While Naohara and the other two were conducting the so-called "blessing" ceremony for Samirth's new life, far away in the depths of the Azerlisia Mountains, there lay a region concealed by magic.
A tent nearly ten meters tall stood there. Its supports were made from massive logs that would have been extremely difficult to transport, giving the structure a solid and imposing appearance.
At the center of the tent stood a peculiar chair, or perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a throne.
It had been assembled from countless white bones. Its sheer size made it difficult to imagine how many skeletons had been required to complete such a masterpiece.
The neatly arranged skulls and their hollow eye sockets exuded a terrifying presence that inspired fear and unease.
(P.S.: The materials came from the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord's Zombie Armor.)
Upon the throne, a suit of armor shrouded in black mist immediately drew the eye. It leaned slightly against the seat, radiating an air of casual indifference.
One black-gloved hand steadily tapped the bone armrest in a measured rhythm.
"How are the various projects progressing?"
An ethereal voice drifted from within the armor. It sounded strange, carrying a faint but unmistakable sense of unreality.
Even so, there was no doubt that the voice belonged to Naohara.
However, the one speaking was not Naohara's true body. His primary consciousness was controlling the armor remotely.
Two months was neither particularly long nor especially short.
Even after accounting for the time spent relaxing, it had been more than enough for him to learn the low-level Wild Magic [Split Mind].
Combined with the ability to focus on two things at once that he had previously obtained from Eight Fingers, handling two tasks simultaneously was effortless.
"First, allow me to sincerely thank you for taking the time to visit despite your busy schedule. I am deeply honored."
The words were spoken with extraordinary gentleness, and Demiurge's deep voice seemed capable of reaching into the very depths of the soul.
After bowing, Demiurge knelt before the throne. He had not expected the Supreme One to personally attend this time. Although this was not his true body, it was still enough to fill Demiurge with heartfelt joy.
The other demons accompanying him also lowered their heads deeply and respectfully.
"Most of the projects are progressing smoothly."
"The mining operations have been divided between the Dwarves and the Quagoa. With the Lizardmen assisting them, production has remained stable. To safeguard their physical and mental well-being, I also arrange various recreational activities for them at regular intervals."
The Azerlisia Mountains were exceptionally rich in mineral resources. Besides ordinary gold, silver, copper, and iron, the mountains also contained abundant veins of Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite, and other valuable ores.
Special minerals were occasionally unearthed as well.
There was White Iron Ore, a rare metal surpassed only by Adamantite.
Heatstone Ore produced intense heat when struck with a metal at least as hard as Mithril and could be burned in place of coal.
Nuran Ore could be crushed into pigments that were extremely difficult to wash away.
All of these were excellent mineral resources. High-grade ores could be stockpiled, then periodically transformed into Prismatic Ore using the Super-Tier Magic [Wish Upon a Star].
This was the only known method of synthesizing the World-Class Item [Caloric Stone].
Lower-grade ores could be sold, forged into equipment, or supplied to passing merchants and the soldiers of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
This would not only satisfy the Sorcerer Kingdom's internal needs, but also support trade and bring in even more resources and wealth.
"Hmm. A very humane management system."
Naohara nodded in approval.
The strong struck at the weak, while the weak struck at those weaker still. The cycle continued without end.
It was a disease, and one that could never truly be cured.
Call it hypocrisy, false compassion, or merely crocodile tears.
The three of them might not have been good people in the traditional sense, but they would still do their utmost to become good rulers.
After all, they had once been among the oppressed themselves.
They understood all too well what oppression meant.
"I shall always heed your teachings."
Only those who enjoyed a good quality of life could offer the purest faith.
In Demiurge's eyes, all of these people were the property of the Supreme Ones. As their subordinate, it was only natural for him to treat them well.
He was merely granting them a few small benefits, and it cost him nothing.
"Work on breeding magical beasts is also progressing simultaneously. I believe we will begin seeing results very soon."
"The Undead that naturally appear throughout the mountains are being sent to the dungeon currently under construction, the [Labyrinth of Death], where they are being put to use."
Demiurge methodically continued reporting on the progress of the other projects.
The mountain range was home to numerous dangerous monsters, including giant eagles, hippogriffs, harpies, and Itsumade.
The cold mountains also naturally spawned Undead such as frozen zombies and frost skeletons.
Although these creatures were of little use to Nazarick, they held considerable value for the Sorcerer Kingdom.
The magical beasts could be tamed and raised as potential mounts for the Magic Academy, while the Undead could be placed inside New World-style dungeons as monsters for rookies to battle, allowing them to gain experience and grow stronger.
As expected of the Supreme One. He truly was merciful.
"Aside from the Frost Giants, I have also made suitable arrangements for that bird and the fish that cannot leave the lava."
There was no need to worry about the Frost Giants.
They had once been bitter enemies of the Frost Dragon Lord, competing with him for dominion over the mountain range, and the Frost Dragon Lord still occasionally came by to torment them.
The Frost Giants already had more than enough trouble to deal with.
Because of the Frost Dragon Lord's position within the Sorcerer Kingdom, they could neither fight back when struck nor respond when insulted.
(P.S.: He was the one pulling the carriage during the coronation ceremony.)
To escape that predicament, the Frost Giants had become some of the earliest Demihumans to integrate into the Sorcerer Kingdom. They were especially diligent about delivering their monthly tribute.
Members of their race could also occasionally be seen at the Magic Academy.
As for the "bird" and the "fish", one of them was Sephis's mount, the creature that had once shared its name with the Ancient Flame Dragon.
Demiurge intended to present them as World Bosses in the eyes of the New World's inhabitants. After all, monsters of their level were extremely rare in this world.
Killing them would be a waste. It was far more useful to keep them alive and harvest materials whenever necessary.
Furthermore, fixed teleportation points were currently being established. The interconnected rivers throughout the lava region formed natural, permanent Gates. With one creature in the sky and the other underground, the pair were perfectly suited to serve as guardians.
"Additionally, I have developed several ideas regarding the Elf Country, specifically the development of half the territory within the Great Forest of Evasha..."
As Demiurge spoke, he produced a scroll.
It contained a detailed explanation of his plans and strategies for utilizing the vast forest's resources, including timber harvesting, medicinal herb cultivation, and the breeding of wild magical beasts.
The Great Forest of Evasha was even more verdant than the Great Forest of Tob and would undoubtedly generate enormous profits.
Its development would not only provide Nazarick with essential materials, but could also transform the region into a thriving economic center.
"...An excellent proposal."
After hearing Demiurge's plan, Naohara expressed his approval.
The plan was highly practical.
Still, watching Demiurge work with such dedication made Naohara marvel at just how relentlessly hardworking he was.
Demiurge seemed incapable of tiring. He devoted himself completely to his duties and was practically born to work.
No matter what the task was, if it involved a project connected to Nazarick, Demiurge was almost certain to have a hand in it.
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