Basically, This is Gato san’s and Alfha san’s translation, all I did was clear up sentences here and there I felt was a little rough, corrected a few things, and added in the small details left out by Gato-San.

On a side note, Guro san seems to be busy somewhere, but atm the circus bear and the lion has agreed on a collab, yay ????

162話　褒美と進化 その１

Chapter 162 Reward and Evolution Part 1

70万の帝国軍将兵を蘇生させた翌日。

It’s now the second day after I revived the 700,000 soldiers of the Empire’s forces.

魔物の国テンペスト本国の大広間では手狭であったので、闘技場に入れ

だけの配下を集め進化の術式を試す事にした。

Since there wasn’t sufficient space in the grand hall of Tempest, I gathered my subordinates in the battle arena to test out the evolution ritual.

これは帝国軍を撃退した褒美も兼ねている。

This will also serve as the rewards for repelling the empire’s armies.

一種の祝勝会である。

It’s also a victory celebration of sorts.

実の所、戦争は継続中なので気を緩める訳にもいかないのだが、今回は特別だ。

Actually, since the war hasn’t ceased yet we shouldn’t let down our guards, but it’ll be an exception this time.

士気向上という意味もある。

This is also for the sake of improving soldier Morales.

迷宮組の十傑も顔見せし、闘技場の席は兵士に埋め尽くされていた。

The Ten Lords of the Labyrinth also made their formal appearances, and the battle arena’s jam-packed with soldiers.

まあ、機密保持の為に、人間の義勇兵である冒険者達は呼んでいない。

Oh, for confidentiality, the human volunteers, the adventurers weren’t invited.

迷宮周辺都市――ラビリガドと呼称する事になった――も、未だに迷宮内部に取り込んだままだ。

The city around the Dungeon――the fact it’s now named Labyrinth-Gard――hasn’t been conveyed into the inside of the dungeon yet.

戦争中は不意打ちも考えられるので、念の為である。

This is in consideration of the fact we may face surprise attacks during a war, it’s for the sake of caution.

ラビリガドには魔法結界を張る結界石を配置していなかった。戦争が終了すれば、大規模攻撃魔法に対する防御術式を組み込む予定である。

The barrier stones haven’t been implemented into the surroundings of Labyrinth-Gard. Once the war is over I plan to perform a defensive ritual targeting wide-scale attack spells.

現状、防御が間に合っていないので、これは仕方が無い事なのだ。

Due to present situations, there isn’t enough time to implement any defenses, but it can’t be helped.

もっとも、迷宮内探索が出来ないだけで、食料なんかは取引可能になっている。

Although the dungeon can’t be explored at the moment, food ingredients can still be traded.

冒険者以外は通常営業なのだ。

Other than the adventurers, business is going as usual.

義勇兵の皆さんは、一応ラビリガドに戻って貰い、自宅待機となっている。

The volunteer soldiers have returned to Labyrinth-Gard, currently on standby in their own homes.

マサユキやアルノーと言った一部の者だけを、代表として参加を許可している位であったのだ。

Only a section of individuals such as Masayuki and Arnaud were allowed to participate as representatives.

ともかく、表彰と褒美を与える。

Anyways, rewards and commendations were given.

ついでに、魔王への進化を試すのだ。

Incidentally, I also experimented on the Demon Lord Ascension.

TN Note: for those who don’t remember, 魔王への進化 was dubbed Demon Lord Ascension all the way back at chapter 71.

俺の進化時は２〜３日、収穫祭(ハーベストフェスティバル)の影響で活動低下したのだが、今ならば帝国軍もいない。

My evolution took 2~3 days, my level of activity has dropped due to the effects of Harvest Festival, however at the moment the empire’s armies aren’t here.

TN Note: 収穫祭, Harvest Festival is the term used by the author to describe the evolution of a monster into a demon lord, probably because they harvested a load of souls for this.

飛行船部隊は後３日程でルミナスの領土に入りそうだが、進行速度を調整しているようで後２日は海の上だろう。

It would seem the airship corps would take 3 days to fly around the back of The Holy Empire Ruberion’s territory, but after adjusting their advancement speed, they would hit open seas in 2 days.

音速近くで飛行した場合は１日短縮可能となるだろうけど、どうも魔力消耗が大きく最大戦闘速度は短時間しか持たないとの事だった。

When flying near supersonic speeds, they could reduce travel time by 1 day. However, magic consumption was immense, and they could only maintain their top speed for a short amount of time.

この世界で、音速の移動手段があるだけでも脅威なので、十分過ぎるとは思う。

In this world, the ability to move at supersonic speeds is quite a threat, so I think a short amount of time is enough.

何しろ通常速度でも、時速400km程度は出るらしく、船や列車などは比較にならない速度を有しているのだから。

In any case, since the average speed for an airship is about 400km/h, when compared to a ship or a train this is pretty fast.

そういう訳で、今が丁度良いタイミングとも言えるのである。

That’s why, you can say this is good timing.

今回は圧勝だったけど、敵に強い者が居る可能性もある。

It was an overwhelming victory this time, but the possibilities of a strong adversary lurking in the midst of the enemies still exist.

ユウキが出てきても、幹部で相手出来そうなのは、ディアブロやベニマルくらいのもの。

If Yuuki appeared, among all of my executives the only ones who could deal with him would probably be either Diablo or Benimaru.

下手に手出しすれば、魂の情報書き換えによる支配効果を受けて、部下を奪われてしまう可能性もあるのだ。

If they messed up badly, there would be the risk of being dominated effect due to the information overwriting over the soul, resulting in the possibility of having a subordinate

魂の情報書き換えに関しては、智慧之王ラファエルが保護プロテクトを施したらしい。

Regarding the information overwrite on the soul, Wisdom King Raphael seem to provide protection against it.

しかし、一時的な効果しか出ないと思われる。

However, I think it’s probably only a temporary effect.

ユウキの能力を直に見ていれば、完璧に防御可能だと思うのだが、予想

しかない現在は過信し過ぎるのは危険なのだ。

I think it’s possible to set up a perfect defense against it if I directly saw Yuuki’s ability, but at the moment this is only a conjecture so overconfidence is very dangerous.

魔王覚醒による全体的な能力の底上げは、いざという時に備えての保険のつもりなのである。

The improvement of overall abilities through the Demon Lord ascension will serve as insurance for those “oh shit moments”.

TN Note: well, raw says emergencies, but ah who cares, love gato-san’s interpretation better.

万が一、覚醒した上で尚、ユウキに敗北し魂を書き換えられるとしても、時間稼ぎは可能となるであろう。

Perchance, even if my subordinates were still defeated after they ascended and their souls were rewritten, it’s still possible for them to stall for time.

遭遇と同時に俺に連絡、挟撃し仕留めるという作戦であった。

The plan is to contact me in the event of a chance encounter, commence a pincer attack with me and finish him off.

智慧之王ラファエルの予測では、書き換えに対抗するだけならば問題ないとの事だったが、念には念を入れておきたいのだった。

According to Wisdom King Raphael’s prediction there would be no problems in resisting the rewrite; even so I still want to be extremely cautious though.

(TN: This….whole…paragraph…kill…me…please…..)

最初に指名するのは、当然ベニマルである。

Naturally, Benimaru was the first to be nominated.

大将軍として、全軍の指揮を見事にこなしてくれた。

As supreme commander of the army, he commanded the troops wonderfully.

悪魔が暴れて台無しになった場面もあったのだが、結果的には問題ない。

There was a situation where a demon went wild and wrecked everything, but that’s not a problem.

素晴らしい働きであったと言えるだろう。

You could probably even call it a job well done.

「よし、ではベニマル。今日から君も覚醒魔王級になれるかも知れないぞ？」

“Alright then, Benimaru. Do you know as of today you might even become a demon lord?

「何を言っているんですか、リムル様？」

“What are you saying, Rimuru-sama?”

シュナが今回の戦闘の労いの言葉を、全兵に向けて演説してくれている。

Shuna is currently giving a speech to all the soldiers with words of appreciation for this battle.

(TN: And for some reason, literally just cuts off from their conversation into the actions of the other Executives…Whyyyy are you so confusing?!?!?!?!?!?)

俺の言葉だと前置きし、原稿を読み上げてくれているのだ。

With my words as the introduction, she read a script out loud

その原稿を考えたのは当然俺ではなく、シュナ達なのだが、細かい事はどうでも良い。

Naturally it wasn’t me who came up with the manuscript. It was Shuna, but let’s not mind the small details.

(TN: Rimuru turning into a politician with his speeches being written for him? Wait wut, did I translate this correctly?)

TN Note: Loads of politicians do that. You translated it correctly.

最近は、織物や裁縫系の技術を完全に教えてしまい、本人は趣味で自分の時間に嗜む程度になっている。

Recently, techniques relating to fabrics and sewing have been completely passed down; Shuna herself has been allocating her time for her hobbies.

なので、俺の秘書としての時間が長いのだ。

Even so, she spends a lot of her time as my secretary.

シオンは一応、親衛隊長兼筆頭秘書を名乗っているのだが、自分の部下の稽古に忙しい。

At the moment Shion was listed as my chief bodyguard as well as my chief secretary but is currently busy training her subordinates.

ここ最近はシュナがメインとなって、俺の秘書としての仕事をこなしてくれていた。

Thus recently it was mainly Shuna who was handling the work of being my secretary.

そういう訳で、シュナが演説している間に俺とベニマルの会話は続く。

That’s why, while Shuna was giving a speech the conversation between Benimaru and I continued.

「いや、魂を獲得したろ？　あれで魔王級への覚醒進化が可能らしいのだよ」

“Well, we acquired some souls didn’t we? It seems it’s possible to ascend to a demon lord using them.”

「聞いてないぞ？」

“Why haven’t I heard about this?”

「え？　だって今言ったし？」

“Oh? Didn’t I just explained abut it?”

見詰め合う俺とベニマル。

I and Benimaru locked eyes.

言ってなかったのは不味かっただろうか？

I wonder was it distasteful for me to not tell him beforehand?

いや、確か新しい力を授ける、とかは言った気がする。

No, I’m pretty positive I’ve already told him I would be

granting him new powers.

「一応、力を授けるとは言っておいただろ？」

“For the moment, I did say I’ll bestow power toyou ?”

「いやいやいや、普通、武器とかそういう感じのモノだと思うだろ！？」

No no no, wouldn’t one usually think it would be some kind of weapon!?

「むむむ、そう言われればそうかも知れないが……

でもまあ、大して変らないだろ？」

“Mu mu mu, If you say so it might be but…

But you know, there wouldn’t be much change right?”

「変わるだろ！」

“there will be!”

再び見詰め合うが、今度はベニマルが諦めたように溜息をついた事で視線は解けた。

We once again locked eyes with each other, the stare was broken this time by Benimaru’s sigh as he gave up.

どうやら覚悟を決めたらしい。

He seems to have decided to prepare himself.

諦めただけかも知れないが、大した違いは無いだろう。

You may have resigned yourself to this, but I’m sure there won’t be any significant differences.

「俺だけじゃないんだろ？　どう考えているんです？」

“It’s not just me right? What are you thinking?”

良い質問である。

Good question.

俺の場合は、魔素や魔力が10倍程になった上、魂の系譜の魔物全てに祝福ギフトが授けられた。

In my case, my magic essence and my magic increased 10 folds, and everyone soul-linked to me was bestowed a blessing.

今回はどうなるのか不明だが、大きく力が増す事は間違いない。

It’s unknown how it will turn out this time, but it’s certain that he will drastically increase in power.

だが、覚醒前の俺以上に強いヤツが居る訳だが、同様の進化をしたら俺以上に強くなるのだろうか？

But, this guy was stronger than I was before I ascended, if he underwent the same evolution wouldn’t he be stronger than I am now?

そういう不安もあるのは事実であった。

To be honest I feel a sense of anxiety.

基本、俺の配下が裏切るとは思えないが、力に振り回されて暴走する可能性とかは否定出来ない。

Basically, I don’t think my follower will betray me, but the possibility of them unable to control their powers and go berserk couldn’t be denied.

隣にヴェルドラも居るけど、俺並の力が暴走すると結構――というか、無茶苦茶――大変な事になる。

Although Veldora is nearby, someone of my level going berserk ――or rather an unreasonable level――would be a serious matter.

なので先ずは一人づつ、確実に経過確認をしながら進化の儀式を行うのだ。

Hence I’ll start off with performing the evolution ritual on only one individual to make an absolute confirmation.

そういう事情を説明し、ベニマルも納得したようだ。

I explained the circumstances to Benimaru and he seemed to have understood.

そして、絶対に暴走しないと豪語した。頼もしい事である。

And, he boasted he would definitely not go berserk. What a reliable thing to say.

シュナの演説も終わったので、早速授与する事にしよう。

As Shuna’s speech ended, I quickly tried to reward him.

「此度の戦、良く働いてくれた！　今日から”赫怒王(フレアロード)”を名乗るがいい！」

“You have done well in this battle! You will be known as

“Wrathful King(Flare Lord)” from today on!

(TN: Changed from Angry to Rageful)

TN Note: changed from Rageful to wrathful, I felt the latter had more impact

「はは！　有り難き幸せ！！」

“Haha! I am thankful for this blessing!!”

儀式を遂行する。

The ceremony was performed.

普段はフレンドリーでも、流石に兵達の前では大将軍なのだ。

He was usually friendly, but as expected before his soldiers he was their supreme commander.

ベニマルはそういう公私の区別は完璧であった。

Benimaru has perfectly differentiated between public and private.

赫怒とは、激しい怒りの意味。

Wrathful, it meant extreme anger.

普段は短気さを節制し、静かに怒りを制御出来るようになったベニマルだが、その本質は激しい炎。

Benimaru was usually impatient, but now he could calmly control his anger, his nature is like that of a raging fire.

俺に仕える（魔）王の一人として、これ以上相応しい呼称もあるまい。

As one of the (demon) lords who serve me, there is no better name than this.

(TN: Uhhh………..10 dollars on someone finding a better name than him?)

TN Note: 魔王 actually means demon king, I don’t even know why we call them demon lords in English instead, but in the raw it fits pretty well.

　二つ名というか、位になるのか？

So, would this be a second name, or a rank?

(TN: Beats me, you already have a storyline that’s more complicated than Legend of Zelda)

《告。規定量[魂:10万個]を使用して、個体名：ベニマルの進化を行いますか？ YES/NO 》

<< Announcement. Using fixed quantity [soul: 100,000], will you evolve individual name: Benimaru YES/NO>>

YES、だ。

YES.

それを授与すると同時に、俺は魂の回廊から、10万個分の魂をベニマルに送った。

When I had commemorated him, I have also simultaneously sent 100,000 souls from the corridor of souls to Benimaru.

授与されると同時に、ベニマルの進化が――開始しなかった。

Once the souls were awarded, Benimaru’s evolution ―――― had not begun.

変化なし。

There was no change.

あれえ、失敗か？

hmm, did it fail?

「どうやら、もう一つ条件があるようだ……

これは、俺の方の問題だ。

俺にも世界の声が聞こえた。

どうも、妖鬼族から鬼神族に進化するようなんだが、子供が作れなくなるらしい。

寿命が無くなるので、子供を作る必要もなくなるみたいだな。

俺の未練、種族の長おさとしての仕事を終えないと、進化出来ないみたいだ……」

“There seems to be another condition….

This problem, seemed to be on my end.

I heard the voice of the world.

It seems, procreation becomes impossible after evolving from an Ogre to a Demon Lord.

Because the concept of life span would disappear, the ability to make a child does not seem necessary.

“Regretfully, until i complete my job as the leader of my species, I cannot complete the evolution….”

「……つまり、子供作らないと進化しないのか？」

“….In other words, you wouldn’t evolve unless you bear kin?”

(TN: …Okay..)

TN Note: Big thx to lion san for the pun idea XD, in all honesty thought, he alongside his kin are the last ogres, so it’s justified.

「う、む……。そういう事だな」

“U,mu…that’s how it is.”

再度見詰め合う俺とベニマル。

Benimaru and I locked eyes again.

今日は良く見詰め合う日だが、今回は俺の視線が圧倒的に強い。

There were a lot of stare downs today, but my gaze was

overwhelmingly stronger.

(TN: Why did I translate this?…..)

ベニマルは気まずそうに視線を泳がせている。

Feeling uncomfortable, Benimaru’s eyes started to sway.

(TN: Lemme, go grab a chair and some rope..Okay I’ll be quiet now…)

覚悟を決めろよ、ベニマル。

“You better be resoluted, Benimaru.”

(TN: WHY,HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!?!?!?!? Okay for real this time, I’ll be quiet.)

小さくそう呟いて、

I whispered silently,

「モミジ、前へ出て来い！　お前とベニマルの結魂を認める！！」

“Momiji, come forth! I hereby recognize the binding of souls between you and Benimaru!”

大音声で宣言した。

I declared with a loud voice.

ベニマルは顔を真っ赤にさせて俯き、しかしその口元には笑みが刻まれている。

Benimaru looked down with his bright red face, however, a smile is engraved onto his mouth.

余程嬉しかったのか。

You look pretty happy.

硬派を気取っている割には、純情な男である。

Although he seemed like a hardliner, he was a pure man at heart.

嫌いじゃないよ、そういうの。だが、君は奥手だから、放っておいたらいつまでたっても独身だろう。

I didn’t dislike this, but if I left him alone, he’ll end up single till the end.

……ま、まあ、俺も人の事は言えないんだがね。

….We-well, I am in no position to judge others about such things though.

(TN: What, because you’re forever a virgin?)

TN Note: does he even have a virginity to begin with?

シュナは横で驚きに目を丸め、しかし嬉しそうに兄を祝福するつもりのようだ。

Shuna looking surprised had widened her, but it seems she intends to bless her older brother.

闘技場を埋め尽くす、祝福と嫉妬の声援に包まれて、ベニマルとモミジは祝言を挙げた。

The arena echoed with blessings and outcries of jealosuy, Benimaru and Momiji received congratulatory words.

まあ、今は発表だけだけど、この祝勝会という名目の進化の儀式が終了したら、ベニマルの結婚式も挙げねばなるまい。

Well, it is only an announcement now, but after the ascension ceremony that was our victory celebration in name ended, I’m going to have to host Benimaru’s marriage.

幸せそうなベニマルとモミジは後に下がらせて、シュナに手配だけ命じ。

Benimaru and Momiji seemed happy, After I told them to come off the stage I ordered Shuna to prepare.

モミジは嬉しそうに俺に一礼し、ベニマルにくっついて後に下がる。

Momiji bowed down joyfully to me and left clinging to Benimaru.

暫く歓声は鳴り止まなかったが、俺が手を上げる事でようやく静かになった。

The cheers did not stop sounding for a while, once I raised my hand the cheers finally silenced.

後がつかえていなければそのまま祝っていたいのだが、今は儀式を優先しておきたい。

When there isn’t time later on, I’d like to bless them just as it is, but for now this ceremony takes priority.

思わぬハプニングだったが、時間には余裕があるので、引き続き進行する事にした。

It was an unexpected incident, but I had time to spare, so we continued our progress.

続いて、ゴブタだ。

Consequently, it was Gobuta.

壇上に上がったゴブタに、

Gobuta went up onto the platform.

「お前には、褒美はない！」

“For you, no reward!”

そう言い放った。

So it was declared.

「ええ！？　酷いっすよ！　じゃあ、何でここまで呼んだんすか？」

“EH!? That’s terrible-tsu! Then why did you call me up here?”

「良い質問だ。お前には褒美は無いが、褒美の代わりに一つ、権利をやろう」

“That’s a good question. There is no reward for you, but instead I’m going to bestow you a right”

「権利っすか？」

“A right-tsu?”

俺の言葉に混乱するゴブタだったが、続く言葉の意味が理解出来ないのか、混乱した表情である。

Gobuta was confused, unable to fully understand the meaning of my words; he had a confused expression on his face.

権利という言葉の意味に自信が無いのか？

Does he have no confidence in the words ‘right’?

戸惑ったような表情のゴブタをニヤリと眺め、

I look at Gobuta’s confused expression with a broad grin.

「お前は俺に対し、”今のままの口調で気軽に接する権利”、をくれてやる！」

“You are given the right to “converse in a casual tone” with me!

TN Note: Basically Rimuru is telling Gobuta he can talk casually with the king of Tempest as he would with his pals, which he already does to be honest.

そう宣言した。

So I declared.

この言葉に、先ほどのベニマルに対する以上の嫉妬に狂ったような大声援がゴブタに注がれた。

With these words, an even louder outcry of jealously even greater than the previous one towards Benimaru was aimed towards Gobuta.

TN Note: Rimuru still best waifu, they get more jealous of someone talking to her casually than someone marrying momiji…

シオンやシュナまでも、恐ろしい視線でゴブタを凝視している。

Even Shion and Shuna, were staring at Gobuta with scary gazes.

よっぽど羨ましいようだ。

They seem to be jealous.

というか、普段は気軽に話しても良いと言っているのだが、なかなか難しいらしい。

Or rather, I usually told them they could converse with me in a casual tone, but they looked like they were having difficulties.

そんな中、自然に会話するゴブタへの苦情が、結構出ていたのだそうだ。

Meanwhile, there were plenty of complaints given to Gobuta for being given the right to talk casually.

面倒くさいので、”権利”として認める事にした。

Because it was troublesome, I decided to recognize it as a “right”.

そもそも、この口調は方言みたいなもので、俺に対する敬意が無い訳では無いだろうし。

After all, this tone is something like a dialect, it doesn’t mean they’re being disrespect to me.

目を見ればわかるよ。

It’s clear when I looked into his eyes.

ゴブタは俺の為なら、死すらも厭わぬという目をしていた。

Gobuta had eyes that didn’t even mind death for my sake.

基本、褒章でお金等、将軍クラスに与えるものでもないだろう。不自由はしていないのだし。

Fundamentally, you wouldn’t give medals of honor or money to a general class, they wouldn’t need it.

領地を与えるにも、どうせ統治出来ないだろうし意味が無い。

Giving a territory would probably also be meaningless since they can’t govern it anyways.

武具も、ランガと合一ヘンシンするから必要ないし、かなり悩んだのだ。

As for weapons and armor, since he had Ranga as well as their union skill it also wasn’t necessary, so I was troubled in finding the proper reward.

まあ、体面だ権威だとあるのかも知れないけど、魔物にそこまで堅苦しい制度は必要ない。

Well, honor and authority were options, a system of formality wasn’t necessary for us monsters though.

俺は俺のやりたいようにするだけである。

I just do what I want to do.

ゴブタは嬉しそうに、

Gobuta seemed joyful,

「あざーーーっす！！」

“Thank you very much-tsu!!!!!”

(Alfha Robby: This can also be translated as AZA-tsu (Arigatou GoZAimasu) Courtesy to The Mysterious Lion MAsk for this Line.)

と、90度にお辞儀して、後に控えた。

Afterwards, he bowed to me in a 90 degree angle and waited in line.

大喜びである。

It’s delightful not having to deal with the formalities.

恐らく、自分でも口調を治そうとしていたのだろう。効果は全く出ていなかったけどな。

He was probably also trying to fix his tone. However it didn’t seem to work.

ゴブタにとっては何よりの褒美であったようで、俺も嬉しい。

That seemed to be the best reward for Gobuta, for that I too am happy.

適切な褒美とは、本当に難しいものなのである。

Finding the appropriate reward was truly difficult.

さて、ゴブタと言えば、次はランガだ。

By the way, speaking of Gobuta, Ranga is next.

ランガを呼ぶと、俺の影から静かに現れた。

As I called for him, he silently emerged from my shadow.

「ランガ、良くゴブタを助けてくれた。礼を言う。

さて、今日からお前は、”星狼王(スターロード)”を名乗れ！」

“Ranga, you’ve been a great help to Gobuta. I give you my thanks.

Well, from today on, you may call yourself “Star Wolf Lord(Star Lord)!”

ランガは一声咆哮し、受諾した。

Ranga gave a bellowing roar, and accepted it.

そして進化の儀式を行う。ランガはベニマルと違い、即座に進化が開始した。

And then I began the Ascension Ritual. Unlike Benimaru, Ranga immediately began evolving.

俺と同様に収穫祭(ハーベストフェスティバル)も始まったらしい。

Like what happened to me, the Harvest Festival has begun.

直ぐに俺の影の中に戻し、眠りにつかせる。恐らく、配下の魔狼達も、一斉に祝福ギフトを受けている事だろう。

Ranga immediately went back into my shadow and fell asleep. Perhaps, his star wolf subordinates will also receive a blessing gift from him.

進化後、どうなっているか非常に楽しみである。

Whatever happens to him after his evolution is sure to be great.

ランガの暴走は心配いらなかったようだ。

Ranga running out of control didn’t seem like it was something that we needed to worry about.

問題なく俺の影に戻り、ランガは眠りについた。

Safely back in my shadow, Ranga went back to sleep.

ガビルを呼ぶ。

I called forth Gabil.

第３軍団を率いて、見事な空中戦を演じてくれた。

With the third army air corps, he performed an excellent aerial dogfight.

労いの言葉を掛けると、ガビルは神妙に、

When I gave him my words of appreciation, Gabil meekly,

「まだまだでした。

我輩の采配で負傷者も出してしまいましたし……

我輩はまだまだです。

『竜戦士化』を使いこなせるように、努力する所存です！」

“There’s still a lot to improve upon.

People were injured by my command….”

I still have a lot to improve upon.

For the sake of using 『Dragon warriorization』 freely, we’re willing to put in the effort!”

そう答えた。

He answered so.

覚悟は良いようだ。

He seems to be determined.

思えば、調子に乗ってランガの部下に負けていた頃が懐かしい。

I felt nostalgic, I remembered the time when he got defeated by one of Ranga’s subordinates when going with the flow.

調子に乗りやすい性格も今では大分落ち着いて、周囲の空気を読める歴戦の将軍となっている。

His tendencies to get cocky has settled down, he has become an experienced general who can perceive his surroundings.

元々資質はあったようだし、敗戦の経験とベスター達との交流を通じて

今では思慮深さも身に着けていた。

Through experiencing defeat and communicating with Bester and co, His original prudent quality has surfaced.

今では頼れる存在なのである。

He’s an existence that can be relied on now.

「お前に”力”を授ける。

見事使いこなし、”天龍王(ドラグロード)”として覚醒して見せろ」

“I will grant you “power”.

You have managed the army wonderfully, “Heavenly Dragon King (Dragon Lord)” awaken and show me your powers.”

The souls were given and the ascension has begun.

魂を与え、覚醒進化を促す。

ガビルの進化は劇的だった。

The evolution of Gabil was dramatic.

黒紫の鱗が赤紫に変色し、燃えるように魔素エネルギーがガビルの身体を駆け巡っている。

His scales turned from blackish purple to reddish purple, magic essence energy wrapped around his body as if he was burning.

しかし、『竜戦士化』を一度制御して見せたその気迫により、意識を手放す暴走を起こす事は無かった。

However, with the same conviction he used to control 『Dragon warriorization』, he didn’t went berserk.

見事にガビルは耐えて見せたのだ。

Gabil endured the evolution wonderfully.

「うぉおおおお！　今日から我輩は”天龍王(ドラグロード)”を名乗らせて貰いますぞ！

その為にも、この程度の力、使いこなすのである！」

“Uooooo~! From today onwards, I will be known as “Heavenly Dragon Lord”!

For that, I will master this level of strength!”

紫電が迸り、ガビルの身が自身のエネルギーにより焼き焦がれる。

Purple electricity discharged about, Gabil’s body appeared as if it was burned by energy.

成功したようだ。

It seemed to have succeeded.

ランガは即座に影に入り眠りについたのだが、ガビルはこの場で進化を成功させたようだ。

Ranga went into my shadow and fell asleep immediately, but in his place I got to see Gabil’s successful evolution.

ガビルの祝福ギフトは、100名の飛竜衆ヒリュウ達とソーカ達５名が色濃く受け継いだようだ。

As for the blessing gift from Gabil, 100 Hiryuu as well as

The 5 individuals of Souka and co.

(TN: There’s a 5 of something ソーカ translates to sōka in Romanji. I think they’re the female ninjas in Souei’s grop? Would greatly appreciate the help.)

TN Note: Yes they are, actually it was “the 5 individuals consisting of Souka and co, and there’s actually some males amongst them.

青色兵団(ブルーナンバーズ)の蜥蜴人族(リザードマン)3,000名も影響を受けて、龍人族ドラゴニュートに進化した。

The 3,000 lizardman from the Blue Corps were affected by the blessing as well and evolved into Dragonnewts.

ソーカ達５名はアークデーモンに準じる強さになったようだ。

The 5 individuals of Souka and co had attained strength equivalent to Arc Demons.

飛竜衆(ヒリュウ)達も魔人クラス。Ａランクの壁を無事に越えたようである。

The Hiryuu folks had reached Majin class, and well surpassed A rank.

普段から『竜戦士化』の状態となっているようなもので、スキルそのものも消えた模様。

The skill “Dragon Warriorization” seems to have disappeared since they’ve evolved into the very thing itself.

代わりに、『竜鱗鎧化』というスキルにて、自身の鱗を鎧にまで引き上げる能力を身に付けていた。

In its place, they seem to have acquired the ability 『Dragon Scale Armor』 instead, an ability that turns their scales into armor.

ガビルなど、通常でも伝説級レジェンド並の防御力なのに、その能力使用時は神話級ゴッズに近い防御力まで跳ね上がる。

Gabil and the rest already had defenses that were equal to Legendary class, but using this new ability would their defenses jump to be close to god class.

当然、防御力だけではなく攻撃力も上昇する訳だ。

Naturally, not only did their defensive power rise, their offensive power rose as well.

種族は龍人族(ドラゴニュート)のままであるが、大幅な力の上昇である。

Their race remained as DragonNewts but they received a drastic increase in power.

ソーカ達、女性も通常から防御力が高い。普段は人間のような外見なのだが、意識せずとも攻撃を受けた瞬間に、皮膚が鱗のように変質するのだ。

Souka and co, the females too had defensive power that was higher than usual. They’re appearance is usually like a human being’s, but if they were their skin would unconsciously change into scales.

TN Note: If case anyone forget, the female dragonewts have a human-like form since they desired it, but the males looked like winged lizardman since they find no need for a human form.

恐らくだが、『竜鱗鎧化』を使用すると、男女の見分けは出来なくなりそうである。

Perhaps, when using “Dragon Scale Armor” the distinction between males and females may become impossible.

赤紫の鱗も、時が経って、元の黒紫に戻っている。

Through time, the reddish-purple scales had gradually faded back to their original blackish-purple.

だが、以前よりも輝きと深みが増しており、黒曜石を思わせる芸術性まで醸し出していた。

But, the brightness as well as depth within the scales have been increased compared to before, it had obsidian-like artistic quality.

一枚でも高額で取引されそうだ。まあ、本人は嫌がるだろうし、そんな事頼む必要もないのだけど。

Even one piece of the scale seemed to fetch a high price. Well they’ll probably dislike it though, so there’s no point asking.

しかし、王を名乗れと言ったからか、ガビルの額から見事な角が生えていた。

However, because I called Gabil a king, splendid horns had protruded from his forehead.

ガビルの癖に生意気なほど、格好よく見える。だが、それでいいのだ。

Due to Gabil’s conceited air, it complemented him well. But, that’s all good.

“天龍王(ドラグロード)”に相応しく、威厳と力を兼ね備えた見事な進化であった。

This was suitable for a “Heavenly Dragon Lord”, he had an excellent evolution that united power with dignity.

俺の時のように眠りにつくまでもなく、進化は完了した。

Unlike my evolution, he completed his evolution without the need to sleep.

俺の配下の王として相応しい、”天龍王ドラグロード”が誕生したのである。

He was quite suitable to be the king of my subordinates, “Heavenly Dragon Lord” was born.

続いて、地上にて首都防衛に携わった者達である。

Next, the people who participated in the capital defensive battle on the surface.

ゲルド、シオン、ディアブロの３名だ。

These three were Gerudo, Shion and Diablo.

暴走の危険は無さそうだが、念の為に一人ずつ覚醒させよう。

There doesn’t seem to be any danger of them going berserk, but just to be safe we’ll do it one by one.

労いの言葉を掛け、”力”を授ける。

I will give out my words of appreciation and grant “power” to them.

先ずはゲルド。

Starting off with Gerudo.

ところが、

However,

「有り難き申し出ですが、私よりも適任者が居るかと……

今回の防衛の際、私のサポートとしてリムル様が付けて下さった、カレラ殿に。

彼女が居なければ、防衛戦はより苦しいものとなっていたでしょうから」

“I am thankful for the proposal, but isn’t there a person more qualified than I am? ……

In this defense, Rimuru-sama assigned Carrera-san as my support.

If she wasn’t there, the defensive battle would have been a lot more difficult”

魂の力による魔王への覚醒を辞退して来た。

He declined the awakening to Demon Lord with the power of his spirit.

それは多分だが、豚頭魔王オーク・ディザスターの暴走が原因の一つなのだろう。

It’s just a gest, but the rampage of the Orc demon lord Orc・Disaster was probably another reason.

TN Note: Orc disaster was the orc that led the orc army against the lizardman and destroyed most of the ogres, but was eventually defeated by Rimuru early on.

ゲルドが暴走する事は無いだろう。しかし、彼としては不安が拭えないのだ。

Gerudo probably wouldn’t run out of control. However, I can’t clear away his uneasiness.

それに、償いの意味もあるのだろう。

Besides, this is probably also a form of atonement.

あの時の暴走により、ジュラの大森林に多大なる災禍を撒き散らした責任の一旦を担う者としての。

He was a person that once carried the responsibility of spreading calamity within the Great Jura Forest when they were out of control.

その目は強い意思を秘めて輝いており、決意を持って俺を見ていた。

His eyes shone with a strong will and unbending determination.

「わかった。では、更なる活躍を以って、相応しき武勲を挙げるよう励め。

ただし、防衛戦が見事だったのは間違いない。

お前の働きは、実に見事だった。何より、今後も都市建設で活躍して貰う事になるしな。

“I understand. Then strive harder, in order to perform a suitably distinguish military service.

However, there is no denying that the defense battle was splendidly executed.

Your work was without a doubt, wonderful. Above all, from now on you will be playing an active role in the construction of the city.

今回は、これを授けよう。そして、今日から”守征王(バリアロード)”を名乗るがいい！」

This time, I will grant this to you. From today on, you will be known as “Barrier Lord”!”

TN Note: The Kanji meant something like Guardian conqueror.

そう言って、獲得した伝説級(レジェンド)装備を俺が改造カスタムしたものを取り出して、ゲルドに授けた。

After saying so, I took out the remodeled legendary ranked equipment that I attained during the war, and granted it to Gerudo.

これはゲルドの妖気に反応して混ざり、ゲルド専用武具となる。

There was a mixed response in Gerudo’s Youki; this piece of equipment will be Gerudo’s private arms.

神話級ゴッズと伝説級レジェンドの違いは、武具そのものの熟練度レベル。

The difference between Myth class and Legend class is based on the user’s own level of skillfulness with the arms.

武具が長い年月を経て、進化するのだ。しかし、所有者が優れている場合、進化の速度が格段に上昇する。

The arms would constantly evolve over time. However, the speed of the evolution rises incredibly when it’s wielded by a skillful owner.

ゲルドは守備特化の能力なので、伝説級レジェンド装備であっても直ぐに神話級ゴッズ並に防御力が上がるだろうと予測していた。

Because Gerudo’s ability is specialized in defense, even if it’s legendary class equipment, his defensive power will probably rival a god rank, that’s what I predicted.

一際大きな盾も用意してあり、格段に防御力の上昇が見込めるだろう。

The big shield was prepared for him, I expect defensive power would further increase.

ゲルドは恭しく褒美を受け取り、俺に一礼する。

Gerudo received the rewards respectfully and bowed to me.

「確かに承りました！　この”守征王バリアロード”、名に恥じぬように精進致しましょうぞ！」

“I gratefully accept! I’ll devote myself to living up to this new title “Barrier Lord”!

ゲルドは宣言すると、後に並ぶ。

Gerudo declared, and went back into line.

現状では全員覚醒させるのは魂が足りない。なので、今回はゲルドの言い分を受け入れよう。

Under present conditions, I don’t have enough souls to awaken everyone. So I’ll accept Gerudo’s response this time.

だが、次の機会には豚頭魔王オーク・ディザスターの事など振り切って、堂々と覚醒して貰いたいものだ。

But, you should forgive yourself for going out of control back then; forget all about it during the next opportunity. I want you to ascend magnificently.

(TN: Remember the Orcs resorting to cannibalism and eating everything? Yeah.)

もう誰も、ゲルドを過去の出来事で謗る事など無いのだから。

Nobody’s shunning Gerudo for what happened in the past anymore.

予想外のゲルドの辞退があったけれど、残りの二人は受諾するだろう。

Though the refusal by Gerudo was unexpected, the remaining two people will probably accept it.

何しろ、シオンにディアブロだしな。

After all, it’s Diablo and Shion.

最凶の二人と言ってもいい。

You could even call them the evilest Individuals.

TN Note: 凶 may mean misfortune, but it could also mean evil, something that causes widespread chaos and destruction, and so on.

この二人が同時に暴れだしたら、被害は大変なものになりそうだ。

If these two people run out of control at the same time, there will be some serious damage.

ベニマルならばそう言って警戒しそうだが、俺は心配していなかった。

If it was Benimaru, I would be cautious, but I wasn’t worried.

シオンは既に自制出来るようになっているし、ディアブロ程暴走から縁遠い者もいないだろう。

Shion already has some self control now; but Diablo isn’t exactly unlinked to rampaging though.

という事で、先ずはシオンである。

And so, we begin with Shion.

「シオン、お前は”闘神王(ウォーロード)”に任ずる。

今日より尚一層、暴走する事なく皆を守ってくれ」

“Shion, I appoint you as “War Lord”.

Henceforth, please protect everyone without going berserk.”

そう言いながら、魂を授けた。

While saying so, I granted her the souls.

のだが、あれえ？　全く変化なし。

But, huh? There was no change.

シオンもキョトンとして俺を見ている。

Shion was blankly staring at me.

暫く見詰め合ったが変化の兆しも無かった。

We stared at each other for a while, but there was no indication of change.

不発、か？

A dud?

こうなると、褒美を与えてないように思われて、非常に気まずい。

As a result, it seemed as though as if I didn’t reward Shion, well this is awkward.

いきなりピンチに陥ってしまった。何しろ、他に何も用意していないのだ。

I have suddenly fallen into quite a pinch. In any case, I haven’t prepared anything else

どうしたものかと思ったが、意外な事が起きていた。

That was what I thought, but something unexpected happened.

シオンには何の変化も無かったのに、紫克衆(ヨミガエリ)達が進化したのだ。

Although there were no changes in Shion, the members of Yomigaeri suddenly started to evolve.

何が何だか判らないが、シオンの直属だし、こういう事もあるのだろう。魔物には不思議な事が多いので、一々驚いてもいられない。

Although I don’t understand, since these are Shion’s subordinates, things like this will probably happen. Because monsters have a lot of strange quirks and features, you shouldn’t be surprised by every single one of them.

そういう訳で、シオンは放置で良さそうだ。

That’s why, leaving Shion alone is a good idea.

シオン本人は不満そうだったが、後で新作料理のレシピを教えてやると囁くと、満足そうに頷いて後に並んだ。

Shion seemed to be dissatisfied, but after whispering to her about being taught the recipe for the latest dish, she nodded in satisfaction and went back into line.

扱いやすいヤツである。

She was easy to handle.

しかし、シオンの部下である紫克衆(ヨミガエリ)達。

However, there’s still Shion’s subordinates the folks of Yomigaeri.

半精神生命体のような感じになっている。悪魔(デーモン)とは違う、恐らくは妖魔とでも言えば適切だろうか。

They seemed to have turned some half-spirit life forms. Rather than calling them a demon, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call them a Yoma.

精霊に近い、一種独特な種族に進化したようだ。

It seems that they’ve evolved into a kind of unique race that resembles spirits

TN Note: Not spirits as in dead people, but more like spirits as in Tree spirits (Dryads) and Fire Spirits (Ifrit).

肉体を有しつつ、悪魔デーモンに近い存在。

They possessed bodies, but their existences were closer to demons.

飛竜衆ヒリュウ達より魔素量エネルギーは低いし、防御力も低そうなのだが……

They had lower magic essence compared to the Hiryuu, they also seemed to have lower defensive power as well.

不死性を考慮すれば、どちらが強いか難しい所である。

If you considered their immortality trait, it would be difficult to determine who’s the stronger one.

元は人鬼族ホブゴブリンだったのに、今では完全に別物だった。

Though they were formerly part of the hobgoblin race, they’re completely different now.

シオンの鬼オニの因子がより強く現れたようで、他に比べて美形が多い。

Since Shion’s ogre traits had greatly surfaced, they also look more becoming than the others.

昔ゴブリンだったと言っても、誰も信じないだろう。

Nobody would believe that her subordinates were goblins in the past.

シオンに変化が無かったのは意外ではあるが、一応進化は起きたのだろう。

It’s unexpected that there were no changes in Shion, but evolution has in fact occurred.

こんな感じに、祝勝会は続いていったのだ。

In this sense, the victory celebration continued.

___________________________________________________________________

Note to Gato san:

It’s overall alright, but there are quite a few mistakes here and there, bits of clunky sentences, and even a few bits entirely left out. proof-reading would help eliminate these problems, and try reading it aloud if you think certain lines sound weird.