Volume 5 Chapter 29 Long-Lived Species
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The next day: Red Day¹.
I spent the morning as I always do, running combat drills with the three of them. After lunch, I headed out to drop off Camilla and Ilse.
”I’ll leave them in your hands, then,” I said.
”Sure thing. You stay safe now,” Hina replied.
”…No problem,” Nanami added.
”Leave it to us, Boss!” Misaki exclaimed.
”Camilla-chan is so cute… I want to pet her…” (Hina’s thoughts are totally leaking out again. I used to think she was the responsible one, but maybe she’s actually just a total space cadet?)
”Ilse-chan is this way~.”
”Yes. Fufufu♪” Ilse replied.
I really hope Hina and Nanami are going to be okay. As for Nanami, she’s probably planning to grill Ilse about that “reward” thing. It’s probably too late to stop her. It feels a bit wrong to let a former high school girl hear that kind of stuff, but in this world, they’re treated as full-blown adults.
Since I’m over here trying to build a proper harem and following the local customs, I can’t exactly force our old-world values on them. I’ll just pray she doesn’t corrupt poor, innocent Hina.
”Camilla, Ilse—I’ll be back for you later,” I promised.
”Yes, sir!” Camilla chirped.
”You got it!” Ilse barked back.
As promised yesterday, I gave Camilla and Ilse a big squeeze before saying goodbye. Rin immediately pulled Camilla into a smother-hug; as usual, the poor girl looked like she was about to suffocate in all that cleavage. (I’m not gonna lie—I’m jealous.)
Ilse was led away by Nanami, Misaki, and Mai. I feel like there’s no “adult in the room” with that group. I’m putting all my faith in Nanami’s conscience here.
* * *
Liese’s race, the Dragonewt², are known as an Elder Race. Other known Elder Races include Elves, Dark Elves, Dwarves, and Demons. The lifespan of an Elder Race is roughly ten times that of a human. In this world, the average human gets a raw deal with a shelf life of about fifty years.
Those in the nobility, with their better nutrition and access to healthcare, can reach seventy, with some outliers hitting a hundred. Essentially, this means the Elder Races live anywhere from five hundred to a thousand years—a range that feels way too broad, if you ask me.
A defining trait of the Elder Races is how long they stay physically young. Their “infancy” period is quite long—about fifty years—but after that, they remain youthful for centuries before finally aging over their final fifty years. Elves aside, the Dwarf men all look like middle-aged dudes to me, no matter how you slice it. Apparently, they can tell each other apart, though.
Sylvie the Elf and Liese the Dragonewt both happen to be flat-chested, but that’s just a coincidence. Being an Elder Race doesn’t guarantee that look. In fact, on the rare occasion you see a Dark Elf, they’re usually incredibly curvy—thick in all the right places. I accidentally stared too long once and got a death glare for my trouble. The other Elves were slender but didn’t look completely flat. But the Dwarves? They’re all basically lolis.
”Demon” is a catch-all term for races like Succubi and Vampires. Both have a racial skill called HP Drain³. The activation conditions differ, though: for a Succubus, it requires s*xual contact, whereas a Vampire has to bite and drink blood. Both also possess Charm skills, which are illegal in most human-centric nations. They’re usually required to wear magic items that keep those skills Sealed. Since it’s different from mental magic, you need a specific resistance skill to deal with it.
In terms of combat, the Elder Races are slow bloomers. All experience gain, including skills, is cut in half. However, since they live ten times longer, they eventually become absolute powerhouses. I think the record was somewhere in the high level 80s? Depending on the Class, that’s Hero-tier strength. You might think, “Only level 90?” but as levels go up, the required XP skyrockets while the available XP effectively hits a ceiling.
High-XP monsters are incredibly dangerous and rare. Supposedly, they roam the mountains between the Empire and the Dukedom, but that area is crawling with dragons, so it’s a no-go. The only exception is inside dungeons, but deep dungeons are rare. Word has it that on the deepest floors, certain skills get Sealed—a literal “Forced Hard Mode.” Not many people make it back to report on it, so there are almost no records.
Furthermore, Elder Races have a much higher rate of magic aptitude. While it’s 20% for humans and 10% for beastmen, it’s about 50% for the Elder Races. On the flip side, their fertility is low, so their population growth is sluggish. (Honestly, I could skyrocket their population if they let me—total creep mode: on. I’ve even got the skills for it, though I haven’t picked them up yet.)
* * *
We headed back into the dungeon to start grinding XP for Liese. Since we’re just mindlessly farming, it’s not much of a workout for her. She looked a bit dissatisfied, but it is what it is.
”I’m sorry, Liese. This is always so boring for you,” I said.
”Not at all. I understand that you are doing this for my sake, Master. I apologize for being such a burden on your time,” Liese replied.
”I don’t see you as a burden. You’re important to me, Liese,” I told her.
”Understood. Thank you,” she said.
The ever-serious Liese answered with a sharp, disciplined expression. She didn’t have much of a reaction to being called “important”—guess her affection meter isn’t high enough yet.
Since it was just Liese and me, we headed to the 14th floor for better XP efficiency. I’d given up on this floor before because our levels were too low, but we can definitely tank a hit now. Not that I plan on letting her get hit; I’ll keep her shielded with high-level Wall magic until the enemies are neutralized.
By the way, once you hit the 15th floor, Golems and Skeleton Generals start appearing. The Skeleton General’s AoE magic is pretty scary. I’d be fine, but Liese would probably be one-shot if it clipped her. The recommended level for that floor is 42, after all.
The monsters on the 14th floor are Vampire Bat⁴ and Guardian Ant⁵. On the 13th, it’s Killer Bee and Treant. On the 12th, Viper and Bear. Vampire Bats and Guardian Ants give double the XP of the Orcs on the 11th floor. We have to be careful, but the efficiency is on another level.
Vampire Bats have an HP Drain skill just like Treants, and they use Wind Magic for sonic attacks and echolocation. Since they fly, they’re a pain for melee classes. It gets especially annoying when they team up with Guardian Ants, attacking from every direction. You can nullify the sonic attacks with Silent Field, but that makes it hard to coordinate in a party, so Wall magic is usually the safer bet.
As for the Drain… just tough it out with grit. Just kidding. Their STR is low, so they’re easy to peel off. They’re actually less of a threat than Treants. You can sell them as food, but they aren’t popular. I wouldn’t want to eat one, anyway. I’ve heard some places treat bat dishes as a delicacy, but I’ll pass. Their fangs are alchemy materials, so they sell well enough, though it’s hardly worth the effort given how annoying they are to kill.
Guardian Ants are the beefed-up versions of the ones from the 5th floor. Their VIT is way higher; even with a Growth Rate of A, it’s hard to crack their shells or jaws. They also dabble in Earth Magic. The strategy is the same as the low-level ones: have a tank pin them down while attackers go for the joints. If you stack buffs and debuffs, you can crack the shell, but it’s smarter to just go for the legs or the soft underbelly. Their shells and jaws fetch a high price as materials, and the rest of the body has uses too, making them great for earning cash.
As for the 13th-floor monsters, the Killer Bee is exactly what it sounds like. Unlike normal honeybees, they aren’t docile, and they have stingers that can strike repeatedly. For some reason, their nests are still full of honey. They zip around at high speeds, making them even harder to hit than the bats. Plus, their stingers pack a paralytic poison. They don’t use magic, so melee classes can handle them.
The easiest counter is a Wind Wall—if you pop it during their charge, their light weight makes them stall out instantly, turning them into sitting ducks. Their wings, stingers, and eyes sell, but the honey is the real prize. Sweets are a luxury here. I don’t plan on selling it, though; honey is a high-tier item for winning over the girls, whether I turn it into treats or give it to them straight.
The Treants on the same floor are the same as before, so not much to say there. They’re just hard to spot in the forest. If you have Perception skills, they’re no big deal. Then there’s the Vipers on the 12th floor. Watch out for Poison and Surprise Attacks. They’re basically a poison-specialized, buffed version of the Snakes from the 9th floor. The strategy is simple: keep your guard up and carry antidotes. If you’re using a blade, you need a clean stroke to cut them, but otherwise, they aren’t too tough. You can sell the fangs, skin, and meat. Since Snakes and Lizards have been downsized out of these floors, the skins sell for a premium. Manami would probably be grossed out, though.
The Bears on the 12th… yeah, nothing special to say. I don’t even feel like bothering with them.
”Alright, let’s head to the 14th floor first,” I said.
”Understood,” Liese replied.
”Come here, Liese,” I said.
”Y-yes…” Liese stammered.
That’s right—our mode of transport was the high-speed princess carry. It’s the fastest way to travel, though I’d hate for Liese to grow to resent it. I’ll try to keep the speed at a level that won’t terrify her.
* * *
Once we hit the 14th floor, I went into full search mode with my Perception skills. The forest field has terrible visibility, so you’re always one mistake away from a surprise attack. I stayed cautious to avoid any slips, but I didn’t want to keep Camilla and the others waiting. Time to move fast.
I hunted for the highest XP targets. For Vampire Bats, I clipped their wings; for Guardian Ants, I took out their legs and antennae to neutralize them. I kept my Taunt skill active so nothing would target Liese, but just in case, I kept her tucked behind Wall magic.
”Okay, Liese. Do your thing,” I said.
”Acknowledged,” she replied.
We were basically doing exactly what we’d done with the Orcs and Rock Lizards on the 11th floor. The stakes were higher, but Liese didn’t flinch. Even if the love isn’t there yet, the trust definitely is. I’ll keep showing off my cool side until she finally falls for me.
We kept up the rhythm: Search -> Neutralize -> Liese attacks -> Finishing blow. We racked up about five or six days’ worth of normal XP in one go. If I do this once a week, Camilla and Ilse won’t be able to catch up to her. I’ll have to make this a regular thing.
—
Summary:
The chapter focuses on world-building regarding the ‘Elder Races’ and the mechanics of their long lifespans versus slow growth. After dropping off Camilla and Ilse with the other girls, the protagonist takes Liese to the 14th floor of the dungeon. There, he utilizes a high-efficiency power-leveling strategy to ensure Liese remains competitive in level despite her racial experience penalties.
—
Trivia:
- The mention of ‘Sealed’ skills on deep dungeon floors suggests a future challenge where the protagonist’s overpowered abilities might be restricted.
- Liese’s lack of reaction to being called ‘important’ indicates that while trust is high, romantic affection (favorability) is still a work in progress.
- The protagonist mentions possessing skills for ‘increasing population,’ hinting at future H-scenes or kingdom-building elements.
- The mention of dragons in the mountains between the Empire and Dukedom sets up a high-level endgame zone
—
Character Insight:
The relationship between Liese and the protagonist is currently defined by professional loyalty and absolute trust in the dungeon. The protagonist is consciously trying to bridge the gap to romantic affection. Meanwhile, the dynamic among the other girls (Nanami, Hina, etc.) is becoming increasingly casual and ‘harem-like,’ though the protagonist still worries about their influence on each other.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
Introduction of the Elder Races (Dragonewts, Elves, Dwarves, Demons). They live 10x longer than humans but gain XP at 50% speed. Human life expectancy is low (50 years). Demons (Succubi/Vampires) have intrinsic HP Drain skills and are often marginalized or restricted by law in human societies.
—
TL Notes:
The term ‘Elder Race’ (長命種) was localized from ‘Long-Lived Species’ to better fit the high-fantasy setting. SFX like ‘Ufufufu’ was adapted to ‘Hee hee’ for a natural English flow while preserving character voice.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Camilla – Fox‑type beastkin, ~140 cm, thin, fluffy tail that twitches and thumps when excited, wearing accessories. Camilla‑chan, a 14‑year‑old illusion mage once abused, now Daisuke’s devoted slave and companion who calls him “Master,” clings to his scent and fears abandonment. Level‑15 warrior near Liese’s strength, spoiled, craves pets and lap time, seeks his approval. Sweet‑toothed Level‑16 support combatant, recently caught in a major incident that the protagonist intervened in.
• Ilse – A 17‑year‑old tiger‑type beastman archer with pointed ears, thick tail and petite frame, once a guild worker turned bandit, now Daisuke’s companion. Headstrong, blunt, diligent, bow‑wielder with Scavenger skill and high Fortitude. Also a level‑13 warrior, uneasy around Liese’s seriousness, recently taken in by Daisuke, exhausted from reading, wavy long hair, boyish blunt speech, beginning to enjoy hugs.
• Hina – 160 cm athletic high‑school transferee, former basketball player with a toned build, thick legs, and a ponytail under light chest armor. Once a knight, now a level‑headed instant swordswoman. She cares for children, appears responsible yet leaks inner thoughts, and admires Camilla’s cuteness. Protective of Mizuki, straight‑man to Nanami’s antics, shy and easily embarrassed.
• Nanami – 165 cm slender high‑school girl with short hair and modest chest armor, nicknamed Mermaid for her underwater skill. A stealth‑class transferee in the all‑female JK Party and member of ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’, she’s playful, flirtatious, observant and unpredictable, befriends peers to gather intel, slips into school life, and famously kissed Daisuke on the cheek while teasing him. As a former JK she stays curious about Ilse’s “reward,” trusted by the protagonist yet still teases Daisuke about his preferences.
• Misaki – 165 cm tall, standard build, semi-long hair, thick chest armor; calm, kind older-sister aura. Priest of the Working Women Party and former nurse, also Leemans member who cared for elders and does physical labor. In combat she surprises with fierce mace strikes. Laid-back transferee noted for a large chest and relaxed demeanor.
• Rin – Tall, large-breasted B-rank adventurer with long shaggy hair and thick chest armor, exuding a cool-beauty façade; quietly smothers Camilla with affectionate hugs, shields her fiercely, and dominates Daisuke’s group. Wields ice magic for first aid, deeply sensitive to slave mistreatment, and feels profound indebtedness to a rescued beast-man child. A core member of the Yamato Nadeshiko party (formerly JK Party), she remains expressionless yet emotionally grounded, her warmth hidden beneath a stoic exterior.
• Mai – 175 cm tall, toned and athletic, she dons thick chest armor and a single ponytail, giving a slightly masculine look. War Saint Vanguard of the Working Women Party and Leemans member — former gym instructor, adventure lover, brisk speaker — also in the transferee party, recalling martial‑arts tournament knowledge from a past life.
• Liese – 170 cm Dragonewt with grey-blue hair, thick horns and grey scales on neck and limbs. An Elder Race member, level 17 slave-combatant, highly loyal to her Master. Serious, disciplined, offensive attacker who prefers meat, she thumps her tail to show emotion, keeps strict etiquette despite Imperial bias, and serves as senior guide and big-sister to Ilse and the other girls.
• Sylvie – Petite 140 cm elf with pointed ears and long wavy blonde hair, fairy‑like smile. Top‑ranked Gale Party adventurer and Daisuke’s spirit‑magic teacher; excels in scouting and trap detection, drinks MP potions, handles adult topics. Usually in a white blouse and embroidered yellow skirt, forest‑scented; for dates wears a Gothic Lolita dress with lace‑up boots. Described as a curious bundle, always smiling and supportive, inquisitive about physical intimacy.
• Manami – Leemans, a sharp‑eyed former office worker and Working Women Party member, now a dedicated Tamer who retired to open a cat café. A transferee of ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’, she looks younger than expected, has cool eyes, and a proactive yet gentle demeanor. She bonds with party allies and future patrons while caring for cats with elegant poise.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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