The World Is Overflowing with Monster, I’m Taking a Liking to This Life

Chapter 193. A Sudden Encounter

After that, I was able to join Nishino-kun and his friends safely.

The Self Defense Force baseor should I say the former Self Defense Force basewas able to properly function as a Safety Zone.

There were some degree of confusion and anxiety among the populace, but the Mayor and Fujita-san stepped forward to manage it.

For the time being, we had acquired a place where we could stay again.

AhhIm tired

I was finally able to relax after entering the Safety Zone, and as per usual, I was overwhelmed by the fatigue and went out cold, only managing to wake up the following day.

*****

After waking up, I speak to Nishino-kun about various things.

The Mayor, Fujita-san, Chief Shimizu, and Nijou are all busy at work, with President Igarashi and Nishino-kuns friends helping them out.

I tell him what transpired during my battle with Peony and exchange information.

Well have to spend some time exploring the area, gathering information, and securing food again.

Yes, but we should be fine. It seems like Peony has gobbled up most of the monsters that lurked around here

Hes right Im not sensing any signs of any living things around us.

Most of the monsters in this region should have been devoured by Peony along with the towns residents.

Goshogawara-san must be having a tough time.

Indeed. The only saving grace is that he got his memories back

Apparently, memories associated with those that were devoured by the Treants can be recovered if we defeat them.

I have no idea what the mechanism behind it is, but everyones deprived memories have been returned, including those of the Self Defense Force members and Goshogawara-san.

Im told that Goshogawara-san cried by himself after the battle, praying for his family members with his diary, handkerchief, and ring in hand.

Hes a strong person much stronger than me.

Nishino-kun

With clenched fists, Nishino-kun continued,

Thats why I must do my best to improve. Until I can be as good as Goshogawara-san and Kudou-san Therethere must be something that I can excel at as well.

Looking refreshed, he lifts his head.

He must have overcome something.

Not even a trace of a shadow could be detected on his face.

Nishino-kunyoure already plenty strong, at least much more than me

*****

After paring with Nishino-kun, I head to the infirmary.

It doesnt take long for me to find the person that Im looking for.

Shes on a bed thats next to the windows.

When I enter the room, she notices my presence and smiles.

Kudou-san.

It must have been tough on you, Ichinose-san.

I sit on the chair besides her bed and check her condition.

Her fingers have been wrapped by bandages, but theres some blood seeping out.

Are your fingers okay?

YesUh what was that persons name.? Oh, yeah, Shibata-kun treated me. It may look like this, but the pain has mostly subsided.

Is that so? Thats good to hear

Im glad that its not a permanent injury.

Oh, and you should try to remember peoples names properly.

You almost forgot about Shibata-kuns name just now, didnt you?

But then again, who am I to scold her

He kept visiting, so it was becoming very troublesome. Ive been using Cognitive Impediment to avoid him. Its just Im not good at dealing with people like him

I-is that so

Lets be honest here.

Not good is an understatement.

How about you, Kudou-san? You left armI heard from the others that its not in a good shape. Is it okay?

Its alright. I havent removed the bandages yet, but it should be in good form after a few days of rest.

My left arm has been bandaged and fixed in place.

Its slightly inconvenient, but I can perform daily activities and battle normally with a bit of assistance from my Shadow.

Eh? But wasnt you arm, like, bitten off or something?

Yes, it was. Im assuming that its one of the perks of being a Newcomer, but I was able to get it treated with a Recovery Potion and Shibata-kuns help.

The injury was originally so serious that even my bone was visible.

I must say, Newcomers must have an extremely high vitality.

Ill consider this a benefit of Evolving.

Im really becoming less and less human, arent I?

Wow, what a cheat. Officer, theres a cheat guy here

I havent heard that in some time.

Its what she said to me when we first met.

Although its not to Kudou-sans extent, Ive also had a similar experience where the pain in my muscles from the guns recoil got much better in just half a day

Hahaha, then Ichinose-san must be a cheat guy as well.

Muu

Wait, its not like it really matters, but since Ichinose-san is a girl, should I be calling her a cheat girl instead?

Perhaps frustrated with my comeback, Ichinose-san pouts.

Speaking of evolution, Aisaka-san evolved into a Demon, am I right?

Desu desu. She was here until a moment ago. You must have missed her.

Rikka-chan evolved into a Demon in the midst of battle.

Her appearance now is mostly the same as before, but when she enters battle-mode, her skin turns reddish brown and a glowing horn is said to appear on her forehead.

Its exactly as its written in the race description.

Similar to Newtypes, Demons are a rare species, which means she must have become considerably stronger.

She was really excited about finally catching up to us.

Haha, just what wed expect from Aisaka-san.

Even if she has evolved, Ricchan is still RicchanThe people around her are behaving normally as well.

Ones true nature wont change that much from evolution alone.

Im relieved to hear that her friends are open-minded about the changes.

Everyone in their group, Nishino-kun included, seems to cherish friendship greatly.

Ichinose-san must have also gained a lot of experience.

Desu desu. My level shot up by seven.

Ive confirmed this by checking the Party Members section of my status.

When I defeated Peony, everyone else also leveled up.

Momo has gone from being Dark Dog LV 3 to LV 10, Aka from being Creation Slime LV 5 to LV 11, Kiki from being Carbuncle LV 2 to LV 8, and finally, Ichinose-san from being Newtype LV 2 to LV 9.

Since I got a lot of points from leveling up, Ive gone ahead and done the Gatchas.

T-that so

This time, I was pretty lucky and received a new skill. Ill show you later.

Oh, Ill be looking forward to it.

But of course, it might not be as impressive as Soras

Well, thats pretty much a given.

Compared to what Sora has, any skill or occupation will appear subpar.

I didnt think Sora would Evolve

Yeah

Yes, Sora has Evolved through this battle.

Her level maxed out after obtaining the experience points from Peony, consequently changing race from Blue Dragon LV 38 to Ancient Dragon LV 2.

She herself was the most surprised of us all.

Something about a miracle happening despite having just given birth.

She was so shocked, in fact, that she was in a daze and didnt respond to anything we said for a while.

Is there meant to be some correlation between childbirth and evolution?

Her appearance has changed a bit, her wings doubling from 2 to 4 and her scales turning deep indigo.

Her presence has become stronger, so much so that I was worried for a second that shed leave the party.

Thankfully, it seems like shes planning on staying with us for the foreseeable future.

According to her, it would be until her child has grown up to an extent.

She said Its not because I like this place, okay? Dont misunderstand, Kazuto, but

Seeing her like that doesnt make things convincing, does it.

Looking out the window, we can see the figure of Sora taking a nap at a corner of the field with hay scattered around her.

The residents are staring at her from a distance.

Its almost like theyre at a zoo without a fence.

She has thrown caution out the windowOh my, shes even snoring out fire

That just goes to show that shes comfortable. By the way, theres one more Dragon displayed on the Party Members column. This is?

That would be Soras child. The names

Shiro!

The shadow beneath me spreads out, and out comes a small Dragon that makes a dive for my face.

Kazuto! Play!

Oof! You little, l-let go, I cant breathe like this!

I struggle to peel off the white creature thats clinging to me and puts her on my head.

This child?

Yep. Shes Soras childShiro the Little White Dragon.

White?

Ichinose-san cocks her head.

Her scales are blue thoughIts just my guess, but I think this childs a bit unique

This is something I heard from Sora, but not all Dragons are of the same race as their parents.

In rare occasions, theyre born a different race, making them the so-called unique individuals.

Shes blue at the moment, but her scales will turn white after she sheds her skin a couple of times.

So Dragons shed their skin

Apparently

A random fact about Dragons ecology.

Naturally, I was the one who named her.

At first, I was thinking of naming her Ao, but changed my mind and went with Shiro instead after checking her race.

According to Sora, its rare for a newborn to have the ability to speak immediately after theyre born.

As expected of a child born from him and I! Shes very promising. Fufufu was what she said in a good mood.

Shiros a female, and shes as big as a crow at the moment.

Kazuto Kazuto Mufu

For some odd reason, shes really attached to me and follows me around.

Her favorite seat is the top of my head.

Hey, stop pulling my hair.

Wan!

Kyu!

The Shadow expands once more, and Momo and Kiki appear from within.

Momo snuggles up to my feet while Kiki rides on my shoulders. Its as if theyre asserting that These are out fixed seats!

Furu furu

Aka, whos mimicking my clothes as usual, trembles happily.

It was the same with Aka-chan and Kiki-chan Does Kudou-san release pheromones that attract monsters?

That shouldnt be the caseI think?

Im not a Monster Tamer, so why?

Whatever, its not a bad thing.

After all, I get to mofu-mofu.

Shiros getting along with Momo and the others, so alls well.

That said, I am a little worried that Shiro would accidentally maim me in the future when she has grown up and wants to play with me.

I should warn her sternly when the time comes.

*****

No ones here, so this should do

Ive parted with Ichinose-san and come to the rooftop.

Its quiet, and theres nobody here to disturb me.

Its the perfect place to do some research.

Now, what do we have here

Wan?

Kyu?

Im sitting on the ground with Momo on my lap and Kiki besides me asking What are you doing?

Shiros currently sleeping inside my hood.

A lot of questions have sprung up in my mind because of our recent battle. Im thinking of looking them up one at a time.

I want to allocate my points as well, but this comes first.

I take out Peonys magic stone and the seed from my Item Box.

Then, I open up my status screen and tap on The Right to Question.

There was something about the lock on The Right to Question being released

If Im remembering things correctly, that should be what the Heavenly Voice said.

Since the locks been released, I should be getting more information than before.

Lets test it out with something else first

What would be a good test subject?

Oh, right. Theres that.

The mysterious item known as the [Healing Jewel] that I have no knowledge of what-so-ever regarding its usage.

Last I asked, the reply was just a short heals the target.

I wonder how it has changed since then.

I search it up straight away.

The information displayed is as follows:

[Healing Jewel]

Has the effect of healing all wounds, illnesses, curses, and mutations inflicted on the target, returning the target to their original state.

The item is limited to one use.

Ohh, its much more detailed than before

Is this what it meant about the lock becoming undone?

The [Healing Jewel] had such effects, huh?

Its rather overpowered.

The ability to heal any wounds. What is this, the Archangel from Hunter nter?

The part about it being one-time use is also similar.

Anyway, with this, I might be able to understand something about Peonys magic stone, the seed, and Heros Hymn, my new skill.

Huh? Wait a secMutation?

The word swims around in my mind.

Mutationas in the mutation that turns people into monsters?

If mutations can be healed, that means

We might be able to convert Ono-kun back to human using the [Healing Jewel]

I put a hold to my investigation and head towards Nishino-kun and his friends.

*****

I see, so it contains such effects

Nishino-kun is studying the [Healing Jewel] on my hand.

Rikka-chan, Shibata-kun, and Ono-kun, the last being the party involved, are also staring at the item with interest.

Haha, this is great, Ono! Ya can become human again!

Yeah! But is this okay with you, onii-san? This things quite valuable, right?

It doesnt matter. I heard that Nishino-kun and Aisaka-san might have died without Ono-kuns help. You can consider this my gratitude.

Kudou-san

Nishino looks at me, moved.

Its a rare item, but I got it through pure coincidence anyway.

Im thinking of searching for more treasure chests with President Igarashi in the future, so theres a chance that Ill come across one again.

I want to maintain a friendly relationship with Nishino-kun and his friends. This is a cheap price to pay for that.

Thank you, Kudou-san

Nishino takes the [Healing Jewel] and bows.

Thank you, onii-san.

Were indebted to ya. Thanks

Rikka-chan and Shibata-kun also turn and bow to me.

Stop. Theyre overreacting, and its making me uncomfortable.

Ono-kun, the person in question, seems to be contemplating something.

Whats wrong, Ono? Arent you glad?

After some hesitation, Ono-kun speaks as if he had made up his mind.

Im sorry, Nishino-kun, Kudou-san, but Iwont be taking itIll remain as I am.

Eh?

W-what are you saying Ono!?

Yeah, Onon! You can revert back to being human, you know!?

Nishino-kun, Rikka-chan, and Shibata-kun raise their voices in unison at Ono-kuns unexpected response.

I-Ill be fine without it. Its my fault I became like thisnot to mention how precious the item is to be wasted on me

But you

O-or could it be that you guys cant bear being next to me, a Zombie?

Of course not! It doesnt matter how you look. Youll always be our friend.

Thats right, Onon!

Course not! Stop shitting with me, punk.

Ono-kun smiles at their words.

S-see? Ill be fine

But will you be okay with it?

Yeahand as Ive said after the battle, Ikilled our friends.

Ono..thats

Im already in the know about this.

According to Nishino-kun, Ono-kun has confessed to everything.

After being separated from Nishino-kuns group, he met up with some of their other friends but ended up killing them because of a dispute.

Then, he consumed some magic stones and became a monster.

Ive killed my friends, mutated into a monster, and become nothing but a gathering of sinthe fact that everyone still accepts meis enough

Ono-kun bows his head.

Thats whyIm sorry everyone, butplease grant me this wish. I dont want to run from it anymore. Ill face it properly from now on and atone for my sins over the course of my lifetime. I wont betray you guys either. So please dont take away my sinsI dont want to treat it like they never existed

Ono

Onon

Ke

Shibata-kun hits Ono-kuns head with his knuckle.

That hurt! What was that for, Shibata-kun!

Zip it! Youre pretty much asking for it by showing us that kind of expression! I dont care what you think, but Im never abandoning you, got it!?

Eh?

I dont want to abandon my friends againnever againI also

Shibata-kun

Hey, stopping looking at me like that. Its creepy. It feels like youve become even more gloomy now that youre a Zombie.

T-thats going too far, Shibata-kun!

Thats right. Im against racism.

Oi, which side are you on, Aisaka!

Me? I quit being human, so of course Im on Onons side! Demon be allies with Zombie!

Y-youNishino-san! Nishino-san should say something too!

Sorry, Shibata. I was the one who chose Rikkas evolutionary path, so I cant say anything against them.

N-no way

Uahahaha, its three-on-one, Shibacchi.

Nooooooo!

Hmmhave I been forgotten?

Whatever. Alls well that ends well.

After confirming how close they are with one another, I quickly take my leave.

*****

Im back at the rooftop again.

Its time to resume our research.

I take out the magic stone and the seed once more.

Oh, and lets confirm how many points I have.

Curious about the number of points that Ive amassed, I open my status plate to check.

*****

Kudou Kazuto Newtype LV 16

HP: 912/912

MP: 422/422

Strength: 489

Endurance: 506

Agility: 1023

Dexterity: 1002

Magic: 185

Magic Resistance: 185

SP: 262

JP: 133

*****

Oh! Theyre there!

My level went up by 11, so Ive received a ridiculous number of points.

I also notice that my agility and dexterity have entered the four digits.

This is great.

(Hmm, I should start considering what I should choose as my fifth occupation.)

When the research is over, Ill think about this carefully.

Im looking forward to it already.

Oh, but I should consult with Ichinose-san and Momo as well.

Ill take their opinions into account before choosing.

Hmm?

Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me.

I turn around, but find no one there.

.Was I mistaken? Thats probably it.

Theres no one here except Momo, Kiki, Aka, and I.

If someone did come up, Id be able to tell with my skills.

Whats more, monsters cant enter the Safety Zone.

Oh, well. Ive confirmed how many points I have. I should quickly get on with the research.

Research? What are you researching? The seed or the magic stone?

Both. The former is displayed as the God Trees Seed in the Item Box, but I should check what its forEh?

Wait. Hold it right there.

Whose voice was that?

I should be the only one up here.

Is it Ichinose-san? No, that wasnt her voice.

Its a girls for sure, but one which Im not familiar with.

Dokun.

My heart pounds heavily.

Feeling a chill, I look back again.

There shouldnt have been anyone else on the rooftop.

My skills arent ringing, and Im not sensing any presence aside from ours.

But there she is.

Eh?

A woman with long silver hair and pure white skin.

Shes wearing a white robe and carrying a staff on her hand.

A figure reminiscent of a magician that appears in movies and gamessuch a person is standing behind us some distance away.

She has literally appeared out of thin air.

She inspects her own body before letting out a sigh of relief.

Thank God. It seems to have succeeded. Well, since its something that mom and I did together, it wouldve worked out somehow. Yep.

Who are you?

As I thought, the God Tree, no, Peony, seems to have wrecked havoc here. The effect of Foreign World Displacement, a skill that Treants have, has considerable weakened. I was finally able to cross over because to that.

Huh?

What the hell is this woman saying?

Then, the woman looks over at me.

Its all thanks to you. Im really grateful.

Why are you making such a scary face? Ohhh, I see. You must be wondering who I am. Yup. Makes sense. Then an introduction is in order.

The woman places the hand which isnt occupied by her staff on her chest and greets me on one knee.

My Name is Liber, Liber Lownherz. Not only am I the current head of the Lownherz Family, I am this generations Death King. If I were to describe myself in a way thats easy to understand

She lifts her face and says,

Im someone from a different world.

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TN: DUN DUN DUUUNNN!! Howdy, translator-san here. As many of you were probably informed, Im just a temporary translator for this novel. I was requested to translate until this chapter, so my job here is done. Someone else will be picking it up from chapter 194, so yeah. Thank you for reading all the way up til now! Adios!