Now, to put it bluntly, there were many things I didn’t grasp, but it would be appropriate to ask Help-kun for clarification at every step.

“Therefore, first of all, ‘Status Open.’”

Name: King of the Devouring Black Fog

Class: Demon King Race: King of the Devouring Black Fog

Level: 1

HP: 1600/1600

MP: 1850/1850

SP: 1750/1750

Status

Strength 40

Dexterity 55

Agility 55

Sensing 45

Intellectual 60

Spirit 70

Luck 8

Skill

?Labyrinth Creation?, ?Monster Creation?, ?Devouring Black Fog?

Title

?King of the Devouring Black Fog?

In front of me, I found the same status as before.

And then I touch one of the skills that I possess, ?Devouring Black Fog?.

?Devouring Black Fog?

Combined skill of ?Foggy Body? + ?Devouring Blackness?.

?Foggy Body?

The owner’s body is converted into a fog-like physical form. Physical assaults are almost totally neutralized when in a foggy state, though physical intervention from the owner makes it more difficult.

If the owner is conscious, the atomization can be lifted.

?Devouring Blackness?

The following effects are applied to any target in contact with the user’s body.

For living creatures: Absorbs HP, MP, SP in 1/sec.

For non-living things: If it is solid or liquid, it can be scraped off.

Isn’t this a cheat? Aside from physical nullification, I hardly believe the absorption ability is a reasonable skill for a level 1 Demon King to possess. Ah, but then again.. What is ineffective is physical attacks. In other words, only things like swords, spears, and guns can be nullified, but fire and such could do the trick? Maybe Help-kun can enlighten me on that..

“That is absolutely correct. The ‘King of the Devouring Black Fog’. The body of the fog is limited to neutralizing swords, fists, bows and arrows, etc., so scientific or skill-based attacks such as fire cannot be negated. Moreover, please be aware that skills that are generally classified as magic can inflict damage even if they are physical in nature.”

“Thanks for the foresighted response.. Or rather, you appeared at the point when I wanted to inquire.”

To be honest, this is beyond heartbreaking. And since you apparently can read minds, I guess there would be no privacy for me at all.

“You’re right, including the mind-reading part.”

“You’re like Satori[i]. And I have one more question. When you mentioned before about the fire generated by skills, isn’t it only the Demon King and those created by the Demon King that possess the skills?”

This is an essential question. In all honesty, if the humans out there are capable of utilizing skills, it would most assuredly be a doomed interception battle that would await me after the dungeon is liberated in a year’s time.

The explanation behind this? Consider this: within here, I must contemplate and perfect a skill from one to ten on my own, but on the outside, individuals can collaborate with tens or even hundreds of others. In a year’s time, the gap between the two groups would have widened to a catastrophic degree.

“You are half wrong and half right.”

“Half? What do you mean?”

“At present, those humans on the outside do not possess any skills, nor are they compensated for their occupations or stats. However, once the labyrinth is released, they will acquire the skills and professions as the Demon Kings do. If you desire to obtain a new skill, you must advance your level. For every one level you gain, another skill will be awarded to you.”

“I see.”

That would mean that right after the dungeon is released, I would have the advantage of a year’s worth of expertise and skills, and only have to deal with people who will practically be amateurs. And as for subsequent accumulations, will the humans here and there be working together? Although they may be amateurs, can I let my guard down given the presence of the latest weapons at their disposal?

“That’s precisely the point. Furthermore, the labyrinth can be restricted to the designated entrances you specify, and it can also be modified to restrict entry to only a certain number of people at a time. In addition, the latest weapons, which you are concerned about, are ineffective. Even if the latest missiles, for instance, are employed, it is impossible to destruct the outer walls of the labyrinth or indestructible objects, thus, there will be no such thing as a straight line to your location by breaking through the walls.”

“That would be most appreciated.”

Does that mean I can adjust the pace and number of combatants by myself?

“This concludes my answer to your question.”

“Uh-huh. Thanks for your hard work.”

If that is the case, should I attempt to develop the dungeon itself rather than creating monsters, since I have no clue what the current state of my dungeon is like?

The plan is.. yes. Here’s one that came to my mind. It should be something along those lines, as I am the King of the Fog.

“Now, shall we get on with it, ?Dungeon Create?!”

T/N:

[i]??Mind-reading monkey-like yokai in Japanese legends