Chapter 9

Mina and Kyle's levels had skyrocketed from 5 to 8.

Furthermore, Mina obtained the "Spear Mastery 1" skill, and Kyle obtained the "Bow Mastery 1" skill.

They had gained the strength of an average adult in just one battle.

To level up, experience is required.

Monsters don't need to be fought head-on; as long as they are defeated in any form, a large amount of experience is gained.

Perhaps it's because they are clumps of magic.

The most efficient way to level up is to defeat monsters.

In this mysterious world, monsters seem to be a special existence.

This concludes the fourth experiment.

Additionally, weapon items can be used regardless of the user's level as long as they have enough magic power.

The quickest way to strengthen the weak is to give them powerful items.

This is the result of the fifth experiment.

Even if levels increase, the consumed physical strength and magic power do not recover.

When I asked them if they wanted to take a break, they requested to continue, so I forcibly restored them with items.

Another experiment.

The recovery items I replicated with my magic had the same effect as the originals.

This proved that my replication magic can completely copy items, whether they are from Earth, made in this world, or created by magic.

It's so convenient that it's scary.

From an ethical standpoint, I will refrain from replicating money, but items that are bought and sold in the market can be replicated and sold without any problems.

Even if they are valuable items.

Consumers who are suffering from a lack of supply will be pleased.

This eliminated the worry about money.

To be honest, with the sheer quantity of items and money from replication magic, I could probably conquer the world.

However, increasing the number of powerful items could also increase the threat to me.

Especially the replication of weapon items should be avoided.

The sixth experiment is now complete.

Smooth sailing.

From the next battle, Hanna also participated.

Her improved fire magic defeated Rank 2 monsters with a few shots.

Mina and Kyle, with their increased levels and the techniques I taught them, were able to defeat monsters in a short time.

And once again, they leveled up.

This process was repeated until night fell.

◇ ◇ ◇

For dinner, I used my replication magic to bring out a barbecue set and cooked the meat of the defeated monsters.

Food that you've worked hard to obtain tastes better.

Kyle, who loves meat, along with Hanna and Mina, ate greedily.

After intense exercise, they must have been very hungry.

For dessert, I brought out a strawberry decoration cake for Mina, who loves bread.

... And for the first time that day, I was able to see everyone's smiles.

At night, we slept by the campfire in the forest.

With items concealing our surroundings, the risk of being attacked by monsters is low.

Leaning against a tree, I read a book I conjured with magic while keeping watch.

Mina and Kyle were using my legs as pillows, sleeping soundly.

Children fall asleep so easily; I envy them.

I'm not good at sleeping.

Until my thirties, it wasn't that bad, but after that, I couldn't get a good night's sleep.

If you say it's because of age, that's the end of it.

Especially when I'm with others, I can hardly sleep at all.

After spending a day with the residents of this world, I realized that the human race is no different from humans on Earth.

This concludes all the experiments, I guess.

... Hanna is resting beside me.

I can't hear her breathing, so she doesn't seem to be asleep yet.

"... Mr. Usuzumi, are you really a merchant?"

Hanna speaks without looking at me, probably questioning today's unconventional experiences.

I'll just fudge it.

"Hehe, didn't I look like a merchant?"

"No, that's not what I meant..."

"I just arrived from a distant island nation, so I'm not used to this area yet."

"No, that's not what I meant... Sorry, I asked a strange question."

"... It's just a dream. You'll wake up when we reach the village."

"... Yes."

After a while, I felt Hanna's head on my shoulder, and I could hear her breathing.

I continued reading the book all night, running my fingers through Hanna's long hair.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next morning, the siblings seemed to be in poor condition due to the consecutive battles and rapid level-ups, but they seemed to recover after taking a recovery potion.

If I stock up on medicinal items, I won't need a doctor.

From the second day, I let them fight on their own without restraining the monsters.

Since their levels have increased, Rank 1 monsters shouldn't be a problem.

Just to be safe, I had them wear armor.

Injuries can be healed, but without a resurrection item, instant death means no revival.

Fortunately, the siblings fought energetically without taking major damage.

After three days, the combined strength of the three of them was enough to defeat Rank 3 monsters.

... It might be too much growth.

Their final stats are as follows:

Name: Hanna

Age: 20

Level: 21

Skills: "Physical Combat 1," "Science 1," "Faith 3"

Magic: "Body Enhancement 1," "Magic Manipulation 2," "Fire Magic 4," "Wind Magic 2"

Name: Mina

Age: 14

Level: 18

Skills: "Physical Combat 1," "Spear Mastery 2"

Magic: "Body Enhancement 1," "Magic Manipulation 1"

Name: Kyle

Age: 12

Level: 18

Skills: "Physical Combat 1," "Bow Mastery 2"

Magic: "Body Enhancement 1," "Magic Manipulation 1"

The levels and skills give a good idea of their strength, so I'll omit the detailed numbers.

Their levels are quite high, comparable to adventurers.

Especially Mina and Kyle, who have the strength to match adventurers in their early teens, show great promise.

Hanna's fire magic is at Rank 4, which is a step above the rest. She's scary.

And, unrelated to combat, I'm curious about Hanna's "Faith 3" skill.

It seems she had this skill before meeting me, and it has risen from Rank 1 to 3 over the past few days.

Well, since Mina and Kyle don't have it, it might not be a big deal.

In conclusion, while they are still lacking in experience, if they continue to develop their magic and skills, they should be able to do well as adventurers.

... But they don't want to be adventurers.

I feel bad for raising their levels so much.

◇ ◇ ◇

After defeating the monsters we encountered and continuing on, we finally reached our destination.

"We can see it. Is that the village?"

"Yes, I've been there before, so it's definitely the right place."

"Then let's get off here."

If we enter the village from the sky, we might surprise the residents.

If we draw too much attention, it could affect our future lives.

I should probably avoid entering the village myself.

We landed on the ground and faced the three of them.

"Let's part ways here. Thank you for your cooperation in the experiments. I got the results I wanted."

"N-no, we're the ones who should be grateful... Thank you so much."

"......"

"Uncle..."

Hanna seems frustrated as she thanks me.

Mina and Kyle also look like they want to say something.

--- But I don't have the skill to say a proper farewell.

I'll just say something formal and leave.

"You can use the weapons and armor as you please. You might stand out in the village, so it's better to keep them in this storage item. I've also put the items dropped by the monsters you defeated on the way in there."

"B-but we can't accept such expensive items..."

"In return, if possible, please keep the fire magic and my identity a secret. I don't like drawing attention."

For a merchant to not want attention, how ironic.

But they probably don't think I'm a normal merchant, so they'll understand.

"... Understood. We won't talk about you unnecessarily."

Hanna's words are echoed by Mina and Kyle.

I'm not trying to threaten them, so they don't need to be so formal.

And the honorific "sama" is a bit much.

"One last thing. You can now defeat monsters on your own, but your combat experience is still shallow. Don't push yourselves, and always fight together as a group."

"Y-yes! We'll definitely protect each other!"

"... Thank you very much."

"Uncle, thank you!"

I patted Mina and Kyle's heads, and then Hanna's, who had been looking at me with a longing expression, and said goodbye.

"Then, I'll be off."

I turned around, got on my magic carpet, and flew away.

--- I continued flying for a while.

The village should be out of sight by now.

I didn't really want to look back.

... In summary, I think I was able to act more affably than I expected.

For a half-recluse like me, who has no personal interactions outside of work and family.

Perhaps it's because I have a sense of ease.

The advantage of high levels and a variety of items.

The overwhelming power to easily eliminate opponents if I so desire.

Also, the freedom of a passerby with no responsibility.

I can lend a hand if I feel like it, and run away if things get inconvenient.

Furthermore, the unquestioned authority of the Japanese tradition of seniority when dealing with younger people.

An unreasonable sense of superiority.

--- With so many positive factors, even a mediocre middle-aged man like me can act maturely, or at least have the leeway to deceive others.

The ability to act selfishly as I please is the best.

I feel like I understand the meaning of "A rich man doesn't quarrel."

If you have the means, you can tolerate a bit of disadvantage.

Even Haru from the Murakami family said, "Elegant living is the best revenge."

As someone with great power, I should probably awaken to a noble and compassionate spirit like "noblesse oblige," but I can't do it.

At most, if a hungry kitten crosses my path and our eyes meet, I might tap my pocket to increase the biscuits and share them.

That's the extent of my capacity.

But if I, who am usually just getting by and going with the flow, can influence someone like this...

It's something I never thought possible in the world where I was just living and being carried along.

... Well, my purpose is to indulge myself, so I don't really care about others' convenience.

I'm surprised that I was able to interact with people so easily.

I'm a truly useless adult.

In any case, the experiment, including my own reactions, is now complete.

Many results were obtained, and a lot of information was gathered, making it a very productive time.

But how was it for those siblings?

Leveling up isn't a bad thing, but it was a forced experiment that took advantage of their weaknesses.

Having more options isn't a bad thing.

But options that lead to unhappiness are better not to exist.

Unsuitable power has a high potential to lead to unhappiness.

"... Resign yourselves to the fact that meeting monsters and me was just bad luck