The LV.99 Middle Boss, Starts His Second Life with Subordinates!

~Jilheart’s Perspective~

 

 

　The magic swordsman Jilheart and the healer Elma.

 

　The two were hero duo from the port city of Ludenburg.

 

 

　At a young age, they hunted sea monsters and were hailed by the sailors as great heros.

 

　Soon they were called “Dawn’s Ship”.

 

　If it’s an aquatic monster then can deal with it.

 

　Even the kraken larvae that can sink a ship will soon be on the table within the day once they are involved.

 

　But—they are not accustomed to “forest” monsters.

 

 

“… What is that?” (Jilheart)

 

 

　I looked up overhead and frowned from suspicion.

 

　When we tried to step into the Bewildering Forest, I noticed that some kind of “light” was flying between the trees in the forest.

 

　The light illuminates the dark and labyrinthine forest and points the way forward.

 

 

“–Oh! I’ve heard of those! It’s a Cantera bat!” (Elma)

 

 

　Elma said.

 

 

“Cantera bat? What are those?” (Jilheart)

 

“It’s a type of bat monster! Each of its kind has the ability to emit light during mating…” (Elma)

 

“If it’s a monster, let’s make our move!” (Jilheart)

 

“No, please wait!” (Elma)

 

 

　Elma blocked Jilheart, who was about to grab his sword.

 

 

“The Cantera Bat is a harmless monster! It has no fighting ability, and rarely if never attack heros! Rather, it is considered a good sign among heros!” (Elma)

 

“Is that so?” (Jilheart)

 

“Yes, it’s a symbol of good luck that sheds light towards a traveler’s destination!” (Elma)

 

“Well, that’s good! I saved the trouble of holding a torch! What a generous dungeon!”

 

 

　Jilheart rushes into the forest with a big laugh.

 

　Elma smiled and followed the bats, then said to one of the Cantera bats, who flew overhead.

 

 

“God bless you.” (Elma)

 

 

 

 

~Narugoa’s Perspective~

 

 

“–Unfortunately, there is no such truth to that.”

 

 

　I smiled while watching the images of the heros projected on the surface of the water by Nymph-san.

 

　Cantera bat, a good omen? A symbol of good luck?

 

　–Heros are really a happy-go-lucky people.

 

 

　Certainly, Cantera Bats have no fighting ability.

 

　However, they move around The Bewildering Forest since they are still employees (monsters).

 

　They illuminate the hero’s path because it is more convenient for the dungeon.

 

 

　However, there is one person who does not understand my intentions.

 

 

“Hey! Narugoa! I sent the Cantera Bats as I was told, but why bother leading them?” (Owlbear)

 

“… Huh?”

 

 

　I made a really, really deep sigh.

 

　What is with this guy…?

 

　Did he sleep through the Mid-Boss training program?

 

　Probably not, but I don’t think he had the same Mid-Boss training.

 

 

“… What are the strengths of this dungeon, Owlbear?”

 

“Hoot, hoot! Let’s see, trees that are so dense and overgrown that the sun doesn’t shine! Most importantly is the Sasha Trees that disorients the intruder’s sense of direction!” (Owlbear)

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“Well, I can see them from the outside.”

 

 

　In short, the strength of this dungeon is the dense Sasha tree.

 

　It is a coniferous tree that grows in relatively cold regions, and is useful as a source of good quality lumber among humans.

 

　Because these trees are surprisingly uniform.

 

　This is one of the most attractive traits for wood processing, but the forest, which is lined with similar Sasha trees at regular intervals, could mislead travelers.

 

　If combined with the darkness of the night, people will get quite lost.

 

　However–

 

 

“Why then use the Cantera bat…?” (Owlbear)

 

“-So how is the fire protection system of this dungeon?”

 

“Ho~…” (Owlbear)

 

 

　Immediately, Owlbear’s eyes dart everywhere.

 

　After all.

 

 

“Nine out of ten, I’m sure no measures are taken, and if it’s a dungeon in the forest, this is the first thing you shouldn’t neglect… Owlbear?”

 

“Hey, that’s none of your business!” (Owlbear)

 

“Oh, what if I see that it’s impossible to capture this dark forest and set fire from outside the forest? That alone will destroy the dungeon.”

 

“This Bewildering Forest is a treasure trove of resources that are also useful for humans! To burn it off easily…!” (Owlbear)

 

“They are outsiders, you can never be sure.”

 

“That’s true…” (Owlbear)

 

“If so, it is better to invite them in, since you don’t want to make this dungeon a sea of fire. We don’t plan on being engulfed in flames.”

 

“I see……! So did you use the Cantera bat to keep them off guard?” (Owlbear)

 

“… Well, there are other purposes as well.”

 

“Hoot? What else?” (Owlbear)

 

“If you look at it, you can see it.—Now, the hero party has entered the Bewildering Forest! Nymph!”

 

“Yes sir!” (Nymph)

 

 

　Nymph the water spirit saluted.

 

 

“You’re one of the key elements of this plan, I’m counting on you!”

 

“Oh, thank you very much! I will do my best!” (Nymph)

 

“Good! Can you hear me Arachne! How are you?”

 

“…Urp, I’m really uncomfortable, but do I really have to eat all of this…?” (Arachne)

 

 

　Panning to Arachne, she was blue in the face and was scarfing down a pile of boiled eggs.

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　Her spider belly is bulging.

 

 

“I can’t get married if I have such a stomach…” (Arachne)

 

“No, you’re attractive enough, there will be plenty of recipients.”

 

“… What? I’m not sure if I’m being proposed to right now. You should send me your contact information at…” (Arachne)

 

“I’m not sure what you mean, but I’ll give you my work contact information later.”

 

“Hmm, I was rejected!? But you seem like an adult, and I’m the type that doesn’t hold back! I’ll do my best!” (Arachne)

 

“You’re a happy-go-lucky guy…” (Owlbear)

 

 

　Owlbear says in a shocked manner when he sees Arachne scarfing on the eggs.

 

　Well, there seems to be no problem here either.

 

 

“Elder Boar! Are you ready?”

 

“Yes, everything is perfect, I only have to do this, so I’ll do my best.” (Elder Boar)

 

“… I’m sorry, you should not be working.”

 

“It’s okay, since it’s Narugoa-san’s request, and–” (Elder Boar)

 

 

　Elder Boar gently smiles and says.

 

 

“–still, I’ve been with to The Bewildering Forest for a long time, and I have to give back something.” (Elder Boar)

 

“Ho, Hoot… Elder Boar, you…” (Owlbear)

 

“… By the way, Owlbear, of course, I will still get overtime pay, right?” (Elder Boar)

 

“Kuuu, I’ll even give you extra holidays!” (Owlbear)

 

“That’s a promise.” (Elder Boar)

 

 

　As Elder Boar mischievously said, the other employees (monsters) laugh along.

 

　……Well. Owlbear is surprisingly not the worst Mid-Boss.

 

 

　I remembered the past at the Cave of Silence and my cheeks relaxed.

 

　Then, taking a second look—

 

 

“—So the operation is about to begin! Operation ‘Siren’! Let’s drive away those heros! Owlbear! Give the instructions!”

 

“Hoot, I understand! let’s go!” (Owlbear)

 

 

 

　At that time, a low cry from Owlbear echoed through the Bewildering Forest.