Chapter 34 Overdoing the Leveling
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The next day, after feeding Nyan-chan and seeing her off, I told the group we were heading back out on a Monster Subjugation Tour¹ as planned.
This was exactly what I’d discussed with Shirley. My logic was simple: we might as well grind our levels to the absolute cap before we started any serious combat training.
”Ibuki-sama,” Lisha said, her voice trailing off as she tilted her head. “Are we officially putting the plans for the new branch on ice for now?”
”Yeah, I’m fine either way,” I replied.
Lisha fell into deep thought. I told her we could spend a few days getting the branch started first if she wanted, but she eventually shook her head.
”No… let’s wait until the level-grinding is finished. If we’re going to build a future here, we should do it with our full attention desuwa.”
”Fair enough. If that’s what you want, I’ll leave it to you, Lisha.”
With the decision made, we prepared for a long-term expedition. We traveled back to our previous hunting grounds, pushing deeper into the subterranean levels and scouring the surface until not a single monster remained. Because I had set the goal at ‘leveling until the stats stop moving,’ a single month wasn’t nearly enough. Three months passed before we even felt the curve flatten.
Three months of straight grinding. Every single day, we put down thousands of monsters. Even as the spawns thinned out, our levels continued to climb. Eventually, I called a meeting in the mansion I’d summoned underground.
”We’re still going up, aren’t we?” I asked, looking toward Shirley.
”Yes. The monsters seem to grow stronger the further we push. It feels like an endless cycle.”
”That’s the problem,” I muttered. “I’m fine with staying out here, but you guys have to be bored to tears by now, right?”
Everyone shook their heads in unison.
”We’re fine, Master,” Meena said, scratching the back of her head. “Actually, seeing my Ability² tick up every day makes the training… kind of fun.”
I see. If they were having fun, I could tough it out. It wasn’t that the work was hard-it was just that I was lonely. They were all so focused on their training that I spent most of my days as a party of one.
”Well, if we’re staying, I’d like at least one of you to stay behind with me for company,” I admitted.
The girls traded glances.
”I think it’s time you shared the schedule with us,” Shuri whispered to Charlotte.
”I’d like some time as well, milord desuwa,” Lady Rosanna added, her eyes fixed on Charlotte.
Even the usually silent Maria nodded her head in fervent agreement. A chorus of “Me too” broke out until Charlotte looked completely overwhelmed.
”Oh, for heaven’s sake… nobody is saying no!” Lisha interjected, waving a hand dismissively. “If you want to be with Ibuki-sama, just go when you feel like it.”
Charlotte nodded quickly, looking relieved. I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh.
”Good. I was worried you all liked hitting things more than hanging out with me.”
They all gasped, looking at me with wide, wounded eyes. “That’s not it at all!”
”Oh, honestly, Ibuki-sama,” Lisha sighed. “The girls are only pushing themselves so hard because they want to be useful to you.”
”You don’t have to work that hard. I don’t run a sweatshop.”
”It isn’t about orders,” Erina said firmly. “It’s our own will to be of use to you desuwa.”
From that day on, I always had two girls by my side. I worried at first that I’d forced them into a rotation, but seeing how happy they looked to be there, my anxiety faded. Another three months passed in a blur of domesticity and violence. Finally, we decided it was time to head back.
”I don’t have a single concern left,” Shirley said, a rare, fearless smirk playing on her lips.
”We did spend half a year ‘cheat-leveling’ after all,” I laughed.
”I feel like I could hold my own in a frontline melee now,” the usually cautious Lady Olivia agreed.
”I don’t know how strong this Dole guy is,” Shuri added, “but I don’t think a few common soldiers are going to slow us down anymore ssu.”
That was the goal. I hadn’t been able to gauge the true power of the Kingdom of Dole when my level was low, so I’d pushed for this ‘just in case.’
”It’s more than just a precaution,” Lady Rosanna noted. “By any standard I know, this is beyond abnormal. It was abnormal three months ago desuwa.”
”Really? You should have said something.”
”You always said you wanted a total victory,” she replied with a shrug. “You wanted a level where we wouldn’t even take a scratch desuwa.”
I nodded. “Well, at least I’m not worried anymore. Let’s head home.”
As we made our way back toward the town, Erina suddenly stopped, her expression turning formal and grave. “Master, I have something important to ask.”
”What is it?”
”I swear to serve only you for the rest of my life,” Erina said, her voice trembling slightly. “Because of that… would you please release my Enslavement³?”
Shirley stood up abruptly, her voice sharp. “What?”
”Oh, right! I totally forgot about that,” I said, hitting my palm with my fist. “We don’t need the magic seals anymore. Alright, let’s unbind everyone!”
”Wait! That’s not what I meant!”
”I don’t want to be released!”
”Master, you promised you wouldn’t throw me away…”
The girls started shouting over one another until I had to raise my hand for silence. “Listen, even if the magic is gone, nothing changes. Whether you stay with me is up to you, not a spell.”
”Ibuki-sama, please listen,” Erina clarified, looking flustered. “The reason I asked is that I can’t build a proper place for you in this country-or lead others-if I’m legally classified as a slave desuwa.”
Shirley sat back down, the tension leaving her shoulders. “Oh. That makes sense.”
”Good grief… everyone, calm down. I have no intention of leaving his side either. The idea of me betraying Ibuki-sama is ridiculous desuwa.”
”So, Erina,” Shirley asked, “what are you planning?”
”It’s simple. I’m going to show this world our strength. I’ll start an organization-my own Knight Order⁴-so that we can never be looked down upon again desuwa.”
”You’ll be drafted into the wars,” Shirley warned.
”I won’t. If they try to force us, I’ll fight the state itself. I have the power now. But I think I can handle the politics well enough to avoid that desuwa.”
”Are you sure?”
”If I fail, I’ll just come crawling back to Ibuki-sama. But as long as Dole exists, there will be trouble. It’s better to show them we have the teeth to bite back desuwa.”
The other girls looked impressed. Shuri even piped up about wanting to help, and soon they were all discussing how the ‘Sha-sha’ brand and the new Knight Order would work together.
Once we reached town, we changed into commoner clothes and headed straight to the Slave Merchant⁵. The woman behind the counter was shocked when I asked to release everyone at once, but for a hefty fee, she processed the paperwork. It was a simple process-draining the Mana⁶ from the crest and wiping it with a specialized liquid.
”Charlotte, how do you feel?” I asked after she was the first to be freed.
She immediately threw her arms around me. “I feel wonderful. I think I love you even more now.”
One by one, the others followed. Shirley, Erina, Rosanna-the seals vanished. Because they weren’t originally from the Kingdom of Paul, there was extra paperwork to ensure their status was updated in the national register. I’d used Lisha’s name as the owner previously to keep my own profile low, which she’d complained about at the time, but it made the transition easier now.
I felt a bit restless, wondering if the change in legal status would change our dynamic.
”Lady Lisha, Charlotte,” Erina said, her face solemn. “Since we are no longer slaves… I trust it’s fine if we start competing for Ibuki-sama’s bed as equals desuwa?”
”Why are you asking me?” Charlotte huffed. “We were always equals!”
”It was always up to him anyway,” Lisha added, glancing at me.
”I’m happy to have any of you, whenever you want,” I said, trying to keep my cool.
The girls immediately began whispering. They decided that the ones who were going to be busy setting up the new organizations should get some ‘quality time’ before their schedules got packed.
”In that case, I’m staying too,” Meena said.
”But who will look after the house desuwa?” Lisha asked.
”I’ll do it,” Amelia said, stepping forward.
”I too… want to be together…” Maria whispered, clinging to my sleeve.
”That settles it then,” I said. “I’ll see the rest of you regularly.”
Charlotte squeezed my arm. “I’m never leaving your side, just so you know.”
”Well,” I said, looking at the group. “You’re all free women now. I’m honored you’re choosing to stay. Let’s make the most of it.”
That night, the girls who were staying in town gathered in my room. Shuri, Meena, and young Lotte were there. Lisha had decided to give them the floor.
”I know it’s… it’s a lot to ask,” Lotte whispered, her eyes wide. “But can I sleep next to you?”
”Always,” I said, pulling her into the center of the bed.
Erina, lying on my other side, blushed. “Is it alright? If I… take what I want desuwa?”
”Go for it.”
She kissed me deeply, her passion no longer restrained by the brand on her skin. When we broke apart, I felt a tug on my shirt. Lotte was looking at me, her lower lip trembling. I pulled her in and kissed her, too, realizing that despite her youthful looks, her heart was just as focused on me as the others.
Eventually, the younger ones drifted off. Olivia, who had been waiting patiently on the edge of the bed, caught my eye. I moved toward her, my hands finding the familiar curves of her body.
”I’m so happy,” she whispered. “I feel like I’m truly yours now.”
”Keep your voice down,” I teased, “or you’ll wake the others.”
We moved slowly, savoring the friction and the heat of the moment. Without the magic of the bond, it felt more real-more intense. When the end came, it was a heavy, rhythmic release that left us both breathless. I held her as she shivered, only to feel Shuri’s arms wrap around my waist from behind.
”My turn ssu,” she whispered, her voice husky.
She had been awake the whole time. I turned to her, finding her already slick and ready. There was a faint, sharp pinch as I entered her-the sign of a first time-but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she wrapped her legs around me, pulling me deeper.
”Fill me up ssu,” she begged, her usual tomboyish bravado replaced by raw desire. “I want to feel everything ssu.”
I didn’t hold back. We moved together until the world narrowed down to the sound of our breathing and the heat of our bodies. When I finally reached my limit, I collapsed against her, holding her close as we shared a quiet, exhausted smile in the dark.
—
Summary:
After six months of intensive power-leveling, Ibuki’s party reaches an ‘abnormal’ level of strength, far exceeding local standards. Erina proposes that Ibuki release them from their slave contracts so they can establish a Knight Order and the Sha-sha brand with legitimate legal standing. Ibuki complies, leading to a night of celebration and deepened emotional/physical bonds with several party members.
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Trivia:
- The leveling grind lasted a total of six months (3 months + 3 months).
- Lisha’s name was officially registered as the master of the girls to keep Ibuki’s identity hidden.
- Erina’s motive for freedom is political/strategic, not a desire to leave Ibuki.
- The ‘liquid’ used to remove slave brands is a standard, though restricted, item at slave traders.
- Shuri’s physical reaction during the night implies it was her first time
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Character Insight:
Ibuki shows deep insecurity about his value to the girls outside of their ‘contract,’ while the girls show that their devotion has shifted from magical compulsion to genuine loyalty and ambition for his sake.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The author uses this chapter to transition the story from a survival/grinding focus to a kingdom-building/political focus.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Nyan – A Dwarf girl, daughter of Doran. 20 years old but looks like a child. Dark-skinned, cat-like vibe. From the mountains.
• Shirley – 14yo ex-knight family swordswoman, Ibuki’s 2nd slave (8-gold scapegoat from Karl), rocking long red hair, dignified cool beauty in tight white dress—shocked by the chill vibes at first. Fanatic loyalist, weapon tester, security guard, blunt questioner of his slave game, one of his 3 wives, combat/sales pro but can’t cook.
• Ibuki – Broke high‑schooler from Earth who got tossed into another world with the “Crafter” class he first thought was useless—turns out it’s totally busted. Black‑haired, germaphobic, and low‑key bitter but sharp as hell. Uses Synthesis, Processing, and Inventory skills to survive, craft gear, and haul loot while exploring. Currently a Level 10 otherworlder, wielding a stone axe, traveling the frontier forest with Charlotte, and just trying to stay alive long enough to find a bit of peace.
• Lisha – Mature native babe with killer curves, huge rack, long brown hair, big-sis vibes—polite shy type who hangs back gathering intel on other Heroes. Head of Sha-sha brand, acting chair, runs group logistics/training with authoritative feminine flair.
• Meena – A young girl and slave who is easily overwhelmed by Ibuki’s crafting abilities. An 18-year-old thief with a youthful appearance. Height is approximately 140cm (4’7).
• Charlotte – Short, skinny late‑teen slave girl with messy brown hair, feline eyes, and a soft, slender body. Was an Ex‑Level 8 farmer, now Level 10 and bound to Ibuki, who she calls “Master” and calls herself his wife. Wears rags at first, then pretty clothes he makes, plus his bat‑wing hairband. Blushy, clingy, protective, and easily emotional, she follows him on runs, fights, and flights while always worrying if she’s useful enough.
• Shuri – 15yo tomboy lancer at 170cm, messy blonde hair, lean athletic build—worries about the Dole Kingdom beef heating up. Blacksmithing savvy, she’s the tough chick with a spear who’s all about that hands-on grind.
• Rosanna – Older ex-slave in the party, rocking that high-born noble vibe—volunteers for intel on dark orgs, spots the crew’s busted power levels. Loyal AF, scouts underground, bows deep with solemn grace while opening up on missions.
• Maria – A 16-year-old swordswoman. Has long, lustrous red hair and a sharp, dignified facial structure. One of the new recruit.
• Erina – A 17‑year‑old swordswoman and slave under Ibuki’s contract, originally from Paul, with drill hair, a refined noble‑like air and speech suggesting she was once a high‑born lady.
• Olivia – A member of the group who asks about the ‘weird’ monster types with some technical/magic-tech knowledge who is stunned by the efficiency of Ibuki’s skills. Archer. Eldest of the new recruits. Height approx 160cm (5’3). Deep blue-black hair. Calm demeanor.
• Amelia – Quiet, expressionless white short-hair girl with red eyes—smallest in the crew but arguably strongest—once robotic, now opening up, happy with Master’s food/clothes, craving to repay kindness. Ibuki’s loyal CQC bodyguard who goes full deredere lovey-dovey post-intimacy, struggles with personal dreams but sticks by his side.
• Lotte – 12-year-old slave girl under Ibuki, a scaredy-cat blue mage (water/ice) standing just 130cm with fluffy light-brown hair and big watery eyes. Lacks magic confidence, gets shocked by his OP power, one of the group’s sensitive lil’ sis types dreaming of spell-slinging skills.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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