Chapter 5

Well then.

Now that I understand the rules of this wondrous world, let's reconsider how to proceed from here.

The greatest concern, my own strength, can be considered sufficient.

However, if I continue to interact with others without improving, I'll only stand out unnecessarily and attract more trouble.

What I lack now is the skill and wisdom to effectively utilize this sudden and disproportionate power.

Even if I possess top-tier strength, it's only in comparison to humans.

The strength of the enemy, the demon race, is unknown.

Moreover, I mustn't forget:

If this is a dream world created by my desires, it's more likely to be a different world from Earth.

If that's the case, I'm a lost traveler.

And a lost traveler isn't necessarily alone.

There's a possibility that other Earthlings exist.

In this world where knowledge and level are proportional, other diligent Earthlings might reach higher levels than someone with low ambition like me.

At present, there are no individuals with extraordinary power, known as 'heroes,' but there's a good chance they are lurking somewhere.

Therefore, it seems best to follow my original plan and gather items while exploring dungeons to build up my strength.

After that, I can use the items to conceal myself and enjoy a leisurely tour.

According to the thieves, this world has a variety of convenient items.

I can only pray that I don't encounter anyone stronger than me during my explorations, but with my relatively high level, I should be able to escape if necessary.

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Most importantly, I want to gain 'leisure.'

A book once described 'free time' as the greatest asset and beauty of human beings, and I finally understand its meaning now that I'm in my thirties.

Life in Japan was filled with work and daily life, leaving no room for mental leisure.

Even hobbies were just a means to relieve stress.

In that sense, I was a corporate slave and not a human being.

That's why I want to hone my abilities, acquire wisdom, and gain the power to handle any situation—'leisure.'

I stripped the thieves, bound them, and left them on a scenic sidewalk.

There should be people passing by in this area, and with luck, someone will find them before they starve to death.

They will likely be taken to the police and dealt with.

"Take care."

I check the items and money I've taken and bid them farewell.

"Next, I'll head to a dungeon."

Ideally, I want to go to a place with few people, preferably an unexplored monster spot.

I take off toward a high-rank monster area I heard about from the thieves.

"Juwacchi!"

That's an old joke.

◇ ◇ ◇

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Thus, I spent several dozen days exploring areas with many monsters.

The level grinding was mechanical, so there are few memorable events.

I enjoy RPGs, but my main purpose is to enjoy the story, not the tedious work of leveling up or training skills.

I fought strong enemies like dungeon bosses and demon leaders, but I didn't struggle much.

My level seems to be effective even against demons.

However, I haven't approached the tower rumored to be the base of the Demon King.

My 'instinct' warns me not to go there.

I have no hero complex, so I doubt I'll have the opportunity to meet the Demon King.

After my adventures, I became accustomed to combat, refined my magic, and obtained a variety of items to cover my weaknesses.

My level increased from 187 to 203, a 16-point boost.

This is due to defeating high-level monsters and gaining new knowledge about the fantasy world.

While my level was already sufficient, the most significant gain was acquiring versatile items.

I don't have a strong attachment to objects, but I have a high interest in bizarre gadgets that would surprise even Mr. Kiteretsu.

These magic items will be useful in both daily life and combat.

I also became quite adept at using magic.

While I'm still not good at healing or support spells, I think I've mastered the magic that can be used in battle.

Additionally, I acquired a special magic that can be considered my innate ability—'Replication Magic.'

This magic was born out of my longing for the original world.

Living in a different world, I felt homesick, though it was more about missing food and comics rather than human warmth.

The food I can get from monsters is only meat, which gets boring quickly.

While it's nutritionally adequate, as a Japanese person accustomed to various cuisines, eating the same menu every day is painful.

Entertainment is reading.

Adventures are fun, but I want to read and nap in the shade of a tree during breaks.

This is a side effect of being a wealthy and carefree Japanese person, but once you know a form of entertainment, it's hard to give it up.

I experimented with the versatility of magic and successfully replicated a familiar katsu don.

After tasting it and confirming it was safe, I tried replicating various items.

I discovered that this magic is 'replication' rather than 'summoning.'

A handkerchief in my pocket was copied perfectly, so there's no doubt about it.

The replicable objects seem to be limited to those I've handled, and they are created using my experience as a recipe and magic as the material.

I can replicate any number of items I've touched, not just food or entertainment items.

While the special magic consumes a lot of magic power, it doesn't disappear over time, so I can stock up when I have spare magic power.

It may not be useful in combat, but in this world where civilization is lagging, it will be an indispensable power.

Most importantly, it will resolve my living concerns.

Even as an adult, a low standard of living causes stress.

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High combat power, diverse items, and life-enhancing magic.

With this, my preparations are complete.

I will graduate from my ascetic life and live a worldly life filled with worldly desires.

The existence of 'other Earthlings' may not be as concerning as I thought.

Considering the low probability of wandering into a different world, the luck needed to survive the first encounter with monsters, and the rare ability to adapt to a magical world, the likelihood of other Earthlings existing in this world is quite low.

As long as I don't attract the attention of the Demon King, who is considered the strongest in this world, I should be able to do as I please without any problems.

Yes, I think it will be fine.

There's a possibility that I've already been targeted by demons, but based on the habits of demons, I should be safe as long as I don't provoke them openly.

With a mix of desire, I will be grateful for surviving this far and have confidence.

I'm at my limit of endurance.

I want to enjoy freedom.

That's why I gained power!

...Power is violence, wealth, authority, and mental strength.

Without power, you can't save the world, cure diseases, or help a kitten crying in the middle of the road.

With power, you can destroy the world, play with life, or help a kitten crying in the middle of the road.

I have no desire to save or destroy the world, but if I have the power to do so when needed, I can maintain 'leisure' and smile in any situation.

...With 'leisure,' I might be able to take interest in things, people, scenery, culture, and the world that I previously ignored.

I might be able to appreciate beauty.

To find the answer to this—

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Let's embark on a journey of leisure in this unknown world!