Dungeon Manager 1: A LitRPG Isekai Adventure, page 16
“Congratulations, Lady Mari. It looks like you achieved the results you wanted. Are you one step closer to your ideal?”
Harumena asked.
“Yes, we’ve definitely moved closer. But there’s still more to be done.”
“What will we do next?”
“For now, we need to sort out the area around the castle. Since there’s nothing here, we need to find some starting point.”
Is this called land development?
Should we start by dividing the land into sections or something like that? I’m not entirely sure, but if we don’t start somewhere, nothing will ever get going. Even though I don’t fully understand it yet, we’ll just have to figure it out as we go along.
We can create buildings using the management board, but even if we build them, there will be no one to use them. Moreover, it feels too impersonal and boring to just create buildings without anyone inhabiting them. That’s why I want the residents to be involved in constructing the buildings and roads. It adds character, and it will likely be more comfortable for them to live in. Of course, this method might take quite a bit of time, but that’s not a problem. We still have plenty of time.
Let’s take it slow and safely and enjoy our dungeon life.
“You look rather pleased, Mari-sama,” Keena remarked, observing my expression.
“Ah, I’m just full and content,” Ciel, now back in human form, said, rubbing his unchanged belly.
“It seems we didn’t have much of a role to play,” Ciel added.
“Well, it can’t be helped. If the opponent is too weak, the battle ends quickly. We’ll have other opportunities,” said Altrius.
“You’re quite relaxed about it, Altrius. Just because you get to spend more time with Mari-sama,” Keena teased.
“It’s not like that at all. Don’t be so petty. Aren’t you the head of the guardians?” Altrias retorted.
“I also wanted to fight. My demons are itching to have some fun,” Altrius continued.
“If you don’t use your weapons, they’ll rust. It’s dangerous if you don’t use them occasionally,” Orpheus added.
“I’m not as enthusiastic about combat as you all. I don’t quite share your feelings,” Mephinia admitted.
“Me too. I’m not suited for fighting either. My subordinates would prefer not to turn opponents to stone, so I’d like to avoid battles as much as possible. However, thanks to the [Anti-Specialization Necklace] that Mari-sama provided, the petrifying effect of the stone-eyed Medusa has been nullified, so I can talk to others now. I want to contribute to Mari-sama’s wishes,” she explained.
“I will remain loyal to Mari-sama, no matter what,” declared another subordinate.
“Thank you, everyone. There are still some who might be feeling unsatisfied. How about we let off some steam in the arena?”
Previously, I had summoned a Rank S monster, Gregor, to fight in the arena on the 102nd floor. This time, I think we should bring out a stronger opponent. There are plenty of monster profiles on the management board, and although Gregor was a mid-tier Rank S monster, we can challenge them with a higher-tier Rank S monster. It wouldn’t be much fun if the fight ended too quickly.
“Will everyone be participating?” asked the demon, Rei.
“Participation is not mandatory. Only those who want to move around can join. It’s just a way to unwind,” I replied.
“In that case, we’ll join as well. Tracking alone wasn’t quite satisfying,” Rei said.
“Alright then, it’s decided. Let’s all blow off some steam!”
With our excited and energetic subordinates, we descended to the arena on the 102nd floor.
Generating monsters also uses up magical power, but for now, let’s set that aside and enjoy accompanying these lovely subordinates for some fun!
Chapter 27: The Enchanting Kiss
The drain on my magical power was severe.
In a single burst, I had created all the guardians I needed, and my magical energy was nearly depleted from the stress relief I had indulged in at the arena.
Returning to my bedroom, I decided to focus on recovering the spent magic.
But…
How did it come to this!?
“Mari-sama, may I stay close a little longer?”
“I also wish to be closer to you for a while longer.”
“No, this is a bit...”
Let's take a moment to assess the situation calmly.
At present, I am lying on the bed.
Okay. That’s not the problem.
The real issue is that there are two naked beauties clinging to me on either side.
This is a significant problem!
However, the biggest issue is...
I’m naked too!
Why am I naked!?
And this situation—three naked people embracing each other—is incredibly dangerous!
When I was about to run out of magical power, Elrodea mentioned a method to replenish it by transferring magic through skin contact. So, before I could ask anyone to help, everyone volunteered. This time, I assigned the task to Rafaena and Akagiri, who had been working hard.
After entering the bedroom together, well, here we are.
As soon as we entered the room, Rafaena and Akagiri undressed me from my gown, leaving me in my underwear. When I tried to put on something else, they stopped me, saying that any fabric would hinder the magic transfer. I reluctantly agreed, even though I was embarrassed, and lay down on the bed in my underwear. But, before I knew it, even my last defense, my underwear, was removed. Despite the intense embarrassment, I lay down on the bed.
Then, suddenly, the two of them, in a move that almost made me want to scream in disbelief, began to remove their clothes right in front of me. Of course, they had no concept of underwear, so stripping down meant exposing themselves completely without hesitation.
“Why are you undressing!?”
“To transfer magic effectively, close skin contact is necessary. We thought it would be more efficient to have our bodies touch each other. Is that not acceptable?”
Their expressions were dangerously eager. Their eyes, their beautifully curved bodies, their skin that glistened with a tantalizing sheen, and the way their ample forms drew my gaze irresistibly.
Everything about them was beautiful.
It was a sight that made me swallow hard.
“N-No, it’s not that it’s unacceptable. In fact, thank you very much.”
What am I saying!?
Thank you for what!?
And then the two of them pressed their bodies against mine.
The moment their smooth, soft skin touched my arm, a jolt of sensation coursed through my body.
Of course, it goes without saying that this wasn’t a physical sensation. It was as if an electric current was traveling through my nerves, filling me with an overwhelming sense of pleasure. I felt no discomfort, only a blissful warmth that seemed to soothe and heal me.
“To be able to be so close to Mari-sama like this is more than we could ever wish for. We are experiencing a lifetime of happiness.”
“How does it feel, Mari-sama? Are you feeling the magic of recovery? Is my body, even though it’s large, satisfying your needs?”
“Huh? Oh, yes. Both of you are incredibly beautiful. I can feel my magic replenishing quickly. Thank you so much. I’m sorry that you have to deal with someone like me. I’m not as cute or beautiful as you two.”
Ah, I wish I had more confidence in my appearance.
“What are you saying? Mari-sama, you are beautiful! You are far more delicate and charming than we could ever be!”
Rafaena suddenly separated from me, sitting up with a serious expression, gazing at me intently.
“Thank you, Rafaena.”
I felt guilty for causing them to go out of their way.
“Mari-sama, you do not understand. You are a person of immense value. You are far beyond our reach.”
Saying this, Rafaena gently lifted my hand and pressed her soft lips against the back of it.
The scene was incredibly beautiful, like a knight pledging loyalty to a princess.
“To be able to touch Mari-sama like this is more than enough happiness for me. However, if permitted, I would like to deepen our contact just a little more.”
With that, Rafaena removed her lips from my hand and, with a gentle and moist touch, let her tongue trail along my skin, from my hand up to my arm.
It felt as though my body was tingling.
The magic flowing from her was far more intense than what I had experienced with mere skin contact.
“Touching deeply seems to allow for a more efficient flow of magic.”
“It seems so. But I’m afraid this might be a bit too much.”
Refaena’s tongue moved from my arm to my shoulder.
“Since Mari-sama’s recovery is our top priority, we must use any means necessary.”
She gazed at me with a calm and determined focus.
Her pale skin, now tinged with a lovely red hue, moved gracefully.
“So, even if this is not permitted and I were to lose my life, I will prioritize Mari-sama’s recovery above all.”
What could she possibly be planning that would risk her life?
I had no idea what she was about to do, and I could only wait, transfixed, as her beautiful face looked down at me. However, in this second life of mine, I was about to experience something for the second time.
“Mari-sama, please grant me permission.”
With that, Rafaena’s crimson lips descended on mine, conveying their soft touch.
Mmm!! Wait a minute!!
This is really bad!!
In my shock, I tried to push her away with my hands, but I was firmly held down, unable to move at all.
As her soft lips covered mine, her smooth tongue slipped in, intertwining with mine. It moved in my mouth like a serpent, ensuring I couldn’t escape. I found myself unable to resist; my body was paralyzed. Before I knew it, my tongue was seeking hers out, a surprise I accepted willingly.
And most importantly, the moment we intertwined our tongues was when the magic recovery felt the fastest.
I could sense my depleted magic being replenished at an astonishing rate.
The concept of magic transfer through deep contact was overwhelmingly clear to me.
How long has it been?
I could hardly remember.
When I came, Rafaena’s pale skin was slightly flushed.
With an expression of bliss, she asked me,
“How do you feel? Is your magic recovery progressing?”
I had recovered more than half of my energy in no time. What an incredible thing! Just from a simple kiss, though it wasn’t exactly a simple kiss. Still, it’s amazing that I could recover so much in such a short time.
“If you’ve recovered, please feel free to punish me for my disrespectful actions,” the subordinate said.
“There’s no need for punishment, only gratitude. Thank you, truly. The method was a bit intense, but... I’m glad,” I replied.
I never expected to experience the same sensation I felt when Goddess Saraila kissed me before being reincarnated into this world. It seems I might have opened a new chapter in this new world.
I don’t know why, but my heart feels so tight, almost like I’m in love. It’s a sensation close to what one feels when in love.
Her appearance is designed to reflect my desires among the guardians. Rafaena embodies my very preferences. Perhaps that’s why I’m feeling this way. I don’t like ranking my subordinates, but it seems I might have done so without realizing it.
“Thank you. If your magic isn’t fully restored yet, should we continue with Akagiri?”
Akagiri, who had been clinging to my right arm, had been blushing while watching my interaction with Rafaena. But as soon as Rafaena made the suggestion, she shyly but happily accepted it.
Following her proposal, I couldn’t refuse Akagiri’s eagerness, and so I provided magic through another kiss.
Needless to say...
It was incredible.
Having fully restored my magic, I changed out of my dress into lighter, more comfortable clothing and left the bedroom.
It was only natural that my swift recovery would prompt questions from my subordinates, and I couldn’t lie to them. My honesty led to quite a predicament.
Of course, it turned into a discussion about who would be the next to provide magic.
Personally, I didn’t want to continue this kind of thing. I only intended to rely on such methods in the worst cases and otherwise manage within natural recovery limits. When I explained this to them, the competition for the next turn intensified. The rarity of the act made everyone eager to get their turn as soon as possible. There was some debate among the subordinates about this, and from my perspective, I had a concern.
I certainly cannot involve clearly underdeveloped girls like Keena, Rorona, and Rei.
Ethically, that would be unacceptable.
So, I must be very careful with how I use my magic from now on to ensure they never face such situations. I need to adjust my usage to avoid any more magic depletion.
I will do my best.
While I was thinking about this, a message came through.
“Lady Mari, this is Diata. I have a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”
It was a communication from Diata Yugerfon Liebera, the black rabbitkin I had sent out for information gathering.
Chapter 28: The Strongest Race in Another World: Dragons
Diata, our reconnaissance officer, had contacted me with a request for help.
She and her team had been gathering information on the Light faction when they came across the Dwarf nation near the border. The country was under attack by a dragon, and a wounded dwarf, desperate and bleeding, had begged them for assistance.
To be honest, I couldn’t care less about the dwarfs. However, I had heard that dragons were considered the strongest species in the world, and if Diata and her team were in danger, I wanted them to withdraw immediately. But the fact that she was consulting me meant Diata had already made up her mind. So, I needed to assess the situation.
"Do you stand a chance?"
"With Lady Cornelia and me, I believe we’ll manage."
"Then you have my permission. But be careful. Don't take unnecessary risks. Retreat if things get dangerous."
"Understood."
And with that, the communication with Diata ended.
Even though our conversation was brief, I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me. Elrodea had once told me about the dragons, explaining that they were immensely powerful, beyond ordinary comprehension. My subordinates included those who carried dragon blood, but pureblood dragons were in a league of their own.
While a heated debate raged in the hall, Elrodea, dressed in her impeccable tailcoat, approached me and asked quietly, "Is something wrong?"
"I just received a message from Diata. The dwarfs are being attacked by a dragon."
"A dragon is indeed a troublesome foe. Let's hope it's not an ancient dragon."
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Could you tell me more about the dragons? I feel like I need more information about such powerful beings."
I realized I was still sorely lacking in knowledge of this world. Especially when it came to dragons, an obviously exceptional species.
Since Elrodea was practically a walking encyclopedia, asking her for information was only natural.
"You’ve just recovered, and this isn't the best place for a discussion. Let’s move somewhere more comfortable," she suggested.
We moved to the conference room, leaving the others to continue their argument. I wasn’t concerned about their bickering; we were within the dungeon, and I could send a message if anything came up.
Several subordinates, uninterested in the ongoing argument, followed me—Ofes, Moltre, Rei, and the recently returned Rafaena and Akagiri.
Once seated at the head of the round table in the conference room, Elrodea stood beside me, embodying the perfect butler. She summoned a board displaying information about the dragons.
"These are the dragon species currently known in this world."
"So, when people talk about dragons, there are actually so many kinds?"
"Yes, the term 'dragon' generally refers to a specific species within the draconic family, known as the Absolute Sovereigns. They are unmatched by any other species in terms of power. The most common dragon species are these, but there are higher and lower ranks among them. The lower-tier dragons include the fairy dragons, which are quite small. Among the upper-tier species, there are Earth Dragons, large but flightless, and at the pinnacle, the Ancient Dragons. Dragons are scattered across the world and mostly keep themselves hidden. Each species has a different habitat. For example, Earth Dragons live in large caves, making them more likely to encounter Dwarves who also reside in caverns."
"How strong are earth dragons?"
"They’re slightly stronger than other upper-tier species. Unfortunately, that’s the extent of my knowledge. However, I can share more about the threat level of these dragons."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"History. I can provide information on the general nature of these species. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t have knowledge of the world outside the dungeon, but I can tell you everything recorded on this management board."
Rei lowered her head, looking crestfallen. "I wish I could be of more help, Mari."
"It’s alright, Rei. You’ve been a great help with Oberon and during the supply runs. I’ll be counting on you again for future missions."
"Do you think these dragons are stronger than my demon? If so, I’d love to face one in battle," Moltre said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Elrodea touched the board, switching the display.
"Here’s an account of the disasters caused by dragons in the past."
The records date back over a thousand years.
"Ancient dragons, along with several other dragons, rampaged across the continent, devastating nations. In a single night, eight countries were obliterated, and two regions were reduced to scorched earth. Neither the light nor dark factions were spared from the destruction. The hero and the demon lord joined forces to stop them, but even together, they could only defeat two dragons before being forced to retreat. The ancient dragon is believed to be still alive. This gives you an idea of just how terrifying these creatures can be."
