Act Like a Boss, Mr. Swallow

Chapter 12

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[Translator Jjescus]

[Proofreader Zain]

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The Seven Great Evil Dungeons! Even the foolish humans recognize its strength, the pinnacle of all acknowledged dungeons! The goal of every monster! Do you understand?

Oh, yes.

However, even among the Seventh Great Evil Dungeons, there are different levels! Listen Sir Devde, are you listening? Of course, all seven dungeon Kings are beyond ordinary monsters, but let me, for now, giiiive a loooong Just, I meaaaan, in the end, iiiiiits juuuuust. Thats not important.

The descriptions and titles are unnecessarily lengthy, arent they? Besides, these grandiose titles seem quite exaggerated. Maybe closer to homeowners than rulers. Its quite an amusing jest to consider a being hunted by gatekeepers as a ruler at least thats how Devourer perceives it. Being the warden of all existence is a bit far-fetched, isnt it? And the pinnacle of everything

Sadly, I apologize, but the esteemed being you revere is here lost in these depths, barely capable of casting a proper spell. Where did those grandiloquent titles come from?

Its not necessary! One can discern it from the humans word of mouth.

The rumors, overseeing our dungeons promotion, must have been under Renees control. It seemed like Renees hand had been busier than needed. Maybe I should have asked what specific parts to exaggerate rather than assuming theyd manage it well. I trusted theyd do well and overshot it too far, leading to this deification.

Of course, the other Seven Great Evil Dungeons are equally formidable! Look, Cheite Castles Elizabeth Batory, Corpses Demises Erebus, Desert Hells Great Wyrm Hexabel, and alsohmm.

The rest of the descriptions are needlessly hurried

Oops! Ive already given descriptions for all seven places!

Yes.

Even though I counted only four, its futile to engage with an intoxicated entity. Simply giving a vague response, Devourer glanced briefly at Melje. With five empty glasses right in front, one could roughly understand the situation.

Watching Melje add one or two orders while being conscious was entertaining. However, they ended up in this state at lightning speed. If only I hadnt let them continue drinking. Despite the regret, the present condition of the little demon, judging by the number of empty glasses, their attire, and outward appearance, indicated a certain state.

Its the only gain, isnt it?

Ignoring the heavily drunk Melje, muttering in a tangled tongue, Devourer concentrated on recalling the contents of the paper seen earlier.

The red paper containing information about the The Seven Great Evil Dungeons.

Fortunately, there was nothing written under Dungeon Participation Expeditions List. It implied that the formation of human expedition parties wasnt yet complete.

The five-day limit set by Devourer and Patrick accounted for the expected human invasion date. So far, the situation had been proceeding according to Patricks plan.

There was no rush now that the sun had set.

Thus, Devourer didnt need to move hastily. Already inebriated, Meljes current state, appearance, and apparent age, combined with her female gender, heightened the likelihood of an attack while traveling.

For this reason, there wasnt a necessity to move in the evening. With the sun having set, there was no hurry.

Seeing Melje, who was reddened, suddenly making an odd noise and straightening her neck, Devourer, who had been watching, decided to feign surprise.

Whoa, impressive! But where did those impressive titles for that figure come from?

Lets be careful about what we say. There are many ears listening.

Oh, come on! Answer me! Ive been curious since earlier. How does Sir Devde, the esteemed being, handle strength? How could you easily handle those humans earlier?

Lets be careful with our words. There are many ears here.

Ooh, thats frightening! If the esteemed being gets angry, itll be terrifying! The esteemed being is strong, even stronger than me!

Youre not exactly weak yourself.

Despite being immeasurable accurately, even from Devourers perspective, Melje was by no means weak. She rather belonged to the category of strong individuals. Though not reaching the level of Devourer himself, Patrick, or Renee, the demon race itself wielded considerable power, making even average members able to handle most dungeon bosses with ease.

Although Melje appeared lacking in many aspects compared to a typical demon, she possessed a power that couldnt be disregarded.

Thanks for the praise, but Sir Devde probably meant it from the perspective of an ordinary monster, right? II want to become stronger. I want to try everything after getting stronger. If I become stronger, maybe Mr Devourer will acknowledge me?

Seems like youre quite fond of Devourer?

Its Devourer King! Isnt it magnificent? A strength that is incomprehensible!

It seems like youre fixated on strength.

Melje, hearing those words, gulped down a beer that had been ordered, then spoke again.

My father devoted his life to the dungeon and even drew his last breath on the throne facing the humans.

That sounds like the opening to an epic saga.

Shush. Sometimes, its polite to listen calmly. My father, I dont think his life was wrong. He was strong. Even in this recent incident, despite me messing things up he was a true Demon King who guarded that Demons castle for over a hundred years. He was the right one for the throne. There was only someone stronger than him, around ten years ago? I think it was Vern? A rather young human.

A warrior who defeated the Demon King? Thats something I wouldnt want to encounter.

Well, thats the gist of it. Thats why I unexpectedly inherited the dungeon. But even so, I dont want to live like my father. Rather than dedicating my life to dungeon management, I wish the creatures drawn by my strength would create the dungeon themselves. Thats the reason I want to grow stronger. What do you think? Isnt it impressive?

Ah, youth is truly something. I had those days too.

Even with a tongue twisted from the drink, the sincere tone in the speech reminded me of the past.

A time long forgotten.

Before creating and settling in the Primordial Core.

There were times of fervor, leading a legion powerful enough to dominate the world. Not to the extent of what Melje mentioned as the Guardian of All, but there was a time when all creatures bowed beneath my feet. Ive lived more seriously than most, sought to master the knowledge of the world, and even had moments mingling with humans, deeply indulging in their emotions, dedicating everything to them.

Only to realize eventually it was all futile.

Now, the goal of my life is simply to lie down and rest.

Nodding to Meljes words, I recalled the past. In the meantime, Melje had collapsed on the table after the phrase Isnt it impressive? It seemed the strain of battling humans in the bustling streets had exhausted her.

Are you asleep?

No response.

Are you really asleep?

Still no reaction.

How much of a nuisance are you?

Utterly unresponsive. It was confirmed, shed fallen into a drunken stupor.

Is it acceptable for a Demon King to be this weak to alcohol? It made me doubt whether Melje was indeed a real Demon King.

Considering waking her and making her walk to her room for a moment, I reluctantly lifted Melje with both hands.

Though she might prefer to sleep on a bed of thorns, I suppose.

Youve worked hard.

I did consider she might end up sleeping on the streets, so I should probably be grateful. Besides, both the cost of the drinks and the accommodation came from this Demon Kings purse.

Trying to positively brainwash myself as much as possible, I covered Melje with the blankets from both beds. She seemed not entirely asleep yet and was tossing and turning.

Resembling humans even in the smallest ways.

Nevertheless, Im not particularly annoyed.

* * *

A remarkably warm feeling. A feeling I havent had in a long timea feeling of being cared for, wanting to rely on someone so warm

Did I get drunk again? My head throbs. Although I seem to have sobered up quickly as a Demon King, the hangover persisted around my temples. Melje put her hand on my head. It seemed I relaxed too much after the intense drinking.

I slowly got up from the bed. I vividly recall drinking enthusiastically, but I couldnt remember what happened afterward. However, based on the situation, I had a good idea of what had transpired.

Did Sir Devde bring me here? Hah, but more importantly!

A presence behind the door, presumably Sir Devde and only the two of us in the accommodation. And I was inebriated.

This situation, could it be?

This, this is a situation where Idwith Sir Devde?!

Meljes mind became confused.

Is this an opportunity or a crisis?

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[Translator Jjescus]

[Proofreader Zain]

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