t just going to stand by and watch.

“ ‘Flame Lance’ !” [Raypin]

Raypin-san’s intermediate fire magic struck into the elder treant. And as one would expect from having fire magic driven into its body, the attack had a huge effect, causing the elder treant’s healing to greatly slow.

Miya-san and the rest weren’t took advantage of that opening, and started releasing a barrage of attacks towards the treant and the branches around it.

But as for me, I did not join in their barrage, and instead I prepared for my attack, ordering the big iron slime that was currently a blade to transform again.

I put it down, and 15 slimes split out of it. The big slime quickly used ‘Enlarge’, and using both of its hands, it formed a loop, turning into an iron ball big enough to have to be carried in both arms. Around that iron ball, sharp thorns and a semi-circle-shaped grip with a hole in its center was attached to it. The iron slimes that split off then each turned into a loop, and connected themselves to my right arm and to the iron ball’s grip. With this the weapon has changed from a blade to a chain and ball.

Right now, the big iron slime can change freely at will into a number of weapons. It could, of course, change into the weapon I used before, the blade and the throwing axes, but it can also change into a spear, a great sword, a hammer, into all sorts. One of those types is this iron ball. Moreover, if I feel like it, I could even have it change into a scythe, the same weapon the shinigamis use. So having it change into an iron ball is a piece of cake.

Incidentally, this iron ball is something I saw in a weapon shop of this world. Using that as reference, I had the slimes transform into it. It’s a kind of weapon that specializes in one-hit attacks meant for large magical beasts. When using it, I have to first strengthen it with either magic or qi gong, so it takes some time to master. The skill to use this iron ball is apparently included in my Fundoujutsu (Weight) skill, so I’m able to use it. It’s use is mostly limited to fighting against large monsters though…

The chains jingled as I pulled on them. The iron ball was heavy, but with qigong, my strengthened body was able to wield it.

“I’m ready.” [Ryouma]
“Alright, let’s go!!” [Asagi]

As soon as I said that, Asagi-san gave the signal. Everyone who was still barraging the elder treant with attacks nonstop immediately opened a path for me.

With the elder treant’s face as my target, I put all of my strength, and sent the iron ball flying towards the elder treant’s nose!

The instant the iron ball hit the elder treant, a crack appeared on the elder treant’s face, and magic power gushed out. After having been hit all this time, its resistance was at its worst, leaving it unable to resist the force of the iron ball.

I was originally planning to hit 4 or 5 times, but with this, the battle might already be over. And even the surrounding roots and branches have stopped moving. It’s not completely subjugated yet, but…

“Ryouma, finish it off.” [Asagi]
“After all, this victory is thanks to Ryouma.” [Syria]
“So you should be the one to put an end to this battle.” [Mizelia]

So I pulled on the chains again, and struck at the elder treants forehead with all of my might.

A booming thick sound exploded, then the sound of the elder treant’s face collapsing resounded. The gushing magic power grew fiercer, and in the next moment, no more magic could be felt from the elder treant.

“With this, it’s down for real, right?” [Ryouma]
“I can’t feel any more magic power, so it should be fine, de aru.” [Raypin]

After ensuring everything was ok, I went to heal the iron slimes with healing magic. Well, it doesn’t seem like anything’s wrong, but just in case. In any case, it’s good that nothing bad happened.

While I was shooting ‘Light Ball’ at the iron slimes, I spoke with Asagi-san and the others about our movement from here on out. And it’s been decided that we will be going back to the village first, report to the guild there, then get some help to transport all the logs.

We weren’t planning to hunt this much, but leaving it would be a waste, so we might as well make use of it. It won’t all fit into mine and Raypin-san’s ‘Dimension Home’, so this time around, we’ll have to get some actual transport. As for the fees, the guild can apparently take care of it as long as we do the papers properly.

Like this we went back to the village, reported to the guild, and retrieved the lumbers the next day.

Goblin Kingdom – Volume 1 Chapter 22: The Soul of a King

TL Note: Changed some termsA Rulers Wisdom -> Rulers Wisdom
The Red Snake’s Eye -> Red Snake’s Eye

I think the articles make the skills look less like skills, so I decided to remove them.

Also, this chapter counts as the chapter I owe you guys. No, not from any queue, we didn’t have a queue, so just one of the missed chapters in the past. TMPG I might post later, or maybe tomorrow, as I have to go interview someone for uni. (yeah I still have leftover work that need to be submitted by this week)

But if I get back to my pc fast enough, I’ll have it posted later.

Chapter 22: The Soul of a King

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 14
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<Distant Soul>> <<Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld, Altesia
[Attributes] Darkness, Death
[Subordinate Beasts] Kobold (Lv9)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

Three days has passed since Gi Go and its horde has come to our village.

I had the new comers form three-man cells along with the rest of the goblins. At first, they were confused, but after seeing for themselves the effects of using traps, and how it can easily corner preys to secure food, they seem to have appreciated it.

The fact that there’s no friction is proof of that.

I ordered the goblins to focus their hunting on the east and west. At the same time, I warned them not to hurt the kobolds.

If we hunt too much, we might just break the barrier that’s protecting us from the humans.

I also reminded them not to forget my orders to run if they come across any of the orcs coming from the west, or if they happen to meet a giant spider.

Of course, they would probably still run even if I hadn’t ordered them to. But lately, Gi Ga’s been challenging the stronger beasts in the area, so just in case, I made sure that they wouldn’t do anything stupid.

After I was sure that the goblins could do their rounds around the village well enough, I headed over to the old goblin’s.

Naturally, my objective is to gather information for the next village. My plan won’t change; I will still start with the closer villages.

“There is someone, but…” said the old goblin, slightly hesitating. “But he’s a bit dangerous.”

Those words full of bitterness brought a smile to my face.

“Irrelevant. I will make it understand my power,” I replied.

I need to make those gray wolves who attacked us pay. For the sake of that goal, I need to gather the strong and not the weak.

“There is a village of goblins opposite the lake with a group of druids living in it.” said the old goblin.

In other words, a village ruled by magic users.

From what the old goblin told me, these druids seem to look down on all goblins other than their own class.

“Druid, huh?” I muttered.

It’s a kind of goblin my village doesn’t have. And since he says it’s a group of druids, then there should be a number of them there. Even just one of those druids would greatly strengthen my forces if I were to add them.

“The next prey’s been decided then,” said.

The land they rule is at most about a day’s distance. The hesitant, old goblin can just lead us. Getting there safely is important after all.

Still it would be great if I could get a map, but unfortunately such luxuries aren’t possible.

After all, this forest here is the forbidden forest of darkness. Humans don’t come in here.

Well, as soon as I walk it, I’ll remember the way .

Speaking of which, who should I take with me?

Gi Gi has just recently caught some new beasts, and is currently busy, so it won’t be possible to take it along.

Gi Go and Gi Gu on the other hand, have their hands full teaching the new goblins how to hunt. The former leader teaching brings the best results after all.

So that leaves…

“Gi Ga!” I yelled.

Gi Ga’s been greedily wishing for a fight ever since the orcs’ raid, so I decided to have it come with me.

“By your will!” replied Gi Ga.

And so I left the village with Gi Ga to scout.

◆◇◇

We know that there’s plenty of spear deer to hunt until the lake, so we didn’t get lost on the way.

Then we got to the lake, we did our reconnaissance by walking around it, observing the surroundings to try and get a grasp on the area, answering questions such as “Is there a path a large number of goblins can use?” “Are any strong monsters? Or conversely, are there any preys that we could hunt easily?” questions like that.

Hmm… When it comes to fighting, the forest is probably better.

The druid’s magic is worrying too. It’s something I haven’t fought against yet, so I’m both anxious and excited.

Then while I was absorbed deep in my thoughts, Gi Ga called out to me, “Chief,” it said

Looking over to Gi Ga, I noticed it pointing its spear towards a direction. Following that, I saw a monster that I have never seen before.

As I looked closely at it, the [Skill] <<The Red’s Snake Eye>> activated, and its status came up.

[Skill] <<The Red’s Snake Eye>> has activated.

[Race] Lizard Man.
[Level] 10
[Class] Larva
[Possessed skills] <<Underwater Movement>> <<Swordsmanship D+>> <<Call for Friends>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attributes] None

The monster that lived on the lake roused wariness in me.

At that moment, Gi Ga asked me excitedly, “Chief, fight, let me!” it said.

Gi Ga was so eager to fight it was about to jump into the fray, but I stopped it, and continued to observe the lizard man. Then I asked Gi Ga, “Why?”

Why are you so eager to fight? To be honest, I really don’t understand Gi Ga’s feelings.

Then Gi Ga replied, “I, become, chief’s strength!”

Hearing that caused my eyes to open, moving the pair from the lizard man to Gi Ga.

Looking at it like this, Gi Ga’s as excited as usual. It really isn’t one to lie, so… It’s telling the truth?

“I, gain power. King, help,” it continued.
“Am I that unreliable?” I asked.

Gi Ga shook its head, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Looks like it just likes me.

…

Dammit, this is embarrassing!

But still…

So you’re going to follow me, huh?

I looked at the lizard man again.

With its alligator-like exterior bathed in beach’s sunlight, the lizardman actually looked to be quite charming. Only there was a sharp, curved sword in its hand. And on its other hand was a sharp nail extending.

And those scales…

It doesn’t look like it’s been cut by a hard blade, so it must be because of the water that there’s a part that’s somewhat swelling. Is there such a thing? How curious.

Then Gi Ga yelled again, trying to hurry me in its excessive excitement.

“Chief!” it said.

Gi Ga was panting in excitement.

“Don’t, push yourself too much,” I said.

Gi Ga shook its head up and down so vigorously it made a buzzing sound.

“Also, I won’t lend you a hand, ok?”

At those words, fighting spirit lit within Gi Ga’s eyes.

This is the battle Gi Ga desired, so I made sure to make it understand that it should accept the results no matter what it may be. Harsh as this may seem, it is imperative that Gi Ga understand this.

The goblins under me… I wonder, will they remain as nothing more than livestock under my rule? Or will they grow into full-fledged warriors?

I don’t mind either way. You goblins can become livestock for all I care.

Your lives are no different from the pigs served on the table.

But… Should you happen to acquire the honor of a warrior, then…

At those thoughts, I made my decision.

–––I won’t let even a single of you to die meaninglessly!

The warriors that once existed in my country. Those brave, gallant figures that I never had the pleasure of seeing. If you can make me feel even a trace of their glory, then you shall become my pride.

Even if I come to be called, the king of monsters. Even if I come to be ridculed, the King of Pygmies. I will not abandon you.

I will lead you and your people, and I shall raise a new country!

To follow me is to walk the path of war. You shall fight foes leagues above you to no rest.

So…

“Go!” I yelled, and the goblin rocketed off.

And I watched over it silently.

This might be a detour, but it’s a necessary one.

As I told myself that, I gripped Iron Second tightly.

I’m worried about that lizardman’s <<Call for Friends>> skill. If that’s something that could call others of its own kind, then I might have to risk my life.

◆◇◆

Gi Ga’s spear grazed the lizard man’s scale, and green blood oozed out.

But the lizardman was, by nature, a race above the goblin rare, and it did not falter. Instead it gripped its curved sword tight, and it slashed towards Gi Ga.

The thrust spear returned to Gi Ga’s hands, and the goblin blocked the curved sword.

Supposedly, in a battle between a spear and a sword, the spear should win out in range. However, Gi Ga’s excessive fighting spirit caused it to challenge the lizard man in a close fight instead.

Not good, I thought.

The battle continued, and the lizard man closed in. In a series of attack, the battle-hungry Gi Ga was driven into a corner. Even if Gi Ga blocks one attack, another blow follows right after it. Curved swords were originally made to make cutting easy.

The sword flew in a flurry, uncontested, striking from above, from below, from the right and from the left.

The lizard man was clearly not just superior in race, but it also made full use of its own advantages.

I gritted my teeth, but I wasn’t going to join the fray.

Just as I had said, this is the battle Gi Ga wished for.

So I will only look on, quietly, without lifting a finger.

Even if death shall visit you, I will remain still.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a monster or human. Once a man decides to fight, he must see it to the end.

That’s what I believe.

The blade of the lizard man has finally begun to wound Gi Ga’s body gradually. And the goblin’s red blood spurted into the air.

My brows furrowed, and my glare intensified. So much so that I was certain my looks could kill. And sweat gathered at my palm that tightly gripped Iron Second.

Gi Ga pulled its spear back. And the lizard man’s sword came swinging at it.

Panicked, the goblin took some distance, and I finally felt a bit of relief.

Good, I thought. That’s exactly what you should be doing. Take some distance, and fight from there. If you do so, you’ll have a chance at winning.

From the looks of things, even the lizard man’s at a lost at what to do with Gi Ga’s spear handling. Gi Ga definitely isn’t behind in skill.

But the wall Gi Ga needs to overcome is that overwhelming difference in physical abilities.

After Gi Ga took some distance, the lizard man immediately tried to close it.

At Gi Ga’s one-sided defensive battle, my patience began to approach its limits.

The lizard man slashed from below upwards, cutting Gi Ga’s feet. Red blood spurted out of them, and the curved sword drew a circle as it flashed.

But Gi Ga only gripped its own spear again.

At the same time, the brandished curved sword swung down

––That’s not good!

As those thoughts exploded within my mind, I rocketed towards the lizardman and Gi Ga. I knew I wouldn’t make it, but still!

But then all of the sudden, Gi Ga suddenly… took a step forward!?

The descending curved sword cut Gi Ga’s shoulder, and more red blood gushed out.

“Tch!”, clicked my tongue.

Don’t die Gi Ga!

But then right at that moment, the bellowing sound of a howl suddenly entered my ears.

“GURUAAA!”

Then Gi Ga put all of its strength into the spear, and thrusted it, leaving me surprised, and the lizard man’s eyes, opened wide.

The thrusted spear pierced into the lizard man’s chest, and blood gushed out a pool of red.

Then Gi Ga fell to its knees, and it looked dumbfounded towards the lizardman that took its spear.

“Gyu, GyuAAeAAa!”

The lizard man shrieked an ear-piercing scream, and then it breathed its last.

“Gi Ga!” I yelled.

“Chief, I, won…” said Gi Ga, weakly.

“Aah, it was a spectacular victory,” I replied.

Then as if having lost all strength, Gi Ga bowed, and fell to the ground.

Quickly, I ran to where he was, and when I got to him, he was deep asleep.

I felt relieved from the bottom of my heart when I saw that.

“I guess even I don’t understand my own feelings,” I muttered.

“GyuAA–“

As I held Gi Ga up, I heard something shriek.

I left Gi Ga somewhere around the lake, leaving him there to rest, then I looked back.

And there, before me, was a lounge of lizardmen crawling from the waterside.

Five lizardmen.

“…Coming?” I asked, my face twisting into a smile.

I wielded Iron Second over my shoulder.

I can’t lose. Not to five lizardmen whose power is equal to that of goblin nobles.

The gallant figure of the man who said he would become strong for my sake scorched within me.

I am the king of that man, the proud king of monsters!

Be it Zenobia! Be it Altesia! None shall stand before me!

“Turn me into a blade (enchant)!!”

The abyss-like flames of darkness clad my sword.

And as my heart burned, so did the flames of enchant rage.

◆◇◇◆◇◇

[Level] has risen.

14 -> 22

[Skill] <<Distant Soul>> has evolved into [Skill] <<King’s Soul>>.

Because of having adherents within your horde, magic power UP. Every time you gain an adherent, your total magic power will increase.

However, each time your magic power increases, so will the ability of the goddess of the underworld to control you increase.

Loyalty from subordinate monsters UP.

◆◇◇◆◇◇

The Man Picked up by the Gods – Volume 3 Chapter 19

ＴＬＮｏｔｅ： New schedule to be posted later.
2015/12/16: fixed that use thing

Volume 3 Chapter 19

The next day.

Today, we’re hunting treants again. But because I’ve gotten used to it already, the fighting’s been going smoother compared to the first day.

If everything goes as planned, we’ll be finishing the hunt by tomorrow, and then we can go home to Gimuru. This morning we filled up Raypin-san’s ‘Dimension Home’, so we’ve been using my ‘Dimension Home’ to store the treant lumbers.

“Ha!” [Ryouma]

I swung my sword down, cutting a treant’s face from its forehead down to its chin in one stroke. Then with another swing, I cut another treant’s face that was on its right, diagonally up, cutting it into two parts. At that moment, a different treant’s branch whipped towards me. Quickly, I dodged to the left, and then I lopped its face off from the side.

No matter how many times I do this, I can’t help but think of its face as a mask every time it falls off like this.

While thinking of useless thoughts like that, I killed another three treants. Then after looking around me, I confirmed that there were no more treants left.

“Looks like Ryouma’s gotten used to fighting treants already.” [Wereanna]

“Ryouma has trained his body well in the way of the sword. That training also reflects in how fast he can learn new methods to defeat new opponents, de gozaru.” [Asagi]

“There are no wastes in your movements, nyaa.” [Miya]

“Thank you very much. My martial techniques were thoroughly beaten into me by my grandfather. I’m quite confident in it.” [Ryouma]

The area we’re in right now might be a bit dangerous, but we at least have the luxury to talk like this. Of course, letting our guard down too much is bad, but being too tense is just as bad. Something on this level is just right.

But then when we went deeper into the forest, the atmosphere suddenly changed. Using ‘Magic Detection’, I detected a great number of treants, almost uncountable.

“Raypin-san.” [Ryouma]

“I know. There’s a lot of them… Unfortunately, it’s not possible to know exactly how many, de aru. Asagi.” [Raypin]

“There’s most likely an elder treant ahead. Let’s proceed while keeping our escape route open. In the worst case, we’ll have to retreat and just return to the guild with the information we’ve gathered, de gozaru.” [Asagi]

And so, we proceeded with our guards up.

“Ha!” [Asagi & Ryouma]

“Nyaa!” [Miya]

“–!” [Mizelia]

“Ei!” [Syria]

“Wind Cutter!” [Raypin]

Before us were the forests of treants. They creeped slowly, and they came whipping their branches at us. But with our efforts combined, we managed to subjugate them.

The women attacked the treants’ faces with their axes and hatchets. Asagi-san slashed with his long sword, striking towards an area beneath the treants’ faces, killing them. Raypin-san supported us with his magic, while I killed all those behind to keep them from surrounding us.

We struggled like this, killing one treant after another, but the treants kept pouring in from deep the forest. Fortunately, the treants weren’t that strong. Moreover, because the treants are walking and are uprooted, when we kill them, they just fall over, keeping our field of vision clear of obstruction.

“We’re killing them just fine, but there’s no end to them!” [Syria]

No one replied to Syria’s remark, but deep inside, everyone agreed.

“According to ‘Magic Detection’, all the trees here are treants! Cut them all, de aru!” [Raypin]

“Don’t push yourselves too much, alright? Remember, there’s no shame in retreat!” [Asagi]

“I know!” [Wereanna]

“Life’s more important!” [Mizelia]

Although everyone was saying that, they weren’t really serious. They were just saying it to remind everyone. And after that, they all went to welcome the flooding forest of treants. As expected of A ranks and B ranks, something of this level can’t even faze them.

I should also focus on my work. The treants headed here have also increased.

I put my sword away, and instead I ordered the sheath that was a big metal slime to separate. In the next moment, 100 metal slimes appeared at my feet. I took two from those, lifted them up, and ordered them to transform.

What the two slimes transformed into were throwing axes. Then I strengthened my body with ki, and motioning my body in full, I threw the axes.

“O…”

“O… Oo…”

The two axes flew through the air, drawing a beautiful arc in its trajectory. Two nearing treants tried to get me into their range, but the two axes flew into their foreheads, striking them dead. The two axes had successfully shot down the two treants.

After that I immediately took another metal slime, had it transform into an axe and threw it. Then i took another one, and another one, throwing the axes one after another towards the endless wave of treants.

After fighting with the treants all this time, I’ve finally come to understand that there’s a deviation in the distribution of magic power within the treants’ bodies. The distribution is generally equal, but there is one place that has a greater concentration of magic power compared to the rest of its body. And that place is its weakness, its face.

Apparently, within the physiology of treants, the face serves as an important cornerstone for the circulation of magic power. In terms of human physiology, it would be the heart as it gathers magic power for the treants. Hurting the treant’s face, causes that gathered magic power to leak out, thereby causing its death. If one takes the face of a treant as the heart, and its magic power as blood, then it’s really not that much different from humans.

However, blood is still different from magic power. Because magic power can be located with ‘Magic Detection’. That’s why as long as one knows how to use ‘Magic Detection’, it’s easy to spot its weak point. And just like now, one would be able to easily kill the treants. And at times when the face isn’t visible, using ‘Magic Detention’ to locate it would easily take care of it.

That’s why with all things considered, treants are easy to defeat. While I still think it’s not good to let my guard down, the truth is that I’m really not being pressured much in this battle.

I’m also not using magic power, so I won’t suffer the symptoms of magic exhaustion. Moreover, I’ve strengthened my body with Ki, making it hard for me to get tired. Now, if I was using normal throwing axes, then I wouldn’t be able to attack once I run out of axes, but since I’m using metal slimes for throwing axes, the slimes can just come back on their own after being thrown. Which goes to say that I will never run out of ammo. In fact, I don’t even have to pick them up.

On top of that, I know the position of their faces, so I can easily kill them in one throw. Moreover, when the slimes come back, the treants try to attack them. But at that moment, because their slow legs come to a halt, they become easy pickings. And I can then defeat them before they can get me into their attacking range. Honestly speaking, this is more work rather than actual fighting.

By the way, all the metal slimes that were attacked are all fine. They are basically lumps of metals, so the treant’s branches’ attacks, which are of course wood, have no effect on them.

Like this I one-sidedly subjugated all the treants that tried to surround us from behind. While the others, on the other hand, completely trampled on the treants in front.

In the blink of an eye, the treants’ numbers had been greatly decreased, and the surrounding forest has been turned into nothing but a vast field of scattered fallen treants. The only thing left growing, were the few, normal trees.

“For the meantime, it looks like we’ve mostly cut them all done… Still, though, it’s quite weird, de aru.” [Raypin]

“What is?” [Ryouma]

At Raypin-san’s mutterings, I asked him why.

“First of all, there’re way too many treants. In fact, I’ve never seen this many treants yet. Second, although treants are trees that become magical beasts from the influence of magic power, it’s my first time seeing such a wide scope of mutation into treants. Lastly, is that one.” [Raypin]

To the direction Raypin-san had pointed in was nothing but a big tree from a distance. But as I could feel a large amount of magic power from that tree, it’s most likely…

“Is that an elder treant?” [Ryouma]

“I think so, but… It’s my first time seeing such a big elder treant with that much magic power. But on top that, I’m concerned why it’s not attacking us, de aru.” [Raypin]

Right after Raypin-san spoke, Miya-san came back at just the right time, and she asked Raypin-san a question.

“Isn’t it possible that it just hasn’t noticed us yet, nyaa?” [Miya]

“We’ve killed so much of its fellow treants, so no. It could also simply be afraid of us, thinking it can’t win. But then in that case, it’s strange that it’s not running away, and is instead just remaining there.” [Raypin]

Then in that case…

“I suppose there must be something there to explain why it’s not moving.” [Ryouma]

“That way of thinking is correct, de aru, but there’s no precedent. At the very least, I’ve never heard of a situation where an elder treant neither runs nor attacks.” [Raypin]

“It’s a bit dangerous to leave it alone like this… So we should subjugate it, or if not, at least bring back information to the guild… Raypin, Ryouma, how’s your magic power?” [Asagi]

“No problem, de aru.” [Raypin]

“Same here; I mean to begin with, I didn’t even really use all that much magic power.” [Ryouma]

“Now that you mention it, that certainly seems to be the case, de gozaru. Who would’ve thought that slimes could actually be turned into axes and thrown… Well since that’s how it is, let’s keep our guards up, and rest for a bit before we go and hunt the elder treant, de gozaru.” [Asagi]

With us hunting the elder treant having been decided, we confirmed the special characteristics of the magical beast again, and kept it in our minds to take care of its wood attribute magic. And then we took a short break.

During break, everyone seemed to show interest with my slime axe throwing. Especially Syria-san, who generally uses the bow.

But then just as our break was about to end and we were to head over to the elder treant, while still some place away from it, the metal slime acted weird.

“Please wait a moment.” [Ryouma]

“What’s wrong?” [Asagi]

“The metal slime seems to be… afraid? …It’s started to panic.” [Ryouma]

I can tell its status because of the contract’s effect, but it’s actually scared enough to want to run away at this very instant. This is the first time something like this has happened.

“Is it alright, nyaa?” [Miya]

“My apologies, but my metal slime won’t be able to fight in this state.” [Ryouma]

“I think it’d be best not to force it, de aru.” [Raypin]

So since the metal slimes weren’t in any state to fight, I stored them inside my ‘Dimension Home’. But it’s curious… the metal slimes have never been scared in this way before. For a moment, I thought their natural enemy might be around, but after looking around, there wasn’t anything around here but a single elder treant. And I’ve never heard of elder treants being the natural enemy of slimes.

Moreover, the only ones afraid are the metal slimes. The iron slimes seemed to be completely fine. So what exactly is wrong with the metal slimes? … Well, in any case, I’m happy that the iron slimes can fight. I do have some weapons I’ve prepared in my ‘Item Box’, but the iron slimes’ blade is still better.

After that, we walked nearer towards the elder treant while paying attention to our surroundings.

“The left tree!” [Raypin]

“Nyaa!” [Miya]

We were heading towards the elder treant, and we walked over one of the trees from the sparsely scattered trees. According to my ‘Magic Detection’, that tree was nothing but a normal tree.

And Raypin-san most likely thought the same thing, but as soon as we stepped over that tree, the treant suddenly gained magic power, and attacked us. But then, Raypin-san quickly reacted, and Miya-san was able to kill it…

“What’s the meaning of this?” [Raypin]

“Raypin?” [Asagi]

“This tree wasn’t a treant just a moment ago, de aru. But just now, it suddenly became a treant. Something like this should be impossible, de aru.” [Raypin]

While treants are magical beasts that become so after being influence by magic power, this is not something that happens instantaneously. It’s something that normally happens only after some period of time.

But while that may be so, I felt some of the trees around gain magic power again.

“Raypin-san.” [Ryouma]

“The treants are being born one after another.” [Raypin]

“Well this was unexpected…” [Wereanna]

“Being caught unprepared with a situation like this is really out of our hands.” [Asagi]

Well it’s less than a while ago, so it won’t be a problem, but still… this strange phenomenon is quite concerning. While thinking that, I focused on my ‘Magic Detection’ in order to subjugate the treants. But while doing so, I suddenly felt the presence ofmagic power in the ground.

At the end of that magic power’s flow was the tree that had just turned into a treant. Seeing that, I focused once more, and this time, just as it did for the previous tree, I felt the flow creep in near my feet. Is this the source?

“There’s something inside the soil! ‘Break Rock’ Breeze’ !” [Ryouma]

I used ‘Break Rock’ to tear down the area I felt magic power, and using the wind magic, ‘Breeze’, I used a strong wind to blow away the fallen earth, revealing roots from which I could feel magic power flowing within!

Raypin-san, having noticed the same thing, yelled.

“It’s the root of an elder treant! …Could it be that the elder treant is using its roots to inject magic power into the trees, transforming them into treants, de aru? Come to think of it, it’s said that treants greatly increase in numbers when an elder treant is spotted. This is a discovery worthy of surprise, de aru!” [Raypin]

“Subjugate first! Research later!” [Syria]

“In any case, does this mean there’s no other way to resolve this situation other than to subjugate the elder treant?” [Mizelia]

“The possibility for that is quite high, de aru. If we leave this one alone, the treants will most likely increase even more, de aru.” [Raypin]

“The elder treant is approximately 500m from here… I will close in to it in an instant, and finish it, de gozaru. Ryouma, please watch the back. We’ll take care of the elder treant, so please stop all the treants from behind, de gozaru!” [Asagi]

“Understood!!” [Ryouma]

At my response, we immediately moved. Wereanna-san, Miya-san, Mizelia-san, and Asagi all went forward, deforesting the forest of treants that flooded from in front. Following that was me, Raypin-san, and Syria-san as we all continued towards elder treant.

Fortunately, the treants moved slowly, and we didn’t receive any difficulty from the treants. But then the elder treant finally made its moved, and it started directly attacking.

We’re still too far to get hit by its branches, so it instead pulled its roots from under the ground, and attacked us. Moreover, it was able to use wood magic just as mentioned in the info. It’s roots extended, and it tried to catch us with it.

Raypin-san used ‘Wind Cutter’, and I along with everyone else used our weapons to cut the opponents down, but there’s just too many of them, especially the ones coming from my feet. Dodging this isn’t easy… If it’s going to be like this, then!

“ ‘Pavement’ !” [Ryouma]

Using the same ‘Pavement’ I did when creating my store, I pressed together the ground, and turned it into pavement. The treants’ growth might be able to break through that, but I’m just using it to buy time. And just as expected, I was able to stop the treants from attacking me at my feet.

“I’ll cover you!” [Ryouma]

“Thanks!” [Asagi]

Like this we charged towards the elder treant.

Goblin Kingdom – Volume 1 Chapter 21: The Scar of Defeat

TL Note: New schedule to be posted later. TMPG to be posted later too.

Goblin names for those confused:

Gi Ga (Goblin Rare): The goblin that pissed its pants and became a goblin rare when the proag first started.

Gi Gu (Goblin Rare): The former leader of the parent organization of the village that the protagonist first took control of.

Gi Go (Goblin Rare): The leader of the horde that recently joined them.

Chapter 21: The Scar of Defeat

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 14
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<Distant Soul>> <<A Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<The Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld, Altesia
[Attributes] Darkness, Death
[Subordinate Beasts] Kobold (Lv9)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

The thick scent of the shed blood permeated the air.

I had gone after the main unit, but it was already too late. By the time I had caught up, the hunt had already ended.

“The damages?” I asked, heaving, still out of breath after having sprinted so desperately.

“The beasts under our command have all been killed. From the main unit, three goblins have been killed,” replied Gi Go with his head bowed deeply, a hint of apology in his voice.

“I read wrong,” I said.

The gray wolf wasn’t alone. It could have been a pair; I don’t know for sure. Regardless, while I was fighting with one of the gray wolves at the back, another one attacked the goblins from the front.

That’s why that gray wolf left me so easily.

Without putting itself in any more danger than necessary, it took what it needed, and left.

“Fuck!” I cussed to myself, gritting my teeth in frustration. Then exhaling, I asked, “Is there anyone injured?”
“Only shallow wounds, nothing serious,” replied Gi Go.
“Then let us go. I wish to reach the settlement if even a moment a sooner,” I declared.

In the end, the gray wolves never came back, and it became clear that we would eventually reach the settlement safely.

But at the same time, there’s no doubting that I had lost.

And the bitter taste of that defeat remained within my chest.

I had lost… To a beast no less… A beast…

Anger seethed, and I gritted my teeth in its fervor.

This humiliation… I will definitely make you pay for this, you mutts!

◆◇◇

–––Ahh…. The red snake coiled around my right arm is itching…

I’ve been restless ever since the day I lost to that gray wolf. Even running without rest continuously is unable to exhaust this body. The word, fatigue, had completely vanished from my senses’ lexicon. The only sensation left, the incessant itching of this red snake.

Before I knew it, the <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>> had been raging without my behest.

Like pyre in my brains, scorching its pith, magical energies violently flowed from my body as if it were being wrung out from the very nucleus of this flesh.

“Where are the enemies!?” begged my soul. My eyes ravenously darting as I watched over my horde.

“Enemy! Enemy! Enemy! Enemy! Give me an enemy!!” beckoned my soul.

“Something to kill! Something to cut! A foe! A threat! An enemy!!!” cried every fiber of my being. “Is there no one? Is there nothing!? Where are you!?”

Those craving, almost wishing thoughts stormed a gale at the back of my mind, driving me into lunacy when the village entered my eyes.

“To the village!” I shouted, ordering the horde to enter.

Then I rushed back to the rear end of the horde’s line.

Come after me, you mutts!

I’ll kill every single one of you bastards!!

“GURUuuuauu…”

That restless howl left from the pits of my stomach, echoing out loud as I glared viciously towards the path we had come from. Then from my back, a voice entered my ears, “King” it said. It was the old goblin.

A king? King… Right! I’m a king! A king! Me! Me! Me!!! A king!

I am a king!

By forcefully invocating the [Skill] <<Insurgent Will>>, you are able to resist against the urges attacking you.

I want to swing my arm. I want to release this never ending gush of magical energy!

Destroy everything you see! Crush them! Break them! Kill them! Kill every single one of them! KILL! KILL! KILL––

“OOOOAOOOAOooo!!”

At that bellowing roar gushing forth from the inner pits of my stomach, I struck Iron Second into the earth.

“Silence!” I commanded within my mind.

Gritting my teeth, I focused all of my strength, and activated the [Skill] <<Insurgent Will>>. Then the old goblin spoke again, “King?” it asked.

“… Are you done evacuating?” I asked back, at the same time wondering whether my voice was shaking or not.

“Yes, without any problems,” replied the old goblin.

“I see… I want to be alone for a moment. Don’t let anyone near me.”

“Yes.”

The old goblin left, while I remained. I didn’t move one bit from that spot until I had managed to calm down the <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>>.

◇◆◇

Gi Go’s horde of goblins that were injured were able to reach the settlement safely.

This settlement still has plenty of room left, but thinking that if I don’t do something I’ll end up remembering that loss again, I decided to go mark the boundaries between the different areas in the settlement.

At the center is an open space where the goblins are to have their meals. Some stones have been piled up in the center of that open space, serving as a fire place. Then north of that open space is the dwelling place of the prisoners. Then east of that is the king’s, my house.

I then decided to let the goblins that have evolved into goblin rares live near me. While the other goblins are to be situated around the open square, following the fence.

I decided on this arrangement in order to make it easy to distinguish who is close to the king and who is not, as well as to make giving out orders quick and easy.

As for the non-combatant goblins, I gave them the area west of the goblin rares’ dwelling.

The horde of goblins that Gi Go was leading, even after being reduced by the gray wolves, raised our numbers by 45.

Although that’s for both combatants and non-combatants, having that many goblins added to our number would still definitely cause friction.

So in order to avoid that, I arranged them in this way.

After that a day passed since returning to the village.

There are now 92 goblins in total, but the goblins are too weak. I handed the thin ones over to Gi Gu, while I thought up of a countermeasure for the gray wolves.

We are, after all, only a day’s distance away from a number of powerful beasts.

While they won’t be able to destroy the village in one raid, they could certainly prove to be a hindrance in our hunts.

But really it’s just that I can’t stay put unless I do something.

For the meantime, I ordered my subordinates to spread their hunting grounds towards the west and the east.

From what I know there’re at least two gray wolves. I need to think something up quick.

I walked while thinking, and before I knew it, I found myself in front of the shed where Reshia was being kept captive.

“Uu~u,” cooed someone… or something.

Hmm? That voice sounds familiar.

Knitting my eyebrows, I looked for the source of that voice. And when I found it, I saw the kobold from before being fed by Reshia.

Suddenly, the kobold turned around, and then it wagged its fluttery tail vigorously.

Reshia threw it a bone, and the kobold chewed on that as if it were in heaven.

With it looking completely intoxicated like that, it’s really no different from a dog.

The shed Reshia’s using was originally meant for domestic animals, so it’s easy to see what’s going on from outside.

It’s not even locked. Really, the only thing that’s guaranteeing their safety is my word.

While thinking that, I noticed the kobold staring at me as it wagged its tail.

In the next instant, it ran towards me, and played at my feet.

But despite that, it didn’t let go of its bone once. What a glutton.

[Skill] <<The Red Snake’s Eye>> has activated. Oops, I guess stared too much.

[Race] Kobold
[Level] 9
[Class] Puppy
[Possessed Skills] <<Lead Belly>> <<Omnivore>> <<Big Eater>>
[Divine Protection] None
[Attributes] None
[Master] Enslaved to a Goblin Duke

Am I supposed to laugh that all it can do is literally eat?

Looking at this guy is kind of exhausting. All that anger is slowly seeping away, sigh.

As I breathed out a deep sigh, a voice called out from inside the shed.

“Are you back?”
“Yeah, although we didn’t come back unscathed.”

Having calmed down to some degree, I entered the prisoners’ shed.

◇◆◆

“A bit cranky today, aren’t you?” I asked.

To which the goblin in front of me responded with a smile as if deriding itself.

“I lost some of my subordinates… Even though I dared call myself king; it’s unsightly.”

In other words, you’re depressed? Even though you’re a monster?

Ever since I was acknowledged by the Goddess of Healing, Zenobia, and received her divine protection, I’ve been given a number of special privileges. The best education, exemption from taxes in different countries, preferential treatment should I enter a guild, and more.

One of the things I’ve been taught is the ability to see through lies. No matter who it is or what it is, as long as they possess intelligence, what they’re thinking will definitely show in their eyes. This is knowledge I received from humanity’s highest institute of education, the Ivory Tower!

And just as I’ve been taught, I gazed into the goblin’s eyes, but… it’s not wavering.

It’s common sense in human society that monsters are nothing but brutal, egoistical, creatures. Feelings of camaraderie don’t exist. They are slaves to their lusts, and would attack all humans as their instincts would dictate. And yet… what is this goblin!?

Ever since I’ve been caught by this goblin, this goblin’s done nothing but topple all of my common sense, shocking me time and time again.

That time when the orcs attacked too. Even though it’s obvious that goblins are far weaker than orcs, and yet… and yet it still purposely went to oppose them.

On top of that, it actually asked for its comrades to be healed first before it. For it to have that kind of nobility.

His visage when he proclaimed himself a king…

If only… If only he were human, then he would surely be remembered as a wise king for generations to come, forever preserved within the annals of history.

There’s no doubting it. Feudal lords frantically scrambling amongst themselves for land while they ignore the people. The royal families that would ensnare even their own kin to protect their own position. The officials that know only to feather their own nest. The commoners who would betray even their closest friends for a little gold. And that unsightly mess of a church for what should be a guide to god!

Why? Why won’t people be a little kinder?

I hated the capital’s atmosphere, that’s why I had hoped to work at a church somewhere near the borders.

For a moment, I held on to the hope that as long as the atmosphere’s different, then even the people would act differently. As a follower of Zenobia, I would save those who have been abducted, but instead I was driven into the Forest of Darkness… And now, for some reason, there is a goblin in front of me who is calling itself the king of goblins.

The change in the environment was a bit much, so I was pessimistic at first. But lately I’ve started to get used to it.

On top of that, the goblin in front of me doesn’t act like a goblin at all. A goblin’s a goblin, but for some reason, this one stinks of being human… I can feel it, in its behavior, in its words… I can feel traces of complex emotions.

Even though I was taught that goblins are simple. Even though my experiences proved that to be true. Even though goblins were supposed to be monsters that could do nothing else but live their lives, slaves to their desires as filthy, gluttonous beasts.

These goblins took that common sense, and turned it upside down.

And in the short time I’ve stayed here… I couldn’t help but find them to be more human than humans.

Yet despite that… I am human. If they were to fight against the humans, I wouldn’t be able to stand with them.

So please, I prayed. Don’t fight with the humans.

◆◇◇

I am dreaming.

I know this because I know it to be so.

A dream wherein a sword-wielding maiden is facing against a monster.

The monster is towering; they are not equals. But the brave woman minded that not, and she opposed the crafty beast with her sword in hand.

The maiden had with her neither the craftiness to outwit, nor the strength to stall. The one thing she possessed was her courage.

Her brandished sword was proof of that, though her breath found itself tottering.

Aah, I thought. She’s going to lose.

The ferocious, mighty beast pitted against a frail maiden; who would believe otherwise?

Yet the woman showed no signs of retreat, her steps, not faltering even once.

The maiden walked. And a howl that could swallow both heaven and earth erupted, yet she faltered not.

The earth split, she dodged the threat. Slipping through the monster’s attack, she opposed the monster with only a sword in hand.

…And then she reached it.

The bosom of the monster wielding a flaming great sword.

In the instant that the flaming great sword fell, the monster’s face met with mine.

It was me.

The monster stopped in its tracks.

And the maiden’s sword pierced into my chest.

The flaming sword fell from my hands, and it pierced itself onto the maiden.

Then a voice spoke.

“This is destiny,” it said. “Your destiny, that is.”

“Tch––”

Clicking my tongue, I woke up, jumping from my bed, drenched in cold sweat.

In the darkness of the night, the moon and the stars were brightly shining.

To think I’d actually have an extraordinary nightmare, enough to make me jump awake, shown to me.

Speaking of which… Whose voice was that?

Destiny? Mine?

“Ha ha ha…”

Interesting. So you’re telling me I’m going to be killed, huh destiny?

As the two red moons shone brilliantly in the night sky, I stood up, letting the evening wind pass through me.

The wind passing through the forest from the lake was a delight to my sweat-drenched body. As I walked, with no direction in particular, I found myself unusually cautious of the rustling trees. I’ve probably just become too timid, I thought. But paying it no more mind, I continued to walk.

Before I knew it, I was once more, in front of Reshia’s prison.

She’s probably sleeping, I thought. I’ll know though, since I can see even in the dead of the night with this pair of eyes. I suppose it can be quite convenient.

But as I went closer, what reflected on my eyes was Reshia, praying.

Praying towards the two crimson moons.

“Are you going to curse me now?” I jokingly asked.

Her eyes opened slightly, but the expression on her face immediately made me gasp.

“Bastard… who are you!?” I asked.

A resolved face. If it was only that, then it wouldn’t matter. No, it wouldn’t really be a good thing, but regardless, right now, I can’t feel even the slightest hint of life from Reshia’s expression.

Normally, her face would at least show some displeasure or anger or perhaps sorrow, but right now, there’s nothing. A completely blank expression.

“Not the sharpest knife, I take it,” replied Reshia, or at least that should’ve had been Reshia’s voice, but for some reason, something was different. But exactly what was different I wasn’t sure.

Her amethyst-colored eyes shot at me.

A mere gaze, nothing more, yet my body felt as if it had turned into ice.

My body is heavy, and my limbs wouldn’t move.

This… this sensation is!?

Activating the [Skill] <<Insurgent Will>>, I went against that pressure at full power.

But then in the middle of that, a cursed scream suddenly echoed at the back of my mind.

“Zenobiaaaaa!!” screamed the voice.

Altesia, the goddess of the underworld’s scream, eroded whatever control over my body that I had.

“I implore thee, to that which must be, and to that which must not, bring unto him, peace.”

The words Reshia recited kept the goddess of the underworld away.

Heaving, I fell to my knees.

Ignoring the sweat that has gathered on my forehead, Reshia seems to be –– No, we’ve gone this far, there’s no other way but to accept it. The person before me right now is no other than the goddess of healing, Zenobia.

“You seem to be suffering,” said the goddess.
“Thanks to you,” I replied, putting on as much of a tough act as I could, but unfortunately, my body wouldn’t move.
“Why do you rebel so much against destiny?” she asked.
“Let me throw that question back to you, why do you accept destiny?” I asked back.

I thought I heard her sigh, but as expected, I couldn’t tell what she was thinking behind her voice.

“My elder sister revolted against her destiny to rebel. And again, just now, she opposed me as soon as she saw me… Don’t you think it’s foolish?” said the goddess.
“Then how about leaving us alone!? Me, and even Reshia!” I answered.
“…The source of your power, the will to rebel (insurgent will), is not infinite. In fact, it is already reaching its limits.”

As the goddess said that, Reshia’s glowing fingers touched my forehead.

And I felt heat move from my forehead to my chest.

Again!?

“You won’t be able to break free from the saint’s charm,” declared the goddess.

You wish to trample on my heart again!?

Who would have thought that being too busy to check my status would actually bite me back like this!?

The charm of the goddess I had neglected released a great power that pressed hard against me.

“Ku… Gu…” I groaned.

I tried to stand up, but I failed, and I fell to my back instead.

As if to obstruct the moon up in the sky, Zenobia who’s been hiding Reshia’s feelings, looked at me.

“It’s not really my place to say this, but please take care of this child,” said the goddess as she neared me, bringing herself over my chest.

“How much longer do you wish to toy with people’s feelings!?” I yelled.

Reshia’s glowing finger headed towards me once again. When her finger pierced into my chest, I felt something change within me.

“A gift from me. This should release the curse from… si–ster…” said the goddess as her voice slowly faded.

Reshia tottered a bit, then finally losing all strength, she fell on my chest.

“But you should take care. The more you use magic, the closer you will be to sister,” whispered the goddess through Reshia, as she twisted about on top of me. “My sister is also known as the goddess of rebellion. The goddess who rebelled against my father, the goddess of revenge and rebellion. That’s why… please… protect this… my beloved… daughter…”

After that, the only thing I could hear was Reshia breathing as she slept.

…Not long after, I noticed that my arms could move again, and the voice of the goddess of the underworld no longer echoed.

I stretched my hands toward the twin crimson moons.

Zenobia…

You said that it was foolish of me to rebel against destiny.

And you also told me to protect Reshia.

But the destiny I saw… aren’t you aware of it? The face of the sword-wielding maiden?

That maiden; she was crying. Reshia was crying.

If you’re telling me to protect that.

Then just as I’ve thought, I don’t have a choice but to rebel against you and your brethren.

I won’t die, and I won’t kill Reshia. If that is a revolt against the gods, if that is a rebellion against destiny, then so be it.

I shall gladly become a rebel.

◆◇◇◆◇◇

The effect of the [Skill] <<Charm of the Saint>> has increased.

Because of the divine protection of the goddess of healing, Zenobia, the mental attacks of the goddess of the underworld, Altesia, will be suppressed.

◆◇◇◆◇◇

Author’s Note:

Think the protagonist’s mental irregularity is at its peak yet?

TL Note: In the kill kill kill part near the start of the chapter, the protagonist actually started turning into how the goblins speak in this novel.

The goblins, you see, normally speak in katakana with some hiragana here and there and some broken sentences, so since the protag started talking in katakana near the end of his intoxication, it kind of showed how he was actually devolving into a monster for real. Just something I thought some of you guys would be interested in knowing.

P.S. I really wanted to translate Reshia’s glowing finger as shining finger xD.

Goblin Kingdom – Volume 1 Chapter 20: Gray Wolf II

TL Note: (Same note as the one in TMPG, I just copy-pasted this as I’m aware that there are readers who only read one or the other series.)Sorry about the lack of chapters last week. School has really ramped up as the sem’s about to end. Projects and exams and stuff everywhere. And it really didn’t help that I wasted too much time trying to align those blasted walls, or that I spent too much time chasing after power armors, or romancing curie… Geralt didn’t help either. (I didn’t have a video card for a loooooong time).

Anyway there won’t be any chapter for both series for the next two weeks. Yes, exams and projects for both weeks. On the bright side, after that, I’ll speed up the releases during the break, and open the extra chapters up again.

I’ll try and see if I can get some chapters done during my studies, so there might be a multi-release on the 13th when I resume translating. Anyway, that’s all, enjoy.

P.S. For anyone crashing with an R9 390 on win 10 on FO4, I solved my problems by restarting the game over and over and over. 😀

P.P.S. I just read the suggestion about the confusing goblin names. I’ll start noting their differences in the next release.

Chapter 20: Gray Wolf II

[Race] Goblin
[Level] 12
[Class] Duke; Horde Chief
[Possessed Skills] <<Horde Commander>> <<Insurgent Will>> <<Overpowering Howl>> <<Swordsmanship B->> <<Insatiable Desire>> <<Distant Soul>> <<A Ruler’s Wisdom I>> <<Eyes of the Blue Snake>> <<Dance at Death’s Border>> <<The Red Snake’s Eye>> <<Magic Manipulation>> <<Soul of a Crazed Warrior>>
[Divine Protection] Goddess of the Underworld, Altesia
[Attributes] Darkness, Death
[Subordinate Beasts] Kobold (Lv9)
[Abnormal Status] <<Charm of the Saint>>

The gray wolf was 2 meters long, making it bigger than me. Scars could be seen here and there on its gray fur. But those scars did not give the image of weakness, instead it exuded an aura of experience.

Wolves with a small build and brown fur followed the gray wolf. There were 20 of them, but in contrast to the fearsomeness of that gray wolf, those wolves were but fodder.

Now, although we might be inside a forest, it’s not as if there’re trees abound everywhere equally. There are also some places where the trees are less dense, and some areas that are plains. And the gray wolf chose the plains, an area with little trees, for their hunt.

I need to buy time for Gi Gu and the others until they’re able to find a way out, and run back to the village.

As I thought that to myself, I looked on at the approaching threat.

I have never fought with a gray wolf before, but I know… that thing is without a doubt formidable! Yet despite that, I couldn’t help but smile.

––– Strong? Formidable? What’s that got to do with me? A place like this isn’t fit to be my grave!

At those thoughts, I raised my voice, and ordered the goblins,

“I will hold the rear! Now, run!”

At my voice, the goblins ran with the escorts.

The attacking wolves formed a line as they began to close in, their fangs ready to strike from a multitude of angles.

“Let my body be inviolable (shield),” I chanted.

I braced myself for the oncoming fight, and casted a shield over my body, keeping the damage to the absolute minimum.

Just dodging won’t be good enough in this fight. Even if I were to dodge all of their attacks, that won’t be good enough to create an opening for a counterattack.

One of the wolves went after my legs from my lower right. Another tried to seal my arms from the opposite side. And from behind me, another leaped, aiming for my neck.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye. A speed at which Iron Second couldn’t possibly hope to reach. The small stature of the wolves didn’t help as the colossal size of my sword in contrast to their dwarfed stature left me in an uncomfortable position.

Yet despite that, I swung my sword.

With an overbearing strength that could summon winds, I swung my sword. Iron Second flashed, and the wolves before me were cut in halves. The sword completed its swing, but it rested not. Following the trajectory it had come from, the sword returned, and in its path, it blew the remaining frightened wolf away, sending it into the air.

The [Skill] <<Swordsmanship B->> had shown its worth.

My dignity in full display, I bellowed out an earthshattering howl, activating the [Skill] <<Overpowering Howl>>.

“GURUuuRUAA!”

With it, my foes stopped in their tracks, unable to move.

––– Now, what will you do?

The gray wolf before me remained unperturbed.

Perhaps it’s planning to leave the hunt solely to its subordinate wolves without lifting a finger, but I can’t have that. Of course, killing all of these wolves isn’t a problem for me, but that’s not the problem. The problem is that there’s a possibility that the wolves might just ignore me, head straight for the main unit instead, and kill the non-combatants one after another.

That result is unacceptable. Which is precisely why I must show my strength, and keep them pinned here. When their leader comes to understand that it’s not possible to defeat me unless it personally comes to fight, then it will make its move. And once it does, its subordinates will stay in order to protect it.

And as expected, regardless of how composed that graywolf was, it still took a step forward from its pack.

–––Oh? So you feel like doing it?

The subordinate wolves were already that fast. What more this gray wolf? I’ll have to pay careful attention, and make sure to accurately measure the distance between us.

“UwooUUwooUu!”

At the gray wolf’s howl, its body turned into a blur.

Before I knew it, my body was in midair. A blow had hit me from the side, sending me into the air into a flip.

–––Fast!

Although it got me, thanks to the shield I casted earlier, I didn’t receive any fatal damage. Only, my chances of winning had just gotten dimmer.

How am I supposed to fight against something that’s so fast I can’t see it?

–––No, right now, my focus isn’t to kill it, but to buy time. I shouldn’t –

As I was ruminating on the situation, the wolf turned into a blur again.

I felt a blow land on me, and I was sent into the air again. Then the gray wolf calmly closed in on me.

–––Not good! At this rate, I’m going to lose!

Who is the hunter? Who is the hunted? At that moment, the gray wolf had clearly answered that question.

◆◆◆

With a slash from its long sword, Gi Gu slayed the brown wolf before it. Then it looked behind.

Gi Gu’s revered chief had not yet returned.

The first time Gi Gu had caught sight of that chief, he was already far stronger than Gi Gu. A blue-skinned body that was far bigger than Gi Gu’s.

That memory left in the goblin a sense of fear that to this day ruled over it.

Gi Gu had after all only become the leader of the horde because of its predecessors’ death. A position that merely rolled over to its feet so to speak.

There were no goblin rares during that time either.

Gi Gu believed in its own fortune. And at the same time, it had hoped not to repeat its predecessors’ mistake.

And just as Gi Gu had hoped, in its time as chief of its horde, they were able to gather more food. And they had even succeeded in catching humans.

But then that goblin came. And it easily slayed their enemies. And once again, Gi Gu and its horde had found themselves under someone’s lead again.

But this time, they were far more numerous than before. And their food supplies were even more abundant. So much so that they probably would never taste the pain of starvation ever again.

Then there was that time when Gi Gu first learned the taste of the double head’s meat. It was a taste that he would never forget.

But that goblin was not content, no. That goblin carried with him a frightening ambition. He wished to gather under him the numerous goblin villages.

And that ambition sparked desire in Gi Gu’s eyes.

Each time Gi Gu saw the chief, fire would light from inside its heart.

But whether these feelings that Gi Gu felt were loyalty or jealousy, Gi Gu did not know.

Gi Gu knew only one thing. The chief leaving would be problematic.

That alone Gi Gu understood.

…The king hasn’t come yet, thought Gi Gu.

“Gi Go,” called Gi Gu out to the newly added goblin rare.

The goblins were currently struggling hard against the wave of wolves before them as they fought to make a path of retreat.

“Keep going like that!” ordered Gi Gu.

Then Gi Gu ordered the opposite to its own men.

“Come! We need to save the king!”

◆◆◆

Without trying to bite at me, the wolves rammed themselves against me as the gray wolf waited for me to run out of strength.

That overly calculating fighting style rendered me powerless. If only the wolves would come to bite at me, then I might still have some chance at winning so long as I’m able to stop one or two of them. But the gray wolf continued to have the wolves relentlessly throw themselves at me, while it waited outside of my range, rushing towards me from time to time in a speed I can’t match. And each and every time I would be sent flying.

“GU, RUuuu…”

Using my sword like a cane, I helped myself up.

Even though I know they’re just trying to tire me, I can’t let up the shield, otherwise, the surrounding wolves will tear me to pieces. I don’t have any other choice, but to cast my shield, and try to kill the wolves to the best of my abilities.

The situation is getting bleaker and bleaker.

But at the same time, there’s no other path for me to take.

What to do?

But then right at that moment, the area behind me suddenly became noisy.

I saw Gi Gu kick away the wolves surrounding me as it came to my side with reinforcements.

“Chief, please return,” said Gi Gu.

Thank you, I thought.

Only, this still leaves us with the problem of the enemy here. But…

“I understand. We’ll retreat like this. Restrain the wolves!” I ordered.

And slowly we retreated, carefully making sure that the wolves won’t be able to surround us.

The wolves probably chose a place with few trees because of their fighting style. So in that case, retreating to a place with plenty of trees should increase our chances of winning.

“UwoooUuUUu!”

At the gray wolf’s howl, the subordinate wolves spread apart, widening their surround over us.

“Gi Gu, keep your guard up as we enter the forest.”

As I gripped my sword, I kept my gaze on the gray wolf. I slowly retreated, and the gray wolf calmly closed in on us.

So long as we keep this, we’ll be able to retreat as soon as we enter the forest.

But as I thought that to myself, I let my guard down. It was only a moment, yet it was at that very moment that the gray wolf attacked, and my response was too slow. At the very moment where we were about to enter the forest, away from the flatlands, the gray wolf vanished, and it instantly closed the gap between us.

“UwoooUUun!”

That loud bellow shook the earth.

Behind me was a tree, in front of me was the unstopping rushing gray wolf. At the same time, the brown wolves closed in from all directions.

“Gi Gu, run! Don’t let –“

Without even any time to give any orders, the gray wolf sent me flying. My body slammed into the trees, and the force of the trees breaking passed through the shield into my body.

After two or three bounces, I stood up.

“Gu, Ku…”

As I stood up, I braced myself for the wolves’ next attack, but it didn’t come. Not the gray wolf, nor the wolves surrounding Gi Gu could be seen. All of them were gone without exception.

–––Did they let us go?

Staggering, the worst scenario flashed through the back of my head.

–––Don’t tell me, they…

“Gi Gu, we’re heading for the main unit!”

I struck my unmoving legs, and I began to sprint for the main unit.

“Release,” I muttered.

As the darkness surrounding me receded, Gi Gu and I made way for the main unit at full speed.

◆◇◇◆◆◇◇◆

For driving away the gray wolf, your level has risen.

12 => 14

◆◇◇◆◆◇◇◆

The Man Picked up by the Gods – Volume 3 Chapter 18

TL Note: Sorry about the lack of chapters last week. School has really ramped up as the sem’s about to end. Projects and exams and stuff everywhere. And it really didn’t help that I wasted too much time trying to align those blasted walls, or that I spent too much time chasing after power armors, or romancing curie… Geralt didn’t help either. (I didn’t have a video card for a loooooong time).

Anyway I‘ll release a chapter of GK tomorrow for this week, but there won’t be a chapter for both series for the next two weeks. Yes, exams and projects for both weeks. On the bright side, after that, I’ll speed up the releases during the break, and open the extra chapters up again.

I’ll try and see if I can get some chapters done during my studies, so there might be a multi–release on the 13th when I resume translating. Anyway, that’s all, enjoy.

P.S. For anyone crashing with an R9 390 on win 10 on FO4, I solved my problems by restarting the game over and over and over. 😀

Volume 3 Chapter 18

We spent five days in the carriage.

During that time, I took care of the cooking duties and learned how to handle horses from Mizelia-san and Miya-san.

I was tasked with the cooking because my cooking was the best in the group.

In exchange, the other jobs were mostly taken care of by the others. For example, although we were attacked a lot by the goblins, I didn’t have to go out and fight as Raypin-san would swiftly take care of them each and every time.

Consequently, I ended up with plenty of time in my hands. I’ve heard that horseback riding is quite useful, so I asked Miya-san and Mizelia-san if they could teach me, and they happily complied.

The thing though is that I didn’t know how to ride horses back in my previous life either, so even until now, I’m still learning how to ride them.

“You’ve already got the basics down. All that’s left is for you to practice and get used to it.” [Mizelia]
“Thank you. Mizelia-san.” [Ryouma]

Mizelia-san may have given me her approval, but I haven’t really gotten the basics down just yet. If I don’t practice, I’ll probably forget it immediately, so… should I buy a carriage? But there’s not really a lot of opportunities to use it, so it’s kind of a waste. It’s not just buying a carriage either too as I’ll need to buy a horse. Eh, I’ll just think about it later.

4 hours passed and we finally closed in to the village that’s closest to the forest. 20 more minutes passed, and the village gates entered our sight.

From hereon it’s going to get crowded with people so I switched with Mizelia-san, and then gazed at the village. This village is a lot quieter compared to Gimuru, but it’s bustling too in its own way.

Along the way I noticed that the houses here were are all made out of wood. I guess their forests must be thriving.

Caught up in my thoughts, before I knew it, we were already at the lodging’s entrance. There were 3 men and 4 women in our group, so we took 2 rooms, and then we made way for the adventurer’s guild. There, we gathered information about the places that the treants frequented. Afterwards, we prepared for tomorrow.

Tomorrow

“Is everyone ready, de gozaru?” [Asagi]

At Asagi-san’s question we all nodded, and then we entered the forest.

Leading in front was Miya-san and Mizelia-san, followed by Syria-san and Wereanna-san, and then by Raypin-san, and finally Asagi-san.

The forest is dimly lit and dense. If it were only that then it wouldn’t be different form the Forest of Gana, but for some reason, the atmosphere in the forest was suffocating.

“Oh? We’ve already found one. Miya, look. 20 meters ahead of us, there’s a tree that’s somewhat thicker than the others, de aru.” [Raypin]
“Is that it, nyaa?” [Miya]
“That’s right.” [Raypin]

At Raypin-san’s words, Miya-san pointed towards the tree. The tree was a needle-leaved tree with a diameter of 30cm to 40cm. Its height was around 4 meters high. It looked almost exactly the same as the trees around it. It was slightly bigger than the others, but that’s not really something that you’d notice at a glance.

After Raypin-san confirmed that the tree was a treant, and after we were sure that there were no other treants around it, Miya-san and Mizelia-san headed towards it with a one-handed axe in hand.

When Miya-san and Mizelia-san neared the tree, its branches suddenly curved. And like a whip it lashed with its branches from above towards the two. The two dodged it, but the treant’s branches could curve surprisingly well as it attempted to wrap around Mizelia-san.

Mizelia-san struck back with her axe, and at the same time – although I couldn’t really see her well as she appeared as nothing more than a shadow from where I was – she bashed the treant with her axe.

Immediately after, the branches began to droop, then the tree lurched. With the fight over, they waved at us, calling us over. When we got to where they were, Miya-san lodged her axe into the treant’s face.

“If you dodge the branches and hit it like this, you can beat it in one hit, nyaa.” [Miya]
“The fight is fairly easy when it’s 1 on 1, so if ever we come across another lone treant, Ryouma, you should try fighting it.” [Mizelia]
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

While Miya-san and Mizelia-san were giving me advice, I noticed Raypin-san making a difficult face.

“Raypin-san, is something the matter?” [Ryouma]
“We found one too fast. Treants generally prefer living in the inner part of the forest, so it’s quite rare for one to be seen this close to the village, de aru.” [Raypin]

Come to think of it, the guild hadn’t mentioned anything about treants appearing by the entrance either.

“If it’s like this, then there might be quite a number of them deep in the forest, de aru.” [Raypin]
“There’s also the possibility that a treant just got lost, but we still shouldn’t be careless, de gozaru.” [Asagi]

Those words reminded us to be cautious, so we immediately focused our senses. Then we cut the branches of the treant, and stored it into Raypin-san’s ‘Dimension Home’. After which, we began to walk again.

After walking for a while, we found another treant.

“Ryouma, how about trying this one, de aru?” [Raypin]
“Sure.” [Ryouma]

I stepped forward and unsheathed my weapon. The weapon I have is shaped like a blade, but it’s actually a big iron slime. Incidentally, its sheath is a big metal slime.

Thanks to the ‘hardening’ skill, the blade is more than strong enough to be used as a weapon. Moreover, it’s also sharp enough too. On top of that, in the unlikely instance where my sword gets bent, the slime can reform itself immediately, fixing my weapon in an instant.

Using ‘Magic Detection’, I ascertain my target. Circulating my ki, I clad both my sword and body it in it as I wielded my sword, raising it right in front of me. The treant this time around is thinner compared to the last. As soon as I entered its range, one of its branches came whipping at me from above.

I dodged the whipping branch, and at the same time, I moved to the right and confirmed the location of the lump that is its weak point. Without any hesitation, I took my sword and slashed at it, smoothly cutting the lump off.

A voice that sounded like a throe resounded as the lump fell down to the ground where its roots were. Then just as the treant before it, its branches drooped, and it ceased to move. The battle had ended with a lone stroke from my blade. With the battle over, the others walked over to help collect the treant, and then we made our way through the forest again to look for another.

What’s scary about treants is that they are able to blend themselves in with the surrounding trees, making their surprise attacks fairly formidable. However, that also goes to mean that if you could spot them before entering their attacking range, the treants lose their fangs. In any case, one on one doesn’t seem to be a problem. How the fights will go when there’s a forest of them however… we’ll have to see.

We continued our treant hunting in the forest until the afternoon, subjugating them, then storing the logs in the ‘Dimension Home’. Then around the time I was finally getting used to fighting them, we spotted a forest of treants. With everyone’s help, we managed to annihilate all of those too.

But their numbers were still a staggering one-hundred and forty-seven. Even though the place they were at was supposedly a place often frequented by people as a resting place, the only thing we could see was an ever extending forest. This wasn’t in the information provided by the guild.

“We still have time, so there’s no need to rush the acquisition of treant lumber. More than that, I believe it’d be best to inform the guild about the treants’ number, de gozaru.” [Asagi]

True… There are far too many treants here in the forest compared to what the guild’s information said. We have already gathered a total of 200 treant lumbers. While the minimum we had planned to gather was only 300. With more than half of that quota already met, I suppose it really might be for the best that we go back to the village first.

And so we left the forest and quickly went to the guild where we reported our findings. There, we spoke to the female receptionist at the reception desk. After we explained the situation, the receptionist said this with a docile face.

“Thank you very much. Actually, just a moment ago, a group of people who had seen the strange state of the forest just as your group has, dropped by. And so we were actually in the process of sending someone out to investigate.” [Female Receptionist]
“I see… Would you happen to have any ideas what could possibly be causing this outbreak of treants?” [Raypin]
“There’s a possibility that there’s an Elder Treant. To begin with there are plenty of treants deep in the forest near this town, and sightings of it has also been reported once some years ago. I don’t know why, but it’s said that when an elder treant is born, a great number of treants will spring forth around it.” [Female Receptionist]
“So it’s as expected, de aru… Will you mind if we enter the forest? What are the rules regarding that?” [Raypin]
“Please do as you like. As long as you’re A Rank or B Rank, then there won’t be any problem.” [Female Receptionist]

Actually, I’m an E Rank, but I think I’ll just keep quiet. Besides she doesn’t look like she’s planning on stopping just me from going into the forest too anyway. And since we’re going into the forest either way, the female receptionist made us take a request to subjugate the treants.

Adventurers can actually take on multiple requests at the same time. Especially when those requests happen to be close to each other, and when the adventurers have some leeway to work with. Since it’s an easy way to make more income, it’s not really uncommon to do it.

This time around for example, by taking both the request to subjugate the treants near this town, and while taking on the request to gather treant lumber, we’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone, and receive the reward for both requests. It won’t take us much extra effort too, since one request is to gather lumber, which of course requires subjugating treants anyway, so it’s all pluses and no minuses.

After gathering the necessary information and accepting the treant subjugation request, we had nothing to do until tomorrow. So in order not to put that time to waste, I entered the hyperspace room, and began training with my slimes. Today the focus of the training are the poison slimes.

While doing our usual practice, it suddenly occurred to me what would happen if I handed Melzen’s Spear to a poison slime. I think it might be a bit heavy, but I’m sure it’ll manage somehow, and successfully use it as a spear. But then… Melzen’s Spear is also a magic weapon, will it be able to use its magic properties too?

Slimes do release magic power when they evolve. Moreover, I’ve also confirmed that they absorb that magic power as they complete their evolution. Is that magic power something that comes out only when they evolve? Or are they able to use that magic power any time?

My mind on fire, I called out one of the poison slimes, and made it release magic power. Surprisingly, it actually easily succeeded at releasing it! If it’s like this, then this might just work!

Filled with anticipation, I took out Melzen’s spear, and handed it over to the poison slime before me. As I ordered it to load the spear with magic power, a vigorous fire erupted from the tip of the spear.

It worked!

“Can you swing the spear while releasing magic power?” [Ryouma]

The poison slime began to swing the fire breathing spear. The spear’s a bit heavy, so its movements are a bit duller than normal… but it seems it can at least use it. But then its movements began to grow duller and duller.

“Slimes are supposedly tireless. They shouldn’t know the meaning of the word, fatigue, and yet… Could it be magic exhaustion?” [Ryouma]

As I was about to order the slime to stop, the poison slime suddenly dropped the spear, and it became smaller.

“Why!?” [Ryouma]

Panicked, I quickly rushed over to it, but fortunately, nothing else seems to be wrong. Only, it’s a bit weak. Its body is around half that of a normal poison slime, and its movements have become slow. For the meantime, let’s observe it while feeding it some poison attribute magic power.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s because of ‘Compression’ that it’s body has shrunk. Besides, a mere poison slime shouldn’t have the ‘Compression’ skill.” [Ryouma]

I identified it with ‘Monster Identify’, and just as expected, it didn’t have the ‘Compression’ skill. Then why? Why is it smaller? Is it because I made it use magic? I can’t think of any other explanation other than that, But if that’s the case, then why would magic power cause its body to shrink?

“Body… Magic power… Could it be, it’s consuming it?” [Ryouma]

I don’t have any positive proof, but if a slime’s body were to be made out of magic power, then it would make sense why it’d grow weaker and smaller from using magic power. I can’t think of any other reason; this has to be it.

But then… magic power is not something that you could normally see with the human eye, and neither is it something that you could touch… but at the same time, it’s true that slimes’ bodies disappear when they die. So if the body of slimes were to be made out of magic power, it would make perfect sense why their bodies just vanish on death, but… if that’s the case, then…

“… I should probably leave this at this for now. In any case, I’ve managed to come up with the hypothesis that slimes’ bodies are made out of magic power. I should talk to Raypin-san about this later, and ask for his opinion. Yeah, let’s do that.” [Ryouma]

After that I left the ‘Dimension Home’, and while having supper, I asked Raypin-san about the slimes, but apparently he didn’t know either. To begin with, giving a high class magic weapon to a slime is unheard of, and when he heard that slimes could release magic power, he was shocked.

In the end, the conclusion we both came to is that there’s a possibility to my hypothesis. Magical beasts do have more magical power in them compared to normal animals, and even those who can’t use magic are not an exception. So it’s not really that strange that slimes possess magic power.

But for it to shrink after using magic power, even though the earth slimes and the heal slimes don’t is something I just don’t understand. It seems I need to research more…

The next day.

We entered the forest today too, and hunted treants to gather lumber. We already knew that there’d be a lot of treants, but I still can’t wrap my head around just how many there are… We’ve been hunting since morning until noon, and so far with the previous day’s spoils together, we’ve already gathered 600 treant lumbers in total.

“Space is about to run out in the ‘Dimension Home’ so I believe we should end today’s work here, de aru.” [Raypin]

Since we’ve already completed our goal, and since we still have time left, everyone agreed, and we ended today’s work here. But while walking back out of the forest, Raypin-san suddenly pointed, and exclaimed,

“Ryouma! Look at that, de aru!” [Raypin]

In the direction Raypin-san was pointing, was a small, green sphere floating amidst the trees with a large fluff of dandelion attached above it.

What is that?

“What is that?” [Ryouma]
“It’s a slime!” [Raypin]
“Slime!?’ [Ryouma]
“It’s a fluff slime, a slime with the power to fly! I don’t believe Ryouma’s ever raised one though, de aru.” [Raypin]
“True, I’ve definitely never raised one. In fact, I didn’t even know about it. Would it be possible to catch it now?” [Ryouma]
“A simple task, de aru. ‘Pick Up’“ [Raypin]

Raypin-san stretched his hand out towards the flying slime, and chanted a spell. Then suddenly, the slime appeared right in front of Raypin-san’s hand, floating in the airspace directly in front of it.

“What was that magic?” [Ryouma]
“’Pick Up’, a space magic that teleports the target near the caster’s hand. It can only be used when the target can be seen. It’s not an easy magic to aim, so there are few who use it. Depending on the target, it’s possible to catch something without harming it, so it’s quite useful. I’ve been using this magic in order to gather magical beasts for my research, de aru. I used this to catch grell frogs too.” {Raypin}
“I see…” [Ryouma]

Come to think of it, he did mention catching grell frogs with magic. I guess he must’ve been referring to this magic then.

“Rather than that, hurry up and contract with it. We can’t exactly be certain that we’re safe here either, de aru.” [Raypin]
“Right.” [Ryouma]

I hurriedly contracted with the fluff slime. Looking at it closely, it’s about the size of a fist. A slime that could be carried in one’s hands.

After contracting with it, I stored it in the ‘Dimension Home’. I thanked everyone along with Raypin-san for keeping watch while I contracted with it, then we began walking again.

After some time of walking, we got to the village before the sun had fully set. I quickly went back to our lodging, and used ‘Monster Identify’ on the fluff slime.

Fluff Slime
Skills
Flight Lv1
Growth Acceleration Lv5
Lighten Lv10
Photosynthesis Lv3
Absorption Lv1
Split Lv8

It has photosynthesis, so I guess it doesn’t need digestion. As for absorption, that’s for water. And this flight and growth acceleration… it’s my first time seeing these kind of skills. And then this split level… it’s high! Then again something that looks like a dandelion fluff is attached to it, so I suppose it multiplies just like one too?

For the meantime, in order to understand its skills better, I lifted the fluff slime up, and made it use ‘Lighten’. Immediately, the fluff slime became so light to the point it seemed like it wasn’t even there. It was quite light to begin with, but even then it still had some weight. Yet now it was as if even that little weight had disappeared. It was really light.

But it can only use the skill on itself. Then again, if it could use it on other things too, that’d be just way too convenient for others not to notice. How to say this… it’s so light, it feels like it’s about to float.

It’s flight ability is probably because of this. A little sway from my arm seems to be more than enough to send it flying. But really, rather than flight, floating would be more apt. It seems it can fall to the ground by manipulating its weight to some extent, but the speed and direction is all up to the wind, and it can’t do anything about it.

After observing the fluff slime, I asked Raypin-san a couple of things. And apparently, the fluff slime can go quite far by being dragged by the wind, so it could be seen almost anywhere. However, it doesn’t reproduce much.

Don’t reproduce much? But why? Even though it’s level in splitting is so high.

When I asked that, apparently just as I had thought, the slime splits like a dandelion fluff would, but not all of the fluff would become a slime.

Moreover, it’s irritating to have so many fluff floating around, so a nearby village would send people to exterminate it.

After we complete this request and I get some free time, I should go and see what this fluff slime can do.

Goblin Kingdom Volume 1 Chapter 19: Gray Wolf

TL Note: This is the chapter for yesterday, yeah I know… I’m late again. Lemme see if I can get it on time this time.

Beast Tamer -> Beast Warrior. (I really don’t know why I called it beast tamer to begin with. Maybe cause he tames beasts? but eh… it says beast warrior and he’s a warrior so let’s go with that)

Chapter 19: Gray Wolf

It took us around a day of walking west before we finally found a cave.

That cave had an extremely narrow entrance, making it look like nothing but a crack in a giant piece of rock. But interestingly enough, its interior is actually quite wide.

“Gi, Gii!?”

A large number of goblins were hanging out by the entrance of the cave. It should be fine though as I highly doubt that they’d attack.

“Gi Gu, Gi Gi,” I said, calling out to the two goblins. “Go inside, and ask their chief to come out.”

“Understood,” replied the two.

Then from the goblins I’ve brought with me, I picked eight more and made them go as well. As for the remaining two goblins, I had them patrol and hunt some preys while we waited for the others to return.

I could’ve gone to the cave myself, but I didn’t because of the cave’s entrance. It’s too narrow.

In fact, it’s so narrow that a goblin rare is about all that could fit. Even a goblin noble who is only one size bigger would find itself hard pressed to try and pass through. What more someone like me who is pretty much a walking mass of rock? I’d have to whittle myself with something first if I wanted to pass through that.

But that’d be stupid and inefficient, so instead of doing something so pointless, I sent the two to ask their chief to come out instead.

Besides, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about since Gi Ga possesses the skill, <<Beast Warrior>>. With that skill he’s able to take a triple boar along.

It’s also partially due to his limits that we brought that thing, but surprisingly, it’s actually proven to be quite the boon to us. In a narrow cave like that, who’d be able to dodge the triple boar?

So with that, I was able to patiently wait for them without any worries. And after some time of waiting, voices reminiscent of jeering reached my ears.

“It would appear that they’ve arrived,” muttered the old goblin.

At his words, I turned my head, and there, a goblin rare stood in between Gi Gu and Gi Gi.

“Are you the chief of this horde?” I asked as I looked down on it, exuding an aura of dignity.

“On– your knees!” yelled Gi Gi as he forcibly made the goblin rare kneel.

While Gi Gi was manhandling the goblin, I couldn’t help but catch something quite curious. The goblin rare in front of me seems to be severely scarred. Some, old. Some, new. And some were even fresh.

“Answer the king’s question!” pestered Gi Gu.

“I am indeed the chief of this horde,” said the goblin proudly as it courageously gazed at me. Its firm resolve could be visibly seen reflected on its eyes.

Although only a little, I suddenly found interest for this goblin sprout from within me. And to think I was actually thinking of just lopping its head off.

“What kind of goblin is the chief of this horde?” I asked.

Having had a change of heart, I decided to approach things a bit differently.

“A friendly goblin we have known for generations. He is gentle. His feelings of camaraderie are strong even amongst goblins and…”

Before the old goblin could prattle on, I interjected, saying,

“In other words…”

In other words the old goblin does not want to kill this goblin.

“This goblin is exceptional,” I continued.

“Yes, that’s exactly it!” agreed the old goblin.

I glanced at the goblin rare once again, and then said,

“Become my subordinate.”

I don’t need unnecessary words.

Whether you reply with a yes, or whether you reply with a no. That is everything to me.

“Under the condition that you save the goblins under me,” bargained the goblin.

Without any hesitation, I nodded at the goblin rare who had its head still bowed on the ground.

Save, huh? Come to think of it, all of the subordinates of this goblin rare are thin all over. In fact, even this goblin rare itself is thin.

“I’ll give you food,” I said.

Then along with those words, I had the food we smoked prior to coming here along with the preys we had hunted along the way brought out, showing it off to the goblin rare and its horde.

“And I’ll even give you a name,” I added.

Dumfounded, the goblin rare could only stare at the food before it. Then when I called out to it, it looked up to me in surprise with its mouth still hanging.

“I name you Gi Go. After this, leave this cave and come live in my village,” I ordered.

At those words, Gi Go prostrated itself before me. Satisfied, I began to walk out of the village. But at that moment, Gi Go suddenly spoke.

“Ah, chief. Please wait,” said Gi Go as it quickly followed after me.

At that, I turned back to it. Then with a stiff posture it began to talk about the dangers of this land.

Apparently there is a dangerous beast living in this part of the forest.

And according to the old goblin, it’s known as the gray wolf. With a number of subordinates under it, it’s reputed as the forest’s hunter.

Then Gi Go continued in fear, mentioning that the gray wolf eats enough food to feed its pack. Even going as far as to eat its own kind.

Curious however is that for some reason we still haven’t come across that ferocious beast.

But if that beast is really around, then wouldn’t that mean that we wouldn’t be able to go back to the village unless we deal with it first?

The food I gave them won’t last long either.

I need to do something about that beast or I won’t be able to leave.

“Hmph, then in that case, I just have to kill it, right?”

At that bold proclamation, I ordered Gi Go to bring goblins that can fight. At the same time, I ordered Gi Gu and Gi Gi to stand guard.

Counting our forces, the goblins that can fight from Gi Go total to 28. With my own goblins, that numbers to 38.

The number of goblins that can’t fight is 20. And we need to protect all 20 goblins from the beasts while we move out.

After thinking for a bit, I decided to divide the horde into four squads.

Gi Go will be leading the main unit. Being the most appropriate person for the job, I decided to leave to it the duty of protecting the group that can’t fight while they evacuate to my village.

Then escorting the main unit is Gi Gu’s group who will be there protecting their flanks. Having originally come from my village, the goblins in Gi Gu’s squad excel at rock throwing and covering for others.

Should the gray wolf come to attack, then Gi Gu’s squad will hold them off while the main unit escapes ahead.

Thirdly, Gi Gi’s beast warrior squad will be leading the whole horde.

The beasts’ noses are good, so with them leading, they should be able to detect the foes from a distance.

And finally, the last squad will be led by me. Stopping the wolves will be my duty.

With the strategy decided, I distributed the goblins to their respective squads. Then afterwards, I immediately ordered Gi Go to have everyone prepare for departure.

Right, we can’t afford to waste even one of these goblins.

◆◇◆

It will take us around a day of walking to get to my village from the cave.

Unlike humans the goblins don’t have any valuable possessions, so if it weren’t for the differences between the warriors and the non-combatants, then we would be able to get to the village in only one day.

In fact, we didn’t even bring any unnecessary food with us either as it’s imperative that we get to the village as soon as possible.

The one leading is Gi Gi’s beast warrior squad. His triple boars and his wild dogs lead the way, using their senses to ascertain that the path is safe. And from behind that squad followed Gi Go’s squad.

And protecting the flanks is Gi Gu who paid careful attention to its surroundings as they gathered food along the way. Gi Gu is quite the honest goblin, so Gi Gu made sure to get the gathered food distributed to the main unit.

As for me, I was walking at the very back, paying careful attention to the surroundings as I followed the rest of the group.

There are only five goblins around me, but should the worst case happen, then these guys might have to sacrifice themselves in order to thwart the wolves’ pursuit.

Then halfway through our path, Gi Gi contacted me.

Apparently, the beasts won’t proceed any further.

–––Is it coming?

“Gi Go, take the rest of your squad with you and go ahead!”

At those words, the squad in front became noisy. With the main unit being that noisy, it would normally be the center of attention, but…

“Gi Gu, escort the main unit!”

But if my prediction is correct, then–––

“Uwooooo!”

As a great howl resounded from the back.

I unsheathed Iron Second, and firmly wielded it in my hands.

Then with its pack following from behind, the gray wolf appeared.

The Man Picked up by the Gods – Volume 3 Chapter 17

TL Note:
~ For edits later ~

Volume 3 Chapter 17

After school the three girls chatted at a corner of the school’s courtyard. It was a good opportunity, so they decided to chat and get to know each other some more. But just as they were about to finish, Michelle suddenly said,

“Hey, how about we form our own group?” [Michelle]

In this school, there are assignments or practical work invovling magic or swordsmanship that needs to be done in groups. However these groups aren’t decided by the instructors or by the school, rather they’re decided by the students themselves.

If the school tried to forcibly dictate the groups, then the nobles would get mad. Part of the reason is because of compatibilitiy between the members, but there’re also those who simply don’t want to be in the same group as commoners.

However, in cases where there are students leftover without any groups, then they need to be taken in by other groups that don’t have enough members. Neither the commoners nor the nobles have any say in this. But of course, it’s not hard to imagine how uncomfortable of a situation that would be.

Elia and Michelle may not have any problems regarding groups, but of course it’s still best to make a group with people that you get along with ahead of time. And that’s why Michelle suggested to make a group, while Elia and Miyabi immediately agreed.

“But if we’re making a group, then we’ll have to gather two or three more members. We need five or six to make a group after all.” [Elia]

“Yeah, otherwise we’ll end up with students we don’t know.” [Michelle]

“Without considering social standing or anythin’, can ya two think of anyone?” [Miyabi]

“I can think of one.” [Michelle]

“Who?” [Elia]

“Liera Clifford, the eldest daughter of the Baron Clifford.” [Michelle]

“Baron Clifford… From what I know, he used ta be a knight, but after pilin’ up achievement after achievement, he became a baron. Nowadays, they’re known for raisin’ some oustandin’ knights.” [Miyabi]

“Exactly. Her pride’s a bit high, and she won’t shut up when it comes to rules, but she doesn’t look down on commoners, and she honestly acknowledges anyone with skill. She treats commoners as if they’re equal too.” [Michelle]

“She’s certainly qualified. Is she someone you know?” [Elia]

“There was a point in time where we saw each other a lot. But because of my research and because of her training, we’ve rarely had the chance to lately.” [Michelle]

Like this, the three of them agreed to invite Liera Clifford. And immediately, they went to find her.

The place they went to was the training area for swordsmen. As soon as they got there, Michelle pointed at a corner and said,

“She’s over there, let’s go.” [Michelle]

With Michelle leading, the three went over to a corner of the training area where a female student zealously praticed her sword as she gave off a frigid aura. With the girl’s height tall for her age and a face that could easily pass as that of a beauty’s, she stood out. Then from the group of male students that was watching her from a distance came Michelle’s voice.

“Liera, could you come with me for a bit?” [Michelle]

“Michelle? What’s the matter? And that person is…” [Liera]

“Calm down first, then we’ll talk.” [Michelle]

Michelle took Liera with her and left the training area. Following after her were Elia and Miyabi. They then sat at a resting area with few people. On the way, Michelle had already explained to Liera about their plan.

“I see, so you came to invite me… Alright, then in that case, I’d be grateful if you added me into your group.” [Liera]

“Really?” [Elia]

“That’s great!” [Michelle]

Elia and Michelle were both delighted, but Miyabi didn’t look to be fazed at all as she asked Liera,

“Ya sure you’re okay with this? From what I’ve heard, ya have the highest grades in swordsmanship, and many people have already tried ta get ya ta join them.” [Miyabi]

“It’s true that I’ve received plenty of invitations, but they’re all from people I can’t get along with. People who only see me as a tool to raise their grades, or people who don’t even have the slightest decorum to hide their perverted gazes… And more than that, I can’t agree with people who despise commoners. I don’t want to be grouped up with people who mistake their haughtiness for pride.” [Liera]

Although still a student, Liera’s soul was already that of a fine knight.

It was in this way that Liera became their friend. And the four began to discuss who to ask next.

“I can’t think of anyone. To begin with, I don’t have a lot of connections, so…” [Liera]

“Liera’s been obsessing over her sword ever since after all.” [Michelle]

“Well aren’t you one to talk? Even though you’re exactly the same when it comes to your research.” [Liera]

“True, then in that case, I guess we’ll have to rely on Miyabi. I mean you’re a merchant, right Miyabi? I reckon you must have a lot of connections.” [Michelle]

“Even if ya tell me that, I don’t have that many either… It’s only been a month since enrolling, ya see? So… and besides the number of students that haven’t been included in a group has also decreased a lot, ya know? And more than anything, don’t ya all think it’d be best if we got another girl as our member? After all, we’re all girls here.” [Miyabi]

“If it’s possible, then a girl would be best. Although as long as he won’t look at us with a discomforting gaze, then even a guy would be fine.” [Liera]

“It’s because your style is so good.” [Elia]

“I know right? We were just around the same level in the past too… I wonder why the gap is so big now… Even the parts that should be tightened are tightened.” [Michelle]

“Where are you looking!?” [Liera]

“Hmm… everywhere?” [Michelle]

“Don’t look!” [Liera]

“Now, now, please calm down. Anyway, we can’t seem ta think of anyone, huh?” [Miyabi]

“It’s not like there’re none though.” [Elia]

“Well yeah, but the group’s balance will be affected. Right now, I can think of four people, but amongst those, three want ta be magicians. And even now, the only one who can fight in close combat amongst us is Liera. If we took two of the people I have in mind, then we’ll end up with six magicians and one swordsman.” [Miyabi]

“True…. the balance would definitely be quite bad in that case.” [Elia]

“It’s not like I’m fussing over the grades or anything, but there’s also some danger in our assignments and training.” [Miyabi]

“It’d be tough for me to defend five. Once we’re surrounded, it’s over. The teacher will also be watching and supporting over us during training, but it’s not good to rely on that. If we could another swordsman more it would be great, but…” [Liera]

“Unfortunately the last person I have in mind won’t be a swordsman either. The people I have in mind can fight to some extent though. I mean one of them can do some covert ops and put up some traps. A person well inclined for scouting in other words. And…- Well speak of the devil, looks like she’s actually here.” [Miyabi]

“*Sniff… I was rejected again…” [Girl]

As Miyabi said that, Elia and the others looked at where Miyabi was looking. Some distance from where they were was a seemingly vigorous girl with dog ears and short hair sitting there with her head down.

“Her?” [Michelle]

“Her name is Kanan. A commoner. She’s skilled with her hands and specialsizes in making small accessories and other crafts. Ta keep the story short, she’s an artisan. Apparently she wants ta take her classes ta that direction as soon as she finishes her basic classes.” [Miyabi]

“I see… so now what?” [Michelle]

“As long as her personality’s good, I have no complaints. Even if she can’t fight, I’ll do my best to protect her.” [Liera]

“Same here.” [Elia]

“Aight, I’ll go ahead and call her over then.” [Miyabi]

As Miyabi said that, she called out to the girl whose head was drooped. When the girl heard Miyabi’s voice, she raised her head and saw Miyabi.

“Kanan-han, are you free right now?” [Miyabi]

“Eh!? Ah, you’re Miyabi-san, right? Do you need something from me?” [Kanan]

“I’m looking for members ta invite ta our group. And seeing ya here, I thought I’d invite ya too.” [Miyabi]

“Really!?” [Kanan]

Soon as she heard Miyabi’s words, Kanan enthusiastically agreed. Kanan’s overly vigorous agreement as she took Miyabi’s hands, shocked Miyabi.

“In any case, the other members are also here, so let’s go meet with them.” [Miyabi]

“Yes, please!” [Kanan]

Miyabi brought Kanan to where Elia and the others were, and with her sparkling eyes and her loud voice, Kanan greeted the others full of zeal.

“My name is Kanan Shuza! It’s a pleasure to meet you all!” [Kanan]

Having noticed her last name, Michelle was the first to reply.

“Nice to meet you too. By the way, by Shuza do you mean…” [Michelle]

As soon as Michelle began to talk about her last name, Kanan’s face grew cloudy, so Michelle bit her tongue and kept herself from asking any further. But because Kanan already knew what Michelle wanted to ask, she answered.

“Yes. I come from a reputable family of magic artisans. I am a daughter of the Shuza family. However, I am a dunce when it comes to magic craftsmanship, so please don’t expect anything from me in that regard.” [Kanan]

“A dunce?” [Michelle]

“Actually, I am a specialist enchanter of the enchantment branch of magic.” [Kanan]

“I see…” [Michelle]

“Sorry, but can you explain?” [Liera]

Kanan, Michelle, and Miyabi seemed to understand the situation, but Liera and Elia didn’t, so Kanan began to explain about enchantment magic.

When one refers to enchantment magic, what they’re actually referring to is the magic responsible for creating magic tools, weapons, and or armors. However, the only ones who can use that magic are the descendants of enchanters. Story says that a long itme ago, the first ones to use enchantment magic were a number of people who were born with a special constitution. And today, the only ones who can use that magic are those who carry the originals’ blood in their veins.

As their descendants have increased, there are people being born today who are able to use enchantment magic. Within those people, however, is sometimes born a special enchanter who possesses the same kind of constitution as those of the first ones. These people are unable to use any magic other than enchantment.

“In enchantment magic, it’s essential to be able to use both enchant magic and the magic you want to enchant into the object. But because I’m only able to use one type of magic, I haven’t been able to create a single magic tool for anyone.” [Kanan]

“So that’s why… I asked you something sensitive, I’m sorry.” [Liera]

“Not at all! You’re recruiting me after all! So it’s only a given for me to answer whatever questions you have!” [Kanan]

As soon as Kanan said that out loud, the group made up their mind. Of course, it’s a given that entering a group that will be undergoing perilous trials will require an interview of some sort regarding what one can and can’t do. However, whether one can say his or her weaknesses out loud is another question. It might be important information, but that fact alone doesn’t make it easy to say. There are those would try to say it, but make it vague. While there’re those with worse personalities who wouldn’t hesitate to lie through their teeth.

The fact that Kanan was able to say something like that out loud goes to show that she’s a trustworthy person. And the four girls understood that very well.

“I have no complaints with her.” [Liera]

“I’m also in agreement.” [Michelle]

“I’d also like to have her as a part of our group.” [Elia]

“Then it’s decided.” [Miyabi]

When those words entered Kanan’s ears, her jaws dropped to the floor. And what came out of her mouth were these words,

“Eh… you- would take me? Me? Even though I can’t use magic? Even though I’m mostly a beginner at swordsmanship?” [Kanan]

“You don’t have to worry over something like that.” [Elia]

“Ability comes second.” [Michelle]

“If you can’t fight, then I’ll protect you.” [Liera]

“So with that, we’ll be welcoming you, Kanan-han. But of course, if you don’t want to, then we won’t force ya.” [Miyabi]

“Of course not!! Thank you very much!! I’ve been refused so many times, I didn’t know what to do anymroe!! I’ll be in your care!![Kanan]

Today, Kanan succeeded at avoiding a disastrous school life. Although after this she later found out that all of the three girls aside from Miyabi were all nobles. Moreover, two of them were daughters of a duke and an earl. This fact greatly shocked her, but that’s not really important.

What’s important is that the five of them had managed to make friends that they’re able to talk to easily. They might quarrel from time to time, but there’s no doubt that their school life has become better than ever.