The Sage related that even the Native Generation who had previously conquered the dungeon acquired more fragments than normal.
"I will gratefully accept the copy of the inscription as well. Please take this small reward."
He took out some coins from his Storage and handed them to Fuuri. The Sage collected knowledge by offering compensation, and he was the driving force behind the creation of the dungeon guides.
While the money was appreciated for their living expenses, the information was more important.
"The Native Generation gets more fragments than us... Isn't that a huge discovery?"
"Yes. We thought we could easily expand the land by bringing the children along. However, it didn't work out that well."
"Why?"
"We discovered that if the children did not struggle and pave the way themselves, the number of fragments would actually decrease."
In online gaming, there's a term called "power-leveling," where high-level players help beginners level up safely and quickly. But the dungeon had a countermeasure against this.
"When the parent generation led the way and cleared the dungeon without the children contributing anything, the number of fragments acquired was zero."
"What...!? Does that mean a second challenge to the boss is possible?"
"It wasn't. The precise line is unclear, but contribution seems to be counted in some form—be it damage dealt or attacks landed. And if the condition isn't met, a penalty is imposed."
"Ugh. That's a huge problem."
The Sage sighed deeply in response to Fuuri's groan.
"As a countermeasure, new transfer students were paired with the children, or parties were formed solely with children. ...The result was that the party including the 'first Native Generation' was annihilated."
In an attempt to maximize the reward, a precious child was lost. It was difficult for a high schooler like Ren to imagine, but the grief of the parents must have been immense. Following this, the community decided to try and prevent children from entering the dungeon.
"That's why I have my reservations about Iris's challenge."
"...Sage."
Iris poked her head out from behind Ren, looking apologetic.
"Don't look like that. I understand the desire to let her parents see their homeland again. And, most likely, your efforts are necessary for this world."
"Why is that?"
"It's simple. We will always be outsiders. That's precisely why the dungeon welcomes the children's challenge."
Based on the message immediately after the transfer and the content of the inscription, it was clear that whoever created the Temple or the dungeon wanted Ren and his companions to "expand the world." Therefore, the children born and raised here held significant meaning for them.
"I kind of feel like we're supporting the reconstruction of a collapsed nation."
"It's something similar, I suppose," the Sage replied to Fuuri's murmur.
"Except what needs to be reconstructed is the world, not a nation."
"Don't make people from another world do that kind of thing..."
"If all the inhabitants of this world are dead, then it can't be helped."
While brushing it off as "it can't be helped" was a very world-centric viewpoint, Ren understood the logic. The business was concluded for now. Discussing the mysteries of the world wouldn't lead to a conclusion here.
"Please bring me copies of the inscriptions on the second floor and beyond as well. You all seem reasonable enough to talk to."
"Understood. If there's compensation, it's a gain for us too."
As they stood up to leave, the Sage's voice stopped Ren.
"Oh, that's right. Ren-kun, I'd like to talk to you alone. Could you stay behind for a moment?"
--------------------
"What did you want to talk about?"
"Oh, nothing major. ...How is your leveling up progressing?"
"Well, we're putting safety first."
Ren shrugged, thinking, This wasn't worth sending them away for.
He wasn't actively trying to level up. Still, exploring the dungeon meant he naturally gained experience points. Even today, he had checked his status after the boss fight and found his level had increased. Unfortunately, there were no fanfares or full HP/MP restorations, so he had to check the numbers visually.
The man smiled slightly. "I see. That's a good thing."
"Is it a good thing that I'm gradually turning into a woman?"
It couldn't be helped that his tone was a bit prickly. The Sage, for his part, maintained a somewhat rude demeanor.
"It is a good thing. A race defined by gender, and an extremely rare case where a male was chosen for it. I would even like a detailed report on the process of your physical change."
"I'll consider it if it pays."
"Hmm. How about this much?"
The amount offered was quite attractive. Ren, who had intended to gently decline, was completely won over and agreed to write the report. Part of the reward would probably go toward liquor.
"What is the main topic? You didn't send Fuuri and the others away just for this, did you?"
"This is the main topic. You don't want your comrades encouraging your feminization, do you?"
"That's true."
Although he felt it made little difference since they often said things like, "It's fine, you're cute anyway."
"Is it really that unpleasant? Since your appearance is becoming more beautiful, you should just put up with the gender change."
"Would you say the same if men were targeting your body?"
"...While I'm curious to experience what pregnancy is like, I certainly wouldn't want to be subjected to men's sexual advances."
See?
Besides, the conversation seemed to be turning into plain perverted talk. Could this be the real reason he sent the women away?
"If you don't want to be embraced by a man, why don't you find a woman now?"
"Who would want to date a guy who's about to turn into a woman?"
He briefly remembered kissing Fuuri, but that wasn't a declaration of love or a proposal to date. Even if it had worked out, it would probably only have been a friends-with-benefits relationship. Which he would like.
The Sage thought for a moment. "I have no experience, so I can't say."
"I heard there are people you can pay to keep you company."
"I'm a leader among my peers, you know? I'd be too ashamed to walk outside if it were known that I paid for a prostitute."
Ah, so "Sage" meant he was too pure for that kind of magic.
Ren gave him a deadpan look, and the Sage cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"And your thing isn't exactly a boast-worthy size, is it? If you use your charm skill and technique to completely incapacitate a woman, perhaps the gender issue won't matter even when you become one?"
"Are you trying to pick a fight?"
"Allow me this. I am restraining myself from making advances on the woman you're becoming. Grant me the indulgence of having a meaningless chat with the man you are now."
He, too, apparently had sexual urges. Ren wondered if his bloodline not being passed on was a loss, considering he was one of the first generation and likely high-leveled. Then, he realized something.
"You said that to Iris's mother. Does that mean you have expectations for me too?"
"Of course. I hope you fully embrace your Succubus nature and leave behind as many children as possible."
The Sage continued with a straight face, adding that he was curious what would happen in the intermediate state, but he doubted the Succubus blood would be inherited. Ren thought, "This is why people find him annoying."
--------------------
"He feels like a warped researcher, doesn't he? It's good that he doesn't look at us with lust, but he seems a little troublesome."
"Yes. I think he's a good person, but..."
Fuuri, who left first, detoured to the grocery store with Iris. Perishable foods like eggs had to be bought often and only in small, usable amounts. Although magic refrigerators existed, they were incredibly expensive and far beyond their budget.
The old man at the store, who was usually happier when Ren was around, gave them a discount even when Iris was the one buying. It seemed he just liked pretty people. Should I just let her handle the shopping from now on? No. If she went alone, she'd probably be hit on everywhere.
The topic of conversation during the walk was the Sage.
"My father always tells me, 'If that guy does anything weird, tell me immediately.'"
"Wow, he's disliked."
But Fuuri thought, I guess I can't blame him.
"I hope you have lots of children" was a pretty intense form of sexual harassment. She understood that he was genuinely thinking about this world, but that was precisely why he could say such awful things without malicious intent. If Iris's mother were widowed, the Sage would surely, matter-of-factly, recommend remarriage. The only saving grace was that he probably wouldn't propose himself.
"How many sisters do you have, Iris-chan?"
"Three. One is seventeen and the other is thirteen, and they're both very cute."
If they were her sisters, they must be adorable. Younger siblings naturally sparked affection, especially.
"Your mother worked hard. Isn't it pretty dangerous to have children in this world?"
"My mother said, 'It wasn't that hard.' She said her body became stronger than it was in Japan, and she had Life Spirit Magic."
So magic replaced state-of-the-art medical technology. Indeed, if you could heal your own HP, pain and suffering would be greatly eased. It was common for those skilled in healing magic to act as midwives for their acquaintances.
"Then Ren might be called upon to help with that eventually."
"I think so. I want to improve my magic so I can help, too."
"Iris-chan, you're so hardworking."
Fuuri couldn't afford to fall behind either. Instead of relying solely on leveling up, practicing knife work and combat during her free time would be useful in a pinch. Training also granted experience, so it was hitting two birds with one stone.
"But yeah, if you can use healing magic, it'll be useful for your own time, too. There's no harm in learning it."
"M-my own time? That's... that's still a long way off."
Iris blushed as she said this, but at twenty, she was at an age where marriage wouldn't be surprising. Though, since her lifespan was longer, she probably didn't need to rush.
"Putting marriage aside. Is there any guy you're interested in?"
"N-no one. I didn't go out to town much, and when I do, everyone stares at me, so I can't relax..."
"So the only guys you know are your dad and that old Sage."
She was so cute, yet this felt strangely sad.
"Oh, but..."
Just as Fuuri was idly considering whether she should encourage Iris to find romance, the girl spoke again.
"I think Ren-san is cool."
"...Oh really?"
She saw a shy expression on Iris's face. It was probably a small admiration, like for a reliable older brother... but there was a boy she was interested in after all.
"But Ren is more on the cute side than the cool side, isn't he?"
"That's rude."
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm not saying anything bad."
Ren would probably say, "Cute isn't a compliment," but not all women prefer tall, muscular men. Fuuri preferred cute guys like him over those who acted tough or tried too hard to seem bigger than they were. What should she call him? Small animal type? It was still fun to tease him, even after he became a succubus here.
"He's surprisingly dependable, too."
"Yes. I think the reason I can stay calm in a fight is because Ren-san is nearby."
"Uh-huh. If you tell him that directly, he'll probably be happy."
"D-directly...? That's a bit... too embarrassing."
Iris looked down and mumbled.
What is this adorable creature?
I need to protect her properly, with Ren.
"If you ever want to be alone with him, just let me know. I'll go out for a drink or something and won't come back for a while."
Nothing had happened between Fuuri and Ren since the kiss. That was understandable, as they had been busy since Iris joined the party on the teacher's recommendation. They also couldn't do anything too weird around this cute and pure junior.
While she didn't want things to end after the kiss, she also felt like she wanted to root for Iris if she was genuinely falling for Ren. Even though she was, in a sense, a romantic rival.
"Being alone with him... I wouldn't know what to do."
Fortunately, it seemed like Iris wasn't ready for that yet. Fuuri leaned in slightly toward the girl, feeling a small sense of relief.
"Then let's save that for when Ren asks you out."
"I don't think Ren-san would ever ask."
"That's true."
They smiled at each other warmly.
Afterward, when Ren returned home and abruptly announced, "Could one of you help me measure the size of my wings and tail, I don't care which one," Iris turned completely red.
============
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