Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN)
The Underground Labyrinth

After finishing the meeting with Fuze, I returned to Tempest.

I can move to a previously visited location via 『Spatial』 Trip You see.

It does use some magic energy, but My reserves are so large that I don't even feel it.

So, this is a very useful skill that allows me to move to various places without harm.

When I approached the city, Gerudo contacted me by telepathy.

(We ask for your direct guidance, Rimuru-sama!)

What's wrong?

With that in mind, I was transferred to Gerudo.

In a leap completed in a single moment, I headed towards Gerudo. It's really a very useful skill.

Not that I'll appear right by his side, but rather I'll appear around.

If necessary, I can appear exactly where I want to be, but this time let's transfer a little further.

Actually, since this is a place I've been to before, I actually don't need to focus on transferring to individuals.

And at this point, it was easier to move towards him on foot.

Gerudo was in the tunnel that Veldora had blown up.

The pieces of demon steel scattered throughout the landscape almost covered the ruins of the tunnel.

I have ordered it to be restored, but nothing seems to be done.

Why yes?

Gerudo seemed to be arguing with someone.

「I told you ~! We now occupy this tunnel! 」

「Even if you say so, we have not acknowledged your claim.

Please allow me to consult with Rimuru-sama first. 」

“Cannot be! Can't you see, we have left the labyrinth ?!

Are you seriously planning on making us homeless? 」

「Nobody said that. By the way, stop trying to smuggle demon steel out of here. 」

「Tch. How sharp! Don't worry about the little things, or my Beretta will be — Ap !! 」

Removing my presence, I managed to capture Ramiris.

And stared right at his face.

There's no question about that, it's Ramiris.

“What the hell are you doing?”

「Y-yahoo! What's up, Rimuru? 」

Diverting his eyes, Ramiris greets me.

Without even asking, I know exactly what he's planning.

He planned to claim demon steel and connect the tunnel to the labyrinth.

He said something about building an entrance around here before.

「So, you are planning to build a labyrinth here and you were found by Gerudo?」

「Eh .. no, now there is a way. Maybe..?”

「In other words, I was right. Seriously.. 」.

「Aha, ahahaha.. ..」.

He tried to laugh at the problem.

Looking around, there was clearly a need to reclaim resources and repair the land, I thought.

But, maybe it's a good idea to make him build a labyrinth here?

I mean, think about my last conversation with Myormiles.

We want people to keep visiting Tempest.

But maybe not every day, but at least every season.

So, is there something we can do that will attract people that often?

For example... how about we make a dungeon (labyrinth)?

This might be a good idea.

I saw Ramiris. Without a care, he just smiled at me.

He's a little bit.no, he's very unreliable, but maybe he'll set it up.

Troubling myself, I revealed my proposal.

＊ ＊ ＊

My proposal.

It's very simple, really.

I'll have Ramiris create a labyrinth and act as his manager.

And we're gonna make the labyrinth turn a profit.

Ramiris will stay there, and I'll get a dime.

Of course, this idea needed his full support, but he didn't seem to be against it?

In fact, when I revealed his plan,

「Eh, eh? In other words, I can create a labyrinth here ?!

… Actually... could this be an opportunity to dispel that terrible nickname: NEET ?! 」

Open his eyes wide, he exclaimed.

Well, I take it more as a joke.

「U-umm ... Can I really earn money this way?」

Swallowing loudly, he asked me with a serious expression.

He's probably afraid I'm gonna change my mind.

Although it is impossible for me to do so. Well, even so, not all of my promises can be upheld.

“I'm serious. But, I don't know how much profit we can get until we give it a try…

Well, there will be associated costs, so what about 20% of the profits? 」

「Umm ... what is the price?」

「Well, if a thousand adventurers visit in one day, you will get 2 gold coins.」

「Geh !! S-s-luck once ?! 」

「Well, actual earnings may be higher or lower than expected.

And since you need to build a residence, you didn't suffer as a result, did you? 」

He violently shook his head.

First of all, if he were to build a labyrinth wherever he wanted, he would still have to nurture it.

So there's nothing unpleasant about this.

He hugged me tightly with excitement.

Since both sides look satisfied, this will be another project that I will be watching.

Adding Gerudo to our discussion, we polished the details.

First, we have an overnight plan to build a road out of the city here.

It's a journey that won't even take half a day.

We chose this place because it is located outside the city.

About 10km away, want me to say? After the road was completed, we also planned to build a cage nearby.

We want to put down the rails to transport people and baggage from here.

Because letting horses and magical beasts into the city will cause new hygienic problems.

Reclaiming demon steel is necessary for that purpose, but I can prepare even more.

Because of its relatively close proximity to the city, lodging here will likely not bring in many customers.

So, we decided to build a motel instead.

But if we build a labyrinth here, then the inn will be in order.

If they wanted to completely relax, they could always return to Tempest. It is better to separate the house and the work house.

And if we build a labyrinth here, we will definitely attract some adventurers.

It might be a good idea also to serve the carriages that came to and from the Dwarf Kingdom and the (former) Kingdom of Farmas.

Assembling his plan, I asked Gerudo to confirm it.

He felt it was acceptable.

Moreover, the location of our fight with the knights is only a few steps away.

Two kilometers towards the city, where a number of roads intersected, was the location of the planned arena.

The location is relatively close to the city, so we expect guests to walk there.

Unlike our world, people tend to walk here.

It was unimaginable not to walk back and forth less than 20 km. They also follow an early bedtime, early wake-up policy.

So if we hold a turnamendari 10:00 ~ 15:00, it will give them enough time to travel.

As for the staff, we may be able to ask them to stay at the inn.

After agreeing with Gerudo, we went on to discuss the arena blueprint.

After speaking with Myormiles, I finally imagined how I wanted to look.

Normally, I would spend hours in front of a laptop I made plans, but now I can do it by hand.

Raphael was very useful in these little things.

Accept my design with “No problem”, Gerudo go.

When I saw Ramiris, the,

「Uhehe ... Now even I will make money, yes.

Gone are the days when I was mocked as the Demon King of Poverty! 」

Did he stumble? He seemed completely lost in his world.

Well, I guess he'll be fine.

He has been ridiculed significantly until now.

Although who had heard of a demon lord in need of money?

(TL Note: “deficiency” means lack)

Though more than money, I'm sure not working is …

Right, the Ramiris Labyrinth is rather desolate from.

He may be very bored and very lonely.

I really hope adventurers show up. For Ramiris and for me.

Dragging Ramiris back to the real world, we discuss the details of the labyrinth.

Ramiris showed a determined face, a liking I had never seen from him before, and was ready to leave.

I have five questions for him.

How many floors can be built underground?

How many days does it take to finish it?

What about the monsters inside?

Can the interior layout be changed? Furthermore, can the treasure chest be prepared?

In the case of death, can we create a system in which they are reborn on the surface?

What I'm asking.

This is what he answered.

There are no limits, but realistically, 100 floors at most.

It might be finished in a day. Thanks to the 『Labyrinth Creation』 species skill, it can be created in one moment. Side interior.

Whatever we want because the Spirit inhabited the former, they did not appear. But, if the concentration of magic dropped, only weak monsters would appear.

That's possible. In fact, customizing the interior is one function of his craft. It is also possible to make rotations of floor patterns, but only one floor at a time. If not the structure but the interior is – it can be changed with relative simplicity.

That's possible. But, you must wear a special item made through 『Labyrinth Creation』

What he said

“Great! It's amazing, Ramiris-kun! 」

「Really, like really? Am I really that amazing? 」

“Yes. Now our ambitions have overlapped! 」

“Betulkah? I was just thinking the same thing 」

「I look forward to working with you, Ramiris」

「Yes, I'll be in your care. Joining a large organization is like riding a large ship. That's reassuring 」

Big ship, yeah. I hope we're not Titanic.

Because our sizes were different, we couldn't really shake hands but we fused together.

I decided for Ramiris to take out the demon steel scattered around.

Because it looks like he's going to make something really useful.

We kept exchanging ideas about the dungeon design and concept.

When I was very cheerful.

Me and Ramiris “ merry” and discuss dungeon.

To say the least, our conversation was heading in a strange direction and we put together a super advanced dungeon design.

Next is production.

As Ramiris said, it will be easy to do tomorrow.

As soon as I promised to come visit, I returned to the city.

I need to have Kurobee hand over all the armor and test weapons that will not appear on the market anytime soon.

「Is this alright, Rimuru-sama? These articles are not perfect and can hardly be used by the average person. 」

「No, it's okay. I will set this aside to receive spirit blessings and have them absorb magic energy.

They might be magical items, you know 」

“Is so. In this case, do as you wish 」

He said and took out the product from the basement.

I accepted and thanked him.

However, to think that he had so many trial products.

At some point, he had added a hundred items to this list. There are complete sets here as well, and all of these items are much better than what you find sold in a store.

But, as Kurobee mentioned, this was an imperfect item that users could never customize.

So this can hardly be called a tool.

But in return for sucking in magical energy and turning it into raw power, the user can temporarily gain overwhelming physical strength.

Well, it's not like you only use it if you have a death wish, but only a fool would use an untested product.

Not that I'll be responsible for it.

So what should I do about this product line?

I was actually playing around by putting it in a treasure chest inside the dungeon and having a special monster guard this.

I didn't think I'd have the chance to be the creator of a real-life dungeon.

It is true that only by auctioning these products will this produce a lot of gold.

Actually, it might be the best option.

But, that's not good. The most important thing is the ongoing Tempest ads.

If they see the beauty of our city and feel the charm, they will definitely come again.

To be honest, when I told Ramiris that he could make the entrance to his labyrinth, I originally wanted him to be in the middle of the city.

But, I soon realized the benefits of having a tavern town for adventurous comfort.

Equipment and the like should be purchased in the city.

Think about how much money will be spent. Even if our supplies are early, we might run out.

With the remaining money for maintenance and purchase of raw materials, we may be able to offer sales to returning customers.

That way, the adventurers will talk about us amongst themselves and Tempest will definitely gain fame.

In addition, it might be a good idea to keep the citizens busy.

This tournament will probably be held at most twice a year, but we will definitely hold another event.

Military exercises, adventurer tests.

So we will definitely use all these buildings to use. And the dungeon would definitely attract more attention.

So, after gathering all these pieces together, I finally decided to get the one necessary for everything to succeed.

Veldora's.

Veldora's in my room.

He's very used to it.

「Hei, Veldora, I want to ask for your help.」

「Hmm? Can't you see that I'm busy? 」

Yep. You are reading the manga.

And obviously it has nothing to do with it.

「I understand ... it's too bad. And, I was just about to offer you something fun to do.

If you are busy, how else. I guess I'll just ask Diablo 」

I said, and pretended to leave

「Hey, wait. I'm busy, but I'll listen to your request.

Talk!”

Hook, line, and sinker.

How easy it is to manipulate him.

It's as easy as manipulating this old geezer as taking candy from a baby.

But other than that, though,

「The problem is, we are thinking of building a residence for you.

Ramiris and I are talking about it, and he is currently building it. 」

「A-what did you say ?! Really?

But why do you call it help? 」

Whether he was very interested or not, he had a serious expression on his face.

Seriously.

I told Veldora about the Dungeon's plan.

「So the thing is, we need a king to rule the dungeon.

Ramiris will be watching him. And, on the 100th floor we will make an entrance to the spirit labyrinth.

We need the strongest guards to protect this gate. 」

「I understand ... and you want me to do it?」

“Persis. And while in the labyrinth, I want you to continue to show off your aura 」

「Seriously? No problem?”

“This”

I'm nodding.

Frankly, I don't care at all about the guardian.

All I want is Veldora's aura.

If he were to release it around here, its concentration would be so dense, that a normal person would not be able to hold on.

But if he kept it for too long, releasing it would make an explosion like last time.

So, it might not be a good idea to keep it that long. So there is a need to release it.

That is, we have to find a place for him to do it…

The seal cave could not completely withstand all of Veldora's aura.

That's why I asked that the dungeon be made 100 floors deep and once he freely let go of his aura.

And that's the real purpose …

Once the concentration of magic increased, monsters would naturally appear.

As it trickled upwards, the top floor would definitely be occupied by a small fish with powerful creatures inside.

Even the cave had the seedlings of an A-rank Tempest Snake.

What kind of monster would he raise now, I can't even imagine it.

Perhaps another intelligent slime would appear between them.

So Veldora releasing her aura will only benefit us.

Killed two birds with one stone, basically.

「... And when I saw the adventurers,

『Kuahahaha, you made it this far! Let me welcome you, insect! 』

or something like,

『Kuahahaha, you can't run away from me. Don't you know? You cannot run away from the Storm Dragon! 』

And fight them, right? 」

Veldora.

He really likes it now. He didn't seem too interested at first.

I nodded, though,

「In addition, it is also possible to face the entire adventurer unit.

It's like, Real Simulation Game, you know.

How about that? Doesn't that sound like fun? 」

Veldora stood up, and stuffed the manga into her pocket.

And facing me,

「As expected of you, Rimuru. I always knew you could do great things 」

He said, and shook my hand.

Thank goodness he's an idiot.

And thus, I have been (with great difficulty?) Recruiting Veldora.

Next day.

Veldora and I went to see Ramiris.

As he promised, the labyrinth was finished.

「Yo, Ramiris, are you okay?」

「Ah, sir! Have not seen each other for a long time. I am in perfect health! 」

Both are friendly as always.

Ramiris was already sitting on Veldora's shoulder by the time they started the exchange.

And after exchanging greetings, we went straight to his explanation.

As I wish, the labyrinth is made through a number of blocks.

That is, every few days we can change the layout.

Every ten floors we have prepared a save point.

Once you reach this point, the next time you enter, you can continue from the last part you left.

To that end, we have decided to grant the adventurers a license to use the magic teleportation circle.

Selling a map might be too evil. It will also be troublesome to create new ones every day.

And don't forget the most important items.

Charm made by Ramiris ’『 Labyrinth Creation 』

It'll only work once.

Any deaths that occur in the labyrinth will be negated, and the user will return to the surface.

It will be active ten seconds after death is confirmed.

There is also an emergency escape item that returns the user to the surface.

This protector we plan to sell at the entrance. Whether they buy this or not is their choice.

But if you don't do it but die .. You just blame yourself.

I will personally buy it.

As for the price, we can decide later. For now, everything is done.

I hope it all ends as well as we want.

There are still a lot of things left to implement, but that's for later.

We exchanged glances, and laughed like we were criminals.