Chapter 76

Now that he had secured the primary objective of locating and ensuring the safety of Rena and everyone else, there were two more goals Jae had to accomplish before leaving the Dungeon.

First of all was to get stronger via using「Gluttony」on Dragons as well as training his skills with the most potential, namely「Dragon Body」and「Draconic Blood」.「Pride」would have also been mentioned on this list, but since it was going to level up upon leaving the Dungeon anyway, Jae marked it as low priority.

Secondly, he needed to find Aphy and whatever that mysterious designated Dungeon Boss was.

Ah, no, I also need to give those guys the training they wanted. I guess I can include that with my training.

“Master, can I ask a question?”

Just after breakfast, when the barrier was taken down to reveal the suns, Bailey immediately came over to Jae, who was sitting distantly for some reason, and asked.

“Of course you can, what is it?”

“Well, did you have a fight or something?”

Following a brief moment of silence, as if comprehending his question, Jae blurted out.

“...Excuse me?”

“You’re sitting a lot further away today, and everyone else can tell that something’s wrong just by looking at your face. Also, one of your friends has been looking ghastly pale and exhausted all morning, with red eyes. It looked like she was crying.”

......Was I that easy to read?

“I’m only sitting further away to scout for any monsters that might try to attack us. Honestly, it’s pointless to worry about something so trivial like whether I’m feeling good or bad. Do you really think I’d have that much trouble with something to the point that it’s worrying? About the latter, just make sure everyone comforts Amelia so that she’s feeling alright.”

Bailey tilted his head as if confused.

“I never thought you would be in trouble, Master, but isn’t that an unrelated thing...? Anyway, how did you know I was talking about Amelia? I never mentioned her name.”

“Well, of course I knew. You said ‘friend’ and ‘she’, meaning a girl other than Rena. Out of the two other girls in the group, do you think I wouldn’t know?”

“...If you say so, Master. Then, I’ll make sure Amelia is okay.”

Saying this, Bailey turned around and began walking towards the rest of the group. It was evident he didn’t simply believe his highly-respected Master’s words blindly, but Bailey decided to just leave it at that, knowing that Jae wouldn’t give him a straight answer as things stood.

“Good.”, Jae dismissed the matter.

Even without Bailey’s inference, it was obvious. From all angles, the group could sense that something indeed happened between the two, though they weren’t aware what it was, exactly. Still, it didn’t stop them from guessing.

Needless to say, Nicholas was the first one to bring it up. It was when he and Kaitlyn were off together so that they couldn’t be heard.

“They were fine with each other yesterday, right? So, that means something definitely happened last night. Have you got an idea?”

“I wouldn’t say they were fine with each other. Did you not see how awkward they were around each other? Now they had an argument and are sulking. It’s as if they’re moody children or something.”

“Pft!”

“What~? It’s right, isn’t it?”

“Mo-moody children...! Pfft! Yea--yeah, it fits! But, aww, I feel bad for laughing...”

“Mm, right. Only for Amelia, though. It’s clear she’s been crying a lot, and even when I went to comfort her earlier she didn’t show much response... I wonder if she’s depressed...? Jae, that bastard, just what the hell did he do? If you’re a man, you gotta--”

“--Anyway! Let’s not grumble too much about it and just be there for her, okay? Even if Jae is to blame here, we don’t have the right to do anything about it since he came here to save us and has given us so much in the first place. And we should think about his side too―it’s not like he would degrade his relationship with Amelia that grievously unless he had a good reason for it, right?”

“Hmph, fine. I guess you have a point. What the hell happened to you?”

“What? That’s rude?”

“You don’t usually think maturely or about others’ feelings like that. It must be hard on your head, working so hard, so please take care of yourself.”

“Are you insulting me?”

“The fact you can’t tell if you are being insulted or not... My, your head certainly seems to have an issue. Try and get that fixed sooner rather than later. No, maybe it’s actually fine the way it is?”

“...Just, shut up already.”

Kaitlyn smiled cheekily, finishing off with a line that totally puzzled Nicholas.

“I’m serious. I like a guy who cares about others.”

“Huh...?”

“You might be right that he has a reason, but if so, why doesn’t he just say it outright instead of hiding it? Did he even think about how Amelia would feel? I just can’t be comfortable around someone like that.”

“...But, isn’t Ryan the type of guy to not care what people are thinking, yet you’ve stuck with him all this time? Not to mention rude and violent, he was pretty much an active bully before, though it looks like he’s changed a bit since then. Still, his core nature isn’t that different.”

“Hmm~ I wonder about that~?”

“What do you mean?”

Turning her upturned gaze towards him, Kaitlyn looked Nicholas in the eyes with a mysterious, profound expression.

“I think Ryan is the person who cares about other people’s feelings the most. Although, whether it’s intentioned towards good or bad is arguable...”

Nicholas was dumbfounded, almost mocking her claim internally.

Ryan, the person who cares the most about others’ feelings? Ahah, good one.

Forgetting about that almost immediately, he was more worried about being tricked by more Dragons.

It should be fine since we’ve got Jae, right? Oh, shit, hold on a second. Is it gonna be okay between everyone? The fight those two had... Are we really even safe anymore...?

He could only pray.

That day was when they had begun training as they travelled. At first, Ryan was the only volunteer, joining in alongside Rena and Bailey.

Not expecting it to be as extraordinarily tough as it was, he almost instantly quit, but thinking about the potential gains, he stuck with it. After one week, he started bragging about the juicy fruits of his labour to the others, persuading them to join in as well.

By the time a month had passed since the reunion with Jae, everybody was participating in the training. The results were simply that bountiful, after all; one would have to be stupid to not want to take part in it.

Of course, although it had been a month, it didn’t mean they were all acting friendly with each other. Jae had made little to no effort to get close with Nicholas and Kaitlyn, and even less effort than that to repair his relationship with Amelia―no, he didn’t even try talking to her.

Ryan, on the other hand, decided to establish good relations with Jae. Gradually building rapport and closing the distance, he calculated that there was potential for massive gain by being on good terms. The training they were currently doing was already a good example of what he could benefit from, as well as the partnership between Jae and the Demon Queen.

With those two things being invaluable alone, he was certain there would be more to come.

Tch. It’d be easier if they worked cohesively, but that doesn’t look likely. What a pain in the ass...

―Though, it cannot be argued that he would have preferred a more favourable atmosphere.

The group was more divided than when they had first reunited, but they were all still kept safe thanks to Jae’s efforts to ward off monsters. Though no one said anything about it openly, everyone felt the same way internally.

In any case, as everyone was now starting to adapt to the harsh training, autonomy sprouted. Jae’s guidance was required less and less as each person adjusted their training and increased the difficulty to match their level. For the most part, he was satisfied with the results everyone was achieving, so he eventually stopped interfering with them.

Continuing like this, just how much stronger would they be by the time we leave?

He couldn’t even measure that kind of estimated growth.

No, well, they would definitely be stronger than any other humans or Demons. It’ll probably be easy for them to take on foes like that Gnoll.

By then, they would most likely have all reached the Level Limit, or at least be close to it, and their skill proficiencies would have massively risen. Because of the severe nature of the Dungeon itself, their mental endurance would also improve and their overall fighting experience would increase.

Jae didn’t have to worry about their growth, however. To begin with, the only reason he was somewhat interested is because they were「World Travellers」like him. Especially Ryan, the one evaluated as S-rank back in the palace.

...Well, I guess we’ll just have to see. Functionally, he’s a kind of battlemage. It’s a harder job than one might expect since you have to deal with both close-quarters and magic combat, but conversely, it means that if you can do it well, it’s hard to beat.

The other reason he kept an eye on him was that Ryan had summoned Amelia to the other world. After Jae inquired about it, they said it was due to a blueprint they found of an ancient magic circle, and, assuming it to be the same way they were summoned, they tried it out.

It’s too much to be a simple coincidence... How does it determine the person getting summoned? Could it be that a God is involved, or is it something else...?

If it truly was a God that had a hand in it, then did it mean that a God also acted when he was summoned? And then, did that mean the Gods had the power to send them back to Earth?

Jae had stopped entertaining such an idea years ago, but what would he do if it turned out to be possible?

...Obviously, I would stay. There are people here I can’t abandon, and in the first place, I wouldn’t ever be able to fit back into Earth’s society anyway.

It was the undeniable truth, but it wasn’t something regrettable. There was no desire within Jae to return to Earth anymore, so whether or not it was possible didn’t matter to him.

*Crack, crack!*

Moving his hand to his scale-covered nape, Jae cracked his neck both ways, feeling a bit stiff. Bringing his hand back down, he examined the stygian scales protecting his forearm with satisfaction.

「Dragon Body」

After having it activated for almost the entirety of the past month, it levelled up fairly quickly to Level 3.

The changes were simple―more scales, stronger scales, stronger bones, a stronger body, sharper senses, an increase in the level of「Draconic Blood」to Level 3, and...

*swish, swish, swish!*

“...”

*swish, swish!*

“Hm...”

*swish!*

“...Interesting.”

―A long, lizard-like tail originating from his tailbone area.

Since it was fully coated with the same black scales that guarded some other areas of his body, Jae thought it could at least be used as a weapon. It wasn’t hard to control either, thanks to the「Limb Control」he had gained from the Hellfiend Goliath Bear.

Rather than Undead, shouldn’t my Race have changed to ‘Dragonkin’ or something by now?

Perhaps it was because this was just a temporary effect occurring due to a skill, but that didn’t happen. It was unknown to what extent one’s Race affected ability, but all Jae cared about was replacing the dreadful Undead status to something―anything else.

It only enhances my weakness to Holy Magic, and so far, I haven’t noticed any positives? Well, it’s not like being Undead can give you that... No, wait, could it be related to my Health?

The Health stat shown in the Soul State―Jae thought it indicated one’s predicted lifespan, but he was never 100% certain. That was always because, whenever he looked at himself, he doubted what he saw.

Health : 228,162

Magic Energy : 3,199,896

It was simply too much. If he was right, then the System predicted he would die of natural causes after 228,162 years... Wasn’t that way too long of a time, though? Can he even die of natural causes in the first place?

Sure, he grew up, but it didn’t mean that his body would continue to age. It was common knowledge that having plentiful Mana can extend one’s lifespan, albeit very slightly.

However, with that much Magic Energy, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find out he had gained eternal youth. The best way for an ordinary person to live longer was to have a high HP and MP pool, and Jae certainly did have both of those, after all.

Not to mention that they seem to increase with such ease that it might as well be a passive gain, his HP also increases ever-so-slightly each time he dies. With that, isn’t it impossible to die of natural causes?

Back to the main point, Jae wondered if his Race being classified as Undead had something to do with it. If that was the case, then it was likely he had no lifespan. The Undead can’t die of natural causes, after all, so the System probably was stuck on what to do with it.

In the end, his lifespan is just a copy of his HP.

...Well, I could always be wrong about it. It’s not like I know for sure what any of it means. The power to see the soul was something devised by the Spirits, right? I wonder if I could meet one and ask about it one day...

Anyway, it wasn’t that important of a thing. What he should instead be focusing on is finding Aphy, but there was still no sign of her anywhere―probably because they were still trudging through the desolate Middle Layer.

Although more than just a few messages had been received from ‘the designated Dungeon Boss’, they were mostly just random things. It was nothing serious so far, but for each notification Jae received telling him about the Dungeon Boss’ reaction to something, he inevitably became more and more curious as to its true identity.

The designated Dungeon Boss is enraptured when peeking at your steady growth

Because, if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that it wasn’t Aphy. This, he was certain.

The designated Dungeon Boss is eagerly anticipating your ripening

To Jae, it was obvious.

The designated Dungeon Boss salivates, saying that you should quickly grow to proper satisfaction

Unlike the one communicating with him right now, not only was Aphy humble, but she was kind.

The designated Dungeon Boss conveys its will to swallow you whole

She, despite being the Ruler of Pride, was not as arrogant as would be expected. From what he had heard in the past, Jae knew that Aphy despised having the Title passed on to her.

It was something that happened against her will―the one hailed as the Ruler of Pride cannot possibly be weaker than another being, after all, so the Title is naturally passed on to the strongest living creature like a baton once the previous inheritant dies.

In the case that they don’t die but lose the title of world’s strongest, the Title is automatically transferred, she mentioned.

So, one might think that, if she hated it so much, Aphy would want someone else to take the Title off of her hands. However, that was never going to happen.

Sure, she hated the Title.

But, even more than that, she loathed the thought of someone else gaining ownership.

The reason for this was peace.

Aphy knew that the only beings worthy of the Title were Dragons like her, and they were all basically evil. Rather than let one of them become an unstoppable tyrant that rules the world, she would simply not allow it to happen.

It wouldn’t be easy for a Dragon to overcome Aphy even if she took on multiple at once, so she was able to successfully block anyone from getting anywhere close to the Title for many years.

Incidentally, what matters most in a fight between Dragons is physical specs.

This is because all magic is rendered almost completely useless when the target is a Dragon, even if a Dragon itself is the one using it. As such, Aphy, who is by far the largest and most physically superior Dragon in the realm, can dominate any fight she finds herself in.

That is exactly why...

The designated Dungeon Boss expresses great regret about its inability to speed up time

Who the fuck are you supposed to be, huh? There’s clearly a way for you to observe me from wherever you are, so how about we make it mutual? If we really are connected, then it should be equal, right?

The designated Dungeon Boss grins excitedly and asks you to continue your offer

Oh, so you’re up for it? What do you think about showing me your face?

The designated Dungeon Boss declines your offer with the excuse that it’s shy

This bastard. You think this is funny?

The designated Dungeon Boss suddenly shakes its head and tells you to make a different offer

Tsk. Then...

Pondering for a short while, Jae thought there wasn’t much else he could get from this, and so settled for what he thought would be a useless yet interesting option.

Curious if it was really possible, he asked in a hushed voice.

“...You’re a Dragon, right? In that case, you must be able to Polymorph. Can I hear your voice?”

Like a video call? Even just a normal voice call would be fine.

The designated Dungeon Boss is surprised by your request and asks you to give it some time

So it wasn’t an instant rejection... I see.

Eyes narrowed, Jae focused on the empty space in front of him where a notification would normally appear. And, after a while, he received a message.

The designated Dungeon Boss has expanded the systemic connection with you under the conditions that you are within the Pride Dungeon

After that, Jae instinctively felt something strange as his body subtly jolted.

What was--...?

Before he even had time to recognise what happened, however, he heard a sound originating from within his own mind.

[Ah... He-hello...?]

―A woman’s voice.

How long had it been since then? Two, three months? Whatever the case, everyone’s growth was coming along swimmingly.

For starters, Ryan had been practising to use runes without the need for mana stones, which had seen some decent progress, and the others were also coming up with their own ways of training.

Kaitlyn, who owned a Unique-rank Class, Flash Duelist.

Nicholas, using his Unique Skill「Presence Erasure」.

Amelia, too―she wasn’t granted a Unique Skill when she was summoned, so she was disadvantaged in that regard. Despite that, she vowed to not fall behind the others in strength, especially after all it took to catch up to them in the first place.

Instead of lamenting that she didn’t have a Unique Skill, she put twice the effort into focusing her magic, which she fortunately had an aptitude for.

The kids’ training was also progressing smoothly as well.

After constant dedication, Rena was finally beginning to get a grasp on how to manipulate mana without using incantations. Jae trembled with excitement and glee whenever he saw her on the verge of breaking through the limits of「Mana Manipulation」―witnessing the workings of a true prodigy, he felt immensely proud of her.

Jae had no doubt that soon, she would become greater than any Archmage the world has ever seen.

Bailey, too, was growing incredibly well. His proficiency in「Close-Quarters Combat」and with all kinds of bladed weapons―shortswords, longswords, greatswords, daggers, knives, and polearms―had surpassed even Jae’s, and he was even getting better at combining his fighting genius with magic.

If Ryan was a battlemage, fighting primarily with magic but having good physical stats and techniques to back him up in melee encounters, then Bailey was a magic swordsman.

Specialising in fighting with a blade in his hands, yet able to both combine that blade with mid- and long-range attacks as well as enhance his attacks with magic, he would be a powerful force, not to be underestimated no matter the opponent.

And finally, Jae...

Skill「Dragon Body」has levelled up [Lv.3]→[Lv.4]

“Oh, finally! Ughk...!”

As soon as the skill levelled up, he collapsed to his knees while clutching his stomach.

“Guh... Kaugk...!!”

First making sure nobody could see what was going on by erecting a barrier around him, he concentrated on his body.

Something within him was changing.

At first, his face was burning as if pressed on a hot stove.

Skill「Draconic Eyes」has been acquired

Then, he felt the familiar sensation of something hard sprouting through the skin all over his body. This was an indication that more scales were growing.

Skill「Adamantine Scales」has levelled up [Lv.3]→[Lv.4]

After that, it was the sensation of his entire existence boiling. As if plunged into a sea of magma, his insides were roasting as well as a chicken on open flame.

Skill「Draconic Blood」has levelled up [Lv.3]→[Lv.4] Skill「Strengthened Bones」has levelled up [Lv.8]→[Lv.9] Skill「Supreme MP Regeneration」has levelled up [Lv.6]→[Lv.7]

Next, however, was something he had never experienced before―his entire body seemed to convulse and stretch endlessly. It was a terribly uncomfortable feeling like his skin was stretched to its limits.

Skill「Vitality」has levelled up [Lv.5]→[Lv.6] Skill「Vitality」has levelled up [Lv.6]→[Lv.7] Skill「Vitality」has levelled up [Lv.7]→[Lv.8] Skill「Vitality」has levelled up [Lv.8]→[Lv.9] Skill「Vitality」has levelled up [Lv.9]→[Lv.MAX] Skill「Limb Control」has levelled up [Lv.8]→[Lv.9] Skill「Limb Control」has levelled up [Lv.9]→[Lv.MAX] Skill「Efficient Digestion」has levelled up [Lv.1]→[Lv.2] Skill「Efficient Digestion」has levelled up [Lv.2]→[Lv.3] Skill「Efficient Digestion」has levelled up [Lv.9]→[Lv.MAX] Skill「Body Enhancement」has levelled up [Lv.6]→[Lv.7] Skill「Body Enhancement」has levelled up [Lv.7]→[Lv.8] Skill「Super Sense Enhancement (ALL)」has levelled up [Lv.7]→[Lv.8] Skill「Super Sense Enhancement (ALL)」has levelled up [Lv.8]→[Lv.9] Skill「Super Sense Enhancement (ALL)」has levelled up [Lv.9]→[Lv.MAX]

He scanned the unending notifications through closed eyes, as if super glued shut, but there was no leeway to find out what exactly had happened to him to have all these level-ups.

The pain was beginning to fade.

...Was it safe?

Skill「Instinct」has levelled up [Lv.3]→[Lv.4]

Jae took it as a sign. Slowly, he stood up and opened his eyes.

“......Hm?”, he muttered a sound of confusion.

I wasn’t this tall before, was I...?

His limbs felt longer... Glancing down at his body, Jae almost shuddered.

Ah...

He didn’t know what to think. In fact, before he could even comment on what he had become, someone else’s voice interrupted. A voice from within his mind.

[Oooh~ You’ve become a Dragonkin. That was fast. Oh, man~ Jae, every time you do something like this, it makes me really want to eat you... Can you get stronger quicker, please?]

Ignoring the unknown woman’s words―whose tone was strangely sultry―and checking his Status, Jae confirmed that what came after Race was certainly changed to Dragonkin.

...I’m glad, but it’s probably only temporary. When I deactivate the skill, I should be an Undead again, right?

Still, it was amazing. His body was no longer that of a human―at least, while he had the skill activated. Jae thought that, with「Dragon Body」alone, he could probably take on anyone below Ariel’s level.

While it was active, his height had reached to over eight feet tall (~240cm), he had longer limbs allowing for farther reach in combat, and his physical attributes increased almost twentyfold―it was a skill and a body almost entirely tailored to melee battle.

Even while it wasn’t activated, he could still make use of「Draconic Blood」and the newly-acquired skill,「Draconic Eyes」.

Speaking of「Draconic Eyes」, its effect was noticeable the moment he opened his eyes after the transformation. In short, what it does is allow the user to ‘view’ the flow of magic, in addition to greatly enhancing eyesight.

Jae marvelled at the world around him that looked so different from usual.

Infinite streams of effulgent light flowed through all of the surroundings, and even himself. They were not of just one or two, but a myriad of colours and shades that he had never even seen before could now be admired all around him.

With his power increasing exponentially as「Dragon Body」levelled up, it wouldn’t be a surprise if, once it reaches [Lv.MAX], he can transform into a real Dragon.

[Ahh~ I can’t wait...!]